Smashing Plastic Podcast

24: Building a Pickleball Community | Dan Watters and Judd Perry

In this episode, we visit the brand-new Pickleball Kingdom in Charleston, SC with GM Dan Watters and local player Judd Perry. From 24,000 sq ft of court space to simulators, replay tech, and DUPR-integrated scoring, this isn’t your average pickleball club—it’s the future of the sport.
 
We dive into:
- What makes Pickleball Kingdom different
- How tech is changing how we play, train, and teach
- The biggest beginner pain points (like SCORING!)—and how they solve them
- Why this setup is a coach’s dream
 
This episode is all about community, fun, and the next wave of pickleball innovation.
👉 Subscribe and follow for more behind-the-scenes stories and interviews from the Smashing Plastic world.
Follow Dan and PBKingdom:
Website: https://pickleballkingdom.com/clubs/mount-pleasant-sc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickleballkingdom.bellehall/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pickleball-Kingdom-Belle-Hall/61557914176289/
 
Follow Judd: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juddlouisperry
 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 

23: From Pizza Nights to Pro Lights | Joey Farias

What do you get when you mix a tennis background, a spontaneous trip to Naples, and ten years of grind? You get Joey Farias. On this episode, Coach Tommy sits down with Joey to talk pro pickleball beginnings, the youth scene (or lack thereof), and the challenges and opportunities ahead for growing the sport from the ground up.
🔔 Subscribe for more Smashing Plastic podcasts and stay updated on the latest in pickleball!
📍 Want to train with us? Funville Farm offers clinics, lessons, and weekend events in Summerville, SC. DM us for details!
Follow Joey:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyfariaspickleball/
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 

22: From Coast Guard to Court: Eric Gonzalez’s Pickleball Journey

In this lively spring episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy welcomes his longtime playing partner and friend, Eric Gonzalez—a retired Coast Guard veteran turned pickleball enthusiast. Eric shares how his wife “invited” him to cardio tennis, which led to discovering some local pickleball courts... and the rest is history.
The two dive into Charleston’s evolving pickleball scene, their recent trip to a Couple's Pickleball Getaway in Mexico with Ben Johns (yes, that Ben Johns), and the highs and hilarious lows of playing—and drilling—with your spouse. They also geek out on how paddle tech has transformed the game over the past few years and why staying competitive means keeping up with the rapid evolution.
Whether you're a die-hard dinker, a paddle tech junkie, or just here for the laughs—this episode brings sunshine, real talk, and a ton of smashing insight.
🔔 Subscribe for more Smashing Plastic podcasts and stay updated on the latest in pickleball!
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 

21: Noah Winningham’s Journey to the Top

Live from Funville Farm, home of Smashing Plastic Pickleball, we’re joined by Noah Winningham, one of Charleston’s top up-and-coming pickleball players! Noah shares his journey from a baseball background to being one of the top 5 players in Charleston, how he trains daily, and his ultimate goal of becoming a top 5 pro player.
 
We talk about:
- How two old ladies humbled him on the court
- The drills that transformed his game
- Why watching game footage is a game-changer
- The latest paddle tech & top brands in 2025
- His future in pro pickleball and what it takes to compete at the highest level
 
🔔 Subscribe for more Smashing Plastic podcasts and stay updated on the latest in pickleball!
 
📍 Want to train with us? Funville Farm offers clinics, lessons, and weekend events in Summerville, SC. DM us for details!
Follow Noah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahwinningham24
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

20: From 290lbs to Pickleball Powerhouse | Leonard Fox

Smashing Plastic Podcast - Featuring Leonard Fox
 
Welcome back to the Smashing Plastic Podcast! This episode, we sit down with our good friend Leonard Fox, who started his pickleball journey way back in 2017—before the sport exploded! Leonard shares how he stumbled into the game at a local rec center, got schooled by some older players, and became obsessed with getting better. He talks about his dedication to training, the evolution of pickleball, and how the sport changed his life—including a major weight loss transformation.
Topics we cover:
✅ Getting hooked on pickleball back in 2017
✅ Learning from the OG Charleston players
✅ The evolution of the game & community
✅ Smashing his way into tournaments (literally!)
✅ Diversity in pickleball & the sport’s future
 
Whether you’re a veteran player or just discovering the sport, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and insights into the fastest-growing game in the world!
 
Follow Leonard:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonard.fox.9
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Leonard.fox.9
Website: https://picklestrong.com/
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 
Drop a comment—When did YOU start playing?
#pickleball #smashingplasticpodcast #LeonardFox #pickleballlife

19: Top-Tier Tournaments with Katie Mell

Welcome to the Smashing Plastic Podcast! In this episode, Coach Tommy sits down with the incredible Katie Mell, one of the top names in Charleston pickleball! Katie is the powerhouse behind KM Pickleball Solutions, a tournament directing company that runs high-level pickleball events with precision, professionalism, and passion.
 
Katie shares her journey from competitive play to event organization, her approach to running seamless tournaments, and why creating a great player experience is everything. If you've ever played a disorganized tournament (we've all been there!), you'll love her insights on how to spot a well-run event and why community matters so much in pickleball.
 
Topics Covered:
- What makes a pickleball tournament great?
- How Katie built her tournament brand
- The growth of the pickleball community
- Why spectators and support make a difference
 
Whether you're a player, tournament director, or just a fan of the game, this episode is packed with value! Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more awesome pickleball content!
Follow Katie:
Website: https://flow.page/kmellpickleball
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmellpickleball
 
Follow Smashing Plastic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 
#pickleball #smashingplasticpodcast 

18: Coaching Conversation with a Certified Paddle Tech - William Wert

In this episode, we welcome a special guest, William Wert (USRSA, MRT, CS, PRA), an experienced pickleball coach and director of racket sports at multiple clubs in Charleston, SC. William takes us through his inspiring journey from tennis to discovering a love for pickleball. We talk about coaching philosophy, the importance of positive energy, and how the right coach can be a game-changer for players at any level.
Key Topics Covered:
- William's transition from tennis to pickleball
- Coaching tips for improving your game
- Why having a coach accelerates your progress and makes the sport more fun
 
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this episode is packed with valuable insights to level up your pickleball game. Don’t miss it! 👉
Like & Subscribe to support the channel and stay updated on all things pickleball!
Follow William:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stringtheorychs/?hl=en
Website: https://wrwtennis11.wixsite.com/stringtheorychs
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
#Pickleball #CoachingTips #SmashingPlasticPodcast #PickleballCharleston

17: US Coast Guard's Pickleball Star - Alessandro Rodriguez

In this episode of the Smashing Pickleball Podcast, Coach Tommy goes live at the Pickle Bar with special guest Alessandro, a 40-year-old active-duty Coast Guard member and passionate pickleball player.
 
What’s Inside This Episode:
Alessandro's journey: From tennis courts to pickleball kitchens
Transitioning from competitive tennis to becoming a 4.3-rated pickleball player in just over a year
Insights into the APP and PPA tournament scene, entry fees, and how rankings work
Pro tips on leveling up your game, including playing with better players, drilling, and competing in meaningful matches
A discussion on ratings systems like DUPR and UTRP and how they impact competition
 
Whether you're new to pickleball or looking to step up your game, Alessandro shares his personal experiences and advice on getting serious about tournaments, improving skills, and keeping the fun alive on the court.
 
👉 Don’t forget to like and subscribe!
Follow Alessandro on IG: https://www.instagram.com/adrod.pb
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
#pickleball #podcast #smashingplasticpodcast #coastguard #pickleballtournaments

16: Pickleball Growth, Coaching Insights, and Gear Talk with Jeff Conradi

Welcome to the Smashing Plastic Podcast! In this episode, Coach Tommy sits down with Jeff Conradi, a passionate pickleball ambassador and regional rep for Head. They explore his inspiring journey from hockey coaching to becoming a driving force in the pickleball community. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you smash your pickleball journey. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay updated on all things pickleball!
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop your comments below.
#Pickleball #SmashingPlastic #PickleballTips #CommunityInvolvement

15: Serving Success as an Event Organizer | Emily Taylor

Join us for this exciting episode as Coach Tommy sits down with Emily Taylor, co-owner of Litchfield Pickleball and Inlet Pickleball, based in the picturesque Pawleys Island and Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina. Emily shares her inspiring journey from tennis player to pickleball entrepreneur, creating top-tier, community-focused facilities that prioritize the love of the game.
 
📍 Visit Emily's Facilities:
Litchfield Pickleball: https://www.litchfieldpickle.com
Inlet Pickleball: https://www.inletpickle.com
 
📢 Follow & Subscribe for more pickleball insights, stories, and tips. Don’t miss the chance to hear from the passionate players shaping the future of our favorite sport!
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
#pickleball #SmashingPlasticPodcast #LitchfieldPickleball #communitydriven