Kitchen Conversations Podcast

Kitchen Conversations

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Kitchen Conversations is a story driven podcast that explores the lives behind the paddle, uncovering the personal journeys, careers, and defining moments of the people who make up the pickleball community. Through thoughtful, unhurried conversations, host Mike Spies goes beyond dinks and drives to reveal the character, resilience, and human connection that truly define the game.

1d ago

Pirates, Pickleball and Podcasting

🔥 From Somali Pirates to Pickleball: Kyle Trenga's Incredible Journey | Between the Rallies & Kitchen Conversations What do Somali pirates, the U.S. Navy, offshore oil rigs, professional pickleball, and podcasting have in common? Kyle Trenga. In one of the most remarkable conversations we've had on Kitchen Conversations, Kyle shares a story that goes far beyond pickleball. Raised in a challenging environment, Kyle found purpose through the U.S. Navy, took part in a real-life anti-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia, worked on offshore oil rigs around the world, became one of Idaho's top pickleball ambassadors, qualified for the USA Pickleball National Championships, and built one of the fastest-growing podcasts in the sport. Along the way, we dive into: 🏴‍☠️ The real story behind boarding a pirate ship ⚓ Life aboard the USS Kidd and Navy special operations training 🛢️ Working 100 feet above the ocean on offshore drilling rigs 🏓 Discovering pickleball—and becoming obsessed 🏆 Winning a Golden Ticket to Nationals 🎙️ Building the hugely popular Between the Rallies podcast from scratch ❤️ Why pickleball changes lives far beyond the scoreboard This episode is about resilience, second chances, community, and finding purpose through sport. If you love inspiring stories, leadership, personal growth, or pickleball, this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe to Between the Rallies with Kyle Trenga: 👉 https://youtube.com/@dinksmashmedia?si=4_3Gu16am87THzCL 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation: Like the videoLeave a comment with your favourite part of Kyle's storySubscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the game of pickleball#KitchenConversations #BetweenTheRallies #KyleTrenga #Pickleball #USNavy #SomaliPirates #Veteran #Leadership #Resilience #Inspiration #GoldenTicket #USAPickleball #NationalChampionships #PickleballPodcast #Podcast #SportsPodcast #LifeLessons #Success #Community #NeverGiveUp #DinkSmash #PickleballLife #AthleteStory #Motivation #IdahoPickleball And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
Jul 16

Hit and Giggle! Pickleball’s Ken Pecarski

🏓 What happens when one of the nicest people in pickleball becomes one of its most respected coaches? In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with my good friend Ken Pecarski—coach with Taylored Pickleball Academy and Pickleplex Barrie, passionate ambassador for the sport, and someone who truly lives by one simple philosophy: "Hit and Giggle." Ken's journey into pickleball began almost by accident when his wife signed him up for a beginner lesson without telling him. A few years later, he's helping thousands of players discover why this sport has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the world. This isn't just another conversation about dinks, drives, and drops. It's about... 🏓 Why every player deserves to feel welcome on the court 🏓 How the right coach can completely change your pickleball journey 🏓 Why fun—not winning—is the secret to long-term improvement 🏓 The incredible friendships created through this sport 🏓 Why recreational pickleball should never lose its spirit 🏓 The "Hit and Giggle" philosophy that has inspired players across Canada Ken also shares the story behind joining Taylored Pickleball Academy, how he became one of Canada's most sought-after coaches, and why the Academy has become one of the premier destinations for coaching, camps, and pickleball vacations. If you've ever wondered whether coaching is worth it... or whether pickleball can genuinely change your life... this conversation is for you. Learn More About Taylored Pickleball Academy 🌐 Website https://www.tayloredpickleballacademy.ca 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tayloredpickleballacademy 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tayloredpickleballacademy Whether you're looking for beginner lessons, high-performance camps, Canadian "Campcations," or unforgettable international pickleball vacations, Taylored Pickleball Academy offers world-class coaching experiences for players of every level. Pickleplex Barrie: https://pickleplex.ca/locations/barrie/ If you enjoyed this episode: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment and tell us your favorite takeaway. 🔔 Subscribe to Kitchen Conversations for more inspiring conversations with the people growing racquet sports across Canada. Kitchen Conversations is about more than pickleball. It's about the people behind the game. Their stories. Their journeys. And the communities they're building—one rally at a time. #KitchenConversations #KenPicarski #TayloredPickleballAcademy #Pickleball #PickleballCanada #PickleballCoaching #HitAndGiggle #PickleballCommunity #PickleballLife #LearnPickleball #DinkResponsibly #PickleballVacation And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
Jul 16

