Welcome to Around the Pod, hosted at Pickle4real!

Hosts Josh Chia and Michael Murrell are joined in the studio by Crystal Mildwaters and Aaron "AJ" Johnson for a hilarious and insightful breakdown of the Australian pickleball scene.

In this episode:

• NPL Draft Drama: AJ reveals how he was dropped and traded from the Opals to the Outback, and how the NPL prize-money split system actually works.
• Origin Stories & Culture: AJ explains his Japanese middle name and transition from accounting to coaching, while Crystal shares her Filipino heritage and balancing teaching with pro play.
• Hot Take #1 (Wooden Paddles): AJ argues that top-tier paddles hide bad technique and that he'd beat most pros if everyone played with wooden paddles.
• Hot Take #2 (The Right-Side Architect): Crystal makes the case for why right-side players are the under-appreciated architects of every point.

HOSTS:
Josh Chia
Michael Murrell

GUESTS:
Crystal Mildwaters
Aaron "AJ" Johnson

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A special thanks to our studio sponsor, Pickle4real — Melbourne’s premier indoor pickleball centre in Mentone.
Pickle4Real features eight climate-controlled indoor courts for social play, coaching, DUPR games, tournaments and private events. Open seven days a week, it also hosts PPA and DUPR competitions and offers venue hire and event support.
Play indoor pickleball in Melbourne at Pickle4real:
■ Website: https://pickle4real.com.au/
■ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickle4real/
■ Facebook: Pickle4real Facebook
■ Join Pickle4real League
■ Location: 36–40 Shearson Crescent, Mentone VIC 3194

Send us your questions and comments!