Shows
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastThe Virtual Pickleball RevolutionHave you ever wondered what the future of pickleball training might look like? Wonder no more. PlayKout, a revolutionary pickleball simulator, is changing the game by blending high-intensity training with addictive gameplay elements—creating what founders Sean Edwards and Jorge Guerrero aptly describe as "the TopGolf of pickleball."During our visit to their Dallas headquarters, we experienced firsthand how this compact system (just 11' high x 11' wide x 4' deep) delivers an impressive workout while making practice genuinely fun. The concept is brilliant yet straightforward: a ball machine feeds pickleballs toward players who aim at targets di...2025-06-1157 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastFaith, Family, Work: The Kingdom PhilosophyFrom college football dreams to pickleball excellence, Dorion Brown's journey to becoming head pro at Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas is a masterclass in perseverance, emotional intelligence, and dedicated practice.The second part of our conversation with Dorion dives deep into what transformed a recreational player from Wilmington, North Carolina into a 4.8-rated competitor with professional aspirations. With nearly 56,000 teaching hours under his belt, Dorian shares the "neurological hacks" that have helped him elevate countless players from 3.0 to 4.5 ratings through focused training techniques.At the heart of Dorion's philosophy is a refreshingly humble approach: "Pride...2025-05-2233 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastSeason 2 Premiere - PCD & The Pickleball KingdomBlazing Paddles kicks off Season 2 at Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas during the PCD Boot Camp end-of-year reward event. We sit down with Lesa Wracher, Rules Director for Pickleball Competitors of Dallas (PCD), to discuss the organization's evolution from Tennis Competitors of Dallas and the unique culture of pickleball.• PCD evolved from TCD (Tennis Competitors of Dallas) in fall 2020 thanks to Renee Hinterlong's vision• Initially 96.4% of participants were tennis players, but the demographic has shifted significantly• PCD now operates with its own board of directors to accommodate pickleball's rapid growth• The inclusive nature of pickleba...2025-05-2039 min
Courtroom ConfidentialEp 38: Delphi Judgment Day, JP Miller Arrested, Young Thug Goes Free, Bryan Kohberger Fights the Death Penalty and More!Welcome back to Courtroom Confidential with Joshua Ritter! This week, I share my insights on some of this week’s updates in the true crime world, including: - Over seven years after the brutal slayings of teen girls Abby Williams and Libby German, jurors will now decide the fate of Delphi man Richard Allen, charged with arguably the most notorious murders in Indiana state history. - John-Paul Miller, a North Carolina pastor, first came under public scrutiny after the mysterious circumstances surrounding his estranged wife Mica Miller’s death, now the FBI has raided his home...2024-11-0830 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastUnlocking PIckleball Performance: The Power of Sleep and WellnessWhat if you could elevate your athletic performance simply by improving your sleep? Join us for an engaging conversation with sleep scientist Sarah Moe, who shares her unexpected journey into the world of pickleball and how she discovered the crucial link between quality sleep and athletic prowess. Sarah’s competitive nature set the stage for her newfound passion, and she offers expert advice on how sleep can enhance not only your game but also your overall health and well-being.We take a critical look at the healthcare system, shedding light on the often problematic relationship between pharmaceutical co...2024-09-241h 06
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastMaximizing Pickleball Performance: with Dr. Eric KoremUnlock the secrets to maximizing your athletic performance with Eric Korem, a trailblazer in sports science and wearable technology. From his humble beginnings as a walk-on football player at Texas A&M to pioneering the use of GPS tracking in football, Eric's innovative approach has dramatically reduced injuries and enhanced performance for top-tier athletes, including NFL players and Olympic sprinters. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into how Eric's Aim7 app is revolutionizing the way we train for pickleball, a sport that's capturing the hearts of players worldwide.Discover how to prevent pickleball injuries by merging exercise...2024-07-301h 25
