He Terrified Me… Then Changed My Game Forever | Kitchen Conversations with Brian Cann

What happens when the player who intimidates you the most… becomes the one who helps you the most?

In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Brian Cann—a player, coach, mentor, and one of the most influential people in my own pickleball journey.

From our very first match on court #2, I knew Brian was different. His game was on another level. But what stood out even more? He was the first person to step in and help me understand the game.

And that’s where this story really begins.

We go deep into Brian’s journey—from early coaching roots and martial arts discipline, to a successful career in finance, and ultimately to pickleball… a game that entered his life at exactly the moment he needed it most.

This is not just a conversation about technique.
This is about confidence, resilience, community, and the power of sport to change lives.

👉 Whether you’re new to pickleball or fully addicted, this episode will hit home.

🔥 In this episode, we explore:

• The moment pickleball becomes an addiction (and why it happens so fast)
• Coaching vs confidence—what players really need
• Why connection between coach and player matters more than technique
• The hidden mental game behind improvement
• How pickleball helps people through loss, isolation, and major life transitions
• Why social sport might actually help you live longer
• The real difference between players who plateau… and those who level up

🎯 Connect with Brian Cann:

Phone: 613.449.3540

Email: thevortex@cogeco.ca

👉 Local coaching inquiries:

https://teachme.to/listings/pick...

https://www.bounce.game/coach/33...

https://www.pickleheads.com/less...

🏓 About Kitchen Conversations:

This isn’t a highlight reel.
This is Stories from Behind the Paddle.

Real people. Real journeys. Real conversations about the game that’s quietly changing lives everywhere.

If this episode inspires even one person to pick up a paddle… we’ve done our job.

📌 Subscribe for weekly episodes:

👉  / @kitchenconversationspickleball

🔖 Hashtags:

#KitchenConversations #BrianCann #PickleballStories #BehindThePaddle #PickleballLife #PickleballCommunity #PickleballCoach #PickleballJourney #PickleballAddiction #DinkAndDrive #PickleballPodcast #GrowthThroughSport

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.