The Real Housewives of Pickleball

Part 2 of 2 Wally Green: From Pro Ping-Pong Star to Pickleball Maverick S2/E3

In this episode Wally Green recounts his rise from nervous pro table-tennis newcomer to international star, sharing vivid stories from the pro tour, a breakthrough match in Rotterdam, and his surprising trip to North Korea where a single hug became a moment of connection.Wally explains the mental shift that saved his career—setting small, achievable goals—and how those lessons apply to pickleball and sports in general. He also talks about his transition into pickleball, his coaching philosophy, and the creation of his Savage Pickleball approach.The episode mixes high-energy anecdotes, practical advice for competing under pressure, and Wally’s reflections on culture, identity, and using sport to plant seeds of change.

Part 1 of 2. Saved by Ping-Pong: Wally Green's Journey from Gangs to Pickleball and the Big Screen S2/E2

 
 
CONTENT WARNING:  This episode touches on real-life experiences, violence, and mental and physical abuse.  These topics might be triggering for some listeners.  Listener discretion is strongly advised.
Hosts Neely Sullivan and Natasha Linton welcome Wally Green to The Real Housewives of Pickleball for a raw, inspiring conversation about his life and career.
Wally recounts growing up in Brooklyn projects, surviving domestic abuse and gangs, discovering ping-pong as a lifeline, training in Germany, turning pro, and playing internationally — including a trip to North Korea. He also discusses co-founding Spin with Susan Sarandon, transitioning into pickleball, and a small role in the film Marty Supreme.
This episode dives into trauma, resilience, unexpected opportunities, and how sport reshaped Wally’s path.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or needs someone to talk to, help is available.  In the U.S., you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.  If you ar ein immediate danger, please call 911.

Is Pickleball a Cult?: Traveling the World and "Coopetition" with Max "Purple Jesus" Manthou |S2 E1

Neely and Natasha open Season 2 with APP pro Max Manthou (aka “Purple Jesus”), author of A Pickleball Gospel. In this episode they cover Max’s Peace Corps past, life traveling the pro tour, his book’s concept of “coopetition,” and the growing pickleball scene — including NPL indoor tournaments and Anna Leigh’s Nike deal.
The episode also touches on community stories (including a life-saving kidney donation), mental-game tips, and a rapid-fire segment, blending personal memoir, pro insight, and pickleball culture.

Inside COURTED Ai: Christina Chin's Vision for Smarter Pickleball |S1 E16

Hosts Natasha Linton and Neely Sullivan close out the season with a lively recap of top guests and moments, a viral pickleball trash‑talk segment, and a spotlight on Neely’s new Mission Sticks performance stickers.
 
Top Canadian Pro Christina Chin joins the show to share her journey from hockey to pickleball, her transition into playing pickleball full-time, and her best practices for building a standout personal brand among other wise words Christina shares. Christina also introduces COURTED Ai, the partner matching platform aiming to reinvent how players find the right partner fit.
 
Christina opens up about the reinvention behind her leap from player to tech co-founder, the friendship tat sparked her next chapter, and what it really takes to follow the pull toward something bigger. It's an inspiring conversation about courage, curiosity, and building what you wish existed.

Center Court Nerves, Winning Medals, DUPR Drama and the Role of Ai in Pickleball |S1 E15

In episode 15 Natasha Linton and Neely Sullivan recap recent tournaments, discuss managing nerves, mental game improvements, and share lessons from APP, NPL and local events.
They explore rating systems like DUPR and AI tools such as Dinkmate, debating how technology could change player ratings and coaching.
The episode closes with a lighthearted segment imagining touring pros' nine-to-five jobs.

Rick Witsken: From Junior Tennis to Leading the Future of Pickleball With the National Pickleball League (NPL) |S1 E14

Rick Witsken, a former All‑American tennis player and longtime coach, reflects on his transition from professional tennis to becoming a leading force in pickleball. He co‑founded the National Pickleball League (NPL), runs Team Witsken, is co-owner of 3rd Shot Pickleball Club in Indianapolis, coaches girls and boys tennis and pickleball teams in Indianapolis and runs a podcast - This Is Pickleball with his partner Fabian. 
This episode covers Rick’s start in junior tennis, his family background, including his nephew Ben Shelton’s rise as #6 in the world on the ATP Tour, the loss of his brother Todd and his RIPsken tribute, and practical advice for parents, players, and partners.
Listeners hear how the NPL began, the combine tryouts for the NPL, the social and health benefits of pickleball, and Rick’s vision for the sport’s future.

Battle of the Sexes with Susannah Barr and Dominic Catalano: Mixed Doubles Pickleball Strategy, Coaching & Chemistry |S1 E13

Hosts Neely Sullivan and Natasha Linton welcome pro/coach/co-owner of The Flying Pickle in Boise, ID Susannah Barr and commentator/coach Dominic Catalano to discuss "Battle of the Sexes" topics, including mixed-doubles strategy, coaching differences between men and women, partner selection, and pressure management on court. The goal is to help men and women better understand one another to bring the sexes together stronger on the court. The episode closes with a fun Battle of the Sexes quiz and practical tips for finding and playing with the right partner.

The Grit Factor: Rob Nunnery’s Pickleball Fight Through Crohn’s |S1 E12

Hosts Neely Sullivan and Natasha Linton introduce Episode 12 featuring pro player Rob Nunnery. First up, Neely and Natasha discuss life on the NPL tour, personal setbacks, and a hilarious mistaken Instagram tag involving Howie Mandel. In Part 2, Rob opens up about his early life, career journey, Crohn’s diagnosis, the perianal fistulas and abscesses that led to surgery and a colostomy, and how he continues to compete and build businesses like OstoWear. Through candid storytelling, Rob shares resilience, the realities of chronic pain, and how writing and entrepreneurship help him cope and inspire others.
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From Carpool to Court: Audrey "PickleballMama" Banada on Balance, Family, and Raising Aspiring Pickle Pros |S1 E11

Audrey Banada—"Pickleball Mama"—joins the podcast to share her journey from University of Miami tennis to pro pickleball, how she built an online coaching brand, and why she balances competing with homeschooling her kids.
The episode covers networking and tournament tips, parenting and coaching philosophies, the chaos of family travel, observing the Sabbath, and practical advice for players looking to improve through structured drills and online video coaching.

Coach Scott Fliegelman on Reinvention, Resilience and the Road Less Traveled |S1 E10

Join us on the Real Housewives of Pickleball podcast as we welcome Coach Scott Fliegelman, a sports enthusiast turned pickleball professional. In this episode, Scott shares his captivating journey from being a multi-sport athlete to dedicating his career to the booming sport of pickleball. We delve into Scott's personal experiences with major life transitions, the addictive allure of pickleball, and the emotional challenges tied to his sports career.
Throughout the conversation, Scott discusses coaching philosophies, the importance of intention in gameplay, and how his background in endurance sports shapes his approach to teaching pickleball. With insights into the dynamics of partnering in doubles, the art of coaching beginners, and strategies for advancing in the sport, this episode offers ample takeaways for players of all levels.
Gain an insider's perspective on the mental game, the significance of adaptive coaching styles, and the balance between passion and practicality in running a pickleball facility. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the court, get ready to be inspired by Scott Fliegelman's dedication and expertise in the pickleball community.