Forehands Middle

Nico Gaston Valencia
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Sports
  • Weekly

Forehands Middle is the world’s first (and probably last) pickleball podcast hosted by two brothers who think they’re funnier than they are. Nico the Lefty and Gino the Righty. Together they form one functional doubles team and about half a functioning podcast.

Episodes

  1. Oct 19

    Chris Olson Can Kill a Pickleball Paddle With One Video

    Chris Olson from Pickleball Studio can end a paddle with one video. We talked about how he decides a paddle sucks, the review that got him ghosted by Diadem, whether the RPM Jade lives up to the hype, and the four paddles on his Mount Rushmore.Main Paddle beta: rate the paddles you own, keep your bag, follow players you trust. Sign up: https://www.nicothelefty.com/main-paddle Spartus Spitfire, $99 with code NICOTHELEFTY (list $109.99): https://gospartus.com/nicotheleftyLoco 2, $198 with code NICOTHELEFTY: https://www.bnbpickleball.comEvery brand that takes the code: https://www.nicothelefty.com/dealsAll my paddle reviews: https://www.nicothelefty.com/reviews First episode of The Main. No notes. Chris runs Pickleball Studio, the most trusted paddle review channel in the sport. We get into X-raying paddles at a dog shelter, why MPP vs EPP tells you nothing, how he builds the muscle to say a paddle is bad, durable grit that didn't hold up (Apes Zen S+, Vatic V-Sol Tour, Enhance Turbo), what a real review takes, lead tape, his Mount Rushmore of paddles, the Diesel, JOOLA making the same paddle five times, Worlds with Paul Lee, and the hater he wants to fly to Minnesota. Chapters0:00 Cold open: make or break0:18 The Main, episode three1:12 Welcome to The Main (no notes)2:33 Chris in the middle, John on the end4:51 Does Chris X-ray paddles?7:36 MPP vs EPP: the feel myth10:48 Nomex never worked12:10 How Chris builds the negative-review muscle14:54 Diadem ghosted him18:20 Road to 5.0, in reverse19:49 How long to stay on one paddle20:57 Recommend a paddle without durable grit?24:11 Durable grit is the Anna Leigh Waters of paddles25:58 Durable grit that didn't hold up30:11 100 games on the Spitfire32:56 First impression vs full review36:30 The tournament test and the honeymoon phase39:11 "Main potential" to "anyone want to buy it?"42:11 Weight changes everything44:38 Where Chris puts lead tape48:00 Mount Rushmore of paddles54:42 Nico's Rushmore58:13 What Nico won't play61:05 The Diesel63:46 JOOLA made the same paddle five times69:21 Paddles Chris is waiting on71:52 The Tesla Roadster paddle74:03 Hype vs reality: the RPM Jade75:42 "Is he the guy that hates you?"78:37 Camera reviews are paid. Paddle reviews aren't.83:47 What Chris is maining85:28 Worlds with Paul Lee88:00 Brothers vs brothers91:07 Zane as coach94:29 Keyboard warriors97:53 Fly a hater to Minnesota100:15 John Kew's missing phone102:26 Subscribe, and end card Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicothelefty Find meWebsite: https://www.nicothelefty.comMain Paddle beta: https://www.nicothelefty.com/main-paddleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicothelefty/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicothelefty_ Chris: https://www.youtube.com/@PickleballStudio

  2. Oct 8

    I Asked a Paddle Company Owner If You Can Trust Reviewers

    Doug Sapusek built the Loco, sold Bread & Butter to Selkirk, and has a theory about Chris Olson and wide bodies.Bread & Butter sent me the Loco 2 free.Loco 2, $198 with code NICOTHELEFTY: https://www.bnbpickleball.comEvery brand that takes the code: https://www.nicothelefty.com/dealsAll my paddle reviews: https://www.nicothelefty.com/reviews No notes, no prep. Doug is the founder of Bread & Butter, the creator of the Loco, and now a Selkirk employee. We get into why Selkirk said no to a wide body, why the hybrid Loco 2 launched late, why no reviewers got it early, what annoys him about paddle reviewers, where the X-rays come from, how the Loco got its name, life inside Selkirk, and the bags, shoes and polos coming next. He also made a pisco sour. Chapters0:00 The Chris Olson strangulation multiverse0:40 Bread & Butter sold to Selkirk. Now what?1:20 No notes, one pisco sour3:15 Did Chris Olson kill the wide body?5:26 "Look at this thing. It's freaking ugly."8:28 Why Selkirk said no to a wide body12:06 Why the hybrid Loco 2 launched late15:12 Justin Barton called it lazy. Doug answers.18:09 Why no reviewers got the Loco 2 early19:52 What annoys Doug about paddle reviewers23:19 Do reviewers chase commissions?25:50 The $14.99 Adidas Metalbone27:13 Only one reviewer does it full time28:13 Dave Portnoy-style paddle reviews28:59 Where do reviewers get paddle X-rays?31:15 The original Loco and a lawsuit threat32:56 How the Loco got its name33:47 Chris Olson or John Kew: who does Doug trust?38:22 You can be a nerd and win in pickleball39:53 Trust fund kids and Daddy's Backyard43:30 Life inside Selkirk47:53 What's next: a new paddle, bags and shoes53:24 A polo without a collar54:59 Will a PPA pro ever play the Loco?59:58 Nico's picks: J Dub and Hayden63:20 Ben Johns, Franklin and lifetime contracts68:10 Is Robert Slusky Batman?69:42 Which camera should Nico buy?71:37 Watch next Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3AzwFqfAT6k Find meWebsite: https://www.nicothelefty.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicothelefty/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicothelefty_ Selkirk: https://www.selkirk.com #pickleball #pickleballpaddle #breadandbutter

  3. Oct 1

    James Ignatowich Skipped the Reviewers

    James Ignatowich launched the RPM Jade with almost no reviewers, and says it sold almost 30,000. Here is why he did it. James is the co-founder of RPM, a former PPA pro, and the least filtered person in pickleball. We talk about why he named a paddle the Jade, the line call that ended a friendship at the PPA Masters, why he stopped sending paddles to reviewers, the buyout offer he would not take, and what he would tell a 21-year-old pro. I earn a commission when you use code NICOTHELEFTY. RPM sent me the Jade free. James is RPM's co-founder and CEO. RPM Jade, $230 with code NICOTHELEFTY: https://rpmpb.com/NICOTHELEFTY Every brand that takes the code: https://nicothelefty.com/deals Watch the video: https://youtu.be/svjVFh3XIjU Website: https://www.nicothelefty.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicothelefty/

  4. 09/18/2025

    Episode 5: Dinks and Doobies

    In this episode of the Forehands Middle podcast, Nico and Gino dive deep into the latest storylines shaking up the pickleball world. From their own recent tournament experiences to the ups and downs of fantasy pickleball, the brothers bring a mix of firsthand insight, sharp analysis, and plenty of humor. The conversation takes listeners courtside at the PPA Cincinnati tournament, spotlighting the continued dominance of Anna Leigh Waters in women’s singles, the shifting dynamics in men’s doubles, and the fast-evolving landscape of mixed doubles. They also celebrate the rise of the Kawamoto sisters, who continue to prove themselves as must-watch players. Beyond the matches, Nico and Gino unpack the business side of the sport with the launch of James Ignatowich’s new paddle company, RPM Pickleball—highlighting how pickleball’s growth is no longer just about the game, but also the personalities, stories, and brands shaping its future.

  5. 09/08/2025

    Episode 4: Fantasy Pickleball

    In this episode of Forehands Middle, Nico and Gino dive into the wild mix of pickleball, social media, and sports culture. From dealing with online critics to sharing stories about fan interactions, the brothers give a candid look at life on and off the court. They shift gears with a fantasy pickleball draft, breaking down players they’d pick to build the ultimate squad, while debating where the sport is headed as it grows in popularity. Along the way, they touch on the challenges of paddle reviews, the influence of social media, and the crossover excitement of football season. The episode wraps with reflections on how pickleball’s future will be shaped not only by athletes and fans, but also by influencers, creators, and the culture surrounding the game.

  6. 09/03/2025

    Episode 3: Down Go the Queens

    In this episode of Forehands Middle, Nico and Gino cover everything from fantasy football drafts in Vegas to the chaos of the PPA Las Vegas pickleball tournament. They break down the shifting dynamics of men’s and women’s doubles, the ongoing debate around bronze medal matches, and why court quality is becoming a bigger issue in pro pickleball. Highlights include: Tyra & Jorja's standout performance in Vegas Johnny G "Looch" emerging as a singles threat Tanner’s unexpected villain arc The never-ending importance of gear (and the guys’ own experiences with it) The brothers mix analysis with their trademark banter, giving listeners both strategy and satire as they look ahead to what’s next in pickleball.

  7. 08/28/2025

    Episode 2: The Giants

    In this episode of Forehands Middle, Nico and Gino dive into their experiences at the MLP New York event and break down all the action on and off the court. From analyzing the Shock and Columbus Sliders to dissecting Ben Johns’ body language, the brothers give their unfiltered takes on player performances and team dynamics. They recap the finals between the Fives and the Sliders, highlighting key moments and what could have swung the outcome differently. Along the way, they dig into the bigger picture: how team chemistry shapes results, why indoor play and surface consistency matter, and the unique appeal of MLP vs. PPA formats. The episode wraps with bold predictions for upcoming tournaments—singles and doubles alike—and a look at the dominance of stars like Anna Leigh Waters, the pressure of playoff moments, and the controversies that make pro pickleball impossible to ignore.

  8. 08/20/2025

    Episode 1: Taking Balls

    In this episode of the Forehands Middle podcast, hosts Nico and Gino discuss the latest happenings in Major League Pickleball, analyzing player performances, team dynamics, and strategies leading into the semifinals. They reflect on the excitement of the quarterfinals, the importance of player confidence, and the impact of pressure in matches. The conversation also touches on heated moments and controversies that arise in competitive sports, culminating in predictions for the upcoming semifinals.

  • 8 Episodes

About

Forehands Middle is the world’s first (and probably last) pickleball podcast hosted by two brothers who think they’re funnier than they are. Nico the Lefty and Gino the Righty. Together they form one functional doubles team and about half a functioning podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Nico Gaston Valencia
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nico Gaston Valencia
  • Show Website
    Forehands Middle

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