The Joy of Padel

In this episode, Minter sits down with Flight Lieutenant Ben Hanley, whose journey into padel began unexpectedly after a military posting to Madrid in 2022. With zero background in racket sports but a willingness to dive in, Ben Hanley quickly discovered how padel could not only transform his own life but also build community within the military and beyond. From his very first game to becoming a certified coach with the M3 Academy, Ben Hanley shares how padel’s addictive simplicity hooked him—and how he's now championing its growth across UK armed forces bases. You’ll hear about the creative ways he’s overcoming logistical and policy hurdles to introduce the sport, including negotiations around infrastructure, accessible padel for rehabilitation, and even ambitions for a court in the Falkland Islands! This episode is packed with heartwarming stories, from helping a colleague rediscover her passion for sport to using padel as a bridge for mental health and leadership development. Whether you’re new to padel or a seasoned player, Ben Hanley’s energy will leave you inspired to pick up a racket and connect with your community—maybe even with a post-match caña in hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Minter sits down with the inspiring Pep Stonor, a passionate padel player and founder of Empower Padel. Pep shares her journey from discovering padel on a holiday in Portugal to becoming an early adopter in the UK during the COVID lockdowns, and eventually representing Australia at the international level. Together, they explore the unique social spirit of padel, the transition challenges for tennis converts, and the empowering potential of the sport—especially for women and girls. Listen in as Pep Stonor recounts the joys and challenges of building a global community through Empower Padel, dedicated to helping more women start, return to, and stay in sport by embracing padel. From practical tips for beginners to the importance of making clubs welcoming for women, this conversation is jam-packed with insight, honest reflections, and the infectious enthusiasm that defines the JOY OF PADEL. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a casual fan, or totally new to the sport, this episode will leave you inspired to pick up a racket and join the community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a brand new season of JOY OF PADEL! We’re kicking off with a true rising star in the sport – Belgian padel ace Clément Geens, who rocketed into the world’s top 100 after picking up the game just five years ago. In this episode, Minter sits down with Clément Geens to explore his unique journey from a hockey-playing family to the upper echelons of international padel, his transition from tennis, and the passion that makes padel addictively fun. Get ready for an inside look at what it takes to forge a pro career in this fast-evolving sport, why watching the world’s best can shape your game, the art of adapting partner chemistry, and how staying consistent yet unpredictable on the court can truly set you apart. Clément Geens also shares fascinating details about life on the pro tour, including the economic realities and the search for the perfect partner. Whether you’re an aspiring player, a recreational enthusiast, or just padel curious, this episode offers practical wisdom, candid stories, and fresh insights into the world’s fastest-growing sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Edition: Nominations and Voting in The British Padel Awards 2026 This episode of JOY OF PADEL celebrates the launch of the British Padel Awards 2026, as host Minter energizes listeners with exciting news for the UK padel community. Minter kicks off this fourth season by announcing that the BPA has 21 categories honoring the players, clubs, coaches, innovators, and legends who are shaping British padel as the fastest growing sport in the world. Run by Anthony Daulphin and featuring a world-class MC duo, the awards are positioned as a true highlight for everyone passionate about the game. Minter also shares his personal involvement with four categories, including as Padel Ambassador, Padel Influencer of the Year, Innovation and Technology with Pango Sports, and, notably, a nomination for JOY OF PADEL as Podcast of the Year. However, the focus remains firmly on community and celebration. Minter calls on listeners to visit britishpaddleawards.co.uk/vote, support their favorites, and spread the word, emphasizing that every vote helps fuel the growth and visibility of padel across Britain. Key points: The British Padel Awards 2026 spotlight 21 categories, celebrating those driving the sport's growth and vibrancy in the UK. Minter urges the community to vote, share, and participate, highlighting padel’s inclusivity and the importance of collective enthusiasm in building the sport’s future. JOY OF PADEL is proudly nominated for Padel Podcast of the Year, recognizing its contribution to connecting and inspiring padel fans. Join the JOY OF PADEL every other week as Minter and the broader padel community continue to share stories, foster connection, and showcase the supreme delight of this wonderful game across Britain and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of JOY OF PADEL features Camille Huyghues Despointes, French entrepreneur and co-founder (with me) of Pango, to discuss her journey from theater studies and multiple startups to launching an innovative padel app. Camille shares how her experience in show jumping shaped her understanding of partnership and energy, and why she fell in love with padel's accessibility and social nature. The discussion explores Pango’s mission to redefine player ratings and foster a global padel community. Key points: Pango addresses real padel player problems, offering a unique, community-driven rating system. Padel’s joyful, strategic gameplay makes it addictive and ideal for social and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Kilner, BBC New Voice Award winner and Premier Padel commentator, shares her journey from England Under-21 hockey international to becoming one of padel's most distinctive voices. Broadcasting and interviewing in both English and Spanish, Emily discusses the art of commentary, the strategic nuances that separate professional padel from amateur play, and why longer rallies in women's padel offer invaluable lessons for recreational players. Key points include the importance of understanding padel as a strategic, team-oriented sport rather than a power game, and how building context around player relationships creates compelling narratives that distinguish padel from other sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill Ullman, co-Founder of the Anglo-American Cup and President of the United States Padel Association (USPA), shares his journey from squash to padel and his vision for the sport's growth in the US. He discusses the challenges of adapting to padel from other racket sports, the development of a padel culture, and the importance of sustainable growth. Bill offers insights into the USPA's role in expanding padel across the country, the potential impact of celebrity involvement, and the creation of the Anglo-American Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This 19th episode of season 3 of the Joy of Padel podcast episode features Andi Neugarten, founder of Six Love Sports, the largest women's padel community in the USA. Andi discusses her journey into padel, the sport's growth in America, and her mission to empower women through padel. She shares insights on the social aspects of padel, the differences between US and European padel cultures, and her business model for building a thriving women's padel community. The conversation also touches on the importance of communication in padel and Andi's plans for international expansion. Key points: 1. Padel's unique ability to foster communication and trust between players, especially among women. 2. The growth of padel in the US and the development of a distinct American padel culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aimee Gibson, GB's number one padel player and world-ranked 85, shares her journey from tennis to padel in this Joy of Padel podcast. She discusses her transition, training methods, and the mental aspects of the game. Aimee offers insights into professional padel, including partner selection, tournament strategies, and the challenges of competing at the top level. She emphasizes the importance of mental strength in padel and shares her admiration for top pairs like Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria as well as the new reining number ones of Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea. Aimee also reveals her favorite shot, the chiquita, and her current focus on improving her smash. The conversation provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional padel and Aimee's aspirations for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED IN SPANISH 🇪🇸. IT'S AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE WITH SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH 🇬🇧!! Juanjo Gutiérrez, former professional padel player and current coach of the Spanish national team, shares insights into his career and the evolution of padel. He discusses the transition from tennis to padel, his experiences as a player and coach, and the dynamics of selecting and managing a national team. Juanjo offers a unique perspective on the emotional and tactical aspects of coaching, particularly during high-stakes moments like the 2024 World Championships in Doha. He also explores the future of padel, emphasizing the sport's increasing physicality and the importance of data analytics in understanding player performance. Throughout the conversation, Juanjo's passion for padel and his deep understanding of the sport's nuances shine through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Hewlett, founder of Soul Padel, reveals how a traumatic experience led him to discover the transformative power of padel. His journey from rugby player to padel pioneer is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode #16, Mark shares the genesis of Soul Padel and its mission to make padel accessible to all. We explore how this fast-growing sport is building communities and bridging social divides across the UK. Here are 3 key takeaways from our chat with Mark: - Community-Centric Approach: Soul Padel's focus on creating welcoming spaces where everyone can meet, play, and connect is revolutionizing the UK padel scene. - Innovative Growth Strategy: By partnering with Decathlon and universities, Soul Padel is introducing padel to new audiences and fostering the next generation of players. - Preserving the Soul: As they expand to 40-50 locations, Soul Padel's commitment to maintaining their core values through people and digital engagement is admirable. Mark's insights into the future of padel in the UK and globally are invaluable for anyone interested in the sport's development. His vision of padel as a unifying force in communities is both refreshing and inspiring. Listen to the full episode for more on Soul Padel's journey, their unique approach to coaching, and Mark's perspective on what makes padel so special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features Gonzalo Lorenzo, a padel coach and YouTube sensation, discussing his journey in the sport and coaching philosophy. Gonzalo shares insights on player improvement, communication strategies, and the culture of padel. He emphasizes the importance of playing percentage shots and reducing unforced errors. The conversation also explores the growing popularity of padel worldwide and the potential impact of AI on the sport's analytics. Gonzalo's YouTube channel, Padel Drive, has gained significant traction, attracting viewers from unexpected places like Indonesia. Key points: 1. Gonzalo stresses the importance of playing safe, challenging shots with at least 80% accuracy. 2. The Joy of Padel is described as organizing games with friends, being competitive, and socializing afterward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juan Martín Díaz, padel legend, shares his journey from his beginnings in tennis to becoming a padel professional. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the game and the evolution toward a more physical sport. Díaz describes himself as an offensive player with exceptional reflexes, emphasizing the importance of compatibility with his playing partner. He analyzes the differences between the Argentine and Spanish schools of padel and comments on the recent World Championship in Doha. He offers his perspective on the current professional circuit, suggesting improvements in organization and player participation in decision-making. Díaz reflects on changes to the rules and playing surface, expressing his preference for maintaining the essence of the sport. He shares personal anecdotes, including the birth of his son during a tournament, and emphasizes the importance of humility in padel. Finally, he offers his optimistic outlook on the future of the sport and its possible inclusion in the Olympic Games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elena Martín, partner at PwC and co-author of the 2025 Global Padel Report, joins the Joy of Padel podcast to discuss the sport's explosive growth. She shares insights on padel's global expansion, including the projected 81,000 courts worldwide by 2027 and the USA's potential to become the largest market. Elena delves into the factors driving padel's popularity, such as its accessibility and social nature, and explores emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East. The conversation also touches on the sport's Olympic aspirations and the challenges it faces in achieving that goal. This episode offers padel aficionados a comprehensive look at the sport's current state and future prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rise of Padel in Saudi Arabia: Najwa Salhab's Journey (JOPS03E12) My latest Joy of Padel episode features Najwa Salhab, a rising star from Saudi Arabia's national padel team. Najwa's journey from casual player to national representative is truly inspiring. In this episode, we dive into: • The rapid growth of padel in Saudi Arabia • Najwa's transition from amateur to competitive player • The importance of strategy and communication in padel • How padel skills translate to life and business • Insights on watching professional padel matches Najwa offers a unique perspective on padel's development in the Middle East and shares valuable tips for improving your game. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, there's something for everyone in this episode. Don't miss this chance to hear from one of padel's emerging talents. Tune in now and let Najwa's passion for the sport inspire your own padel journey! Catch you on the court, Minter P.S. Planning to attend the Paris Premier Padel event? Let me know – I'll be there and would love to connect! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Wall Practice to World Stages: Marta Talaván's Padel Rise (JOPS03E11) I'm thrilled to share my latest Joy of Padel podcast episode featuring the incredible Marta Talaván, a top-ranked professional padel player and board member. Marta offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of pro padel, from her journey as a young player to her current role shaping the sport's future. We dive deep into the nuances of playing right side in padel, discussing technique, strategy, and the mental game. Marta shares her approach to softening her shots and improving decision-making on court. For all you right-side players out there, this episode is packed with valuable insights! But that's not all - Marta also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life as a pro padel player. From nutrition and training routines to pre-match preparations, she paints a vivid picture of what it takes to compete at the highest level. As a board member, Marta offers her perspective on the growth of women's padel and the challenges facing the sport. Her passion for equality and development in padel is truly inspiring. Whether you're a padel enthusiast, aspiring pro, or just curious about the sport, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this in-depth conversation with one of padel's brightest stars! Tune in now and let the Joy of Padel continue! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evolving in Padel: Fredrik Ask's Coaching Philosophy (JOPS03E10) I'm excited to bring you the latest episode of Joy of Padel, featuring Fredrik Ask, Norway's top padel player. Fredrik's transition from tennis to padel is a captivating story, and he shares invaluable insights into the sport's intricacies. In this episode, we explore: - The shift from tennis to padel - Strategies for creating space on the court - The significance of reading your opponent's racket - Tips for finding the ideal padel partner Fredrik also recounts a humorous tale about his first experience with professional padel that you won't want to miss! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this episode is filled with practical advice and entertaining stories. Tune in to discover why padel is more than just a sport – it's a joy! Listen to the full episode now on your favorite podcast platform. Keep enjoying the game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE JOPS03E08 EPISODE IS IN SPANISH You can find it on Youtube with English subtitles here: https://youtu.be/paV-2J_VWgo Viviana Corcuera, esposa de Enrique Corcuera con quien cofundó el pádel, comparte la fascinante historia del deporte desde sus inicios en 1969. Relata cómo evolucionó el equipamiento, desde raquetas de madera hasta las modernas que permiten jugadas espectaculares. Viviana destaca el carácter intergeneracional del pádel y su capacidad para unir familias. Recuerda anécdotas con personalidades como Henry Kissinger y describe la expansión internacional del deporte, especialmente en Argentina y España. Con entusiasmo, habla sobre el desarrollo de clubes en México y la emoción de los torneos actuales. Viviana transmite su pasión por el pádel, enfatizando su naturaleza de "espectáculo de circo" y su impacto en la sociedad. In English: Viviana Corcuera, wife of Enrique Corcuera with whom she co-founded padel , shares the fascinating history of the sport since its beginnings in 1968. She recounts how the equipment evolved, from wooden rackets to modern rackets that allow for spectacular plays. Viviana highlights the intergenerational nature of padel and its ability to unite families. She recalls anecdotes with personalities like Henry Kissinger and describes the international expansion of the sport, especially in Argentina and Spain. She enthusiastically discusses the development of clubs in Mexico and the excitement of current tournaments. Viviana conveys her passion for padel, emphasizing its "circus-like" nature and its impact on society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Joy of Padel episode features Johannes Thomhave, CEO of Padel TV, discussing the challenges and opportunities in broadcasting padel matches. As a padel aficionado, Johannes shares insights on filming techniques, the growth of padel in Sweden and the UK, and the importance of globalizing the sport. He emphasizes the need for high-quality production, including multiple cameras, instant replays, and advanced statistics to enhance viewer experience. The conversation also touches on Padel TV's business model and future expansion plans. Key points: 1. Padel TV aims to professionalize padel broadcasting by producing high-quality content with multiple cameras, instant replays, and advanced statistics. 2. The importance of globalizing padel by featuring players from various countries and conducting interviews in English to reach a wider audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ksenia Sharifova, a rising star (currently world number 23) in professional padel, shares her journey from tennis to padel and the challenges of finding the right partner in this insightful padel podcast. As a padel aficionado, Ksenia discusses the intricacies of shot selection, court positioning, and the mental aspects of the game. She offers a candid perspective on the competitive world of professional padel, including the delicate balance of partnerships and the importance of a strong support system. Ksenia's passion for padel shines through as she describes her favorite shots and players, providing valuable insights for both amateur and professional players alike. The conversation culminates with a heartfelt exploration of the Joy of Padel, highlighting the sport's unique blend of strategy, skill, and emotional fulfillment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices