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. 4D AGO

    What Should Beginners Focus on in Pickleball

    AC and Kevin break down the biggest conversations happening around professional pickleball, including recent tournament takeaways, player performances, and how the pro game continues evolving at the highest level. The guys discuss strategy trends, confidence swings, and what separates players who are consistently rising from those struggling to maintain momentum on tour. The conversation also expands into paddle technology, player development, and the broader direction of professional pickleball moving forward. Along the way, AC and Kevin mix in personal updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and their thoughts on what fans should be watching closely as the next stretch of the season approaches. 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 AC’s upcoming MLP schedule and summer travel 4:30 APP signings and Omar Wazir discussion 6:45 What beginners should focus on first 10:40 Counters, blocking, and fast hands 18:47 Midwest Sports 20:05 Footwork, court positioning, and efficient movement 27:30 AC and Kevin preview their Portland Challenger partnership 30:15 Doubles strategy: drives, crashes, and limiting errors 34:10 Kitchen movement, Ernes, ATPs, and match patterns 37:20 Outro and upcoming travel plans Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min

  2. MAY 12

    It's Tama Time!

    AC and Kevin break down one of the biggest breakout performances in recent pickleball, diving deep into Tama Shimabukuro’s rise and why his game has suddenly become one of the most talked-about stories on tour. The guys analyze what makes Tama so effective, including his movement, hands, court awareness, and ability to transition his tennis background into high-level pickleball success. They also discuss Tour Finals storylines, standout results, and what these performances could mean moving forward. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts toward the global growth of pickleball as Kevin previews his upcoming trip to the Philippines with Friday Pickleball. The guys explore how paddle brands may expand internationally, what the pickleball scene looks like overseas, and why Asia could become one of the sport’s biggest growth opportunities in the coming years. AC also shares updates on his knee recovery, training progress, and preparation heading into the next stretch of MLP and tournament play. 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 3:25 - PPA documentary reaction and AC’s “Partners” snub 8:15 - Tama Shimabukuro’s breakout run 11:05 - Tama’s game style, hands, footwork, and pickleball IQ 15:50 - Midwest Sports 17:20 - Utah, Connor Garnett, and Tour Finals storylines 21:35 - Tour Finals format, results, and TV implications 23:20 - Kevin’s Philippines trip with Friday Pickleball 26:20 - Friday’s Asia strategy and global paddle growth 30:20 - Travel logistics, clinics, and overseas pickleball plans 34:05 - Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  3. MAY 4

    How and When Will Paddle Brands Break Into Asia + KD Honeymoon + PPA Recaps

    AC and Kevin catch up after Kevin’s honeymoon in China, diving into his experience exploring the country and getting a firsthand look at the growing pickleball scene overseas. From playing at local clubs to seeing which paddle brands are actually being used, they discuss how the sport is developing in Asia and what it might take for American brands to break into that market. Later, the conversation shifts back to the tour as AC reflects on a frustrating stretch of results following his return from injury. He breaks down what’s been holding him back, where his game currently stands, and why he’s optimistic heading into the next phase of the season. The guys also touch on upcoming events, future travel plans, and what’s ahead both on and off the court. Watch this latest episode on the Cracked Paddles YouTube channel. 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 catching up 3:30 Kevin’s honeymoon 12:40 Pickleball scene in China and playing overseas 19:30 Paddle brands in Asia and US expansion discussion 27:10 Midwest Sports sponsor 28:30 AC’s recent results 41:00 Training plan, MLP prep, and upcoming tournaments 49:00 “Partners” documentary and media discussion 55:30 Closing 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.

    41 min

  4. APR 14

    Is Asia Taking Over Pickleball?

    AC and Kevin dive into the PPA’s Asia swing, breaking down what the events looked like on the ground and how players experienced the transition to international competition. They discuss travel demands, scheduling challenges, and how conditions impacted play, while also evaluating the overall level of competition and which performances stood out throughout the trip. Beyond the matches themselves, the conversation shifts to what this international push means for the future of professional pickleball. The guys explore how global expansion could shape the tour, influence player decisions, and impact the long-term growth of the sport. They wrap by looking ahead to what’s next on the calendar and whether this marks a turning point for the PPA moving forward. Watch this latest episode on the Cracked Paddles YouTube channel. 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 opening thoughts 4:50 Midwest sports 10:30 Overview of the PPA Asia events 18:40 Player experience, travel challenges, and event conditions 27:20 Level of play, competition differences, and standout performances 36:10 What the Asia swing means for the future of the PPA Tour 44:30 Broader tour implications: scheduling, growth, and player decisions 50:40 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.

    45 min

  5. APR 2

    The Paddle Quest is Over + PPA/APP Recaps

    AC and Kevin break down the latest PPA tournament, diving into the biggest results, standout performances, and the matches that shaped the weekend. They discuss which players are trending in the right direction, who surprised them most, and how the event fits into the broader landscape of the pro pickleball season. Beyond the results, the conversation expands into larger tour storylines, including evolving strategies, player development, and what these performances could mean for upcoming events. The guys close by looking ahead to what’s next on the calendar and the key narratives they’ll be following moving forward. Watch this latest episode on the Cracked Paddles YouTube channel. 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 opening thoughts 5:30 Midwest sports 12:10 PPA event overview and main storylines 23:45 Standout players and key match results 35:20 Strategy discussion and emerging trends 46:10 What it means going forward and upcoming events 52:40 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min

  6. MAR 31

    Top 5 Paddles of 2026

    AC and Kevin break down their official Top 5 paddles of 2026, debating what actually matters when ranking the best gear in today’s game. They start from the ground up with value and consistency before moving into more advanced options, comparing feel, spin, and overall performance across a range of paddle types. From dependable control paddles to high-end power options, the conversation highlights how different styles fit different players and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. As the list unfolds, the guys dive deeper into the paddles defining the modern game — including hybrid builds that balance power and control, and what separates a good paddle from a truly elite one. They close by explaining why the Friday Aura stands out as their current #1, along with broader thoughts on how paddle technology and player preferences continue to evolve heading into the rest of the season. Watch this latest episode on the Cracked Paddles YouTube channel. 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. 0:10 — Intro / setup for the Top 5 Paddles of 2026 5:00 — #5: Spartus P1 7:12 — #4: Bread and Butter Loco 9:36 — #3: Selkirk Boomstick 12:24 — #2: Luzz Inferno + Gherkin Draco (tie) 16:45 —#1 ??? 22:47 — Upcoming Travel plans Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  7. MAR 21

    PPA Dallas Recap + Changing Strategies in Pickleball

    AC and Kevin break down the biggest takeaways from PPA Texas, diving into standout performances, surprising results, and what the tournament revealed about the current state of the pro game. They discuss which players are gaining momentum, how certain matchups played out, and what trends are starting to emerge as the season continues to take shape. Beyond the results, the conversation shifts toward the broader implications for the tour, including evolving play styles, strategic adjustments, and what these performances could mean for upcoming events. The guys close by looking ahead to what’s next on the calendar and which storylines they’ll be watching closely in the weeks to come. Watch this latest episode on the Cracked Paddles YouTube channel. 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 opening thoughts 5:12 Midwest sports and early banter 11:08 PPA Texas overview and biggest headlines 20:45 Standout player performances and key matches 31:30 Strategic trends and style discussions 42:10 What it means moving forward and upcoming events 49:25 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min

  8. MAR 18

    MLP Draft Reaction, Pro Pickleball Contract Talk, and Newport Beach Takeaways

    AC and Kevin are back with a loaded episode of Cracked Paddles, starting with AC’s Major League Pickleball draft experience and what the latest MLP format changes could mean for roster construction, singles specialists, and team strategy moving forward. They also mix in some early episode banter on wild weather, travel, and AC’s unexpected chance to hit with Tommy Paul before getting into the biggest pickleball stories of the week. Later, the conversation shifts into a deeper discussion about the latest tour signing wave, player contracts, prize money, and the long-term business outlook for pro pickleball. To close the show, AC breaks down his return to competition at Newport Beach, including where his knee recovery currently stands, what happened in singles, and why he and Chris Hayworth’s doubles strategy may have been close to working even if the results did not go their way. 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 4:30 AC reacts to getting drafted in MLP 22:04 Midwest Sports 23:36 Tour signings, contracts, and the pro pickleball business debate 36:58 Newport Beach recap 44:18 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    45 min
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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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