The Planet Paintball Podcast

SummaryIn this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson and Mike S Yarberry discuss the evolution of paintball, the growth of the NGXL league, and the importance of community and communication in the sport. Mike shares his personal journey from player to coach and live streamer, highlighting the challenges and innovations in broadcasting paintball events. They also touch on the significance of youth involvement, the role of women in paintball, and the impact of local fields on the sport's growth. The conversation emphasizes the camaraderie and friendships formed through paintball, as well as the future aspirations for the league and the sport as a whole. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome02:45 Mike's Journey into Paintball05:33 The Evolution of Paintball and Community08:06 Starting the Live Stream and Challenges11:01 Growth of the NGXL and Community Impact13:51 The Role of Technology in Broadcasting16:38 Enhancing Viewer Experience and Engagement19:25 Future Plans and Team Contributions21:54 Technical Aspects of Live Streaming24:29 Improving Team Visibility and Storytelling27:19 The Importance of Community and Support29:56 Highlighting Players and Building Rivalries32:48 Conclusion and Future of Paintball33:03 Growth of Youth Paintball35:24 The Evolution of Local Leagues38:01 The Importance of Community in Paintball42:32 Transitioning from Player to Coach45:07 The Value of Mechanical Paintball50:42 Staying Connected Through Paintball

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter Patterson and Matt Sossoman discuss the evolution of paintball, from personal journeys in the sport to the current state of the industry. They explore the transition from player to coach, memorable events, and the importance of community in paintball. Matt shares insights on the Wash Up Pro Tips movement, emphasizing the need for positivity and camaraderie in the sport. The conversation also touches on the challenges and changes in paintball formats and the impact of the economy on participation.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Planet Paintball Podcast04:02 The Journey of a Paintball Player10:40 Transitioning Teams and Challenges16:25 The Rise of Raiden and Competitive Play23:45 Working in the Paintball Industry26:05 The State of Paintball Today28:42 Exploring New Leagues and Inclusivity30:22 Legends of the Game33:33 Top Players from Carolina35:13 Favorite Events and Experiences37:49 Transitioning from Player to Coach42:22 The Birth of Washed Up Pro Tips49:54 Reflections on Paintball's Evolution

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson interviews Mason, a passionate paintball player and father of four. They discuss Mason's journey in the sport, the evolution of paintball teams, and the challenges faced in recent tournaments. The conversation highlights the growth of Wolverine Paintball Field, the importance of supportive partnerships in the sport, and Mason's transition back to competitive play. They also touch on upcoming events, reflections on the past year, and aspirations for the future of the Outsiders team.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Planet Paintball Podcast02:29 Mason's Journey in Paintball05:15 The Evolution of Paintball and Team Dynamics07:59 Challenges and Triumphs in Recent Tournaments10:52 The Growth of Wolverine Paintball Field13:31 Supportive Partnerships in Paintball16:06 The Transition Back to Competitive Play18:05 The Future of the Outsiders Team20:45 Upcoming Events and Plans for the Season23:45 Reflections on the Past Year26:32 The Paintball Community and Its Growth29:17 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this conversation, Jeremy Milller and Hunter Patterson discuss the intricacies of paintball practices, focusing on the USXBL format, team dynamics, and the importance of community and bonding within the team. They delve into the challenges of blind layouts, the transition from player to coach, and the influence of local teams on their training and competition strategies. Milller emphasizes the significance of teamwork, preparation, and the right mindset for success in paintball, while also sharing insights on equipment preferences and off-season training routines.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Planet Paypal Podcast01:24 Team Dynamics and Upcoming Competitions02:57 Reflecting on the 2025 Season05:46 The Creative Process Behind the Team's Branding08:27 The Origin of NoSmoke and Team History10:13 Transitioning from Player to Coach14:28 The Importance of Commitment and Hard Work16:00 Off-Season Training Strategies19:59 Local Paintball Scene and Community24:41 Influence of Pro Players on Team Dynamics27:48 Championship Paint Usage and Strategy30:13 Team Dynamics and Player Selection33:03 Comparing USXPL and NXL Events35:44 Memorable Moments Beyond the Field38:31 Team Logistics: Airbnb vs. Hotels40:19 Cooking and Team Dynamics43:06 Practice Strategies for Layouts45:43 Blind Layout vs. Traditional Layout48:37 Team Bonding and Loyalty51:16 Winning Mindset and Motivation54:59 Favorite Gear and Personal Preferences

