Kitchen Conversations Podcast

Kitchen Conversations is a story driven podcast that explores the lives behind the paddle, uncovering the personal journeys, careers, and defining moments of the people who make up the pickleball community. Through thoughtful, unhurried conversations, host Mike Spies goes beyond dinks and drives to reveal the character, resilience, and human connection that truly define the game.

Kitchen Conversations Podcast is a sports podcast hosted by Kitchen Conversations, with 36 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Kitchen Conversations hosts Kitchen Conversations Podcast, a sports show with 36 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.

• 

  Episode #35

  She’s a two time Olympian that LOVES Pickleball

  Sep 24, 20261h 22mS1

  From Olympic Glory to Pickleball Excellence | Andrea Blackwell | Kitchen Conversations What happens when one of Canada's most accomplished athletes trades the Olympic stage for the fastest-growing sport in North America? In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Andrea Blackwell—a two-time Olympian, Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, championship golfer, award-winning educator, and one of Canada's most respected pickleball referees. Andrea's story is far bigger than medals and championships. It's a conversation about resilience, leadership, coaching, lifelong learning, and why sport has the power to shape better people—not just better athletes. We explore: What it takes to compete at two Olympic Games Playing professional basketball across Europe Life after elite sport and finding a new competitive passion Teaching, coaching, and developing young athletes ‍‍ Why parents should think twice before early sport specialization The explosive rise of pickleball and why it has become such a powerful community builder ⚖️ The unique perspective gained from becoming one of Canada's top pickleball referees ❤️ Why sport is ultimately about character, relationships, and giving back Andrea's humility matches her extraordinary accomplishments, making this one of the most thoughtful conversations we've had on the podcast. Whether you're a pickleball player, basketball fan, coach, parent, or simply someone who loves hearing remarkable life stories, this episode is for you. ️ If you enjoy this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. It helps us continue bringing outstanding guests and meaningful conversations to the pickleball community. Learn more about the Kingston Pickleball Club: https://kingstonpickleballclub.com Kingston Pickleball Club Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BcNK7PvQq/?mibextid=wwXIfr #Pickleball #KingstonPickleballClub #KitchenConversations #AndreaBlackwell #Olympian #CanadianBasketball #Basketball #PickleballCanada #WomenInSports #Coaching #Leadership #SportsLeadership #Referee #SportsPodcast #AthleteMindset #HealthyLiving #KingstonOntario #GrowingTheGame #Community #PickleballLife And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #34

  50 Years as a Pro Athlete- Her Story is amazing

  Sep 17, 20261h 4mS1

  She almost became an Olympic skier. She became a PGA Professional. Today, she's one of the most respected voices in pickleball. In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with CJ Johnson, co-founder of Better Pickleball, for one of the most thoughtful conversations we've had on the podcast. This isn't just another discussion about dinks, drops, and drills. It's a conversation about lifelong learning, coaching, leadership, sport, and the power of community. We explore: Why most recreational players are improving the wrong parts of their game. Why your shoes matter far more than your paddle. Why every pickleball player should seriously consider eye protection. The biggest mistakes players make trying to reach the next level. Why expensive paddles won't fix your game. ❤️ The incredible culture that makes pickleball unlike any other sport. We also dive into one of the most important conversations happening in sports today. CJ shares her experiences as a female athlete and coach, discussing the subtle biases many women still encounter in sport—and why greater awareness makes all of us better players, teammates, coaches, and people. Connect with CJ at Better Pickleball: https://betterpickleball.com/ Connect with CJ on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterpickleballcom/ Connect with CJ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPCL77CefNGj90THzXYTnA It's an honest, thoughtful discussion that inspired me to create an entire upcoming panel discussion on women in sport. Whether you're new to pickleball or have been playing for years, I think you'll come away seeing the game—and perhaps yourself—a little differently. If you enjoy conversations that go beyond the score and explore what really makes this sport special, this episode is for you. I'd love to hear from you in the comments: What's the best lesson pickleball has taught you—on or off the court? Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping pickleball. If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Comment and Share—it really helps the channel grow. #Pickleball #BetterPickleball #CJJohnson #KitchenConversations #PickleballTherapy #PickleballCommunity #PickleballTips #SportsPsychology #WomenInSports #Coaching #ActiveAging #LifelongLearning #PickleballLife #PickleballCanada #RecreationalSports And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #33

