Best in2pickle.com Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 268 - Are You Tethered in Your Pickleball? 27:28

Play Pause

1d ago27:28

27:28

Are you anchored to a clear, guiding framework—or drifting from one random tip to another? In this episode I share with you why a tethered approach brings deeper understanding, steadier growth, and greater fulfillment on the court. Tune in to learn how to anchor your learning and mindset for lasting improvement in your pickleball game. Show Notes: …

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Ep. 267 - A Good Loser is Still a Loser and Other Useless Idioms 26:55

8d ago26:55

26:55

One of the most common yet destructive ideas in sports is that “a good loser is still a loser.” The language we use around winning and losing shapes our pickleball mindset. Listen in and learn how to replace harmful narratives with a healthier, more balanced approach to competition—one that strengthens both your game and your joy. Show Notes: https…

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Ep. 266 - Strategic Awareness 17:37

15d ago17:37

17:37

The often-overlooked art of strategic awareness refers to the mental readiness that helps you anticipate what’s unfolding on the court. In this episode, I'll explain how strategic awareness sharpens your decisions and calms your mind under pressure through three key scenarios—the stay-back returner, the lobing opponent, and the stack-unwind formati…

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Ep. 265 - The Short Lens Spiral 10:35

22d ago10:35

10:35

In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, I introduce an excerpt from my new book Pickleball Therapy: The Book, read by longtime listener Jeff Renshaw. We explore the “Short Lens Spiral”—a mindset trap that keeps players fixated on a single mistake instead of the full joy of the game and how shifting from the short lens to the long lens can restore pe…

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Ep. 264 - Fix Your Latent Errors 21:08

29d ago21:08

21:08

Ever missed a shot and immediately thought, “I just need to fix my stroke”? What if the real problem wasn’t your stroke at all, but something deeper—something hidden? In this episode, I share practical insights into diagnosing these hidden flaws so you can play with clarity and confidence. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/264-fix-your-laten…

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Ep. 263 - Sound Mind in a Sound Body 18:02

1M ago18:02

18:02

In this episode, we explore the deeper philosophy behind how we approach our sport. Contrasting Nike’s “Just Do It” mentality with ASICS’ guiding principle of “a sound mind in a sound body,” I challenge you to reflect on the mindset we bring to the pickleball court because long-term joy in pickleball is found in calm, comfort, and the journey—not j…

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Special Episode - Basic Consistency 11:22

1M ago11:22

11:22

With so much information flooding in from courts and YouTube, players can feel overwhelmed. In this episode, I help you cut through the noise, showing how simplicity and sound mechanics lead to true consistency. Listen in to shift your mindset and discover how embracing the basics can unlock confidence and success on the court. Show Notes: https://…

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Ep. 262 - How to Navigate Pickleball - A Complex Sport 17:12

1M ago17:12

17:12

Pickleball is one of the most complex activities you can engage in, and that complexity is exactly what makes the game both beautiful and, at times, frustrating. The complexities demand patience, step-by-step growth, and realistic expectations. Listen in for guidance on how to face the hidden frustration many players feel when they chase quick-fix …

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Special Episode - Become your own Pickleball Mechanic 15:05

2M ago15:05

15:05

There's power in “seeing the story” of the game as it unfolds. Moving beyond strokes and strategies, in this podcast episode I want to challenge you as a pickleball player to deepen your awareness—recognize mechanics, anticipate play, and diagnose both strengths and flaws. Consider how much you really want to know about what’s happening under pickl…

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Ep. 261 - It's Amazing - Why Not? 6:23

2M ago6:23

6:23

In this episode, I challenge us to see wins and losses through a new lens—one of gratitude and perspective. Treat each moment both on and off the court as a singular experience. Listen in and discover how adopting “It’s amazing, why not?” can transform not only your pickleball game but also your daily life. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/…

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Special Episode - Uncage the Pickleball Player Inside You 12:52

2M ago12:52

12:52

So many players feel stuck and unable to play to their true potential. The problem isn’t you—it’s the noise. From well-meaning court advice to endless online tips, distractions cloud your clarity and keep the pickleball player inside you caged. In this episode, I explain how to cut through the noise, embrace the three pillars of pickleball, and unl…

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Ep. 260 - Set the Expectation Band That Is Right for You 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

Setting the right expectations can transform your mindset on the court and open the door to stronger, calmer, and more resilient play. In this episode, I'll share personal reflections and practical strategies to help you expand the “acceptable band” of behavior rather than striving for perfection. Listen now for insights you can bring directly to y…

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Ep. 259 - Not-So-Nice Pickleball Interactions - the Critic 26:45

