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Episode 57 of Pickleballers Next Door was recorded LIVE at the Colorado Championship Cup III at 3rd Shot Pickleball River Point — and this one went from serious sports science to serious laughs.

👣 The Foundation: Your Feet Matter More Than You Think

We talked with Lamarcus Caradine of ProAlign Sports Chiropractic, who broke down how foot dysfunction can create a chain reaction throughout the entire body. From plantar fasciitis to knee, hip, and even back pain — it often starts at ground level.

If you’re playing pickleball multiple times a week (or chasing medals at tournaments), alignment and foot stability aren’t optional — they’re foundational. Lamarcus explains how correcting imbalances can improve performance, reduce pain, and extend your longevity in the sport.

👟 Insoles, Footwear & Injury Prevention

We also spoke with Matt Schlaepfer — investor, board member, and Colorado Territory Sales Manager for Blumaka and Flex Footwear.

Matt dives into:

• Why most players are wearing the wrong shoes
• How proper insoles improve shock absorption and balance
• The role footwear plays in preventing long-term injuries
• Why investing in your feet equals investing in your athletic future

Whether you’re 25 or 65+, the right foundation can dramatically impact your performance and recovery in any sport — not just pickleball.

💍 When One Spouse Plays… and the Other Doesn’t

In one of our most relatable segments, we chatted with Matt Hernandez — who openly admits he’s “not a very good pickleball player” — and his wife Emily Sartane, who wants to play all the time.

We explored:

• How couples navigate different passion levels in the sport
• Supporting your spouse’s obsession
• Balancing court time with relationship time
• The perspective of a partner who isn’t as involved

It was honest, funny, and something so many of you will connect with.

👠 And Then There Was Mike…

Of course, we couldn’t leave without teasing Mike. What started as a serious conversation about playing in “high tops” turned into full-blown jokes about him playing pickleball in “high heels.” Let’s just say… we took it further than expected.

Between biomechanics, business insight, marriage talk, and Mike’s imaginary runway walk — this episode blends education with the exact kind of humor that makes pickleball community so addictive.

🎧 Episode 57 delivers:
✔ Sports chiropractic insight
✔ Footwear science
✔ Injury prevention tips
✔ Marriage & pickleball dynamics
✔ Live tournament energy
✔ And plenty of Mike-level comedy

Recorded live at Colorado Championship Cup III — this one keeps you on your toes in more ways than one.

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

Send us a text

🎙️ Episode 56 — Colorado Championship III at 3rd Shot Pickleball | Event Insights & Gear Innovation

In Episode 56, we’re live from 3rd Shot Pickleball for the Colorado Championship CUP III - Denver Pickleball Club.

We sit down with Deven Gould to talk all things tournament life — from what makes Colorado Championship Cup III such a standout event to the growth of competitive pickleball in Colorado and beyond. Deven shares insights into player energy, event execution, and why this championship continues to draw serious talent and community support.

We also catch up with Mae (Melanie) Romero - CEO & Founder from Okto Gear, diving into the design and engineering behind the innovative Okto pickleball bag. Mae gives us an exclusive look at what goes into building a performance-driven pickleball bag and teases the upcoming new Baby Okto bag, designed with portability, functionality, and player needs in mind.

From championship-level play to next-gen pickleball gear, this episode is packed with insider perspectives from the people shaping the sport.

🎧 Whether you’re a competitive player, gear junkie, or pickleball community supporter, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

3RD SHOT PICKLEBALL RIVER POINT

https://3rdshotpickleball.com/home-river-point

DENVER PICKLEBALL CLUB

https://www.denpickleball.club/

We want to give special thanks to the following contributors to the bags we handed out over the weekend.

BOUTTIME! PUB & GRUB https://www.bouttimepub.com/location/sheridan-colorado/

TORCHY TACOS - HIGHLANDS RANCH

https://torchystacos.com/

SUBWAY RIVER POINT AT SHERIDAN II

https://restaurants.subway.com/united-states/co/sheridan/3602-river-point-parkway

#HASHTAG A BOOZY BRUNCH JOINT - HIGHLANDS RANCH

https://www.hashtag-restaurant.com/highlands-ranch

A SWEET SIP - CBD BEVERAGES

https://asweetsip.com/

Colorado Homes & Design

cohomedesign.com

Merlan Salon Boutique & Spa

merlansbs.com

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor

Send us a text

Episode 55 Pickleballers Next Door Podcast

🎙️ Podcast Description

In this important and eye-opening episode of Pickleballers Next Door, Mike and Christana tackle one of the fastest-growing conversations in pickleball: player safety.

With eye injuries on the rise across recreational and competitive play, we break down why protective eyewear and pickleball goggles matter, how net-zone battles increase risk, and what players of all levels should know to protect their vision without sacrificing performance. KitchenBlockers are the glasses Mike & Christana use most of the time.

We also dive into a commonly overlooked factor in injury prevention—the right shoes for pickleball courts. From indoor vs outdoor courts to lateral movement, traction, and ankle support, we explain how wearing proper court shoes can reduce slips, falls, and long-term joint strain.

Whether you’re a beginner, tournament player, or someone who lives at the kitchen line, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-world experiences, and expert-level insights to help you stay safe, confident, and competitive on the court.

👉 Protect your eyes. Protect your body. Play smarter.

https://kitchenblockers.com/discount/PBND26

https://holeyperformance.com/

https://www.denvericonics.com/

Support the show

Thank you to our sponsor A Sweet Sip CBD drink. Visit https://drinkasweetsip.com/ for more information.

Follow the PickleBallers Next Door at:

IG: @pickleballersnextdoor
TikTok: thepickleballersnextdoor