Everything But The Kitchen Dink Pickleball Podcast
- Episodes
- 150
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Oct 31, 2026
About the podcast
Everything But the Kitchen Dink (EBTKD), is the hit pickleball podcast hosted by medal-winning amateurs Rob and Andy. Join them each week as they dive into the latest pickleball news, gear reviews & plenty of laughs and honest opinions. They share the ups and downs of their own playing journey, offering advice, encouragement, and relatable insight for fellow enthusiasts. With top guests from the global pickleball scene and stories from the front lines of amateur play, EBTKD is your weekly dose of pickleball passion, no matter where you are on your journey. Sponsored by Pickleball People
Episodes 150
Episode 151: This Time Next Year
Our winning tactic has hit a few bumps—Rob and Andy unpack up and down sessions, league experiences and drilling breakthroughs asthey preview the upcoming English Nationals . Add in the ongoing sandbagging …
Show notes
Our winning tactic has hit a few bumps—Rob and Andy unpack up and down sessions, league experiences and drilling breakthroughs asthey preview the upcoming English Nationals . Add in the ongoing sandbagging debate, a pre practice visit to Wagamamas, great tournament advice and there’s plenty of banter and relatable pickleball chat for players of every level.
Episode 150: All Things Diadem
We’re celebrating our landmark 150th episode with an all-things-Diadem special, featuring our annual trip to Pompano Beach, Florida to sit down with Co-Founder Michael Mangalardi. Michael opens up about the …
Show notes
We’re celebrating our landmark 150th episode with an all-things-Diadem special, featuring our annual trip to Pompano Beach, Florida to sit down with Co-Founder Michael Mangalardi. Michael opens up about the brand’s current journey, the exciting new ranges on the way and the work Diadem is doing as a major player in the pickleball world. Rob and Andy introduce this milestone episode, and give a sneak peek at what’s coming up in the near future—all with the usual mix of insight, banter and real talk for pickleballers of every level.
Episode 149: The Party's Over!
Rob and Andy are finally back together and the party’s over—it’s time to get serious on court. This episode dives into how tactics can actually work, how to change your reaction to bad sessions, plus honest …
Show notes
Rob and Andy are finally back together and the party’s over—it’s time to get serious on court. This episode dives into how tactics can actually work, how to change your reaction to bad sessions, plus honest stories from cruise pickleball, league play and the reality of taking rec play too seriously. We also share exciting news about a major new dedicated pickleball facility being built, run through the paddles we’ve been testing all with the usual mix of banter, real talk and practical takeaways for pickleballers of every level.
Episode 148: No More Excuses
The boys are reunited! Tournaments, Florida sun and back down to Earth with a bump—this episode covers it all.Show-court nerves, comeback medals, sandbagging talk and new paddle paddles.Tune in for honest …
Show notes
The boys are reunited! Tournaments, Florida sun and back down to Earth with a bump—this episode covers it all.
Show-court nerves, comeback medals, sandbagging talk and new paddle paddles.
Tune in for honest stories, laughs and real talk that every pickleball player will relate to.Episode 147: Gold Medal Pickleball Psychology
This episode is a must‑listen if you want to seriously improve your pickleball mental game. We are joined by Professor Graham Jones and Dr Tara Jones, world‑class sport psychologists who have helped athletes at …
Show notes
This episode is a must‑listen if you want to seriously improve your pickleball mental game. We are joined by Professor Graham Jones and Dr Tara Jones, world‑class sport psychologists who have helped athletes at every level, including Olympic and World Champions, and now work with everyday pickleball players. Drawing on their book Gold Medal Pickleball Psychology: Master Your Mind, Raise Your Pickleball Game, they share practical tools for thriving under pressure, harnessing motivation, sharpening focus, and building real confidence on court—simple mindset shifts, breathing resets, and routines you can plug straight into your next match to play calmer, smarter, and with a lot more belief in yourself.
Episode 146: 2026 English Open Review
The boys are apart this week as Robert reviews the English Open—the world’s largest pickleball tournament outside the USA — while Andy shares his USA court experiences on his travels to Delray Beach. Expect …
Show notes
The boys are apart this week as Robert reviews the English Open—the world’s largest pickleball tournament outside the USA — while Andy shares his USA court experiences on his travels to Delray Beach. Expect honest opinions, tournament stories and plenty of laughs in this packed episode.
