Dinks On Tap: The Happy Hour Pickleball Podcast

What happens when you mix pickleball vs tennis debates, spicy pickleball TV ratings, and a 9-month pregnant woman dinking like a champ? You get an episode that’s equal parts spicy, sweaty, and a little bit unhinged in the best way. In this episode, we kick things off with our resident spice specialist, Andrew Kole, who casually compares Anna Leigh Waters to Serena Williams and questions if Pickleball TV Ratings are even a thing. (They are. Sort of.) Then we meet Hugh Zhang, owner of the Houston Hammers in the National Pickleball League. He’s building something bigger, and he’s using pickleball to support veterans, 50+ athletes, and anyone who thinks their best playing days are behind them. Spoiler: they’re not. And just when you think we’ve covered it all, we introduce you to Sarah, who was competing until four days before giving birth. Yes, really. Dinking for two, and dominating. We talk about: The difference between dominating and growing a sport Whether Serena could crush it on a pickleball court (answer: obviously) The strange psychology of pickleball player ratings How the National Pickleball League is rewriting the playbook And the speakeasy in Houston that may or may not have changed us forever This one’s big. It’s warm. It’s a little unhinged. And it’s everything we love about this wild, weird sport. So grab your drink, hit play, and meet the people who are shaping the future of pickleball, whether they meant to or not. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Craving a speakeasy moment with less controversy and more carbs? Enoteca Rossa is where we wrapped up our Houston weekend. A glass of Lambrusco in hand, pizza on the way, and zero talk of who’s more dominant on the court. 📍Bel Air, Houston. Come for the carbs, stay for the secret door. https://www.enotecarossa.com/    Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

What happens when two confident 4.0 players stroll into a pickleball tournament thinking they’re ready… and Houston says, “Bless your hearts”? You get this episode of Dinks on Tap. We packed our paddles, mics, and maybe a little too much confidence for a Houston pickleball tournament, only to get served by next-level talent. Turns out, getting humbled was exactly what we needed to spark real pickleball growth. We left calling our coach and rethinking everything from strategy to mindset. Then Andrew Kole drops in for a spicy “On the Rocks” segment and challenges us to a game-show-style throwdown about pickleball ratings. DUPR, UTR-P, USAP… none of it makes sense, and Andrew’s here to make that point, loudly and hilariously. And don’t miss our sit-down with Hal Martin, the visionary behind one of the most impressive pickleball facilities we’ve ever set foot in. With 13 indoor pickleball courts, top-tier lighting, and built-in vibes, this spot is redefining what pickleball training spaces can be. Just when we thought Houston couldn’t impress us more, in come Raz and Jesse, two junior players (13 and 15!) who strolled into the men’s 4.0 division and left with gold. Total naturals.  We talk about: Why Houston might just be the unofficial capital of indoor pickleball What it really feels like to be outplayed (and why that’s good for your game) The acronym anarchy of pickleball ratings (we barely survived) What makes a pickleball facility more than just a court Grab your martini. Text your coach. And maybe don't get too comfy. Houston’s got smoke to spare. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com  

What do you get when you mix a booming pickleball community, a bunch of angry neighbors, and one very opinionated provocateur? An episode that’s equal parts civic chaos and court-side commentary. This week, we’re diving into the pickleball controversy that’s taking over cities everywhere, starting with our favorite instigator, Andrew Kole. He’s got numbers, bold claims, and a not-so-quiet warning about pickleball franchises that might be growing faster than they can handle. Then we tag in Denver Parks and Rec Director Jolon Clark (and yes, Park Hill Dave makes a cameo). Jolon breaks down the rise of urban pickleball, the unexpected science of pickleball noise, and why so many noise complaints are landing on his desk. He also shares how cities are using quiet pickleball balls, smarter urban planning, and policy pivots to keep things civil on the courts. Because when community sports grow this fast, they don’t just build connections, they stir up real pickleball drama. We talk about: Why your brain literally can’t ignore pickleball noise What happens when city staff becomes a paddle referee How pickleball tournaments fit into the future of public spaces And what the noise ordinance means for your neighborhood court If you love this sport, and want to keep it growing without the blowups, this one’s for you. Grab your marg. Text your doubles partner. And maybe don’t blast music on Court 4. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

When a court clash turns spicy and the hot takes are served shaken, not stirred, you know it’s a Dinks on Tap episode. You’ve seen the clips. You’ve read the threads. But now we’re talking exactly what went down between Anna Leigh Waters and Hayden Patriquin at Major League Pickleball Orlando. Real tension? PR stunt? Secret teen love story? (We wish we were joking.) Our friend (and professional instigator) Andrew Kole, from Pickleball is Great, joins us for our brand-new segment “On the Rocks”, and let's just say… he’s not holding back. Then we tag in America’s pickleball referee MVP Courtney Miller Johnson (who was literally courtside for the showdown) and bring back straight-talker Ben Paquette for a brutally honest take on the DUPR rating system (a.k.a. the algorithm everyone loves to hate). In this episode: What really went down between Anna Leigh Waters and Hayden Patriquin Why Major League Pickleball’s official response got roasted harder than a courtside jalapeño marg The truth about the DUPR rating system (and why your 4.1 might be lying to you) How even a messy pickleball controversy can level up the game And why losing every match still counts as winning (sometimes) Grab your paddle. Grab your marg. Let’s get into it. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

What do you get when you mix a high-stress finance job, a family health scare, and a few curious visits to the local gym? If you're Ben Paquette, you get a full-on life remix served underhand. In this episode, we sit down with the man who first taught us how to dink without overthinking: pickleball coach Ben Paquette. What started as a few casual games turned into a complete career pivot. Now he’s teaching pickleball, traveling for professional pickleball tournaments, and building a thriving pickleball community in Dallas—all while keeping that signature chill-coach energy. We talk about: The wake-up call that made Ben trade spreadsheets for spin serves Why the pickleball mindset might be more important than your paddle What those mysterious coaching certifications really mean How to get through the dreaded YIPS (spoiler: it’s not just about your backhand) And the true test of any partnership—pickleball doubles or otherwise This one’s deep. It’s funny. It might even make you rethink your doubles partner. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the game is just the beginning of finding purpose. So grab your marg, hit play, and meet the coach who changed our game—and maybe our lives (no pressure, Ben). Cheers, Casie and Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com  

Let’s be honest: switching careers is hard. But switching athletic careers after more than two decades? That’s a whole different level. In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Jakovljevic, who walked away from a 23-year soccer career to go all in on the world of pro pickleball. And it all started because he had a crush! We dig into his unexpected pickleball journey, what it’s like learning a totally new sport later in life, and how he keeps his athlete mindset sharp even when he’s running on very little sleep and way too many gummy bears. From emotional discipline on the court to learning how to find joy in the grind, Ivan shares what helped him make a big change in career, found purpose through pickleball coaching, how he stays focused, and why connection in the pickleball community matters just as much as competitive drive. If you’ve ever considered a bold pivot, wondered what it’s really like to go pro, or just want to hear a story that proves it’s never too late to start over, this one’s for you.   Let’s dink, sip, and get into it. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Let’s be real for a second: playing pickleball with your romantic partner isn’t always a love story. Sometimes, it’s a full-blown drama. You’re holding hands one minute, and the next, you’re side-eyeing their third shot drop like they betrayed you. We’ve been there. That’s why this episode of Dinks on Tap hit home in the best way.   In this episode, we chat with Teri Citterman and Dr. Stormy Hill, co-authors of In a Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other. We dive into the wild world of playing pickleball with your romantic partner, where tension, love, competitive behavior, and the occasional eye roll collide.   From emotional intelligence on the court to safe words, love languages, and intention-setting before a match, this conversation is full of real strategies for keeping both your game and your relationship strong.    We also touch on important topics like relationship advice for couples who play sports together, communication in sports, and how understanding partner dynamics can actually lead to deeper relationship growth, both on and off the court. Plus, we get into some unspoken rules of pickleball etiquette and the power of intentional play when the pressure is high.   Whether you're in love, in competition, or both, this episode is packed with relatable insights to help you play better together and maybe even argue a little less, on and off the court.   Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   The must-read for couples who love (and survive) playing pickleball together:  In A Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other   Explore more tools, tips, and upcoming retreats at LoveandPickleball.net   Follow the fun and join the Love nad Pickleball community: Instagram: @love_and_pickleball Facebook: @love.and.pickleball TikTok: @loveandpickleball

