Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

Cracked Racquets
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Sports
  • Updated Daily

“Cracked Paddles Podcast” is a weekly pickleball podcast hosted by Alex Crum (AC) and Kevin Dong (KD) that brings you the biggest storylines, controversies, guests, and tips for both professional and recreational pickleball. This is a podcast that undoubtedly will bring joy and belly laughs to your life both in and outside the kitchen – guaranteed, or your money back. Tune in every Wednesday to hear what outrageous topics AC and KD will cover that you would only talk about with your closest pickle friends. This podcast is produced and managed by Cracked Media Ventures.

  1. Aug 13

    Pickleball Clothing Scandal and Tournament Lessons Learned

    AC and Kevin break down one of the strangest controversies of the season after Thomas Yu and Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou were forfeited from an APP event over matching-clothing requirements. The guys dig into the rule itself, the conflict between tournament policies and player sponsorship obligations, and whether the punishment fit the situation. They also discuss recent APP format changes, including the return of the backdraw and the growing effort to give players more input on tour decisions. Later, Kevin recaps his return to competition at APP Chicago after battling an ankle injury, including the mental hurdle of trusting his movement again, mixed and men’s doubles results, and the adjustments he made throughout the weekend. The conversation then turns to off-court reflex training, as AC and Kevin debate whether gaming, juggling, eye-tracking exercises, and balance work can actually improve pickleball performance before wrapping with rehab updates and AC’s upcoming MLP playoff trip to Newport Beach. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro and episode preview 3:50 APP clothing scandal: Thomas Yu & Purple Jesus 15:20 Did the APP follow its own policy? 18:00 Player feedback and the return of the backdraw 21:05 Kevin’s return to competition at APP Chicago 26:30 Mixed doubles struggles 40:00 Injury recovery, movement, and confidence 45:41 Midwest Racquet Sports 48:09 Can video games improve pickleball reflexes? 1:01:32 AC previews the MLP Newport Beach playoffs 1:03:52 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Aug 11

    Pickleball Etiquette: What's OK and Not OK?

    AC and Kevin return with plenty to catch up on, starting with injury updates before breaking down the end of the Major League Pickleball regular season. They discuss the electric atmosphere at MLP Orlando, John Lucian Goins’ continued rise, the first round of the playoffs in Dallas, and the newly announced matchups for Newport Beach. AC also looks ahead to potentially helping the Columbus Sliders in a DreamBreaker as the MLP postseason heats up. Later, the guys debate pickleball etiquette after the heated Zane Navratil–Casey Diamond moment in Dallas, covering everything from celebrations and body bags to paddle taps and where competitive intensity crosses the line. They finish with an extended discussion of the new World Pickleball Rankings, including the 50% gender doubles, 35% mixed doubles, and 15% singles weighting, how it could affect tournament qualification and byes, and why AC believes singles still deserves an important place in professional pickleball. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro and injury updates 3:47 MLP Orlando and the playoff race 11:30 MLP Dallas and Newport Beach playoff matchups 19:57 Pickleball etiquette, celebrations, and paddle taps 37:03 Midwest Racquet Sports 38:23 New World Pickleball Rankings explained 50:38 Challengers, qualification, and ranking strategy 54:12 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Jul 30

    Pickleball Hot Takes and the MLP Playoff Picture

    AC and Kevin return after a brief break to recap the latest Major League Pickleball action in San Diego and Chicago. AC breaks down the Columbus Sliders’ run to the San Diego final, the difficult matchup against Dallas, and how the Chicago results affect the team’s chances of earning a first-round playoff bye. The guys also discuss DreamBreaker strategy, the rapidly changing MLP standings, and AC’s preparation for a potential return in Newport Beach. Later, AC and Kevin compare their ongoing knee and ankle recoveries and explain why rehabilitation is rarely a linear process. They then share several pickleball hot takes they genuinely believe, including why you do not always need to practice with better players, why rising lefty Elliot Schup could become one of the sport’s best, and why tournament players should practice taking timeouts during recreational games. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 3:16 MLP San Diego recap 9:44 MLP Chicago recap 14:26 Orlando and the Sliders’ playoff scenario 18:00 Why injury recovery is not linear 22:12 Midwest Racquet Sports 23:50 Pickleball hot takes 39:11 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Jul 20

    Why Stats Matter in Pro Pickleball

    AC and Kevin break down the biggest storylines from MLP Grand Rapids, including the Shock's dominant performance, Georgia and Anna Leigh Johnson's first women's doubles loss of the season, and the tactical decisions that shaped the championship weekend. They also discuss the growing parity across Major League Pickleball and which teams are emerging as legitimate title contenders heading into the second half of the season. Later, the conversation shifts into one of the most educational episodes yet as Kevin dives into Real Clear Stats and explains the advanced metrics that actually correlate with winning. From third-shot success rates and slugging percentage to transition efficiency and kitchen-line performance, the guys discuss how players of every level can use analytics to better understand—and improve—their game. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:12 MLP Grand Rapids 11:04 Real Clear Stats 18:12 Midwest Sports 19:18 Using match statistics to improve your game 23:48 Which statistics matter most in singles? 27:30 Kevin’s upcoming tournament schedule 28:42 MLP San Diego preview 31:40 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Jul 8

