PicklePod

This episode includes a recap of the PPA Las Vegas tournament, highlighting Ben Johns' singles resurgence and an interview with Anna Bright discussing her Vietnam solo trip, the controversial 11-0 11-0 challenge, and her partnership dynamics with Annalise Waters. The hosts analyze other standout performances like Kurokuna Moto's singles run and Nico Acevedo's versatility before proposing dream partnerships in a "Matchmaker" segment. They wrap up with a "Guess My DUPR" challenge, a discussion on pickleball's unique gender pay equity, and predictions for the upcoming Ben Johns/Jack Sock pairing in Chicago.

This episode includes a recap of Zane Navratil's gold medal win in mixed doubles at the PPA Barcelona event, detailing the tournament's old-school format without referees and the unique European schedule. It features an interview with rising pro Nico Acevedo discussing his breakout performance at the Mesa Cup, where he and partner Yuta Funamizu reached the men's doubles finals after saving match points and defeating top seeds Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud. The hosts also cover the upcoming MLP Nations Cup format, debate potential partnership strategies for Acevedo, and analyze his signature one-legged backhand flick technique.

This episode includes a detailed breakdown of the PPA Mesa tournament, highlighting Nico Acevedo's breakout performance in men's doubles, the controversial new WPR ranking system granting double-byes to doubles specialists in singles draws, and the shift to two-out-of-three finals and nighttime scheduling. The hosts discuss the MLP commissioner transition and the need for a hire with major sports broadcast experience, while also sharing personal updates on a semi-pro league debut, a Selkirk Combine attempt resulting in a hamstring injury, and ongoing testosterone therapy tracking.

Welcome to PicklePod. Today's episode is We Texted Ben Johns for Episode 200.

This episode includes a recap of the recent PPA tournament in North Carolina, covering the extreme heat, Zane’s fever and eye infection, and standout matches such as Federico’s run and Chris Hayworth’s upset. The hosts debate indoor versus outdoor pickleball, discuss the new World Pickleball Ranking system and its impact on seeding, and touch on nighttime play, AI challenges, side‑switching rules, and upcoming giveaways.

This episode includes a detailed conversation with a recent MLP champion, who reflects on her team's hard-fought victory and the pivotal role of specific player contributions and team cohesion. She discusses managing competitive rivalries and external noise, while also sharing her intense drive for continuous self-improvement and future strategic adjustments in her game. The discussion concludes with a tease about an exciting upcoming collaboration.

This episode includes a detailed recap of the MLP finals, highlighting the New Jersey Fives' victory and the intense rivalry with the St. Louis Shock, along with behind-the-scenes anecdotes from attending the event. The hosts discuss player performances, controversial moments, the impact of fan energy, and debate the legacy of top players within Major League Pickleball.

This episode includes an in-depth interview with professional pickleball player Grayson Golden, who shares his inspiring story of recovering from two strokes earlier this year and his recent gold medal win in Shenzhen. Hosts also provide a comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming MLP playoffs, offering predictions and analyzing championship odds for the competing teams. They also briefly discuss pickleball serve mechanics and power.

This episode includes an in-depth recap of the MLP playoffs, highlighting intense "DreamBreaker" matches and the strategic struggles of "single specialists" across several teams. Discussions cover dramatic comebacks, individual player performances like Ben Johns' surprising 17-point losing streak, and debates over team lineups and player rankings. The hosts analyze key matchups, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the competition.

This episode includes a deep dive into a player's controversial on-court yell during an MLP playoff match, alongside analysis of recent playoff results and ongoing pickleball rivalries. The hosts also lighten the mood with a fast food draft before featuring an inspiring interview about a community pickleball court project honoring a late son.

This episode includes a comprehensive recap of the MLP Orlando event, highlighting thrilling matches like LC Hender shot's clutch dreambreaker and intense mixed doubles showdowns. Discussions delve into strategic team decisions, the role of player-GMs, trade complexities, player availability, and the ongoing debate about building for the future versus buying championships in Major League Pickleball.

This episode includes a deep dive into Major League Pickleball events, discussing team performances, major player trades, and the ongoing playoff race, alongside a guest interview about their trade experience. Other topics include an adaptive pickleball exhibition, a review of a pickleball-themed movie, and lighthearted drafts of Disney characters and sports films.

This episode includes a deep dive into Major League Pickleball, analyzing the Dallas Flash's recent performance, questioning Ben Johns' commitment to the LA Mad Drops, and debating the Rookie of the Year contenders and future stars. Discussions also cover Annaly Waters' influence in sports, her fashion choices, and the possibility of her succeeding in professional tennis or padel, alongside a spirited debate on appropriate pickleball attire. Finally, the hosts share personal anecdotes about social media blocking and explore the concept of pickleball burnout among amateur players.

This episode includes a deep dive into recent Major League Pickleball action, analyzing team performances, player rankings, and the impact of potential trades. It also features an interview with the winner of a unique one-point challenge and covers significant pickleball industry news, including a major brand acquisition and discussions on the sport's future growth and comparison to Padel.

This episode includes a recap of a recent international pickleball tournament in Tokyo and a discussion on various "Team USA" initiatives for a potential World Cup. The hosts also dive into Major League Pickleball, covering recent trades, predictions for the Beer City Open, and a lighthearted draft of the sport's "silent assassins." Furthermore, they examine player contracts expiring and the implications for tour dynamics, alongside some fun prop bets.

This episode includes a deep dive into professional pickleball player Analy Waters' past as a soccer prodigy, with her former coach asserting she was a generational talent capable of reaching the U.S. Women's National Team. The discussion explores whether her intense competitiveness and exceptional athleticism could still enable a comeback to professional soccer, despite years away from the sport. It highlights her "freak athlete" mentality that drives her dominance in any pursuit.

This episode includes a detailed recap of the recent Major League Pickleball event, highlighting top team performances, major upsets, and controversial player trades. Discussions also cover the league's rules regarding injured reserve and the debate around teenage players, alongside a serious incident involving a falling scoreboard and broader news from the professional tours.

This episode includes a detailed recap of the recent St. Petersburg event, analyzing team performances, facility quality, and a controversial foot fault incident. Guest Kate Fahey discusses her MVP performance, unique offensive and defensive strategies, the pressure of being on a "super team," and the importance of mental health in pickleball. The hosts also delve into the MLP drama surrounding a player substitution and draft an MLP team based on who would accumulate the most penalty cards.

This episode includes a deep dive into significant Major League Pickleball trades, notably a star player's move from Columbus to Dallas, and the resulting shifts in team power rankings and ongoing trade speculation. It also features discussions on controversial on-court incidents, the etiquette of body shots, and potential structural changes to address competitive balance within the league. Player interviews offer insider perspectives on these developments and the evolving dynamics of professional pickleball.