In this episode, Coach Tommy goes virtual with none other than the legendary Scott Golden—a.k.a. The Golden Boy. From his roots in sports to becoming a true pickleball OG, Scott shares how pickleball changed his life after a tough season, launching him into a world of pro play, big sponsorships (hello, Golden Axe paddle), PPA commentary, and now full-time coaching with LevelUp Pickleball Camps.

They cover:

🔥 Scott’s 9-year pickleball journey

🏆 His pro career, sponsorships & the rise of the Golden Axe paddle

🧠 The mindset behind elite coaching and traveling 50+ camps a year

👦 The explosion of youth pickleball—where it’s headed, and how you can be part of it

🏫 The future of pickleball in high school, college & the Olympics

💬 Real talk about accessibility, diversity, and what makes pickleball special

If you're a parent, player, coach, or just love hearing about the heart of this sport, this is a must-listen.

👇 Drop a comment if you want to see a Smashing Plastic Youth Club or have thoughts on youth court access!

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with your pickle crew!

Follow Scott:

LevelUp Camps: https://www.leveluppickleballcamps.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/golden_boy_pickleball

FB: https://www.facebook.com/scott.a.golden.7

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🎙️ Smashing Plastic Podcast: Junior Pickleball Phenom Halina (Age 9!) Talks Medals, Cruises & Dreams of Going Pro

In this fun and heartwarming summer episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy is joined by a very special guest—9-year-old Halina, a rising star in junior pickleball who’s already competing in tournaments, winning medals, and putting in serious work on and off the court.

We talk all things pickleball and beyond:

- Halina's experience traveling to Alaska

- Competing against 14-year-olds at just 9 years old

- Her favorite shot (spoiler: it’s a beast of a 2-handed backhand)

- Strength training for singles

- Shoutouts to her coaches, favorite pros (Anna Leigh Waters & Tyson McGuffin), and more

- Her big dreams of going pro… and maybe becoming a vet, too 🐶💪

It’s a must-listen for anyone who loves the game, supports youth sports, or just wants a good dose of positivity and motivation from the next generation of pickleball stars.

👇 Drop a comment to cheer Helena on, and don’t forget to:

👍 Like

🔔 Subscribe

📣 Share with a fellow pickleball fanatic!

Follow Smashing Plastic:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

In this episode of Smashing Plastic, Kip and Chrissy share their inspiring journey from tennis to pickleball, and how the sport transformed their lives. Chrissy opens up about her personal struggles and how pickleball became a way to rediscover her fitness after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. Kip and Chrissy dive into the challenges and rewards of playing pickleball as a couple, offering insights into the balance of competition, teamwork, and love on the court.

They share tips for newcomers, especially women, on how to get started with pickleball and overcome common reservations. From the importance of having a supportive social environment to creating realistic expectations on the court, their conversation touches on what makes pickleball such a unique and fulfilling sport for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this episode is packed with relatable stories, humor, and valuable advice. Tune in to hear about the power of pickleball to build relationships, improve physical health, and provide a much-needed escape from daily life challenges.

Follow Smashing Plastic:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/