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Around the Pod | Pickleball Podcast
Four hosts. Two Australian pros. Two passionate amateurs. One obsession: pickleball.
Join Australian pros Aaron Blitz and Josh Chia alongside passionate pickleballers Justin McLeod and Michael Murrell as they dive into everything happening in the world's fastest-growing sport. From tournaments, tactics and the latest news to stories from life on and off the court, every episode blends elite insight with the perspective of everyday players. Featuring guests from across the pickleball world, Around the Pod is the podcast for anyone who loves the game — whether you're just getting started or competing at the highest level.
Episodes
10 episodes
Are Paddles Too Hot? + APC 2026 Takeover | Episode 7
The ATP crew is back in the studio! In this episode, Aaron, Josh, Michael, and Justin break down everything that went down over the past month.In this episode:Team Friday Signing: Josh breaks down his Asia trip,...
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Mini Episode: 2026 MLP Australia Draft Reaction: Roster Analysis & Contenders
The MLP Australia 2026 Draft is in the books! 🇦🇺🏓 In this mini-episode of Around the Pod, the team sits down to analyse all 8 team rosters ahead of Event 1 in Melbourne.We break down draft strategy, debate left-vs-right court po...
Sydney Pro Scene, Tennis Transitions, & The Aussie World Cup Draft with Brian Tran & Daiki Tanabe | Episode 6
Josh Chia and Michael Murrell host Sydney’s Brian Tran and Daiki Tanabe to talk tennis transitions, court shortages, and the growth of Australian pickleball.National Academy Memories: Brian on playing alongside Australia's to...
Ben Johns' Ex-Partner, Nasty Nelsons & Rally Scoring Hot Takes with Joey Farias & Mitch Hargreaves | Episode 5
On Episode 5 of Around the Pod, Aaron Blitz and Michael Murrell sit down at Pickle 4real with PPA pros Joey Farias and Mitch Hargreaves!Joey breaks down his history playing alongside Ben Johns, Simone Jardim, and Catherine Paren...
Mini Episode: Pickleball World Cup Roster Breakdown + Ultimate Aussie Athlete Draft
The Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang is right around the corner, and Team Australia is locked and loaded! 🇦🇺Join Aaron, Michael, Justin, and Josh as they run through the full list of players representing Australia across the Open, 50+, 60...
Pickleball Training Strategies, DUPR Ratings, and Tournament Tips | Episode 4
In Episode 4 of Around the Pod, Aaron Blitz, Josh Chia, Michael Murrell, and Justin McLeod dive into the highs and lows of recent tournament play, including their runs at the PPA, Gippsland Championships, and the Dink Series. The ...
Draft Betrayals, Right Side Respect, and Paddle Hot Takes with Crystal Mildwaters & Aaron Johnson | Episode 3
Welcome to Around the Pod, hosted at Pickle4real! Hosts Josh Chia and Michael Murrell are joined in the studio by Crystal Mildwaters and Aaron "AJ" Johnson for a hilarious and insightful breakdown of the Australian pickleball scene....
Gold Coast vs Perth Scene, Asia Tour Secrets & Aussie Pickleball "Love Island" Draft (ft. Nicholas Maleganeas & Nigel Lee) | Episode 2
Gold Coast pros Nick Maleganeas and Perth’s Nigel Lee join Josh Chia and Michael Murrell in the booth at Pickle4real ahead of the PPA Melbourne 250.In this episode, the boys break down:• Gold Coast vs Perth: Why Queensland produces ...
Mini-Episode: PPA 250 Melbourne Draw Breakdown & Pro Predictions
Tournament weekend is here! 🏓In this special Around the Pod mini-episode, your resident pros Aaron Blitz and Josh Chia take the mic to preview the massive PPA 250 Melbourne tournament happening this weekend (July 16th - 1...
What Pickleball Pros Actually Think About Amateur Players | Episode 1
Episode Summary: Welcome to the premiere episode of Around the Pod—not Australia's first pickleball podcast, but definitely about to be its best! Hosted by pros Aaron Blitz and Josh Chia alongside self-proclaimed "average Joe" int...