Episode 145: The Ceiling
This week, we take you behind the scenes of our latest English Open warm-up tournament, from hotel dramas and perfect hash browns to the highs, frustrations and unexpected twists that unfolded on court. It’s a …
Show notes
This week, we take you behind the scenes of our latest English Open warm-up tournament, from hotel dramas and perfect hash browns to the highs, frustrations and unexpected twists that unfolded on court. It’s a fun, honest and sometimes emotional episode, packed with laughs, banter and serious discussion about competition, limited court time, tournament organisation and the mental side of pickleball. We also share helpful advice on preparing your tournament bag, warming up, playing with a new partner and handling the challenges of major tournaments.
Episode 144: Premature Attackulation with Gordon G.G. Gebert
What happens when a touring rock star swaps arena stages for the pickleball court—and then decides to reinvent the sport from the inside out? In this episode, Gordon G.G. Gebert, former keyboardist with rock …
Show notes
What happens when a touring rock star swaps arena stages for the pickleball court—and then decides to reinvent the sport from the inside out? In this episode, Gordon G.G. Gebert, former keyboardist with rock legends like Ace Frehley, turns up the volume on his second act as the inventor of the Slam Master Pro training paddle, founder and commissioner of the Official NPL National Pickleball League, and President of the Pickleball Television Network. He takes us from wild rock‑and‑roll war stories to the moment he got hooked on pickleball, then breaks down how Slam Master Pro became a must‑have weapon for fast hands, control, and solo training anywhere, anytime. Along the way, Gordon pulls back the curtain on the business of pickleball, why “Make Your Rec Games Count” is more than a slogan, and how media, leagues, and training tools are reshaping the future of the game for everyday players and die‑hard competitors alike.
Episode 143: Paddlepalooza
Back from the Rota trip and straight into a scorching UK heatwave, the guys catch up on all the latest from the pickleball world, including the unreal experience of playing against the UK’s no. 1 male and …
Show notes
Back from the Rota trip and straight into a scorching UK heatwave, the guys catch up on all the latest from the pickleball world, including the unreal experience of playing against the UK’s no. 1 male and female pairing. They also dive into team trials, Robert’s inclusion in the UK Premier Pickleball League — the top tier of pickleball in Britain — and first impressions of a stack of new paddles that have brought paddle confusion back into the mix. As always, expect plenty of laughs, banter, and useful tips, making this a must-listen for players of all levels.
Episode 142: The Wind Beneath My Paddle
Join us as we review the 2026 Reballution Cup in Rota, Spain, one of the biggest pickleball tournaments outside the USA and our second year covering this fantastic event. We talk through the standout matches …
Show notes
Join us as we review the 2026 Reballution Cup in Rota, Spain, one of the biggest pickleball tournaments outside the USA and our second year covering this fantastic event. We talk through the standout matches, the atmosphere, the people who made the tournament memorable, and the result of the first-ever tournament meeting between the co-hosts in mixed doubles. We also dive into how the conditions affected play, with the heat and especially the wind playing a major role throughout the week, plus plenty of laughs, useful tips, and stories from the courts along the way.
Episode 141: Hall of Famer Melissa McCurley
In this episode, we sit down with one of pickleball’s true pioneers, Melissa McCurley, the Hall of Famer, trailblazer, and behind-the-scenes force who helped shape the modern game. From her early life and …
Show notes
In this episode, we sit down with one of pickleball’s true pioneers, Melissa McCurley, the Hall of Famer, trailblazer, and behind-the-scenes force who helped shape the modern game. From her early life and military service to building the systems that powered tournament pickleball, breaking barriers in broadcast media, and helping grow the sport at every level, Melissa shares the story of how pickleball became not just a game, but a movement. This conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical lessons for players, coaches, organisers, and anyone who loves the sport, plus a few memorable stories from a career that has helped define where pickleball has been — and where it’s going next.
