What if the fastest growing sport in the world had a dirty secret… and one man decided to fix it?

In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Jeff Pepper, a serial entrepreneur who has already built and scaled companies most people only dream about… including one that went from a basement startup to a NASDAQ-listed business.

But that’s not the story.

This is about what he did after.

Because Jeff saw something most players ignore…

Millions of cracked pickleballs… being thrown straight into landfills.

So he built something different.

The PickleUp Project.

A grassroots movement turning waste into something useful… collecting thousands of balls every single month… and proving that pickleball can grow without leaving a trail behind it.

👉 This isn’t theory.

👉 This is happening right now.

🔥 In this episode, we dive into:

• The unbelievable journey from basement startup to NASDAQ

• Why pickleball addiction happens almost instantly

• The massive environmental problem nobody is talking about

• How the PickleUp Project is solving it… one ball at a time

• What it really takes to build something that actually scales

• Why most recycling systems are broken… and what needs to change

💡 If you care about pickleball… this conversation matters.

Because this isn’t just about the game.

It’s about what we leave behind.

🔗 Connect with Jeff Pepper & PickleUp Project:

🌐 PickleUp Project: https://pickleup.org

🔗 Learn more about the movement: https://pickleup.org/about

📍 Get involved / start a program: https://pickleup.org/contact

🎙️ About Kitchen Conversations

More than dinks, drops and drives…

This is about the people behind the paddle.

Real stories. Real journeys. Real impact.

👉 If this episode made you think, hit Subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Because if this podcast does one thing…

…it’s getting one more person off the couch and onto the court.

#pickleball

#pickleballlife

#pickleballcommunity

#pickleballaddict

#pickleballislife

#pickleballpodcast

#kitchenconversations

#jeffpepper

#pickleupproject

#sportsinnovation

#sustainability

#recycling

#plasticwaste

#environment

#entrepreneur

#startupstory

#nasdaq

#growthmindset

#behindthepaddle

#pickleballstories

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.

What do Canadian rock, pickleball, and Kingston City Council have in common? Jeff Pearce—and a conversation worth listening to.

In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, Mike Spies sits down with the Moist bassist, journeyman electrician, and candidate for Kingston’s Loyalist-Cataraqui district for a candid conversation about music, community, and what it means to show up for people.

Jeff shares the realities behind life in a Juno Award-winning band: overnight drives, rejection, enduring friendships, and the tough feedback that helped bring “Resurrection” and “Leave It Alone” to life. We explore how decades of making music together taught him to listen, collaborate, and compromise—and why those skills matter at City Hall.

Closer to home, we talk about the concerns he’s hearing on doorsteps, accountability for tax dollars, neighbourhood services, and why a long-awaited park—with pickleball courts and an off-leash dog area—became part of his motivation to run.

And, of course, we get into pickleball: playing across generations, staying active, and the friendships that make the game about much more than the score.

Expect humour, thoughtful questions, behind-the-scenes stories, and a revealing look at the person behind the campaign.

CONNECT WITH JEFF PEARCE

jeff@jeffpearceforcouncil.ca

📺 Campaign videos on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@JeffPearce4council

📘 Follow Jeff’s campaign on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590698314649

🗳️ Jeff is running for District 2 — Loyalist-Cataraqui in Kingston’s municipal election on October 26, 2026.

What matters most to you in your community—and what do you expect from the people elected to represent it? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Enjoyed the conversation? Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a music fan, a pickleball player, or someone who cares about Kingston’s future.

Kitchen Conversations with Mike Spies — great people, good questions, and conversations that go beyond the court.

#KitchenConversations #JeffPearce #KingstonOntario #KingstonCityCouncil #LoyalistCataraqui #KingstonElection2026 #MoistBand #CanadianRock #CanadianMusic #Pickleball #Community #MikeSpies

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.

In this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Scott Mikalachki—one of Canada's most accomplished pickleball coaches—to explore what separates good players from great ones.

Scott's journey has taken him from elite junior tennis and competitive squash to a 32-year career with 3M before finding a new passion helping players unlock their potential on the pickleball court. Today he's one of only a select group of NCCP Level 3 Certified Pickleball Coaches in Canada, and his passion for teaching is unmistakable.

Our conversation goes far beyond technique.

We discuss:

🏓 Why pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.

🎾 How tennis, squash and other racquet sports prepare athletes for success.

🧠 The science behind effective coaching and skill development.

👟 Why proper footwear may matter more than your paddle.

🥽 Why Scott believes every player should wear protective eyewear.

📈 How artificial intelligence could change coaching forever.

🏆 What separates recreational players from athletes who continue to improve.

👨‍👩‍👧 Why youth athletes should play multiple sports before specializing.

❤️ Why community—not competition—is still pickleball's greatest strength.

Whether you've never picked up a paddle or you're chasing your next DUPR milestone, this episode is packed with practical advice, thoughtful insights, and a fresh perspective on becoming a better player,

👇 What's the best coaching advice you've ever received?

Leave your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your story.

🎾 Learn more about SMASH Pickleball

https://smash-pb.com/

⛳ Oaks Golf & Country Club

https://oaksgolf.com/

👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, Share, and hit the notification bell. Your support helps us continue sharing conversations with the people growing racquet sports across Canada and beyond.

#KitchenConversations #ScottMikalachki #Pickleball #PickleballCanada #SMASHPickleball #OakesGolfAndCountryClub #NCCP #PickleballCoaching #DUPR #RacquetSports #CanadianSports #SportsPodcast #Coaching #AthleteDevelopment #PickleballLife #GrowTheGame #LondonOntario

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.

What does it take to become one of the best racquetball players in the world — and then reinvent yourself in an entirely different sport?

On this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Corey Osborne, a former #9-ranked racquetball player in the world, Pan Am Games bronze medalist, Midland Sports Hall of Fame inductee, CNPL player, coach, and one of the most genuinely respected people in Canadian pickleball.

Corey’s athletic story is remarkable. He began playing racquetball as a teenager, eventually competing on the world stage and representing Canada at the 2003 Pan Am Games. Years later, he returned to the Pan Am Games as a Team Canada coach.

Then came pickleball.

What started as another racket sport to try became a completely new chapter in Corey’s life — one that has taken him into the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), professional coaching, tournaments across Ontario and beyond, and the creation of his own coaching business, RAW Pickleball — Ready and Waiting.

But this conversation goes well beyond Corey’s résumé.

We dig into what actually separates great pickleball players from everyone else, why decision-making becomes so important under pressure, the value of footwork and positioning, whether expensive paddles really make a difference, and why Corey believes recreational players should spend roughly 50% of their development time drilling and 50% playing.

Corey also shares some outstanding advice for anyone trying to improve:

Consistency. Purpose. And what you do after you hit the ball.

We talk about the CNPL, DUPR, tournament play, coaching, paddle technology, the evolution of pickleball, the increasing power of the modern game — and Corey’s concern that speed, harder balls and increasingly powerful paddles could eventually diminish some of the finesse, strategy and longer rallies that make pickleball unique.

And perhaps most importantly, we talk about something bigger than pickleball: sport, friendship, competition, aging, reinvention and the incredible opportunity to keep challenging ourselves long after we thought our competitive years might be behind us.

Corey Osborne has accomplished an extraordinary amount in sport.

After spending an hour with him, however, it’s very easy to understand why the accomplishment people seem to appreciate most is simply the kind of person he is.

Enjoy the conversation.

Kitchen Conversations — a pickleball podcast about the people, stories and ideas behind the game.

If you enjoy the episode, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who loves pickleball — or perhaps someone who hasn’t picked up a paddle yet.

#Pickleball #CoreyOsborne #CNPL #CanadianPickleball #PickleballPodcast #PickleballCoaching #PickleballTips #Racquetball #KitchenConversations

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.

🏀 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.

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.

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.

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.