The Future of Pickleball

Future of Pickleball #87 - How Pickleball Can Become an Olympic Sport

What does it really take for pickleball to go global — and make the Olympics? In Episode 87 of Future of Pickleball, host Paul Olson sits down with investigative pickleball journalist Erik Tice (‪@TheDinkPickleball‬ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDinkPickleball]) to break down the urgent need for a unified international governing body. 🚨 They discuss: * The battle between the GPF, WPF, and IPF * Why the 2032 Brisbane Olympics might be pickleball’s shot * What “global governance” actually means * Voting systems, IOC recognition, and the SportsAccord process * How to grow pickleball in low-resource countries * Why this matters more than tour rivalries or league politics

Future of Pickleball #86 - Why Pickleball's 50+ League Might Be the Sport's Future

In this episode of Future of Pickleball, we dive into a game-changing conversation about the fast-growing world of senior professional pickleball—and why it’s becoming the heartbeat of the sport’s expansion.

Future of Pickleball #85 - From NFL Star to Pickleball Advocate: Jake Plummer’s Mission

In Episode 85 of The Future of Pickleball, host Paul Olson sits down with NFL quarterback-turned-pickleball-champion-for-change Jake “The Snake” Plummer for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation. Jake opens up about: 🏈 His journey from NFL stardom to discovering pickleball in his 40s 🎾 Why pickleball is the perfect sport for retired athletes and aging bodies 🧠 How paddle sports can help combat brain health issues like CTE and dementia 🍄 His mission with functional mushrooms and the GetUmbo wellness brand 👟 Why he’s pushing for youth clinics, free access, and inclusivity in pickleball 🎒 How multi-sport youth development creates better athletes—and better humans Jake is a passionate voice for health, movement, and finding joy in the game—whether you’re 18 or 80. Whether you’re a former athlete, a parent, or someone just getting into pickleball, this episode will motivate you to get on the court and keep moving.

Future of Pickleball #84 - The Spread of Global Pickleball

Welcome to Episode 84 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Jen Ramamurthy, secretary general and Oceania continental director of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and Justin Maloof, chief competition officer at USA Pickleball and USA representative for GPF. Jen and Justin discuss the origins of the GPF, the role of Australia and Oceania in its development, and the importance of creating a unified international governing body for the sport. They also explain the challenges and opportunities in growing pickleball globally, including the need for resources, governance structures, and empowering every country to grow pickleball in their respective area. Collaboration among countries and organizations is important to foster pickleball's growth to establish a strong foundation for the future.

Future of Pickleball #83 - Technology's Impact on the Growth of Pickleball

Welcome to Episode 83 of the Future of Pickleball podcast! In this episode, Paul Olson welcomes Max Ade, the co-founder and CEO of Pickleheads, a technology platform designed to connect pickleball players and help organize games. They discuss the evolution of pickleball, the importance of technology in the sport, and how Pickleheads is addressing many challenges, including skill level matching, court utilization, and player ratings. Max shares his predictions on the future of pickleball, including global expansion, the need for inclusivity in ratings, and the role of coaching in player development.