  Treat Your Own Pickleball Injuries- Learn How

  Sep 10, 202643 minS1

  What happens when a 73 year old physical therapist is still playing pickleball 5 days a week, winning gold medals, cold plunging after matches, and helping players stay on the court longer? In this episode of Kitchen Conversations: Stories Behind the Paddle, we sit down with Bill Reif, MSPT, author of Treat Your Own Pickleball Injuries, for one of the most practical and eye opening conversations we’ve had to date. With nearly 50 years of orthopedic and sports medicine experience, Bill breaks down the real reason so many pickleball players get hurt, why most people are warming up completely wrong, and what players of all ages can do to extend both their game and their quality of life. We dive into: • Pickleball elbow, shoulder pain, calf strains and overuse injuries • Why players ignore pain and keep playing anyway • The social and mental health benefits of pickleball • Aging, recovery, mobility and longevity • Dynamic warmups, Tai Chi, cold plunges and recovery routines • Why even the best players in the world are breaking down physically • The hidden danger of “playing through it” • Why Bill believes pickleball may be one of the greatest retirement activities ever created Bill also shares stories from working the 1996 Olympics, treating actors on the movie Black Panther, writing multiple bestselling health books, and becoming the physical therapy expert for one of the world’s largest pickleball Facebook communities. Buy Bill Reif’s book here: Treat Your Own Pickleball Injuries on Amazon Subscribe to Kitchen Conversations: Kitchen Conversations YouTube Channel Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts #Pickleball #BillReif #PickleballInjuries #PhysicalTherapy #KitchenConversations #StoriesBehindThePaddle #HealthyAging #SportsMedicine #PickleballRecovery #PickleballPodcast #SeniorPickleball #InjuryPrevention #Mobility #Longevity #DinkResponsibly And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #32

  PM Carney loves Padel- Hear the story

  Sep 3, 202648 minS1

  What do Mexico, tennis, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Daniel Alfredsson, and the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world have in common? The answer is PADEL. In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Jorge Villa, Director of Padel at Padel & Friends Ottawa and a Director with the Padel Association of Canada, for an inspiring conversation about one of the world's fastest-growing sports. From growing up on the tennis courts of Mexico under the guidance of his father, to coaching Canada's national padel team and helping shape the future of the sport in this country, Jorge shares an incredible story of passion, family, leadership, and community. We discuss: How padel was invented in Mexico—and why it's exploding worldwide. What makes padel different from tennis, pickleball and squash. How Canada is developing elite players, coaches and a national pathway. ‍ The remarkable family legacy behind Jorge's coaching career. ️ Why Padel & Friends Ottawa is focused on building community—not just courts. The future of padel in Canada and why this sport may only be getting started. Whether you're a tennis player, pickleball player, squash player—or you've never picked up a racquet—this conversation will give you a fascinating look at a sport that is changing the racquet sports landscape around the world. Have you tried padel yet? If so, tell us where you played and what surprised you most! Learn more about Padel & Friends Ottawa https://padelandfriends.com/ Padel Association of Canada https://padelcanada.ca/ If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Comment and Share. Your support helps us continue bringing conversations with the people shaping racquet sports across Canada and beyond. #Padel #PadelCanada #PadelAndFriends #PadelAssociationOfCanada #JorgeVilla #KitchenConversations #RacquetSports #Tennis #Pickleball #Squash #SportsCommunity #Ottawa #Canada #SportsPodcast #GrowingTheGame #PlayPadel #PadelLife #CanadianSports And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #31

  A conversation with Rotary Kingston’s Peter Burrell about the upcoming Pickleball fundraising tournament,

  Aug 30, 202623 minS1

  Hear from ​Kingston Rotary member, Peter Burrell about the 5th Annual Pickleball Tournament, happening Sunday, November 8th at the Kingston Pickleball Club. Registration is now open at https://kingstonrotary.ca/events/5th-annual-rotary-pickleball-tournament/ Enter either as a recreational player, or a competitive player, but the day is designed as a fun fundraising event with a silent auction, corn hole games and more! Hope to see you there! And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle. And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Kitchen Conversations 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.