Explore every episode of the podcast Dinks On Tap: The Happy Hour Pickleball Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Todd Boss, who has covered pickleball for Forbes since 2023. We talk about the future of pickleball, the business being built around it, and whether there's still a place for those of us whose main contribution is organizing drinks afterward.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why your DUPR doesn't tell the whole story, and why Todd would rather skip a tournament than risk his
• What makes an indoor pickleball club last, and why a vending machine full of stale sandwiches won't cut it
• The Picklr bankruptcy, what it means for the pickleball franchise down the street, and which franchises are doing just fine
• What your paddle costs to make, and why you'll be buying another one in four months anyway
• How a player who wasn't on any MLP team two months earlier won a pro pickleball gold medal
• Why open play pickleball is getting more crowded, and the new crowd that won't rotate off the court
• What AI video could do for your rating, including finally settling whose ball that was
• Why a group text still beats every app built to organize social pickleball games
• What pickleball still needs to get into the Olympics, starting with a single international governing body

If you've ever refreshed your rating after a loss, turned one more game into a text explaining why you won't be home for dinner, or wondered whether money is changing pickleball culture at your courts, this conversation gives you the business side without ruining any of the fun.

Pour something cold and press play.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.com

How did a game three grown men made up on a badminton court, because a 13-year-old was bored, turn into the thing your group text runs on?

We found the kid who complained, and he still can’t believe it either.

In this episode, we get into our summer vault, full of conversations, stories, and a little pickleball drama we never got around to airing.

We sat down with Frank Pritchard, the bored kid himself, who can answer “When was pickleball invented?” because he was there when his dad, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum made up the game on Bainbridge Island. We also cover Picklr’s Chapter 11 filing and the “is pickleball dying” headlines that followed, Genie Bouchard’s paddle-tap walkout and what it says about pickleball etiquette, and why the drinks after play keep the pickleball community together.

You’ll learn:

• Why it's called pickleball, and the Pritchard family member who came up with the name
• A firsthand account of who invented pickleball, from the teenager whose complaining started it
• What the original pickleball paddle was made of, and which founder designed it
• The pickleball history most players don’t know, including how scoring and serving used to work
• Why Frank took a 30-year break from the game, and what brought him back
• What Picklr’s Chapter 11 filing means for your local club, according to the general manager of the Picklr in DFW
• How the pickleball business can struggle while the number of people playing keeps growing
• Why Genie Bouchard skipped the paddle tap, and whether we think she was justified
• How we won a tournament this summer by giving a screaming team a taste of its own medicine

This one’s for anyone who’s told the dog story at lunch with total confidence, and anyone who’s been on the wrong end of a scream across the net.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.com

Making friends as an adult can be surprisingly hard, but the pickleball community has a way of bringing people together fast.

In this episode, we sit down with pickleball coach and author Colleen Riddle, whose book Came for the Game, Stayed for the People explores the pickleball friendships, fresh starts, and unexpected connections that can grow from simply stepping onto the court.

We talk about why learning something new together makes connection easier, how to keep pickleball fun as you improve, and why finding community as an adult sometimes starts with simply showing up.

You'll learn:

• Why pickleball open play naturally creates opportunities to meet and connect with new people.

• What pickleball can teach us about making friends as an adult, even when putting yourself out there feels uncomfortable.

• Why women's pickleball can become a powerful space for friendship, support, and shared experiences.

• Some of the less obvious benefits of pickleball that have very little to do with winning games or improving your rating.

• What helps turn a group of players into a genuine community where people feel seen and included.

• Why Colleen decided to turn real stories of connection into one of the more personal pickleball books about the game.

• What learning pickleball as a beginner can teach you about confidence, vulnerability, and trying something new.

This conversation goes far beyond pickleball. It is about belonging, courage, friendship, and paying attention to the small opportunities that might be pointing you toward something you need.

Pour something cold and press play.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.com

Connect with Colleen:

Free Reader Discussion Guide: https://landing.colleenriddle.com/landing/discussionguide

Women's Rally, Renew & Reconnect Retreat: https://colleenriddle.com/retreats/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColleenRiddle/

IG: @wellnesswithcolleen

IG:@thefitpickleballer

Website: www.ColleenRiddle.com

Have you ever made it to the front of the paddle line at pickleball open play, only to have your partner dis you because she didn't want to play with "a beginner"?

Yeah, that happened to today's guest, Academy Award winner Mary Steenburgen, one of the celebrities who play pickleball when no one's filming.

After sharing drinks with Mary and her husband, Ted Danson, we knew we had to have her on the pod to talk all things pickleball community, how to keep growing at any age, and the weird "gift" she was given after what was supposed to be a routine surgery (that's the Mary Steenburgen music story).

She's spilling the tea on who got her into the game, how she won her first sports ribbon at 40 by a complete fluke, and how she and Jake Johnson became friends through improv on the set of The Dink movie. We also get into what beginner pickleball is like when strangers expect a movie star to be good, and her take on pickleball for seniors, court shoes included.

We talk about:

• How Mary scored most of her team's 6 points alongside the partner who called her "a beginner," back before The Dink Movie came out

• The crash course in pickleball open play etiquette she needed first, starting with how the paddle line works

• Who got Mary to pick up a paddle, and the support that kept her enthusiasm going

• The word Mary makes her 5 grandchildren add to the sentence "I can't do this"

• The night of pickleball with the crew of The Dink that Mary will never forget

• Why pickleball people are the best, and how the sport spans generations

• The "gift" Mary got after a bit of anesthesia, which she didn't see as a gift and which turned into a whole other career

• Why aging by accomplishment, over aging by diminishment, is Mary's case for pickleball for older adults

We also serve up Mary's take on why pickleball friends are some of the best friends you'll make. And if you've ever Googled "is pickleball good for seniors," her love letter to the game at the end is your answer.

Pour something cold and press play.Cheers,Casie and LaurenDinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Connect with Mary:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mary_steenburgen

Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Tournament: https://delmar.wine/event/drew-brees-celebrity-pickleball-tournament/ (Promo Code: DINKSONTAP20 — 20% off Pickleball spectator tickets only)

Del Mar Food & Wine Festival: https://delmar.wine/ (Promo Code: DINKSONTAP15 — 15% off all Grand Tasting ticket tiers.)

We all love a Gail. We've met her at open play, we've been her on a bad-line-call day, and we've absolutely texted the group about her afterward. We love her enough that we tracked down the woman behind the Gail character in the movie, The Dink, and brought her to your favorite pickleball happy hour podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Cleo King, the actress who plays Gail in The Dink, to talk about how a same-day audition turned into the role everybody quotes, what a month of learning pickleball from Brad Gilbert looked like before cameras rolled, and what the pickleball community has been telling her since the film came out. We also get into pickleball etiquette, because Cleo has opinions about people who aim at people.

Until Jake Johnson called, she'd picked up a paddle twice in her life. Now she plays three times a week, packs three paddles when she travels, and belongs on any honest list of celebrities that play pickleball.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The phone call from Jake Johnson that turned an ordinary drive to Palm Springs into an audition on an actual court

• Why the casting team wouldn't let Cleo talk to the other women reading for Gail, and what she did anyway

• What Cleo was more nervous about at the audition, and it wasn't the eleven pages she'd memorized overnight

• What most of The Dink movie cast had in common before those lessons started, and who the exception was

• The one adjustment that fixed Cleo's return of serve, which every regular already knows and nobody had told her

• Where the "do the dishes while you're in there" line came from, and what director Josh Greenbaum said when she asked to try it

• Why Cleo's pet peeve has nothing to do with the rules and everything to do with where you aim

• How Casie and Lauren's Dallas screening crowd reacted to the pickleball movie, and the two lines they quoted on the way out

• The fantasy foursome that includes Ron Howard and Oprah, and the reason Michelle Obama didn't make the cut

If you've ever had a Gail in your group, or suspected you might be the Gail, this conversation will make you love her a little more.

Pour something cold and press play.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Tournament: https://delmar.wine/event/drew-brees-celebrity-pickleball-tournament/ (Promo Code: DINKSONTAP20 — 20% off Pickleball spectator tickets only)

Del Mar Food & Wine Festival: https://delmar.wine/ (Promo Code: DINKSONTAP15 — 15% off all Grand Tasting ticket tiers.)

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Connect with Cleo:

• Instagram: @cleoking5404 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleokingactress 

Watch Cleo as Gale in The Dink on Apple TV. She's the one running the country club, and the dishes line is worth the price of admission on its own.

Cleo plays Big Mama in Nemesis, an eight-episode crime thriller on Netflix. It's already renewed for season two, so there's time to catch up.

What really goes on behind the scenes of Major League Pickleball?

In this episode, we sit down with LA Mad Drops team owner Alex Geesbreght to get an inside look at how MLP works, from team contracts and player movement to the MLP draft, scouting, ownership, and the business behind the sport.

Alex walks us through some of the biggest questions we have had about pickleball players, pickleball teams, and the decisions happening off the court. We also talk about where the league could be headed, what still needs to evolve, and why the next few years could be especially important for pickleball leagues.

You’ll learn:

• How trades work during the MLP season, including who starts the conversation and what teams are actually trading for.

• What happens when team contracts expire 

• How the MLP draft works and why teams are bidding for draft positions rather than directly bidding on players.

• Why a salary cap and minimum team spending could become important parts of the league’s future.

• How a team owner thinks about roster decisions, spending, and building a competitive organization.

• What Alex looks for when evaluating pickleball players, including qualities that have very little to do with pure talent.

• Why a stronger developmental system could change how pickleball teams discover and develop future stars.

