Episode 14 of Pickleball Legends features Mike Tonet — Belgian pickleball player, coach, referee, and founder of the Tak Tac Academy — alongside a very special guest, his dog Kira. In this episode, I sit down with Mike to talk about his journey in pickleball, the growth of the sport in Belgium and across Europe, and what it takes to wear so many hats in the game. As a player, coach, and referee, Mike brings a well-rounded perspective on pickleball, along with his passion for developing the sport through the Tak Tac Academy. We also have a special appearance from Kira, adding a bit of extra character to the conversation. We discuss coaching, competition, officiating, and the future of pickleball, making this a great listen for anyone interested in how the sport is growing internationally and the people helping push it forward.

In this episode, I’m joined by one of the most recognisable voices in UK pickleball — Chris Beaumont. Chris is the co-founder of Pure Pickleball, the driving force behind the World Pickleball Magazine, and a familiar voice on the mic as a leading commentator across tournaments nationwide. We dive into: The vision behind World Pickleball Magazine How Chris got into the world of pickleball Where the sport is heading next — in the UK, and globally Chris brings insight, honesty, and a deep passion for the game — this is a must-listen for anyone serious about pickleball. 🔥 Whether you’re a player, coach, or just discovering the sport, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the evolution of pickleball in the UK.

In this episode of the Pickleball Legends Podcast, I sit down with Linh Nguyen — a coach from Taunton with an international background and one of the happiest faces on the court. Linh and I first crossed paths competing in the same tournament, and since then I’ve had the chance to see the passion and intensity he brings to the game. We talk about his journey from other racquet sports, how he discovered pickleball, and what led him to start coaching. Linh shares his perspective on developing players, competing, and the lessons he’s learned from both playing and coaching the sport. This episode dives into the grassroots coaching side of pickleball, the growth of the game in the UK, and the experiences that shape players on and off the court.

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Spurway, South West Regional Representative for Pickleball England, to dive into one of the biggest talking points in our sport right now — tournament organisation. We explore what it really takes to run successful pickleball competitions, from structuring draws and managing player expectations to growing participation at regional level. Tim shares insight from his role supporting clubs and players across the South West, and we discuss how tournaments can be both competitive and community-driven. If you’re a player thinking about entering your first event, a club considering hosting a tournament, or simply curious about how pickleball is developing in the UK, this conversation gives a behind-the-scenes look at what makes events work. A practical, honest chat about the future of English pickleball.

In this episode of Pickleball Legends, we sit down with Josh Roberts — a young, driven UK pickleball player with one clear goal: taking his game to the professional level. Josh shares what it’s really like coming up in the UK pickleball scene, how he’s training, competing, and thinking long-term about his development, and what sacrifices it takes to chase a pro pathway in a sport that’s still growing fast outside the US. We talk the transition from tennis, coaching, opportunities (and obstacles), and what young players actually need if they want to bridge the gap from local tournaments to the international stage.

Hannah McAdam is a pickleball player from Northern Ireland with big plans to help take the sport forward — starting at the grassroots level. In this episode of Pickleball Legends, we talk about her journey into pickleball, what’s driving her as a competitor, and her vision for growing the game through community, clubs, and opportunities for new players. ✅ In this episode: Competing and developing as a player Building pickleball from the grassroots up in Northern Ireland What the sport needs next to grow Subscribe for more Pickleball Legends interviews, stories, and pickleball talk.

In Episode 8 of Pickleball Legends, we sit down with Jonathan Small — co-founder of PicklePals, long-time advocate for community sport… and yes, my dad. We talk honestly about the journey behind building PicklePals, why pickleball’s rapid growth needs better tools, and how technology can support clubs without losing the heart of the game. Jonathan shares insights from years of business, his perspective on where pickleball is heading in the UK, and how he's using his past experiences to guide the future of PicklePals. It’s a relaxed, thoughtful episode that blends pickleball, entrepreneurship, and a few personal moments you won’t hear anywhere else. 🎙️ Whether you’re a club organiser, player, or just curious about the people building the sport behind the scenes, this one’s for you.

Merry Christmas! In this festive edition of Pickleball Legends, I sit down with Liz May to reflect on her charitable involvement and her love for family within the sport. As a pickleball community member and PicklePals app user, Liz shares her experiences in the sport. There’s reflection, insight, and just enough festive spirit to mark the end of the year properly. Whether you’re listening between matches or escaping Christmas chaos for half an hour, this is a relaxed, thoughtful conversation to round off the year with love for the game. Make sure you check out our sponsor - PicklePals Download the App on the App Store or Google Play Store today!