2M ago26:45

26:45

There's a challenge many players face: dealing with “the critic” on the court. Whether it’s subtle comments, unsolicited advice, or outright negativity. In this episode, I explore real community stories and offer strategies to protect your pickleball mind, keep your confidence strong and your love for the game intact. Show Notes: https://betterpick…

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Ep. 258 - The Best from our Archives Part 7 - Bookmark Episode - 5 Steps to Prepare for your Day 16:23

2M ago16:23

16:23

In this week's episode we go back to archives where I'll share five essential steps to help you prepare mentally and physically before stepping onto the court. From clarifying why you play to setting focused intentions, warming up your body, and resetting your mindset when challenges arise. Listen in, bookmark this episode, and carry these tools in…

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Special Episode - The Book Conversations - Part 1 23:21

2M ago23:21

23:21

In this special episode I sit down with longtime student and friend Jeff Renshaw for a behind-the-scenes conversation about my upcoming book. We explore core mental performance themes—like balancing self-importance on the court, rethinking mistakes such as pop-ups, and how these concepts have shaped my journey. Listen to the full episode for a firs…

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Ep. 257 - My Favorite Episode of 2025: Climbing the Mount of Mudita 17:07

3M ago17:07

17:07

In this episode I take you on a climb up the “Mount of Mudita,” a journey through three powerful stages of pickleball mindset growth—from realizing you’re not the center of the court, to respecting others’ paths, to celebrating your opponents’ successes. Join me and start your own climb toward pickleball enlightenment that can transform not only yo…

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Ep. 256 - Do your Best to Play your Best 18:35

3M ago18:35

18:35

"Do your best to play your best" is a deceptively simple idea, but its depth can transform the way you experience the game—and yourself. It reshapes how we approach both coaching and personal growth because the key to unlocking the best pickleball is not found in your strokes, but in how you speak to yourself after a tough game. Show Notes: https:/…

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Special Episode - The Lions Roar with Dr. Peter Scales 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

In this special episode, I sit down live at Major League Pickleball with Dr. Peter Scales to explore how players can elevate their mental game through mindful focus and between-point routines. We dive into powerful mindset techniques for recovering after mistakes, managing high-pressure moments, and embracing personal growth through competition. Be…

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Ep. 255 - What do you need to play better pickleball? 21:18

3M ago21:18

21:18

Improvement in pickleball, like most things, is cumulative. You can’t skip steps. Instead of chasing trendy shots or quick fixes, in this episode I walk you through a mindset shift on how to assess your current level with clarity—and how to focus your efforts on the “must-have” shots that matter most right now. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.…

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Ep. 254 - Chasing Wins is the Reason you are Stuck or Frustrated 15:19

3M ago15:19

15:19

Are you stuck at your current level or feeling frustrated with your progress? In this episode, CJ Johnson dives deep into why chasing wins might be holding you back. She shares insights from elite athletes and practical steps that you can take right now and shift to process-based improvement. Tune in and learn to focus on what you can control—becau…

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Ep. 253 - Is there a Bigger Win for us? 18:18

4M ago18:18

18:18

Is there a bigger win available in the way you show up on the court? In this episode I challenge you to look beyond the immediate win to pursue a bigger victory. This could be through practical scenarios like line calls, serve legality, and rec play dynamics because empathy, patience, and intention can lead to greater growth as a pickleball player.…

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Special Episode - Keep Improving Your Body - Interview with Ty Woody 22:21

4M ago22:21

22:21

In this special episdoe I have the pleasure of interviewing Ty Woody, a sports performance coach as we explore how strengthening key areas of the body— like the legs and glutes — can elevate your pickleball game. We discuss common causes of elbow pain and how to address them effectively. Listen in as we break down practical steps to better body per…

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Ep. 252 - The Root Cause of A Lot 22:22

4M ago22:22

22:22

Theres's an often-overlooked root cause behind much of what we experience on the court: insecurity. From missed shots to disputes over line calls, in this episode I unpack how insecurity affects our mindset, behavior, and relationships in pickleball. Tune in to discover how recognizing it can transform your game to respond with empathy. Show Notes:…

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The Best from our Archives Part 6 - Bookmark this Episode - 3 Tips to Help you Play your Best Today - Special Episode 13:21

4M ago13:21

13:21

In this week's episode we go back to archives where I'll share three essential mindset tools to help you mentally prepare before stepping onto the court. This will deepen your reason for playing, and create a positive feedback loop through intentional gratitude and clarity. Listen before your next match to elevate your mental game and play with pur…

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Ep. 250 - How about your Partner? 20:57

4M ago20:57

20:57

As pickleball players, we're constantly assessing our games—technique, shot selection, strategy. But how often do we stop to consider our partner, the fourth player on the court? Drawing from our upcoming book and a revealing real-world encounter, I'll show you how awareness and empathy toward our partner can reshape our entire experience. Show Not…

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Special Episode - A Chat with Lydia Hirt from Life Time Pickleball 18:22

4M ago18:22

18:22

In this special episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Lydia Hirt, Vice President of Marketing at Life Time, to explore the explosive growth of pickleball across the country. Lydia shares her personal journey with the sport and highlights Life Time’s (LT) groundbreaking contributions—from building hundreds of courts nationwide to launching the…

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Ep. 249 - Process Your Results Correctly 15:08

4M ago15:08

15:08

Pickleball, like life, is variable. Some days you go 8–0. Others, you walk off the court without a single win. And both outcomes are completely normal. The key is understanding what’s expected—not in the sense of what you hope will happen, but in terms of what statistically does happen. In this episode we explore a topic that hits close to home for…

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Ep. 248 - Don't Diminish You 21:35

5M ago21:35

21:35

It’s one thing to say, “That was a tough match.” It’s another to say, “I lost that game.” The difference lies in focus. When you focus entirely on your own mistakes, you erase the resilience your opponents showed, the quality of the rallies, and the spirit of the contest. In this episode we explore how our post-game reactions can either elevate or …

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Ep. 247 - Chasing Fairies 18:41

5M ago18:41

18:41

"Chasing fairies" or the seductive but unproven strategies can often lead us astray on the court. From spinning dinks to rigid rules like "forehand in the middle," it's important to understand the why behind what we do on the courts. Listen to this full episode for more clarity and a grounded conversation that strengthens your mental approach to im…

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Ep. 246 - Don't Diminish Your Friends 20:33

5M ago20:33

20:33

Ego has a sneaky way of turning every match into a personal story—even when our friends earn the win. In this episode, I challenge you to rethink how you interpret losses, especially after a comeback. When we reframe the moment, we not only grow ourselves—we honor those we play with. A must-listen for any player serious about strengthening their me…

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EP. 245 - How Redlining Holds You Back and What To Do About It 11:19

5M ago11:19

11:19

Redlining is a hidden obstacle affecting players at every level. This episode breaks down how staying too amped up impacts performance, limits mental flexibility, and leads to critical mistakes. Learn how to recognize when you're redlining and discover practical tools to regulate your emotional energy for more consistent, composed play on the pickl…

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Ep. 244 - Stop Chasing Pickleball Distractions 17:00

6M ago17:00

17:00

In this episode, C.J. Johnson steps in for Tony Roig and explores the mental trap of chasing flashy pickleball techniques seen online—shots that often harm more than help. Listen in for a mindset reset to help you protect your learning journey and learn how to stay consistent on the pickleball court. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/244-sto…

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Ep. 243 - Avoiding Negativity Bias 28:27

6M ago28:27

28:27

A pop-up is not a failure—it is a normal part of pickleball. But your brain may treat it like a threat, thanks to an ancient survival instinct called negativity bias. Once you recognize that, you can stop overreacting and start responding with perspective because not every rustle in the grass is a tiger. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/243…

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Ep. 242 - What's the Secret Sauce? (Psst... it's in this podcast) 21:30

6M ago21:30

21:30

Many players search for a “secret” to improve their pickleball game—but there's none. Improvement comes not from tips or tricks, but from understanding how the game works. In this episode, I'll explain why structured learning, clear decision-making, and consistent execution are the real keys to growth—and how seeing the full picture of the game can…

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Ep. 241 - Empathy Framing For The Win 20:29

6M ago20:29

20:29

We’ve all faced frustrating moments on the court—with partners, opponents, or fellow players. What if we could reframe those situations into a healthier, more constructive way? In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, I explore a new mindset tool I’m developing called empathetic framing. I walk you through how this simple mental shift can reduce nega…

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Ep. 240 - Our Three Most Powerful Tools for Your Mind 23:19

7M ago23:19

23:19

This episode holds a special place. It distills three foundational mental pillars—Play, Perspective, and Progress—that have resonated deeply with players around the world. These are not just abstract concepts but practical tools that will help you not only play better, but also enjoy the game more fully and consistently. Pillar 1: Play – Embrace th…

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Ep. 239 - Don't Button Up the Mountain 14:34

7M ago14:34

14:34

Today we dive into a topic that resonates deeply with many of us: the journey over the destination, and how our approach to it can significantly impact our enjoyment of the game. Join the Better Pickleball Academy for the competitive play series. In our quest for improvement, there's a pervasive trend: rapid progression promises. We've all seen the…

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Ep. 238 - Your Mind Needs Water Too 17:04

