PicklePod
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
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2026-08-11 17:20:00
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1:33:42
DOWNLOADED Zane Owns The Scream: "I Lost My Mind" 7 plays
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Zane screamed at Casey Diamond and the internet had thoughts. We're not letting it slide — Zane walks through exactly what happened in the Palm Beach playoff match, whether he regrets it, and where the line on screaming actually is (spoiler: he found it by crossing it). Then we read the meanest comments the internet had for him, rank pickleball's biggest beefs, debate the Memes of Pickleball controversy, break down every MLP playoff series and the seeding picks, and draft fast food items to build an MLP team. Stick around to the end. Cameron Boltes joins us to share the story of his son Solomon and the memorial pickleball courts being built in his honor in eastern North Carolina. It's the most important pickleball project in the country right now, donate or share if you can. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-08-04 17:30:00
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1:51:30
DOWNLOADED Zane: "This Is My Favorite Pickleball Moment Ever"
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Zane and Nico are joined by California Black Bears star Zoey Weil to break down the best MLP event of the season — MLP Orlando. They relive the Dream Breaker for the ages between the Chicago Slice and Black Bears, where 13-year-old Elsie Hendershot saved match point and clinched the win to end California's season and keep Chicago's playoff hopes alive. Plus: the debate over player-GMs setting lineups, whether the Black Bears mortgaged their future for a 12-seed run, MLP's salary cap/floor future, Zane's wedding controversy, an MVP and Rookie of the Year debate, Guess My DUPR, and a Disney movie draft. Nico and Zane will be back later this week with a full MLP Playoffs preview — subscribe so you don't miss it. 🏓 Enter to win the new Jellybean 2 paddle: 👕 Check out the new performance apparel line from Six Zero: 📩 Subscribe to our free newsletter for everything that matters in pickleball: #Pickleball #PickleballPodcast #mlp #ppa ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Follow us on IG : -Join the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:43 Setting the stage: Chicago Slice vs. Black Bears win-or-go-home 4:37 How Chicago scouted Zoey & Sahra Dennehy 7:58 Elsie Hendershot's mixed doubles heroics 9:59 Dream Breaker: saved match points and the finish 12:41 Wanting the ball at 22-22: what makes Elsie different 17:29 Should player-GMs be setting lineups? 24:28 Did the Black Bears mortgage their future for a 12-seed run? 28:29 The tennis-background generation & Black Bears' 2027 outlook 31:14 Salary cap/floor and "buying" a championship 41:38 Dylan Frazier's trade chaos & Zane's wedding controversy 52:31 New Jersey 5s' new-look lineup: Federico, Jorja & Will Howells 1:03:12 Shock vs. Fives: the mental edge heading into the final 1:09:19 Is the Fives' super-team a "bought" championship? 1:16:49 Best MLP event ever? Orlando vs. St. Pete vs. Central Park 1:24:14 Grandstand vs. Center Court sound bleed 1:28:06 Quick playoff bracket rundown 1:28:36 MVP debate: Danni-Elle Townsend, JW Johnson, Jackie Kawamoto, Kate Fahey 1:33:43 Rookie of the Year vs. Most Improved 1:38:21 Guess My DUPR 1:41:30 Disney movie draft 1:49:09 Wrap-up & what's next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-07-28 16:30:00
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1:33:04
DOWNLOADED Federico Staksrud Has One Job: Take Down the St. Louis Shock
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MLP Chicago is in the books and the playoff picture is getting brutal. Zane and Nico break down whether the Dallas Flash are actually contenders or just riding a soft schedule, argue about whether Dream Breaker power is overrated after JW Johnson's demolition of Chris Haworth, and recap Zane's week with the Chicago Slice — including Christian Alshon's first pitch at Wrigley Field and the blue card moment that swung a Dream Breaker. Then Federico Staksrud joins the pod fresh off his blockbuster trade from the Orlando Squeeze to the New Jersey 5s, breaking down how the deal actually went down, whether pickleball needs real free agency, and his (very confident) opinion on bucket hats. Plus: Nico's hybrid pickleball debut at PickleCon, the Texas vs. Kansas City BBQ debate, a brutally honest review of the Dink movie, and a full draft of the greatest sports movies of all time. 