Dinks On Tap: The Happy Hour Pickleball Podcast

This week, Casie and Lauren sit down with Jay Paterno, son of Penn State coaching legend Joe Paterno, and author of Blitzed: The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era.  This one is part sports conversation, part cultural temperature check, and we did what we do best: take a sports story and find the human behavior hiding underneath it. Because it turns out that money, pressure, loyalty, ego, and identity do not stay neatly on the football field. They show up everywhere people care deeply about something, including a 20X44 pickleball court with a plastic ball and a surprisingly compli

It’s one thing to pick up a paddle sport on a whim. It’s another thing entirely to realize (somewhere between a rec game and an invite-only underground games scene) that this “casual hobby” has started organizing your calendar, your social life, and, subtly, your sense of self. This week, Casie and Lauren sit down with Clare Frank, former Chief of Fire Protection for the state of California, longtime leader in wildfire response, and now author of Just One More Game. What begins as a conversation about a pickleball obsession quickly turns into something more revealing: what happens when a life

What happens when two big personalities collide on the pickleball court?  You get a duo that turns the game into chemistry, rhythm, and unapologetic energy! Today, Casie and Lauren sit down with Jeanne Koepke and Pam McCurry, a duo who found more than just a partner. They built a rhythm, a routine, and a friendship that reshaped this stage of life. What starts with pickleball tournaments and mixed doubles opens into something deeper. Jeanne and Pam bring equal parts of competitive fire and self-awareness. They share how they improved, built a strong partnership, and found their place within a

Pickleball players will build an entire life around playing. Watching the pros? That’s where things get interesting. In this episode, Casie and Lauren sit down with broadcaster, commentator, and certified pickleball numbers guy, Will Daughton, to ask a deceptively simple question: if rec players are so obsessed with pickleball…why aren’t more of them watching the pickleball pros? What follows is a conversation about PickleballTV, Major League Pickleball, momentum swings, partnership dynamics, and the parts of pickleball strategy most rec players miss in plain sight. Not because the rec world n

Ever wonder what your parents would say if they were handed a microphone and asked to review your sports career? Would they praise your hustle… or finally reveal that one time you blamed the wind for a missed shot? In this special bonus episode, an extension of Episode 38, we invite the ultimate behind-the-scenes MVPs onto the mic: our parents. This isn’t your typical lineup of sports interviews. Instead of talking with pros or coaches, we bring on the original supporters who shaped our journey through youth sports, competitive sports, and into podcasting. Through funny and heartfelt family st

Ever wonder what it takes to raise a kid in competitive pickleball without turning every car ride home into a post-match press conference? A junior pickleball match only lasts so long, but parenting the player behind it is the part that follows you home. This episode gets into the family side of the game, where the travel is real, the pressure is sneaky, and keeping the joy alive can matter just as much as the result. This week, we head into the wonderfully unhinged world of junior pickleball. where the snacks are packed, the hotel check-ins are tactical, and the group text about partners some

What if the most “irresponsible” thing you ever did… (joining a sport with a wiffle ball and a weird name) was actually the smartest move you’ve made for your physical health, your sanity, and your social life? In Episode 37, Casie & Lauren are doing what they do best: pickleball + truth + tequila. We’re talking Mardi Gras (yes, balls, yes, beads, yes, strangers screaming at you like they’ve known you forever)… and why pickleball is basically the same experience but with less glitter and more knee braces. We also tackle one of life’s greatest mysteries: why the rally ends and your brain immedi

You’re standing on the court, paddle in hand, staring at an empty net while the Tournament Director is nowhere to be found and your "10:00 AM start time" has officially become a suggestion.  We’ve all been there… trapped in a bracket that feels more like a gridlocked parking lot than an elite player experience. In this episode, joining us in the hot seat is Mike Hoxie, the "Tournament Titan" and founder of Pickleball Is Great (P.I.G.). Mike has spent years modernizing pickleball tournaments from paper and pencil to seamless, text-messaged operations. He’s the expert on keeping the game moving,

Let’s be real, how many times have you missed an easy dink and immediately blamed your paddle, the wind (even indoors), or your partner’s breathing?  We’ve all been there: the dreaded mental spiral where one bad shot turns into three, and suddenly you’ve forgotten how to hold a paddle.  In this inaugural episode of 2026, we’re stacking the court differently as Casie takes the host seat to interview her ride-or-die doubles partner (and co-host!), Lauren Vosbein. We aren’t just talking about drops and drives, we’re diving into the "fifth player" on the court: your mindset.  We share the hilariou

EP 34 - Ever wondered why your DUPR score nosedives after a win, and you're wondering if your app is gaslighting you? What is happening in the pickleball matrix? In this episode, we sit down with Tito Machado, the most loved and rage-texted man in pro pickleball. He’s the CEO of DUPR, the rating system that somehow manages to both unite and divide the pickleball community like it’s the pineapple on pizza of the pickleball world. Tito opens up about the chaos, the criticism, and the sheer volume of "fix my rating" DMs that hit his inbox daily. We also confess our own crimes, yes, we may or may

This was one of the most-loved episodes of 2025 and we’re bringing it back for a reason.  As we head into 2026, there’s no better time to revisit what this conversation unlocked: how real team chemistry and trust can change the way we play and how we connect. Growing as a player, a partner, or a teammate? This episode holds the good stuff that doesn’t just help you win more... it helps you play better with the people you actually want to keep around. First, we catch up with Stephen Moore of Pickleball Trips, the boutique travel company blending adventure travel with pro-level play. From Japan

At some point this year, we all looked around and thought, “How did the pickleball community get this big?” and somehow, pickleball became everyone’s personality. Welcome to our year-end rundown of the best and worst things that happened in pickleball this 2025, and we’re saying it all! In this episode, we kick things off by celebrating some big wins, from growing audiences and packed events to the undeniable rise of pickleball tournaments and ever-expanding pickleball clubs. We also dig into the stats that prove what we all feel on the courts: this sport is exploding across adult sports leagu

You’ve shown up to every match with your gear perfectly packed, but when it comes to holiday gifting, you’re the person scribbling a card in the parking lot with a pen you borrowed. Don’t worry, we’ve been there. And we’re here to make you look like a pro. We’re back with our second annual holiday gift guide, and this one’s loaded with actual good ideas (you’re welcome). Whether you’re shopping for your doubles partner, your paddle-happy spouse, or your own fabulous self, we’ve rounded up the kind of pickleball gifts that’ll make you the MVP of the season. And listen, this is not your basic pa

Welcome to the only live podcast episode where the court drama is matched only by the party vibes, and the wardrobe choices might just win their own medal. Here’s some front-row access to the Dinks on Tap one-year celebration, recorded with a live audience of our favorite paddle-loving warriors. This episode is equal parts pickleball pep rally, behind-the-scenes tea, and hilarious fun. We relive our biggest night yet, complete with a fashion show, signature cocktails, and a double guest feature that brought the heat. First up: Courtney Johnson, aka America’s favorite ref, who once stared down

Ever wondered why your DUPR score nosedives after a win, and you're wondering if your app is gaslighting you? What is happening in the pickleball matrix? In this episode, we sit down with Tito Machado, the most loved and rage-texted man in pro pickleball. He’s the CEO of DUPR, the rating system that somehow manages to both unite and divide the pickleball community like it’s the pineapple on pizza of the pickleball world. Tito opens up about the chaos, the criticism, and the sheer volume of "fix my rating" DMs that hit his inbox daily. We also confess our own crimes, yes, we may or may not have

Ever tried organizing a pickleball game with five group chats, two calendars, and someone’s cousin who “might show up if it doesn’t rain”? It’s like herding cats… in court shoes. And just when you finally get a foursome, someone drops out at 7 a.m. Sound familiar? This week on Dinks on Tap, we’re sitting down with Dan and Steve, the creators of DiNKR, the pickleball app designed to bring order to your game day chaos. Tired of juggling endless texts and flaky invites, they set out to build something better: a smarter way to connect players, schedule games, and grow your pickleball community. Wh