One of Canada’s Top Pickleball Coaches- Cameron Taylor

What does it take to build one of Canada's most respected pickleball coaching organizations? In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Cameron Taylor, co-founder of Taylored Pickleball Academy (TPA), to explore the remarkable journey from restaurant management and volunteer firefighting to becoming one of Canada's leading pickleball coaches and educators. Cam shares how a simple invitation from his uncle changed the course of his life, why coaching is about relationships before technique, and how Taylored Pickleball Academy has evolved into one of Canada's premier destinations for: 🏓 High-performance coaching 🌎 International pickleball vacations 🇨🇦 Canadian "Campcations" 🎯 Skill development programs 👨‍🏫 NCCP-certified coaching 🤝 Building community through sport We also dive into: ✅ Why pickleball is changing lives ✅ The secret behind great coaching relationships ✅ How AI could transform player development ✅ The early days of pickleball in Canada ✅ The future of coaching and player development ✅ Cameron's role in helping launch the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Whether you're brand new to pickleball or chasing your next DUPR milestone, this conversation is packed with practical insights, inspiring stories, and plenty of laughs. If you enjoy this episode, please: 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave a comment 📺 Subscribe to the channel 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Learn More About Taylored Pickleball Academy 🌐 Website: https://www.tayloredpickleballacademy.ca/ 📘 Facebook: Thttps://www.facebook.com/share/18xZyqVqwB/?mibextid=wwXIfr 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayloredpickleballacademy About Kitchen Conversations Kitchen Conversations brings you thoughtful, long-form conversations with the people shaping racquet sports across Canada and beyond. From world-class coaches and elite athletes to volunteers, entrepreneurs, and community builders, every episode explores the stories behind the game. Thanks for watching—and thanks for helping us grow the sport, one conversation at a time. #Pickleball #CameronTaylor #TayloredPickleballAcademy #KitchenConversations #PickleballCanada #CNPL #PickleballCoaching #NCCP #PickleballTraining #DUPR #PickleballVacation #PickleballCommunity And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
Jul 9

He Terrified Me!

He Terrified Me… Then Changed My Game Forever | Kitchen Conversations with Brian Cann What happens when the player who intimidates you the most… becomes the one who helps you the most? In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Brian Cann—a player, coach, mentor, and one of the most influential people in my own pickleball journey. From our very first match on court #2, I knew Brian was different. His game was on another level. But what stood out even more? He was the first person to step in and help me understand the game. And that’s where this story really begins. We go deep into Brian’s journey—from early coaching roots and martial arts discipline, to a successful career in finance, and ultimately to pickleball… a game that entered his life at exactly the moment he needed it most. This is not just a conversation about technique. This is about confidence, resilience, community, and the power of sport to change lives. 👉 Whether you’re new to pickleball or fully addicted, this episode will hit home. 🔥 In this episode, we explore: • The moment pickleball becomes an addiction (and why it happens so fast) • Coaching vs confidence—what players really need • Why connection between coach and player matters more than technique • The hidden mental game behind improvement • How pickleball helps people through loss, isolation, and major life transitions • Why social sport might actually help you live longer • The real difference between players who plateau… and those who level up 🎯 Connect with Brian Cann: Phone: 613.449.3540 Email: thevortex@cogeco.ca 👉 Local coaching inquiries: https://teachme.to/listings/pick... https://www.bounce.game/coach/33... https://www.pickleheads.com/less... 🏓 About Kitchen Conversations: This isn’t a highlight reel. This is Stories from Behind the Paddle. Real people. Real journeys. Real conversations about the game that’s quietly changing lives everywhere. If this episode inspires even one person to pick up a paddle… we’ve done our job. 📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes: 👉 / @kitchenconversationspickleball 🔖 Hashtags: #KitchenConversations #BrianCann #PickleballStories #BehindThePaddle #PickleballLife #PickleballCommunity #PickleballCoach #PickleballJourney #PickleballAddiction #DinkAndDrive #PickleballPodcast #GrowthThroughSport And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
Jul 2

He’s only 16!