👕 Check out the new performance apparel line from Six Zero: 💊 Marek Health → | Code: THEDINK for 10% off 📩 Subscribe to our free newsletter for everything that matters in pickleball: #Pickleball #PickleballPodcast #mlp #ppa ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Follow us on IG : -Join the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball ------------------ 0:00 Intro 4:30 Dallas Flash: overhyped, GM of the Year, and is Brooklyn in trouble? 15:34 Zane's MLP Chicago recap: Wrigley Field, Alshon's first pitch, and the paddle-brand fantasy draft 25:04 Chicago Slice's playoff push and the blue card moment 38:07 Nico's hybrid pickleball debut at PickleCon 46:02 Reviewing The Dink movie — Zane and Nico do not agree Federico Staksrud 55:53 Fed joins the pod 1:05:06 Should we just have a 7-game series? 1:15:35 Heroes of villains game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-07-21 19:13:00
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1:07:12
DELETED Ben Johns Just Had the Worst Week of His MLP Career 32 plays
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Ben Johns scored FOUR points all weekend and Nico thinks he's already quit on the Mad Drops. Plus: Anna Leigh Waters' ESPYs purse gets roasted, the Dallas Flash prove everyone wrong, and a bucket hat starts a war. Zane & Nico break down the wildest weekend in MLP San Diego, trades that actually worked, rookies stealing Rookie of the Year, a mystery rec player who turns out to have two pros on his court, and the debate everyone in pickleball is having: how many hours is too many? 📩 Subscribe to our free newsletter for everything that matters in pickleball: #Pickleball #PickleballPodcast #mlp #ppa ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Follow us on IG : -Join the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:55 Dallas Flash Are Back: The Trade Everyone Hated Just Worked 10:20 Has Ben Johns Quit on the Mad Drops? (The Honeymoon Theory) 18:59 How Much Pickleball Is Too Much? (The 3-Hour Wall) 25:00 I Got Unblocked by Pickleball Twitter's Most Notorious Poster 35:13 The Anna Leigh Waters ESPYs Purse Roast 38:43 Ban the Bucket Hat? (Free the Bucket) 42:26 Rookie of the Year Is Closer Than You Think (Danni vs. Sofia) 50:11 Drafting the Best MLP Team of 2029 (Under 20 Only) 57:18 Could Anna Leigh Waters Go Pro in Tennis? (Hell No) 1:02:20 Guess My DUPR Backfires: We Rated a Pro Player Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-07-14 16:30:00
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1:33:53
DELETED Is the Pickleball Boom Actually Over? The Owners Respond 47 plays
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$20K, one point, zero room for error — Nathan joins the pod fresh off winning the first-ever Paddletek One Point Challenge with Zane as his partner. We break down how they actually pulled it off, plus the chainsaw serve that almost got them DQ'd in the final. Also this week: the Shock swept the 5s at Beer City Open, Zane's prop bet died in front of everyone, and there's a new S-tier. Federico Staksrud's about to be the most valuable trade chip in the league — we rank who should go get him. Kate Fahey vs. Jorja Johnson gets heated. And Zane's got a real answer for how to stop teams from hunting Anna Leigh Waters all game. Then the actual news: Paddletek just bought PIKKL and signed the whole Johnson family — JW, Jorja, and Julie — plus Hurricane Tyra Black. Ron and Joe Saslow explain why that deal happened, why paddle brands keep eating each other, and whether Padel is about to eat pickleball's lunch. Oh, and there's a cereal draft. 🗳️ Vote on our Cereal Draft in the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → 📩 Subscribe to our free newsletter for everything that matters in pickleball: 📚 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: #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 -Follow us on IG : -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:39 MLP Mid Season recap 6:48 Takeaways from the weekend 8:34 Three S-tier teams 10:52 Everyone needs Federico Staksrud 14:59 Salary cap and salary floor 20:29 Icing out Anna Leigh Waters Nathan Furness 26:34 The Paddletek 1-Point Challenge 35:50 Going toe-to-toe with Zane 43:10 Somebody hire Nathan 45:55 Cereal draft 54:10 Guess my DUPR Ron and Joe Saslow 59:25 Ron and Joe join the show 1:02:09 How do the Johnsons fit in? 1:04:42 The age of consolidation 1:12:15 Addressing the “doubters” 1:21:30 Bullish on pickleball 1:25:59 What’s more valuable: reviewers or pros? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-07-09 19:15:00
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1:24:53
DELETED Jack Sock + Danni Townsend NEEDS to Happen | Every MLP Trade We Want Before the MLP Deadline
