This is Pickleball

Rick Witsken & Fabian Rodriguez
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

Join host and Senior Pro Rick Witsken as he sits down with the sport's biggest names to uncover their stories. With a unique perspective from his own career and deep connections to the pro tours, Rick facilitates a fun and inspiring deep dive into their personal "why"—how they found the sport, the sacrifices they've made, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, you'll get pro tips, stay up to date on all the latest tour news, and leave every episode with a fresh perspective on the game we all love. From the court to the clubhouse, we're telling the stories that make pickleball great. This is more than a game—This Is Pickleball.

  1. Sep 23

    Sean Munoz (JuanSeanPB) on Sean O'Malley, Volair & Going Viral

    Fabian sits down with comedy creator Sean Munoz, JuanSeanPB on social media, to talk about how a guy who thought pickleball was "the dumbest looking thing ever" in 2021 became Volair's go-to creator. Sean breaks down his day at Sean O'Malley's Pickleball Dojo, what happens now that 12-year-olds won't let you lob them, why every pro outside the top 10 needs to be making content, and the difference between a 6-million-view meme and followers who actually stick around. Then they get into the fun stuff: Volair's blind-bag paddle drops and why only 10 gold Spider-Man paddles exist, Sean's sweat problem and his grip ritual, Fabian's color-coordinated paddle prep, and a no-excuses guide for new creators. Sean films almost everything on his phone. If you've ever wanted to start posting pickleball content, this one's your push. 🏓 Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 🏓 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Key Takeaways The juniors are here. Sean says a 4.5 tournament from 2021 is probably a 3.5 now. At a PPA 5.0, if you're not conditioned and drilling, you won't get out of the first round. Views aren't followers. Sean's crying-kid meme hit 6–7 million views and pulled in college kids who weren't there for pickleball. Decide whether you're chasing followers or views. Pros outside the top 10 need content. In Sean's view, only the top five to 10 players can skip content. Everyone else has to keep their face out there to build a brand. Quality beats volume. Don't burn out posting four times a day. Post every other day, make the videos better, and stay consistent through the ups and downs. Your phone is enough. Sean has shot about 98% of three years of content on his iPhone, edits mostly in CapCut, and says the real barrier is being willing to film in front of people. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome JuanSeanPB 01:10 Pickleball with Sean O'Malley at the Dojo 02:34 Does athleticism translate to pickleball? 04:36 How Sean found pickleball 07:52 Tournament life & the rise of the juniors 10:28 Why Sean started making content 13:08 Staying consistent & signing with Volair 16:36 Views vs. followers 17:33 Brand deals & keeping the day job 19:31 Why pros need to make content 22:14 Quality over quantity & burnout 23:15 Fabian's fitness story 26:36 Inside the Volair partnership 31:27 Bodhi grips & the sweat problem 32:44 Paddle prep & nasty overgrips 34:58 Dream collabs 38:12 Where the content gaps are 40:21 Storytelling: Embedded, Shock & Awe, comedy 43:02 Advice for new creators 45:32 Phone-only filming setup 48:29 CapCut vs. Edits 49:38 Practice editing & getting comfy on camera 51:21 Guest discount codes & shout-outs Follow Sean: @juanseanpb (code juanseanpb for Volair & Bodhi)

    Sean Munoz (JuanSeanPB) on Sean O'Malley, Volair & Going Viral

  2. Sep 18

    Ben Shelton's WILD US Open Run

    🏓 Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 🏓 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Rick is back after an incredible two-week stint in New York City supporting his nephew, Ben Shelton, during his epic US Open run! Rick and Fabian unpack the entire experience—from playing pickleball in the middle of Times Square to the high-stakes, late-night drama on Arthur Ashe Stadium. They dive into the controversy surrounding late-night scheduling, serve clock violations, and how the mental grit required at the top levels of tennis translates directly to the pickleball court. Plus, the guys talk pro pickleball updates, including the PPA signing its youngest pro ever (Maverick!), Rick's ongoing journey with Championship Series Pickleball (CSP), and a game-changing mental tip to help intermediate players push past the 4.0 threshold. Key Takeaways: The Youth Surge in Pickleball: Maverick was recently signed to the PPA Tour, overtaking Cam Chafian as the youngest signed PPA pro. US Open Rule Adjustments Needed: Late-night match scheduling and inconsistent serve clock enforcement severely affect player recovery and rhythm—lessons pro tennis could learn from pickleball's pace of play. Mental Toughness Over Outcome: Transitioning from an outcome-based mindset to a process-driven mindset ("Pressure is a privilege") is the key to breaking past plateaus like 4.0. The Witsken Legacy: Ben Shelton's journey carries deep spiritual and family roots tied to his late uncle Todd Witsken's historic US Open win over Jimmy Connors 40 years ago. Bold Prediction: Rick predicts Ben Shelton will win multiple Grand Slams and eventually reach the #1 world ranking. Timestamps:  00:00 – Welcome Back Rick & Cam Chafian Recap 00:40 – Maverick Signs to PPA: Youngest Signed Pro 02:19 – Times Square Pickleball & Merging Paddle & Racket Sports 05:16 – US Open Atmosphere & The Todd Witsken Legacy 08:37 – Ben Shelton's Match Run & Late-Night Practice Routine 09:21 – The Late-Night Match Controversy & Sleep Impact 13:09 – Ben Shelton's Celebrity & Tiafoe Match Gamesmanship 16:17 – Tennis Serve Clock vs. Pickleball Timeouts 22:09 – Ben Shelton's Role Model Mindset & 9/11 Tribute 25:34 – Why Rick Wears Pink Shirts 27:50 – Family Celebration & Trinity Support 31:00 – Rick's Grand Slam & #1 World Ranking Prediction 36:21 – Pickleball Tip of the Week: Pressure is a Privilege 38:56 – CSP Columbus Announcement & Third Shot Pickleball

    Ben Shelton's WILD US Open Run

  3. Sep 14

    Camden Chaffin: How a 15-Year-Old Became the Youngest Signed Male PPA Pro

    Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Welcome back to This Is Pickleball! Fabian is holding down the fort while Rick recovers from watching his nephew Ben Shelton tear up the US Open. On this episode, we're joined by a true prodigy: Camden Chaffin, the youngest signed male professional player on the PPA Tour. Cam shares his mind-blowing journey from picking up a wooden paddle during the pandemic at age nine to taking down top-ranked legends on the professional court just a few years later. Cam opens up about the friction of beating grown adults as a 12-year-old, switching to online school to join the PPA Tour exclusively, and his massive singles upset over Federico Staksrud in Minnesota. Plus, he breaks down the mechanics behind his signature two-handed backhand roll dink, offers actionable singles strategy tips for beginner/intermediate players, and discusses his gear switch to Paddletek and Pilla eyewear. Tune in for an inside look at the new generation taking over professional pickleball! Key Takeaways Rapid Rise Without Tennis Background: Cam picked up a wooden paddle at age 9 in 2020 with no prior racket sport experience, winning US Open 4.5 gold (19+ division) at age 11 before turning pro at 12. Overcoming Age Friction: In his early junior years, local tournaments created age limits specifically to prevent him from entering because adult competitors hated losing to a 12-year-old. Giant-Killing Blueprint: Earned his career-defining PPA singles victory over world top-tier pro Federico Staksrud in Minnesota, utilizing high-level court geometry and patience learned from watching Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. Pro Gear Upgrades: Transitioned paddle sponsorship from Pickle to Paddletek (playing with the Honeycomb Foam/prototype series) and advocates heavily for protective eyewear like Pilla to eliminate light glares and prevent direct eye impacts. Singles Tactical Advice: When approaching the kitchen in singles, play heavy through the deep middle to reduce passing angles, only attacking wide angles when you have explicitly pulled your opponent off-balance. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro & Rick Witsken's Absence (US Open Ben Shelton Recap) 00:16 – Welcoming Youngest Signed PPA Pro Camden Chaffin 00:29 – Watching Ben Shelton vs. Carlos Alcaraz 01:11 – Cam's Pandemic Origins: Wooden Paddles to Permanent Courts 02:01 – Transitioning from Travel Baseball to Full-Time Pickleball 03:07 – Winning Gold at the US Open (4.5 Division) at Age 11 04:06 – Developing a Two-Handed Backhand Without Racket Sport Experience 05:43 – Switching to Online School & Taking Pickleball Pro 07:22 – Winning First APP Pro Match at 12 Years Old 08:35 – Local Tournaments Created Age Limits to Stop Him 10:06 – Getting the Call: Signing Exclusively with the PPA Tour 11:41 – The Youth Wave: PPA Juniors & The Next Generation 13:10 – Modeling His Game After Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters & Chris Haworth 14:24 – How the Younger Generation is Changing the Pro Pace 15:16 – Partnering with Chris Haworth & Brooke Buckner 17:35 – Massive Singles Upset: Beating Federico Staksrud in Minnesota 18:50 – Hardest Matches: Facing JW Johnson, Hunter Johnson & Chris Haworth 20:42 – Surviving 112-Degree Heat at PPA North Carolina 22:24 – Rookie MLP Season with the Phoenix Flames 26:34 – Favorite Venues: Disney, NYC & Beer City Open 28:09 – Partnering with CJ Klinger (The All-Ohio Team) 28:46 – Gear & Eye Protection: Why Cam Wears Pilla Eyewear 30:44 – Masterclass: Executing the Two-Handed Backhand Roll Dink 32:12 – Pro Singles Strategy: Approaching Through the Middle 32:52 – Pre-Game Playlist & Meal Prep (Drake, Olive Garden & Chipotle) 35:05 – Switching to Paddletek Gear & Discount Codes