• How professional teams can build sustainable pickleball business models through sponsorships, merchandise, events, and stronger local communities.

• Why permanent home venues could help pro pickleball feel more like a traditional professional sports league.

• What could make future pickleball leagues more sustainable for owners, players, and fans.

We also get into Alex’s competitive side, the players he loves watching, and why he believes pickleball has become much bigger than what happens on the court.

If you have ever wondered how the business of Major League Pickleball really works, this conversation gives you a rare look behind the curtain without taking away the fun of watching it all unfold.

Pour something cold and press play. Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Listen to Part 1 of our conversation, where we get into Alex Geesbreght’s story, how he became involved in professional pickleball, and what led him to ownership of the LA Mad Drops.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Check out Prax Leadership to learn more about Alex's approach to leadership.

Want to see the team Alex talks about in this episode? Head to the Los Angeles Mad Drops official site for the roster, schedule, and everything happening with the squad this season.

Pickleball has a remarkable way of pulling people into your life who probably never would have been there otherwise.

You can be on the court with someone 20 years younger than you, someone 20 years older than you, a complete beginner, or a highly competitive player, and somehow everyone still feels like they belong. That mix of movement, competition, family connection, and community is a big part of what keeps so many of us coming back.

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Geesbreght, majority owner of the Los Angeles Mad Drops, to talk about what makes pickleball so different and what he has learned through team ownership in Major League Pickleball.

Alex shares how pickleball brought multiple generations of his family together, why competition can make us feel more alive, and how those experiences have shaped his approach to team dynamics, team culture, and leadership.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at professional pickleball, including how a team owner thinks about trades, players, long-term growth, and the responsibility that comes with helping shape the fastest-growing sport while it is still finding its footing.

And because Alex brings years of experience as an entrepreneur and leader to the Mad Drops, the conversation goes well beyond pickleball. We get into business leadership, the leadership lessons he carries into professional sports, and why being willing to have difficult conversations matters when you are building something with people you genuinely care about.

If you’ve ever wondered why pickleball seems to become so much more than a game for the people who play it, this conversation will probably feel very familiar.

Pour something cold and press play.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Check out Prax Leadership to learn more about Alex's approach to leadership.

Want to see the team Alex talks about in this episode? Head to the Los Angeles Mad Drops official site for the roster, schedule, and everything happening with the squad this season.

Nobody warns you about this part of pickleball.

Your favorite doubles partner moves away, levels up, or… stops putting you on the calendar. Suddenly, “it’s just pickleball” doesn’t come close to describing what’s happening.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Sovik-Johnston, founder of The Connected Competitor and the sports psychologist behind the blog post “Pickleball Will Break Your Heart”. We talk about the mental game behind partner breakups, changing groups, and the real grief pickleball players can experience when relationships on the court shift.

Amanda explains why losing a pickleball partner can hit so hard, why being left out can trigger more than disappointment, and how ratings, skill gaps, and changing friendships can turn a game you love into an emotional minefield.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why losing a doubles partner can feel like a real breakup

• What to do when your pickleball partner starts fading out without saying why

• Why pickleball players can take partner changes so personally

• How Amanda handled her own partner moving away, including the goodbye letter and the "auditions on the off days"

• How performance anxiety can actually come from worrying about whether you belong

• Why anxiety in sports often has a social side

• What DUPR rating conversations miss about ratings, access, and friendships

• Amanda's three intentions for every game and how naming your intention before you show up changes who you play with and what you get out of it

• Why healthy competition can make both you and your friends better

• What to do when your regular group dissolves and how to keep growing without leaving meaningful relationships behind

The pickleball community gives us connection, competition, friendship, and sometimes heartbreak. And if you’ve ever lost a partner, watched your group change, or wondered why being left out bothered you so much, this conversation will make a lot of things click.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.comCurious about your rating? Check out My DUPR Coach to get an initial DUPR rating, especially if you're new to the game.

Connect with Amanda:

• Instagram: @theconnectedcompetitor 

• Website: https://www.theconnectedcompetitor.com/ 

Read the blog post that inspired this entire conversation: Pickleball Will Break Your Heart

If your biggest opponent lives between your ears, start with The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey, the performance classic Amanda references with her coaching clients.Want more of Amanda's take on the game we all love too much? Her pickleball book is in progress, and www.theconnectedcompetitor.com is where the news will land first.

You know how everyone at open play decides how good you are as a pickleball player before you've hit a single ball? Your paddle, your shoes, your warmup, whether the next twenty minutes are worth their court time?

It happens to beginners. It happened to an Oscar winner, and she told us about it over dinner.

Rivulet invited us to what we understood was a cast party for The Dink movie. Instead, we ended up at a table for eight on a terrace at Soho House with Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson. The next night we were at the premiere in Westwood watching the cast come through when we spotted Ben Johns across the atrium and decided the polite thing to do was run him down. Then we hosted a happy hour before a screening for our own pickleball community in Dallas:

This week we get into:

• Our "is this really happening" moment at Soho House, and how fast it turned into the easiest conversation of the trip

• Mary's paddle stack story, involving a group of strangers making up their minds about her, and what happened after that

• What Ted said about the people who keep turning up at his house for dinner now, and how casually he said it

• The celebration that gets under Ben Johns' skin, and the nearly identical one he finds hilarious

• His celebrity foursome, which he admits has no chemistry in it whatsoever, plus the pick that made Lauren want to switch partners

• What the whole cast had to learn before shooting, and what all of them did together on the final day

• Why the trailer undersells this pickleball movie by a wide margin

• Aaron Chen and Cleo King, and the scenes that land harder than the marketing lets on

• The tennis rivalry storyline, and the choice that keeps it from turning mean

• The bar Casie set before she handed out her rating, which involves Shawshank Redemption

• Our Dallas crowd, unfiltered, seconds after the credits, including one review that ranks this above The Devil Wears Prada 2

This one is for anyone who knows that pickleball people get to laugh at pickleball, and understands that the deal doesn't extend past us.Pour something cold and press play. Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call. 

What if the most “irresponsible” thing you ever did… (joining a sport with a wiffle ball and a weird name) was actually the smartest move you’ve made for your physical health, your sanity, and your social life?

In this episode, Casie & Lauren are doing what they do best: pickleball + truth + tequila. We’re talking Mardi Gras (yes, balls, yes, beads, yes, strangers screaming at you like they’ve known you forever)… and why pickleball could basically be the same experience but with less glitter and more knee braces.

We also tackle one of life’s greatest mysteries: why the rally ends and your brain immediately goes “nope” on the score. Lauren dives into the neuroscience of play and explains why “pickleball brain” is your brain prioritizing survival over bookkeeping.

And then Casie gets real about the emotional plot twist no one warns you about: how a career change can crack open an identity crisis, and how the court can become the thing that pulls you into a new chapter you didn’t see coming, complete with an identity shift, better habits, and the kind of community that makes you feel tethered again.

Because yes, this pickleball lifestyle might start as “cardio with friends” but it ends up being a full-blown life transformation.

In this episode, we’re pouring out:

• Why long rallies hijack your brain into performance memory mode (and why your internal bookkeeper fully quits).

• The real reason everyone asks “what’s the score?” and why transactive memory turns doubles into a group project.

• A simple habit to boost mental clarity in-game so you stop getting accidentally robbed of points.

• How chasing floats, chasing lobs, and chasing “one more game” can spark a huge glow-up in physical health, sleep quality, and stress reduction.

• Why pickleball brings back childlike joy… and why that joy hits deeper than you think.

• The spicy truth about friendship shifts: your energy isn’t free, your circle evolves, and meaningful connections start replacing convenience hangs.

• How “finding your people” turns into an actual social community that can carry you through the messy middle of reinvention.

So grab your shot of Point Blank Reposado, squeeze a lime, and join us as we connect Mardi Gras madness to midlife magic, from the boardroom to the baseline, from burnout to belonging… and from “what’s the score?” to “who even cares, that rally was ART.”

Let’s get you back to the kitchen. Just try to remember the score this time.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap

This episode is a re-release from our archives, and the conversation still feels just as relevant today.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call.

You know that friend who texts you at 1am just because she figured out you’re both still awake? Now imagine she’s also your doubles partner, your hype woman, your matching-outfit co-conspirator, and the person who gets genuinely jealous when you drill with someone else.

That’s what’s waiting for you in this episode.

This week, we’re sitting down with Cecy Feld and Holly Kerr of Feld/Kerr Pickleball, two former tennis players, current empty nesters, and 50-plus pickleball influencers who decided that winning age-bracket pickleball tournaments was a great start and also not even close to enough. What began as a charity tournament on a whim turned into matching Lucky in Love outfits, a big ass calendar, a gold medal at Worlds, and a very real road to senior pro.

But underneath the outfits and the gold medals is something more interesting: two women who got everything they planned for and then decided to plan something bigger. Pickleball just happened to be the vehicle.

We get into:

• How a tennis friendship turned into a full-blown doubles partnership, including the moment they both knew it was official

• The real difference between PPA tournaments and APP events at the senior pro open level, and why that gap is humbling in the best possible way

• What their weekly pickleball training, drilling, and tournament planning actually looks like

• Why pickleball fashion isn’t just about looking cute, and what matching outfits actually signal to opponents before a single ball is struck

• Partner jealousy, blind date mixed doubles, and what happens when your regular partner drills with someone else and doesn’t text you back for two hours

• How playing against your partner can teach you things you’d never see from the same side of the net

• Why the pickleball community at tournaments like the Masters in Palm Springs and the US Open in Naples feels less like competition and more like a reunion you didn’t know you needed

• What competitive pickleball looks like when 80-year-olds are out there playing singles and their friends are cheering from the sidelines, and why that image changes how you think about the next few decades

• How women athletes over 50 are rewriting what ambition looks like, one tournament weekend at a time

This one’s got gold medals, wellness wake-up calls, a very dramatic drilling betrayal, and a love letter to pickleball that might actually make you tear up a little. Fair warning.