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastActivation! Dinkers Pickleball Club Comes Alive!Ever wondered what it takes to transform an old grocery store into a vibrant indoor pickleball mecca? Join us as we pull back the curtain on the creation of Dinker's Pickleball Club in Denton, Texas. You'll journey from the first spark of interest in pickleball to the grand opening, complete with exhibitions, professional players, and an incredibly engaged community. Special guests Ashlee Blakley and Suzanne Greever from Twisted Pickle share their expertise in ensuring pickleball facilities succeed right from the start, offering invaluable insights into the business side of this rapidly growing sport.Our conversation with Suzanne...2024-07-0144 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastMLP Summer Slam, Preston Playhouse - Dallas Flash vs. Orlando SqueezeThis is a must watch! Now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s_-nIDDM9DI Ready to witness the pulse-pounding action of Major League Pickleball like never before? Join us as we celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary with a special recap of the MLP Summer Slam Exhibition match between the Dallas Flash and the Orlando Squeeze. Hear about the unique dynamics of the game, featuring standout performances from JW and Jorja Johnson, Tyra Black, Tyson McGuffin, and Vivienne David. Add to that the exciting appearances from guest substitutes John Isner and Samantha Parker, and you've got an episode b...2024-06-181h 13
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastPicklin' At The Playhouse - Chatting With The ProsCan you imagine transforming your pickleball game from a 3-5 to a 4-0 rating while having a blast? Join us for an engaging conversation with Graham Mann at Preston Playhouse, where we discuss their retro-themed facility that offers both competitive play and fun date nights. Our Operations Director, Sean Edwards, delves into his rich background in tennis and padel, highlighting the rise of the Dallas Flash team and their community's enthusiastic support. From thrilling events to the aspirations of their head pro, Tam, there's a lot to unpack on how this vibrant hub is shaking things up....2024-06-1537 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastTCD Bootcamp at The Preston Playhouse (part 2) - Chattin' With the ProsReady to elevate your pickleball game and become the star player on the court? This episode promises to equip you with essential strategies and positioning tips to transform your play from mid-level to advanced. Hear directly from the experts, including pickleball pros Trevor Vaccaro and Zack Mroue, as they share their competitive journeys and future goals. Plus, get an inside look at the lively Preston Playhouse, a retro-themed pickleball haven, through the eyes of Operations Director Sean Edwards. Discover why this vibrant facility has quickly become a social hotspot for enthusiasts and why you won't want to miss the...2024-06-0450 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastTCD Bootcamp at The Preston Playhouse (part 1)Ready to unlock the secrets behind the meteoric rise of pickleball? Join us as we explore Preston Playhouse in Dallas, a facility that’s buzzing with energy thanks to its array of pickleball courts, Padel, Ping Pong, vintage video games, and a bar. You'll hear from local enthusiasts and facility operators about the challenges and triumphs of meeting the skyrocketing demand for indoor pickleball spaces, especially in hot climates. Plus, Renee Hinterlong, TCD Pickleball Director, shares the success story of their seasonal boot camps and the exciting expansion of indoor venues in Texas.Our episode also delves in...2024-06-0249 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastCrushing It! with Al ArcoEver wondered how an ex-Division II college baseball player would take to pickleball like a duck to water? Meet Al Arco, whose story of athletic legacy and newfound pickleball obsession unfolds in our latest episode. We delve into his move to Robson Ranch, the rapid growth of his pickleball prowess, and how his family's sporting history—from his mother's near inclusion in the 1963 Pan American swim team to his children's athletic feats—has seeped into his own passion for the sport.This week's conversation also spotlights a pickleball tale of personal growth, competition, and relationship strengthening. Imagine step...2024-05-131h 04
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastPickleball Throws Sutton Howard a LifelineFrom the depths of hardship to the heights of athletic achievement, Sutton Howard's story is a testament to the transformative power of pickleball. This episode takes you on a heartfelt journey with Howard, from overcoming homelessness and substance abuse to becoming a pickleball marvel. As we chat with this remarkable individual, you'll be inspired by his rapid mastery of the game and the role it played in his personal revival. Together, we explore the strategies, psychological intricacies, and the sheer joy that comes from progressing in this inclusive and booming community.This game isn't just about the...2024-04-211h 02
