Welcome back, pickleball enthusiasts! In this week's episode of the **People of Pickleball** podcast, our charismatic host Mike Sleeves is joined by the multi-talented Joseph R. Gannascoli, best known for his unforgettable role as Vito Spatafore on HBO's iconic series, *The Sopranos*. Together, they dive into the fascinating intersections of Joseph's life—from Hollywood to the pickleball courts—uncovering his journey, challenges, and triumphs along the way.

### From Hollywood to Pickleball Courts
Joseph recounts his athletic beginnings in Brooklyn, sharing how a chance encounter with pickleball rekindled his love for sports. Discover how he went from paddleball to pickleball, and how the sport has become a powerful force in his life. With great enthusiasm, he opens up about losing 100 pounds and how this transformation has reshaped not just his game but his entire lifestyle.

### Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Wins
The conversation then delves into the physical demands of pickleball, as Joseph shares his candid experiences with injuries and the unexpected intensity of the game. His journey emphasizes resilience and growth, proving that challenges are just stepping stones to success. The importance of community and networking within the pickleball world shines through, making for an inspiring dialogue.

### A Culinary Touch and Vodka Ventures
As a chef and entrepreneur, Joseph also discusses his culinary ventures, including his exclusive vodka brand, Rocco Vodka. Learn how he blends his passions for cooking and quality spirits, bringing creativity and flavor to every aspect of his life.

### What’s Next for Joseph?
As the episode wraps up, Joseph teases exciting upcoming projects, including a unique theater performance in Boca Raton that intertwines elements of *The Sopranos* with his personal stories. His infectious enthusiasm for storytelling will leave you inspired to explore your own passions.

**Don’t Miss Out!**
Join us for this insightful and entertaining episode, filled with laughter, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the spirit of reinvention. Whether you're a long-time fan of *The Sopranos*, a pickleball newbie, or seeking inspiration in your own life, this episode has something for you!

*Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell* to stay updated with more episodes of **People of Pickleball**.

*Follow Joseph Gannascoli:* https://rocavaka.com

Sopranos themed parties

Join host Mike Sleeves Sliwa in this exciting episode of the Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report as he wraps up the latest news in the world of pickleball for early 2025! Discover details about the upcoming National Pickleball League combines and tryouts in Phoenix and Houston, plus an amazing Royal Caribbean cruise event powered by Selkirk. Mike also discusses the implications of the Gilbert Pickleball Tax, ensuring you're informed on key developments in the sport. To top it off, get ready for an exclusive sneak peek into the next episode of *People of Pickleball*, featuring special guest Joseph R. Gannascoli, beloved for his role as Vito Spatafore on *The Sopranos*. Don't miss out on this engaging look at the vibrant pickleball community!

Gibert Pickleball Tax: https://sleeves-spr.com/goldwater-institute-steps-up-a-showdown-over-gilberts-pickleball-tax/

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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.

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Welcome to People of Pickleball! In this episode, we feature pro player Josh Miller, who introduces HVY Sleeves, innovative training tools designed to enhance your pickleball game.

Learn how to improve your strength, precision, and overall performance on the court! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Josh shares valuable tips and insights to help you elevate your skills.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more great content about pickleball training, techniques, and player stories. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!

#Pickleball #HVYSleeves #JoshMiller #PickleballTraining #PeopleOfPickleball #Fitness #Sports

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Hey, "People of Pickleball" fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We've got you covered! Just head over to this link https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/ for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don't miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/

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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://sleeves-spr.com

Join host Mike Sleeves Sliwa in this exciting episode of **People of Pickleball** as he interviews the innovative minds behind Stafford Pickleball. Discover how Randy Stafford, Steven Stafford, and Dan Roberts combine their extensive experience and passion for the game to revolutionize pickleball paddle manufacturing.

Explore the captivating story of the **Q-Paddle**, a cutting-edge paddle designed for maximum performance and a quieter play experience. Learn about the team’s dedication to quality craftsmanship, their commitment to player needs, and how their unique backgrounds inform the design of industry-leading equipment. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, this episode offers valuable insights into elevating your game with the latest innovations from Stafford Pickleball. Don't miss it!

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Hey, "People of Pickleball" fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We've got you covered! Just head over to this link https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/ for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don't miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/

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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://sleeves-spr.com

### Title:
"Behind the Scenes of the NPL Championship: Insights from Pickleball Powerhouses"

### Description:
Welcome to the audio version of **People of Pickleball**! ️ In this exciting episode, host Mike "Sleeves" Sliwa takes you deep into the heart of the National Pickleball League (NPL) championship. Join us as we hear from the dynamic owners of the league's top three teams: the Houston Hammers, the Columbus Hotshots, and the champions, the Boca Raton Picklers!

**What You’ll Discover:**
- **Winning Strategies:** Rommie Maxey, owner of the Houston Hammers, shares the secrets behind his team's successful season.
- **Pursuit of Excellence:** Jeff McKnight from the Columbus Hotshots offers insights into what it takes to compete at the highest level.
- **Champion's Journey:** Rick Retamar and Carl Foster discuss the inspiring story of the Boca Raton Picklers and their path to victory.