🏓 At just 16 years old, Mackonner Dy is already turning heads across the pickleball world. In this episode of Kitchen Conversations – A Pickleball Podcast, I sit down with one of Canada’s brightest young pickleball talents for an honest and inspiring conversation about competition, discipline, faith, family, and what it really takes to chase a dream. Despite his incredible accomplishments—including winning Canadian National Championship gold, earning a spot in the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) with the Vancouver Owls, and competing against some of the best players in North America—Mackonner has a refreshingly humble perspective on success. In fact, you’ll hear why he doesn’t yet consider himself a “professional” pickleball player. This conversation goes far beyond pickleball. It’s about mindset, resilience, personal growth, and why enjoying the journey matters just as much as winning. 🎙️ In this episode we discuss: 🏓 How a 10-year-old discovered pickleball during the pandemic 🏀 How basketball helped shape his game 🥇 Winning Canadian National Championship gold 🇨🇦 Being drafted by the Vancouver Owls in the CNPL 🎯 What it actually means to be a “professional” pickleball player 🧠 The importance of mental toughness and confidence 🙏 How faith helps him handle pressure and competition 📚 Balancing homeschooling with elite-level training 🌎 Why Asia may become the future powerhouse of pickleball 💪 Training, nutrition, sleep and recovery for young athletes ❤️ Why pickleball is one of the most welcoming sports in the world Whether you’re brand new to pickleball or a seasoned tournament player, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in Mackonner’s maturity, humility and outlook on life. 🔗 Follow Mackonner Dy 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackonnerdy 🌐 DUPR Profile: https://dashboard.dupr.com/players/mackonner-dy 🏓 Canadian National Pickleball League (Vancouver Owls): https://www.cnpl.ca 🎧 Listen to Kitchen Conversations ▶️ YouTube – Subscribe for more inspiring pickleball stories! 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎵 Spotify If you enjoyed this conversation: ✅ Like the video ✅ Subscribe to the channel ✅ Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway ✅ Share this episode with someone who loves pickleball—or someone who needs a little inspiration today. Every share helps us introduce more people to the incredible game of pickleball and the amazing people behind it. #Pickleball #MackonnerDy #CNPL #CanadianPickleball #KitchenConversations #VancouverOwls #PickleballCanada #JuniorPickleball #PickleballPodcast #PickleballLife #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #AthleteMindset #CanadianAthletes #RoadToPro And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
Jun 25

Canadian Owned- Booma is Booming!

In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Jessie and Dominic, the husband-and-wife team behind BOOMA, a proudly Canadian family-owned pickleball and ping pong equipment company. What started as a family discovery of pickleball in Florida has grown into a serious Canadian brand producing USAPA-approved paddles, pickleball gear, protective eyewear, bags, nets, balls, accessories, and ping pong equipment. We talk about family business, entrepreneurship, raising kids around sport, the explosion of pickleball, paddle technology, product development, Canadian-made passion, and what it really takes to build a brand from the basement up. This is a great conversation about more than paddles. It is about family, risk, passion, sport, community, and the growing movement to support Canadian pickleball. 🔥 Visit BOOMA:https://boomastore.com/ 🔥 Follow BOOMA on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091676805689 In this episode: • The story behind the BOOMA name• Building a family business as husband and wife• Discovering pickleball in Florida• Why pickleball is such a powerful intergenerational sport• How BOOMA develops and tests new paddles• The importance of USAPA approval• Paddle lifespan and what players should know• Pickleball eye protection and safety• The Montreal Canadiens BOOMA paddle story• Why supporting Canadian pickleball brands matters If you love pickleball, Canadian businesses, family-run companies, or stories about people taking a risk and building something meaningful, this conversation is for you. Please like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who loves pickleball. #Pickleball #CanadianPickleball #BOOMA #KitchenConversations #PickleballPodcast #PickleballCanada #FamilyBusiness #PickleballPaddles #SupportCanadian #PickleballLife And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
Jun 18

Fired In Montreal- Betting on Made In Canada!