    AC's First Gold +Treating Your Body like a Pro Athlete

    AC and Kevin recap everything that happened at MLP New York, breaking down the biggest surprises from the weekend, standout team performances, and how recent roster moves are already changing the league. The guys discuss which teams are beginning to separate themselves, the impact of recent trades, and why chemistry continues to be one of the biggest factors in Major League Pickleball. Later, AC shares an update on his recovery and preparations for the remainder of the season, including where his game currently stands after months of battling injuries. The conversation also touches on paddle recommendations, upcoming tournaments, and what each of them is looking forward to over the next stretch of the professional pickleball calendar. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here. Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:10 MLP New York recap 5:55 Team performances and standout results 10:50 Dylan Frazier trade and Nico Montoya discussion 16:10 AC's injury recovery and returning to competition 25:30 Midwest Sports 27:20 Paddle recommendations and equipment talk 29:15 Portland Challenger preview and tournament plans 33:50 Long-term recovery, rehab, and training philosophy 40:15 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Jun 29

    Quick Tips for Better Counters and Serves

    AC and Kevin react to another chaotic week in Major League Pickleball, breaking down the biggest trades, roster moves, and storylines coming out of MLP St. Pete. They discuss team chemistry, DreamBreaker strategy, the impact of recent player movement, and which teams are best positioned as the season heads toward the playoffs. Later, the conversation shifts from the pro tour to practical improvement tips after Kevin shares the story behind his recent ankle injury. Using a lesson he taught over Father's Day weekend, the guys explain why so many recreational players struggle with counters, volleys, spacing, and weight transfer, offering simple adjustments that can immediately improve your game. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:05 Injury updates and MLP St. Pete recap 6:00 MLP trades, waiver moves, and league reactions 16:00 Sliders, Shock, and the playoff picture 26:40 Midwest Sports 28:05 Paddle discussion: Friday Fever vs. Proton 30:00 Kevin's lesson: fixing volleys and counters 33:15 Spacing, weight transfer, and generating more power 36:25 Final thoughts and outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Jun 18

    Crazy MLP Trades and Kevin's Surprise Hospital Trip

    AC and Kevin are back for Episode 40, and the conversation starts with Kevin sharing the details of a serious medical scare that landed him in the hospital. The guys discuss what happened, recovery, and the challenges of balancing work, travel, and tournament play during a busy stretch of the pickleball season. They then break down MLP St. Louis, including standout performances, team results, and the players who impressed most throughout the event. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts toward player development as AC and Kevin discuss what newer pickleball players should actually be drilling, common mistakes players make when transitioning from other racket sports, and the skills that matter most for long-term improvement. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:00 Kevin’s hospital scare and recovery story 5:45 MLP St. Louis recap and major takeaways 13:10 Top performers and team storylines from St. Louis 20:15 APP Cincinnati discussion 26:50 Midwest Sports 28:10 Beginner pickleball development and drilling philosophy 35:20 Transitioning from tennis to pickleball 42:00 What newer players should practice most 49:15 Pickleball documentary and tour discussion 55:00 Closing thoughts and upcoming events Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Jun 18

    The Philippines Pickleball Scene Is Going to Surprise You

    Kevin returns from the Philippines and shares everything he learned from an eye-opening week of clinics, tournaments, and community events with Friday Pickleball. The guys discuss the incredible growth of pickleball in the Philippines, why participation is skyrocketing, and how the sport is developing differently than it has in the United States. Along the way, Kevin shares stories from his travels, observations about the local pickleball culture, and what surprised him most during the trip. Later, the conversation turns to the on-court experience as Kevin breaks down his first time teaching clinics, competing internationally, and the lessons he took away from tournament play. From player development and coaching challenges to the future of global pickleball, this episode provides a fascinating look at one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:15 Why pickleball is exploding in the Philippines 7:40 The growth of pickleball outside the United States 13:10 Pickleball's expansion strategy in Asia 21:05 Midwest Sports 22:00 Teaching clinics in the Philippines 29:30 Running events, coaching, and player development 34:45 Tournament experience and competing internationally 40:10 Lessons learned from the trip 44:30 Final thoughts and future international growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

“Cracked Paddles Podcast” is a weekly pickleball podcast hosted by Alex Crum (AC) and Kevin Dong (KD) that brings you the biggest storylines, controversies, guests, and tips for both professional and recreational pickleball. This is a podcast that undoubtedly will bring joy and belly laughs to your life both in and outside the kitchen – guaranteed, or your money back. Tune in every Wednesday to hear what outrageous topics AC and KD will cover that you would only talk about with your closest pickle friends. This podcast is produced and managed by Cracked Media Ventures.

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