Pickleball Therapy

Ep. 287 - Guest Host CJ Johnson - Navigating the Obstacles to Being a Women Athlete

What does it mean to fight to be seen as an athlete — not once, but across an entire lifetime? In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, guest host CJ Johnson — co-head coach at Better Pickleball and a professional skier and PGA golf professional — shares her personal story of navigating life as a woman athlete over five decades. From being called "son" on the ski lift as a child, to being redirected to the women's tees as a golf pro who outdrove most men, to receiving unsolicited advice on the pickleball court despite being a widely recognized coach, CJ's experiences paint a vivid picture of the toll that constantly being underestimated can take. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/287-guest-host-cj-johnson-navigating-the-obstacles-to-being-a-women-athlete

Special Episode - Refinding the Joy in Pickleball with PickleballNikki

In this special episode of Pickleball Therapy, I sit down with Nikki Maldonado of Pickleball Nikki to explore a powerful mindset challenge: how players can rediscover joy as competition and expectations increase. Nikki shares how pickleball helped her reconnect with herself during a difficult time and explains the inspiration behind the Pickleball Joy Pledge—a commitment to keep the game uplifting, supportive, and fun. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/special-episode-refinding-the-joy-in-pickleball-with-pickleballnikki [https://betterpickleball.com/special-episode-refinding-the-joy-in-pickleball-with-pickleballnikki]

Ep. 286 - Mixed Troubles Playing with Your Significant Other

In this episode of Pickleball Therapy, we explore the unique challenges of playing mixed doubles with your spouse or life partner. From creating a communication plan to embracing the reality of missed shots, learn practical strategies to strengthen your on-court partnership by turning “mixed troubles” into growth. Show Notes:  https://betterpickleball.com/286-mixed-troubles-playing-with-your-significant-other

Ep. 285 - How's Your Sister Doing?

Everyday comments and assumptions can impact confidence and belonging on the court. In this episode, we reflect on locker room banter, self-awareness, and community responsibility. The episode also includes a coaching reflection on handling conflict and a listener's question about the third-shot drop. Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/285-hows-your-sister-doing/ [https://betterpickleball.com/?p=26898&preview=true]

Ep. 284 - My Hope for You

There's something meaningful —something worthy of care, attention, and long-term commitment about pickleball. My personal hopes for you as a pickleball player—on the court and beyond is that you're building a lifelong relationship with the sport. Because pickleball can strengthen your body, sharpen your mind, and deepen your personal growth.  Show Notes: https://betterpickleball.com/284-my-hope-for-you/ [https://betterpickleball.com/284-my-hope-for-you/]