Lucky Episode 13! Not all pickleball venues are created equal and we will nitpick!😏 In this episode, we’re breaking down what makes a pickleball venue a smash… and what makes us want to paddle-drop and walk away. 🏓

From court surfaces, lighting, and spacing to nets, and off-court vibes, we dive into the little details that can make or break a pickleball experience. We’ll share what we look for in venues, the features we love, and the common mistakes that drive players crazy.

Whether you’re a casual rec player, a tournament grinder, or someone dreaming of opening the next great pickleball spot, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and Alexis’s two cents! Chances are, you’ll be nodding along and maybe rethinking your home courts by the end. Grab your paddle and let’s talk pickleball venues.

In episode 12 of Salty Pickles, we’re diving into blind draw tournaments and yes, we have opinions. Blind draw events can feel chaotic, unpredictable, and a little uncomfortable, but they can also be one of the best ways to meet people, grow your game, and strengthen the pickleball community. You sign up for your level, you don’t know who you’ll be paired with, and that’s kind of the point. We talk about what blind draw tournaments are, why people love them, why some people struggle with them, and what mindset actually makes the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. Spoiler alert, it has less to do with winning and more to do with how you show up. If you’re thinking about entering a blind draw tournament, or you already have and walked away with mixed feelings, this episode is for you. Bottom line, we recommend blind draw tournaments. Just bring a good attitude, a solid personality, and a willingness to support your partner and the people around you. Listen in, share your thoughts, and let us know where you stand on blind draw chaos.

This week we’re joined by special guest Kayla Teape, founder of Pickled Minds, a community rooted in connection, mindset, and mental health. We dive into the habits, journaling practices, and mindset shifts that can help you not only improve your game but actually enjoy the sport of pickleball more. This conversation with Kayla is about showing up for yourself, on and off the court, and building routines that support both your mental and emotional well-being. If pickleball is more than just a game to you, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode 10 just dropped, straight from tonight’s recording! (yes, a week earlier than our normal schedule because #NoPlayNovember is over! Happy November 30th!) and we cannot believe we made it to double digits 🎉 We are so excited for this one. Tune in to find out what worked and what didn’t as Alexis wraps up a full month on the sidelines 🏓 because she’ll be back on the courts tomorrow!

We also talk about what it feels like to get pickled out as an athlete. Even recreational athletes can burn out and forget how good it feels to do things they used to love. We break down the signs, the surprises, and the small wins that come with reconnecting with your sport 💪 Hit play, share, subscribe and celebrate Episode 10 with us. Stay salty 🥒

Welcome back to Salty Pickles and get ready because today we are diving straight into the world of pickleball fashion. And by fashion, we mean the very real struggle of two people who are absolutely not the most stylish players on the court 😂 In Episode 09 we take you through the good, the bad, and the surprisingly controversial choices that show up in pickleball style. From the socks that save your feet, to the gloves that may or may not make you look like you are going to the driving range, to the fits that somehow work even when they absolutely should not, we talk about it all. We break down what we have tried, what we love, what we regret, and what we are still confused about. Whether you are new to the game, a tournament regular, or someone who just likes judging outfits from the sidelines, this episode has something for you. Expect honest takes, funny stories, and a few questionable decisions that we fully stand by. Listen on Spotify or any podcast platform you use or watch the full episode right here on YouTube. Make sure to like, subscribe, and drop your hottest or saltiest fashion opinions in the comments. All the action is at SaltyPicklesPod.com 🥒💚

Every pickleball player knows it’s coming at some point… the inevitable partner breakup. 💔 Whether it’s a slow fade or a sudden “it’s not you, it’s me,” ending a doubles partnership is never easy. In this episode, Alexis and Dieu dive into the highs(there really aren't any!) and lows of pickleball breakups — why they’re rarely amicable, what usually leads up to them, and how to (hopefully) handle it with a little grace. We’ve seen it happen countless times — one day a duo is inseparable, the next, one person mysteriously goes missing from the courts. 👀 It’s practically a rite of passage in the pickleball world. We’re not there yet (thankfully), but if we ever are, we hope it’s mutual… ish. Tune in for stories, laughs, and maybe a few uncomfortable truths about navigating pickleball partnerships when things start to get a little salty. 🥒🎙️

After a couple of weeks of fun and games (literally!), the Salty Pickles are getting real about something almost everyone has felt at one point or another: imposter syndrome. In this episode, Alexis and Dieu open up about those sneaky thoughts that creep in when you start doubting your own skills, accomplishments, or even your place in the game. Whether it’s on the pickleball court, in your career, or just in life, that “I don’t belong here” feeling can hit hard and we’re breaking down what it really means and how to push through it. We’re sharing personal stories, lessons learned, and a few salty takes (of course) about: 💭 Why even confident people struggle with imposter syndrome 🏓 How comparison makes it worse (especially in competitive spaces) 🔥 Simple mindset shifts to remind yourself that you earned your spot 😂 And as always… a few laughs along the way So grab your paddle (or your coffee), tune in, and join the conversation because we promise, you’re not the only one who’s ever felt like a pickle out of the jar.

In Episode 6, we dive into the wild world of pickleball etiquette or, let’s be honest, the lack of it. From paddle taps to line calls to mid-game chatter, we’re all still figuring out what’s acceptable and what’s a little too salty. Pickleball is growing fast, and with that comes a mix of players, personalities, and unwritten rules. We talk through what we’ve seen, what we think should be “standard,” and how, at the end of the day, it all comes down to one simple rule: just be human. Tune in for some laughs, a few hot takes, and maybe even a little self-reflection on how we all play the game on and off the court.

We made it to Episode FIVE! 🙌 Honestly, that feels like a championship win in itself. 🏆 This week we’re diving into leagues + seasonals (aka Alexis swears they last 5,000 weeks 😅) and Dieu’s very controversial round robin app that somehow sparks more drama than it solves. 🎙️🥒

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