Episode 140: VAIR CEO Mike Barker
This week's episode features a deep dive into DUPR killer VAIR with founder Mike Barker, who discusses the frustrations that led him to create a new approach to ratings. We unpack what VAIR is, how it works …
Show notes
This week's episode features a deep dive into DUPR killer VAIR with founder Mike Barker, who discusses the frustrations that led him to create a new approach to ratings. We unpack what VAIR is, how it works, and why it was built to tackle some of the biggest issues in the sport, from sandbagging and bad matchups to the growing distrust around rating systems. There’s also plenty of debate about how VAIR compares with DUPR and whether VAIR could genuinely become a serious challenger in the short and medium term. A must listen for all pickleballers!
Episode 139: Less is more
Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with the usual catch-up before diving into Andy’s rough week of illness and antibiotics, and Robert’s hectic run of filming, travel and tryouts. From …
Show notes
Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with the usual catch-up before diving into Andy’s rough week of illness and antibiotics, and Robert’s hectic run of filming, travel and tryouts. From there, the lads break down the week's play with the usual tips & banter, and how one player literally helped save a life on court. There’s also a DUPR email exchange, all wrapped up with the usual humour, honesty, and plenty for pickleball fans to chew on.
Episode 138: Phantom Fixtures
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Rob & Andy break down their latest tournament at the Shropshire Open, talk overconfidence, regression as well as a great tip if you're getting grief from home for …
Show notes
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Rob & Andy break down their latest tournament at the Shropshire Open, talk overconfidence, regression as well as a great tip if you're getting grief from home for playing too much, followed by more DUPR talk and cinnamon buns! Packed with laughs, banter, tips and content for players of all levels.
Episode 137: Let the magic happen
Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with injuries updates, a week of on court stories stories, and a new “let the magic happen” mindset as they talk through progression, drilling, and …
Show notes
Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with injuries updates, a week of on court stories stories, and a new “let the magic happen” mindset as they talk through progression, drilling, and Robert’s tweener. They dive into some important news in the wider world of pickleball, and throw in plenty of court-side banter. It’s a lively episode full of insight, humour, and plenty for pickleball fans to chew on.
Episode 136: Movin' on up!
In this week's episode, Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with a catch-up on this weeks on- court sessions, a surprise illegal serve, and what recordings are revealing about their games …
Show notes
In this week's episode, Rob and Andy return with another packed episode, starting with a catch-up on this weeks on- court sessions, a surprise illegal serve, and what recordings are revealing about their games. They break down some no-nonsense drilling advice, debate lobs, drop serves and whether pickleball is getting smarter or just more chaotic, then dive into the latest DUPR updates, Andre Agassi’s defence of the sport, and more news that shows how big pickleball is getting. Add in US Open drama and more world news and you’ve got a lively, opinionated episode with plenty of insight, laughs, and more than enough talking points for the week ahead.
Episode 135: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us!
Rob and Andy return after a missed week to catch up on illness, injury, and some much-needed court time before diving into a packed pickleball episode. They break down JOOLA’s major lawsuit against 11 paddle …
Show notes
Rob and Andy return after a missed week to catch up on illness, injury, and some much-needed court time before diving into a packed pickleball episode. They break down JOOLA’s major lawsuit against 11 paddle brands, unpack the eternal drive-or-drop debate, and explore the tactics of playing against lefties without losing the plot. There’s also thoughts on filming your own games to improve, and so much more — all delivered with the usual mix of insight, honesty, and humour.
Episode 134: Fuzzy Brushes
This week's episode is all about getting back into the rhythm: a tough week on court and some honest reflections. We get into tournament prep - including and interesting journey, safety on court, add in paddle …
Show notes
This week's episode is all about getting back into the rhythm: a tough week on court and some honest reflections. We get into tournament prep - including and interesting journey, safety on court, add in paddle chat, pickleball news and the usual mix of blunt honesty and barely controlled chaos, and you’ve got a solid episode for players of all levels.
Episode 133: Pickleball Blues
In this week's episode of Everything But The Kitchen Dink where we spill the chaos of our pickleball week, tournament nerves ahead of our first comp since October's Nationals, and the 2026 English Open …
Show notes
In this week's episode of Everything But The Kitchen Dink where we spill the chaos of our pickleball week, tournament nerves ahead of our first comp since October's Nationals, and the 2026 English Open registration. We tackle the burning question: Is it the paddle or the player? followed by updated reviews on some of our recent paddles, all all this and so much more.
Episode 132: Control What's Inside
In this week’s episode of Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Andy and Robert catch you up on lack of court time, before diving into the wild story of fraud that proves our sport’s boom really has gone mad. From …
Show notes
In this week’s episode of Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Andy and Robert catch you up on lack of court time, before diving into the wild story of fraud that proves our sport’s boom really has gone mad. From there we tackle some of the biggest myths in pickleball & why blaming your partner probably isn’t the winning strategy you think it is—before talking tactics, mindset and so much more. We round things off with a paddle-of-the-week deep dive on the Enhance Duo Elongated and plenty of laughs, tips, and honest chat for everyone from brand‑new bangers to tournament grinders.
Episode 131: Barking Mad!
In this week's Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Robert's new puppy is wreaking havoc on his pickleball game, while the boys finally visit a local(ish) purpose-built court that's got them buzzing about the …
Show notes
In this week's Everything But The Kitchen Dink, Robert's new puppy is wreaking havoc on his pickleball game, while the boys finally visit a local(ish) purpose-built court that's got them buzzing about the sport's UK growth. They unpack the latest pickleball headlines, from PPA's fines for dodgy line calls cracking down on cheats, to a must-listen interview with a special guest revolutionizing the game via a thrilling new hybrid format packed with insights. Add expert tips, on-court advice, and plenty of laughs, making this episode a total winner for players at any level.
Episode 130: Let Me Just Stop You There!
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we unpack DUPR's explosive new paid rating reset—does it fix real problems or undermine the game's integrity?—before discussing the current top-selling paddle …
Show notes
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we unpack DUPR's explosive new paid rating reset—does it fix real problems or undermine the game's integrity?—before discussing the current top-selling paddle brands and models. We finally give our straight-talk review of the hot Six Zero Black Opal power paddle, plus loads more laughs, practical tips, and help for players at every level. Whether you're just starting out, grinding club leagues, or chasing tournament wins, this episode delivers the insight, gear talk, and motivation you need to level up your game!
Episode 129: Back In The Groove
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we’re back from our two-week holiday and full of fresh energy! We share our incredible pickleball experiences from Mexico and the USA, how those trips helped us …
Show notes
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we’re back from our two-week holiday and full of fresh energy! We share our incredible pickleball experiences from Mexico and the USA, how those trips helped us rediscover our passion for the game after a tough spell both mentally and physically, and why we’re now more motivated than ever. It’s a jam-packed episode full of tips, laughs, and stories that’ll remind you why we all fell in love with pickleball in the first place.
Episode 128 - Love Story
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we sit down with one of Europe’s premier pickleball talents, Richard Love, for an inspiring and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss. Richard takes us …
Show notes
This week on Everything But The Kitchen Dink, we sit down with one of Europe’s premier pickleball talents, Richard Love, for an inspiring and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss. Richard takes us through his incredible journey to the top of the sport, offering a candid look into the mental side of competitive pickleball, how he trains to stay at peak performance, and why mental health matters as much as physical preparation. Plus, he shares exclusive information on the upcoming launch of Europe’s largest pickleball facility—and how it promises to transform the pickleball landscape across the continent. All that, and plenty more passionate discussion about the sport we love!
Episode 127: Harping On!
This week Rob and Andy catch up on their week of court time, injuries, and pickleball obsession before unpacking the 2026 USA Pickleball rule changes, smaller-court drama, and why racket sports might add a …
Show notes
This week Rob and Andy catch up on their week of court time, injuries, and pickleball obsession before unpacking the 2026 USA Pickleball rule changes, smaller-court drama, and why racket sports might add a decade to your life (knees pending). They drool over some more paddles plus some useful listener advice. Packed with news, gear, and banter you won't want to miss!
Episode 126: You'll Get There
Andy and Bob kick are back with their weekly pickleball fix, catching up on a packed week of court time, injuries, and the existential question of what do we actually want from pickleball. They debrief their …
Show notes
Andy and Bob kick are back with their weekly pickleball fix, catching up on a packed week of court time, injuries, and the existential question of what do we actually want from pickleball. They debrief their recent chat with Pickleball England's Karen Mitchell, diving deep into the thorny issue of qualification for major tournaments. A massive new global deal threatens to catapult pickleball onto the world stage , while they tackle the eternal pickleball etiquette wars: keeping your cool to survive bad line calls without rage-quitting or when someone calls your serve illegal during casual Tuesday nights. They also get real about mental health, plus drool over shiny new paddles and laugh about life's little pickleball victories. It's therapy, tactics, and tantrums!
Episode 125: Mitchell in the Middle
Andy and Robert welcome back Pickleball England’s Karen Mitchell for a packed catch‑up on the state of the sport in England, from rapid growth and the realities of being the official governing body to whether …
Show notes
Andy and Robert welcome back Pickleball England’s Karen Mitchell for a packed catch‑up on the state of the sport in England, from rapid growth and the realities of being the official governing body to whether padel is genuinely poaching pickleball players. They dig into what really happened at the 2025 English Open in Telford, ask if the Nationals have now outgrown the venue, and tackle the hot‑button issues around the Nationals registration drama. Karen also lifts the lid on the thinking behind PickleBook, how it’s being received by clubs and players, and what improvements are coming next. It’s an honest, insightful and good‑humoured deep dive into where English pickleball is now—and where it’s heading next.
Episode 124: Life Gets In The Way
Everything But The Kitchen Dink is back from an unintentional “off-season,” and Andy and Robert have plenty to unpack as they return from work stress, injuries, and a brief breakup with their paddles. They …
Show notes
Everything But The Kitchen Dink is back from an unintentional “off-season,” and Andy and Robert have plenty to unpack as they return from work stress, injuries, and a brief breakup with their paddles. They debrief their candid chat with DUPR CEO Tito Machado, wrestle with whether “playing up” is the only sane way to live with ratings, and respond thoughtfully to some listener feedback. The guys also relive the disappointment of pulling out of Team League, share tales from a trip to a shiny new padel centre, and ask whether padel’s boom is stealing pickleball’s lunch—or just widening the racket-sport pie. Add in 2026 pickleball resolutions and more and you’ve got a funny & honest catch‑up for anyone who loves the sport on and off the court.
Episode 123: DUPR CEO Tito Machado
In this captivating episode of the weekly pickleball podcast, Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, speaks openly and honestly about the recent criticism and bad press facing DUPR. He addresses the concerns head-on to …
Show notes
In this captivating episode of the weekly pickleball podcast, Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, speaks openly and honestly about the recent criticism and bad press facing DUPR. He addresses the concerns head-on to reassure the community, emphasizing transparency and the company's commitment to accuracy and fairness in pickleball ratings. Tito unpacks the reasons behind controversial algorithm changes, explaining why the shifts were necessary to tackle rating inflation and ensure a healthier competitive environment. Listeners will gain rare insight into the challenges DUPR faces, the feedback they've taken seriously, and the innovative solutions coming to improve player experience. This episode offers an unfiltered look at the future of pickleball rankings, with Tito’s candidness adding trust and clarity for pros and amateurs alike.
Episode 122: CRBN with Brodie Smith
In this episode, we sit down with Brodie Smith — Senior Community Manager at CRBN — for an inside look at one of the fastest-rising and most innovative brands in pickleball. From CRBN’s early beginnings and the …
Show notes
In this episode, we sit down with Brodie Smith — Senior Community Manager at CRBN — for an inside look at one of the fastest-rising and most innovative brands in pickleball. From CRBN’s early beginnings and the paddle that put them on the map, to the company’s rapid evolution into a tech-driven industry leader, Brodie walks us through the milestones, the challenges, and the breakthrough ideas shaping CRBN’s identity today. We dig into their expanding product lineup, including the latest TRU-Foam and Waves paddles, explore how CRBN engages with players and communities across the world, and get Brodie’s perspective on where the brand — and the sport — are heading next. Packed with insights, stories, and a few surprises, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of pickleball gear and the brand helping to define it.
These are the latest 40 of 150 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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