Smashing Plastic Podcast

Halina Slowinski is back! One of our favorite fan-favorite guests returns with a real-time tour check-in from California at the PPA Masters. Halina shares what it’s like competing as a 10-year-old junior pickleball player, how she balances homeschooling + travel, what she’s training at The Pickler & Montclair Pickleball, and the specific skills she’s focused on right now (including backhand flicks, overheads, footwork, and improving singles). We also talk sponsors, paddles, tournament partners, and her best advice for kids getting started: get on the court and believe in yourself.
Follow along and track Halina’s next stops as she heads to Las Vegas and then Minnesota for another tournament.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Helena
01:22 Transitioning to Homeschooling for Pickleball
02:30 Competing in Tournaments
04:31 Life on the Road as a Young Athlete
06:17 Daily Habits and Training Insights
08:06 Working with Coach Jeff Heirs
09:47 Footwork and Fitness Training
12:20 Upcoming Tournaments and Goals
13:25 Surprises and Challenges in Pickleball
14:31 Acknowledging Sponsors and Support
16:15 Favorite Paddle and Shots
17:53 Meeting Professional Players
19:00 Future Aspirations and Advice for Young Players
 
Follow Halina:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/halina_pb_queen
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 

In this episode 41 of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy sits down with Sarah Ansboury—one of the earliest professional pickleball players, a current PPA Tour competitor, and the Vice President of the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), the world’s largest coach registry.
Sarah breaks down what’s coming in 2026 for PPR and global pickleball growth, why the sport can’t lose sight of grassroots development, and what it really takes to build sustainable pathways for players—especially kids and juniors. They dive into the realities of youth competition, parent/coach dynamics, sportsmanship, and why great coaching goes far beyond mechanics.
Coach Tommy also shares his vision for youth pickleball in Charleston and why a team-based model can change the entire experience for young athletes.
00:00 Introduction to Sarah Ansboury and Pickleball Coaching
01:00 The Growth of Pickleball and PPR's Role
04:00 International Expansion and Youth Development
06:45 The Importance of Youth in Pickleball
12:02 Coaching Youth: Challenges and Strategies
19:59 The Role of Parents and Coaches in Youth Sports
21:57 The Evolution of Pickleball
24:34 Pathways to Growth in Pickleball
27:41 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation
30:54 Coaching Ethics and Influence
36:14 The Role of Coaches in Player Development
 
Follow Sarah:
Website: https://sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sarahansbourypickleball
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahansboury
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
#pickleball #sarahansboury #ppr #smashingplastic

Kitchen-first pickleball is getting exposed. In this episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy sits down with Dayne Gingrich — senior pro player, top-level coach, and co-author of Pickleball Mindset — to talk about where the game is really being played (hint: transition zone), why MLP is a different sport, and how the next generation will change everything.
00:00 Intro + who is Dayne Gingrich
06:50 Why MLP reveals adjustment (and exposes players)
13:10 Bad coaching vs no coaching + how to vet coaches
15:40 The “kitchen-first” myth + transition zone priority
20:50 The future: aggression, paddle tech, and next-gen players
29:00 Youth pickleball in 2026: academies, scholarships, high school growth
33:45 Best tip for 3.0–4.0: joy + intention
 
Follow Coach Dayne:
Website: https://www.coachdayne.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dayne_gingrich/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dayne.gingrich
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZML929B?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_SBA7VGE45FB04QSB64DR&language=en-US
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 

In this engaging conversation, Coach Tommy interviews Travis Rettenmaier, a professional pickleball player, about his journey in the sport, the future of pickleball, and the importance of community and coaching. They discuss the dynamics of professional leagues like MLP and PPA, the rise of youth pickleball, and the significance of integrity in sports. Travis shares insights on improving one's game and the exciting new pickleball facility in St. Petersburg, highlighting the community aspect of the sport.
 
00:00 Introduction to Travis Rettenmaier
02:10 The Future of Pickleball
04:05 The MLP vs PPA Dynamics
08:20 Community and Inclusivity in Pickleball
12:51 The Rise of Youth Pickleball
18:26 The Importance of Coaching
22:33 Integrity in Sports
25:32 The New Pickleball Facility in St. Pete
28:52 Tips for Improving Your Pickleball Game
 
Follow Travis:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/travisrettenmaier
YT:  @badcallspod 
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 

From Marriott points and a dream to coaching celebrities, calling the biggest pro events, and shaping the future of our sport—Matt "Pickleball Mcnasty" Manasse (“the pickleball coach to the stars”) sits down with Coach Tommy for a deep dive into all things pickleball.
We talk about:
How pickleball completely changed Matt’s life in just 5 years
What it’s really like broadcasting for Pickleball TV & Tennis Channel
Why fun and community matter more than your DUPR
How to handle comparison and the “clicky” side of rec play
How insanely good the pros actually are (Hayden, Fed, Anna Leigh, Ben, Anna Bright & more)
Coach Matt’s #1 tip for players 4.0 and below who want to level up fast
 
If you love pickleball, this episode will light a fire under you.
Follow Matt "Pickleball Mcnasty" Manasse:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattmanasse
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pickleballmcnasty
YT: @MattManasse
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 

DUPR stressing you out?
In this episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy sits down with DUPR CEO Tito Machado to break down exactly how pickleball ratings really work, why your number isn’t your identity, and what’s coming next for the sport — from 9 million games of data to high school & college pickleball and the youth explosion that’s just getting started.
Tito talks about leaving Charleston for Boca Raton, FL (aka the new pickleball mecca), what DUPR has learned after becoming the standard across tours and clubs, and why players get “DUPR locked” chasing a number instead of chasing better skills and better matches.
If you’ve ever wondered…
“Why is my DUPR ‘wrong’?”
“How do I raise my DUPR the right way?” “
Why does a 4.5 in one city not feel like a 4.5 in another?”
…this conversation is for you.
 
Follow DUPR:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/duprpb/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DUPRPB
YT: @DUPRPB
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 
Subscribe to Smashing Plastic Podcast for more deep dives with pros, CEOs, coaches, and the people shaping the future of pickleball.

16-year-old pickleball prodigy Julian Slive drops absolute gems in this episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast — revealing the mindset, grind, and game-breaking shots that are turning heads in the pro scene.
From developing his two-hand roll and winning clutch points at 10-10, to his unshakable “play your game” mentality, Julian shares how he’s learning to win under pressure, chasing the dream through the APP tour, and proving that size doesn’t matter in pickleball — skill does.
We dive into:
His secret to that insane backhand roll
Why tennis players dominate pickleball
How to master pressure points like a pro
What parents should really do to support young players
The future of youth pickleball
Why you should ignore the critics and play YOUR game
 
Julian’s already one of the most exciting young talents in the sport — watch now before everyone else figures it out.
Follow Julian:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatrightsideguy
 

Join Coach Tommy live from the farm for an epic conversation with Chris Rodriguez of Concrete Charleston! From building top-notch pickleball courts to navigating the world of small business with integrity, these two share their experiences, insights, and a few laughs along the way.
If you’re a pickleball fan, a small business owner, or just love authentic, real-life stories, this episode is packed with insight and entertainment.
Follow Chris Rodriguez on TikTok to see his incredible European adventure: https://www.tiktok.com/@crodtravel
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Smashing Plastic stories, interviews, and pickleball adventures!

In Episode 34 of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy sits down with one of the true pioneers of the sport — Scott Mannetta, founder of PickleStrong and one of the earliest ambassadors for pickleball in Charleston, SC.
 
Scott shares his journey from helping grow pickleball in South Carolina to now teaching and mentoring players in Florida. He opens up about the challenges of bringing public courts to Mount Pleasant, the future of pickleball in schools and the NCAA, and what makes this sport such a powerful community-builder.
 
In this episode:
- How pickleball has evolved from its early grassroots days to today’s pro scene
- Why Scott believes pickleball will soon be an NCAA and Olympic sport
- The differences between Charleston and Naples pickleball communities
- The real economics behind pickleball facilities (and why “the juice isn’t worth the squeeze”)
- Scott’s new book series, beginning with “Jake’s First Game: A Pickle Strong Story”, inspired by his son Jake and the message of perseverance, kindness, and family
 
About Scott Mannetta:
Scott is the founder of Pickle Strong, a movement that promotes strength, community, and purpose in pickleball. His work continues to inspire players of all ages to live healthy, stay social, and give back through the sport they love.
 
* Check out Scott’s book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231137632-jake-s-first-game
* Learn more at https://www.picklestrong.com
* IG: https://www.instagram.com/picklestrong
* FB: https://www.facebook.com/picklestrong
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@picklestrong
 
🔥 Subscribe to the Smashing Plastic Podcast for more real conversations with the pioneers, coaches, and pros shaping the future of pickleball.
🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share to support the show and the pickleball community!
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 
#pickleball  #smashingplasticpodcast  #PickleStrong #pickleballlife 

You know him as Charleston’s beloved weatherman, but did you know Rob Fowler is also a passionate pickleball player and podcaster?
In Episode 33 of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Rob joins us to share how he went from forecasting storms to forecasting the future of pickleball in Charleston.
We dive into:
- Rob’s journey into pickleball and why he launched the “Rob Lob” podcast
- Why rally scoring helps beginners beat anxiety and jump right in
- What it’s like to play steps away from the world’s top 25 players
- Paddle talk; and why switching gear made Rob’s game stronger
- His vision for pickleball’s rapid growth across Charleston
 
Whether you tune in for the local legend or the pickleball insights, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.
 
Follow Rob:
The Rob Lob: https://www.counton2.com/video/the-rob-lob-episode-1/10965393/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/robfowlerwx
IG: https://www.instagram.com/robstormteam2/
Follow Smashing Plastic:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us spread the pickleball passion across the Lowcountry and beyond!
 
#robfowler #charlestonpickleball #pickleballpodcast #pickleballcommunity