What happens when two guys sit down and just start talking about pickleball? In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, Mike sits down with David for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the court. What starts as a simple chat quickly turns into something much deeper. From growing up in Montreal to navigating a winding career path, David’s story is anything but linear. Then one day, like it does for so many, the game found him. And everything changed. You’ll hear how David discovered pickleball, why it hooked him almost instantly, and how that moment eventually led him to build Pickleball Authority Canada from the ground up. But this conversation doesn’t stop there. David also opens up about a bold decision he’s made as a business owner, choosing to support Canadian manufacturers only. In a space dominated by massive global brands, he’s doubling down on local, backing Canadian-made paddles and products, and putting his values ahead of convenience. Along the way, the conversation weaves through the growth of facilities like Kingston Racquet Centre, the early days before the boom, and what it really looks like behind the scenes of a game that’s exploding. But this isn’t an interview. It’s two people sitting down, telling stories, challenging ideas, and getting honest about what matters and what doesn’t in pickleball. 🔥 In this episode: • How David found the game and why it stuck • The early days before pickleball took off • The real story behind Pickleball Authority Canada • Why he made the decision to support Canadian manufacturers only • Why most players are focused on the wrong things • What actually matters if you want to get better 🔗 Connect and learn more: 👉 Kingston Racquet Centre https://tennisclubs.ca/kingston-book-a-court/ 👉 Pickleball Authority Canada https://pickleballauthority.ca 📌 If you’re here for real conversations and the stories behind the game, subscribe and follow along. #Pickleball #KitchenConversations #PickleballCanada #SupportLocal #CanadianMade #BehindThePaddle #KingstonOntario #PickleballAuthority #RacquetSports #Podcast And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
Jun 18

Passionate Pickleball- A Core building block behind the success of Tennis Clubs of Canada

What if the future of pickleball… was already being built? In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Adam Siegel, CEO of Tennis Clubs of Canada… one of the most forward-thinking operators in Canadian sport. From air-supported domes… to public-private partnerships… to building community-first facilities across the country… This isn’t just about tennis. And it’s not just about pickleball. It’s about rethinking how we move, connect, and live. As Adam puts it, the mission is simple… to “positively impact physical, social and mental well-being of the community.” 🎯 In this episode, we dive into: • The origin story of Tennis Clubs of Canada • The vision of founder Terry Redvers and the first dome • How Kingston Racquet Centre became a model facility • Why pickleball is exploding… and why it’s here to stay • The intersection of tennis, pickleball, and padel • The real role of community in sport • The business of building facilities that actually work • The challenges of noise, growth, and public demand • Why culture is the true competitive advantage 🇨🇦 Tennis Clubs of Canada 👉 Official Website: https://tennisclubs.ca 👉 Programs & Locations: https://tennisclubs.ca/locations A national leader in building accessible, community-driven racket sport facilities across Canada… with a focus on affordability, programming, and long-term impact. 🏓 Kingston Racquet Centre 👉 Learn More / Book a Court: https://tennisclubs.ca/kingston 👉 Follow Local Updates: https://www.facebook.com/KingstonRacquetCentre One of the fastest-growing pickleball hubs in Ontario… built on community, connection, and a culture that welcomes players from day one. 🧠 Why This Matters This isn’t just about courts and programs. It’s about: Access Belonging Longevity And building spaces where people actually want to be Because as Adam highlights… people are choosing where they spend their time. And when they choose your facility… that means everything. 🎙️ About Kitchen Conversations: This is not an interview. This is a court-side conversation. More than dinks, drops and drives. Stories from behind the paddle. 🔥 If this resonates: Subscribe Share it Send it to someone who loves the game Because the future of pickleball… is being built right now. 🔖 Hashtags: #AdamSiegel #TennisClubsOfCanada #KingstonRacquetCentre #Pickleball #PickleballCanada #PickleballCommunity #RacketSports #Padel #KitchenConversations #PickleballPodcast #ActiveLiving #SportsCommunity #DinkDropDrive And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.

Kitchen Conversations is a story driven podcast that explores the lives behind the paddle, uncovering the personal journeys, careers, and defining moments of the people who make up the pickleball community. Through thoughtful, unhurried conversations, host Mike Spies goes beyond dinks and drives to reveal the character, resilience, and human connection that truly define the game.

Creator

Kitchen Conversations
Years Active

2026
Episodes

26
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Kitchen Conversations Podcast
Show Website

Kitchen Conversations Podcast