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastAll Aboard The PickleTrain with Chrissie HintzUnpack the secrets of staying injury-free in the fast-paced world of pickleball with the exceptional insights of Chrissy Hintz from Southlake Paddle Club. In a sport where the thrill of victory is only surpassed by the agony of defeat—and potential injury—we're bringing you a game-changer with Chrissy's innovative PickleTrain program. She's not just a player and instructor; she's transforming how we approach the game, from the perfect paddle search to volley techniques that borrow from tennis without causing confusion on the court.Gear up for an honest exchange about the harsh reality of sports injuries, wher...2024-03-1959 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastSwapping a Sword For a Paddle, Ninja-style with Joel MowerWhen the going gets tough, the tough get playing—which couldn't ring more true than in the world of pickleball, a sport that has offered solace to many, including our guest Joel Mower, founder of Dink Ninjas. Joel opens up about the serendipitous role pickleball played during his wife's cancer battle, transforming from a simple pastime to a source of immeasurable community support and personal resilience. Beyond the personal, we delve into the nitty-gritty of pickleball play—discussing the evolution of skills, the camaraderie and challenges that come with playing alongside your spouse, and the notion of "pickle divorce" that...2024-03-1355 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastRockin' Out with The Pride of PiquaWhen Alex Smith swapped his baseball mitt for a pickleball paddle, little did we know that the very same competitive fire that drove him on the diamond would ignite our local courts. With tales as rich as his craftsmanship, Alex’s journey from the dream of professional baseball to the business and sport arenas of Texas is nothing short of inspiring. Our latest conversation weaves through his life story, highlighting an impressive leap from college athletics to the front office of the Texas Rangers, and how those experiences have shaped his approach to pickleball and business with the same st...2024-01-3054 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastFashion Faux Pas, Friendship, and the Pickleball Phenomenon with Larysa SantiagoEver shown up to a party wearing the same outfit as someone else? That's exactly what happened to Larysa Santiago and her pickleball partner; it's all about sport, style, and solidarity. This week, we're joined by Larysa, a charter member and "Erne Coordinator" of the Southlake Paddle Club, who brings to the table not just her tales of sartorial synergy but also her transformative journey with pickleball during a tumultuous period. We unwrap the layers of team spirit and the profound personal impacts that pickleball has on players, all while reveling in the delightful mishaps and coincidences that make the...2024-01-031h 11
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastFashion Faux Pas, Friendship, and the Pickleball Phenomenon with Larysa SantiagoEver shown up to a party wearing the same outfit as someone else? That's exactly what happened to Larysa Santiago and her pickleball partner, about sport, style, and solidarity. This week, we're joined by Larysa, a charter member and "Erne Coordinator" of the Southlake Paddle Club, who brings to the table not just her tales of sartorial synergy but also her transformative journey with pickleball during a tumultuous period. We unwrap the layers of team spirit and the profound personal impacts that pickleball has on players, all while reveling in the delightful mishaps and coincidences that make the sport...2024-01-021h 12
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastWhat We LOVE About Pickleball with Francyne JewettGet ready for a wild ride into the world of pickleball with our friend and enthusiast, Francine Jewett. Francine shares her 12-year-long journey with the sport, from practicing in her garage in Green Bay to her active role today as co-founder of Pickleball Teamworks. Tune in to hear about her adventures on the court, post-game taco traditions, and how she organized hundreds of volunteers for the PPA Nationals in Brookhaven.As we continue our chat, we delve into our own experiences with the sport and examine the rapid growth and evolution of pickleball. Prepare to be transported t...2023-12-121h 10
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastPickleball, Coming to a College Near YouWelcome back pickleheads. Today we speak with Noah Suemnick, founder of the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA). Get ready to be inspired as he shares his ambitious journey of bringing the sport to college campuses around the country. Fresh from the NCPA's maiden tournament in San Diego, and the challenges faced in establishing a pickleball association during a time when everyone is looking for a piece of the pickleball pie.Listen in as we navigate through Noah's bold vision of uniting college and community through the ever-expanding sport of pickleball. If you're a fan of controversy, you w...2023-11-1341 min
Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastThe Pickleball Clinic: Fostering Future StarsEver wondered how two childhood friends could turn their love for tennis into building the world's largest pickleball community? Meet Aaron Reznick and Matt Slowinsky, the force behind the "Pickleball Clinic," a thriving online community and academy that's playing a significant role in the rise of pickleball in New Jersey and beyond. Their dedication to the sport is cemented not only in their successful tennis and pickleball academies but also in their mission to serve players of all levels and foster future pickleball stars.Get ready to grasp the nitty-gritty of pickleball as we dive into the...2023-10-2626 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastCreating a Community Through Pickleball: The Southlake Paddle Club BlueprintSaddle up for a stimulating episode where we converse with Tim Wright, the brain behind the thriving Southlake Paddle Club. Prepare to have your curiosity piqued as we unravel the journey of this booming pickleball club that rose from a casual dinner idea to a 1,200-member powerhouse, synonymous with signature events and a robust member enhancement program. Rest assured, we'll unlock the four-bucket mission that serves as the club's guiding principle, and you'll be hooked on every word.We'll navigate the many ways the Southlake Paddle Club makes an impact on the pickleball world. From crafting a...2023-09-2643 min
Movie Deputy REVIEWSArrival (2016)What is life? What makes that distinction? What is time? No, I'm not attempting to rewrite history, I'm attempting to understand a story as deep as this.
Original Review:
What is the cornerstone of civilization? That's just one part of this vastly invigorating story. One day, without notice... they arrived. There were endless questions. Only the answers weren't going to be as simple as the questions themselves. Military from around the world attempted to get a grasp on who they were / where did they come from / what did they want. Simply though, none of that...2023-09-2406 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastPickleball Drama with Crown PickleballHow well can you navigate the world of pickleball? Our guest, Kevin Perkins, the founder of Crown Pickleball, can certainly help you. While sharing his passion for pickleball, Kevin also provides a look at the significant merger of #MLP and #PPA, the two key players in the professional game, and explains why the MLP's format has kept him more engaged and excited about the sport.Are you curious about how pickleball could improve your life? Kev shares his powerful story about the health benefits of pickleball and how it has changed his life. You'll hear how he...2023-09-1556 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastHR Hardball Farewell (and HELLO!)After four seasons and 60 episodes, Elvis is leaving the building. HR Hardball has been a passion project from the time my first blog post, "First Pitch," posted on July 15, 2012 - you're currently reading post #367, so that passion burned for quite a while. It would be eight years before transitioning to a podcast format, allowing me to have interesting conversations with interesting people throughout the "people" industry, whether that was an entrepreneur, an author, a consultant, or even my own wife it has been a fun ride.But frankly, I'm ready for a change. This season I...2023-08-2203 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastGetting Pissed (and Pickled) with Lori & MissyWe officially live in a day & age when "pickleball celebrity" is becoming a real thing. Who woulda thunk it? Three years ago you couldn't draw attention to a pickleball match if you set it on fire, but now???? Now in addition to the professional players and coaches, you have pickleball influencers - which now includes our new friends and current guests, Lori & Missy of the Pissed & Pickled podcast.They come to this place honestly after their friends suggested they take their brand of snark to a podcast, so these self-described "less than average" pickleball players did just...2023-05-301h 03Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBeing Eminent with Hannah MitreaOne of the nice things about having interesting people on your podcast is that you find products, concepts and/or key learnings of which you may have been unaware. But sometimes it works in reverse - you stumble upon a great product or service and decide "this is too good not to share." We have had previous episodes with entrepreneurs (Ootbox and Storyy for example!) we discovered as potential consumers prior to connecting for the sake of a good podcast episode.This episode with Hannah Mitrea of "Be Eminent" fits the second category.As a...2023-04-201h 15Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastKeying In On Culture with Janet LivingstoneIn today's episode we have a conversation with Janet Livingstone, founder and CEO of Culture is Key, a consultancy devoted to leadership development, executive coaching and team effectiveness. What makes her model different is the focus on hybrid, remote, geographically and culturally diverse teams trying to build culture in a virtual environment. As