    Camden Chaffin: How a 15-Year-Old Became the Youngest Signed Male PPA Pro

  4. Sep 10

    BEATING ALCARAZ AT 3 AM! Rick's Insane US Open Story

    Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Rick joins us LIVE from NYC, direct from the US Open, following one of the most athletic and electrifying tennis matches in recent history: Ben Shelton's jaw-dropping, late-night victory over Carlos Alcaraz that ended after 3:00 AM. As Ben's uncle, Rick shares an intimate, behind-the-scenes look from the player's box, detailing the spiritual connection to his late brother Todd Whitsken, the incredible family legacy, and what it felt like starting "USA!" chants inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in the dead of night. We dive deep into the sheer athleticism on display, analyzing how Ben's high-level anticipation and 146 MPH serves helped him pull off the upset. They also tackle the tournament's controversial late-night scheduling, preview the high-stakes all-American semi-final matchup between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, and touch on how pickleball players can apply elite pro-tennis mentalities to their own game. Key Takeaways Historic Upset at 3 AM: Ben Shelton pulled off an extraordinary 5-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz in a match that lasted until 3:00 AM, marked by a booming 146 MPH match-point ace. Deep Family Legacy: Ben's middle name is Todd, honoring Rick's late brother and former tennis pro Todd Whitsken, giving this US Open run deep emotional and spiritual meaning for the family. Pro Anticipation & Vision: Ben's insane court coverage comes from elite anticipation and acute awareness—even noticing Rick walk across the arena concourse mid-match! Scheduling Controversy: Late-night 3 AM finishes harm fan experience and player welfare; Rick proposes moving potential 5-setters earlier and shifting 2-out-of-3 doubles matches to secondary slots. Mental Toughness Transfer: Pickleball players can level up by studying the mental resilience, body language, and high-pressure focus of top-tier athletes like Shelton, Alcaraz, and Tiafoe.

  5. Aug 21

    DUPR CEO, Tito Machado

    Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 We welcomed the CEO of DUPR, Tito Machado, to the podcast for an honest conversation about the most talked-about, debated, and scrutinized rating system in sports. Tito opened up about his journey from Silicon Valley and tennis facility management to taking the reins at DUPR during its wildest growth phase. Before diving into the algorithm, we caught up on his intense training for Ironman Lanzarote—one of the toughest races on earth—and how pushing his limits on the bike gives him a much-needed mental break from rating calculations. We tackled the tough questions head-on with Tito: Why do players go down in rating after a win? Is the $6M/year platform running a "money grab," or are players simply misunderstanding how calibration works? We explored the truth behind match reliability, algorithm decay, age-group categories, and why your rating reflects your average performance rather than your best day. Rick shared his perspective on how DUPR impacts pro match dynamics, while Tito reminded us all why a four-digit number shouldn't define our identity on the court. Key Takeaways Wins Don't Always Mean Rating Increases: In 85% of matches, winners move up. The remaining 15% drop due to expectation metrics—DUPR calibrates your total body of data relative to expected performance, rather than operating as a ladder-style reward system. Universal Scale vs. Age Fragmentation: Pickleball's unique cross-generational play is backed by data—20% of all DUPR matches feature non-traditional gender lineups, and high-level 60+ players consistently compete with younger power players. The Cost of Running DUPR: DUPR spends roughly $6 million annually on engineering, staff, events, and college programs. Features like the DUPR Reset were designed to clean up data points for the "True North" algorithm while helping fund ongoing platform costs. Reliability Controls Volatility: A 100% reliable score won't spike after one big win because a single match represents only 1% of that player's history. Big jumps require consistent over-performance across multiple consecutive matches. DUPR Is Calibration, Not Identity: Your score measures your average day on the court, not your peak performance. Stop treating your rating as a status symbol and focus on drilling, fitness, and smarter court decisions. Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome Tito Machado 00:54 Ironman Training Mindset 03:05 From Tennis to DUPR 04:41 DUPR Origins Timeline 07:09 Why Ratings Matter 08:37 Legacy Ratings Explained 11:52 One System or Many 14:33 Verve and AI Ratings 15:28 Winning Yet Dropping 17:54 Calibration Not Ranking 22:15 Decay and Volatility 30:13 Accuracy at English Open 31:28 Ratings Need Fixing 32:54 Reliability Explained 37:34 Why Ratings Jump 38:49 Reset Controversy 41:50 Singles Doubles Mixed 43:39 Age Ratings Debate 47:05 Winning But Dropping 50:09 Accuracy Over Feelings 54:30 Improve Skill Not Score 55:57 DUPR Is Not You

    DUPR CEO, Tito Machado

  6. Aug 7

    Rick Bleeds On Court, MLP/CSP Chicago Recap & The Shake-and-Bake Masterclass

    Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Welcome back to This Is Pickleball! First up is our MLP/CSP Chicago Recap—Rick breaks down the historic event where Major League Pickleball and Champions Series Pickleball shared the stage at Lifetime North Shore in Chicago. From taking a Mach 10 forehand directly to the face and going full "Chainsaw Rick" mode after gushing blood, to pulling off a wild no-look reflex winner that almost cracked ESPN's Top 10, Rick shares all the highlights and backroom stories from the Indy Drivers' 3-0-1 run. Then, we jump straight into the Shake-and-Bake Masterclass! After Fabian gets frustrated by popping up balls in his local DUPR league, Coach Rick drops an elite strategy breakdown. You'll learn the 3 non-negotiable rules for setting up high-percentage poaches off a drive, why middle placement is king, and how to execute the "Cobra Counter" to defend against aggressive crashers. Stick around until the end for a special Paddletek Special Edition Giveaway and a teaser about a massive show announcement coming very soon! Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome And Subscribe 00:34 Back In Indy Studio 01:17 MLP CSP Weekend Recap 03:27 Indy Drivers Results 05:12 Team Breaker Rules 06:21 Drivers Roster Shoutouts 08:07 Standings Seeding Worlds 09:32 Docuseries And Storytelling 10:52 Celebs And League Culture 12:53 Fabian Chicago Trip Stories 14:48 Pros Watching Senior Pros 18:01 Future Pathway Vision 20:29 Pay To Play Reality 21:32 Prime Crossover Talk 23:11 Team League Mindset 24:41 Orlando Match Highlights 26:47 CSP Drama Stories 28:59 Dallas Trip Tease 29:43 Wild Reflex Winner 31:18 Shake And Bake Tips 39:02 Defending The Poach 41:48 Here For The Gear 44:25 Final Thanks And Wrap

    Rick Bleeds On Court, MLP/CSP Chicago Recap & The Shake-and-Bake Masterclass

  7. Jul 30

    rom the Corporate Grind to Pro Pickleball with Mari Humberg & PickleballNikki (Nikki Maldonado)

