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Meet Shelley and Sher, the dynamic duo, who found more than just a sport on the Pickleball court - they discovered how Pickleball was weaving its magic, creating connections, boosting confidence, and sprinkling their lives with amazing joy. Inspired by their own personal transformation and the contagious enthusiasm of their fellow players, they knew this was more than a game. Join them on their weekly podcast as they serve up engaging conversations with people from all walks of life, and all around the world reaching across the net to uncover the valuable Life Lessons from Pickleball™.
93 Episodes
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Brian Montgomery shares one of the most powerful transformation stories in the pickleball community. After reaching nearly 390 pounds and avoiding the doctor out of fear, Brian began with one simple goal: 5,000 steps a day. Step by step, he built momentum, changed his relationship with food, and ultimately lost more than 190 pounds, while also reversing Type 2 diabetes. In this episode, Brian opens up about the emotional moments that made the change real, including seeing how his kids experie...
In this uplifting episode, Audrey Phillips, a psychotherapist of more than five decades, shares how she has built joyful community through pickleball, travel, and connection. Audrey reflects on how she fell in love with the game, why pickleball creates a rare sense of equality on the court, and what she has learned about staying vibrant and positive as we age. You’ll also hear the heart behind her legendary all-inclusive pickleball adventures that bring players of all ages and skill levels to...
In this joyful and inspiring episode, Rachael Kroog shares how a simple invitation from her dad led to a life transformed by pickleball. A national champion, creative performer, and beloved teacher, Rachael reveals how the game blends competition with connection, music, and meaning. From mind, body, and spirit on the court to generosity and joy off it, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that pickleball is more than a sport. It is a way of living fully. Music gifted to us by Ian Pederse...
In this engaging conversation, Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa shares how living off the grid in a yurt shaped his perspective on time, community, and connection. As host of the Senior Pickleball Report and a trusted voice for the 50-plus pickleball community, Mike offers a unique look at how the game continues to bring people together across ages, lifestyles, and stages of life. From senior pickleball to innovation, media, and mentorship, this episode highlights why pickleball’s greatest strength is it...
In this engaging episode, we sit down with Scott Manthorne, author of The Pickleball Effect, to explore how this “silly game with a silly name” is quietly changing lives around the world. Scott shares powerful stories from his book, connecting pickleball to community, relevance, and human connection across generations and backgrounds. From military veterans to touring musicians and adaptive athletes, this conversation is a reminder that pickleball is far more than a sport. It’s a place where ...
In this moving conversation, Sandy Smith shares how pickleball became a source of strength, healing, and deep connection after her cancer journey. A pickleball player, coach, referee, and community leader, Sandy reflects on resilience, belonging, and the power of community on and off the court. Her story is a heartfelt reminder that we are far more alike than we are different, and that sometimes the smallest pickleball court holds the biggest life lessons. Reach Sandy at: ...
What happens when a competitive 5.0 player realizes medals aren’t the point anymore? 🏅➡️💛Aaron Trost, founder of Pickleball Planter, has taken pickleball to 14 countries, from youth camps in Ukraine 🇺🇦 to packed courts across Southeast Asia 🌏 using the game to bridge cultures, faiths, and hardship. In this episode, he shares funny stories, powerful moments, and the life lesson that shifted him from chasing wins to serving others. 💚✨You’ll leave inspired and seeing pickleball in a whole new wa...
Sean McCoy joins us to share a heartfelt journey from military service to mental health counseling, and how pickleball helped him rediscover play, belonging, and connection. We explore how the game can be used in therapy, why “you are enough” matters, and the healing courage behind his path forward. This conversation is full of hope, honesty, and reminders that life really is a team sport. Listen now http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/4seanmccoy/ #Pick...
Mike Branon, bestselling author of Pickleball and the Art of Living and The Joy of Pickleball, joins us to share how positive dinking, mindset, and reinvention shape a meaningful life on and off the court. From discovering pickleball by chance to embracing joy and aging with curiosity, Mike brings a gentle mix of humor, warmth, and insight to this conversation. He reminds us that connection, presence, and a positive spirit can change the way we play—and the way we live. A heartfelt, uplifting...
Melinda Alcosser, educator, coach, drummer, and founder of With Heart Travel, shares how pickleball, connection, and intentional travel have shaped her life and sparked meaningful projects from Punta Cana to Uganda. Melinda shows how joy, presence, and curiosity aren’t just part of pickleball they are a way of living. This inspiring, thoughtful conversation will leave you seeing the game, and the world, in a whole new way. Listen now at http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://...
Writer and creator Rick Cipes joins us to talk storytelling, sport, and the mindful side of the game. A longtime Pickleball Magazine contributor and author of How to Play Better Pickleball and Pickleball Riffs, Rick shares practical tools for breathing, self-talk, and finding flow on the court. We swap fun tales from his Bite-Size Pickleball world, including celebrity cameos, and explore his new docuseries Full Court Shadow about athletes stepping out of a parent’s legacy. Tune in for the lau...
Marriage and family therapist Dr. Jerry “Dr. J” Brinegar is a USA Pickleball ambassador, decorated senior competitor, and passionate teacher of adaptive pickleball for veterans with spinal cord injuries. He shares how the game brings purpose, community, and joy at every age and ability, and why fair age plus skill brackets matter for true competition. From teaching adaptive athletes to competing in national tournaments at 80+, Dr. J reminds us that you are never too old to play, to grow, or t...
Brothers Ezekiel and Matthias Wagner represent the next generation of pickleball, young players using their passion for the game to build community and connection. As Selkirk Junior Advocates, they have brought pickleball to their schools, church, and even their local fire department, inspiring others with their heart, humility, and drive. Their story is about family, faith, and the joy of growing the game together, one court at a time. 💛🎾 Tune in at: http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodca...
Ron Ponder, Director of Officiating for the Global Pickleball Federation, has helped grow the game in communities around the world. A passionate player, teacher, and rule-maker, he shares stories of teaching, reffing, and witnessing pickleball’s power to connect people everywhere. His journey is equal parts humor, heart, and inspiration, a reminder that pickleball truly knows no borders. Listen now at http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com ronponder@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.c...
When war forced her to flee Ukraine, Anna Glotova found unexpected healing through pickleball. What began as a way to cope with loss grew into a movement of resilience, inclusion, and hope. As cofounder of the Ukrainian Pickleball Federation, Anna is helping veterans, civilians, and adaptive players rediscover joy and unite a nation through the simple, powerful game she now calls a language of connection. Listen now at http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/...
Riley “Smiley Riley” Palmer brings her infectious energy to pickleball both on land and at sea. From coaching and community building to designing the world’s first floating pickleball court in Croatia, Riley is turning imagination into inspiration. She shares how travel, creativity, and courage have shaped her journey, and how pickleball continues to connect people across the globe. Listen now at http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://smileyrileypickleball.com https://www.ins...
When Parkinson's changed his life, Bob Gress found hope in an unexpected place, the pickleball court. Encouraged by his wife's "recliner speech," Bob discovered that movement, community, and faith could bring healing and joy. He shares how pickleball helped him rebuild strength, purpose, and connection both on and off the court. Listen to this heartfelt conversation now at https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com. #LifeLessonsFromPickleball #PickleballRevolution #PickleballCommunity #...
Want to play better and feel better on and off the court? Psychotherapist Dr. Lynn Yanni shares simple sports psychology tools that calm nerves, boost focus, and turn pressure into joy. Learn why a quick “reset,” kinder self-talk, and “forgetting the score” can transform your game and your relationships. Plus, the surprising brain science that explains why pickleball feels so good. Listen now: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.drlynnianni.com #LifeLessonsFromPickleb...
Joesph R. Gannascoli, best known for playing Vito Spatafore on HBO's The Sopranos, shares his remarkable journey from self-taught chef to acclaimed actor and how pickleball has become an integral part of his wellness journey. Listen now to hear behind-the-scenes Sopranos stories, the 80 lbs he’s lost on the court, his “keys to life,” and how food, community, and play are shaping his next act: https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com #LifeLessonsFromPickleball #PickleballRevolution #Pi...
E73: John Gallucci Jr: Dr. JAG’s Guide to Injury Free Pickleball Dr. John Gallucci Jr. (“Dr. JAG”), CEO of JAG Physical Therapy and author of Pickleball, Pickleball, Pickleball: Don’t Get Hurt, joins us to keep you dinking strong. Discover expert tips on injury prevention, warm-up routines, and the life-changing benefits of pickleball for all ages. Tune in for practical advice to stay active and healthy on and off the court! https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.com https://www.j...
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