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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

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🎙️ 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
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🎙️ Special Guests from the Grand Opening at 3rd Shot River Point

This episode was extra special as we welcomed Chris Williams, his wife Katherine Williams, and their daughter Bella Williams onto the podcast — showcasing exactly what pickleball is all about: family, community, and connection.

We also sat down with Jeff Moulton, Head Pro at 3rd Shot River Point, who shared insights into open play, player development, and what makes this new Sheridan location such a standout for players of all skill levels.

Adding another key perspective, we were joined by George Tavares from Altitude Athletic Surfaces, diving into what goes into building high-performance pickleball courts and why quality surfaces matter for both safety and competitive play.

Rounding out the episode, we caught up with pickleball players Emily, Kaleb and Mark, who were checking out open play and sharing firsthand excitement about the courts, the atmosphere, and the energy of opening day.

From industry leaders to families discovering the sport together, this episode perfectly captures the spirit of pickleball and the vibrant community forming at 3rd Shot River Point.

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

Jeff Moulton - Head Pro - jeff@3rdshotpickleball.com

https://altitudesurfaces.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

🎙️ Podcast Episode: Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle — 2 Winners have been picked for the Pro Sponsorship and will be aired on episode 8. 2 Winners will be voted by the audience to receive a franchise each. Please vote every week for your favorite player.

In this episode, we sit down with Ace Rodrigues, Owner and Founder of Pickleball Kingdom, to break down the launch of their groundbreaking new YouTube competition series, Pickleball Kingdom: Paddle Battle.

Episodes 1 and 2 drop Wednesday the 14th, just hours before this podcast episode goes live, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the concept, stakes, and vision behind one of the most exciting new formats in pickleball entertainment.

🔥 What’s on the line in Paddle Battle?

• 2 professional players win a full-year sponsorship
• 2 professional players win a Pickleball Kingdom franchise

The sponsorship winners have already been selected — but the franchise winners will be decided by the audience. Fans get to vote and play a direct role in determining which pros earn the opportunity to become Pickleball Kingdom franchise owners, making this one of the most interactive pickleball series ever created.

We’re also joined by Tiffany Ash, Head Pro at Relish Food Hall, who is one of the featured contestants in Paddle Battle. A Colorado-based pro, Tiffany shares what it’s like competing in a high-stakes, on-camera pickleball series and representing Colorado on a national platform.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Paddle Battle was created and why it’s different
• The power of fan voting in awarding pickleball franchises
• What a year-long pickleball sponsorship means for a pro athlete
• The future of pickleball as entertainment, media, and business
• How Pickleball Kingdom is redefining growth through community involvement
• Colorado’s role in shaping national pickleball talent

This episode is a must-listen for pickleball players, fans, sponsors, and entrepreneurs who want to see how competition, content, and opportunity are colliding to shape the future of the sport.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1mwK1LXsKjAdmWb55cTLUQ

https://pickleballkingdom.com/paddlebattle/

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
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🎙️ Podcast Episode 52

Friday Pickleball: The Brand, The Brotherhood, and the Future of Pickleball Culture

In this episode, we sit down with Scott, Isaac, and Matt, three of the five incredible minds behind Friday Pickleball, live from 3rd Shot Pickleball in Wheatridge, Colorado. What started as a shared love for pickleball has turned into one of the fastest-growing lifestyle brands in the sport—and these guys are leading the charge with authenticity, humor, and community at the core.

Friday Pickleball isn’t just a paddle, it’s a movement. Built around the idea that pickleball should be fun, welcoming, competitive, and social, the brand captures the spirit of the game both on and off the court. A culture that celebrates connection, competition, and camaraderie, Friday Pickleball has quickly become a favorite among players nationwide.

Scott, Isaac, and Matt share their journey from players to brand builders, what it really takes to grow a pickleball company in today’s booming market, and why relationships and community matter more than anything else. Their chemistry is real, their passion is contagious, and their commitment to growing the sport the right way is what truly sets them apart.

