Dinks On Tap: The Happy Hour Pickleball Podcast

Houston We Have a Problem Part 2: The Pickleball vs Tennis Debate You Didn’t Know You Needed

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 & LaurenDinks 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/ 
 
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Houston We Have a Problem Part 1: How a Houston Pickleball Tournament Exposed Our Game (and Grew It)

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 & LaurenDinks on Tap
 
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The Loud Truth About Pickleball Noise: What Denver Parks and Rec Is Doing About It

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 & LaurenDinks on Tap
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Secret Love Affair or Smart PR? The Wild Theories Around Anna Leigh Waters vs Hayden Patriquin Pickleball Controversy

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
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This Is What Happens When a Finance Guy Gets Sucked Into the Pickleball Community with Ben Paquette

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 LaurenDinks on Tap
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Ivan Jakovljevic’s Pickleball Journey Started with a Crush (and Ended in Pro Pickleball)

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
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How to Play Pickleball with Your Romantic Partner Without Killing Each Other

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
 
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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
 
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How to Stop Pickleball Injuries Before They Happen (And Recover Like a Pro!) With Albert Ibanez

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
 
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What Happens Off the Court Matters More Than You Think

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
 
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Pickleball Rules, Refs & Controversial Calls with Courtney Johnson

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
 
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