PicklePod

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Pickleball's #1 Podcast with Top Pro Zane Navratil and Pickleball Creator, Nico The Lefty. Some would say it’s a “Picklers” dream podcast with the duo’s loud and unfiltered insights commentating on the good, the bad, and even the ugly sides of the sport as Pickleball undeniably rockets towards mainstream adoption. Weekly rotating topics, guests, tournament recaps, Pickleball pop-culture, player strategies, and more. No comment or topic can breach the PicklePod Non-Valley Zone, everything is in play. It’s on the PicklePod or it didn’t happen. Thomas Shields is the Founder Of “The Dink Pickleball” Media company and Zane Navratil is atop ranked pickleball pro who has won championships on the PPA Tour, APP Tour, and Major League Pickleball. RSSVERIFY

  1. 16 HR AGO

    The First Triple Pickle in Pro History + Steve Kuhn on Pickleball's INSANE Growth in Asia

    PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ What happens when pickleball chaos meets global expansion? 🌎 This week on the PicklePod, we’re joined by Steve Kuhn for a deep dive into what might be the future of pickleball—and it’s happening in Asia. We cover everything from: - The INSANE wind conditions at the PPA Texas Open 🌪️ - The first-ever triple pickle in pro history (yes… 11-0, 0-11, 11-0 🤯) - Whether pickleball should go fully indoor like basketball - The explosive growth of pickleball in the Philippines, Vietnam, and beyond Steve Kuhn’s new Pickleball Champions League (PCL) and why it could change everything A wild new concept: predicting sports like a game (SportsPredict) Plus, Nico announces his Lefty Reset Challenge—a 60-day transformation to prove pickleball players are athletes 💪 This episode is equal parts chaos, insight, and big-picture thinking for where the sport is headed next. 👇 Drop a comment: Should pro pickleball be played indoors or outdoors?. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:21 Extreme winds at the Texas Open 5:12 Should pickleball be an indoor sport? 12:00 The first ever singles triple pickle 18:33 Mean comments from Reddit + Nico’s weight loss challenge Steve Kuhn 25:52 Steve Kuhn returns to the PicklePod 26:40 Steve’s new project - Pickleball Champions League 32:34 Growth statistics in Asian pickleball 37:26 PCL borrowing from Futbol roots 45:53 Introducing Sports Predict 50:45 I want to emulate Chess.com 57:29 Obsessed with making the best predictions 1:00:05 Sports Predict entering pro pickleball 1:03:11 Consulting for Ramsports 1:04:23 400 million players by 2032 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m

  2. 4 MAR

    Emergency Pod: The TRUTH Behind Quang Duong's APP “Signing”

    Emergency pod activated. 🚨 We just got off the phone with Duc — father, manager, and mastermind behind Quang Duong (QD) — to break down the shocking APP announcement and what it really means. Is this another tour war? Did QD actually “sign” with the Association of Pickleball Players (APP)? Is the door closed with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)? And what actually happened behind the scenes at the Masters? Duc didn’t hold back. He explains: - Why QD’s APP deal is non-exclusive - What really broke negotiations with the PPA - Why Asia is the future of pickleball (and why tours are scrambling) - The “disrespect” that changed everything - Whether QD could still play PPA events this year There’s talk of sponsors pulling out, Asia-based investors stepping in, government pressure, and a candid breakdown of how tours operate differently in the U.S. vs. Asia. If you’ve been confused by the graphics, the “signed” language, and the sudden wave of APP announcements — this episode clears it all up. Strap in. This one got real. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com -Follow us on IG https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min

  3. 3 MAR

    James Ignatowich Was TERMINATED and Now Sells 10,000 Paddles a Month

    PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ The MLP draft just BROKE the internet… and we’re unpacking all of it. From Anna Bright going for over $1 million to the Dallas Flash meltdown, this Major League Pickleball offseason might be more entertaining than the actual matches. We break down the bidding wars, the strategy behind youth vs. win-now rosters, whether Jack Sock is still a “fool me three times” situation, and why MLP might desperately need a salary cap (and floor). Then things get unhinged. James Ignatowich returns to the pod to talk about: - His UPA contract termination - Building RPM from scratch - Selling 10,000 paddles in a month - Why he’s moving to China - Getting blocked by the PPA - Whether he’s ever playing pro again - And yes… the Johnson siblings rumors We also dive into: - The new post-match cheating fines system - Why more transparency could grow the game - Whether one superstar pro is worth the ROI for a paddle brand - And the wild reality of manufacturing in China - This one is chaotic, honest, and surprisingly insightful. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:36 Anna Bright draws $1.23 million bid 6:24 The Flash miss out on Jorja Johnson and new salary cap ideas 11:40 More surprises from the MLP Draft 16:49 Trade targets and sharing auction prices 20:21 Zane optimistic on cheating penalties James Ignatowich 25:55 James Ignatowich joins the show 27:43 RPM spawned out of dopamine detox 34:24 Building a cult following 38:39 Banned on social media 42:36 Why James was terminated 45:01 James sells Zane on moving to China 47:00 Questions from the audience 56:35 The “Jade” paddle story 58:53 John Kew’s decision to donate 3:04 Drafting paddles that impacted pickleball history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 21m