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Zane is fresh off a trip to PPA Tokyo and lands straight in Grand Rapids for the Beer City Open / MLP Mid-Season Tournament — so he and Nico have a lot to cover. They break down the mysterious dueling "Team USA" pickleball announcements, preview Match Day prop bets for the Beer City Open, draft the most Silent Assassins in an MLP-style event, and dig into Jay Devilliers' surprise move to the APP Tour ahead of a wave of expiring PPA contracts. Plus: Zane's Tokyo recap (sumo wrestling included), MLP trade deadline predictions, and a new Guess My Duper. 🩺 With Marek, taking care of your health doesn't have to be a huge commitment. Head to and use code THEDINK for 10% off 🎟️ Enter for a chance to win the new Ultre Power 2 from 11SIX 24 🗳️ Vote on our Silent Assassin Draft in the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → 📚 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:47 Zane loves the World Cup 5:07 What's the deal with the new "Team USA" 10:57 Can an amateur team win at the Mid-Season Championship? 16:43 Prop bets from Match Day 27:56 Nico sets the odds for Mid-Season Championship 30:33 Zane uses the honor system in Tokyo 45:48 Jay Devilliers moving to the APP 53:25 Silent assassin MLP Draft 1:02:14 Possible big trade coming before the deadline 1:19:46 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-07-08 16:45:00
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48:26
DELETED How Good Was Anna Leigh Waters at Soccer, Really?
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Is the best pickleball player in the world sitting on a pro soccer career she never cashed in? Zane Navratil and Nico the Lefty sit down with Clem McAuley, Anna Leigh Waters' former club soccer coach, to find out just how real this "she could've gone pro" storyline actually is. Clem recalls his first training session with a 12-year-old Anna Leigh – a kid who, in his words, practiced like it was a World Cup final. He breaks down her jaw-dropping U15 stat line (46 goals, 31 assists in 38 games) and what it was like building a roster and schedule around one player. Then there's his claim that with six months of real training she'd have top women's soccer teams calling – and inside two years, a shot at the US Women's National Team (USWNT). Zane and Nico debate it themselves before Clem joins: is Anna Leigh Waters a Wilt Chamberlain-style talent dominating a shallower pool, or could her competitiveness and movement translate to any sport she picked up? We went even deeper on thedinkpickleball.com – more from Clem, and insight from AC Delray's Director of Coaching, Anna Leigh's mom Leigh, and former Duke soccer All-American Kaitlyn Kerr. The full story covers her call-up to the Danone Cup, a FIFA-endorsed international football event for youth, along with real interest from the NWSL's Orlando Pride, a recruiting push from UNC, and how soccer almost pulled her away from pickleball for good – plus a soccer stat breakdown and highlight clips. Find the full article here: 📚 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-07-01 00:59:00
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1:06:30
DELETED Did the Shock Just Guarantee a Title AND Blow Their Future? 4 plays
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Zane's calling in from a hostel kitchen in Tokyo and Nico's posted up at Gino the Righty's place in California, but somehow they still pulled off the wildest PicklePod yet. This week: the New Jersey Fives win their third straight MLP event and take over first place in the standings, the league's first-ever four-team trade reshuffles the Chicago Slice and St. Louis Shock, and the guys break down the Casey Diamond/Grayson Goldin injured reserve controversy that's got every GM in the league fired up. Oh, and we finally talk about the scoreboard that collapsed on Brooklyn's Rachel Rohrabacher mid-match — and why MLP's statement on it might have made things worse. 🟦 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 🗳️ Vote on our Continental Draft in the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → 📚 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 5:30 MLP NYC recap 9:33 Which team falls to the 5-seed? 11:46 Ranchers stating their case 18:14 The Mid-Season Tourney = Soccer’s FA Cup 20:51 The Hogs surprise upset 24:10 The first 4 team trade in MLP history 30:10 Nico the Insider gets almost gets it right 37:23 Should teenagers be allowed to be pros? 42:35 The Royals IR scheme + hated teams 45:41 Power ranking MLP most hated teams50:19 MLP Scoreboard falls on Rachel Rohrabacher57:22 Continental draft 1:03:17 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-06-23 16:30:00
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1:15:35
DELETED What Tiger & MJ Have in Common With Pickleball's Best