many of you have experienced the "black box" of teleconferencing, it can make a difficult process more challenging when you don't have the advantage of observing body language and other visual cues we take for granted.Janet is truly a world traveler a...2023-04-131h 02Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastPicklin'; A Conversation with Tim WrightFew people better represent the incredible zeitgeist that is Pickleball. Three years ago Tim was a friendly face we would occasionally run into on the (then empty) public tennis courts that had been re-lined to include pickleball dimensions. Now, he's a local pickleball czar and founder of the Southlake Paddle Club which claims over 700 members.Join us for a conversation about the origins of pickleball (a Washington State native, Tim is one of the few people I know who actually played pickleball in grade school), the revival of the sport during the pandemic years and the immediate...2023-03-301h 05Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastGeeking Out with Jim StroudMeet Jim Stroud, HR Influencer, podcaster, author, "Searchologist," techie, comic...this guy is one lute away from being a full blown Renaissance Man. In this episode of HR Hardball, we hear Jim's "origin story" (SPOLER Alert, there's a woman involved) into the crazy world of HR and his array of creative innovations over this 20+ year career. Starting as an "Internet Researcher" in 1997 for MCI, Jim found an avenue for his aspiring cinematic dreams within the world of sourcing, recruiting, blogging and podcasting. His latest re-boot of the "The Recruiting Life" is a testament to Jim's creative capabilities. I...2023-02-161h 01Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastAvoiding the Sucking Vortex of Pissed-Off with Carol BowserSometimes an episode names itself. Meet Carol Bowser, J.D., owner and founder of Conflict Management Strategies. Carol, after practicing Employment Law for several years, decided that lawsuits don't often create the level of resolution and satisfaction for the participants. Not only do the employer and employee often become adversarial, the legal representation for both parties are often equally at odds. Working relationships are damaged, sometime irreparably, and the process becomes less about creating a solution and more about zero-sum wins and losses. In this episode we discuss what truly defines active listening and where w...2023-02-021h 13Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball Podcast2022 Recap - The Best of HR HardballOkay Hardballers, this pushed me to the ends of my editorial bandwidth, but with the help of our eldest son Jack, I think we have put together a fun end-of-year recap episode for your enjoyment. Fresh off the news that our little pod made the top 50% of all podcasts via Buzzsprout, we wanted to offer our current listeners a quick trip down memory lane. And for you future listeners, this should give you the overall vibe of the show.Two newsworthy items this year for HR Hardball: I added a new co-host and we identified...2023-01-201h 15Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastStoryy Time With Connor and DevenHow many times do you get a notification on LinkedIn only to find yet another solicitation from a consultant? Annoying at times, it's fair to wonder "does this ever work?" Yep, sometimes it does. My apologies...it's because of these lapses in judgment that we're all forever doomed to this practice.But on this day, Deven Gillen of Storyy offered a glimpse at a product that can not only build your personal brand, it can also help your internal engagement and external credibility. Get all that?So I decide "what the heck" and s...2022-12-2953 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastFinding Gold Where?It can be a bad practice to judge a book by it's cover. No, I'm not talking about the actual book "Blooming; Finding Gifts in The Shit Of Life" , I'm talking about the book's dynamic author Carrington (Carrie) Smith Tabue. Professional, polished and photogenic (and a lawyer to boot!), you might think Carrie grew up in a life of privilege. That would be a huge mistake.In her book, Carrie dispels that theory in the opening paragraph of Chapter 1. The abuse and trauma discussed in this chapter and those that follow don't jibe with the...2022-12-1559 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastThe Pandemic of Mental Health with Amelia WilcoxYep, there's that "P word" again...I don't think any of us believe we have seen the complete fallout from two years of social isolation, lockdowns and mandates. Oh, and a novel coronavirus.The numbers aren't encouraging, friends. It's estimated that while 1 in every 4 people struggle with a diagnosable mental illness - only half of those seek help. Whether it's part of the illness, the stigma of asking for help or a lack of resources is inconsequential. The fact is millions of American workers are suffering in silence. Human Resources seems to be particularly vulnerable, as it's...2022-12-0853 min