Smashing Plastic Podcast

In episode 32 of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy sits down with Sandy Halkett, founder of Adaptive Pickleball, to talk about how she’s making pickleball accessible to players of all abilities—what she calls “diverse-abilities.” Sandy shares how Adaptive Pickleball started during COVID, why it’s grown into a thriving nonprofit, and the powerful stories of transformation she’s witnessed—like veterans finding healing and players of all ages (from 5 to 80+) discovering the joy of the sport.
They cover:
* How Adaptive Pickleball modifies the game for different needs
* Creative games like Thunderball & Pickleball Four Square
* The role of therapists and volunteers in building community
* Future goals, from more wheelchairs to facilities and sponsors
* A simple coaching tip every new player can use: “Serve and stay”
* Why pickleball’s rapid learning curve makes it special compared to golf
* How a handicap system could keep the game inclusive and social
 
If you love pickleball, coaching insights, and stories about the power of community, this episode is packed with inspiration.
🌐 Learn more: adaptivepickleball.com | veteransplaypickleball.com
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In this episode 31 of Smashing Plastic, Coach Tommy sits down with pro pickleball player Anderson Scarpa at Crush Yard in Charleston, SC. From his days as a Division I tennis player to becoming one of the most respected grinders on the pro pickleball tour, Anderson shares the journey, the sacrifices, and the passion behind his rise in the sport.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- Anderson’s path from Charleston tennis courts to pro pickleball
- Balancing life as a touring athlete, husband, and father (+ baby boy on the way!)
- The mental toughness it takes to compete at the highest level
- Why pickleball paddle technology is changing the game
- Inside look at Major League Pickleball and playing for the Nashville Chefs
 
Anderson also drops gold for everyday players: embrace your natural style and build your game around what you do best, not what looks “perfect.”
If you love gritty stories, inside-the-tour insights, and some laughs along the way—this is the episode for you.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Smashing Plastic for more conversations with the best in pickleball!
Follow Scarpa:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/andersonscarpa
IG: https://www.instagram.com/andersonscarpa
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 

This one’s a vibe. Tommy sits down with his longtime drilling partners and good friends Ben Schofield and Joe Ambrosio for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.
They cover everything from how they started getting serious, to staying sharp through weekly tournaments, to why winning 50% of your points is actually elite (shoutout Roger Federer). You’ll hear gear talk, fitness confessions, and how stretching might be the most underrated move in pickleball.
Whether you’re here for laughs, drills, or just to hear guys give each other a hard time—this one’s worth the rally.
Follow Joe: https://www.instagram.com/ambrosius_strix
Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/gram_jammin
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What happens when a leadership expert with a brand-new book steps onto the pickleball court for the first time? Ben-Jamin Toy, co-author of Becoming a Cohesive Leader, joins us to talk about mindset, growth, and the power of sucking at something new.
We unpack his POWER acronym and apply it to everything from career success to resetting your pickleball game plan. This one’s packed with practical takeaways, hilarious early-pickleball stories, and game-changing insights for anyone trying to level up—on or off the court.
Hit play and get ready to evolve.
Topics:
Why mindset is more important than talent
Coaching vs. natural skill in sports & business
Ambidextrous paddle play??
Why you must celebrate the small wins
How delayed gratification hurts more than helps
 
🔗 Grab Ben-Jamin’s book + AI coach: powerupguide.com
🔔 Subscribe and share if you’re growing your game—physically and mentally.
Follow Ben-Jamin:
Leadership Team Building: www.Onpurposeadventures.com
Kayak Adventures: www.Natureadventureschs.com
Leadership Training: www.Thecohesiveleader.com
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 

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
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic
 

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

Coach Tommy is back at the beautiful Pickleball Kingdom in Mount Pleasant, SC, to break down everything you need to know about DUPR — the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system.
In this episode:
What is DUPR, and why does it matter?
How your rating is calculated
How to get an official rating without entering a tournament
The role of a Certified DUPR Coach (like Coach Tommy!)
Tips on how to improve your rating the right way
Why facilities like Pickleball Kingdom are changing the game with DUPR-wired courts
 
Plus, hear all about Smashing Plastic Pickleball HQ at Fun Mill Farm — our home for future clinics, events, and training in Summerville, SC!
👉 Want to raise your rating or get officially evaluated? Coach Tommy has you covered.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more pro tips, event coverage, and behind-the-scenes fun from the world of pickleball!
 
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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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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/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/