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Zane Navratil and Nico the Lefty break down MLP St. Petersburg — the stunning blown foot-fault call that saved Nico and Mari Humberg's mixed doubles match, the eleventh-hour Casey Diamond signing drama between the Palm Beach Royals and Columbus Sliders, and why "super teams" like the St. Louis Shock, LA Mad Drops, and Columbus Sliders keep struggling out of the gate. Then St. Louis Shock star Kate Fahey joins to talk her MVP weekend (top Player Impact Rating in the field), the art of playing "squishy" on defense, her breakdown of Sofia Sewing and Tina Pisnik's breakout run, and an honest conversation about on-court anxiety, working with a sports psychologist, and the line between competitive fire and burnout. Plus: Zane and Nico draft an all-time Blue Card team, and the crew tries to guess a duper's rating. 💊 Marek Health → | Code: THEDINK for 10% off 🗳️ Vote on our Blue Card Draft in the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → 📚 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:34 Glazing St Pete Athletics 7:24 The Chicago Slice are outperforming expectations 15:38 Blocking out the haters 19:20 Sports Predict is giving away $1 million Kate Fahey 24:33 Kate joins the show 24:56 Kate goes the extra mile for dogs 27:22 MVP of the weekend and weaponizing unpredictability 33:57 The definition of Squishy Pickleball 39:16 Palm Beach Royals bending the rules 49:11 Super Teams feeling the pressure 56:10 Embracing competitive spirit 1:04:02 The Blue Card Draft 1:11:56 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-06-16 16:30:00
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1:17:48
DELETED Did Jay Cross the Line? The Body Bag That Blew Up MLP
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This might be the biggest news week in MLP history. Zane and Nico break down the Hurricane Tyra Black ↔ Danni-Elle Townsend trade, debate whether the New Jersey 5s need to make a move of their own, and dig into salary floor/cap rumors that could reshape the league. Then Danni-Elle Townsend joins fresh off the trade to tell her side of the story, followed by Florida Smash's Zoey Weil for a no-holds-barred conversation on the Jay Devilliers/Lea Jansen blowup, the "body bag" debate, and her ongoing beef with Jim Closs. 🗳️ Vote on our Hunger Games Draft in the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → Be the first to try Zane's new course here: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:31 Will the 5s make a move before the trade deadline? 9:33 New post-trade power rankings Danni-Elle Townsend 16:15 Danni-Elle Townsend joins the show 19:23 The not-so-secret trade 23:49 Is there beef between Danni and Parris? 26:20 What was the trade process like? 31:12 Building the team around Danni Zoey Weil 34:17 Defending the Florida Smash 36:36 Zoey dishing it out on X 41:25 Reaction to the Danni Townsend trade 44:42 Jay vs Lea | Pablo vs Everybody 49:22 Body bag vs full bag 53:20 Full bags are going to increase 59:30 Zoey judges the draft results 1:02:11 The Hunger Games Draft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-06-09 16:30:00
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1:09:08
DELETED Targeting Ben Johns ON PURPOSE — And It's Working 4 plays
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Last week Zane called out Hayden Patriquin's Columbus performance. Hayden texted back one sentence — and then went 10-0 in St. Louis. We cover all of that, the Shock's total demolition of the Mad Drops, a deep dive on how to actually beat Ben Johns, and full MLP power rankings with a new segment: the James Ignatowich Terminated Team of the Week. 🪓 We also run a brand new age-based MLP draft (teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s — yes, all age groups must be represented), Nico recaps his wild weekend at the Bread & Butter Nerdy Tournament in Vero Beach (featuring Robert Slutzky playing right-handed and Doug dropping $420 checks), and we debate whether the pro pickleball world needs to stop glazing Ben Johns just for showing up. Plus: the dead spot problem is real, Nico's most awkward fan FaceTime, and another round of Guess My DUPR. 🗳️ Vote on our age draft in the Pro Pickleball Talk Discord → 📣 $500 Midwest Racket Sports Giveaway → (ends June 10th!) 💊 Marekk Health → | Code: THEDINK for 10% off 🩺 ZocDoc → Be the first to try Zane's new course here: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:08 Nico’s experience at the Nerdy Tourney 5:06 Winner of the Nerdy Tourney 9:42 Drafting players from every decade 21:49 Nico’s funny story + Zane’s chill weekend 25:12 The Shock right the skip in home event 28:55 Hayden’s response to criticism 38:03 Ben Johns is the dad of MLP 40:48 Power + Tier Rankings 49:44 Terminated team of the week + paying for a roster spot 52:50 Trading bad bounces for bigger venues 59:59 Listener comments 1:02:11 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-06-02 16:30:00
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58:48
DELETED Zane Had Game Point Against Anna Leigh Waters (Here's How)
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Zane's calling in from Match Point Pickleball in Columbus (winners of the Dink Award for best pickleball facility) after surviving a six-hour clinic, MLP, and accidentally yelling "Let's go 5s" for his old team. Classic. We break down everything from MLP Columbus — New Jersey Fives sweep their way to 25 standings points, St. Louis Shock falters, and Zane comes THIS close to beating Anna Leigh Waters in mixed doubles. Plus: Grayson Goldin's jaw-dropping Dreambreaker win just months after suffering two strokes, the Genie Bouchard situation explained, Anna Bright goes viral on X, and the moment you've been waiting for — the MLP Vibes-Only Draft. Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 4:36 Zane had game point against his former team 11:26 Are the Shock still No.1? 13:13 Sliders trying to mix Danni and Parris 15:57 NBA to MLP equivalents 19:55 Should the Sliders stack? 22:11 Zane blows the lob serve return 25:37 The Royals make their debut and Grayson Goldin’s emotional return 29:56 Drafting players on "Vibes" alone 37:00 Pro Pickleball discord and honorable mentions 40:12 Guess my DUPR goes off the rails 45:57 Pro players held to a different standard 50:23 Unearthing the comments section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-27 15:00:00
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1:07:48
DELETED This Is What Happens When You Doubt Ben Johns
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MLP is BACK — and Week 1 in Dallas did not disappoint. The Mad Drops took the whole thing, Ben Johns reminded everyone he is NOT to be slept on, and Danny Townsend made the entire pickleball world do a double-take. Nico and Zane break it all down. Also this week: The Philippines tournament chaos (double gold, two balls, no final), Bao Duong absolutely owns Nico in a text exchange, Owl AI line-calling under the microscope, and Guess My Duper is back. Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 1:25 Checking the comments section 6:39 Ball choice controversy in the Philippines 15:19 MLP Dallas recap 20:05 The Mad Drops took Dallas by storm 26:49 Columbus has a Dreambreaker problem 31:09 New look 5s struggle in Dallas 36:50 Nico's favorite team in 2026 40:27 Danni changed the women's doubles games 43:50 Zane missed birdwatch in Dallas 47:54 Not trusting AI line calls 50:42 Singles specialists are a real thing 55:04 Previewing MLP Columbus 1:03:11 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-22 04:00:00
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31:44
DELETED MLP Commissioner BREAKS DOWN Massive Changes 5 plays
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Major League Pickleball is back, and Commissioner Samin Odhwani joined PicklePod to explain all of the new changes heading into the season. We break down: - The new MLP tournament format - Super Sunday / Super Monday explained - Dreambreaker substitution strategy - MLP Asia plans - Why million-dollar player spending may not be sustainable - The biggest challenge facing MLP's future Samin also discusses where MLP is headed long term and what still needs to be fixed. Subscribe for more PicklePod episodes, pro interviews, and pickleball news. #pickleball #mlp #majorleaguepickleball #picklepod Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-20 02:29:00
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1:38:12
DELETED No Sleep. No Rules. Just Winning. w/ Gabe Tardio + Hayden Patriquin
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For this week’s PicklePod, we’re joined by two of the most exciting young stars in pickleball: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock. We dive into everything from Shock team culture and MLP pressure to why Gabe ignored traditional pickleball advice and built his own game from scratch. Hayden also opens up about his on-court personality, social media backlash, and finding the balance between playing with emotion and staying under control. We also get into: - The “Shock are chokers” debate - Why Hayden might have the highest ceiling in pickleball - What makes Ben Johns so difficult to beat - Signature shots and unique techniques - The future of pickleball strategy - Gambling stories, trash talk, and complete chaos This episode goes all over the place in the best way possible. One minute we’re breaking down elite strategy and the next we’re talking baccarat, sleep habits, and why nobody actually knows the “right” way to play pickleball. Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇 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 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:02 St Louis Shock culture 7:27 Dealing with lofty expectations 13:10 Gabe chooses baccarat over pickleball 17:52 Hayden’s baseball prowess and reaction time 21:50 Doubling down that Hayden is #1 25:26 What does it take to beat Ben & Gabe? 27:38 How Gabe partnered with Ben 32:58 Where Hayden found his swagger 39:59 Gabe stays calm under pressure 42:17 Gabe’s jump from Challenger back to Premier 51:57 The difference from left to right 56:27 Hayden’s flick is totally unique 57:71 Gabe convinces us to choke up 1:01:38 More on Hayden’s flick 1:05:38 Pros vs 5.0s ideas 1:13:04 Guess my DUPR 1:16:12 Skill vs athleticism 1:27:07 Zane’s Gamer Theory 1:29:02 Building your pickleball IQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-19 23:29:00
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1:38:12
DELETED No Sleep. No Rules. Just Winning. w/ Gabe Tardio + Hayden Patriquin
AI Insights
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For this week’s PicklePod, we’re joined by two of the most exciting young stars in pickleball: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock. We dive into everything from Shock team culture and MLP pressure to why Gabe ignored traditional pickleball advice and built his own game from scratch. Hayden also opens up about his on-court personality, social media backlash, and finding the balance between playing with emotion and staying under control. We also get into: - The “Shock are chokers” debate - Why Hayden might have the highest ceiling in pickleball - What makes Ben Johns so difficult to beat - Signature shots and unique techniques - The future of pickleball strategy - Gambling stories, trash talk, and complete chaos This episode goes all over the place in the best way possible. One minute we’re breaking down elite strategy and the next we’re talking baccarat, sleep habits, and why nobody actually knows the “right” way to play pickleball. Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇 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 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:02 St Louis Shock culture 7:27 Dealing with lofty expectations 13:10 Gabe chooses baccarat over pickleball 17:52 Hayden’s baseball prowess and reaction time 21:50 Doubling down that Hayden is #1 25:26 What does it take to beat Ben & Gabe? 27:38 How Gabe partnered with Ben 32:58 Where Hayden found his swagger 39:59 Gabe stays calm under pressure 42:17 Gabe’s jump from Challenger back to Premier 51:57 The difference from left to right 56:27 Hayden’s flick is totally unique 57:71 Gabe convinces us to choke up 1:01:38 More on Hayden’s flick 1:05:38 Pros vs 5.0s ideas 1:13:04 Guess my DUPR 1:16:12 Skill vs athleticism 1:27:07 Zane’s Gamer Theory 1:29:02 Building your pickleball IQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-19 20:26:00
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1:38:12
DELETED No Sleep. No Rules. Just Winning. w/ Gabe Tardio & Hayden Patriquin 5 plays
AI Insights
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For this week’s PicklePod, we’re joined by two of the most exciting young stars in pickleball: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio of the St. Louis Shock. We dive into everything from Shock team culture and MLP pressure to why Gabe ignored traditional pickleball advice and built his own game from scratch. Hayden also opens up about his on-court personality, social media backlash, and finding the balance between playing with emotion and staying under control. We also get into: - The “Shock are chokers” debate - Why Hayden might have the highest ceiling in pickleball - What makes Ben Johns so difficult to beat - Signature shots and unique techniques - The future of pickleball strategy - Gambling stories, trash talk, and complete chaos This episode goes all over the place in the best way possible. One minute we’re breaking down elite strategy and the next we’re talking baccarat, sleep habits, and why nobody actually knows the “right” way to play pickleball. Subscribe and let us know: Who has the highest ceiling in pickleball right now? 👇 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 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 2:02 St Louis Shock culture 7:27 Dealing with lofty expectations 13:10 Gabe chooses baccarat over pickleball 17:52 Hayden’s baseball prowess and reaction time 21:50 Doubling down that Hayden is #1 25:26 What does it take to beat Ben & Gabe? 27:38 How Gabe partnered with Ben 32:58 Where Hayden found his swagger 39:59 Gabe stays calm under pressure 42:17 Gabe’s jump from Challenger back to Premier 51:57 The difference from left to right 56:27 Hayden’s flick is totally unique 57:71 Gabe convinces us to choke up 1:01:38 More on Hayden’s flick 1:05:38 Pros vs 5.0s ideas 1:13:04 Guess my DUPR 1:16:12 Skill vs athleticism 1:27:07 Zane’s Gamer Theory 1:29:02 Building your pickleball IQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-14 21:23:00
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36:25
DELETED Emergency Pod: A Pickleball Brand Just Sold for MILLIONS 1 play
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Emergency pod time. Bread & Butter has officially been acquired by Selkirk, and the pickleball world immediately exploded with questions. So Zane and Nico brought Doug Sapusek on the podcast immediately to talk about the deal, the future of Bread & Butter, and whether the brand is about to change forever. Doug breaks down: - Why he said yes to Selkirk - Whether Bread & Butter will keep its identity - The future of Bread & Butter paddles and apparel - What Selkirk actually wanted from the acquisition - The realities of scaling a pickleball company - Why more acquisitions could be coming Plus: - Doug joins shirtless from a hot tub - Paddle nerd tournament leaks - Malaysia pickleball talk - Nico gets invited to Florida - Zane talks pickleball drama and growing the game Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-13 00:50:00
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1:09:47
DELETED Pickleball Finals Are Season 8 of Game of Thrones
AI Insights
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Zane and Nico break down the new “Partners” pickleball documentary series and debate whether it lived up to the hype. From Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio stealing the show, to the Anna Leigh Waters spotlight, the Jaume/Hunter/Paris drama, and the biggest winners and losers of the series — nothing is off limits. The guys also dive into: - Why Championship Sunday feels broken - Zane’s proposal to completely redesign Tour Finals - Whether pickleball needs MORE drama - UPAA rule changes and the serve controversy - Why fans should be allowed to heckle during matches - The future of pro pickleball entertainment Plus: bachelor party Mount Rushmores, Toys R Us nostalgia, and listener comments. Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇 Listeners get 20% off their entire order at Just use code: DINK One simple code. A perfect time to refocus—or help someone you care about take their heart health seriously. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to to find and instantly book a doctor you love today. Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 4:44 Mount Rushmore of bachelor parties 9:02 Grading the Partners doc -- Hayden & Gabe unfiltered 14:29 Winners & Losers of the Partners doc 18:55 Zane & Nico's favorite part of the doc 21:02 The Ricky Bobby Mentality 25:01 Zane fixes the PPA Finals 35:37 PPA Malaysia preview 38:00 Best of 3 or best of 5 on Sundays 43:00 New UPA-A Rulebook no more blowing 50:59 Unsportmanlike penalties and fan behavior 58:02 The new 5s logo drop 59:32 Guess my DUPR 1:02:34 Listener comments -- Nico's proposal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026-05-05 16:30:00
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1:07:29
DELETED Jack Sock Gets the Last Laugh after BRUTAL Bodybag
AI Insights
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This might have been the WILDEST week in pickleball… and we’re breaking it all down. From Nico’s pro debut at APP Sacramento to nonstop line calling controversy, a controversial body bag on Jack Sock, and a massive $225 MILLION investment shaking up the sport… this episode has EVERYTHING. We dive into: - Nico’s first pro tournament (and what went wrong 😅) - The ongoing line calling drama… and when “mistakes” become cheating - Zane vs Jack Sock 👀 (and the body bag heard around pickleball) - The rise of Tamashima Mukuro and what makes him so dangerous - Why championship Sunday felt… kinda boring - And what the $225M investment means for the future of pickleball Is pickleball growing too fast? Do we need AI line calls ASAP? And is dominance at the top making the sport less exciting? Let us know what YOU think in the comments 👇 Be the first to try Zane's new course here: Check out Zane's Pro Pickleball Talk channel on Discord: #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 -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: -For everything else we do, visit -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 3:06 Nico's first pro pickleball attempt 8:25 More from APP - Duong Bros in Sacramento 14:02 Bad line calls are becoming a reputation 21:13 Pickleball Inc’s $225 Million investment 28:24 Waiting on the right TV Deal 32:59 Zane gives Jack a 'Welcome to Pickleball' moment 41:18 Nico floored by Danni Townsend's erne 45:54 Number 1 seeds are 162-1 in 2026 52:35 Tama's breakout weekend in Atlanta 1:00:23 Partners show earns a B+ from Zane 1:03:18 Guess my DUPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices