Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

“Cracked Paddles Podcast” is a weekly pickleball podcast hosted by Alex Crum (AC) and Kevin Dong (KD) that brings you the biggest storylines, controversies, guests, and tips for both professional and recreational pickleball. This is a podcast that undoubtedly will bring joy and belly laughs to your life both in and outside the kitchen – guaranteed, or your money back. Tune in every Wednesday to hear what outrageous topics AC and KD will cover that you would only talk about with your closest pickle friends. This podcast is produced and managed by Cracked Media Ventures.

Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast) is a sports podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 46 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast), a sports show with 46 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

  Pickleball Clothing Scandal and Tournament Lessons Learned

  Aug 13, 20261h 4m

  AC and Kevin break down one of the strangest controversies of the season after Thomas Yu and Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou were forfeited from an APP event over matching-clothing requirements. The guys dig into the rule itself, the conflict between tournament policies and player sponsorship obligations, and whether the punishment fit the situation. They also discuss recent APP format changes, including the return of the backdraw and the growing effort to give players more input on tour decisions. Later, Kevin recaps his return to competition at APP Chicago after battling an ankle injury, including the mental hurdle of trusting his movement again, mixed and men’s doubles results, and the adjustments he made throughout the weekend. The conversation then turns to off-court reflex training, as AC and Kevin debate whether gaming, juggling, eye-tracking exercises, and balance work can actually improve pickleball performance before wrapping with rehab updates and AC’s upcoming MLP playoff trip to Newport Beach. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here . Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro and episode preview 3:50 APP clothing scandal: Thomas Yu & Purple Jesus 15:20 Did the APP follow its own policy? 18:00 Player feedback and the return of the backdraw 21:05 Kevin’s return to competition at APP Chicago 26:30 Mixed doubles struggles 40:00 Injury recovery, movement, and confidence 45:41 Midwest Racquet Sports 48:09 Can video games improve pickleball reflexes? 1:01:32 AC previews the MLP Newport Beach playoffs 1:03:52 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

  Pickleball Hot Takes and the MLP Playoff Picture

  Jul 30, 202641 min

  AC and Kevin return after a brief break to recap the latest Major League Pickleball action in San Diego and Chicago. AC breaks down the Columbus Sliders’ run to the San Diego final, the difficult matchup against Dallas, and how the Chicago results affect the team’s chances of earning a first-round playoff bye. The guys also discuss DreamBreaker strategy, the rapidly changing MLP standings, and AC’s preparation for a potential return in Newport Beach. Later, AC and Kevin compare their ongoing knee and ankle recoveries and explain why rehabilitation is rarely a linear process. They then share several pickleball hot takes they genuinely believe, including why you do not always need to practice with better players, why rising lefty Elliot Schup could become one of the sport’s best, and why tournament players should practice taking timeouts during recreational games. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here . Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 3:16 MLP San Diego recap 9:44 MLP Chicago recap 14:26 Orlando and the Sliders’ playoff scenario 18:00 Why injury recovery is not linear 22:12 Midwest Racquet Sports 23:50 Pickleball hot takes 39:11 Outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

  Why Stats Matter in Pro Pickleball

  Jul 20, 202633 min

  AC and Kevin break down the biggest storylines from MLP Grand Rapids, including the Shock's dominant performance, Georgia and Anna Leigh Johnson's first women's doubles loss of the season, and the tactical decisions that shaped the championship weekend. They also discuss the growing parity across Major League Pickleball and which teams are emerging as legitimate title contenders heading into the second half of the season. Later, the conversation shifts into one of the most educational episodes yet as Kevin dives into Real Clear Stats and explains the advanced metrics that actually correlate with winning. From third-shot success rates and slugging percentage to transition efficiency and kitchen-line performance, the guys discuss how players of every level can use analytics to better understand—and improve—their game. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here . Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 2:12 MLP Grand Rapids 11:04 Real Clear Stats 18:12 Midwest Sports 19:18 Using match statistics to improve your game 23:48 Which statistics matter most in singles? 27:30 Kevin’s upcoming tournament schedule 28:42 MLP San Diego preview 31:40 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

  AC's First Gold +Treating Your Body like a Pro Athlete

  Jul 8, 202641 min

  AC and Kevin recap everything that happened at MLP New York, breaking down the biggest surprises from the weekend, standout team performances, and how recent roster moves are already changing the league. The guys discuss which teams are beginning to separate themselves, the impact of recent trades, and why chemistry continues to be one of the biggest factors in Major League Pickleball. Later, AC shares an update on his recovery and preparations for the remainder of the season, including where his game currently stands after months of battling injuries. The conversation also touches on paddle recommendations, upcoming tournaments, and what each of them is looking forward to over the next stretch of the professional pickleball calendar. Check out the video of this episode by clicking here . Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:10 MLP New York recap 5:55 Team performances and standout results 10:50 Dylan Frazier trade and Nico Montoya discussion 16:10 AC's injury recovery and returning to competition 25:30 Midwest Sports 27:20 Paddle recommendations and equipment talk 29:15 Portland Challenger preview and tournament plans 33:50 Long-term recovery, rehab, and training philosophy 40:15 Closing thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast)

  Quick Tips for Better Counters and Serves

  Jun 29, 202646 min

  AC and Kevin react to another chaotic week in Major League Pickleball, breaking down the biggest trades, roster moves, and storylines coming out of MLP St. Pete. They discuss team chemistry, DreamBreaker strategy, the impact of recent player movement, and which teams are best positioned as the season heads toward the playoffs. Later, the conversation shifts from the pro tour to practical improvement tips after Kevin shares the story behind his recent ankle injury. Using a lesson he taught over Father's Day weekend, the guys explain why so many recreational players struggle with counters, volleys, spacing, and weight transfer, offering simple adjustments that can immediately improve your game. _____ Midwest Sports If you play pickleball, you’ve gotta check out Midwest Pickleball—they’re part of Midwest Racquet Sports, a trusted name in the game for over 30 years. Whether you're just getting started or already a court regular, they’ve got one of the biggest selections of paddles, shoes, and gear from all the top brands. Need help choosing? Their team actually knows the sport and can help you find the perfect fit. Plus—fast shipping, easy returns, and a paddle demo program if you want to test before you commit. And they are offering our listeners a special offer. Use code CP15 to get 15% off your order today at midwestracquetsports.com. Gear up, game on. 0:00 Intro 1:05 Injury updates and MLP St. Pete recap 6:00 MLP trades, waiver moves, and league reactions 16:00 Sliders, Shock, and the playoff picture 26:40 Midwest Sports 28:05 Paddle discussion: Friday Fever vs. Proton 30:00 Kevin's lesson: fixing volleys and counters 33:15 Spacing, weight transfer, and generating more power 36:25 Final thoughts and outro Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Cracked Paddles Podcast (Pickleball Podcast). Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.