Winning gold sounds great… until the court lights shut off mid-point, and someone’s Uncle Larry is heckling from the sidelines. Welcome to pickleball tournaments, where the only thing more unpredictable than the tape lines are the emotions running high. In this episode of Dinks on Tap, we take you inside our latest wild ride at a local tourney in Austin, complete with lighting meltdowns, DJ shutdowns, and one of us possibly forgetting how to see the ball entirely (glasses next time, anyone?). Between the laughter and the performance pressure, we’re breaking down the real story of what happens

Curious how your pickleball rating actually gets calculated? Check out VAIR, the new pickleball rating system: https://www.vairified.com/?ambassador=7180389   Pickleball rating systems can feel like the Wild West… where matchups make zero sense and “fair play” is more myth than rule. One minute you’re rallying with a retired pro, the next you’re getting smoked by a 13-year-old with braces and a wicked backhand. In this episode, we dig into the accuracy drama with Mike Barker, the brains behind VAIR (Visually Assessed International Rating),  a next-gen player rating system that promises to clea

You can perfect your third shot drop… but can you survive a 10-day pickleball trip with your doubles partner and still want to split a margarita after?  This week, we’re talking all things chemistry on and off the court. We’re covering pro-led clinics in Spain, silent side-eyes during rec play, and everything in between as we dig into what really holds a team together (and what quietly breaks it). First, we catch up with Stephen Moore of Pickleball Trips, the boutique travel company blending adventure travel with pro-level play. From Japan to Costa Rica to courtside ceviche in Spain, Stephen t

Once upon a time, Kaitlin Miller was covering broadcast journalism red carpets and national headlines. Now she’s helping the Nashville pickleball scene blow up one rooftop pickleball rally and post-game marg at a time. With a paddle in one hand and a mic in the other, she’s turning rec play into a real movement, and she’s just getting started. In this episode of your favorite pickleball podcast, Dinks On Tap, Kaitlin spills the sweet tea on how she went from chasing breaking news to building courts with Court Kings, hosting celeb tournaments, and giving newbies pickleball tips not to freak out

What would happen if pickleball got a Caitlin Clark–level shake-up, a blast of PR glitter, and just enough paddle-side gossip to keep the courts buzzing all weekend? That is exactly what we are serving today! First up, our resident pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, spills why the sport still hasn’t found its breakout star and what it could steal from the sports marketing playbook of the WNBA. We’re talking player branding that goes way beyond logos on paddles, plus the coaching strategies that could make the pickleball community as binge-worthy as your favorite competitive sports. Then, Dr.

What do you get when two podcasters train like pros, catch COVID five days before a tournament, and still walk away with medals (and maybe a mild cough)?  You get an episode that’s equal parts redemption story, hydration plan, and doubles therapy session. In this week’s episode of Dinks on Tap, we break down our wild ride to the Dallas Classic from getting smoked in Houston to sharpening our pickleball strategy, drilling with stronger players, leveling up our game preparation, and crushing teenagers with braces and unreal reflexes. We talk about adjusting our game mode, building mental resilie

What do you get when pickleball ratings make no sense, sandbagging gets a spotlight, and a restaurant entrepreneur turns out to be a beast on the court? You get an episode that’s part strategy session, part cocktail hour, and a whole lot of real talk. This week, the pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, returns with the kind of hot takes only he can deliver, questioning DUPR math, calling out tournament trickery, and unpacking why your 4.0 rating might only count in your zip code. It’s spicy, it’s chaotic, and it might just change how you play rec. Then we meet Brenton Phillips of Written by th

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

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 throwdow

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 r

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 Court

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

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 t

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 be

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-cha

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

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

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 consis

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 ti

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, do

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,

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 a

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 hea

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

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.   Joi

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 y

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 t

Have you wondered why everyone seems to be talking about pickleball lately? Or what makes this quirky sport more than just a game?   Welcome to Dinks On Tap, where the pickleball paddle meets the margarita. We're Casie and Lauren, your recreational pickleball pals here to explore why we are so hooked on this sport. And trust us, it's about way more than dinks and volleys. It's about rediscovering that thing we've all been missing play. You know the joy we used to have, but somehow, let's slip away in our busy adult lives.   We may not be pros, but we've got plenty to say about the real nuances