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. 21H AGO

    E106: Lydia Hirt: Building Community, Style, and Opportunity Through Pickleball

    How can pickleball open the door to new friendships, a whole new career path, and a fresh way to bring style, community, and opportunity into everyday life? In this episode, we talk with Lydia Hirt, a New York-based pickleball community builder, marketer, and creative voice who has helped grow the sport in exciting and meaningful ways. Lydia shares how she first discovered pickleball during the pandemic in Florida, playing with her family as their small pod, and how that one experience sparked an obsession she carried back to New York City. At the time, pickleball in New York was still underground, with no official courts and very little infrastructure, but Lydia saw not just a fun new sport, but a real opportunity to help build community and grow the game.  Lydia talks about how her background in publishing and marketing eventually led her into major roles with CityPickle and Life Time Pickleball, and how pickleball completely changed the direction of her life and career. She also shares why she is so passionate about women in pickleball, supporting female founders, creators, and players, and helping make sure women are seen, celebrated, and valued in every corner of the sport. Along the way, she reflects on urban pickleball, grassroots community building, pickleball fashion, safety on the court, and the unique way pickleball creates connection between people of all ages and backgrounds.  This is a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation about pickleball, New York City pickleball, Lydia Hirt, women in pickleball, pickleball fashion, urban pickleball, community building, Life Time Pickleball, CityPickle, safety, friendship, marketing, and the life lessons that remind us not to judge a player by appearances, to stay open to new chapters, and to let pickleball surprise us in the very best ways. https://loveatfirstdink.substack.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

  2. APR 28

    E105: Suryaveer Singh Bhullar: Growing Pickleball Across India

    How does a filmmaker from Bollywood become one of the key leaders helping grow pickleball across India, and what happens when a sport built on joy, inclusivity, and community begins changing lives across an entire country? In this episode, we talk with Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, president of the Indian Pickleball Association, about his remarkable journey from player to national leader in one of the fastest-growing pickleball movements in the world. Suryaveer first discovered pickleball during COVID in 2021, when a friend invited him to the courts and he immediately fell in love with the game. What started as personal passion quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, he helps lead pickleball across 26 states in India, with more than 10,000 serious registered players and a vision to make pickleball one of the biggest sports in the country. Suryaveer shares how his background as a director, producer, and filmmaker in Bollywood has shaped the way he promotes the sport, builds excitement, and thinks about making pickleball more engaging for viewers as well as players. He also talks about the Indian Pickleball Association’s work to bring pickleball into school curriculum, launch national interschool championships, build high performance centers, certify coaches, and create real career opportunities through pickleball for players, coaches, and officials. Along the way, he reflects on the role of the Global Pickleball Federation, the dream of seeing pickleball in the Commonwealth Games and eventually the Olympics, and the powerful stories of young players whose lives are already being transformed by the game. This is an energizing and inspiring conversation about pickleball, India pickleball, Indian Pickleball Association, Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, Bollywood, youth sports, school pickleball, international pickleball, Global Pickleball Federation, inclusivity, community, leadership, and the life lessons that remind us it is never too late to start, that sport can open doors for anyone, and that pickleball has the power to bring people together across every age, background, and stage of life.  https://www.ipaofficial.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.

    27 min

  3. APR 21

    E104: Shari Murphree & Nikki Baker: A Pickleball Friendship That Saved a Life

    How can pickleball create the kind of community where someone steps forward to save a life, even when that person was once nearly a stranger? In this deeply moving episode, Nikki Baker and Shari Murphree share an extraordinary story of compassion, courage, and the life-changing power of the pickleball community. Nikki, a retired FedEx leader, certified level two IPTPA instructor, coach, and passionate ambassador for the game, first found pickleball during COVID and quickly fell in love with its competition, camaraderie, and joy. Shari, a retired healthcare executive, was just beginning to enjoy pickleball herself when serious liver disease forced her off the court and into the fight of her life.  As Shari’s condition worsened and the need for a liver transplant became urgent, mutual pickleball friends helped spread the word. Though Nikki and Shari were not close friends at the time, Nikki felt called to step in, get tested, and eventually become Shari’s living liver donor. Together, they share the emotional journey of waiting, testing, surgery, recovery, and the deep bond that formed through this unimaginable act of generosity. Their story is a beautiful reminder that pickleball is about far more than dinks, drives, and competition. It is about community, friendship, kindness, and showing up when someone needs you most.  This is an unforgettable conversation about pickleball, living liver donation, friendship, community, coaching, resilience, recovery, compassion, healthcare, retirement, purpose, and the life lessons that remind us we never know how powerfully our lives may intersect when we choose to care for one another.  📘 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

