Kitchen Conversations Podcast

Kitchen Conversations

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.

  1. 6d ago

    Ryan Hanes- Pickleball is just part of his story

    From wooden paddles at the YMCA to helping lead Canadian pickleball toward the world stage—Ryan Hanes has experienced the sport’s extraordinary evolution from almost every possible angle. Ryan is a Canadian national champion, elite coach, certified referee, tournament director and the Director of Competition for Pickleball Canada. In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, he shares how one seemingly ordinary visit to the Kingston YMCA ultimately transformed his life—and helped make him one of the most influential figures in Canadian pickleball. Ryan takes us back to a time when Kingston players competed on taped gym floors, dragged mats across RMC and played around walls, pillars and badminton lines. He also reflects on the people who built the local game, the friendships he developed across Canada and the remarkable journey from those grassroots beginnings to today’s dedicated facilities and national competitions. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore: 🏓 Why pickleball is more accessible than virtually any other racquet sport 🏓 The early days of pickleball in Kingston 🏓 Ryan’s rise from new player to national champion 🏓 The unforgettable experience of playing at the US Open 🏓 How he became one of Canada’s leading coaches and tournament directors 🏓 Why some tournaments are struggling despite pickleball’s continued growth 🏓 His new role as Director of Competition for Pickleball Canada 🏓 The creation of Canada’s high-performance program and Team Canada 🏓 Whether pickleball is genuinely heading toward the Olympic Games 🏓 His candid perspective on DUPR and privately controlled player data 🏓 His friendship and future plans with Canadian legend Steve Deakin 🏓 The story of Ryan’s long-haired days as an au pair in the Netherlands 🏓 Why hearing “O Canada” still carries such powerful meaning for him Ryan doesn’t simply understand where Canadian pickleball is today—he helped build the pathway that brought it here. His perspective on where the sport is heading, and what must happen next, makes this an essential conversation for anyone who cares about the future of pickleball in Canada. Whether you’re a recreational player, tournament competitor, coach, official or someone considering picking up a paddle for the first time, this episode offers an extraordinary look at how one sport can reshape a life—and how one person can help reshape a sport. CONNECT WITH THE KINGSTON PICKLEBALL CLUB: 🌐 Official website: https://kingstonpickleballclub.com/ 👍 Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kingstonpickleballclub/ 👥 Kingston Pickleball Club Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/367714510043537/ Pickleball Canada https://pickleballcanada.org 👍 Like this episode 💬 Tell us how pickleball first entered your life 🔔 Subscribe to Kitchen Conversations for more honest conversations with the people building, leading and shaping the game #Pickleball #CanadianPickleball #RyanHanes #KitchenConversations #KingstonPickleballClub #PickleballCanada #PickleballPodcast #PickleballOntario #TeamCanada #PickleballCoach #PickleballTournament #DUPR #SteveDeakin #OlympicPickleball #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.

    Ryan Hanes- Pickleball is just part of his story

  2. Aug 6

    Joola Canada’s Michael Cannon

    How do you actually pronounce JOOLA—and does spending $400 on a paddle really make you a better pickleball player? In this special edition of Kitchen Conversations, Mike welcomes the podcast’s first-ever co-host, Jody Allen, co-owner of SMASH Courts in Peterborough, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with JOOLA Canada’s Michael Cannon. Michael brings decades of experience from inside the Canadian sporting-goods industry—including senior roles with National Sports, Pro Hockey Life, Bauer Hockey and other major brands. Today, he is helping shape JOOLA’s rapidly expanding presence in Canadian pickleball. And yes, he finally settles the debate: JOOLA is pronounced “YO-la.” But this conversation goes far beyond the name. Michael and Jody take us behind the curtain of the pickleball equipment business to explore: 🏓 Why the most expensive paddle is not necessarily the best paddle for you 🏓 What swing weight, twist weight, dwell time and paddle construction actually mean 🏓 How professional paddles differ from what recreational players buy 🏓 Why lessons may improve your game more than another equipment upgrade 🏓 The controversy surrounding paddle testing and certification 🏓 Whether increasingly powerful paddles are changing—or potentially damaging—the game 🏓 How paddle design can affect vibration, tendonitis and other injuries 🏓 The equipment gaps facing older adults, women and junior players 🏓 How JOOLA develops products for everyone from beginners to Ben Johns 🏓 The challenges retailers face when technology evolves faster than inventory can move 🏓 Why reliable participation data remains surprisingly difficult to find 🏓 Where pickleball equipment—and the sport itself—may be heading next It’s an honest conversation about technology, performance, accessibility, business and the constant tension between innovation and protecting the game that millions of people have fallen in love with. Whether you are shopping for your first paddle, considering a major upgrade or simply curious about what separates a $70 paddle from a $400 one, this episode will help you make a smarter decision. And remember: a new paddle might complement your game—but it cannot replace practice. Connect with Joola Canada https://joola.ca/ Connect with Jody Allen at SMASH COURTS https://www.smashcourts1.com/ 👍 Like the episode 💬 Tell us which paddle you play with—and why you chose it 🔔 Subscribe to Kitchen Conversations for more thoughtful discussions with the people shaping pickleball #Pickleball #JOOLA #JOOLAPickleball #MichaelCannon #KitchenConversations #PickleballPodcast #JodyAllen #SmashCourts #CanadianPickleball #PickleballCanada #PickleballPaddles #PaddleTechnology #PickleballEquipment #BenJohns #PickleballTips #PickleballCommunity #PickleballInjuries #SeniorPickleball #JuniorPickleball #PickleballInnovation 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.

    Joola Canada’s Michael Cannon

  3. Jul 30

    Playing Pickleball on Saddam Hussein’s Helicopter Pad

    How many people can say they’ve played pickleball on Saddam Hussein’s helicopter pad? Chuck Gaudette can. In this unforgettable episode of Kitchen Conversations, Mike sits down with brothers Chuck and David Gaudette—two passionate players, certified coaches and longtime advocates who have built an extraordinary life around pickleball. Chuck shares the remarkable story of taking pickleball equipment into Baghdad during a six-month NATO deployment. What began with a portable net, 10 paddles and 100 balls quickly became a multinational phenomenon—with soldiers lining up to play on Saddam Hussein’s former helicopter pad. But that’s only part of the story. Chuck and David also discuss: 🏓 Discovering pickleball aboard a cruise ship 🏓 Playing year-round in Cobourg and Arizona 🏓 Building a private indoor court known as “The Moose” 🏓 Coaching players of all ages and abilities 🏓 Their Pickleball Brothers YouTube channel for senior players 🏓 The explosive growth of indoor pickleball facilities 🏓 The rising cost of professional pickleball 🏓 Whether the sport risks growing too quickly 🏓 Why pickleball’s social connection may be its greatest strength This is a conversation about brotherhood, military service, coaching, community and one man’s determination to make sure that even a deployment to Iraq wouldn’t keep him away from the game he loved. It’s funny, candid and unlike any pickleball story you’ve heard before. Connect with David and Chuck on their YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@PickleballBrothers-no3cv PB Canadagoes global part 1 youtu.be/YVB97IsqFuQ?list=PLqHB_-u66WdlzBVzgE9hgDAjBaN3tmiYJ PB Canada goes global part 2 youtu.be/YVB97IsqFuQ Subscribe to Kitchen Conversations for more honest conversations with the players, coaches, builders and personalities shaping the game. 👍 Like the episode 💬 Tell us the most unusual place you’ve ever played pickleball 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a conversation #Pickleball #KitchenConversations #PickleballPodcast #PickleballBrothers #ChuckGaudette #DavidGaudette #PickleballCanada #CobourgPickleball #CanadianPickleball #MilitaryStories #NATO #Baghdad #Iraq #PickleballLife #PickleballCommunity #PickleballCoaching #SeniorPickleball #ArizonaPickleball #SelkirkSport #PickleballPlayers #PickleballJourney 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.

    Playing Pickleball on Saddam Hussein’s Helicopter Pad

  4. Jul 23

    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.

    Pirates, Pickleball and Podcasting

  5. 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.

    Hit and Giggle! Pickleball’s Ken Pecarski

  6. 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.

    One of Canada’s Top Pickleball Coaches- Cameron Taylor

  7. 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.

    He Terrified Me!

  8. 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.

    He’s only 16!
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kitchen Conversations
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kitchen Conversations Podcast
  • Show Website
    Kitchen Conversations Podcast