Pour something cold and press play.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

Connect with Cecy and Holly:

• Instagram: @feld.kerr.pickleball 

• Tiktok: @feldkerrpickeball
  

It turns out the distance between a Michelin-starred restaurant and a pickleball court is shorter than anyone expected, especially when the person crossing it is already wired for pressure, creativity, competition, and just a little bit of chaos.

This week, Casie and Lauren sit down with Chef Richard Blais, a chef, entrepreneur, author, television personality, and newly declared aspiring pickleball influencer. What starts as a conversation about how he found the game quickly becomes something bigger: why pickleball has a way of sneaking into your schedule, your friendships, your competitive wiring, and, if you are Richard, possibly your next business pitch.

Richard brings the same curiosity to the court that made him such a recognizable force in food. He talks about learning the game from his wife, Jazmin, and discovering that pickleball, beyond the cardio, gave him a new social life, a new outlet, and apparently, a new reason to talk to himself in the car about dinking patterns.

We talk about:

• Why Jazmin is the real origin story behind Richard’s pickleball obsession

• What tournament nerves have in common with cooking under pressure, and how that shapes his pickleball mindset

• How he talks himself through competitive pickleball moments without losing the fun

• Why great chefs and great doubles partners both need practice, trust, and a plan

• The line-call philosophy every player should probably adopt

• Why pickleball friends can feel surprisingly important when the rest of life is built around work

• What Richard thinks clubs are still figuring out when it comes to food, hospitality, and the post-game hang

• Why he has strong feelings about players who only drive the ball, and what that says about pickleball strategy

• The fine line between helpful feedback and becoming the person no one wants coaching them mid-match

• How rec pickleball, court confidence, and pickleball culture all collide once people start taking the game just seriously enough

• And the celebrity foursome that somehow turns into a full pickleball fan fiction scene

Somewhere in this conversation is the thing pickleball people know but rarely say out loud: 

It is not just the game that gets you.

It is the group texts, the partner dynamics, the small rituals, the style points, the competitive spirals, the questionable line calls, the post-game food, and the strange joy of finding yourself fully invested in something you once thought was just a casual hobby.

Settle in and press play. This one’s for anyone who has ever picked up a paddle and accidentally found a whole new world.

Cheers,

Casie and LaurenDinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going!

Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

Our listeners can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off any additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/ONTAP — and using our link helps support the show.

What happens when a Dallas pickleball duo suddenly finds themselves wearing St. Louis Shock colors?

This week, we’re unpacking how we became part of the St. Louis Shock's Minor League Pickleball program while still serving as Dallas Flash ambassadors. 

What starts as a “how did we get here?” story quickly turns into something bigger: a look at why pickleball’s next chapter may depend less on superstar pros and more on the amateurs who want a reason to care, a team to cheer for, and a place inside the sport as it grows.

We also recap our first Major League Pickleball weekend in Dallas, where we played our first Minor League Pickleball event, from rally scoring and Dream Breakers to the surprising realization that your teammates' points can feel just as important as your own. 

We’re joined by St. Louis Shock owner Rich Chaffetz, who shares why investing in pickleball means paying attention to the amateur player, and COO Andrew Haines, who walks us through how the Shock is building a nationwide “family” and a player experience that feels bigger than one tournament bracket. We also talk with pro Anna Bright about switching between Professional Pickleball Association play and team-based MLP, plus 13-year-old phenom Elsie Hendershot, the youngest player in MLP, on confidence, competition, and what it’s like to play at that level before most people have mastered parallel parking.

We talk about: 

• The real-world differences between PPA, MLP, and MiLP

• How MILP gives amateur players a way to belong to something bigger than one tournament bracket

• What made the St. Louis Shock’s onboarding, communication, and team culture stand out right away 

• Why the Shock care less about having a 5.0 DUPR and more about bringing a “5.0 attitude” to the team

• The growing tension between elite competition, young players, and keeping pickleball fun 

• Casie’s new pet peeve involving excessive screaming after ordinary points 

Between the matches, interviews, and sideline conversations, this episode reveals why connection and belonging remain at the heart of pickleball, even as the sport becomes bigger, faster, and more professional.

Whether you're trying to make sense of the acronyms or curious about where pickleball is headed next, this conversation offers a front-row seat to the people and ideas shaping the sport's future.

Pour something cold and press play.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/ONTAP #honeylovepod

Get 15% off OneSkin with the code DINKS at https://www.oneskin.co/DINKS

#oneskinpod

Interested in joining MiLP? Check out The Shock MiLP opportunity here: https://shockmilp.com/

This spring, DUPR hit pause on your history and asked a simple question: Who are you right now, without all that baggage?

Turns out that's a harder question than it sounds.

We know because Casie did the Reset, knew it didn't count, watched her number drop, and still had to talk herself off the ledge on the way home. So we brought Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR and the man who's spent years trying to convince the pickleball community that a number is just a number, back to Dinks on Tap for a second time, fresh off a DUPR Reset period that generated more player data than anyone anticipated. 

We get into what the Reset actually was, what it wasn't, and why so many people signed up hoping it was a cheat code, plus:

• Why "DUPR Reset" was never meant to be a path to a higher pickleball rating, and why everyone heard it that way anyway

• The myth that playing up is the fastest way to move your number (the algorithm disagrees)

• How DUPR accidentally became a social gatekeeper, and why Tito says that's their fault

• Career High, Age Ratings, and DUPR Impact: the new metrics, who loves them, and who's already mad about them

• Why DUPR forecast might be the perfect gambling tool (Tito's words, not ours)

• The AI + camera integration coming that could finally account for what everyone knows matters most: chemistry

• And why, when asked what the Forecast would look like if Tito's team played Casie and Lauren, he bet against himself

Pour something cold and press play, this one's for anyone who's ever refreshed their DUPR after a loss and told themselves it doesn't matter. 

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap

Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/ONTAP #honeylovepod

Connect with Tito Machado:

DUPR

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This week, Casie and Lauren sit down with Jay Paterno, son of Penn State coaching legend Joe Paterno, and author of Blitzed: The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era. 

This one is part sports conversation, part cultural temperature check, and we did what we do best: take a sports story and find the human behavior hiding underneath it. Because it turns out that money, pressure, loyalty, ego, and identity do not stay neatly on the football field. They show up everywhere people care deeply about something, including a 20X44 pickleball court with a plastic ball and a surprisingly complicated rulebook.

In this episode we talk about:

• The trick Jay uses to tell the truth (and why it lands better when it comes with a little plausible deniability)

• The NIL era, and what happens when college football starts operating more like a franchise than a tradition

• What the pickleball community should probably get in writing before growth outruns the pickleball culture

• Why the most intense person in any pickleball competition is rarely having the most fun

• The chaos of a game growing faster than its guardrails and what a pickleball strategy looks like when the rulebook is still being written

• The women in Jay's book who keep asking the inconvenient questions

• And the question underneath it all: when something you love becomes valuable to everyone else, does it still feel like yours

The pickleball lessons here have nothing to do with your backhand and everything to do with what happens when a sport you love starts growing faster than the values that built it. So whether you're following NIL headlines or just wondering where pickleball goes from here, this episode gives you plenty to chew on. 

Pour something cold, hit play, and spend some time with the man who knows what happens when a game gets bigger than its guardrails.

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren

Dinks on Tap

You can purchase Blitzed!: The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era by Jay Paterno here. 

Other ways to connect with Jay Paterno:Website

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Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

It’s one thing to pick up a paddle sport on a whim.

It’s another thing entirely to realize (somewhere between a rec game and an invite-only underground games scene) that this “casual hobby” has started organizing your calendar, your social life, and, subtly, your sense of self.

This week, Casie and Lauren sit down with Clare Frank, former Chief of Fire Protection for the state of California, longtime leader in wildfire response, and now author of Just One More Game. What begins as a conversation about a pickleball obsession quickly turns into something more revealing: what happens when a life built on urgency, mission, and high stakes suddenly slows down… and a game steps in to fill the space.

Clare didn’t set out to join the pickleball community. She showed up in flip-flops to watch. What followed was a familiar but rarely examined progression: rec game, better players, underground games, pickleball camp, tournament play, all orbiting a single, slightly uncomfortable question: why does this pickleball game get such a hold on people?

The answer, it turns out, has very little to do with the game itself.

• The exact moment Clare realized her pickleball obsession had crossed a line—and why that thought felt more revealing than concerning
• The subtle escalation from casual rec game to underground games (and what those hidden hierarchies say about status and belonging)
• Why adults replace “play” with productivity, and how pickleball disrupts that pattern
• The psychology of partnership, and why finding the right doubles partner feels suspiciously close to dating
• How a career in high-stakes firefighting reshapes perspective on competition, pressure, and what actually matters in tournament play
• The role of a pickleball mentor, and why improvement isn’t always about skill as much as identity
• What tournament play reveals about people that rec game culture politely hides

Somewhere in this conversation is a realization most players recognize but rarely articulate: the game is just the entry point.

What keeps people coming back is harder to name, and much harder to walk away from.

Pour a spicy marg and press play. This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered why this game gets such a hold on people.

Cheers,
Casie and Lauren
Dinks on Tap

You can purchase Just One More Game by Clare Frank here. Other ways to connect with Clare Frank:

Website
Instagram

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Youtube

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

What happens when two big personalities collide on the pickleball court? 

You get a duo that turns the game into chemistry, rhythm, and unapologetic energy!

Today, Casie and Lauren sit down with Jeanne Koepke and Pam McCurry, a duo who found more than just a partner. They built a rhythm, a routine, and a friendship that reshaped this stage of life. What starts with pickleball tournaments and mixed doubles opens into something deeper.

Jeanne and Pam bring equal parts of competitive fire and self-awareness. They share how they improved, built a strong partnership, and found their place within a growing pickleball community, especially in pickleball for seniors.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The moment when they realized power alone would not carry them through higher-level play
• What it means to compete in their 60s, and how expectations shift
• The psychology of partnership, including how they manage energy and mistakes together
• Why the social side of pickleball matters more than people expect
• The unspoken rules of match etiquette, from line calls to tone
• How friendship and humor can matter just as much as skill for any pickleball player

For those who play for fun and those who take it more seriously, there is something familiar in how this kind of connection shapes your days. 

So, pour something cold, settle in, and spend time with two people who remind you that the best part of pickleball might not be the game at all.

Cheers,
Casie and Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call.

Pickleball players will build an entire life around playing. Watching the pros? That’s where things get interesting.

In this episode, Casie and Lauren sit down with broadcaster, commentator, and certified pickleball numbers guy, Will Daughton, to ask a deceptively simple question: if rec players are so obsessed with pickleball…why aren’t more of them watching the pickleball pros?

What follows is a conversation about PickleballTV, Major League Pickleball, momentum swings, partnership dynamics, and the parts of pickleball strategy most rec players miss in plain sight. Not because the rec world needs a lesson, but because watching high-level pickleball reveals a different layer of the game entirely.

They we about:
We talk about:

• Why so many pickleball players love playing more than watching
• The subtle patterns pickleball pros notice immediately
• Why momentum in pro pickleball is more real than people think
• The tactical choices great players abandon the second they stop working
• What strong partnerships reveal on and off the scoreboard
• Why the human stories around Major League Pickleball may be the thing that makes more people care
• What PickleballTV and the broadcast side of the sport are doing to make the game more watchable

This one is part pickleball strategy, part sports psychology, part broadcast-booth confessional.

So whether you’re a loyal PickleballTV viewer or someone who still claims you’d “rather just go play,” this episode offers a strong argument for paying closer attention.

Grab your drink, hit play, and meet the man making the pro game a lot more interesting to watch.

Cheers,
Casie and Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

If you love being comfy as much as we do, go to cozyearth.com, use code DINKS for up to 20% off, and get ready to live your coziest life!

Ever wonder what your parents would say if they were handed a microphone and asked to review your sports career? Would they praise your hustle… or finally reveal that one time you blamed the wind for a missed shot? In this special bonus episode, an extension of Episode 38, we invite the ultimate behind-the-scenes MVPs onto the mic: our parents.

This isn’t your typical lineup of sports interviews. Instead of talking with pros or coaches, we bring on the original supporters who shaped our journey through youth sports, competitive sports, and into podcasting. Through funny and heartfelt family stories, we reflect on how sports parenting, teamwork, and a strong sports mindset shaped who we are today, on and off the pickleball court.

You’ll hear:

• The hilarious and heartfelt family stories our parents share about raising kids in youth sports and surviving the chaos of early competitive sports
• What sports parenting really looked like from their perspective—from car rides and tournaments to the occasional ref-yelling moment
• How team culture and early lessons in athlete development shaped our confidence, leadership, and love for sports
• The role supportive parents and strong sports families play in building resilience and a lifelong sports mindset
• Why the friendships formed through the pickleball community can last just as long as the sports memories themselves
• How storytelling, laughter, and a little nostalgia make for unforgettable podcast storytelling

Whether you grew up in youth sports, are raising future athletes, or simply love the stories that shape the people behind the paddles, this episode is full of laughs, perspective, and a whole lot of gratitude.

So grab your paddle, pour something refreshing, and join us for a heartfelt episode of our favorite pickleball podcast. And hey… after listening, you might just want to call your parents and thank them for all those early morning rides to practice. Cheers! 🥂🏓

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

Ever wonder what it takes to raise a kid in competitive pickleball without turning every car ride home into a post-match press conference? A junior pickleball match only lasts so long, but parenting the player behind it is the part that follows you home. This episode gets into the family side of the game, where the travel is real, the pressure is sneaky, and keeping the joy alive can matter just as much as the result.

This week, we head into the wonderfully unhinged world of junior pickleball. where the snacks are packed, the hotel check-ins are tactical, and the group text about partners somehow carries more tension than the actual match. This week, we talk with the parents behind some seriously talented young players and pull back the curtain on what sports parenting looks like when your kid is chasing the tournament circuit, eyeing the pro circuit, and learning how to compete in a sport that can hand you a highlight reel and a minor emotional spiral in the same afternoon.

Glenda Calvo is a longtime volleyball coach with strong takes on the mental game, mental training, and why positive talk is not fluff, it’s fuel. Jared Messenger is a dad deep in the logistics of junior pro tournaments, managing travel, school, and the strange reality of watching a 14-year-old hold his own against grown men in competitive pickleball. And Angela Todd, the mother of Parris Todd, a recognizable face in professional pickleball, brings a hard-earned perspective on athlete development, communication, and the kind of boundary setting that keeps ambition from swallowing the whole family.

We talk about:
• How mental training tools like affirmations and visualization can shape confidence before a match.
• Why boundary setting matters when a sport starts taking over the family calendar, budget, and nervous system.
• What life on the pro circuit and tournament circuit actually looks like for families raising serious players.
• How parental support can help young athletes recover from losses without turning the car ride home into a lecture series.
• Why athlete development in youth athletics is as much about communication and trust as it is about reps and results.
• And the sneaky truth about competitive pickleball, which is that the real drama is not always on the court.

This one is funny, unexpectedly tender, and full of the kind of insight that makes you rethink what support really looks like in sport. 

Jared also recommends the National Junior Pickleball League as a great alternative for families looking beyond the PPA or MLP path. With divisions for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and elite players, it offers more guaranteed play through pool play followed by bracket play, making it a strong option for kids who want a competitive experience without the quick two-loss-and-you’re-done format.

So grab your marg and come hang with us for a conversation about the parents behind the players, the pressure behind the paddles, and the heart behind the hustle.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. 

If you love being comfy as much as we do, go to cozyearth.com, use code DINKS for up to 20% off, and get ready to live your coziest life!

What if the most “irresponsible” thing you ever did… (joining a sport with a wiffle ball and a weird name) was actually the smartest move you’ve made for your physical health, your sanity, and your social life?

In Episode 37, Casie & Lauren are doing what they do best: pickleball + truth + tequila. We’re talking Mardi Gras (yes, balls, yes, beads, yes, strangers screaming at you like they’ve known you forever)… and why pickleball is basically the same experience but with less glitter and more knee braces.

We also tackle one of life’s greatest mysteries: why the rally ends and your brain immediately goes “nope” on the score. Lauren dives into the neuroscience of play and explains why “pickleball brain” is your brain prioritizing survival over bookkeeping.

And then Casie gets real about the emotional plot twist no one warns you about: how a career change can crack open an identity crisis, and how the court can become the thing that pulls you into a new chapter you didn’t see coming, complete with an identity shift, better habits, and the kind of community that makes you feel tethered again.

Because yes, this pickleball lifestyle might start as “cardio with friends” but it ends up being a full-blown life transformation.

• Why long rallies hijack your brain into performance memory mode (and why your internal bookkeeper fully quits).
• The real reason everyone asks “what’s the score?” and why transactive memory turns doubles into a group project.
• A simple habit to boost mental clarity in-game so you stop getting accidentally robbed of points.
• How chasing floats, chasing lobs, and chasing “one more game” can spark a huge glow-up in physical health, sleep quality, and stress reduction.
• Why pickleball brings back childlike joy… and why that joy hits deeper than you think.
• The spicy truth about friendship shifts: your energy isn’t free, your circle evolves, and meaningful connections start replacing convenience hangs.
• How “finding your people” turns into an actual social community that can carry you through the messy middle of reinvention.

So grab your shot of Point Blank Reposado, squeeze a lime, and join us as we connect Mardi Gras madness to midlife magic, from the boardroom to the baseline, from burnout to belonging… and from “what’s the score?” to “who even cares, that rally was ART.”

Let’s get you back to the kitchen. Just try to remember the score this time.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

Learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call. 

If you love being comfy as much as we do, go to cozyearth.com, use code DINKS for up to 20% off, and get ready to live your coziest life!

You’re standing on the court, paddle in hand, staring at an empty net while the Tournament Director is nowhere to be found and your "10:00 AM start time" has officially become a suggestion. 

We’ve all been there… trapped in a bracket that feels more like a gridlocked parking lot than an elite player experience.

In this episode, joining us in the hot seat is Mike Hoxie, the "Tournament Titan" and founder of Pickleball Is Great (P.I.G.). Mike has spent years modernizing pickleball tournaments from paper and pencil to seamless, text-messaged operations. He’s the expert on keeping the game moving, from coordinating the senior games at the Huntsman to managing high-stakes matches with prize money.

We're gonna dive into the organized chaos of the pickleball community with a man who has seen more court time than a Franklin pickleball. We talk about the massive pickleball growth of the last decade and the transition from the retail sports management grind to the "island style" pace of running over 150 pickleball events a year.

Here’s what we’re pouring out in this episode:

• Why elite sports management means ditching the "zero occupancy" money grab to prioritize early finishes and cold drinks over keeping courts 100% jammed all day.
• How referee certification diffuses 50% of on-court "hooking" and arguments just by letting players know the teacher is watching.
• How the pickleball community is leading the charge by turning pickleball events into massive fundraising engines for non-profits.
• Why your pickleball training should include playing against fresh bloods to see if your pickleball strategy actually holds up outside your local bubble.

We’ll also discuss why recreational pickleball players often get burned out by bad experiences and why the best pickleball strategy starts with reading the fine print before you hit that tournament registration button.

So, grab a Kahlua and cream, put down the rulebook, and find out how to spend more time dinking and less time checking your watch. Let’s get you out of the parking lot and back into the kitchen!

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

Learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call. 

Ways to connect with Mike Hoxie and Pickleball is Great (PIG):

Pickleball Is Great - 10 Years!

https://pickleballisgreat.com/

www.facebook.com/PICKLEBALLISGR8/

twitter.com/pickleballisgr8

https://www.youtube.com/@PickleballisGR8/

**We are celebrating 10 years in the Tournament Management Business.  Coast to Coast and now international with tournaments in Japan, Mexico, and soon Tahiti

Upcoming Tournaments

2026 Pickle Money Ball - Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026

https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/2026-pickle-money-ball

**New tournament with $600,000 in prize money - paid down to the 16th position.  DUPR Skill based.  Last minute registration ends 3/4/26

USA Pickleball Golden Ticket - Washington 7/9/26 to 7/12/26 (seattle)

https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/usa-pickleball-golden-ticket-washington

**Our first USA Pickleball Golden ticket tournament! Registration starts in April!  Challenger membership of $12 a year required for every player

Kimo Dejon's 1st Annual Tahiti Senior Pickleball Tournament

Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026

https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/kimo-dejons-1st-annual-tahiti-senior-pickleball-tournament-by-pig

Let’s be real, how many times have you missed an easy dink and immediately blamed your paddle, the wind (even indoors), or your partner’s breathing? 

We’ve all been there: the dreaded mental spiral where one bad shot turns into three, and suddenly you’ve forgotten how to hold a paddle. 

In this inaugural episode of 2026, we’re stacking the court differently as Casie takes the host seat to interview her ride-or-die doubles partner (and co-host!), Lauren Vosbein. We aren’t just talking about drops and drives, we’re diving into the "fifth player" on the court: your mindset. 

We share the hilarious and effective story of how Lauren stopped Casie’s mid-match meltdown by forcing her to mentally travel to Turks and Caicos during a timeout, proving that sometimes the best pickleball strategy has nothing to do with footwork. 

Lauren isn’t just your favorite drinking buddy on this pod; she’s the founder of The Mental Caddy, an executive leadership coach for Fortune 100 companies, and an "accidental sports psychologist" who helps everyone from corporate VPs to PPA pros like Ivan Jakovljevic master their minds before they melt down. 

Here’s what we’re pouring out in this episode:

• Why mental toughness isn’t just woo-woo magic but an actual neuroscience involving your sage brain and positive intelligence.
• The "Going Blank" technique: A 10-second sensory trick using brain training to stop performance anxiety and reset your nervous system.
• How to create an on-court alter ego (meet "LaRhonda") to summon mental fortitude and aggression when you’re feeling too polite.
• Why you need to stop treating your DUPR score like a mirror and start treating it like a metric.
• Simple focus techniques you can do between points to start playing free and trusting your training. 

So pour yourself a fresh one, find your inner "LaRhonda," and get ready to train your brain to stop getting in your own way.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

To learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call.

EP 34 - Ever wondered why your DUPR score nosedives after a win, and you're wondering if your app is gaslighting you? What is happening in the pickleball matrix?

In this episode, we sit down with Tito Machado, the most loved and rage-texted man in pro pickleball. He’s the CEO of DUPR, the rating system that somehow manages to both unite and divide the pickleball community like it’s the pineapple on pizza of the pickleball world. Tito opens up about the chaos, the criticism, and the sheer volume of "fix my rating" DMs that hit his inbox daily.

We also confess our own crimes, yes, we may or may not have created a fake verified account to see just how easy it is to game the system (don’t worry, we turned ourselves in to the DUPR police). What follows is a wild mix of real talk, good laughs, and some serious behind-the-scenes transparency into how pickleball ratings actually work.

Here’s what you’ll dink away with:

• Why a win won’t always raise your DUPR score and how your reliability score factors in
• What the DUPR forecast really tells you (beyond the red arrow of doom)
• How pickleball data reveals player performance and flags sandbagging
  Why some avoid pickleball tournaments and how that trend is shifting
• What’s coming in 2026 for competitive pickleball: sub-ratings, verified accounts, and cleaner match records
• Tito’s spicy takes on rec pickleball, DUPR jail, and his dream court showdown with Kobe and Ronaldo

This episode delivers smart insights and just enough chaos to keep your next paddle tap interesting. Rating junkies, proud 3.0s, and anyone still pretending not to care about their DUPR will want in on this one.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

This was one of the most-loved episodes of 2025 and we’re bringing it back for a reason. 

As we head into 2026, there’s no better time to revisit what this conversation unlocked: how real team chemistry and trust can change the way we play and how we connect. Growing as a player, a partner, or a teammate? This episode holds the good stuff that doesn’t just help you win more... it helps you play better with the people you actually want to keep around.

First, we catch up with Stephen Moore of Pickleball Trips, the boutique travel company blending adventure travel with pro-level play. From Japan to Costa Rica to courtside ceviche in Spain, Stephen takes us behind the scenes of how his family turned their love of sport and travel into world-class pickleball tours. Yes, there’s travel with purpose, but there’s also stretchy pants, five-star meals, and a whole lot of dinking with locals.

Then, we sit down with Molly Bonner, the team mom, hug dealer, and unofficial snack coordinator of the Dinking Buddies, to talk about what really happens behind the paddles. This isn’t just about dinks and drops. We’re talking team dynamics, emotion in sports, and what it takes to stay connected when you’re trying to win without losing your cool (or your bestie).

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why picking a pickleball partner can feel weirdly similar to dating (yes, really)
• How a shared competitive mindset can totally bond you or quietly blow things up
• The underrated magic of trust and why it’s way more clutch than your drop shot
• What actually makes team chemistry click (and how to know when it’s off)
• The messy middle: conflict, growth, and navigating partnership like a grown-up
• And all the stuff no one teaches you in pickleball clinics, but probably should!

So if travel and play is your love language, consider this your official invite. From coaching sessions in Patagonia to building real connection with your doubles partner, this episode has the vibes and the insight. Paddle up, press play, and let’s go.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

At some point this year, we all looked around and thought, “How did the pickleball community get this big?” and somehow, pickleball became everyone’s personality.

Welcome to our year-end rundown of the best and worst things that happened in pickleball this 2025, and we’re saying it all!

In this episode, we kick things off by celebrating some big wins, from growing audiences and packed events to the undeniable rise of pickleball tournaments and ever-expanding pickleball clubs. We also dig into the stats that prove what we all feel on the courts: this sport is exploding across adult sports leagues, community sports, and the broader world of sports industry growth.

Then things get spicy… we welcome back our favorite pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, who brings strong opinions on everything from questionable sports fashion trends to the overwhelming surge in pickleball equipment and ever-evolving paddle technology. His takes spark laughs, tension, and a few “did he really just say that?” moments, which is exactly why we love having him on.

We take a step back and look at what really defined pickleball in 2025. It was a year that proved this sport isn’t just growing, it’s evolving, and we’re breaking it all down with honesty, humor, and a little side-eye.

Here’s a peek at what 2025 looked like for pickleball:

• The biggest pickleball trends that shaped the year, both exciting and uncomfortable
• Why pickleball tournaments and competitive play surged in a big way
• The real impact of pickleball noise complaints and shrinking public court access
• Ongoing rating system debates and what they mean for everyday pickleball players
• Why the pickleball community continues to be the heart of the sport, no matter how big it gets

So grab your margarita or martini, pull up a court-side chair, and join us as we toast the highs, side-eye the lows, and wrap up a wild year in pickleball. 🍹🏓

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.

AND

Our friends at Dailey Travels are hosting a Royal Caribbean Pickleball Cruise with NBA Legend Rick Barry this April. It’s a 5-night luxury cruise adventure to Cabo San Lucas that combines world-class instruction with five-star amenities! Check it out at www.dailey-travels.com!

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

You’ve shown up to every match with your gear perfectly packed, but when it comes to holiday gifting, you’re the person scribbling a card in the parking lot with a pen you borrowed. Don’t worry, we’ve been there. And we’re here to make you look like a pro.

We’re back with our second annual holiday gift guide, and this one’s loaded with actual good ideas (you’re welcome). Whether you’re shopping for your doubles partner, your paddle-happy spouse, or your own fabulous self, we’ve rounded up the kind of pickleball gifts that’ll make you the MVP of the season.

And listen, this is not your basic paddle-and-water-bottle roundup. We’ve got pickleball pajamas you’ll feel like you want to live in, a pickleball apron that screams “stay out of the kitchen,” and yes, the Dammit Doll that might just save your friendships. You're welcome again.

We also mentioned Labubus (don’t ask, just listen), filming your game without looking like a try-hard, and the one gift that had us both genuinely speechless. Spoiler: it’s not the ice cube mold... but that one’s in there too.

Top Ten Gift Ideas:

1. Pickleball Dammit Doll 
2. Netcord Phone Holder for Video
3. American Girl - Pickleball Doll
4. Fence Bag Holder 
5. Pickleball ice maker 
6. Pickleball PJs
7. Pickleball apron 
8. Pickleball Cocktail Coasters
9. Paddle Grip 
10. Pickleball Twist Card Game 

Bonus Gift: An INCREDIBLE bespoke trip to Africa with Unearth Experience that will have you telling stories at dinner parties for years to come! 

So grab your drink, snuggle up (preferably in festive jammies), and hit play because nobody wants to be the one who shows up with a last-minute Amazon gift card. Again.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.

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Welcome to the only live podcast episode where the court drama is matched only by the party vibes, and the wardrobe choices might just win their own medal.

Here’s some front-row access to the Dinks on Tap one-year celebration, recorded with a live audience of our favorite paddle-loving warriors. This episode is equal parts pickleball pep rally, behind-the-scenes tea, and hilarious fun. We relive our biggest night yet, complete with a fashion show, signature cocktails, and a double guest feature that brought the heat.

First up: Courtney Johnson, aka America’s favorite ref, who once stared down John McEnroe without flinching and still had time to correct your kitchen violations. Then: Mark Molthan, Dallas Flash team owner, luxury homebuilder, and the kind of guy who can drop an F-bomb and a sports commentary gem in the same breath.

Whether you came for the laughs or the Major League Pickleball intel, we’ve got both plus a few confessions we maybe should’ve left off-mic. Too late.

You’ll hear:

• The real MVP moment from our live podcast (hint: it involved a fashion emergency and a pickleball paddle)
• Mark’s bold take on team ownership and what happens when Dallas Flash meets their biggest rivals
• Courtney’s top “you did what in the kitchen?!” rule flubs
• How our night out became a masterclass in community building and chaotic joy
• Why athletic fashion is now an official part of our sport (and yes, we want the whole spring line)
  
  

So, whether you're here for the pickleball drama, the laughs, or just to feel like part of the sports community, hit play and pretend you're sipping a cocktail under the twinkle lights of the Dallas scene.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.

Lucky in Love Pickleball attire - as seen in the fashion show at our event!

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Ever wondered why your DUPR score nosedives after a win, and you're wondering if your app is gaslighting you? What is happening in the pickleball matrix?

In this episode, we sit down with Tito Machado, the most loved and rage-texted man in pro pickleball. He’s the CEO of DUPR, the rating system that somehow manages to both unite and divide the pickleball community like it’s the pineapple on pizza of the pickleball world. Tito opens up about the chaos, the criticism, and the sheer volume of "fix my rating" DMs that hit his inbox daily.

We also confess our own crimes, yes, we may or may not have created a fake verified account to see just how easy it is to game the system (don’t worry, we turned ourselves in to the DUPR police). What follows is a wild mix of real talk, good laughs, and some serious behind-the-scenes transparency into how pickleball ratings actually work.

Here’s what you’ll dink away with:

• Why a win won’t always raise your DUPR score and how your reliability score factors in
• What the DUPR forecast really tells you (beyond the red arrow of doom)
• How pickleball data reveals player performance and flags sandbagging
  Why some avoid pickleball tournaments and how that trend is shifting
• What’s coming in 2026 for competitive pickleball: sub-ratings, verified accounts, and cleaner match records
• Tito’s spicy takes on rec pickleball, DUPR jail, and his dream court showdown with Kobe and Ronaldo

This episode delivers smart insights and just enough chaos to keep your next paddle tap interesting. Rating junkies, proud 3.0s, and anyone still pretending not to care about their DUPR will want in on this one.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

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Website: dinksontap.com

Ever tried organizing a pickleball game with five group chats, two calendars, and someone’s cousin who “might show up if it doesn’t rain”? It’s like herding cats… in court shoes. And just when you finally get a foursome, someone drops out at 7 a.m. Sound familiar?

This week on Dinks on Tap, we’re sitting down with Dan and Steve, the creators of DiNKR, the pickleball app designed to bring order to your game day chaos. Tired of juggling endless texts and flaky invites, they set out to build something better: a smarter way to connect players, schedule games, and grow your pickleball community. Whether you're into recreational pickleball, chasing wins in competitive pickleball, or curious about that low-key dating feature (yep, it’s real), DiNKR is changing how we find our people on and off the court.

In this episode, we unpack it all from the moment the DiNKR paddle-heart logo was born, to whether or not it’s ethical to “target Emma Watson” in rec play. (Yes, that came up.)

Here’s what you’ll dink away with:

• How a movie script turned into a friend finder app that’s actually fun (and works)
• Why “sequential invites” might be the game scheduling hack your group text dreams of
• Early user stories, including the one where a 3.5 with “good vibes” became the hottest swipe
• Why this might be the best thing to hit outdoor group activities since SPF 50
• How vibe > rating and why a true sports connection app is about chemistry, not just DUPR numbers

If you’ve ever Googled how to find pickleball players or dreamed of a less chaotic way to build your pickleball community, grab a drink, hit play, and find out why DiNKR might just be your new favorite doubles partner.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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Winning gold sounds great… until the court lights shut off mid-point, and someone’s Uncle Larry is heckling from the sidelines. Welcome to pickleball tournaments, where the only thing more unpredictable than the tape lines are the emotions running high.

In this episode of Dinks on Tap, we take you inside our latest wild ride at a local tourney in Austin, complete with lighting meltdowns, DJ shutdowns, and one of us possibly forgetting how to see the ball entirely (glasses next time, anyone?). Between the laughter and the performance pressure, we’re breaking down the real story of what happens when performance anxiety meets competitive pickleball and how you can still walk away with silver and a smile.

During the tournament, we even bumped into Tom Irady, the unofficial bard of the pickleball community, famous for his hilarious parody songs like “Dinks in the Kitchen.” Tom was a perfect reminder that play is supposed to be FUN, even when you’re sweating through your skort.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• A reminder that mental toughness isn’t just for the pros, it's your best defense when the bracket breaks
• How to adapt your pickleball strategy when things go sideways (and the lights go out)
• Simple focus training tricks to help you stay in the mental game, even when distractions pile up
• Real talk on team dynamics and how to support your partner when one of you’s running on vibes only
• Tournament red flags: what makes a great pickleball event vs. one that makes you question your life choices

If you’ve ever found yourself mid-rally thinking, “Is it me, or did the court just move?”, this one’s for you. Hit play, laugh with us, learn a few pickleball tips, and get the inside scoop on what really happens behind the bracket board.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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Curious how your pickleball rating actually gets calculated?

Check out VAIR, the new pickleball rating system: https://www.vairified.com/?ambassador=7180389

Pickleball rating systems can feel like the Wild West… where matchups make zero sense and “fair play” is more myth than rule. One minute you’re rallying with a retired pro, the next you’re getting smoked by a 13-year-old with braces and a wicked backhand.

In this episode, we dig into the accuracy drama with Mike Barker, the brains behind VAIR (Visually Assessed International Rating),  a next-gen player rating system that promises to clean up the chaos. Mike’s not just a ratings guy; he’s a former semi-pro footballer, tech entrepreneur, and the kind of guy who brings AI camera systems and court-side video analysis into your average Tuesday night match. He’s passionate about one thing: making sure your rating is actually accurate!  

We share wild stories from mixed brackets gone wrong, debate what counts as a “real” rating, and explore how skill-based matchmaking is reshaping both recreational pickleball and the future of competitive pickleball.

What you’ll hear:

• Why most rating systems feel like a bad doubles partner: unclear, unreliable, and kind of holding you back
• The age + gender mix-ups that make you wonder if you accidentally signed up for a youth camp or the retirees’ tour
• How VAIR uses AI, camera systems, and smart player data to give us finally giving us real-deal skill evaluation 
• What separates a rec rating from a verified one, and why that tiny decimal point can make a huge difference
• How clubs are using smart tech, solid pickleball techniques, and juicy game insights to create the matchups we actually want

So grab your margarita, tune in, and find out how the new VAIR rating system could mean better matchups, fewer mismatches, and way more fun for the whole pickleball community.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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You can perfect your third shot drop… but can you survive a 10-day pickleball trip with your doubles partner and still want to split a margarita after? 

This week, we’re talking all things chemistry on and off the court. We’re covering pro-led clinics in Spain, silent side-eyes during rec play, and everything in between as we dig into what really holds a team together (and what quietly breaks it).

First, we catch up with Stephen Moore of Pickleball Trips, the boutique travel company blending adventure travel with pro-level play. From Japan to Costa Rica to courtside ceviche in Spain, Stephen takes us behind the scenes of how his family turned their love of sport and travel into world-class pickleball tours. Yes, there’s travel with purpose, but there’s also stretchy pants, five-star meals, and a whole lot of dinking with locals.

Then, we sit down with Molly Bonner, the team mom, hug dealer, and unofficial snack coordinator of the Dinking Buddies, to talk about what really happens behind the paddles. This isn’t just about dinks and drops. We’re talking team dynamics, emotion in sports, and what it takes to stay connected when you’re trying to win without losing your cool (or your bestie).

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why picking a pickleball partner can feel weirdly similar to dating (yes, really)
• How a shared competitive mindset can totally bond you or quietly blow things up
• The underrated magic of trust and why it’s way more clutch than your drop shot
• What actually makes team chemistry click (and how to know when it’s off)
• The messy middle: conflict, growth, and navigating partnership like a grown-up
• And all the stuff no one teaches you in pickleball clinics, but probably should!

So if travel and play is your love language, consider this your official invite. From coaching sessions in Patagonia to building real connection with your doubles partner, this episode has the vibes and the insight. Paddle up, press play, and let’s go.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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Once upon a time, Kaitlin Miller was covering broadcast journalism red carpets and national headlines. Now she’s helping the Nashville pickleball scene blow up one rooftop pickleball rally and post-game marg at a time. With a paddle in one hand and a mic in the other, she’s turning rec play into a real movement, and she’s just getting started.

In this episode of your favorite pickleball podcast, Dinks On Tap, Kaitlin spills the sweet tea on how she went from chasing breaking news to building courts with Court Kings, hosting celeb tournaments, and giving newbies pickleball tips not to freak out in the kitchen. Whether she’s running drills at Pickleball Kingdom, throwing rooftop matches, or sipping martinis mid-dink, she’s blending paddle sports with Southern charm and redefining what it means to play for the long game.

Kaitlin’s breaking down everything from shady open-play vibes to the little mindset shifts that actually matter from newbie nerves to pro-level coaching pickleball moments.

We get into:

• The real role of team building events and how they make corporate court time way less awkward
• Why the US Open pickleball scene has nothing on a good country music Nashville courtside playlist
• Why having a tennis background can help but won’t save you from getting schooled by an 80-year-old with fast hands and a knee brace
• What the future of inclusivity in sports really looks like (and why open play still has some work to do)
• How women in sports are leading the charge on the court, in the booth, and behind the business deals

From broadcast booths to pickleball courts, this episode hits every line. Expect big laughs, real talk, and the kind of strategic glow-up that happens when women run the show. Grab your paddle and your drinks, happy hour starts here.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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What would happen if pickleball got a Caitlin Clark–level shake-up, a blast of PR glitter, and just enough paddle-side gossip to keep the courts buzzing all weekend? That is exactly what we are serving today!

First up, our resident pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, spills why the sport still hasn’t found its breakout star and what it could steal from the sports marketing playbook of the WNBA. We’re talking player branding that goes way beyond logos on paddles, plus the coaching strategies that could make the pickleball community as binge-worthy as your favorite competitive sports.

Then, Dr. Joy Macci takes the mic for a masterclass in mental toughness, mindset training, and game psychology. She’s worked with elite athletes at the top of their game and she’s dropping pickleball tips that go way past the dink. Think paddle positioning secrets, shot selection tweaks, and micro-adjustments that create major performance improvement.

We get into:

• Why sports confidence starts long before your first serve
• How a positive mindset can flip a bad point into a teaching moment
• The surprising pickleball strategy change that can instantly upgrade your pickleball skills
• Why skill development is a forever thing, not just for newbies
• How athletic performance could soar with better storytelling and sports growth that actually sticks
  
  

It’s got spice, it’s got receipts, and it’s packed with takeaways whether you’re medal-chasing, brand-building, or just here for the mental edge.

Grab your marg (or martini), park it courtside, and let’s serve up the kind of real talk this game’s been begging for.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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What do you get when two podcasters train like pros, catch COVID five days before a tournament, and still walk away with medals (and maybe a mild cough)? 

You get an episode that’s equal parts redemption story, hydration plan, and doubles therapy session.

In this week’s episode of Dinks on Tap, we break down our wild ride to the Dallas Classic from getting smoked in Houston to sharpening our pickleball strategy, drilling with stronger players, leveling up our game preparation, and crushing teenagers with braces and unreal reflexes. We talk about adjusting our game mode, building mental resilience, and staying locked in through a surprise round of covid recovery (plus a few Trader Joe’s runs and enough hydration tips to last a lifetime).

Then we sit down with Ben McNair, who brings the perfect blend of biomechanics, dry humor, and strategic gameplay. He shares how to master the transition zone, prevent injuries, and read your opponents with stronger court awareness.

We also touch on the evolving world of high-level pickleball, how team dynamics shape performance, and what it’s like facing off against hyper-focused youth players who may or may not be checking TikTok between matches.

Here’s what you’ll get from this episode:

• How to shift your mindset and prep like a pro for tournaments
• Real talk on staying sharp through setbacks, snacks, and sickness
• Practical tips on reading the court and improving pickleball shot selection
• Ben’s take on biomechanics and building smarter play habits
• Insight into partner communication and staying cool under pressure

If you’re down to laugh, learn, and maybe reconsider playing a tournament five days post-covid, tighten those laces, pack your snacks, and let’s get into it.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Want to see more from Ben McNair? Catch him live at Picklecon 2025—don’t miss your chance to connect with one of the most insightful voices in the game!

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What do you get when pickleball ratings make no sense, sandbagging gets a spotlight, and a restaurant entrepreneur turns out to be a beast on the court? You get an episode that’s part strategy session, part cocktail hour, and a whole lot of real talk.

This week, the pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, returns with the kind of hot takes only he can deliver, questioning DUPR math, calling out tournament trickery, and unpacking why your 4.0 rating might only count in your zip code. It’s spicy, it’s chaotic, and it might just change how you play rec.

Then we meet Brenton Phillips of Written by the Seasons, who’s serving up cold-pressed cocktails, thoughtful business partnerships, and the kind of communication strategies that work whether you’re running a restaurant or hitting a drop shot. He talks about how he and his wife keep it cool on the court (most of the time), what pickleball taught him about energy and awareness, and why calling a timeout mid-game can feel a lot like defusing a tense dinner service.

We talk about:

• Why ratings systems feel made up (because…they kinda are)
• How to manage egos, emotions, and court chaos
• The grind behind building a restaurant brand with soul
• And what happens when you and your spouse run a business and share a kitchen (in both senses of the word)

Grab a glass, hit play, and let’s get into it.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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What happens when you mix pickleball vs tennis debates, spicy pickleball TV ratings, and a 9-month pregnant woman dinking like a champ? You get an episode that’s equal parts spicy, sweaty, and a little bit unhinged in the best way.

In this episode, we kick things off with our resident spice specialist, Andrew Kole, who casually compares Anna Leigh Waters to Serena Williams and questions if Pickleball TV Ratings are even a thing. (They are. Sort of.)

Then we meet Hugh Zhang, owner of the Houston Hammers in the National Pickleball League. He’s building something bigger, and he’s using pickleball to support veterans, 50+ athletes, and anyone who thinks their best playing days are behind them. Spoiler: they’re not.

And just when you think we’ve covered it all, we introduce you to Sarah, who was competing until four days before giving birth. Yes, really. Dinking for two, and dominating.

We talk about:

• The difference between dominating and growing a sport
• Whether Serena could crush it on a pickleball court (answer: obviously)
• The strange psychology of pickleball player ratings
• How the National Pickleball League is rewriting the playbook
• And the speakeasy in Houston that may or may not have changed us forever
  
  

This one’s big. It’s warm. It’s a little unhinged.
And it’s everything we love about this wild, weird sport.
So grab your drink, hit play, and meet the people who are shaping the future of pickleball, whether they meant to or not.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

Craving a speakeasy moment with less controversy and more carbs?
Enoteca Rossa is where we wrapped up our Houston weekend. A glass of Lambrusco in hand, pizza on the way, and zero talk of who’s more dominant on the court.
📍Bel Air, Houston. Come for the carbs, stay for the secret door.
https://www.enotecarossa.com/ 

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What happens when two confident 4.0 players stroll into a pickleball tournament thinking they’re ready… and Houston says, “Bless your hearts”?

You get this episode of Dinks on Tap.

We packed our paddles, mics, and maybe a little too much confidence for a Houston pickleball tournament, only to get served by next-level talent. Turns out, getting humbled was exactly what we needed to spark real pickleball growth. We left calling our coach and rethinking everything from strategy to mindset.

Then Andrew Kole drops in for a spicy “On the Rocks” segment and challenges us to a game-show-style throwdown about pickleball ratings. DUPR, UTR-P, USAP… none of it makes sense, and Andrew’s here to make that point, loudly and hilariously.

And don’t miss our sit-down with Hal Martin, the visionary behind one of the most impressive pickleball facilities we’ve ever set foot in. With 13 indoor pickleball courts, top-tier lighting, and built-in vibes, this spot is redefining what pickleball training spaces can be.

Just when we thought Houston couldn’t impress us more, in come Raz and Jesse, two junior players (13 and 15!) who strolled into the men’s 4.0 division and left with gold. Total naturals. 

We talk about:

• Why Houston might just be the unofficial capital of indoor pickleball
• What it really feels like to be outplayed (and why that’s good for your game)
• The acronym anarchy of pickleball ratings (we barely survived)
• What makes a pickleball facility more than just a court

Grab your martini. Text your coach.

And maybe don't get too comfy. Houston’s got smoke to spare.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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What do you get when you mix a booming pickleball community, a bunch of angry neighbors, and one very opinionated provocateur?
An episode that’s equal parts civic chaos and court-side commentary.

This week, we’re diving into the pickleball controversy that’s taking over cities everywhere, starting with our favorite instigator, Andrew Kole. He’s got numbers, bold claims, and a not-so-quiet warning about pickleball franchises that might be growing faster than they can handle.

Then we tag in Denver Parks and Rec Director Jolon Clark (and yes, Park Hill Dave makes a cameo). Jolon breaks down the rise of urban pickleball, the unexpected science of pickleball noise, and why so many noise complaints are landing on his desk.

He also shares how cities are using quiet pickleball balls, smarter urban planning, and policy pivots to keep things civil on the courts. Because when community sports grow this fast, they don’t just build connections, they stir up real pickleball drama.

We talk about:

• Why your brain literally can’t ignore pickleball noise
• What happens when city staff becomes a paddle referee
• How pickleball tournaments fit into the future of public spaces
• And what the noise ordinance means for your neighborhood court
  
  

If you love this sport, and want to keep it growing without the blowups, this one’s for you.

Grab your marg. Text your doubles partner.
And maybe don’t blast music on Court 4.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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When a court clash turns spicy and the hot takes are served shaken, not stirred, you know it’s a Dinks on Tap episode.

