In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, HunterPatterson speaks with Nate and Mike from the Distortion paintball team. They discuss the team's origins, culture, and aspirations for the upcoming WorldCup. The conversation delves into the challenges of merging teams, the importance of coaching and mentorship, and the role of local fields in fostering community support. The team shares insights on their practice regimens, personal growth stories, and the significance of sponsorships. They also offer suggestions for improving the league, including the idea of blind layouts to enhance gameplay dynamics.

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Wild Side Distortion

02:34 Team Origins and Evolution

05:05 Team Culture and Dynamics

07:49 Season Recap and World Cup Expectations

10:26 Nate's Journey to Team Ownership

12:37 The State of Paintball in Chicago

15:46 Training Practices and Team Development

23:09 The Early Days of Paintball Rivalry

25:36 Transformative Relationships in Paintball

27:01 Overcoming Addiction Through Paintball

28:20 The Drive for Continuous Improvement

28:54 Team Dynamics and Personalities

32:16 The Squad: Roster Insights and Team Chemistry

36:45 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Paintball

40:43 Indoor vs Outdoor Paintball Experiences

41:32 Nostalgic Markers and Personal Favorites

42:57 Playing Styles: Speedball vs. Woodsball

44:15 Pre-Game Rituals and Superstitions

46:09 Sponsorships and Team Support

48:30 Constructive Changes in the League

53:03 The Future of Paintball Facilities and Growth

56:43 Skill Development and Practice Strategies