Pickleball & Partnership: Relationship Advice for Couples Navigating Communication, Conflict, and Connection

Charlotte Jukes

Welcome to Pickleball & Partnership, the weekly podcast where longtime married couple, Charlotte and Neil take you on their journey of love, laughter, and personal growth—both on and off the pickleball court. After 27+ years of marriage, they’ve found a fresh way to connect and challenge each other through this fast-growing sport, bringing a whole new level of teamwork to their relationship. Each week, tune in to hear Charlotte and Neil share candid stories of their triumphs, frustrations, and everything in between. From hilarious mishaps on the court to humbling moments of self-discovery, these episodes offer a relatable, heartwarming, and sometimes downright funny look at how pickleball has helped them improve their communication, sharpen their teamwork, and grow a deeper appreciation for each other’s unique strengths. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast, in a long-term relationship, or just looking for light-hearted and inspiring stories about partnership, this podcast serves up real talk about love, life, and the game that’s brought them closer than ever. Grab your paddle, hit subscribe, and join Charlotte and Neil each week for a fresh serve of insight, laughter, and life lessons. 

  1. FEB 3

    Stop Dabbling: The Power of Consistent Commitment

    Send us a text In this milestone episode of 'Pickleball and Partnership,' Charlotte reflects on a year-long commitment to recording a podcast every week. Despite doubts, fears, and challenges, the journey reveals the power of consistent effort and how it can transform one's identity.  The episode delves into the universal principle that true change comes from going all in on one thing and explores how this commitment has not only grown the podcast but also improved relationships, business, and self-confidence.  Tune in to discover key takeaways on building consistency, handling criticism, and the importance of sustained action over sporadic effort. 00:00 The Promise: A Year of Commitment 01:33 Welcome to Pickleball and Partnership 02:25 Facing the Fear of Starting 06:30 The Power of Consistency 08:04 Overcoming Challenges and Doubts 10:02 The Transformation Through Commitment 13:43 The Science Behind Commitment 15:33 Choosing Your One Thing 18:39 The Magic of Consistency 21:55 Reflecting on the Journey 26:32 Key Takeaways Pickleball & Partnership Facebook Page Please jump on over and say "Hi" - we would love to hear from you... email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukes https://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795 Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-Pickleball Music: Purple Planet Music Thanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

    29 min
  2. Why You Can't Rest: Overcoming the Invisible Load and Nervous System Dysregulation

    JAN 27

    Why You Can't Rest: Overcoming the Invisible Load and Nervous System Dysregulation

    Send us a text Happy Happy 1st Birthday Pickleball & Partnership 🥳 🎉 In this episode of Pickleball in Partnership, host Charlotte Jukes delves into the often overlooked Invisible Load that many carry, which makes true rest feel unattainable. She explains how our nervous systems are conditioned to remain in a state of hypervigilance, which impacts our ability to truly relax. Charlotte shares personal anecdotes, the science behind nervous system states, and practical steps to signal to your body that it's safe to rest.  She also celebrates a year of the podcast and encourages listeners to prioritise self-care and rest for sustainable well-being. Follow along for actionable advice on how to rewire your nervous system for true relaxation. 00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Rest 00:57 The Invisible Load: Why Rest Feels Impossible 04:42 Understanding Your Nervous System 05:48 Personal Story: Hypervigilance and Its Impact 07:22 The Importance of Resetting: Lessons from Pickleball 11:52 Practical Steps to Teach Your Body to Rest 18:10 The Necessity of Rest: Final Thoughts 20:11 Conclusion: Embracing Rest and Moving Forward Pickleball & Partnership Facebook Page Please jump on over and say "Hi" - we would love to hear from you... email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukes https://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795 Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-Pickleball Music: Purple Planet Music Thanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

    22 min
  3. JAN 21

    Ditch the Approval Game: Love Yourself Like a Pro

    Send us a text In this episode of Pickleball and Partnership, host Charlotte Jukes unpacks a common stumbling block: the desperate need for approval from others.  Charlotte explores the evolutionary basis of approval seeking, its modern-day pitfalls, and offers actionable insights on shifting focus from external validation to self-compassion.  Through practical examples and insightful anecdotes, listeners will learn how to genuinely appreciate others, practice self-compassion, and ultimately find freedom in liking themselves.  Key takeaways include understanding the neuroscience of approval seeking, the benefits of appreciating others, and concrete steps to develop a healthier relationship with oneself. 00:00 Introduction: The Approval Paradox 01:46 The Lie: We Need Others to Like Us 07:36 The Alternative: Liking Others to Feel Good 15:01 The Deeper Truth: Liking Yourself to Be Free 25:54 Practical Steps to Self-Compassion 28:17 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Pickleball & Partnership Facebook Page Please jump on over and say "Hi" - we would love to hear from you... email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukes https://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795 Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-Pickleball Music: Purple Planet Music Thanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

    31 min
  4. JAN 6

    Break Free from the Chains of Resolutions: Become Who You're Meant to Be

    Send us a text In this episode, we explore the concept of identity-based change and how it trumps traditional resolutions that often set us up for failure. Starting with the excitement of a new day, we delve into why resolutions frequently fail and how focusing on who we want to become rather than what we want to achieve can lead to sustainable transformation.  Using powerful examples and metaphors like pickleball training, Charlotte Jukes emphasises the importance of small, consistent actions in rewiring our nervous system for lasting change.  Key takeaways include understanding that slip-ups are not failures but information, focusing on repetition over perfection, and setting intentions based on identity.  Whether you're feeling the weight of broken promises or just need a fresh approach, this episode offers actionable insights to help you become more of who you truly are. 00:00 A Fresh Start: Embracing New Beginnings 01:05 Understanding the Weight of Resolutions 02:24 The Broken System: Why Effort Isn't Enough 03:21 Introducing Identity-Based Change 05:25 The Power of Identity Over Resolutions 08:59 Practical Steps for Lasting Change 18:41 Visualization and Setting Intentions 24:27 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts Pickleball & Partnership Facebook Page Please jump on over and say "Hi" - we would love to hear from you... email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukes https://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795 Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-Pickleball Music: Purple Planet Music Thanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

    26 min
  5. 12/19/2025

    "Finding Peace: Grounding Meditation for Holiday Stress Relief"

    Send us a text In this special episode of Pickleball and Partnership, host Charlotte Jukes offers a guided meditation to help listeners manage the unique mix of joy and stress that comes with the holiday season.  Charlotte acknowledges the challenges of family dynamics, travel, and global events, providing listeners with a grounding meditation practice to support nervous system regulation.  Anchoring the session are five practical tips for maintaining calm and balance, making this episode a timely resource for anyone feeling overwhelmed. Tune in for a soothing experience that teaches how small moments of self-kindness and presence can make a big difference. 00:00 Introduction to a Special Episode 00:08 Setting the Scene: Embracing the Season 01:00 Guided Meditation: Finding Your Centre 03:30 Body Awareness and Relaxation Techniques 06:47 Emotional Acceptance and Regulation 11:09 Practical Tips for Nervous System Support 12:42 Closing Thoughts and Connection Watch more 8-minute meditations here... https://www.youtube.com/@ConnectionCoachingCommunity Pickleball & Partnership Facebook Page Please jump on over and say "Hi" - we would love to hear from you... email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukes https://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795 Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-Pickleball Music: Purple Planet Music Thanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

    14 min
  6. 12/02/2025

    Your Inner Critic Is a Terrible Roommate: How to Evict the Voice That's Keeping You Small

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Pickleball and Partnership,' Charlotte Jukes delves into the pervasive issue of the Inner Critic— that negative voice in your head that undermines your efforts and self-worth.  Charlotte explains the evolutionary origins of this voice and its role as the brain's misguided threat detection system. She provides actionable techniques to change your relationship with this inner critic, including naming and externalising it, changing its voice, thanking and redirecting it, and asking critical questions to assess its validity.  Through practical examples from pickleball and everyday life, Charlotte illustrates how mastering this inner critic can lead to significant personal growth and a more fulfilling life. Whether you're on the court or facing new challenges, this episode offers invaluable strategies for turning down the volume on self-doubt and making room for growth and new experiences. 00:00 Introduction: Understanding the Inner Critic 00:32 Welcome to Pickleball and Partnership 01:51 The Inner Critic Explained 03:37 Inner Critic on the Pickleball Court 06:22 Negativity Bias and Evolution 10:42 Recognizing the Inner Critic's Voice 16:44 Techniques to Disarm the Inner Critic 26:11 Summary and Key Takeaways 28:45 Conclusion and Next Steps Pickleball & Partnership Facebook Page Please jump on over and say "Hi" - we would love to hear from you... email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukes https://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795 Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-Pickleball Music: Purple Planet Music Thanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

    29 min
  7. 11/04/2025

    Emotions Don't Disappear: How Your Body Carries What You Don't Feel

    Send us a text In this episode of Pickleball and Partnership, we delve into the significance of truly feeling your emotions rather than suppressing them. Using personal anecdotes, Charlotte explores how unprocessed emotions linger in our bodies and impact our behaviour on the pickleball court and in life.  Key topics include the 90-second rule for emotional waves, the body’s role as a messenger, and the importance of loosening both physical and emotional grips.  Learn how to turn discomfort into growth and align yourself more authentically with your true feelings. Join Charlotte for an insightful journey towards emotional fitness and freedom. 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Emotions 00:29 Welcome to Pickleball and Partnership 01:29 Understanding Emotional Suppression 01:56 Personal Stories of Suppressed Emotions 07:44 The Impact of Unfelt Emotions 08:04 Emotions on the Pickleball Court 13:16 Healing Through Emotional Awareness 14:00 The 90-Second Rule 16:18 Practical Exercise: Emotional Fitness 21:58 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts Pickleball & Partnership Facebook Page Please jump on over and say "Hi" - we would love to hear from you... email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukes https://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795 Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-Pickleball Music: Purple Planet Music Thanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.

    25 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to Pickleball & Partnership, the weekly podcast where longtime married couple, Charlotte and Neil take you on their journey of love, laughter, and personal growth—both on and off the pickleball court. After 27+ years of marriage, they’ve found a fresh way to connect and challenge each other through this fast-growing sport, bringing a whole new level of teamwork to their relationship. Each week, tune in to hear Charlotte and Neil share candid stories of their triumphs, frustrations, and everything in between. From hilarious mishaps on the court to humbling moments of self-discovery, these episodes offer a relatable, heartwarming, and sometimes downright funny look at how pickleball has helped them improve their communication, sharpen their teamwork, and grow a deeper appreciation for each other’s unique strengths. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast, in a long-term relationship, or just looking for light-hearted and inspiring stories about partnership, this podcast serves up real talk about love, life, and the game that’s brought them closer than ever. Grab your paddle, hit subscribe, and join Charlotte and Neil each week for a fresh serve of insight, laughter, and life lessons.