Are you stretching the wrong way? You might think a quick quad stretch before a match is enough, but according to soft tissue specialist Albert Ibanez, most players are skipping the real key to pickleball injury prevention… and it's not what you’d expect.   Albert, known as the Muscle Whisperer, has worked on countless athletes, including some of the best pickleball players in Dallas. In this episode, he reveals why so many players struggle with chronic shoulder, elbow, and lower back pain and how small changes in your stretching routine can help you play longer and feel better.   One game-changing tip? If you're not doing an ice bath for athletes after intense play, you’re missing out on faster muscle recovery and better performance. But don’t worry, Albert also shares easy alternatives for those of us who hate freezing water. Listen now and learn how to keep your muscle health in check, stay pain-free, and keep dinking like a pro.   Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

What if we told you that having fun off the court is just as important as practicing your dinks and drives? Sounds wild, right? But after an epic pickleball team-building trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, we’re here to tell you… IT WORKS.   In this episode, we’re diving into why team building is important for every pickleball league (and any competitive sport, really). We’ll share how doing team bonding activities like a Mardi Gras night, petting zoo adventures, and even a choreographed team entrance helped us feel more connected and confident going into a super competitive pickleball season.   We’ll also get real about the nerves that come with leveling up in competition, how building community and connection off the court helps us play better on it, and why staying loose is the secret weapon to better performance.   So, if you’ve ever wondered how to build trust with your doubles partner, strengthen your pickleball team, or just want an excuse to plan a fun team trip, this episode is for you!   Hit play and let’s talk about why fun actually makes you a better player.   Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

If you’ve ever played pickleball, you know how fast things can get heated- bad line calls, foot faults, and that one player who lobs every single shot.    But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the person making the tough calls? That’s exactly what we’re diving into on this episode!   We got to sit down with Courtney Johnson, the Head of Competition for Major League Pickleball (MLP) and one of the most respected referees in the game. She’s been a USA Pickleball certified referee since 2018, has officiated some of the biggest matches in pro pickleball, and even had to stand her ground against John McEnroe at the Pickleball Slam.   Courtney shares how she went from a casual rec player to one of the most well-known refs in the sport, breaks down the viral “Two Becomes One” rule, and explains why MLP switched from rally scoring to side-out scoring. We also get into the biggest mistakes rec players make, the best way to handle bad line calls and lobbers, and whether pickleball is still the inclusive, welcoming sport we all love or if it's becoming too exclusive.   Plus, there’s an exclusive giveaway you won’t want to miss! If you love pickleball tips, pro pickleball insights, and fun conversations, join us for this episode!   Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Have you ever rescheduled a meeting or called in sick just to play pickleball? We get it!    In this episode, we explore the mental game of pickleball with Dayne Gingrich, a seven-time national champion, and Jill Martin, a former attorney turned fitness pro.    As co-authors of Pickleball Mindset, they share winning strategies for improving mental toughness, building confidence, and becoming a better pickleball partner.   We dive into essential pickleball psychology topics like pre-acceptance versus pre-expectance and how to stop overthinking mistakes, reset rituals to improve focus and consistency, and practical ways to strengthen your doubles pickleball partnership.    We also discuss common pickleball pet peeves, how to handle pressure in tournaments, and the biggest mindset shifts that separate elite players from the rest. To keep things fun, we wrap up with rapid-fire questions, including our dream pickleball foursomes and what superpowers we’d love to have on the court.   This episode is packed with laughs, lightbulb moments, and real talk about the mental game of pickleball. Grab a drink, get cozy, and listen in!   Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

