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Rick and Fabian are back in person at 3rd Shot Pickleball to recap the Great Pumpkin Paddle Battle. Signups sat at 30 three weeks out and finished at 150, and the open singles division sold out with $500 to the winner. Then they get into DUPR's new data: only 1% of rated players are 5.0 or above, almost a third sit between 3.0 and 3.49, and Florida and California lead the country in 5.0 players. Rick says 5% of the world thinks they're a 5.0, and he has a message for anyone blaming a DUPR drop on their partner: stop making excuses. From there, the guys argue about whether Indiana could ever become a pickleball hotbed. Rick says no for a training base and yes for a big event, and they make the case for Grand Park and Chatham Hills. Rick also explains why he looks away at contact, when you should still watch the ball into your paddle, and what he thinks Ben Johns is really focused on. Plus a SpongeBob paddle from Volair, Rick's CSP season, his December camps, and the most unexpected pre-match playlist on tour. 🏓 Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 🏓 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Key Takeaways DUPR says only 1% of rated players are 5.0+. 84% haven't reached 4.0, and 3.0–3.49 is the biggest group at 29%. Being a 3-something is the middle of the pack, not below it. Warm weather drives the 5.0 map. Florida (277) and California (238) lead, followed by Utah (110) and Texas (108). Arizona didn't make the top 10, and Rick puts that down to its retirement communities. Indiana can host big events but won't become a training hub. Rick says no beach, no mountains and five indoor months keep pros away. Fabian pitches Grand Park and Chatham Hills for a major event, and a Minor League Pickleball state qualifier may be coming to Third Shot in December. How much to watch the ball depends on your level. Rick says 2.5–3.5 players should watch the paddle hit the ball, while 4.0 and up should read it off the opponent's paddle and prepare earlier. Use your DUPR as fuel, not an alibi. Rick's message is to use it as bulletin board material and stop making excuses for drops. TIMESTAMPS:  00:00 Welcome back to Third Shot 00:14 Great Pumpkin Paddle Battle recap 02:18 Running a tournament while playing in it 03:16 The 16-year-old trying to go pro 05:24 Please sign up early 06:25 Kristen's last-minute mixed gold 07:42 Fundamentals vs. sizzle 08:43 Only 1% are rated 5.0+ 10:02 How CSP pods split by DUPR 10:59 Why top players come from other sports 13:05 Being a 3-something isn't below average 13:56 Stop making DUPR excuses 14:44 DUPR's rating distribution 16:05 Top 10 states for 5.0 players 19:38 Could Indiana become a pickleball hotbed? 23:19 Where Indy could host a pro event 24:50 Pro events Indy has already hosted 25:20 Should you watch the ball? 28:41 What Ben Johns is focused on 30:15 Volair SpongeBob paddle unboxing 32:28 Rick's CSP season & December camps 34:38 Rick's pre-match playlist

Introducing COLLIN GOSSELIN: The Real Story Behind One of America’s Most-Watched Families from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Collin Gosselin opens up about what it was really like growing up in the spotlight of Jon & Kate Plus 8, sharing his personal account of life behind the camera. He recounts his experiences with family isolation, allegations of physical abuse, time spent in a basement room, and his twenty-month stay in an institution he says he never needed to be in. Collin also details how a smuggled note led to a reunion with his father, how he is working to rebuild his life today, and why he is finally choosing to speak publicly about his past. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-in protections for teens. Learn More. At https://chase.com/sapphirereserve JAY'S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Welcome To On Purpose And Disclaimer 01:43 Inside the Gosselin Household 03:50 Faking Reality On Camera 05:15 The Normalization Of Constant Filming 06:35 The Turning Point 09:06 Modern Child Exploitation 12:35 Pushing Back And Early On-Camera Resistance 17:02 Earliest Memories Of In-Home Abuse 20:37 Targeted Isolation And Homeschooling 25:21 Child Protective System Flaws 35:11 Advocacy In The Face Of Public Backlash 36:55 The Attempted Runaway 44:03 Institutionalization At Age 11 48:16 Twenty Months In Inpatient Confinement 53:53 The Official Admission Records 59:12 The Harsh Reality of Living in Isolation 01:04:45 The Smuggled Letter And Custody Battle 01:08:37 Reconnecting And Healing 01:11:26 Repairing The Father-Son Relationship 01:14:00 Turning Pain into Purpose 01:17:14 False Diagnoses & His Dream of Joining The Marines 01:24:41 Legal Defamation Threats 01:26:16 Where Does He Stand With His Siblings? 01:30:20 Who is Collin Today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Fabian sits down with comedy creator Sean Munoz, JuanSeanPB on social media, to talk about how a guy who thought pickleball was "the dumbest looking thing ever" in 2021 became Volair's go-to creator. Sean breaks down his day at Sean O'Malley's Pickleball Dojo, what happens now that 12-year-olds won't let you lob them, why every pro outside the top 10 needs to be making content, and the difference between a 6-million-view meme and followers who actually stick around. Then they get into the fun stuff: Volair's blind-bag paddle drops and why only 10 gold Spider-Man paddles exist, Sean's sweat problem and his grip ritual, Fabian's color-coordinated paddle prep, and a no-excuses guide for new creators. Sean films almost everything on his phone. If you've ever wanted to start posting pickleball content, this one's your push. 🏓 Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 🏓 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Key Takeaways The juniors are here. Sean says a 4.5 tournament from 2021 is probably a 3.5 now. At a PPA 5.0, if you're not conditioned and drilling, you won't get out of the first round. Views aren't followers. Sean's crying-kid meme hit 6–7 million views and pulled in college kids who weren't there for pickleball. Decide whether you're chasing followers or views. Pros outside the top 10 need content. In Sean's view, only the top five to 10 players can skip content. Everyone else has to keep their face out there to build a brand. Quality beats volume. Don't burn out posting four times a day. Post every other day, make the videos better, and stay consistent through the ups and downs. Your phone is enough. Sean has shot about 98% of three years of content on his iPhone, edits mostly in CapCut, and says the real barrier is being willing to film in front of people. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome JuanSeanPB 01:10 Pickleball with Sean O'Malley at the Dojo 02:34 Does athleticism translate to pickleball? 04:36 How Sean found pickleball 07:52 Tournament life & the rise of the juniors 10:28 Why Sean started making content 13:08 Staying consistent & signing with Volair 16:36 Views vs. followers 17:33 Brand deals & keeping the day job 19:31 Why pros need to make content 22:14 Quality over quantity & burnout 23:15 Fabian's fitness story 26:36 Inside the Volair partnership 31:27 Bodhi grips & the sweat problem 32:44 Paddle prep & nasty overgrips 34:58 Dream collabs 38:12 Where the content gaps are 40:21 Storytelling: Embedded, Shock & Awe, comedy 43:02 Advice for new creators 45:32 Phone-only filming setup 48:29 CapCut vs. Edits 49:38 Practice editing & getting comfy on camera 51:21 Guest discount codes & shout-outs Follow Sean: @juanseanpb (code juanseanpb for Volair & Bodhi)

🏓 Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 🏓 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Rick is back after an incredible two-week stint in New York City supporting his nephew, Ben Shelton, during his epic US Open run! Rick and Fabian unpack the entire experience—from playing pickleball in the middle of Times Square to the high-stakes, late-night drama on Arthur Ashe Stadium. They dive into the controversy surrounding late-night scheduling, serve clock violations, and how the mental grit required at the top levels of tennis translates directly to the pickleball court. Plus, the guys talk pro pickleball updates, including the PPA signing its youngest pro ever (Maverick!), Rick's ongoing journey with Championship Series Pickleball (CSP), and a game-changing mental tip to help intermediate players push past the 4.0 threshold. Key Takeaways: The Youth Surge in Pickleball: Maverick was recently signed to the PPA Tour, overtaking Cam Chafian as the youngest signed PPA pro. US Open Rule Adjustments Needed: Late-night match scheduling and inconsistent serve clock enforcement severely affect player recovery and rhythm—lessons pro tennis could learn from pickleball's pace of play. Mental Toughness Over Outcome: Transitioning from an outcome-based mindset to a process-driven mindset ("Pressure is a privilege") is the key to breaking past plateaus like 4.0. The Witsken Legacy: Ben Shelton's journey carries deep spiritual and family roots tied to his late uncle Todd Witsken's historic US Open win over Jimmy Connors 40 years ago. Bold Prediction: Rick predicts Ben Shelton will win multiple Grand Slams and eventually reach the #1 world ranking. Timestamps:  00:00 – Welcome Back Rick & Cam Chafian Recap 00:40 – Maverick Signs to PPA: Youngest Signed Pro 02:19 – Times Square Pickleball & Merging Paddle & Racket Sports 05:16 – US Open Atmosphere & The Todd Witsken Legacy 08:37 – Ben Shelton's Match Run & Late-Night Practice Routine 09:21 – The Late-Night Match Controversy & Sleep Impact 13:09 – Ben Shelton's Celebrity & Tiafoe Match Gamesmanship 16:17 – Tennis Serve Clock vs. Pickleball Timeouts 22:09 – Ben Shelton's Role Model Mindset & 9/11 Tribute 25:34 – Why Rick Wears Pink Shirts 27:50 – Family Celebration & Trinity Support 31:00 – Rick's Grand Slam & #1 World Ranking Prediction 36:21 – Pickleball Tip of the Week: Pressure is a Privilege 38:56 – CSP Columbus Announcement & Third Shot Pickleball

Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Welcome back to This Is Pickleball! Fabian is holding down the fort while Rick recovers from watching his nephew Ben Shelton tear up the US Open. On this episode, we're joined by a true prodigy: Camden Chaffin, the youngest signed male professional player on the PPA Tour. Cam shares his mind-blowing journey from picking up a wooden paddle during the pandemic at age nine to taking down top-ranked legends on the professional court just a few years later. Cam opens up about the friction of beating grown adults as a 12-year-old, switching to online school to join the PPA Tour exclusively, and his massive singles upset over Federico Staksrud in Minnesota. Plus, he breaks down the mechanics behind his signature two-handed backhand roll dink, offers actionable singles strategy tips for beginner/intermediate players, and discusses his gear switch to Paddletek and Pilla eyewear. Tune in for an inside look at the new generation taking over professional pickleball! Key Takeaways Rapid Rise Without Tennis Background: Cam picked up a wooden paddle at age 9 in 2020 with no prior racket sport experience, winning US Open 4.5 gold (19+ division) at age 11 before turning pro at 12. Overcoming Age Friction: In his early junior years, local tournaments created age limits specifically to prevent him from entering because adult competitors hated losing to a 12-year-old. Giant-Killing Blueprint: Earned his career-defining PPA singles victory over world top-tier pro Federico Staksrud in Minnesota, utilizing high-level court geometry and patience learned from watching Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. Pro Gear Upgrades: Transitioned paddle sponsorship from Pickle to Paddletek (playing with the Honeycomb Foam/prototype series) and advocates heavily for protective eyewear like Pilla to eliminate light glares and prevent direct eye impacts. Singles Tactical Advice: When approaching the kitchen in singles, play heavy through the deep middle to reduce passing angles, only attacking wide angles when you have explicitly pulled your opponent off-balance. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Intro & Rick Witsken's Absence (US Open Ben Shelton Recap) 00:16 – Welcoming Youngest Signed PPA Pro Camden Chaffin 00:29 – Watching Ben Shelton vs. Carlos Alcaraz 01:11 – Cam's Pandemic Origins: Wooden Paddles to Permanent Courts 02:01 – Transitioning from Travel Baseball to Full-Time Pickleball 03:07 – Winning Gold at the US Open (4.5 Division) at Age 11 04:06 – Developing a Two-Handed Backhand Without Racket Sport Experience 05:43 – Switching to Online School & Taking Pickleball Pro 07:22 – Winning First APP Pro Match at 12 Years Old 08:35 – Local Tournaments Created Age Limits to Stop Him 10:06 – Getting the Call: Signing Exclusively with the PPA Tour 11:41 – The Youth Wave: PPA Juniors & The Next Generation 13:10 – Modeling His Game After Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters & Chris Haworth 14:24 – How the Younger Generation is Changing the Pro Pace 15:16 – Partnering with Chris Haworth & Brooke Buckner 17:35 – Massive Singles Upset: Beating Federico Staksrud in Minnesota 18:50 – Hardest Matches: Facing JW Johnson, Hunter Johnson & Chris Haworth 20:42 – Surviving 112-Degree Heat at PPA North Carolina 22:24 – Rookie MLP Season with the Phoenix Flames 26:34 – Favorite Venues: Disney, NYC & Beer City Open 28:09 – Partnering with CJ Klinger (The All-Ohio Team) 28:46 – Gear & Eye Protection: Why Cam Wears Pilla Eyewear 30:44 – Masterclass: Executing the Two-Handed Backhand Roll Dink 32:12 – Pro Singles Strategy: Approaching Through the Middle 32:52 – Pre-Game Playlist & Meal Prep (Drake, Olive Garden & Chipotle) 35:05 – Switching to Paddletek Gear & Discount Codes

Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Rick joins us LIVE from NYC, direct from the US Open, following one of the most athletic and electrifying tennis matches in recent history: Ben Shelton's jaw-dropping, late-night victory over Carlos Alcaraz that ended after 3:00 AM. As Ben's uncle, Rick shares an intimate, behind-the-scenes look from the player's box, detailing the spiritual connection to his late brother Todd Whitsken, the incredible family legacy, and what it felt like starting "USA!" chants inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in the dead of night. We dive deep into the sheer athleticism on display, analyzing how Ben's high-level anticipation and 146 MPH serves helped him pull off the upset. They also tackle the tournament's controversial late-night scheduling, preview the high-stakes all-American semi-final matchup between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, and touch on how pickleball players can apply elite pro-tennis mentalities to their own game. Key Takeaways Historic Upset at 3 AM: Ben Shelton pulled off an extraordinary 5-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz in a match that lasted until 3:00 AM, marked by a booming 146 MPH match-point ace. Deep Family Legacy: Ben's middle name is Todd, honoring Rick's late brother and former tennis pro Todd Whitsken, giving this US Open run deep emotional and spiritual meaning for the family. Pro Anticipation & Vision: Ben's insane court coverage comes from elite anticipation and acute awareness—even noticing Rick walk across the arena concourse mid-match! Scheduling Controversy: Late-night 3 AM finishes harm fan experience and player welfare; Rick proposes moving potential 5-setters earlier and shifting 2-out-of-3 doubles matches to secondary slots. Mental Toughness Transfer: Pickleball players can level up by studying the mental resilience, body language, and high-pressure focus of top-tier athletes like Shelton, Alcaraz, and Tiafoe.

Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 We welcomed the CEO of DUPR, Tito Machado, to the podcast for an honest conversation about the most talked-about, debated, and scrutinized rating system in sports. Tito opened up about his journey from Silicon Valley and tennis facility management to taking the reins at DUPR during its wildest growth phase. Before diving into the algorithm, we caught up on his intense training for Ironman Lanzarote—one of the toughest races on earth—and how pushing his limits on the bike gives him a much-needed mental break from rating calculations. We tackled the tough questions head-on with Tito: Why do players go down in rating after a win? Is the $6M/year platform running a "money grab," or are players simply misunderstanding how calibration works? We explored the truth behind match reliability, algorithm decay, age-group categories, and why your rating reflects your average performance rather than your best day. Rick shared his perspective on how DUPR impacts pro match dynamics, while Tito reminded us all why a four-digit number shouldn't define our identity on the court. Key Takeaways Wins Don't Always Mean Rating Increases: In 85% of matches, winners move up. The remaining 15% drop due to expectation metrics—DUPR calibrates your total body of data relative to expected performance, rather than operating as a ladder-style reward system. Universal Scale vs. Age Fragmentation: Pickleball's unique cross-generational play is backed by data—20% of all DUPR matches feature non-traditional gender lineups, and high-level 60+ players consistently compete with younger power players. The Cost of Running DUPR: DUPR spends roughly $6 million annually on engineering, staff, events, and college programs. Features like the DUPR Reset were designed to clean up data points for the "True North" algorithm while helping fund ongoing platform costs. Reliability Controls Volatility: A 100% reliable score won't spike after one big win because a single match represents only 1% of that player's history. Big jumps require consistent over-performance across multiple consecutive matches. DUPR Is Calibration, Not Identity: Your score measures your average day on the court, not your peak performance. Stop treating your rating as a status symbol and focus on drilling, fitness, and smarter court decisions. Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome Tito Machado 00:54 Ironman Training Mindset 03:05 From Tennis to DUPR 04:41 DUPR Origins Timeline 07:09 Why Ratings Matter 08:37 Legacy Ratings Explained 11:52 One System or Many 14:33 Verve and AI Ratings 15:28 Winning Yet Dropping 17:54 Calibration Not Ranking 22:15 Decay and Volatility 30:13 Accuracy at English Open 31:28 Ratings Need Fixing 32:54 Reliability Explained 37:34 Why Ratings Jump 38:49 Reset Controversy 41:50 Singles Doubles Mixed 43:39 Age Ratings Debate 47:05 Winning But Dropping 50:09 Accuracy Over Feelings 54:30 Improve Skill Not Score 55:57 DUPR Is Not You

Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Welcome back to This Is Pickleball! First up is our MLP/CSP Chicago Recap—Rick breaks down the historic event where Major League Pickleball and Champions Series Pickleball shared the stage at Lifetime North Shore in Chicago. From taking a Mach 10 forehand directly to the face and going full "Chainsaw Rick" mode after gushing blood, to pulling off a wild no-look reflex winner that almost cracked ESPN's Top 10, Rick shares all the highlights and backroom stories from the Indy Drivers' 3-0-1 run. Then, we jump straight into the Shake-and-Bake Masterclass! After Fabian gets frustrated by popping up balls in his local DUPR league, Coach Rick drops an elite strategy breakdown. You'll learn the 3 non-negotiable rules for setting up high-percentage poaches off a drive, why middle placement is king, and how to execute the "Cobra Counter" to defend against aggressive crashers. Stick around until the end for a special Paddletek Special Edition Giveaway and a teaser about a massive show announcement coming very soon! Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome And Subscribe 00:34 Back In Indy Studio 01:17 MLP CSP Weekend Recap 03:27 Indy Drivers Results 05:12 Team Breaker Rules 06:21 Drivers Roster Shoutouts 08:07 Standings Seeding Worlds 09:32 Docuseries And Storytelling 10:52 Celebs And League Culture 12:53 Fabian Chicago Trip Stories 14:48 Pros Watching Senior Pros 18:01 Future Pathway Vision 20:29 Pay To Play Reality 21:32 Prime Crossover Talk 23:11 Team League Mindset 24:41 Orlando Match Highlights 26:47 CSP Drama Stories 28:59 Dallas Trip Tease 29:43 Wild Reflex Winner 31:18 Shake And Bake Tips 39:02 Defending The Poach 41:48 Here For The Gear 44:25 Final Thanks And Wrap

This week we are joined by the incredible hosts of the new podcast 99% Pickleball, PPA Pro Mari Humberg, and content creator extraordinaire Nikki Maldonado. We dive deep into their origin stories—from Mari pitching her C-suite executives to sponsor her pro tour debut, to Nikki discovering the sport through a bar flyer during a dark time in her life. It's a masterclass in how pickleball changes lives both inside and outside the lines of the court. Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of the pro game. Mari breaks down what it's actually like to share the court with Anna Leigh Waters, and the insane level of discipline required to execute the strategy that finally handed ALW her first MLP doubles loss this season. We also talk MLP super teams, why pickleball desperately needs more on-court personalities, and top-tier strategy tips for amateurs—including why you need to film yourself and stop hitting to the weaker player in open play. Grab your hydration (and your favorite paddle) and tune in! Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome and Guests 01:08 Poll Influencer Warmup 01:41 Rapid Fire Poll Debate 06:36 Fabian Answers Back 07:51 Why 99 Percent Pickleball 08:34 How Mari Met Nikki 09:58 Mari Tennis to Pro Journey 15:38 Going Full Time and Sponsors 18:22 Nikki Pickleball Origin Story 21:00 Nikki Content Creator Rise 25:10 Podcast Concept for Rec Players 27:27 Beyond the Lines Vision 30:18 Storytelling Over Stats 32:16 Playing With Anna Leigh 34:45 Beating The Superhuman 37:24 Facing Her After Teaming 38:52 MLP Trades And Drama 43:45 Rapid Fire Training Tips 47:59 Hot Takes And Drills 50:28 Signature Shots Breakdown 52:51 Gear Picks And Shoe Talk 57:15 Where To Find Them

Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 This week we sit down with one of the most explosive players on the pro tour: Australia's Danni-Elle Townsend. Danni-Elle breaks down her rapid ascent from a lifelong table tennis prodigy to a formidable force on the PPA and MLP tours. She explains exactly how reading spin and generating power on the table tennis table translates into her lethal, aggressive "hunter" style at the kitchen line. From struggling just to afford flights a year ago to flying private jets with the Dallas Flash, her journey is nothing short of incredible. Beyond mechanics, Danni-Elle isn't holding back on tour drama or her mindset. She clears the air on the fake internet beef with Paris Todd, talks about the reality of trash talk, and explains why she genuinely doesn't care who is on the other side of the net—even if it's Anna Leigh Waters. Whether you want to know the physics behind her devastating backhand roll or why she believes the Asian pickleball scene is a sleeping giant, this episode is a masterclass in confidence, strategy, and pure hustle. Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction 00:45 - Australia to US 02:03 - Table tennis to pickleball 04:07 - Asia vs. US 08:52 - Mental toughness 10:19 - Family influence 12:23 - Crowd dynamics 16:26 - Travel and support 17:41 - Future focus 22:52 - Aggressive style 23:21 - Top-player influence 27:34 - Childhood confidence 29:54 - On-court energy 32:25 - Loving the game 33:56 - Motivation 35:44 - Trash talk 40:32 - Sportsmanship 43:21 - Upcoming tournaments 46:00 - Areas to improve 47:50 - Signature shot 51:37 - Here for the gear 53:51 - Food in the US 56:06 - Becoming number one

Save 10% on an Aireo Cyclone Paddle! Use code FABIAN10 Save 15% on an RPM Paddle! Use code FABIAN15 Rick is BACK in the studio, and we are skipping the fluff to answer the internet's most controversial pickleball questions! We dive deep into the forums to tackle the ultimate Reddit debate: Is dinking below a 4.0 level actually useless? Rick aggressively shuts down the "bang-everything" mentality, explaining why mastering the soft game is your only true ticket to leveling up, extending rallies, and breaking down hard hitters. Plus, if you were stranded on an island with a ball machine, what is the one drill you should run? Rick gives us his million-dollar target practice routine (hint: master the deep backhand slice return). Things get heated when the guys debate the unwritten rules of court etiquette. Is it ever acceptable to "body bag" a female opponent in mixed doubles? Should you hold back against older players in rec play, or is taking it easy the ultimate sign of disrespect? We cover everything from mid-match sportsmanship and the psychology of positive self-talk, to whether expensive paddles are just a placebo. Tune in, level up your strategy, and let's talk pickleball!

Links:  Buy an Aireo Cyclone: Save 10% using code FABIAN10 Buy an RPM Friction Pro: Save 15% using code FABIAN15 Think the pro pickleball lifestyle is all first-class flights, massive paddle contracts, and easy money? Think again. We sit down with the PPA Tour's ultimate giant-killer and Columbus Sliders singles specialist, Alex "AC Baby" Crum, to completely shatter the illusion of the pro tour. If you've ever thought about quitting your 9-to-5 to chase the pickleball dream, this episode is the ultimate reality check you desperately need to hear before turning in your resignation letter. AC Baby is here to keep it a buck on what it actually takes to survive as a touring professional. In this unfiltered conversation, Alex pulls back the curtain on the brutal financial math of the tour, revealing that traveling to tournaments costs an average of $1,400 out of pocket every single week for flights, hotels, rental cars, and meals. With the PPA shifting to a performance-based tennis model, Alex drops a heavy warning to young grinders: unless you are firmly in the Top 10 in the world or a top-tier content creator like Anna Bright, you cannot survive on paddle deals and winnings alone. Tune in to hear how Alex balances working a full-time tennis coaching job with knocking off legends like Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud, and a surprise announcement about an upcoming Dallas Worlds rap collaboration with Fabian. Hit play and get the real story! Timestamps:  00:00 Alex Crum Intro 00:48 Bourbon Talk 05:00 Pickleball Origins 06:59 Early Pro Tournaments 09:23 Breakout Wins and Injury 12:24 Rapper Backstory 17:15 Authenticity Online 20:39 Pro Life Money 26:58 Storytelling In Pickleball 27:42 Standout Pickleball Content 29:51 MLP Draft and Team Fit 32:21 Dream Breakers and Pressure 34:11 Building Team Chemistry 36:05 Travel and Ownership Support 37:00 Rap Names and Tour Banter 38:57 Andrei Mindset and Elite Doubles 41:52 Signature Shot Breakdown 43:11 Gear Talk Eyewear and Grips 47:30 Blind Ranking White Rappers 49:17 Dallas Worlds Theme Song 51:48 Closing Thoughts and Where to Follow

Links:  Buy an Aireo Cyclone and save 10% with code FABIAN10 Buy an RPM Friction Pro or Q2 and save 15% with code FABIAN15 This week, host Fabian holds down the studio while Rick is out in full swing crushing tennis and pickleball lessons. Fabian sits down with the man of many names—PPA Tour World No. 6 singles phenom and St. Louis Shock weapon, John Lucian Goins. We unpack a wild, full-circle realization as John reveals that our very own Rick Witsken was actually his first-ever tennis coach at age four, complete with memories of post-practice Jolly Ranchers! Fast forward to age 15, and John completely walked away from a promising pro tennis development track to dominate the pickleball landscape within 48 hours of a random Florida rainstorm changing his athletic destiny forever. In this exclusive sit-down, we map out his incredible journey From Chessmaster to Singles Specialist. Johnny G pulls back the curtain on how his legendary 953-day unbroken Chess.com streak acts as a daily cognitive weapon to decode opponent tendencies, read lightning-fast hands battles, and maintain an impenetrable flow state on court. We also get an unfiltered inside look at the St. Louis Shock—the youngest, highest-energy squad in Major League Pickleball. John details the suffocating psychological pressure of modern MLP Dreambreakers, the mechanics behind his signature two-handed backhand cross-court drop, and drops massive breaking news regarding his committed second-half 2026 doubles partnerships with tour veteran Tyler Loong and Victoria Dimuzio. Grab your paddles, get your feet set, and let's dive in! Timestamps:  00:00 Meet Johnny G 00:54 Chess Streak Talk 02:17 Tennis Roots Indiana 04:40 Rainy Day Pickleball 05:52 Why Pickleball Wins 08:11 Chess Mindset Edge 12:43 First Tournaments Breakthrough 15:00 Training Crew Bradenton 17:08 PPA Rise And Medals 19:09 Shock Dreambreaker Role 21:08 Pressure And Team Chemistry 24:00 Young Team Chemistry 24:56 Keeping Focus Balance 25:52 Country Music Roots 27:10 Pre Match Mindset 28:08 Season Goals Ahead 30:39 Crowd Energy Flow 31:18 Qualifier Advice Networking 33:01 Doubles Partners Plans 34:45 Signature Third Shot Drop 36:34 Gear Picks Wristbands 39:04 Tough Singles Matchups 40:47 Wrap Up Worlds Plans

Use code FABIAN10 to SAVE 10% off the Aireo Cyclone!! In this episode Fabian sits down with Scarlett Chen and Matthias Kling, the visionary co-founders behind Aireo Sports, to break down the incredible internet hype and cutting-edge paddle technology behind the Aireo Cyclone—the exact paddle that just carried Fabian to his very first 3.5 gold medal. From a chance meeting on a flight from Paris to Shanghai to combining a 20-year background in materials physics research with global supply chains, discover how this dynamic duo is completely disrupting the multi-million dollar paddle market. Matthias, a literal physicist, pulls back the curtain on paddle engineering, exposing how major brands use deceptive "titanium" marketing and why cheap spray-on grit can actually make a paddle illegal over time. They dive deep into the design matrix of the viral Cyclone paddle, explaining how pro player Levi Daniels aggressively helped them fine-tune its balance, weight, and unmatched control across 12 different prototypes.  Plus, the team drops massive announcements—including the market metrics behind their brand-new Hybrid Cyclone, an exclusive "Godzilla" partnership launching in Japan this July, and a deeply emotional look at how their global ambassadors are using pickleball to inspire cancer survivors worldwide. Tune in for the ultimate masterclass in viral paddle tech! Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:51 Host Paddle Story 01:40 Scarlett Background 03:15 Matthias Research Roots 05:03 Why Pickleball Innovates 07:36 How They Met 11:13 Titanium Paddle Breakthrough 14:07 From Hawk to Cyclone 15:43 Rapid Prototyping in China 20:35 Grit Durability and Rules 21:42 Cyclone Feel and Tuning 24:56 Finding Trusted Pros 25:12 Finding Elite Testers 27:10 Keeping The Line Simple 28:20 Why A Hybrid Paddle 32:25 Grassroots Word Of Mouth 33:13 Next Wave Paddle Tech 39:37 Tour Players And Growth 42:13 Global Expansion And Godzilla 45:27 Pricing Under $200 47:47 Ambassadors And Stories 50:34 Where To Buy And Wrap Up

WE ARE DALLAS BOUND! ✈️🤠 Fabian won GOLD and officially punched his ticket to the PPA World Championships! In this episode, we are taking you inside the emotional roller coaster of our recent tournament run at the Greatest Spectacle Qualifier. Fabian kicks things off with a raw, completely honest recap of his first-ever singles bracket—where a brutal 0-5 run provided a massive reality check (and a hilarious way to spin a loss by "lowering his opponents' DUPR scores"). But the real magic happens in the 3.5 doubles division. We take you play-by-play through his journey, detailing how he shook off an early pool-play loss, executed a clutch mid-match strategy shift using tactical stacking, and rode an aggressive driving strategy all the way to a Gold Medal! 🥇 Rick breaks down the exact science behind the triumph, using our real-match adjustments to teach a masterclass in tournament survival. We dive deep into why losing the same way twice is the biggest mistake amateur players make, and drop elite coaching nuggets on footwork, mechanics, and court positioning. We also cover the massive NPL rebrand to CSP (Champions Series Pickleball) and share how you can get your squad into the upcoming summer session of the Indiana Pickleball League! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Indy 500 Pageantry & Mindset 03:00 - How to Handle Outdoor Rain Delays 05:30 - NPL Rebrands to CSP (Champions Series Pickleball) 06:40 - Fabian's 0-5 Singles Reality Check 09:00 - Rick's "No Man's Land" Transition Masterclass 14:40 - 3 Reasons You SHOULD Play Singles 16:00 - The Stacking & Driving Strategy That Won Fabian Doubles GOLD! 21:00 - Changing Your Tactic: Don't Lose the Same Way Twice 24:50 - Pickleball Footwork: Banish the Crisscross Step 28:10 - Should Amateurs Drop Back Off the Kitchen Line? 31:00 - Fixing the Service Yips & Mixing Up Your Serves 33:00 - Indiana Pickleball League Summer Session Registration 35:40 - The "One-Thing" Rule to Explode Your Skill