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, host Hunter Patterson engages with Virgil and Stephen from Blast Camp, discussing their journeys into paintball ownership and competitive play. They explore the importance of building a strong community, integrating recreational and tournament play, and creating opportunities for new players. The conversation highlights the return of Blast Camp's semi-pro team and the significance of showcases for player development. The episode concludes with an official roster announcement for the upcoming 2026 season, emphasizing the commitment required for success in the sport. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the world of competitive paintball, discussing personal experiences, team dynamics, sponsorships, and the transition from player to coach. They emphasize the importance of support staff, the business side of paintball, and the need for improved production value in broadcasts. The discussion also touches on the future of competitive paintball and how to engage casual viewers more effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paintball Passion02:39 Journey into Paintball Ownership05:20 The Competitive Spirit of Paintball08:03 Building a Community in Paintball11:06 The Evolution of Team Dynamics13:50 Integrating Recreational and Tournament Play16:43 Creating Opportunities for Players19:35 The Future of Blast Camp Semi-Pro22:32 Showcasing Talent in the Midwest25:26 Innovative Training and Community Engagement28:07 The Balance of Team Ownership and Parenthood30:53 Building a Competitive Team Structure33:35 Transitioning Roles: From Player to Coach38:57 Sponsorships and Team Development42:31 Personal Connections and Team Rituals48:11 The Transition to Coaching51:22 The Importance of Support Staff52:41 The Role of Analytics in Coaching55:44 Exploring Blast Camp and Scenario Paintball58:07 The Mid-American X-Ball League01:01:59 Building Competitive Paintball from the Ground Up

In this engaging conversation, Tadd Parker shares his journey through the world of paintball, from his early experiences to the formation and evolution of the Cleveland Chaos team. He discusses the dynamics of competitive paintball, the importance of practice techniques, and the financial aspects of being part of a team. Tadd also highlights the significance of team chemistry, communication, and the challenges of coaching while playing. As they look forward to the upcoming season, Tadd expresses excitement about the team's future and the potential for growth within the paintball community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation00:00 Exploring Key Themes00:00 Introduction to Paintball Journeys01:47 Early Experiences and Team Dynamics08:08 The Return to Paintball and Team Development10:46 Cleveland Chaos: Origins and Growth13:27 Practice Strategies and Team Cadence17:06 Financial Aspects of Competitive Paintball19:55 Training and Local Resources21:49 The Importance of Practice and Skill Development24:22 Transitioning from MSXL to NXL: A Competitive Journey28:52 Merging Teams: The Cleveland Chaos Legacy31:29 Looking Ahead: Plans for the Upcoming Season36:53 Coaching Dynamics: Balancing Player and Coach Roles41:03 Transitioning Through Competitive Levels43:27 Team Dynamics and Roster Management45:15 Training and Preparation Strategies47:13 Field Preferences and Practice Locations48:54 Pre-Match Rituals and Team Spirit52:36 Envisioning a New Paintball Format55:16 Honoring Local Legends and Influencers57:50 Shoutouts and Future Aspirations

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Michael Aiken shares his journey through the world of paintball, starting from his childhood in Eastern Tennessee to becoming a competitive player and mentor. He discusses the influence of family, the transition from woodsball to speedball, and the importance of community in growing the sport. Michael emphasizes the joy of sharing paintball with youth and the lessons learned through coaching and mentorship, highlighting the need for a welcoming environment for new players. In this conversation, Michael Aiken shares his journey through the world of paintball, highlighting the importance of family, mentorship, and creating a positive environment for players. He discusses the transition from recreational play to competitive speedball, the challenges faced in tournaments, and the joy of building a family-friendly culture within the sport. Aiken emphasizes the significance of preparing the next generation of players and reflects on his past experiences while looking forward to future aspirations in paintball.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Paintball Journey02:31 Early Experiences and Discovering Paintball05:21 Building a Paintball Community08:14 Transitioning to Competitive Play11:03 High School and Paintball's Influence13:43 The Shift to Speedball and Team Dynamics16:38 Life Changes and Paintball Break19:19 Reconnecting with Paintball Through Youth Ministry26:56 Blessings and Family Bonds28:08 Mentorship and Youth Engagement30:11 Community Support and Generosity31:54 Passion for Paintball and Family33:01 Attracting Youth to Paintball36:39 Coaching and Balancing Life37:32 Creekside's Journey and Identity45:00 Creating a Positive Paintball Culture50:48 Celebrating Team Success and Family Bonds52:47 The Transition to Youth Paintball55:29 Navigating Gear and Sponsorships58:09 Fostering Community and Mentorship in Paintball01:04:49 The Joy of Family Participation in Paintball