What’s the magic behind the explosive growth of pickleball?   In this episode, we’re joined by Melissa Pedroza, a pickleball pro and coach who’s turned her passion into a tool for transforming communities and workplaces. Melissa shares the hilarious and heartwarming moments from her journey into the sport, plus the surprising ways pickleball can bring people together, even in corporate settings.   We also dive into hot topics like what makes pickleball inclusive, balancing the fun of the game with the pressure to improve, and the hilarious white lies people tell to sneak in extra pickleball time.   Plus, Melissa gives us her take on pet peeves on the court, who she’d pick for her dream pickleball match, and her love for creating delicious ceviche. (Recipe in our Instagram bio.)   Tune in and don’t forget to share with your favorite dinking buddy!   Cheers, Casie & Lauren     Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com     Get Melissa’s Ceviche Recipe here: https://dinksontap.com/melissas-ceviche-recipe

Welcome to 2025, pickleballers!    This week, we’re serving up a fresh episode packed with everything you need to start the year strong. From pickleball stats to new rules for 2025, we’ve got the scoop to keep your game sharp.   We’re also diving into the ultimate pickleball growth hack. Inspired by the game-changing book Pickleball Mindset, we’re exploring how to flip pressure into opportunity, ditch the fear of “slumps,” and build confidence like never before. This episode is full of practical tips to help you improve your performance, enjoy the game more, and stay mentally tough.   Plus, don’t miss our fun facts about pickleball’s origin, the rise of younger players, and how to get your own Pickleball homepage. This episode is your go-to guide for embracing pickleball’s explosive growth, strengthening your mental game, and kicking off 2025 as your best pickleball year yet.   So pour your favorite drink, and join us for a lively conversation where pickleball meets margaritas.    Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Ready to wrap up 2024 with us?    In this special New Year's episode of Dinks on Tap, we're getting festive with some holiday gift-giving before diving into real talk about our pickleball journey this year.   Thinking about how to level up your pickleball game in 2025? We’re sharing pickleball strategies, tips for improvement, and how the “one word” we each chose for 2024 shaped not only our time on the court but in life. Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or you’re already a 4.0+ player, you’ll find insights, inspiration, and maybe even a few laughs in this episode.   And that’s not all, stay tuned for an exciting announcement about what’s coming up for Dinks on Tap in 2025.    Grab your favorite drink, join us for this heartfelt chat, and get ready to toast to pickleball, personal growth, and a fantastic year ahead.    Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

What happens when your pickleball serve suddenly betrays you?   Lauren’s back from South Africa with tales of adventure and a surprising comparison between pickleball and a sport she tried abroad. Meanwhile, Casie’s been battling the dreaded "pickleball yips" and learning a lot about mental toughness, teamwork, and how to bounce back.    Plus, we’ve rounded up our ultimate Pickleball Holiday Gift Guide to help you shop for the pickleball fanatic in your life. Whether you’re curious about how to overcome a pickleball slump or need ideas for the perfect gift, this episode’s got it all. Tune in and dink with us!   Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   Gifts mentioned: 1. Personalized Pickleball Bobblehead - Work of art! 2. Dink Designs - Fun Pickleball t-shirts 3. Glow in the Dark LED Pickleballs - So you can play Pickleball all night 4. Cutting Board - For all your Pickleball charcuterie parties 5. Pickleball Court Candle - Gag candle gift (that smells good!) 6. Personalized Paddle Bands - Nice to distinguish your paddle from others 7. Pickleball Trading Cards - Who knows - they might be valuable one day! 8. Pickleball Ornament - Decorate your tree with Pickleball goodness 9. Mini Pickleball Flask - Never know when you'll need a little liquid courage  10. Pickleball Tree - This is a bit much but maybe that's a good thing? Bonus: UnEarth Experience - A travel design company that creates INCREDIBLE trip itineraries to Africa for any budget and party size. Ask for Rory Loader, the owner, and tell him you are a friend of Dinks on Tap for a Friends and Family discount!

