Smashing Plastic Podcast

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

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
 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/

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/
 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 
Drop a comment—When did YOU start playing?
#pickleball #smashingplasticpodcast #LeonardFox #pickleballlife

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 

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
 
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
#Pickleball #CoachingTips #SmashingPlasticPodcast #PickleballCharleston

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
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
#pickleball #podcast #smashingplasticpodcast #coastguard #pickleballtournaments

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

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!
 
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
#pickleball #SmashingPlasticPodcast #LitchfieldPickleball #communitydriven

Welcome to an exciting episode of the pod where we sit down with Jake Kusmider, head pro at The Pickle Bar, former professional pickleball player, and lifelong athlete. Jake shares his incredible journey from competitive tennis to the rapidly growing world of professional pickleball.
Whether you're a pickleball newbie or a seasoned player, Jake’s insights and passion will inspire you to level up your game.
➡️ Tune in for expert advice, insider stories, and a glimpse into the future of pickleball!
Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring the pros and enthusiasts shaping the pickleball community.
Follow Jake:
https://www.instagram.com/jaketk_pb
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
Sponsor: https://1stclasscharleston.com/
#Pickleball #ProTips #Fitness #Podcast

In this episode of The Smashing Plastic Podcast, we dive into the evolving game of pickleball with insights from Coach Tommy and performance coach Connor Derrickson. From building athleticism and longevity on the court to creating sustainable fitness habits, we explore how players at any level can improve. Plus, we discuss the exciting future of juniors in pickleball and the potential for youth programs inspired by Major League Pickleball (MLP). Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this episode is packed with actionable advice and big-picture thinking.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more tips and discussions about all things pickleball! 
 
Follow Connor:
https://www.instagram.com/thatpickleballtrainer
https://c2perform.co/
 
 
Follow Smashing Plastic:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/
 
#pickleball #pickleballtraining #youthsports #fitness #MLP