**Hear from the Players:**
Listen in as stars Kara Williams and Mircea Morariu recount their unforgettable championship experiences and the camaraderie they've built throughout the season.

**Looking Ahead:**
Our conversation also explores the future of the NPL and the growing trend of senior pickleball—a discussion filled with hope for inclusivity and expansion in this rapidly evolving sport.

Whether you're a seasoned pickleball pro or just starting to discover the sport, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and the passion behind the game.

**Subscribe to stay updated on all things pickleball!** Don’t forget to visit us on social media for more content and community engagement.

**Listen now and join the growing world of pickleball enthusiasts!**

#PeopleOfPickleball #NPL #PickleballPodcast #HoustonHammers #ColumbusHotshots #BocaRatonPicklers #AudioPodcast #SportsInsights

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Hey, "People of Pickleball" fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We've got you covered! Just head over to this link https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/ for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don't miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/

More info about Pickleball Cruise: Pickleball Cruise https://www.pickleballintl.org

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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community...

Join Mike Sleeves Sliwa and APP pro Rob Nunnery in this episode of the *People of Pickleball Podcast*! They discuss Rob's journey from college tennis to pickleball, the crucial role of amateurs, and innovative ideas to enhance viewer engagement. Gain insights on the sport's future and enjoy lively conversations that will inspire fans and players alike. Subscribe for more pickleball insights! ✨

Hey, "People of Pickleball" fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We've got you covered! Just head over to this link https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/ for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don't miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices! https://stm-store.online/spr-episode-links/

More info about Pickleball Cruise: Pickleball Cruise https://www.pickleballintl.org

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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report

Welcome to another exciting episode of the **People of Pickleball Podcast**! This week, host **Mike "Sleeves" Sliwa** sits down with the charismatic **Ryan Sherry**, a professional pickleball player renowned for his engaging post-match interviews and his pivotal role in the upcoming documentary, **Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story**.

In this episode, Ryan shares his journey through the world of professional pickleball, providing listeners with an inside look at the thrill and challenges of life on the road. From recent tournaments like the Las Vegas Open to the camaraderie and competition that fuels the sport, Ryan's insights bring the excitement of pickleball to life.

A major highlight of their conversation revolves around **Dreambreaker**. Ryan offers a candid perspective on what inspired the film, emphasizing its aim to capture the drama and evolution of pickleball during the "Tour Wars." You'll gain behind-the-scenes insights into his role and the friendships and rivalries that have shaped the sport.

As a master networker, Ryan discusses the importance of building connections within the sports world, sharing anecdotes about his interactions with various high-profile athletes and coaches. His experiences illustrate how vital relationships are in propelling pickleball forward, especially as the sport gains international recognition.

Lastly, the duo dives into the future of pickleball, discussing the influx of new players and influences from other sports. Ryan shares his thoughts on how to preserve the sport's integrity while embracing its growing popularity.

Tune in for an inspiring and entertaining episode filled with insights, laughter, and a shared passion for pickleball. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, Ryan’s journey and perspectives will motivate you to pick up a paddle and get involved!

**Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!**

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Tune in every week for engaging conversations, expert interviews, and the latest news in the pickleball world. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help us grow the community!

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Hey, "People of Pickleball" fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We've got you covered! Just hea...

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the *People of Pickleball Podcast*! In this episode, host **Mike Sleeves Sliwa** sits down with the remarkable **Stacey Cleary**, the founder of **4Joy Paddles**, for a heartfelt discussion about her journey into the world of pickleball, art, and philanthropy.

Stacey's Pickleball Journey: Discover how Stacey fell in love with pickleball during the pandemic and how it became a source of connection and joy during challenging times.

The Birth of 4Joy Paddles: Hear the story behind 4Joy Paddles, a company that combines stunning design with high-quality performance, all while emphasizing the joy and community spirit of pickleball.

Philanthropy in Sports: Learn about Stacey’s commitment to giving back, as she shares how a portion of her profits support critical health organizations like the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund and the American Cancer Society.

Why You Should Tune In:
This episode resonates on multiple levels—it's a celebration of resilience, creativity, and social impact. Whether you're a seasoned pickleball player or just discovering the game, Stacey’s insights will inspire you to explore your own creativity and look at your sport in a new light.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more pickleball enthusiasts!

Listen to More Episodes:
Catch all episodes of the *People of Pickleball Podcast* on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

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Join us on this vibrant journey through the world of pickleball and let Stacey Cleary spark more joy in your game!**

Tune in every week for engaging conversations, expert interviews, and the latest news in the pickleball world. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help us grow the community!

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Hey, "People of Pickleball" fans! Looking for some great deals on the latest pickleball gear and services? We've got you covered! Just head over to this link for exclusive discounts crafted just for our listeners. Don't miss out on elevating your game with top-notch pickleball essentials at amazing prices!

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