Third Shot - A Pickleball Podcast

Ep. 134- From Court to Coloring Book

In this episode of Third Shot Podcast, Uncle Greg and Brigie sit down with Ishmael Nieves, the creative mind behind Pickleball Chronicles, a one-of-a-kind pickleball-themed coloring book. Ishmael shares the inspiration behind bringing the sport to life through art, creating a fun and engaging way for players of all ages to connect with pickleball off the court. Beyond the creativity, Ishmael opens up about his personal journey and how discovering pickleball has played a meaningful role in improving his mental health. From stress relief to finding community, he highlights the powerful impact the sport can have beyond competition.

Ep. 133- Find Your Match with Dink Date!

Third Shot Podcast cohosts, Uncle Greg and Brigie, sit down with Dawna Strouse, founder of Dink Date!, the first AI-powered social and dating app built exclusively for pickleball players. Dawna shares the inspiration behind creating a platform that goes beyond the game—helping players connect for friendship, doubles partnerships, and even romance through their shared love of pickleball. From on-court chemistry to meaningful off-court connections, Dawna explains how the app is designed to bring the pickleball community even closer together.

Ep. 132- From Courts to Corrections: Pickleball Changing Lives

In this powerful episode of Third Shot Podcast, Uncle Greg and Brigie sit down with pickleball instructor and advocate Roger BelAir, who is bringing the game to an unexpected place — inside prison walls.  Roger shares how he began introducing pickleball to incarcerated individuals and the remarkable impact the sport has had within correctional facilities. What started as a simple idea has grown into something much bigger, ultimately leading to the creation of Pickleball for Incarcerated Communities (PICL). The success and impact of the program have even attracted documentary filmmakers, who are currently producing a film titled Pickleball in Prison. Roger also shares a special connection to the history of the sport. After meeting Barney McCallum, one of pickleball’s three founders, he recounts the real story behind how the game got its name. A story you don’t want to miss!

Ep. 131- Pickleball Joy with Nikki Maldonado

Third Shot Podcast cohosts, Uncle Greg and Brigie, welcome Nikki Maldonado, founder of Pickleball Joy and the creator behind the popular Instagram account @pickleballnikki, for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and energizing. Nikki shares her personal pickleball journey and how the sport transformed her life far beyond the baseline. What started as a fun way to stay active quickly became a source of confidence and connection. That experience ultimately led her to create the Pickleball Joy Pledge — a movement designed to put community, kindness, and joy first. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the real win is the joy we bring to the game — and to each other.

Ep. 130- Atlanta’s Pickleball Pulse

In this episode of Third Shot Podcast, cohosts Uncle Greg and Brigie sit down with Jason Dominy, the creator behind the popular Instagram account @pickleballaroundatlanta. Jason has built a platform that spotlights the vibrant pickleball cultures and tight-knit communities across the Atlanta area, showcasing how the sport brings people together on and off the court. He opens up about his personal pickleball journey and shares how the game has played a meaningful role in supporting his mental health, offering an honest and inspiring perspective on why pickleball is more than just a sport. As a sponsored athlete with Premier Racquet Sports, an Ambassador for The Picklr – Cumming, and Swell Pickleballs, Jason embodies what it means to be a positive ambassador for the game.