What Pickleball Pros Actually Think About Amateur Players

Welcome to the debut episode of Around the Pod!

Hosts Aaron Blitz, Josh Chia, Justin McLeod, and Michael Murrell sit down in the booth at Pickle4real to share their origin stories, react to wild pro moments like Gabe Tardio’s pizza-fueled runs, and break down the massive explosion of pickleball in Australia.

From beating up on 60-year-olds to founding state associations and transitioning from other sports, the boys chat about where Australian pickleball is headed over the next 5 years, how we compare to the booming scene in Asia, and drop a massive hot take on tournament prize money for 3.5 and intermediate players.

🎙️ HOSTS:
■ Aaron Blitz: instagram.com/blitzpickleball
■ Josh Chia: instagram.com/chia_pickleball
■ Michael Murrell: instagram.com/yeahniceshot
■ Justin McLeod: instagram.com/juzzy23pb

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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: pickle4real.com.au
■ Instagram: instagram.com/pickle4real
■ Facebook: Pickle4real Facebook
■ Join Pickle4real League
■ Location: 36–40 Shearson Crescent, Mentone VIC 3194