Kitchen Talk: Pickleball Edition

Episode 81: Inside DUPR: Death Threats, Controversy, and the Rise to #1

Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, gets real about the highs and lows of building the world’s leading pickleball rating system. From nearly going out of business and facing intense backlash, including death threats, to helping establish DUPR as the clear global standard in pickleball, now used in more than 183 countries. In this candid episode, Tito shares the journey behind unifying ratings across MLP, PPA, and APP, the latest DUPR updates including mixed ratings, age-specific ratings, and AI-powered features, and how community feedback continues to shape the platform’s evolution and the future of pickleball. Follow us if you like what you're listening to :)

Episode 80: How AI Is Transforming Pickleball Highlights and Content Creation

Vaibhav Verma, founder of Aero AI, explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing pickleball content creation. From his background as a competitive tennis player and Y Combinator-backed founder to building a tool now used by the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, Vaibhav shares how he identified the inefficiency of editing match footage and created AI technology that automatically removes dead time, detects key moments, and generates highlight reels in minutes. Verma discusses the growing role of AI in sports, the impact of social media on pickleball’s rise, and why starting with a real problem, not just the technology, is the key to building impactful products. Follow if you like what you're watching :)

Episode 79: Bringing Pickleball to Prisons: The Movement Changing Lives Behind Bars

Roger BelAir is using pickleball to bring together inmates, including violent offenders, from places like Chicago’s Cook County Jail, where even individuals convicted of murder are finding common ground on the court. What were once deeply divided groups, including rival gang members who would not speak, are now playing side by side, competing, communicating, and even laughing and hugging one another. Through structure, accountability, and a clear incentive, “Don’t behave, don’t play,” the program gives these men a sense of purpose and belonging while helping reduce violence and disciplinary issues inside. What started as one bold experiment has grown into a nationwide movement, with pickleball now played in 79 prisons across 24 states, as Roger and his organization continue working to reshape prison culture and lower recidivism one rally at a time. Link to volunteer, donate, and find out more: https://www.picleague.org/

Episode 78: A Pickleball to the Eye Sparked the Creation of a Global Brand

Brad Robbins, founder of Kitchen Blockers, the lensless protective eyewear brand talks about redefining safety in pickleball After suffering an eye injury on the court Brad was inspired to create a solution that players would actually want to wear eliminating common issues like fogging glare and discomfort He shares the story behind Kitchen Blockers rapid growth into more than 40 countries the brands partnerships with USA Pickleball and PPA Juniors and why eye protection remains one of the most overlooked aspects of the sport Brad also offers insight into building a mission driven company emphasizing passion community and creating products that truly make a difference.

Episode 77: Evan Slaughter Found Pickleball in Rehab and the Purpose That Changed His Life

You probably know Evan Slaughter aka Fit2Serve as the hilarious guy behind the pickleball reels that make us all laugh but his story goes far deeper than social media. An Army veteran, Evan faced PTSD after his service and struggled with addiction, weight gain, and ultimately found himself in rehab searching for a way to rebuild his life. It was there that he discovered pickleball a sport that became not just an outlet but a turning point. Through the game, Evan found healing, community, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, he uses humor and content to make people smile, spread positivity, and inspire others who may be fighting their own battles. This episode is a powerful conversation about resilience, recovery, and how pickleball quite literally changed and saved his life. Follow to this page for bi-weekly episodes.