Dinks On Tap: The Happy Hour Pickleball Podcast

Epizodes

• DUPR Reset: The Ratings Rollercoaster, the Reality Check, and Tito Machado’s Take 20.05.2026 1h 2min

  This spring, DUPR hit pause on your history and asked a simple question: Who are you right now, without all that baggage? Turns out that's a harder question than it sounds. We know because Casie did the Reset, knew it didn't count, watched her number drop, and still had to talk herself off the ledge on the way home. So we brought Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR and the man who's spent years trying to convince the pickleball community that a number is just a number, back to Dinks on Tap for a second time, fresh off a DUPR Reset period that generated more player data than anyone anticipated.  We get into what the Reset actually was, what it wasn't, and why so many people signed up hoping it was a cheat code, plus: Why "DUPR Reset" was never meant to be a path to a higher pickleball rating, and why everyone heard it that way anyway The myth that playing up is the fastest way to move your number (the algorithm disagrees) How DUPR accidentally became a social gatekeeper, and why Tito says that's their fault Career High, Age Ratings, and DUPR Impact: the new metrics, who loves them, and who's already mad about them Why DUPR forecast might be the perfect gambling tool (Tito's words, not ours) The AI + camera integration coming that could finally account for what everyone knows matters most: chemistry And why, when asked what the Forecast would look like if Tito's team played Casie and Lauren, he bet against himself Pour something cold and press play, this one's for anyone who's ever refreshed their DUPR after a loss and told themselves it doesn't matter.  Cheers, Casie and Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call.  Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/ONTAP #honeylovepod Connect with Tito Machado: DUPR Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• How College Football's Wild West is a Warning Every Pickleball Player Should Hear with Jay Paterno 06.05.2026 52min

  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 complicated rulebook. In this episode we talk about: The trick Jay uses to tell the truth (and why it lands better when it comes with a little plausible deniability) The NIL era, and what happens when college football starts operating more like a franchise than a tradition What the pickleball community should probably get in writing before growth outruns the pickleball culture Why the most intense person in any pickleball competition is rarely having the most fun The chaos of a game growing faster than its guardrails and what a pickleball strategy looks like when the rulebook is still being written The women in Jay's book who keep asking the inconvenient questions And the question underneath it all: when something you love becomes valuable to everyone else, does it still feel like yours The pickleball lessons here have nothing to do with your backhand and everything to do with what happens when a sport you love starts growing faster than the values that built it. So whether you're following NIL headlines or just wondering where pickleball goes from here, this episode gives you plenty to chew on.  Pour something cold, hit play, and spend some time with the man who knows what happens when a game gets bigger than its guardrails. Cheers, Casie and Lauren Dinks on Tap You can purchase Blitzed!: The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era by Jay Paterno here.  Other ways to connect with Jay Paterno:Website Facebook XInstagram LinkedIn Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Why Pickleball Starts as a Game and Turns Into Something So Much Harder to Walk Away From, with Clare Frank 22.04.2026 47min

  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 built on urgency, mission, and high stakes suddenly slows down… and a game steps in to fill the space. Clare didn’t set out to join the pickleball community. She showed up in flip-flops to watch. What followed was a familiar but rarely examined progression: rec game, better players, underground games, pickleball camp, tournament play, all orbiting a single, slightly uncomfortable question: why does this pickleball game get such a hold on people? The answer, it turns out, has very little to do with the game itself. We talk about: The exact moment Clare realized her pickleball obsession had crossed a line—and why that thought felt more revealing than concerning The subtle escalation from casual rec game to underground games (and what those hidden hierarchies say about status and belonging) Why adults replace “play” with productivity, and how pickleball disrupts that pattern The psychology of partnership, and why finding the right doubles partner feels suspiciously close to dating How a career in high-stakes firefighting reshapes perspective on competition, pressure, and what actually matters in tournament play The role of a pickleball mentor, and why improvement isn’t always about skill as much as identity What tournament play reveals about people that rec game culture politely hides Somewhere in this conversation is a realization most players recognize but rarely articulate: the game is just the entry point. What keeps people coming back is harder to name, and much harder to walk away from. Pour a spicy marg and press play. This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered why this game gets such a hold on people. Cheers, Casie and Lauren Dinks on Tap   You can purchase Just One More Game by Clare Frank here. Other ways to connect with Clare Frank: Website Instagram Tiktok Youtube Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Find Your Ride-or-Die Partner: Because You’re Gonna Be Playing Pickleball at 80, with Jeanne Koepke and Pam McCurry 08.04.2026 1h

  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 growing pickleball community, especially in pickleball for seniors. In this episode, we talk about: The moment when they realized power alone would not carry them through higher-level play What it means to compete in their 60s, and how expectations shift The psychology of partnership, including how they manage energy and mistakes together Why the social side of pickleball matters more than people expect The unspoken rules of match etiquette, from line calls to tone How friendship and humor can matter just as much as skill for any pickleball player For those who play for fun and those who take it more seriously, there is something familiar in how this kind of connection shapes your days.  So, pour something cold, settle in, and spend time with two people who remind you that the best part of pickleball might not be the game at all. Cheers, Casie and Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What Rec Players Are Missing by Not Watching Pickleball on TV, with Sports Broadcaster Will Daughton 25.03.2026 54min

  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 needs a lesson, but because watching high-level pickleball reveals a different layer of the game entirely. They we about: We talk about: Why so many pickleball players love playing more than watching The subtle patterns pickleball pros notice immediately Why momentum in pro pickleball is more real than people think The tactical choices great players abandon the second they stop working What strong partnerships reveal on and off the scoreboard Why the human stories around Major League Pickleball may be the thing that makes more people care What PickleballTV and the broadcast side of the sport are doing to make the game more watchable This one is part pickleball strategy, part sports psychology, part broadcast-booth confessional. So whether you’re a loyal PickleballTV viewer or someone who still claims you’d “rather just go play,” this episode offers a strong argument for paying closer attention. Grab your drink, hit play, and meet the man making the pro game a lot more interesting to watch. Cheers, Casie and Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call.    If you love being comfy as much as we do, go to cozyearth.com, use code DINKS for up to 20% off, and get ready to live your coziest life! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• BONUS - The Parents Behind the Pod: Meet the Original Support Team of Dinks on Tap 11.03.2026 30min

  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 stories, we reflect on how sports parenting, teamwork, and a strong sports mindset shaped who we are today, on and off the pickleball court. You’ll hear: The hilarious and heartfelt family stories our parents share about raising kids in youth sports and surviving the chaos of early competitive sports What sports parenting really looked like from their perspective—from car rides and tournaments to the occasional ref-yelling moment How team culture and early lessons in athlete development shaped our confidence, leadership, and love for sports The role supportive parents and strong sports families play in building resilience and a lifelong sports mindset Why the friendships formed through the pickleball community can last just as long as the sports memories themselves How storytelling, laughter, and a little nostalgia make for unforgettable podcast storytelling Whether you grew up in youth sports, are raising future athletes, or simply love the stories that shape the people behind the paddles, this episode is full of laughs, perspective, and a whole lot of gratitude. So grab your paddle, pour something refreshing, and join us for a heartfelt episode of our favorite pickleball podcast. And hey… after listening, you might just want to call your parents and thank them for all those early morning rides to practice. Cheers! 🥂🏓   Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Parent Perspective of Competitive Pickleball and Why the Car Ride Home Might Matter Most 11.03.2026 1h 9min

  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 somehow carries more tension than the actual match. This week, we talk with the parents behind some seriously talented young players and pull back the curtain on what sports parenting looks like when your kid is chasing the tournament circuit, eyeing the pro circuit, and learning how to compete in a sport that can hand you a highlight reel and a minor emotional spiral in the same afternoon. Glenda Calvo is a longtime volleyball coach with strong takes on the mental game, mental training, and why positive talk is not fluff, it’s fuel. Jared Messenger is a dad deep in the logistics of junior pro tournaments, managing travel, school, and the strange reality of watching a 14-year-old hold his own against grown men in competitive pickleball. And Angela Todd, the mother of Parris Todd, a recognizable face in professional pickleball, brings a hard-earned perspective on athlete development, communication, and the kind of boundary setting that keeps ambition from swallowing the whole family. We talk about: • How mental training tools like affirmations and visualization can shape confidence before a match. • Why boundary setting matters when a sport starts taking over the family calendar, budget, and nervous system. • What life on the pro circuit and tournament circuit actually looks like for families raising serious players. • How parental support can help young athletes recover from losses without turning the car ride home into a lecture series. • Why athlete development in youth athletics is as much about communication and trust as it is about reps and results. • And the sneaky truth about competitive pickleball, which is that the real drama is not always on the court. This one is funny, unexpectedly tender, and full of the kind of insight that makes you rethink what support really looks like in sport.      Jared also recommends the National Junior Pickleball League as a great alternative for families looking beyond the PPA or MLP path. With divisions for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and elite players, it offers more guaranteed play through pool play followed by bracket play, making it a strong option for kids who want a competitive experience without the quick two-loss-and-you’re-done format. So grab your marg and come hang with us for a conversation about the parents behind the players, the pressure behind the paddles, and the heart behind the hustle. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   For those wanting to fortify their mental game on the court, check out Lauren’s Mental Caddie offerings on her website or book a Chemistry Call.    If you love being comfy as much as we do, go to cozyearth.com, use code DINKS for up to 20% off, and get ready to live your coziest life! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Pickleball Is Changing Us: What the Game Reveals About Who We’re Becoming 25.02.2026 47min

  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 immediately goes “nope” on the score. Lauren dives into the neuroscience of play and explains why “pickleball brain” is your brain prioritizing survival over bookkeeping. And then Casie gets real about the emotional plot twist no one warns you about: how a career change can crack open an identity crisis, and how the court can become the thing that pulls you into a new chapter you didn’t see coming, complete with an identity shift, better habits, and the kind of community that makes you feel tethered again. Because yes, this pickleball lifestyle might start as “cardio with friends” but it ends up being a full-blown life transformation. In this episode, we’re pouring out: Why long rallies hijack your brain into performance memory mode (and why your internal bookkeeper fully quits). The real reason everyone asks “what’s the score?” and why transactive memory turns doubles into a group project. A simple habit to boost mental clarity in-game so you stop getting accidentally robbed of points. How chasing floats, chasing lobs, and chasing “one more game” can spark a huge glow-up in physical health, sleep quality, and stress reduction. Why pickleball brings back childlike joy… and why that joy hits deeper than you think. The spicy truth about friendship shifts: your energy isn’t free, your circle evolves, and meaningful connections start replacing convenience hangs. How “finding your people” turns into an actual social community that can carry you through the messy middle of reinvention. So grab your shot of Point Blank Reposado, squeeze a lime, and join us as we connect Mardi Gras madness to midlife magic, from the boardroom to the baseline, from burnout to belonging… and from “what’s the score?” to “who even cares, that rally was ART.” Let’s get you back to the kitchen. Just try to remember the score this time. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call.  If you love being comfy as much as we do, go to cozyearth.com, use code DINKS for up to 20% off, and get ready to live your coziest life! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Pickleball Tournament Survival Guide with PIG’s Mike Hoxie: How to Skip the 4-Hour Wait, Spot the Good Ones, and Make It to Happy Hour on Time 11.02.2026 52min

  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, from coordinating the senior games at the Huntsman to managing high-stakes matches with prize money. We're gonna dive into the organized chaos of the pickleball community with a man who has seen more court time than a Franklin pickleball. We talk about the massive pickleball growth of the last decade and the transition from the retail sports management grind to the "island style" pace of running over 150 pickleball events a year. Here’s what we’re pouring out in this episode: Why elite sports management means ditching the "zero occupancy" money grab to prioritize early finishes and cold drinks over keeping courts 100% jammed all day. How referee certification diffuses 50% of on-court "hooking" and arguments just by letting players know the teacher is watching. How the pickleball community is leading the charge by turning pickleball events into massive fundraising engines for non-profits. Why your pickleball training should include playing against fresh bloods to see if your pickleball strategy actually holds up outside your local bubble. We’ll also discuss why recreational pickleball players often get burned out by bad experiences and why the best pickleball strategy starts with reading the fine print before you hit that tournament registration button. So, grab a Kahlua and cream, put down the rulebook, and find out how to spend more time dinking and less time checking your watch. Let’s get you out of the parking lot and back into the kitchen! Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call.    Ways to connect with Mike Hoxie and Pickleball is Great (PIG):   Pickleball Is Great - 10 Years! https://pickleballisgreat.com/   www.facebook.com/PICKLEBALLISGR8/ twitter.com/pickleballisgr8 https://www.youtube.com/@PickleballisGR8/   **We are celebrating 10 years in the Tournament Management Business.  Coast to Coast and now international with tournaments in Japan, Mexico, and soon Tahiti     Upcoming Tournaments   2026 Pickle Money Ball - Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026 https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/2026-pickle-money-ball   **New tournament with $600,000 in prize money - paid down to the 16th position.  DUPR Skill based.  Last minute registration ends 3/4/26   USA Pickleball Golden Ticket - Washington 7/9/26 to 7/12/26 (seattle) https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/usa-pickleball-golden-ticket-washington   **Our first USA Pickleball Golden ticket tournament! Registration starts in April!  Challenger membership of $12 a year required for every player   Kimo Dejon's 1st Annual Tahiti Senior Pickleball Tournament Jun 02, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026 https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/kimo-dejons-1st-annual-tahiti-senior-pickleball-tournament-by-pig   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 3 Sports Psychology Tips That Will Stop You From Obsessing Over Your DUPR Score and Build Unshakeable Mental Toughness, with Executive Coach Lauren Vosbein 28.01.2026 1h 4min

  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 hilarious and effective story of how Lauren stopped Casie’s mid-match meltdown by forcing her to mentally travel to Turks and Caicos during a timeout, proving that sometimes the best pickleball strategy has nothing to do with footwork.  Lauren isn’t just your favorite drinking buddy on this pod; she’s the founder of The Mental Caddy, an executive leadership coach for Fortune 100 companies, and an "accidental sports psychologist" who helps everyone from corporate VPs to PPA pros like Ivan Jakovljevic master their minds before they melt down.  Here’s what we’re pouring out in this episode: Why mental toughness isn’t just woo-woo magic but an actual neuroscience involving your sage brain and positive intelligence. The "Going Blank" technique: A 10-second sensory trick using brain training to stop performance anxiety and reset your nervous system. How to create an on-court alter ego (meet "LaRhonda") to summon mental fortitude and aggression when you’re feeling too polite. Why you need to stop treating your DUPR score like a mirror and start treating it like a metric. Simple focus techniques you can do between points to start playing free and trusting your training.  So pour yourself a fresh one, find your inner "LaRhonda," and get ready to train your brain to stop getting in your own way. Cheers, Casie & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   To learn more about the Mental Caddie or LPV Coaching, check out Lauren’s website or book a Chemistry Call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• RE-RELEASE: Is DUPR Driving Us or Dividing Us? CEO Tito Machado's Answer Will Surprise You 14.01.2026 1h 9min

  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 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 sandbagging Why 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 & 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: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Listener Favorite of 2025! Pickleball Doubles Partnerships and Why Team Chemistry Matters with Captain Molly Bonner 31.12.2025 1h 4min

  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 & 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: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What 2025 Revealed About Pickleball: The Highs, Lows, and WTF Moments 17.12.2025 54min

  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: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• No More Boring Gifts! Inside Our Holiday Gift Guide for Pickleball Lovers and Their Favorite Dinking Partners 03.12.2025 36min

  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: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Our Podcast Anniversary Happy Hour Event: Live, Loud, & Loosely Monitored. 19.11.2025 47min

  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: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Is DUPR Driving Us or Dividing Us? CEO Tito Machado’s Answer Will Surprise You 05.11.2025 1h 8min

  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 sandbagging Why 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 & 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: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• DiNKR: The Pickleball App That Saved Our Group Chat (And Might Get You a Date?) 22.10.2025 54min

  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 & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• When the Lights Go Out Mid-Match: Our Wildest Pickleball Tournament Experience Yet (And What It Taught Us About Focus Training) 08.10.2025 56min

  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 & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Is DUPR Dead? Mike Barker's VAIR Rating System Might Just Bury It 24.09.2025 1h

  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 & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Pickleball Doubles Partnerships and Why Team Chemistry Matters with Captain Molly Bonner 10.09.2025 1h 2min

  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 & Lauren Dinks on Tap   Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us: Instagram: @dinksontap Facebook: @DinksonTap Website: dinksontap.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices