This is Pickleball

Rick Witsken & Fabian Rodriguez
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

Join host and Senior Pro Rick Witsken as he sits down with the sport's biggest names to uncover their stories. With a unique perspective from his own career and deep connections to the pro tours, Rick facilitates a fun and inspiring deep dive into their personal "why"—how they found the sport, the sacrifices they've made, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, you'll get pro tips, stay up to date on all the latest tour news, and leave every episode with a fresh perspective on the game we all love. From the court to the clubhouse, we're telling the stories that make pickleball great. This is more than a game—This Is Pickleball.

  1. Road to 4.0: We're Officially Going to the World Championships!

    1d ago

    Road to 4.0: We're Officially Going to the World Championships!

    WE ARE DALLAS BOUND! ✈️🤠 Fabian won GOLD and officially punched his ticket to the PPA World Championships! In this episode, we are taking you inside the emotional roller coaster of our recent tournament run at the Greatest Spectacle Qualifier. Fabian kicks things off with a raw, completely honest recap of his first-ever singles bracket—where a brutal 0-5 run provided a massive reality check (and a hilarious way to spin a loss by "lowering his opponents' DUPR scores"). But the real magic happens in the 3.5 doubles division. We take you play-by-play through his journey, detailing how he shook off an early pool-play loss, executed a clutch mid-match strategy shift using tactical stacking, and rode an aggressive driving strategy all the way to a Gold Medal! 🥇 Rick breaks down the exact science behind the triumph, using our real-match adjustments to teach a masterclass in tournament survival. We dive deep into why losing the same way twice is the biggest mistake amateur players make, and drop elite coaching nuggets on footwork, mechanics, and court positioning. We also cover the massive NPL rebrand to CSP (Champions Series Pickleball) and share how you can get your squad into the upcoming summer session of the Indiana Pickleball League! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Indy 500 Pageantry & Mindset 03:00 - How to Handle Outdoor Rain Delays 05:30 - NPL Rebrands to CSP (Champions Series Pickleball) 06:40 - Fabian's 0-5 Singles Reality Check 09:00 - Rick's "No Man's Land" Transition Masterclass 14:40 - 3 Reasons You SHOULD Play Singles 16:00 - The Stacking & Driving Strategy That Won Fabian Doubles GOLD! 21:00 - Changing Your Tactic: Don't Lose the Same Way Twice 24:50 - Pickleball Footwork: Banish the Crisscross Step 28:10 - Should Amateurs Drop Back Off the Kitchen Line? 31:00 - Fixing the Service Yips & Mixing Up Your Serves 33:00 - Indiana Pickleball League Summer Session Registration 35:40 - The "One-Thing" Rule to Explode Your Skill

    41 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Sara Al Madani: Stop Falling for “Potential” (Look for THIS Instead So You Don’t Waste Months on the Wrong Person) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty In this deeply honest conversation, Jay sits down with Sara Al Madani where she opens up about surviving toxic relationships, rebuilding her identity, and learning that love should never require abandoning yourself. Through pain, healing, and radical self-awareness, Sara shares how inner work became the foundation for every part of her life, from relationships to faith to self-love. Jay and Sara explore why we often confuse chemistry for compatibility, why we repeat familiar relationship patterns, and how healing starts the moment we stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for our choices. This episode is a reminder that love isn’t about chasing validation or fixing people, it’s about knowing yourself deeply enough to stop settling for less.  In this episode you'll learn: How to Stop Settling for Less How to Heal Before Dating Again How to Tell The Difference Between Want and Need  How to Break Toxic Relationship Patterns How to Choose Compatibility Over Chemistry How to Rebuild Self-Worth After Heartbreak How to Become the Love You Seek The moment you stop chasing validation, stop settling for breadcrumbs, and start choosing your peace, your life begins to change in ways you never imagined. Grab a copy of Sara’s book, Dear Narcissist: F*ck You, a bold, direct, and unfiltered guide to understanding narcissists in real life, just visit https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Narcissist-Spotting-Escaping-Narcissistic/dp/B0F54NB6LP  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:07 The One Question to Ask Before Dating 04:15 Are You Looking for Love or Filling a Void? 05:57 What Are Your Dating Non-Negotiables? 08:56 Chemistry Is Not the Same as Compatibility 12:01 What Does Inner Work Actually Look Like? 15:41 The First Step Toward Healing 19:25 How to Raise Your Relationship Standards 22:33 Don’t Ignore These Dating Deal-Breakers! 27:37 Knowing When It’s Time to Leave 31:32 The Cost of Staying in a Toxic Relationship 34:42 Finding the Courage to Walk Away 39:10 Healing Through Your Relationship with God 42:49 What to Do When Someone Suddenly Ghosts You 45:58 Stop Falling in Love with Potential 47:00 You Can’t Force Someone to Change 49:51 Stop Waiting for Someone to Become Better 53:05 Don’t Abandon Self-Love For a Relationship 57:58 Manifestation Starts with Surrender 58:54 Is There Truth to These Popular Love Clichés? 01:00:52 Forgiveness Is Essential For Healing 01:03:13 How to Rewire and Train Your Mind 01:05:28 Sara on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://saraalmadani.com/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/iamsaraalmadani/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/saraalmadani/  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@saraalmadani  X | https://x.com/sara_almadani See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. How to Find the Perfect Pickleball Partner

    May 15

    How to Find the Perfect Pickleball Partner

    What actually makes a "good" partner? It isn't just a DUPR rating. In this episode, Rick Witsken and Fabian Rodriguez break down the intricate dance of pickleball partnerships. Rick shares his "Big Rick" philosophy on taking the middle, the importance of high EQ during timeouts, and why phrasing your suggestions as "we" instead of "you" can be the difference between a gold medal and a blowout. We also recap a wild weekend in the PPA, featuring the "Tama Time" phenomenon—a 15-year-old surfer from Hawaii who just put the pro circuit on notice. Rick shares a major personal announcement about his return to the Indy Drivers, and Fabian gears up for his "Revenge Tour 2026." From deep-dive strategy on singles serving to the upcoming Summer Series at Third Shot Pickleball, this episode is packed with the insights you need to level up your game. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Subscribe 00:59 Upcoming Events Rundown 01:27 Interclub Combine Details 03:17 Indoor vs Outdoor Debate 04:41 Third Shot Summer Series 08:21 Citywide and Fall Events 10:19 Fabian Tournament Updates 12:44 Rick Returns to CSP 14:59 CSP Format and Expansion 18:03 PPA Finals Recap 24:18 Mixed Doubles Recap 25:06 Tama Time Breakout 27:16 New Blood Rising 28:45 Partnerships Docuseries 30:20 Finding The Right Fit 32:58 Partner EQ And Trust 35:31 Strategy With New Partners 37:41 Communication On Court 41:22 Mixed Dynamics And Timeouts 43:15 How To Find Partners 46:23 Mixed Vs Gender Doubles 48:06 Singles Tournament Tips 51:34 Closing Shoutouts

    53 min
  4. The DUPR Reset: Why Your Rating is Tanking & How to Fix It

    May 6

    The DUPR Reset: Why Your Rating is Tanking & How to Fix It

    In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hoy, a certified DUPR assessment coach at 3rd Shot Pickleball. Fabian opens up about his "Road to 4.0" which recently hit a massive speed bump—an 0-4 tournament finish that led to a literal identity crisis (and a fresh haircut). Rick provides a masterclass on player accountability, explaining why focusing on the process rather than the result is the only way to escape the "quicksand" of a downward spiral. We then dive deep into the controversial world of DUPR ratings. Steve Hoy breaks down the "Reliability Score," why your rating might tank even after a win, and the myths surrounding playing lower-rated opponents. Plus, we explore "Moneyball" tactics in the Indiana Pickleball League and get a high-level coaching tip on how to deaden the ball against "bangers." Whether you're obsessed with your rating or just want to win your local league, this episode is packed with the data and discipline you need. Key Takeaways: Self-Correction via Video: You aren't playing how you think you are. Watching your raw footage is the only way to bridge the gap between perception and reality. The DUPR Reliability Factor: A low reliability score makes your rating volatile. If you haven't played in a while, one bad match can cause a massive "tank" in your numbers. The "No Swing" Reset: To handle high-velocity speed-ups, keep the paddle closed, don't swing, and use a grip pressure of about 3 out of 10 to deaden the ball into the kitchen. Process over Result: Obsessing over your DUPR identifies "who you are" too much. Focus on performance metrics (consistency, resets, balance) and the rating will follow. League Strategy: Utilizing data and "Moneyball" analytics on opponents is becoming the new standard for winning competitive team pickleball. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:37 Meet Steve Hoy 01:51 Fabian Tournament Reality Check 03:41 Process Over Results 05:43 Redemption and Mindset 07:31 Indiana Pickleball League Talk 10:21 Community and Sportsmanship 11:57 Moneyball Captain Strategy 14:28 DUPR Certification Setup 16:02 What DUPR Is 17:58 DUPR Myths and Reliability 20:36 When Ratings Tank 22:25 Ratings as a Gatekeeper 22:56 Rating Gates Frustration 23:40 Why Clubs Enforce DUPR 26:05 Mindset Over Ratings 29:34 Coach Assessments Limits 32:16 Algorithm Shifts Brackets 35:51 When To Move Up 38:45 Tip Of The Week 42:18 League Combine Details 44:37 Sponsors And Wrap Up

    46 min
  5. Nico The Lefty: How to Make $10k/Month in Pickleball (Without Going Pro)

    Apr 24

    Nico The Lefty: How to Make $10k/Month in Pickleball (Without Going Pro)

    Nico The Lefty is everywhere. In less than a year, he went from a corporate strategy role at Intuit to becoming one of the most recognizable (and polarizing) voices in the sport as the co-host of the Picklepod. But how did it happen so fast? In this episode, Fabian Rodriguez sits down with Nico to peel back the curtain on the "Nico The Lefty" persona. They dive deep into the business of being a creator, including the exact breakdown of how Nico hit a $10,000 month through affiliate marketing and authentic brand partnerships. Nico also addresses the "Industry Plant" rumors, his ongoing "beef" with Jimmy Miller, and why he thinks the first year of playing pickleball is actually the most fun you'll ever have. In this episode, we discuss: The 100-Day Sprint: The "all-in" strategy Nico used to quit his job and build a brand. The Creator Economy: Why views are a vanity metric and where the real money is made. Hot Takes: Dealing with trolls, the Lea Jansen "Rec Play" controversy, and the strategy behind the Nasty Nelson. The "Statue" Meta: Why Nico refuses to bend his knees and how he uses fast hands to bait his opponents. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Nico the Lefty 01:35 Industry Plant Origins 03:19 From Utah to Pickleball 06:16 Valencia Bros Era 08:50 Hot Takes to Pickle Pod 12:38 Pickle Pod 2.0 Vision 16:44 Beyond Going Pro 18:51 Finding Your Niche 23:18 Going All In on Content 27:45 100 Days No Misses 29:48 First 10K Month Breakdown 31:09 Affiliate Paddles and RPM 33:46 Authentic Affiliate Picks 35:44 UGC and Brand Outreach 37:59 Views vs Real Revenue 40:53 Viral Fears and Community 41:54 Handling Trolls and Hate 50:54 Leah Jansen Rec Debate 54:58 Viral Hits and Nasty Nelson 57:52 Dirty Soda and Home Club 01:00:33 Why I Dont Bend Knees

    1h 3m
  6. JOOLA Sues 11 Brands, MLP Merger & The 4.0 Mindset

    Apr 15

    JOOLA Sues 11 Brands, MLP Merger & The 4.0 Mindset

    Welcome back to the studio! Rick and Fabian dive headfirst into the massive legal bombshell rocking the pickleball world: JOOLA has filed patent infringement lawsuits against 11 major brands. We break down the "Propulsion Core" controversy and discuss whether this is a move to protect innovation or an attempt to "buy the industry." From the merger of the NPL into the Championship Series Pickleball (CSP) to the new partnership with the MLP, the landscape of professional pickleball is shifting beneath our feet. On the court, Rick shares a masterclass in mindset, explaining why "Entitlement Aggression" is the #1 reason amateur players stall in their development. Learn how to "change gears" from offense to defense and get the final word on when stacking is a strategic win versus a confusing mess. Finally, we address the viral controversy surrounding Lea Jansen's comments on amateur celebrations—is showing intensity "Bush League," or is the community the heart of the game? Timestamps:  00:00 Intro 00:49  Pickleball Headlines 02:02 Indiana Pickleball League Launch 02:45 Format Clubs and Season 06:52 Growth Midwest Expansion Plans 07:44 NPL Rebrand Meets MLP 10:03 Chicago Dallas Event Details 11:14 RPM Paddle Ambassador Vlog 12:05 Road to 4 0 Tournaments 14:47 Mindset Smart Aggression 16:35 Stop the Soft Dinks 17:12 Offense to Neutral Mindset 17:59 Tournament Vlog Tease 18:34 Joola Patent Lawsuit 20:10 Innovation vs Copycats 24:12 Same Gear Tournament Idea 25:04 When to Stack 28:47 Lea Jansen's hot take Debate 32:59 Wrap Up and Promos

    34 min
  7. Friday Pickleball: Why We Said NO to Selkirk

    Mar 20

    Friday Pickleball: Why We Said NO to Selkirk

    What happens when you combine three guys from Kansas City making "dumb videos" with three Yale grads crushing e-commerce? You get Friday Pickleball, the fastest-growing (and funniest) brand in the game. We sat down with Isaac and Scott from Friday Pickleball to go behind the scenes of their meteoric rise. The guys get transparent about the initial legal friction and tense first impressions that almost prevented their partnership from ever happening to the shocking decision to turn down a massive sponsorship deal from Selkirk, and talk about what it takes to bet on yourself in the "wild west" of the pickleball industry. We also dive deep into the gear war—discussing the development of the Aura Pro, why they're signing top pros like Rachel Rohrabacher and Kyle Koszuta, and the hilarious story of the "Dom Eggering" tournament scandal. Whether you're a gear nerd looking for the truth about paddle tech or a fan of the comedy skits that put these guys on the map, this episode is a masterclass in authenticity and entrepreneurship. 4. Key Takeaways The Power of Branding: Friday Pickleball started with goofy designs (bananas/falcons) to fill the "fun gap" in a market saturated with dry, instructional content. The Selkirk Pivot: The guys turned down substantial guaranteed money from Selkirk to maintain ownership and build a unique brand from the ground up. Legitimizing the Gear: Signing Rachel Rohrabacher and seeing the Aura Pro on Championship Sunday proved that "budget" paddles ($100 range) can compete at the highest professional level. Content is King: Their background in social media allows them to market paddles through entertainment rather than just "dry" reviews. The "Dom Eggring" Scandal: A hilarious and true story of a high-level player entering a tournament in a full wig and sunglasses disguise to bypass DUPR requirements. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:37 – The Origin Story: How Isaac, Scott, and Jake met in Kansas City. 02:47 – The "Falcon" Paddle: Humble beginnings and the Amazon gear era. 04:12 – Identifying the Gap: Why Pickleball needed "Fun" content. 05:32 – Jake's Secret Weapon: The background in viral content creation. 07:37 – Turning Down Selkirk: The "Spicy" trademark DM and the big decision. 12:25 – Betting on Bananas: Joining forces with Yale e-commerce experts. 15:58 – The Power of Collaboration: Turning competitors into partners. 19:53 – Evolution of the Gear: From goofy designs to the Aura Pro. 21:30 – Testing 120 Prototypes: The science behind the Friday paddle. 27:11 – Signing Rachel Rohrabacher: Legitimatizing the brand on tour. 31:36 – The $100 Paddle on Championship Sunday: Crowds taking notice. 33:10 – The Kyle Koszuta (Pickleball Playbook) Connection. 34:55 – Signature Shots: Backhand flicks and mid-court speedups. 35:54 – The "Lost" Tape: The UFC fighter with zero hand-eye coordination. 38:11 – The "Dom Eggring" Scandal: The pro who played in a wig and sunglasses. 41:11 – Round Robin Nightmares: Playing Dylan Frazier as a 3.5. 43:30 – Closing: Where to find the Aura Pro (before it sells out!).

    45 min
  8. The ULTIMATE Tournament Prep Guide (How to Win Before You Even Step on Court)

    Mar 11

    The ULTIMATE Tournament Prep Guide (How to Win Before You Even Step on Court)

    In this episode, we dive deep into the most controversial news in the sport: the DUPR Reset. Is it a necessary validation tool for the "boots on the ground" players, or is it just a $35 money grab? Rick shares a personal horror story of how winning a gold medal actually caused his rating to tank and why he refuses to play another tournament without paddle testing. The guys also lay out the ultimate blueprint for tournament success. From 48-hour hydration windows and the "Bazooka" paddle setup to the psychological art of calling a timeout right as your opponent winds up to serve. Whether you are a 3.5 player looking to jump to 4.0 or a seasoned veteran, Rick's 48 years of competitive pickleball experience will give you the edge you need to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay winning. Key Takeaways The DUPR Reset: Starting March 16th, players can pay $35 to reset their rating by playing 8 games with 2 different partners. Hydration is a 48-hour Process: Don't wait until the morning of the tournament to drink water; start two days prior to avoid cramping. Drive the Thirds when Nervous: The drop is a "touch" shot; if your nerves are high early in a match, use a drive to settle in. Timeout Tactics: Use timeouts not just for score runs, but for mental resets—especially if your partner just got "tattooed" (hit) by a speed-up. The Lob Return: Amateurs should use high, slow lob returns to ensure they have enough time to get to the kitchen line safely.   ADD US ON INSTAGRAM: / thisispickleballpodcast Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:21 DUPR Reset Debate 05:51 Ratings And Paddle Testing 09:40 Spring Invitational Preview 10:32 Choosing Your Division 13:03 Pre Tournament Prep 16:12 Bracket Anxiety And Sleep 20:39 Arrive Early Warm Up 22:10 Partner Practice Reps 24:47 What To Pack And Wear 27:26 Lead Tape Setup 28:23 Backup Paddle Essentials 28:50 Carbon Face Cleaning 29:31 Hydration Against Cramps 30:34 Edge Guard Style 32:51 Extra Shirts Strategy 33:33 Base Camp Planning 35:27 Rapid Fire Decisions 38:18 Third Shot Under Nerves 40:30 Timeouts And Momentum 44:08 Bounce Back Mindset 48:01 Handling Long Delays 52:39 Vary Serves Returns 53:49 Wrap Up And Thanks

    55 min
See All (19)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join host and Senior Pro Rick Witsken as he sits down with the sport's biggest names to uncover their stories. With a unique perspective from his own career and deep connections to the pro tours, Rick facilitates a fun and inspiring deep dive into their personal "why"—how they found the sport, the sacrifices they've made, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, you'll get pro tips, stay up to date on all the latest tour news, and leave every episode with a fresh perspective on the game we all love. From the court to the clubhouse, we're telling the stories that make pickleball great. This is more than a game—This Is Pickleball.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Witsken & Fabian Rodriguez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Culture Collaborative Media 2025
  • Show Website
    This is Pickleball

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