    This week we are joined by the incredible hosts of the new podcast 99% Pickleball, PPA Pro Mari Humberg, and content creator extraordinaire Nikki Maldonado. We dive deep into their origin stories—from Mari pitching her C-suite executives to sponsor her pro tour debut, to Nikki discovering the sport through a bar flyer during a dark time in her life. It's a masterclass in how pickleball changes lives both inside and outside the lines of the court. Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of the pro game. Mari breaks down what it's actually like to share the court with Anna Leigh Waters, and the insane level of discipline required to execute the strategy that finally handed ALW her first MLP doubles loss this season. We also talk MLP super teams, why pickleball desperately needs more on-court personalities, and top-tier strategy tips for amateurs—including why you need to film yourself and stop hitting to the weaker player in open play. Grab your hydration (and your favorite paddle) and tune in! Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome and Guests 01:08 Poll Influencer Warmup 01:41 Rapid Fire Poll Debate 06:36 Fabian Answers Back 07:51 Why 99 Percent Pickleball 08:34 How Mari Met Nikki 09:58 Mari Tennis to Pro Journey 15:38 Going Full Time and Sponsors 18:22 Nikki Pickleball Origin Story 21:00 Nikki Content Creator Rise 25:10 Podcast Concept for Rec Players 27:27 Beyond the Lines Vision 30:18 Storytelling Over Stats 32:16 Playing With Anna Leigh 34:45 Beating The Superhuman 37:24 Facing Her After Teaming 38:52 MLP Trades And Drama 43:45 Rapid Fire Training Tips 47:59 Hot Takes And Drills 50:28 Signature Shots Breakdown 52:51 Gear Picks And Shoe Talk 57:15 Where To Find Them

    rom the Corporate Grind to Pro Pickleball with Mari Humberg & PickleballNikki (Nikki Maldonado)

  8. Jul 17

    Table Tennis to Pro Pickleball: Danni-Elle Townsend's Rapid Ascent

    Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 This week we sit down with one of the most explosive players on the pro tour: Australia's Danni-Elle Townsend. Danni-Elle breaks down her rapid ascent from a lifelong table tennis prodigy to a formidable force on the PPA and MLP tours. She explains exactly how reading spin and generating power on the table tennis table translates into her lethal, aggressive "hunter" style at the kitchen line. From struggling just to afford flights a year ago to flying private jets with the Dallas Flash, her journey is nothing short of incredible. Beyond mechanics, Danni-Elle isn't holding back on tour drama or her mindset. She clears the air on the fake internet beef with Paris Todd, talks about the reality of trash talk, and explains why she genuinely doesn't care who is on the other side of the net—even if it's Anna Leigh Waters. Whether you want to know the physics behind her devastating backhand roll or why she believes the Asian pickleball scene is a sleeping giant, this episode is a masterclass in confidence, strategy, and pure hustle. Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction 00:45 - Australia to US 02:03 - Table tennis to pickleball 04:07 - Asia vs. US 08:52 - Mental toughness 10:19 - Family influence 12:23 - Crowd dynamics 16:26 - Travel and support 17:41 - Future focus 22:52 - Aggressive style 23:21 - Top-player influence 27:34 - Childhood confidence 29:54 - On-court energy 32:25 - Loving the game 33:56 - Motivation 35:44 - Trash talk 40:32 - Sportsmanship 43:21 - Upcoming tournaments 46:00 - Areas to improve 47:50 - Signature shot 51:37 - Here for the gear 53:51 - Food in the US 56:06 - Becoming number one

    Table Tennis to Pro Pickleball: Danni-Elle Townsend's Rapid Ascent
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join host and Senior Pro Rick Witsken as he sits down with the sport's biggest names to uncover their stories. With a unique perspective from his own career and deep connections to the pro tours, Rick facilitates a fun and inspiring deep dive into their personal "why"—how they found the sport, the sacrifices they've made, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, you'll get pro tips, stay up to date on all the latest tour news, and leave every episode with a fresh perspective on the game we all love. From the court to the clubhouse, we're telling the stories that make pickleball great. This is more than a game—This Is Pickleball.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Witsken & Fabian Rodriguez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Culture Collaborative Media 2025
  • Show Website
    This is Pickleball

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