We talk pickleball culture, brand building, entrepreneurship, and how venues like 3rd Shot Pickleball are helping fuel the next generation of players. Whether you’re a recreational player, a competitive athlete, or someone interested in the business side of pickleball, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.

If you love pickleball, good people, and brands that stand for more than just a logo—this episode is a must-listen.

fridaypickle.com

@fridaypickleball

@friday_pickleball

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
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🎙️ Pickleball, Singles & Real-Life Love Stories | PickleMatch.co Podcast Episode 51 🎙️

In this episode, we dive into the heart of PickleMatch.co, where pickleball meets real-world dating—and sparks actually fly. We recorded live from a PickleMatch singles event at 3rd Shot Wheatridge and interviewed the people who came not just to play pickleball, but to find genuine connection.

We’re joined by Jake and Brent, the sons of Mike, one of the podcast hosts, who share their perspective on the PickleMatch experience and what it’s like seeing pickleball bring singles together in a fun, low-pressure environment. We also sit down with Michael, co-owner of PickleMatch, who shares the vision behind creating an in-person dating experience that feels natural, active, and far removed from the swipe culture of dating apps.

Adding to the conversation is Sher, who runs the popular Facebook community ColoradoSinglesConnect, offering insight into what singles in Colorado are truly looking for right now—and why community-driven, in-person events are thriving.

We also welcome professional matchmaker Julie Ferman from Cupid’s Coach, who brings expert advice on modern dating, attraction, and why shared activities like pickleball create better opportunities for authentic connection.

And the highlight of the night? Masha and Sam, who actually met at the event that very evening, sharing their first impressions, chemistry, and what made the connection feel different from traditional dating apps.

This episode is a real-time look at how pickleball is changing the dating scene, why singles are craving offline experiences, and how PickleMatch is turning rallies into relationships.

Whether you’re single, curious about modern matchmaking, or just love pickleball culture, this episode proves that sometimes… love really does happen on the court. 🏓❤️

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
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🎄 Merry Christmas and welcome to a very special milestone episode of Pickleballers Next Door! 🎄

Today, we’re celebrating Episode 50, and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark this moment than by spotlighting the incredible people using pickleball as a force for good. This episode is all about community, purpose, and impact, recorded live at Relish Food Hall Pickleball during a powerful Parkinson’s disease fundraising tournament.

We’re honored to sit down with leaders, advocates, athletes, and coaches who are changing lives—on and off the court. From national foundations to grassroots pickleball movements, this episode captures the true heart of why this sport means so much to so many.

So grab a warm drink, pull up a chair, and celebrate the season with us—this is pickleball with purpose.

🎧 Episode 50 – Pickleballers Next Door

🎄 Merry Christmas from Pickleballers Next Door—and welcome to our 50th episode! 🎄

In this milestone holiday episode, we’re coming to you from Relish Food Hall Pickleball for an inspiring Parkinson’s disease fundraising tournament that brought together players, advocates, and community leaders who believe pickleball can truly make a difference.

We’re honored to feature:

• Susan Swern, founder of Pickleball for Good, sharing how pickleball is being used nationwide to raise awareness, funds, and hope—not only for Parkinson’s research and support, but for a wide range of nonprofits and community causes.
• Polly Dawkins, Executive Director of the Davis Phinney Foundation, discussing the foundation’s mission to help people with Parkinson’s live well today.
• Tom Carney, a respected pickleball coach and player with 13 years of experience, offering insight into how coaching, movement, and sport positively impact the Parkinson’s community.
• Team Husted, competitors in the tournament, sharing what it means to play for a cause bigger than the scoreboard.

This episode is a powerful reminder that pickleball is more than a game—it’s a platform for connection, advocacy, and meaningful change.

Thank you to our guests, our listeners, and this incredible community for supporting us through 50 episodes. We are so grateful for every story, every event, and every person who’s joined us along the way.

🎄 Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and here’s to the next 50! 🎄

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