🎙 NEW EPISODE! Planet Paintball Podcast — Episode 96 ✈️🎒🎨Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos, competition, and camaraderie that fueled this season! In this episode, the crew breaks down their latest paintball adventure — and nothing was off-limits.Here’s what we dive into:✈️ Travel disasters — flight cancellations, scrambling for backup plans, and the struggle of traveling with gear.🎒 Packing & gear management — what went wrong, what went right, and what they'll never do again.🔥 Youth team dynamics — the growth, challenges, and standout moments from the next generation of players.🧠 Tournament strategy — how they adapted, what they learned, and their biggest takeaways from the season.🌧 Field conditions — mud, weather, layouts, and how it all shaped their approach.🤝 Sponsors & support — why sponsorships matter and how they influence competitive progression.📅 Plans for next season — goals, adjustments, and what fans can expect from the team moving forward.If you love the grind, the glory, and the real-life experiences behind competitive paintball, this one’s for you.🎧 EPISODE 96 is LIVE NOW!Tap in and join the conversation! 💥🟩🔫

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson interviews Jackson from the New York Wrecking Crew. They discuss Jackson's journey in paintball, the importance of fitness and teamwork, and his experiences at the World Cup. Jackson shares insights on transitioning to a new team, Grind City, and offers advice for lower division players on improving their game. The conversation highlights the significance of communication, strategy, and personal growth in the sport.

🔥 NEW EPISODE DROP! 🔥🎙️ Planet Paintball Podcast – Episode 94 🎙️This week, Hunter Patterson sits down with Brent Nolen for an inside look at one of the strongest competitive runs of the season! 💪🎯✨ What’s Inside:• 💥 An undefeated streak in prelims all season• 🏆 A deep dive into their incredible 2nd place finish at World Cup• 🎯 Lessons learned from tough matches and big moments• 🔧 How mindset, preparation, and execution shaped their season• 📈 What’s next for Brent and his squadIf you love competitive insight, real talk, and big-event breakdowns, you don’t want to miss this one!🎧 Stream Episode 94 now!#PlanetPaintball #PaintballPodcast #WorldCup #BrentNolen #PaintballLife #NXL

In this conversation, Hunter Patterson and Edward Bolton discuss their experiences in the paintball community, focusing on Team Smoke's recent achievements, future plans, and the evolution of paintball culture in Charleston. Edward shares his personal journey into paintball, the unique culture of the Charleston scene, and the significance of the GLK legacy. They also delve into the transition from pump to electric markers, favorite equipment, and the importance of community in the sport. In this engaging conversation, Edward Bolton and Hunter Patterson delve into the evolution of paintball fields, the importance of community events, and the dynamics of competitive play. They discuss the significance of off-season activities, the role of coaching, and the challenges posed by different formats in the sport. The dialogue highlights the need for growth within the paintball community and the excitement surrounding upcoming events, particularly the Tin Man tournaments. Their insights reflect a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to fostering a vibrant paintball culture.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Announcements00:47 Team Smoke's Recent Achievements02:39 Future Plans for Team Smoke04:16 Edward's Paintball Journey Begins06:50 The Evolution of the GLK Culture10:36 The Charleston Paintball Scene13:22 Old School Paintball Guns and Mechanics15:47 The Legacy of GLK and Its Impact19:08 Personal Reflections on Paintball and Community24:33 The Journey Back to Speedball26:43 Building a New Field29:30 Overcoming Injuries and Challenges32:23 Creating a Community35:24 Transitioning to Competitive Play38:54 The Evolution of the Game43:16 Future of the Field and Community50:46 The Evolution of Coaching in Paintball51:25 Growing the Sport: Community Engagement and Events53:18 The Importance of Fun Events in Paintball54:42 Challenges of Paint Costs and Accessibility55:52 Three-Man vs. Five-Man Formats: A Skill Comparison59:15 Exploring Non-Traditional Formats in Paintball01:01:24 The Value of Diverse Playing Experiences01:04:00 Upcoming Events and Community Connections01:09:39 The Future of Local Teams and Competitions

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson and Jacob discuss their experiences at the World Cup, Jacob's journey in paintball, and the importance of team dynamics and communication. They delve into offseason preparation strategies, the significance of constructive criticism, and how to adapt to new field layouts. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of adversity and the value of teamwork in achieving success.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and World Cup Reflections05:32 Jacob's Paintball Journey10:50 Team Dynamics and Longevity15:59 Hard Conversations in Team Settings21:17 Preparing for the Offseason26:16 Fundamentals and Individual Improvement31:43 Team Communication and Strategy38:51 Field Breakdown and Zone Strategy44:27 Practice Structure and Team Dynamics54:44 Building a Cohesive Team Culture

In this conversation, Mason Whited shares his journey into the world of competitive paintball, highlighting the excitement and challenges he faced while trying to find the right team and field to play in. He reflects on the competitive nature of the sport and the varying levels of commitment among teams, which shaped his initial experiences.

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson and his brother B dive into the latest happenings in the paintball world. They discuss the recent World Cup, the performance of various teams, and the dynamics of the semi-pro and pro leagues. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining paintball fields, the evolution of equipment, and the future of paintball events. With insights into team strategies and league structures, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state of competitive paintball.

In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, hosts Hunter Patterson, Chris, and Matt dive into the highs and lows of their paintball season. They discuss the challenges faced by their D4 and D5 lines, the excitement of youth players stepping up, and the importance of communication and endurance in competitive play. The team also shares insights on coaching, the significance of maintaining good vibes, and the thrill of player-coaching. Tune in for a mix of strategic insights, personal anecdotes, and a look at the future of their paintball organization.

In this engaging episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, host Hunter Patterson sits down with Justin Fricke and Austin to explore the vibrant world of paintball. The conversation delves into the dynamics of paintball teams, the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge, and the importance of fostering growth within the sport. They discuss the evolution of paintball, the impact of regional leagues, and the significance of community and mentorship in developing new talent. The episode also highlights personal stories, the role of mentorship, and the future of paintball as a sport.

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, Hunter Patterson hosts Anton and Timmy from the New Jersey Jesters as they discuss their journey in paintball, the evolution of the sport, and their team's dynamics. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a competitive edge, the importance of team camaraderie, and the future of paintball formats. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, the significance of legacy, and the role of sponsors in their success. they also discuss a unique and humorous approach to celebrating their 30th anniversary with slaps, sharing creative and memorable experiences from past events.

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 Distortion02:34 Team Origins and Evolution05:05 Team Culture and Dynamics07:49 Season Recap and World Cup Expectations10:26 Nate's Journey to Team Ownership12:37 The State of Paintball in Chicago15:46 Training Practices and Team Development23:09 The Early Days of Paintball Rivalry25:36 Transformative Relationships in Paintball27:01 Overcoming Addiction Through Paintball28:20 The Drive for Continuous Improvement28:54 Team Dynamics and Personalities32:16 The Squad: Roster Insights and Team Chemistry36:45 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Paintball40:43 Indoor vs Outdoor Paintball Experiences41:32 Nostalgic Markers and Personal Favorites42:57 Playing Styles: Speedball vs. Woodsball44:15 Pre-Game Rituals and Superstitions46:09 Sponsorships and Team Support48:30 Constructive Changes in the League53:03 The Future of Paintball Facilities and Growth56:43 Skill Development and Practice Strategies

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, HunterPatterson interviews Jeffrey Seiji Suzuki Darwin from Impulse Media. They discuss Jeffrey's journey from motorsports to paintball media, the importance of community support, and the role of content creation in the sport. Jeffrey shares insights on the dedication of players, the impact of social media, and the challenges of balancing filming with playing. They also touch on the future of paintball technology and the significance of authenticity in content creation.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impulse Media and Paintball Journey01:08 Transition from Motorsports to Paintball Media03:27 Building Community and Friendships in Paintball04:45 The Role of Media in Paintball08:23 Learning and Growing in the Paintball Scene10:51 Connections and Networking in the Paintball Community15:27 The Cost of Paintball and Media Equipment18:16 The Evolution of Paintball Gear and Accessibility22:44 The Importance of Content Creation in Paintball26:54 Filming and Media Experience in Paintball31:56 Road Trip Reflections and Anticipation35:16 The Journey of Podcasting and Media Creation37:42 Exploring the Farm and Wagyu Beef41:16 Community and Collaboration in Paintball47:36 Grassroots Media and Authenticity in Paintball

In this episode of the Planet Paintball podcast, CameronPawley shares his inspiring journey through the world of paintball, detailing his early influences from his father, the challenges he faced in transitioningto competitive play, and the impact of personal struggles on his dedication to the sport. He reflects on the importance of community, the legacy of hisfather, and how paintball serves as a therapeutic outlet for him. Cameron discusses his recent developments in the sport, his aspirations for the future, and the emotional journey of navigating loss while pursuing his passion for paintball.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paintball Journey02:49 Early Experiences and Family Influence05:34 Development Through Camps and Competitions08:09 Transition to Competitive Play10:51 Balancing School and Paintball13:32 First Major Victory and Its Impact16:04 Challenges of 2020 and Family Health Crisis18:27 Navigating Life Changes and Paintball21:16 Resilience and Continued Passion for the Game24:55 Navigating Triumph and Tragedy28:48 Facing Loss and Grief34:00 The Impact of Loss on Passion40:30 Finding New Directions45:30 Reconnecting with the Game46:23 Emotional Resilience and Overcoming Challenges47:39 The Journey to Team BC Riot50:28 Finding a Competitive Home in Paintball52:57 Mentorship and Personal Growth54:15 Preparing for the World Cup56:42 Living Up to Family Expectations59:19 Memorable Moments with Dad01:02:42 The Legacy of a Pro Player's Gear01:04:45 Rituals and Mindset Before Matches01:07:41 Gratitude and Acknowledgments