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Around the Pod
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.
Around the Pod
What Pickleball Pros Actually Think About Amateur Players (Ep. 1)
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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" intermediates Justin McLeod and Michael Murrell, this show is here to bridge the gap between the pro court and the local rec session.
In this episode, we dive headfirst into a controversial debate that's dividing the community: Should amateur and intermediate players be paid prize money? Since tournament registration fees from the 3.0 to 4.0 divisions fund the pro-level payouts, we debate whether it's time for intermediates to get their own cash rewards—and why some players are secretly "tanking" their DUPR ratings to chase cash prizes in Asia.
We also discuss:
- Our hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) pickleball origin stories.
- How Victoria went from 7 registered members in 2018 to a thriving community of over 5,000.
- What Australia can learn from the massive food, fashion, and social pickleball lifestyle in Malaysia.
- Quickfire Round: Our honest reviews on the RPM V2, Six Zero Coral, and Jola Agassi paddles, our dream partners (shoutout to Ben Johns and ALW), and the on-court pet peeves that absolutely grind our gears.
Whether you're a seasoned pro, a 3.5 tournament regular, or a "Pickle Daddy" in training, grab your paddle and join the group chat!
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Send us your questions and comments!
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A special thanks to our studio sponsor, Pickle4real — Melbourne’s premier indoor pickleball centre in Mentone.
Pickle4Real features eight climate-controlled indoor courts for social play, coaching, DUPR games, tournaments and private events. Open seven days a week, it also hosts PPA and DUPR competitions and offers venue hire and event support.
Play indoor pickleball in Melbourne at Pickle4real:
■ Website: https://pickle4real.com.au/
■ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickle4real/
■ Facebook: Pickle4real Facebook
■ Join Pickle4real League
■ Location: 36–40 Shearson Crescent, Mentone VIC 3194