You’ve seen the clips.
You’ve read the threads.
But now we’re talking exactly what went down between Anna Leigh Waters and Hayden Patriquin at Major League Pickleball Orlando.

Real tension? PR stunt? Secret teen love story? (We wish we were joking.)

Our friend (and professional instigator) Andrew Kole, from Pickleball is Great, joins us for our brand-new segment “On the Rocks”, and let's just say… he’s not holding back.

Then we tag in America’s pickleball referee MVP Courtney Miller Johnson (who was literally courtside for the showdown) and bring back straight-talker Ben Paquette for a brutally honest take on the DUPR rating system (a.k.a. the algorithm everyone loves to hate).

• What really went down between Anna Leigh Waters and Hayden Patriquin
• Why Major League Pickleball’s official response got roasted harder than a courtside jalapeño marg
• The truth about the DUPR rating system (and why your 4.1 might be lying to you)
• How even a messy pickleball controversy can level up the game
• And why losing every match still counts as winning (sometimes)

Grab your paddle. Grab your marg. Let’s get into it.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren

Dinks on Tap

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What do you get when you mix a high-stress finance job, a family health scare, and a few curious visits to the local gym? If you're Ben Paquette, you get a full-on life remix served underhand.

In this episode, we sit down with the man who first taught us how to dink without overthinking: pickleball coach Ben Paquette. What started as a few casual games turned into a complete career pivot. Now he’s teaching pickleball, traveling for professional pickleball tournaments, and building a thriving pickleball community in Dallas—all while keeping that signature chill-coach energy.

We talk about:

• The wake-up call that made Ben trade spreadsheets for spin serves
• Why the pickleball mindset might be more important than your paddle
• What those mysterious coaching certifications really mean
• How to get through the dreaded YIPS (spoiler: it’s not just about your backhand)
• And the true test of any partnership—pickleball doubles or otherwise

This one’s deep. It’s funny. It might even make you rethink your doubles partner.

And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the game is just the beginning of finding purpose.

So grab your marg, hit play, and meet the coach who changed our game—and maybe our lives (no pressure, Ben).

Cheers,

Casie and Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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Let’s be honest: switching careers is hard. But switching athletic careers after more than two decades? That’s a whole different level.

In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Jakovljevic, who walked away from a 23-year soccer career to go all in on the world of pro pickleball. And it all started because he had a crush!

We dig into his unexpected pickleball journey, what it’s like learning a totally new sport later in life, and how he keeps his athlete mindset sharp even when he’s running on very little sleep and way too many gummy bears.

From emotional discipline on the court to learning how to find joy in the grind, Ivan shares what helped him make a big change in career, found purpose through pickleball coaching, how he stays focused, and why connection in the pickleball community matters just as much as competitive drive.

If you’ve ever considered a bold pivot, wondered what it’s really like to go pro, or just want to hear a story that proves it’s never too late to start over, this one’s for you.

Let’s dink, sip, and get into it.

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

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Let’s be real for a second: playing pickleball with your romantic partner isn’t always a love story. Sometimes, it’s a full-blown drama. You’re holding hands one minute, and the next, you’re side-eyeing their third shot drop like they betrayed you. We’ve been there. That’s why this episode of Dinks on Tap hit home in the best way.

In this episode, we chat with Teri Citterman and Dr. Stormy Hill, co-authors of In a Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other. We dive into the wild world of playing pickleball with your romantic partner, where tension, love, competitive behavior, and the occasional eye roll collide.

From emotional intelligence on the court to safe words, love languages, and intention-setting before a match, this conversation is full of real strategies for keeping both your game and your relationship strong. 

We also touch on important topics like relationship advice for couples who play sports together, communication in sports, and how understanding partner dynamics can actually lead to deeper relationship growth, both on and off the court. Plus, we get into some unspoken rules of pickleball etiquette and the power of intentional play when the pressure is high.

Whether you're in love, in competition, or both, this episode is packed with relatable insights to help you play better together and maybe even argue a little less, on and off the court.

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

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The must-read for couples who love (and survive) playing pickleball together: 

In A Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other

Explore more tools, tips, and upcoming retreats at LoveandPickleball.net

Follow the fun and join the Love nad Pickleball community:

Instagram: @love_and_pickleball

Facebook: @love.and.pickleball

TikTok: @loveandpickleball

Are you stretching the wrong way? You might think a quick quad stretch before a match is enough, but according to soft tissue specialist Albert Ibanez, most players are skipping the real key to pickleball injury prevention… and it's not what you’d expect.

Albert, known as the Muscle Whisperer, has worked on countless athletes, including some of the best pickleball players in Dallas. In this episode, he reveals why so many players struggle with chronic shoulder, elbow, and lower back pain and how small changes in your stretching routine can help you play longer and feel better.

One game-changing tip? If you're not doing an ice bath for athletes after intense play, you’re missing out on faster muscle recovery and better performance. But don’t worry, Albert also shares easy alternatives for those of us who hate freezing water.

Listen now and learn how to keep your muscle health in check, stay pain-free, and keep dinking like a pro.

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

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Website: dinksontap.com

What if we told you that having fun off the court is just as important as practicing your dinks and drives? Sounds wild, right? But after an epic pickleball team-building trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, we’re here to tell you… IT WORKS.

In this episode, we’re diving into why team building is important for every pickleball league (and any competitive sport, really). We’ll share how doing team bonding activities like a Mardi Gras night, petting zoo adventures, and even a choreographed team entrance helped us feel more connected and confident going into a super competitive pickleball season.

We’ll also get real about the nerves that come with leveling up in competition, how building community and connection off the court helps us play better on it, and why staying loose is the secret weapon to better performance.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to build trust with your doubles partner, strengthen your pickleball team, or just want an excuse to plan a fun team trip, this episode is for you!

Hit play and let’s talk about why fun actually makes you a better player.

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

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Website: dinksontap.com

If you’ve ever played pickleball, you know how fast things can get heated- bad line calls, foot faults, and that one player who lobs every single shot. 

But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the person making the tough calls? That’s exactly what we’re diving into on this episode!

We got to sit down with Courtney Johnson, the Head of Competition for Major League Pickleball (MLP) and one of the most respected referees in the game. She’s been a USA Pickleball certified referee since 2018, has officiated some of the biggest matches in pro pickleball, and even had to stand her ground against John McEnroe at the Pickleball Slam.

Courtney shares how she went from a casual rec player to one of the most well-known refs in the sport, breaks down the viral “Two Becomes One” rule, and explains why MLP switched from rally scoring to side-out scoring. We also get into the biggest mistakes rec players make, the best way to handle bad line calls and lobbers, and whether pickleball is still the inclusive, welcoming sport we all love or if it's becoming too exclusive.

Plus, there’s an exclusive giveaway you won’t want to miss! If you love pickleball tips, pro pickleball insights, and fun conversations, join us for this episode!

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

Have you ever rescheduled a meeting or called in sick just to play pickleball? We get it! 

In this episode, we explore the mental game of pickleball with Dayne Gingrich, a seven-time national champion, and Jill Martin, a former attorney turned fitness pro. 

As co-authors of Pickleball Mindset, they share winning strategies for improving mental toughness, building confidence, and becoming a better pickleball partner.

We dive into essential pickleball psychology topics like pre-acceptance versus pre-expectance and how to stop overthinking mistakes, reset rituals to improve focus and consistency, and practical ways to strengthen your doubles pickleball partnership. 

We also discuss common pickleball pet peeves, how to handle pressure in tournaments, and the biggest mindset shifts that separate elite players from the rest. To keep things fun, we wrap up with rapid-fire questions, including our dream pickleball foursomes and what superpowers we’d love to have on the court.

This episode is packed with laughs, lightbulb moments, and real talk about the mental game of pickleball. Grab a drink, get cozy, and listen in!

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

What’s the magic behind the explosive growth of pickleball?

In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Pedroza, a pickleball pro and coach who’s turned her passion into a tool for transforming communities and workplaces. Melissa shares the hilarious and heartwarming moments from her journey into the sport, plus the surprising ways pickleball can bring people together, even in corporate settings.

We also dive into hot topics like what makes pickleball inclusive, balancing the fun of the game with the pressure to improve, and the hilarious white lies people tell to sneak in extra pickleball time.

Plus, Melissa gives us her take on pet peeves on the court, who she’d pick for her dream pickleball match, and her love for creating delicious ceviche. (Recipe in our Instagram bio.)

Tune in and don’t forget to share with your favorite dinking buddy!

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com

Get Melissa’s Ceviche Recipe here: https://dinksontap.com/melissas-ceviche-recipe

Welcome to 2025, pickleballers! 

This week, we’re serving up a fresh episode packed with everything you need to start the year strong. From pickleball stats to new rules for 2025, we’ve got the scoop to keep your game sharp.

We’re also diving into the ultimate pickleball growth hack. Inspired by the game-changing book Pickleball Mindset, we’re exploring how to flip pressure into opportunity, ditch the fear of “slumps,” and build confidence like never before. This episode is full of practical tips to help you improve your performance, enjoy the game more, and stay mentally tough.

Plus, don’t miss our fun facts about pickleball’s origin, the rise of younger players, and how to get your own Pickleball homepage. This episode is your go-to guide for embracing pickleball’s explosive growth, strengthening your mental game, and kicking off 2025 as your best pickleball year yet.

So pour your favorite drink, and join us for a lively conversation where pickleball meets margaritas. 

Cheers,
Casie & Lauren

Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:

Instagram: @dinksontap

Facebook: @DinksonTap
Website: dinksontap.com