Hey, dinking buddies! This week we’re diving into the unexpected drama that unfolded during our first pickleball match of the season.  We’re talking sportsmanship, handling those tense moments on the court, and the surprising ways pickleball competition can bring out all the feels. Plus, we share a wild story about how a simple rule dispute spiraled into a lesson on how to keep cool under pressure. Tune in to hear how we navigated the chaos, calmed the rage monster, and kept the game fun. Got your own crazy pickleball story or tips for staying chill in the heat of competition? We’d love to hear it! Cheers, Casie & Lauren   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Pickleball isn’t just about hitting the perfect shot—sometimes, the real game is handling everything that’s happening around you and in your own head.   In this episode, we share what it’s really like to play pickleball when both the outside elements and your own mind are working against you. We talk about surviving the brutal Texas heat, the ways it can zap your energy and throw off your game, and what to do when your mental focus starts to spiral. We’ve all had those days when it feels like the court is out to get you — whether it's slipping grips or first-match jitters.   We reveal some of our go-to mental strategies and tips to reset and maintain focus, including how to “go blank” and the story behind our on-court personas (you won’t want to miss meeting  Lauren’s alter ego). Plus, we discuss the importance of energy management and a team player mindset.   Join us for relatable stories, a few laughs, and actionable advice to keep your cool, improve your game, and make the most of your time on the court. You won’t want to miss this one!   Cheers, Casie & Lauren Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Curious about how deep your pickleball love runs?   Join us in today’s episode where we break down the 5 stages every pickleball player experiences. From our initial doubts to an all-consuming pickleball obsession, we're covering it all!   Have you ever felt a strange mix of reluctance and curiosity when you first heard about playing pickleball? Or maybe you're past that, deeply committed, scheduling your life around game times? We get into these phases with plenty of stories and laughs, sharing how we've navigated our own journeys from newcomers to absolute addicts of this social sport.   Join us as we explore these stages, share our personal experiences, and maybe help you pinpoint exactly where you are on this spectrum.    So tune in, laugh with us, and embrace your stage in the great game of pickleball. See you on the court! Cheers, Casie & Lauren Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Cheers, pickleball pals! 🥂 Welcome back to Dinks on Tap!    In this episode, we’re talking about something every pickleballer has experienced: music on the court. Do you love blasting tunes while playing pickleball, or is silence golden for your game? We dive into the unwritten rules of pickleball etiquette when it comes to bringing the party with your playlist, and we’re asking—what’s the right way to handle music wars on the court?   We’re also getting real about the fun and sometimes awkward nuances of the pickleball game that keep us coming back for more (walk of shame, anyone?).   Grab your drink, bring your music (or not), and hang out with us for another fun-filled episode!   — Casie & Lauren Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com

Hey friend! Welcome to the debut episode of Dinks on Tap!   We’re diving into how we discovered the pickleball community and why we instantly fell in love with the sport.      This game isn’t just a social sport—it’s a way to find joy in play, connect with new friends, and bring a little light-hearted fun back into our lives.   We may not be pros, but we’ve got plenty to chat about, from the hilarious ups and downs of playing pickleball to the instant connections you make with fellow players on and off the court. And yes, we’ll clink margaritas in every episode!   So, if you’re here for good times, great conversations, and all the feels pickleball brings, you’re in the right place.    Grab a drink, squeeze a lime, and come hang out with us as we dive into the pickleball life. Cheers to episode one! 🍸   — Casie & Lauren Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap