Third Shot - A Pickleball Podcast

Ep. 120- Behind the Mic of Pickleballers Nextdoor

Uncle Greg and Brigie welcome Greg Ballard, return guest and co-host of the hit podcast Pickleballers Next Door, for a lively and insightful conversation. Greg shares how he and fellow host Mike built a show that brings pickleball stories to life straight from the courts—capturing the voices, energy, and authenticity of players everywhere. And their podcasting team has recently grown into a trio, welcoming Christana on their 23rd episode. From grassroots growth to unforgettable community moments, Greg dives into why pickleball isn’t just a game, but a way to connect people of all backgrounds. Listeners will hear about the creative vision behind Pickleballers Next Door and the unique stories that inspire their episodes.

Ep. 119- Meet, Connect, and Play: Inside the RPPA with Elena Saris

In this episode of Third Shot Podcast, Uncle Greg and Brigie welcome Elena Saris, founder of the Recreational Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) and creator of The Fit Pickler Newsletter, for an inspiring conversation about keeping pickleball fun, accessible, and community-focused. Elena shares her story behind starting the RPPA and breaks down the numerous benefits of membership. Tune in and learn why the rec players are truly the heart of pickleball.

Ep. 118- Balancing the Game: Elite Play Meets Grassroots Growth

In this episode of Third Shot Podcast, Uncle Greg and Brigie sit down with professional pickleball player and powerhouse community leader, Eddie Perez. As the Director of Pickleball Charlotte, Eddie shares his journey from player to pro to being an influential pickleball organizer in the Southeast.  He offers a unique insight into what it takes to balance elite competition with grassroots development—creating a space where both pros and everyday players can grow. Hear how he’s helped grow Pickleball Charlotte into a hub for players of all levels—supporting community, competition, and access to the sport. This episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and, of course, plenty of laughs.

Ep. 117- PickleCon 2025

In this episode of Third Shot Podcast, Uncle Greg and Brigie are joined by Alyssa Morrison, the Event Director behind PickleCon, to serve up an inside look at this growing celebration of pickleball. PickleCon brings together competitors, casual players, industry leaders, and pickleball-newcomers for four days of immersive pickleball fun. Whether you're chasing medals, refining your serve, shopping the vendor village, or soaking in the social vibe, this episode uncovers what makes PickleCon a standout community experience and gives a sneak peak into what to expect at this year’s event. Get your tickets to PickleCon at the Kansas City Convention Center from August 7-10 at picklecon.com!

Ep. 116- The Dink Ninjas Story

On this episode of Third Shot Podcast, hosts Uncle Greg and Brigie sit down with Joel Mower, the creative force behind Dink Ninjas, a performance-driven pickleball brand born in the vibrant community of Austin, TX. Joel shares his journey—from channeling personal struggles during his wife’s cancer treatment into building a brand with heart, to designing gear that champions community, wellness, and high-level play. The story behind Dink Ninjas is one of resilience—transforming personal hardship into purpose and creating a brand that’s as much about mental well‑being and community as it is about apparel and paddles.

Ep. 115- Stick It to Pain with the Pickle Stick

Meet the man behind The Pickle Stick! On this episode of Third Shot Podcast, Uncle Greg and Brigie sit down with Jimbo Lord, the resilient and visionary founder whose journey through injury and illness led to a revolutionary pain relief product loved by pickleballers, and non-pickleballers, everywhere. Jimbo opens up about his grueling recovery from two ACL tears, five concussions, and Lyme disease, and how those experiences drove him to develop a clean, effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional pain relief products. The Pickle Stick is designed for real people who play hard and care about the planet. Use code THIRDSHOT to receive $5 off your order!

Ep. 114- Serving Up Vibes with Tampa Pickleball Crew

On this episode of Third Shot Podcast, two of the four founders behind Tampa Pickleball Crew–Kayla Goldman and Susan Forsyth–join Uncle Greg and Brigie to give listeners the inside scoop on one of Florida’s most exciting pickleball facilities. Tampa Pickleball Crew is not your average indoor facility. It’s a twelve court, indoor, climate-controlled pickleball hub with an open-air concept that offers open play, clinics, live-DJ social events, speed-dating, and so much more. Whether you're a seasoned player or just dink-curious, this episode serves up good vibes, great stories, and a whole lot of pickleball passion you won’t want to miss!

Ep. 113- Club Wars: Building Community Through Competition

Gear up for a pickleball rivalry like no other! On this episode of Third Shot, Uncle Greg and Brigie dive into Club Wars, the grassroots tournament series that puts pickleball clubs head-to-head and is transforming local pickleball scenes—it started with 24 players in Athens, GA and grew to over 400 participants across divisions. Founded by pickleball enthusiasts Michelle and Kim, Club Wars isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of community, passion, and pickleball!

Ep. 112- Train Like a Pro with BOSSpickle

Ready to elevate your pickleball game? In this episode, Uncle Greg and Brigie dive into the world of BOSSpickle. Chris Chu, the founder of the game’s most effective dink and drop trainers, shares the story behind BOSSpickle’s journey–from fanatical players to product innovators. Designed to help players at every level develop reliable muscle memory and confidence on the court, BOSSpickle training tools promise real results in just 10 minutes a day—guaranteed—or your money back!
 
Use Code THIRDSHOT to get $10 when you buy both the Dink and Drop trainers.

Ep. 111- Inside the World Pickleball Conference

In this episode of Third Shot Podcast, Uncle Greg and Brigie are joined by Adam Bricker, the Marketing Director of the World Pickleball Conference, to explore how one of the world’s fastest-growing sports is being elevated to new heights and what attendees can expect at this year’s conference. Whether you're a player, coach, brand, or fan, this episode offers a front-row seat to the momentum behind pickleball’s expanding world stage.