Dinks On Tap: The Happy Hour Pickleball Podcast

Listener Favorite of 2025! Pickleball Doubles Partnerships and Why Team Chemistry Matters with Captain Molly Bonner

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 to Costa Rica to courtside ceviche in Spain, Stephen takes us behind the scenes of how his family turned their love of sport and travel into world-class pickleball tours. Yes, there’s travel with purpose, but there’s also stretchy pants, five-star meals, and a whole lot of dinking with locals.
Then, we sit down with Molly Bonner, the team mom, hug dealer, and unofficial snack coordinator of the Dinking Buddies, to talk about what really happens behind the paddles. This isn’t just about dinks and drops. We’re talking team dynamics, emotion in sports, and what it takes to stay connected when you’re trying to win without losing your cool (or your bestie).
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why picking a pickleball partner can feel weirdly similar to dating (yes, really)
How a shared competitive mindset can totally bond you or quietly blow things up
The underrated magic of trust and why it’s way more clutch than your drop shot
What actually makes team chemistry click (and how to know when it’s off)
The messy middle: conflict, growth, and navigating partnership like a grown-up
And all the stuff no one teaches you in pickleball clinics, but probably should!
So if travel and play is your love language, consider this your official invite. From coaching sessions in Patagonia to building real connection with your doubles partner, this episode has the vibes and the insight. Paddle up, press play, and let’s go.
 
Cheers,
Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap
P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

What 2025 Revealed About Pickleball: The Highs, Lows, and WTF Moments

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 leagues, community sports, and the broader world of sports industry growth.
Then things get spicy… we welcome back our favorite pickleball provocateur, Andrew Kole, who brings strong opinions on everything from questionable sports fashion trends to the overwhelming surge in pickleball equipment and ever-evolving paddle technology. His takes spark laughs, tension, and a few “did he really just say that?” moments, which is exactly why we love having him on.
We take a step back and look at what really defined pickleball in 2025. It was a year that proved this sport isn’t just growing, it’s evolving, and we’re breaking it all down with honesty, humor, and a little side-eye.
Here’s a peek at what 2025 looked like for pickleball:
The biggest pickleball trends that shaped the year, both exciting and uncomfortable
Why pickleball tournaments and competitive play surged in a big way
The real impact of pickleball noise complaints and shrinking public court access
Ongoing rating system debates and what they mean for everyday pickleball players
Why the pickleball community continues to be the heart of the sport, no matter how big it gets
So grab your margarita or martini, pull up a court-side chair, and join us as we toast the highs, side-eye the lows, and wrap up a wild year in pickleball. 🍹🏓
Cheers,
Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap
P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.
AND
Our friends at Dailey Travels are hosting a Royal Caribbean Pickleball Cruise with NBA Legend Rick Barry this April. It’s a 5-night luxury cruise adventure to Cabo San Lucas that combines world-class instruction with five-star amenities! Check it out at www.dailey-travels.com!
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

No More Boring Gifts! Inside Our Holiday Gift Guide for Pickleball Lovers and Their Favorite Dinking Partners

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 paddle-and-water-bottle roundup. We’ve got pickleball pajamas you’ll feel like you want to live in, a pickleball apron that screams “stay out of the kitchen,” and yes, the Dammit Doll that might just save your friendships. You're welcome again.
We also mentioned Labubus (don’t ask, just listen), filming your game without looking like a try-hard, and the one gift that had us both genuinely speechless. Spoiler: it’s not the ice cube mold... but that one’s in there too.
Top Ten Gift Ideas:
Pickleball Dammit Doll 
Netcord Phone Holder for Video
American Girl - Pickleball Doll
Fence Bag Holder 
Pickleball ice maker 
Pickleball PJs
Pickleball apron 
Pickleball Cocktail Coasters
Paddle Grip 
Pickleball Twist Card Game 
Bonus Gift: An INCREDIBLE bespoke trip to Africa with Unearth Experience that will have you telling stories at dinner parties for years to come! 
 
So grab your drink, snuggle up (preferably in festive jammies), and hit play because nobody wants to be the one who shows up with a last-minute Amazon gift card. Again.
Cheers,
Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap
P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Our Podcast Anniversary Happy Hour Event: Live, Loud, & Loosely Monitored.

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 John McEnroe without flinching and still had time to correct your kitchen violations. Then: Mark Molthan, Dallas Flash team owner, luxury homebuilder, and the kind of guy who can drop an F-bomb and a sports commentary gem in the same breath.
Whether you came for the laughs or the Major League Pickleball intel, we’ve got both plus a few confessions we maybe should’ve left off-mic. Too late.
You’ll hear:
The real MVP moment from our live podcast (hint: it involved a fashion emergency and a pickleball paddle)
Mark’s bold take on team ownership and what happens when Dallas Flash meets their biggest rivals
Courtney’s top “you did what in the kitchen?!” rule flubs
How our night out became a masterclass in community building and chaotic joy
Why athletic fashion is now an official part of our sport (and yes, we want the whole spring line)
So, whether you're here for the pickleball drama, the laughs, or just to feel like part of the sports community, hit play and pretend you're sipping a cocktail under the twinkle lights of the Dallas scene.
Cheers,
Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap
P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.
 
Lucky in Love Pickleball attire - as seen in the fashion show at our event!
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Is DUPR Driving Us or Dividing Us? CEO Tito Machado’s Answer Will Surprise You

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 created a fake verified account to see just how easy it is to game the system (don’t worry, we turned ourselves in to the DUPR police). What follows is a wild mix of real talk, good laughs, and some serious behind-the-scenes transparency into how pickleball ratings actually work.
Here’s what you’ll dink away with:
Why a win won’t always raise your DUPR score and how your reliability score factors in
What the DUPR forecast really tells you (beyond the red arrow of doom)
How pickleball data reveals player performance and flags sandbaggingWhy some avoid pickleball tournaments and how that trend is shifting
What’s coming in 2026 for competitive pickleball: sub-ratings, verified accounts, and cleaner match records
Tito’s spicy takes on rec pickleball, DUPR jail, and his dream court showdown with Kobe and Ronaldo
This episode delivers smart insights and just enough chaos to keep your next paddle tap interesting. Rating junkies, proud 3.0s, and anyone still pretending not to care about their DUPR will want in on this one.
Cheers,
Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap
P.S. This episode is served with a side of ✨actual magic ✨from our sponsor, Unearth Experience, for people who want their adventures like their pickleball games: unforgettable, a little unhinged, and way above average.
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

DiNKR: The Pickleball App That Saved Our Group Chat (And Might Get You a Date?)

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. Whether you're into recreational pickleball, chasing wins in competitive pickleball, or curious about that low-key dating feature (yep, it’s real), DiNKR is changing how we find our people on and off the court.
In this episode, we unpack it all from the moment the DiNKR paddle-heart logo was born, to whether or not it’s ethical to “target Emma Watson” in rec play. (Yes, that came up.)
Here’s what you’ll dink away with:
How a movie script turned into a friend finder app that’s actually fun (and works)
Why “sequential invites” might be the game scheduling hack your group text dreams of
Early user stories, including the one where a 3.5 with “good vibes” became the hottest swipe
Why this might be the best thing to hit outdoor group activities since SPF 50
How vibe > rating and why a true sports connection app is about chemistry, not just DUPR numbers
If you’ve ever Googled how to find pickleball players or dreamed of a less chaotic way to build your pickleball community, grab a drink, hit play, and find out why DiNKR might just be your new favorite doubles partner.
Cheers,
Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

When the Lights Go Out Mid-Match: Our Wildest Pickleball Tournament Experience Yet (And What It Taught Us About Focus Training)

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 when performance anxiety meets competitive pickleball and how you can still walk away with silver and a smile.
During the tournament, we even bumped into Tom Irady, the unofficial bard of the pickleball community, famous for his hilarious parody songs like “Dinks in the Kitchen.” Tom was a perfect reminder that play is supposed to be FUN, even when you’re sweating through your skort.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
A reminder that mental toughness isn’t just for the pros, it's your best defense when the bracket breaks
How to adapt your pickleball strategy when things go sideways (and the lights go out)
Simple focus training tricks to help you stay in the mental game, even when distractions pile up
Real talk on team dynamics and how to support your partner when one of you’s running on vibes only
Tournament red flags: what makes a great pickleball event vs. one that makes you question your life choices
 
If you’ve ever found yourself mid-rally thinking, “Is it me, or did the court just move?”, this one’s for you. Hit play, laugh with us, learn a few pickleball tips, and get the inside scoop on what really happens behind the bracket board.
Cheers,
Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Is DUPR Dead? Mike Barker's VAIR Rating System Might Just Bury It

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 clean up the chaos. Mike’s not just a ratings guy; he’s a former semi-pro footballer, tech entrepreneur, and the kind of guy who brings AI camera systems and court-side video analysis into your average Tuesday night match. He’s passionate about one thing: making sure your rating is actually accurate!  
We share wild stories from mixed brackets gone wrong, debate what counts as a “real” rating, and explore how skill-based matchmaking is reshaping both recreational pickleball and the future of competitive pickleball.
What you’ll hear:
Why most rating systems feel like a bad doubles partner: unclear, unreliable, and kind of holding you back
The age + gender mix-ups that make you wonder if you accidentally signed up for a youth camp or the retirees’ tour
How VAIR uses AI, camera systems, and smart player data to give us finally giving us real-deal skill evaluation 
What separates a rec rating from a verified one, and why that tiny decimal point can make a huge difference
How clubs are using smart tech, solid pickleball techniques, and juicy game insights to create the matchups we actually want
So grab your margarita, tune in, and find out how the new VAIR rating system could mean better matchups, fewer mismatches, and way more fun for the whole pickleball community.
Cheers,
Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com
 

Pickleball Doubles Partnerships and Why Team Chemistry Matters with Captain Molly Bonner

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 takes us behind the scenes of how his family turned their love of sport and travel into world-class pickleball tours. Yes, there’s travel with purpose, but there’s also stretchy pants, five-star meals, and a whole lot of dinking with locals.
Then, we sit down with Molly Bonner, the team mom, hug dealer, and unofficial snack coordinator of the Dinking Buddies, to talk about what really happens behind the paddles. This isn’t just about dinks and drops. We’re talking team dynamics, emotion in sports, and what it takes to stay connected when you’re trying to win without losing your cool (or your bestie).
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why picking a pickleball partner can feel weirdly similar to dating (yes, really)
How a shared competitive mindset can totally bond you or quietly blow things up
The underrated magic of trust and why it’s way more clutch than your drop shot
What actually makes team chemistry click (and how to know when it’s off)
The messy middle: conflict, growth, and navigating partnership like a grown-up
And all the stuff no one teaches you in pickleball clinics, but probably should!
So if travel and play is your love language, consider this your official invite. From coaching sessions in Patagonia to building real connection with your doubles partner, this episode has the vibes and the insight. Paddle up, press play, and let’s go.
 
Cheers,
Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com

Red Carpets, Rooftop Pickleball, and why Kaitlin Miller Swapped Broadcast Journalism for Drop Shots and Dinks

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 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.
Kaitlin’s breaking down everything from shady open-play vibes to the little mindset shifts that actually matter from newbie nerves to pro-level coaching pickleball moments.
We get into:
The real role of team building events and how they make corporate court time way less awkward
Why the US Open pickleball scene has nothing on a good country music Nashville courtside playlist
Why having a tennis background can help but won’t save you from getting schooled by an 80-year-old with fast hands and a knee brace
What the future of inclusivity in sports really looks like (and why open play still has some work to do)
How women in sports are leading the charge on the court, in the booth, and behind the business deals
From broadcast booths to pickleball courts, this episode hits every line. Expect big laughs, real talk, and the kind of strategic glow-up that happens when women run the show. Grab your paddle and your drinks, happy hour starts here.
 
Cheers,
Casie & LaurenDinks on Tap
 
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com