  4. APR 14

    E103: John Coray: Pickleball in Prison, Community and Second Chances

    What happens when pickleball enters a maximum-security prison? In this powerful episode, John Coray shares how a simple invitation led him to bring pickleball into a Maine State Prison and how the sport has become a tool for connection, dignity, joy, and personal growth. What began as a lesson for a small group of residents has grown into an ongoing program where incarcerated men learn strategy, discipline, sportsmanship, and community through the game. John also talks about his work teaching adaptive pickleball, his passion for creating fair tournament play for older athletes, and the life lessons he has learned through service, leadership, and competition. This is an inspiring conversation about pickleball, prison reform, second chances, adaptive sports, senior athletes, community, and the power of sport to change lives on both sides of the net. Midcoast Maine Pickleball: Home 📘 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.

    34 min

  5. APR 7

    E102: Zacharie: Building Pickleball in Rwanda

    What if pickleball could change an entire community and even a country? In this inspiring episode, we welcome Zacharie, a pioneer of pickleball in Rwanda who is transforming lives through the power of sport. What began as a chance discovery during COVID quickly became a mission that led Zacharie to build one of the first pickleball courts in Rwanda and grow the game from just a handful of players to a thriving movement. Zacharie shares how pickleball is helping reduce alcohol consumption, empower women, support mental health, and bring communities together across Rwanda and East Africa. His vision is bold. He wants to see 500 courts across the country, and his impact is already being felt in schools, families, and everyday life. This episode is a powerful reminder that pickleball is more than a game. It is a tool for connection, healing, and transformation. https://pickleballrwanda.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.

    20 min

  6. MAR 31

    E101: Alice Tym: Stop Complaining, Start Playing Pickleball

    What if the only reason you played sports was because it was fun? Alice Tym’s story is a masterclass in courage, action, and joy. From starting a women’s tennis team at the University of Florida when none existed, to competing on the international tennis circuit and reaching a world ranking of 13, Alice has spent a lifetime creating opportunities where there were none. A Hall of Fame collegiate coach and founding member of U.S. Senior Pickleball, Alice continues to compete and win at the highest levels of senior pickleball today. Her philosophy is simple and powerful. Stop complaining and do something. Whether she is building programs, fighting for opportunities for women and seniors in sport, or traveling the world through competition, Alice proves that age is not a limit. It is an opportunity. This episode is about taking action, staying curious, and finding joy in every stage of life. 📘 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

  7. MAR 24

    E100: Mark Palm: Saving Lives and Finding Strength Through Pickleball

    What if pickleball became the one thing that carried you through cancer and then helped you change lives around the world? Mark Palm, founder of Samaritan Aviation, shares his incredible journey from mission pilot to USA Pickleball National Champion. After a cancer diagnosis, pickleball became his lifeline physically, mentally, and emotionally. Today, Mark is not only saving lives in remote villages in Papua New Guinea through life-saving flights, but also introducing pickleball to kids playing on a helicopter pad. His son, pro pickleball player, Drake Palmer, is also making his mark on the game. This episode is about resilience, purpose, faith, and the powerful ways pickleball connects us all. https://samaritanaviation.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.

    38 min

  8. MAR 17

    E99: Randy Fuller: Building a Pickleball Community at Rally Pickleball Club

    How does a lifelong racquet sports player turn a local need into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most exciting new indoor pickleball communities? In this episode, Randy Fuller, founding partner of Rally Pickleball Club in Auburn, Washington, shares how pickleball first came into his life, why the sport hooked him so quickly, and how four local entrepreneurs came together to create a vibrant indoor space for players of all ages and skill levels. Randy talks about his background in tennis, teaching, business ownership, and what inspired the vision for Rally Pickleball Club as a true community-based pickleball destination.  He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at building the facility, from transforming a historic industrial building into 14 indoor cushioned courts to adding amenities like cabanas, a pro shop, physical therapy services, tournaments, intro classes, and flexible event space. Along the way, Randy reflects on family, entrepreneurship, community, and why pickleball continues to be such a welcoming, lifelong sport for everyone.  This is a fun and inspiring conversation about indoor pickleball, Rally Pickleball Club, Auburn Washington, pickleball community, entrepreneurship, family, racquet sports, active living, and the life lessons that come from building a place where people can connect, compete, and belong.  https://rallypickleballclub.net/ 📘 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
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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
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life Lessons from Pickleball™
  • Show Website
    Life Lessons from Pickleball™

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