7M ago17:04

17:04

When we think about pickleball, there are three pillars that comes to mind which we developed a few years back; the mechanical, the strategic, and the athletic pillar. The mechanical and strategic pillars focus on how and when to hit the ball and the athletic pillar emphasizes the synergy between body and mind. The mind is super important, but it's…

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Ep. 237 - Why Are You Upset? 16:42

7M ago16:42

16:42

You can't control every event in your journey, but you can control how you respond. And control goes beyond the physical aspect to include a mental dimension too. Sometimes when things happen to us in pickleball, we tend to externalize them by blaming external factors. The idea is, you can control how you react to those events to dictate the pace a…

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Ep. 236 - Does Smiling Improve your Pickleball Game? 18:04

8M ago18:04

18:04

Pickleball System Spring Boot Camp starting on March 27th; https://betterpickleball.com/march-bootcamp/ Will a smile help your pickleball game? While there might not be specific studies on the effect of smiling in sports, research shows that smiling can positively affect our attitude, calm our nerves, and enhance our overall well-being. On this epi…

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Special Episode - Pickleball Stoicism with Pickleball Pro Richard Livornese, Jr. 49:21

8M ago49:21

49:21

We had the pleasure of featuring a pro pickleball player, Richard Livornese Jr., in this special episode. It will be interesting to listen to the discussion, not just about the mechanics of the sport, but the mental journey that accompanies it. Richard shares insights about his pickleball journey which began four years ago during the COVID pandemic…

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Accepting Frustration is the Key to Growth 11:02

8M ago11:02

11:02

Join us for the March Bootcamp; https://betterpickleball.com/spring-bootcamp/ This week, let's dive into a concept I stumbled upon through an insightful video featuring a psychologist from Duke University. She introduces the idea of the "learning space"—the journey from not knowing to knowing. Picture two dots on a board, one representing ignorance…

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Reanimating Open Play PLUS It's Normal to Take a Step Back 16:54

8M ago16:54

16:54

Open play can be interesting with players of varying skill levels playing and enjoying the game together. But that's not always the case when dynamics of it set in and players advance in skill; exclusivity sneaks in and can lead to less inclusive play. In this episode we discuss the state of play in terms of how players at different levels interact…

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Handling Mental Interference PLUS Losing from Too Much 17:47

8M ago17:47

17:47

'The good thing about pressure is that it lets you know that you care.' Billy Jean King. The difficulty comes in when you let the pressure build up too much that it spills over into our hobbies and sports, including pickleball. It's perfectly normal for players to start feeling pressure in terms of their performance but not to the point where you'r…

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Special Episode - Interview with Shelley and Sher of Life Lessons from Pickleball 23:39

8M ago23:39

23:39

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy we sit down for an insightful and fun conversation with Shelley and Sher, the duo behind Life Lessons from Pickleball. We discuss the genesis of their podcast, their relationship with pickleball, eye-opening moments from their mental side of playing pickleball and much more! Listen to the full episode a…

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Anna Bright's Positive Perspective Win or Lose 17:03

8M ago17:03

17:03

In doing some video review for a project I was working on, I came across some really good interview answer by Anna Bright, a top pickleball player in the world right now. When asked about what happened and despite losing the gold medals match, Anna expressed some thoughts that just reminded me of how we can have a better, a more constructive intera…

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Peeling the Pickleball Onion 12:22

9M ago12:22

12:22

At first glance, pickleball might seem simple—just a paddle, a plastic ball, and a court. But as you play more, you'll realize the sport's complexity. It's a puzzle that challenges you, both as a player and as a person, and that's what keeps us coming back. Think of pickleball as an onion, used for many purposes, it's delicious, complex, deep, but …

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Mental Warmup: Prepare to Play Your Best - Bookmark Episode 15:40

9M ago15:40

15:40

Whenever you're getting ready to play, you want a little bit more focus, framing for yourself and perspective. This special bookmark style episode of the podcast is designed to help you before you go out for recreational or social pickleball play. Here are four different areas to ensure you get the most out of your play on the courts; i) Perspectiv…

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Your Individual Perspective 17:26

9M ago17:26

17:26

In this weeks podcast we talk about different strokes for different folks. We got a couple of reviews I'm going to read to you here because I thought it was interesting. I'll start with a shout out that's a five-star game-changing review which says 'the podcast really helped me,' and explains why. The second review is one-star, and it's entitled 'H…

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Special Episode - Better Body, Better Play - Interview with Ty Woody 23:26

9M ago23:26

23:26

Strength training and proper exercise are essential for improving pickleball performance and should be a regular part of training, it's part of the athletic pillar that we talk about at Better Pickleball. In this special episode we feature Ty Woody, a sports performance coach. Ty specializes in preparing pickleball players, both pros and amateurs, …

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