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Karen Whitaker

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Therapy Tea: Demystifying the Mental Health ProfessionTherapy Tea: Demystifying the Mental Health Profession33. Creating Good from Rumination and Cyberstalking is Real, Y’all (ft. Susan Stallworth, LPC)Warning: this episode contains discussions of cyberstalking, harassment, and trauma. This week Jazmin learned how fun it is to work with clients on writing and editing their text messages to others. It’s a perk of the job that we didn’t really learn in grad school, but it’s the opportunity to interrupt patterns and reinforce skills in real time. Perhaps only Jazmin and Karen think this sort of thing is fun in counseling…anyone else agree? This week we are sharing our conversation with Susan Stallworth who is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, Lic...2025-06-251h 31Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 minMake Money Living Your PurposeMake Money Living Your Purpose66. The Feminine Path To Abundance with Jennifer WhitakerJoin me and business coach Jennifer Whitaker as we explore the intersection of feminine energy and business success. Whether you are a female business owner, a leader, or working in a corporate career, you do not have to conform to the old idea that you have to operate in a certain way in order to be successful. Jennifer explains how you can create wild success while honoring your feminine energy. We discuss: ·       The Death/Rebirth cycle in business, which can manifest in various stages: The Flicker, The Flame, Burn It Down, Rebirth/Rebuild. Jennifer describes how to...2025-04-091h 10Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 06Build and Bloom Photography Podcast With Jessica WhitakerBuild and Bloom Photography Podcast With Jessica WhitakerDiversity in the Creative Space with Karen Williams of Black Visual QueenKaren (@BlackVisualQueen) is an AMAZING leader in the photography space. She has hired photographers for clients like Wired, Masterclass, Square, and AARP. She is the decision-maker sitting in fancy rooms with top people debating which photographer to hire and why and has had a hand in visual stories for dozens of iconic brands. She is also a photography thought leader on LinkedIn, sharing industry knowledge. She is also the author of The Photo Hustle: Land Your First Client and Build a Thriving Career in Commercial Photography, to be published in 2025. Find Karen: Ins...2024-09-021h 05Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 25Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minThe Modern Editor PodcastThe Modern Editor PodcastSeven New Books For Freelance EditorsIf you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for a great book to read. Over the past few months, there have been a lot of amazing new books published about editing, writing, and the publishing industry, and I wanted to share my recommendations with you today. The following books are listed in order of publication dates, and they’re linked to my Bookshop.org affiliate account. However, make sure you check out your local library or bookstores too. I chose books that can be read at any stage of your editing career. Some of them...2024-06-1907 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 13Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 04Rock MoversRock Movers42: How to hear GOD's Voice with Dr David ChotkaTodays ROCK MOVING Conversation takes a turn into the question "HOW CAN YOU HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD" Our guest, DR. DAVID CHOTKA brings such a sweet spirit and positive energy to this very deep conversation because he has taught nationally and internationally on prayer principles and equipping people to pray for more than twenty-five years. He is the founder and director of Spirit-Equip Ministries, an organization designed to help people grow in the spiritual disciplines one small step at a time (www.spiritequip.com). He serves as the co-chair of the Alliance Pray! Team (APT—the prayer mobilization te...2024-05-0842 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 02SWFL Fresh Press with Eric RaddatzSWFL Fresh Press with Eric RaddatzS2 EP16: J. Bert Davis and Karen Whitaker on twisted indie film talesJ. Bert Davis, former plastic surgeon turned filmmaker, teams up with Karen Whitaker, former ballerina turned filmmaker/singer songwriter, to work their way through the seven deadly sins with their anthology of twisted tales that show the repercussions for bad behavior this Monday April 15 at FMFF's Movie Mondays. Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting nee...2024-03-2332 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 11Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 12Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 10Blazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 minBlazing Paddles - A Pickleball PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 PodcastBlazing 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 13