Mike Barker is the founder of VAIR, what he describes as the World's Most Accurate Pickleball Rating System — think NASA-level precision, but for dink rallies and third shot drops.

He’s built gyms, restaurant delivery platforms, a rating system more precise than your last cholesterol check, and he's the kind of guy who doesn’t wait for the city to build courts — he just shows up with paint and makes it happen. He’s part entrepreneur, part community builder, part software guy, and 100% not slowing down — even in his 50s. He’s got the vision, the hustle, and apparently, a very deep understanding of point differentials.

Our fearless Team Captain Molly Bonner slides into the pod — raw, real, and somehow still laughing through it all. From breaking down team chemistry like a scientist with a pickleball paddle to the high-stakes quest of finding the right doubles partner (think dating app, but with dink shots and less ghosting), Molly brings the honesty, the hugs, and just enough leadership to make us all feel like we’re slightly underperforming humans.

It’s Molly unfiltered — equal parts therapist, strategist, and joy factory. And yes, you’ll probably want to marry her by the end. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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 in the kitchen. Whether she’s running drills at Pickleball Kingdom, throwing rooftop matches, or sipping martinis mid-dink, she’s blending paddle sports with Southern charm and redefining what it means to play for the long game.

A powerhouse of positivity and a true court-side queen, Dr. Joy Macci brings championship energy everywhere she goes. As a high-performance coach, speaker, and former pro athlete, she’s helped top performers—from athletes to CEOs—elevate their game with her signature blend of science, soul, and unstoppable Joy. Whether she’s dropping wisdom on mindset or smashing dinks like a boss, Dr. Joy reminds us that winning starts between the ears—and joy is always in play.Description goes here

Ben McNair has a knack for making pickleball make sense. As a coach with a background in biomechanics, he helps players level up by teaching them how to move smarter, react faster, and play more efficiently—without overthinking every shot. His superpower? Breaking down the “why” behind your body’s movement on the court, so you can stop muscling the ball and start playing with real strategy.

From footwork in the transition zone to partner positioning and injury prevention, Ben combines science, strategy, and just the right amount of sarcasm to help players at every level unlock their best game.

Brenton is one of the owners of Written by the Seasons in Dallas, one of our all-time favorite places to eat, drink, and feel slightly more fashionable than we actually are. He’s also a passionate pickleball player who somehow finds time to hit the court while opening another restaurant.

Oh, and his current spot just got a "Recommended" nod from the very first Michelin Guide in Texas. So yeah, he’s got a few things going on.

We loved getting into the weeds with Brenton about the restaurant biz, pickleball strategy, and what it takes to balance the heat of the kitchen with the heat of the court.

Hal Martin is 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. 

Pickleball Country Club

Hugh Zhang is the owner of the Houston Hammers of 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. Houston Hammers

Episode #19 and Episode #20

Jolon Clark is the driving force behind Denver’s green spaces, splash pads, and now… dinking epicenters. As Director of Denver Parks & Recreation, Jolon has turned public parks into vibrant hubs of play, connection, and yes, fierce pickleball showdowns. A lifelong lover of community spaces and grassroots recreation, he’s leading the charge to make pickleball accessible. Whether he's rolling out new courts or rolling deep in a rec center paddle league, Jolon is all about keeping it inclusive, active, and just plain fun.

Ben Paquette used to weigh 300 pounds until he accidentally found pickleball — and the game found him. Now the Head Pickleball Pro at Brookhaven Country Club, Ben swapped junk food for jump smashes and hasn’t looked back. With a serve as sharp as his wit and a coaching style that’s equal parts encouragement and hilarity, Ben transforms everyday players into dinking dynamos. Ready to level up your game? Ben’s got the tips, tricks, and the best pickleball stories around. 

Ivan Jakovljevic left soccer after 23 years and most people thought he was crazy.  But he saw something in the game no one else did.  Pickleball wasn't just a hobby.  It was a reset button.  Now he's a ranked pro on the PPA and MLP tours, a new dad, and he's building a life he actually loves.  OH, and it all started with a crush.  Tune in to listen to the story of Ivan Jakovljevic's second chance.  

Dr. Stormy Hill, a certified relationship coach and mental health therapist from Salt Lake City, and Teri Citterman, an executive coach and author based in Austin, co-authored "In A Pickle: How to Master Love and Pickleball and Not Kill Each Other." Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, they offer couples playful strategies to strengthen relationships both on and off the pickleball court. Buy their Book

We sipped tequila, and got the inside scoop from the guy who somehow knows exactly where your body's falling apart — and how to put it back together again. He’s part soft tissue sorcerer, part movement mechanic, and 100% in it to keep you moving. 

Find Albert at The Wellness Institute of Dallas.

Courtney Johnson is one of the most respected referees in the game. With a deep understanding of the rules and a passion for fair play, she’s shaping the future of competitive pickleball at the highest level. She's officiated some of the biggest matches in pro pickleball, and stood her ground against John McEnroe at the Pickleball Slam.  

Jill Martin & Dayne Gingrich, authors of Pickleball Mindset, are experts in mental toughness and peak performance. Jill, a former lawyer turned yoga instructor, and Dayne, a pro pickleball coach, share game-changing insights to help players master the mental side of pickleball and elevate their game. Order their book here.

Melissa Pedroza is a trailblazer in the pickleball world, known for building community, inspiring players, and leading with passion. As a competitive player and advocate for the sport, she’s dedicated to growing the game and fostering meaningful connections on and off the court.