  4. 28 FEB

    The Most Expensive Draft Pick in League History

    Nico the Lefty reacts to the massive moves in the 2026 Major League Pickleball Draft. Anna Bright goes for $1.23 Million, Jorja Johnson says bye-bye to big bro and joins Gary Vee and Anna Leigh Waters in Clown Town. Plus the MLP youth movement is in full effect. More Teams are taking chances on teenage players both international and domestic. There’s a completely new way to optimize your health. Give Blue Cannatine a try at https://troscriptions.com/DINK or enter BETTER at checkout for 10% off your first order. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/#Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' free e-newsletter at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com  / thedinkpickleball   -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group:   / thedi.  . -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 min

  5. 17 FEB

    Paddle of the Year Award, Star Players DROPPED, The APP's Master Plan

    PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ The PicklePod is back on The Dink Pickleball YouTube channel with one of our most wide-ranging episodes yet. This week we cover: MLP Trade Deadline Fallout Ana Bright. Georgia Johnson. Jack Sock. Major names dropped ahead of the deadline. We break down which teams won, which teams fumbled the bag, and whether Major League Pickleball just reshaped the power structure for 2026. Pickleball and the Olympics Are we overhyping the Olympic dream? Would 2032 in Australia change everything for the sport — or is the pro tour already the real prize? We debate what Olympic inclusion would actually mean for player development and global growth. Does Pickleball Need an All-Star Weekend? If the NBA can reinvent its format, why can’t we? From Ernie contests to reset challenges and paddle toss competitions, we design what a true pickleball skills showcase could look like. Grayson Goldin Update We react to the news of Grayson’s stroke, discuss player health coverage in pro pickleball, and send our support as he works toward a full recovery. The Dink Awards Finale We wrap up the 2025 Dink Awards with: - Best Facilities across the country - Best International Tournament - Paddle Reviewer of the Year - Paddle of the Year And yes, things get a little spicy during the paddle reviewer segment. We also sit down with APP Chief Marketing Officer Tom Webb for a direct conversation about the future of the APP, the evolving pro landscape, and where the sport is headed long term. Drop your thoughts in the comments: What would you include in a pickleball All-Star competition? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with the doubles partner who still doesn’t understand pro pickleball. 120/Life is a once-a-day functional drink made with ingredients that help support healthy blood pressure. Listeners get 20% off their entire order with code DINK at https://www.120life.com/ Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 3:12 The Palm Beach Royals won the trade deadline 5:18 Anna Bright and Jorja Johnson dropped from MLP team 14:59 Do the Olympics matter? 19:41 Pickleball is like curling for the summer games 22:52 All-Star Game and skills competition for pickleball 29:03 Thoughts and prayers to Grayson Goldin 32:44 The 120Life Dink Awards conclusion 41:24 Paddle Reviewer and Paddle of the Year 48:59 Tom Webb joins the PicklePod 50:15 Sofia Sewing under the Will Howells contract 56:42 Do you need a big name to attract the audience? 1:00:44 What will the APP look like in 2030? 1:04:10 Who will be the winner in 10 years? 1:11:00 Rapid-fire questions from the listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 21m

  6. 27 JAN

    Pickleball Chaos in Minnesota: Chubby Singles, Paddle Toss Drama, and Questionable Timeouts

    PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ Chaos in Minnesota, a brand-new singles court experiment, a potential “pickleball competitor” sport, and one of the wildest medical timeout moments we’ve seen on tour… this episode has it all. Zane and Nico break down everything that went down at the PPA Minnesota Challenger, including huge upsets, the rise of 14-year-old phenom Cam Chaffin, and why the new narrowed singles court could fundamentally change the way singles pickleball is played. They also debate whether shrinking the court is the right solution, what the PPA is really trying to accomplish with singles, and if we’re headed toward a future with fewer (or no) triple crowns. Plus, the guys react to the viral medical timeout involving Andre and Gabe, discuss the unwritten rules of being a good pickleball partner, unpack the buzz around the new sport “Tipti,” and hit Guess My Duper, Pickleball Court, and more. If you like hot takes, rule debates, and behind-the-scenes pro tour stories, you’re in the right place. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments — should pickleball shrink the singles court? Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions is designed to support the mental and physical flow state that pickleball players chase: focused, responsive, smooth, and adaptable — without jitters, crashes, or chaos. Try it today at https://troscriptions.com/dink Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 4:02 The next ‘chubby’ singles court 10:35 A different ball for singles 16:10 Typti is gaining momentum 21:15 Everybody was sick in Minnesota 23:47 Pickleball Court - Abusing the medical timeout 28:04 Unwritten rules for good partners 33:19 Using Pickleball Survivor theory to weed out the cheaters 40:22 14yo Camden Chaffin’s breakout weekend 46:06 Alshon & Black win and break up 57:04 Arnold’s paddle throw lands in the crowd 1:05:54 Blind ranking iconic crashouts 1:09:30 Mean comments and Guess My DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 16m

  7. 21 JAN

    The Crowd Turned on Us at the Masters w/ Blaine Hovenier

    PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ This week on The PicklePod, we’re joined by pro pickleball player Blaine Hovenier for a wide-ranging episode packed with tour stories, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes chaos from the Masters. Zane and Nico break down everything that went down at the Masters—from heated on-court moments and crowd chirping, to new paddle deals shaking up the pro scene. Blaine shares stories from competing at the highest level, what it’s like adjusting to new partnerships, and why high-variance pickleball might be the only way to challenge the top teams. The crew also dives deep into Major League Pickleball’s new format, including substitutions, expanded playoffs, and whether singles specialists are about to change the Dreambreaker forever. Plus, Nico relives the painful moment he realized he missed an email that could’ve made him an MLP GM. Other topics include: - New paddle deals and which switches actually mattered - Whether Ben Johns wins another singles gold - Jack Sock’s ceiling in pro pickleball - Anna Leigh Waters’ dominance (and who could possibly stop her) - The lob serve debate 🔥 - Minnesota weather, rental car danger, and elite sideline vibes It’s part pickleball analysis, part story time, and fully unfiltered. Like, subscribe, and welcome to PicklePod 2.0. Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Nico’s weather report 5:13 MLP’s new rule rollout 10:59 Tournaments are back in MLP 17:23 Blaine inks deal with Six Zero 19:35 New paddles debuted at Masters 21:41 Early round action for team Blaine/Zane 26:46 The high percentage strategy against Ben 33:24 Jack Sock almost broke Nico 38:18 ALW’s 40 triple crown 42:55 Is the lob serve here to stay? 46:10 Pros vs the weather in Minnesota 58:38 Pickleball court bodybag edition 1:08:29 The comments section is lit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m

  8. 14 JAN

    2026 Pickleball Over-Unders: Is Ben Johns washed? Is the APP Cooked? And more

    PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ On this episode of The PicklePod, we break down the biggest story in the sport right now: Anna Leigh Waters signing with Nike—why it’s bigger than any paddle deal, what it means for the PPA, and how it could completely reshape pickleball’s place in pop culture. Is she officially the face of the sport? And who’s actually happier about the deal than Anna Leigh herself? Plus, Nico returns for episode two and wastes zero time making enemies. We dive into bold 2026 over/under predictions, including: - Will Ben Johns ever win another singles gold? - How many matches will Anna Leigh actually lose this year? - Are contract terminations finally slowing down? - Can Jack Sock (or any former tennis star) win a PPA title? We also react to YouTube and Twitter comments roasting the show, debate pickleball media beefs, preview the Masters, blind-rank the best tournaments in the world, and somehow end up talking about fist fights, venison sticks, and why pickleball Twitter might be the worst place on the internet. As always, it’s pickleball analysis you won’t hear anywhere else—equal parts hot takes, insider perspective, and chaos. 👇 Drop your takes in the comments 👍 Like & subscribe for weekly pickleball chaos Like, subscribe, and welcome to PicklePod 2.0. Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 3:12 Vote for Viral Moment of the Year 6:27 Anna Leigh Waters signs with Franklin/Nike 9:29 Nico faces his critics 16:43 Anna Bright mixed doubles partner count 21:14 Ben Johns' last singles gold 23:31 Termination count in 2026 29:11 Tennis players can’t close the gap 32:50 Will ALW lose at all this year 41:50 Gino the Righty claps back 44:35 Blind ranking battle 53:51 Rumors surrounding APP 1:00:29 Pickleball court case #2 1:09:44 Zane digs for kind comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 19m
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About

Pickleball's #1 Podcast with Top Pro Zane Navratil and Pickleball Creator, Nico The Lefty. Some would say it’s a “Picklers” dream podcast with the duo’s loud and unfiltered insights commentating on the good, the bad, and even the ugly sides of the sport as Pickleball undeniably rockets towards mainstream adoption. Weekly rotating topics, guests, tournament recaps, Pickleball pop-culture, player strategies, and more. No comment or topic can breach the PicklePod Non-Valley Zone, everything is in play. It’s on the PicklePod or it didn’t happen. Thomas Shields is the Founder Of “The Dink Pickleball” Media company and Zane Navratil is atop ranked pickleball pro who has won championships on the PPA Tour, APP Tour, and Major League Pickleball. RSSVERIFY

Information

  • Creator
    Unknown
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved. The Dink, LLC & The Props Network
  • Show Website
    PicklePod

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