Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition

Pickleball Hall of Famer and global ambassador Wesley Gabrielsen returns to Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition to share how the sport is creating connections far beyond the court. From leading the Dilli Dilwale to a World Pickleball League Team Championship in India, to participating in the Oregon-China Pickleball Exchange and launching his newest venture combining Willamette Valley wine and pickleball experiences, Wesley discusses the exciting opportunities emerging around the world. He also opens up about why he believes pickleball’s greatest strength is its ability to bring people together even during times of global tension. This episode explores the magic behind the sport’s explosive international growth and the relationships being built one dink at a time.

Joe Sexton, Co-Founder and President of Ace Pickleball Club, never imagined franchising would become his long-term career path. After more than 20 years working with top brands like Sky Zone, Joe entered the pickleball world and it changed everything. Inspired by his mom’s life-changing story, he launched Ace with a mission to build community through the sport he grew to love. In this episode, Joe shares how he created a scalable franchise model that’s fueling one of the fastest national expansions in pickleball, what sets Ace apart from other clubs, and how strategic partnerships like DoorDash are taking the brand to the next level. Remember to follow this page if you like our content :)

Casie Caldwell and Lauren Vosbein, hosts of the podcast Dinks on Tap, are proof that pickleball can change your life in the best way. Casie shares how losing her hospitality career became the spark that helped her finally find work life balance and a new sense of purpose. Lauren talks about moving to Dallas without knowing anyone and how pickleball opened doors to new friendships, competition, and joy. Together, they play in a semi-pro league, toast to victories after matches, and use their podcast to celebrate the connections this sport creates. Their story is about more than just the game. it is about rediscovering joy, building community, and creating space for what matters most.

What happens when love and pickleball collide? In this episode, we chat with Anneliese Niebauer, co-founder of PickleMatch, the first pickleball dating app built for pickleball players. Born out of her own post-breakup journey, Anneliese turned the not-so-fun world of dating apps into something playful, active, and community-driven. PickleMatch connects singles by skill rating, favorite courts, and age, then encourages them to meet on the court instead of swiping for weeks. With over 500 people already on the waitlist and a launch party that drew 120 players, the app is set to open to the public this August. Anneliese shares the story of turning a “wouldn’t-it-be-funny-if” idea into a growing movement and why pickleball might just be the best way to find your match.

Pamela DeLoatch, a writer turned athlete from Raleigh, North Carolina, never saw herself as a competitor until a spontaneous pickleball match with a friend changed everything. That moment led to the founding of Black Girl Magic Pickleball, a vibrant and growing community of more than 120 Black women learning to play and love the game. Despite making up less than 8 percent of players nationwide, this group is building representation and joy on the court. Pamela was recently selected as one of only 10 Humana Game Changers from 12,000 athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games, an honor that recognizes senior athletes who exemplify healthy aging, motivation, and community impact. In this episode, Pamela shares her inspiring journey of health, courage, and creating change through pickleball.

Twin sisters and fashion founders Ashley Cornil and Sara Brady turned their love of racquet sports and style into Le Pickle Club, one of the most buzzed about clothing brands blending comfort, elegance, and pickleball flair. After selling their successful women’s accessories line, KIN THE LABEL, the sisters launched Le Pickle Club to capture the social and playful spirit of the fastest growing sport in America. In this episode, they share how French family roots inspired the brand’s aesthetic, how they are redefining the pickleball uniform for both on and off the court, and what it takes to build a fashion label from the ground up in a new niche. Whether you're a diehard player or just love good design, this conversation serves up style, strategy, and sisterhood. Follow our page for new episodes dropping weekly!

Sarah Bowman and John Braun went from pickleball opponents to an unstoppable duo in business and competition. After reconnecting off the court, they hit the road, traveling the world by car, co-hosting a podcast, and building their brand along the way. Sarah is now chasing a spot in the National Pickleball League, the first pro league for players 50 and over, with John by her side as her trainer. Together, they launched Pickle Box, a boutique consulting agency offering outsourced business services to companies in the paddle and racquet sports world. The journey keeps getting better for this duo!