Life Lessons from Pickleball™

Shelley Maurer and Sher Emerick
  • 4.9 (11)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Meet Shelley and Sher, the dynamic duo, who found more than just a sport on the Pickleball court - they discovered how Pickleball was weaving its magic, creating connections, boosting confidence, and sprinkling their lives with amazing joy. Inspired by their own personal transformation and the contagious enthusiasm of their fellow players, they knew this was more than a game. Join them on their weekly podcast as they serve up engaging conversations with people from all walks of life, and all around the world reaching across the net to uncover the valuable Life Lessons from Pickleball™.

  1. 4D AGO

    E98: Susan Swern: Pickleball for Good and Operation PaddleLift

    Susan “Dinkerbell” Swern joins us for a powerful conversation about pickleball, purpose, and global impact. As founder of the Pickleball for Good Fund, Susan shares the mission to accelerate access to recreational pickleball in under-resourced communities through grantmaking, partnerships, and a global volunteer network. In this episode, she talks about Operation PaddleLift and her recent journey through East Africa, where she personally delivered paddles, balls, and portable nets to help spark new pickleball communities. She also shares a touching story about her 100-year-old father and why, for her, pickleball has become so much more than a game. It is a calling. https://pickleballforgood.org/ 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    39 min

  2. MAR 3

    E97: Coach Andy: Growing Pickleball for Girls in Uganda

    What if a simple paddle and ball could change the future of an entire community? In this powerful episode, we welcome Coach Andy from Uganda, founder of Pickleball Kids Uganda and Growing the Game for Girls Uganda. Using pickleball as a bridge, Andy is helping disadvantaged girls find safety, belonging, and new purpose through sport and vocational training. From early pregnancy and poverty to welding, tailoring, and renewed hope, these girls are learning that they are all winners. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that pickleball is more than a game. It is a tool for transformation. https://www.instagram.com/coachandypickleball?igsh=MTMwZmdicmw5c2xtZw== 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    27 min

  3. FEB 24

    E96: Kelsea Thompson: Building Pickleball Community at PickleCon

    Kelsea Thompson, Director of PickleCon, joins us to share how one of the largest pickleball festivals in the country is bringing players of all ages and levels together under one roof. From 40+ courts and glow-in-the-dark tournaments to adaptive play and national networking, PickleCon is more than an event, it is a celebration of community.  Kelsea also opens up about her personal recovery after a serious accident and how pickleball helped her rebuild strength and perspective. This conversation is about resilience, leadership, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.  🎧 Listen now and we will see you in Kansas City. http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    28 min

  4. FEB 17

    E95: Thomas Yelloweyes: From Rock Bottom to Night Train Pickleball

    Thomas Yelloweyes, founder of Night Train Pickleball, shares one of the most powerful transformation stories we’ve heard. After growing up in foster care and later living out of his car during a season of searching, Thomas found something unexpected on a pickleball court: community, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity. Today, as an IPTPA and PPR certified coach who has led more than 250 clinics nationwide, he helps players build games that don’t break by focusing on confidence, resilience, and strong foundations both on and off the court. In this moving conversation, Thomas reminds us of a simple but life-changing truth:  Life is not done with you. Listen now 💛🏓http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com Night Train Drilling Guide ebook: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/PcKAinvIZQjW8YRUQsHl 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    30 min

  5. FEB 10

    E94: Will Parton: Building Pickleball Community Through Hitch

    Will Parton shares how a major life move and starting over in a new country led him to discover the true power of the pickleball community. As a lifelong racquet sport athlete, Will found connection through pickleball and turned that experience into innovation by creating Hitch, an app designed to help players find partners, games, and meaningful community. In this episode, we talk about belonging, entrepreneurship, technology that enhances human connection, and how pickleball makes it easier to build friendships at any stage of life. If you have ever moved to a new place, walked up to open play not knowing anyone, or wished finding your pickleball people was easier, this conversation is for you. 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    27 min

  6. FEB 3

    E93: Encore! Mani Barajas-Alexander: The Pura Vida Pickleball Experience

    We are honored to share that Mani Barajas-Alexander is featured in our new book, Life Lessons from Pickleball™ and as this episode airs, Sher and Shelley are experiencing Pura Vida at Mani’s place in Costa Rica. In this special encore conversation, Mani shares how Pura Vida House became far more than a luxury villa. It is a thoughtfully designed pickleball experience that blends movement, connection, nature, and the Pura Vida lifestyle. From morning pickleball sessions and world-class instruction, to chef-prepared meals, beach sunsets, wildlife, and unforgettable adventures, Pura Vida House offers a week that nourishes both body and soul. This is not just a pickleball vacation. It is an experience rooted in relationships, community, and living life fully. If pickleball in paradise has ever crossed your mind, this episode is for you. 🌴🏓 https://www.thepuravidahouse.com/ 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    31 min

  7. JAN 27

    E92: Brian Montgomery: A Pickleball Transformation

    Brian Montgomery shares one of the most powerful transformation stories in the pickleball community. After reaching nearly 390 pounds and avoiding the doctor out of fear, Brian began with one simple goal: 5,000 steps a day. Step by step, he built momentum, changed his relationship with food, and ultimately lost more than 190 pounds, while also reversing Type 2 diabetes. In this episode, Brian opens up about the emotional moments that made the change real, including seeing how his kids experienced his transformation. He also shares how pickleball became the “sneaky exercise” that brought joy, accountability, and a whole new community into his life. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or waiting for “next Monday,” Brian’s story will inspire you to start today, one small decision at a time. ProDrive Pickleball (affiliate): https://prodrivepickleball.com/?ref=BRIANMONTGOMERY  PickleStrong: https://picklestrong.com/ https://www.instagram.com/briantmontgomery?igsh=ZXJib2w2MXA0ZmY5 TikTok: @brianmontgomery01 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    32 min

  8. JAN 20

    E91: Audrey Phillips: Pickleball, Travel, and Connection

    In this uplifting episode, Audrey Phillips, a psychotherapist of more than five decades, shares how she has built joyful community through pickleball, travel, and connection. Audrey reflects on how she fell in love with the game, why pickleball creates a rare sense of equality on the court, and what she has learned about staying vibrant and positive as we age. You’ll also hear the heart behind her legendary all-inclusive pickleball adventures that bring players of all ages and skill levels together in meaningful ways. If you love pickleball and the people it brings into your life, this one will make you smile. 📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball. A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world. Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Follow and watch: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316 https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/ https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPod Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Thanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

    29 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Meet Shelley and Sher, the dynamic duo, who found more than just a sport on the Pickleball court - they discovered how Pickleball was weaving its magic, creating connections, boosting confidence, and sprinkling their lives with amazing joy. Inspired by their own personal transformation and the contagious enthusiasm of their fellow players, they knew this was more than a game. Join them on their weekly podcast as they serve up engaging conversations with people from all walks of life, and all around the world reaching across the net to uncover the valuable Life Lessons from Pickleball™.

Information

  • Creator
    Shelley Maurer and Sher Emerick
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life Lessons from Pickleball™
  • Show Website
    Life Lessons from Pickleball™

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