After the highs & lows of the 2025 English Nationals, Andy and Rob sit down to unpack a rollercoaster weekend of mixed and men’s doubles drama. From banned paddles and sandbaggers to folding under pressure and finding their stride again, this episode dives into the mental game, tournament lessons, and the fine line between frustration and fun. Plus, first impressions of the new Six Zero Black Opal paddle and why “it’s just a bat and ball” might be the best pickleball advice you’ll ever hear.
Rob & Andy are back and ready for the English Nationals — armed with Guinness, gear, and a suspiciously detailed bag checklist. In this episode they share their pre-tournament nerves and practical prep (what to pack, whether to bring your own chair), run through research-backed warm-ups for long days and quick turnarounds. All the practical, evidence-based advice you need — plus a bit of banter — to go into Nationals feeling sharp.
In this episode, Rob and Andy raise a pint of Guinness and serve up a golden recap of their Sheffield tournament triumph — from a shaky start to a 15–0 pickle and a hard-fought final victory. They dive into how lobs are becoming a serious tactical weapon, why some rec players might need to chill, and the surprising wave of pickleball facility closures in the U.S. Plus, they explore DUPR’s new “Forecast” feature, a cheeky mixed doubles rule idea, and insights from an evening with RAW CEO Gregory Storm. Add a few laughs, and you’ve got a classic Rob & Andy mix of banter, strategy, and straight talk.
After a few weeks away, Andy and Robert are back with a packed episode covering the final part of their trip to America, including testing a mystery Diadem paddle an interview during a private guided tour of The Fort, the newly built, world’s premier pickleball complex , injury mishaps, draft drama, Duper frustrations, and even a run-in with Zinedine Zidane. Plus a hands-on review of one of the hottest new paddles on the market - The BoomstickA chaotic but classic catch-up episode full of pickleball, laughs, and bruises.
In this week's episode, Rob and Andy return to Diadem Sports headquarters in South Florida for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the company's game-changing year. Michael Mangalardi reveals Diadem's revolutionary Blue Core foam paddle technology, plus their expanded footwear line including the new Court Flow shoes. Get the inside scoop direct from one of the leaders in the global pickleball market, as we tour their impressive facilities including the famous yellow Diadem bus, and hear Michael tease a secret new power paddle that's about to drop.
This week on Everything But the Kitchen Dink, Rob and Andy are back after a short break, recording on location from the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship. The guys dive into stories from their vacation, after jetting off to Florida for some high-level pickleball in Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. They share their experiences of the U.S. public court scene, intense matches and the striking differences between American and UK play styles. From paddle debates and water bottle wars to jet lag struggles, new discoveries, and even a dramatic “worldie” trick shot, the episode is packed with laughs, travel tales, and plenty of pickleball insight—so much, in fact, that they’ll need a part two to cover it all.
In this special episode, we take you courtside at the 2025 English Open with a vibrant collection of interviews from the biggest pickleball tournament outside the USA. From APP world number ones Jack Munro and Megan Fudge, to top coaches, globe-trotting players, passionate vendors — and even the official paddle tester — we capture the full flavour of the event. Packed with world-class insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and the community spirit that makes pickleball so addictive, this episode is your all-access pass to one unforgettable tournament.
In this week's episode of Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we relive all the highs, lows of our 2025 Pickleball English Open adventure. From the incredible welcome from fans and the intense warm-up sessions , to the baffling mental collapses on court and our self-deprecation, nothing is off the table. We share match highlights (and lowlights), reflections on the ever-rising competition, a deep dive into sandbagging, and a courtside view of the pros in action. Along the way, we mix laughs with lessons, proving that even in defeat there’s plenty to learn — and plenty to laugh about.
What happens when business meets heart, innovation meets inclusivity, and a paddle brand sets out to reshape the future of pickleball? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with RAW Pickleball founder and CEO Gregory Storm—a man whose journey spans elite play, entrepreneurial grit, and a mission to make the sport accessible to everyone. From his sporting roots to launching a cutting-edge gear company, Greg shares how RAW is disrupting the paddle market, supporting adaptive pickleball programs, and building a player-first rating system (VAIR) to challenge DUPR. If you're passionate about pickleball’s growth, equity, and innovation—this one’s unmissable.
In this lively and honest episode, Rob & Andy take listeners behind the scenes of their chaotic but unforgettable journey to Oxford for a crucial English Open warm-up tournament. From misplacing gear and trying Guinness for the first time, to dramatic matches, sleepless nights, and strategy tweaks, it’s a rollercoaster ride of preparation, performance, and pickleball passion. They also tackle listener questions on slow starts, partner communication, mental resets, and match-day must-haves—with plenty of laughs and lessons learned along the way.
In this week’s episode Rob and Andy serve up a packed and personal recap of a rollercoaster fortnight in the world of pickleball (and beyond). The duo reflects on the highs and lows of their recent tournaments, including the National Team League Finals and a chaotic but triumphant showing at the Lancaster event. With talk of power-ups & pre-game beers, this episode blends performance insights, listener questions including how to get to that next level, some great paddle chat—and so much more in this mustn’t miss episode.
"Just Say NO" is packed with insights, stories, and hot takes every pickleball player should hear. Rob and Andy tackle everything from not being able to refuse a game, when sometimes you should! to Rob’s tense run-in with some padel players—to whether the drop-serve is helping or hurting the game. They share thoughts on playing against deaf opponents, plus if you suffer from foot pain, break down the top-performing pickleball shoes to keep you injury-free and quick on your feet. Add in some gear chatter & laughs, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, we sit down with one of the driving forces behind ONE Pickleball, the groundbreaking organisation leading the charge in developing professional pickleball in the UK. From the launch of the elite ONE British Pickleball GP to the upcoming under-21 events and future nationwide pop-ups, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how pickleball is rapidly evolving from grassroots to greatness. Whether you're in the UK or following the sport from abroad, this conversation offers a front-row seat to the exciting rise of British pickleball — proving that the UK is not just catching up, but setting a bold pace for the sport’s global future.
In this episode, Rob & Andy sit down with the one and only Ron Ponder — professional pickleball referee, rules guru, and one of the sport’s most recognisable personalities. From his journey into officiating to what it takes to keep calm when things get heated on court, Ron shares stories from the front lines of pro pickleball. We dive into controversial calls, rulebook gripes, referee training, and the fine art of managing players with flair and fairness. Plus, Ron reflects on the game’s explosive growth, his hopes for the future of officiating, and so much more. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever questioned a line call!
In this sun-soaked special, Rob & Andy relive their unforgettable trip to the 2025 Reballution Cup in Rota, Spain — a tournament filled with early wakeups, bad toasters, brilliant rallies, and golden glory. From sneaking through airport security at dawn to battling in blistering mixed and men’s doubles showdowns, the duo share every twist of their weekend adventure. Hear about their medals, mental games, and unexpected lessons from top coaching, plus a sneak peek at the new Zcebra Osprey paddle — complete with an exclusive chat with the founder. It’s poolside reflections, epic matches, and plenty of laughs.
In this episode, we’re joined by Olympic silver medallist and former badminton World Champion Gail Emms, who takes us through her remarkable journey from the top tiers of elite sport to her exciting new chapter in the world of pickleball. Gail opens up about the highs and lows of Olympic competition, the mental health challenges athletes face after retirement, and how she’s found fresh purpose on the pickleball court. We discuss her recent draft into the Franklin Premier Pickleball League, her reception in the community, and how she’s adapting to this fast-growing sport. With plenty of insight, honesty, and humour, Gail shares what it means to reinvent yourself – and why her competitive fire is far from finished.
In this episode of your favourite pickleball podcast, we dive paddle-first into a whirlwind fortnight of rallies, revelations, and a rare return to league play! We reflect on our eye-opening experience being watched (and not just judged) by fellow players, how three straight days of play turned us from moaners to mindful tacticians. We also gear up for our first overseas tournament in Rota, Spain, chat about the science of letting balls go (no, not emotionally), and tackle the eternal struggle of breaking bad habits. Plus, we serve up some surprising mental health stats and so much more in an hour of insight, laughs, and just enough self-deprecation to keep us humble.
In this episode, we welcome back Karen Mitchell, Head of Pickleball England, for a deep dive into the sport’s most exciting chapter yet. We talk Nationals success, the rise of singles, and the massive milestone of gaining official governing body status from Sport England. Karen shares behind-the-scenes moments, what it means for the sport’s future, and whether a pro league could be on the cards. We also dig into the the battle for younger players, and the North/South divide. Plus: banned paddles, the future of facilities, and what’s new at the upcoming 2025 English Open and it’s a must not miss episode!
In this week's Episode we serve up a mixed bag of pickleball topics with our usual blend of insight and barely-contained chaos. From dramatic singles action at Nationals (complete with in between-match phone calls) to the eternal paddle debate—raw power vs. ultimate control—we break down what really matters on and off the court. We question if paddle-hopping ruins your game, and with so much more.
This week's episode dives into the ups, downs, and sideways steps of our recent pickleball battles, including some honest reflections on our most recent tournament and what happens when your game plan goes out the window mid-match. We chat about the never-ending quest to break through plateaus, the tricky balance between casual and competitive play, and the slow crawl of pickleball’s growth in the UK. Plus, a look at the paddle wars heating up behind the scenes—serving up all the drama with just the right amount of self-deprecation!