Episodes

  • S2 Ep4: Recycling Paddles & Growing Pickleball: Freddie Gratton’s Big Vision - (PART 2)

    S2 Ep4: Recycling Paddles & Growing Pickleball: Freddie Gratton’s Big Vision - (PART 2)
    Mar 27 2025
    Freddie Gratton dives into the UK Pickleball Shop’s eco-friendly initiatives, from recycling paddles to supporting young talent. He shares his vision for expanding into Europe, increasing school participation, and building dedicated pickleball centres. Plus, hear about his diverse sports background and upcoming stag do in Lisbon!

    If you enjoyed please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE the podcast!
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • S2 Ep4: Freddie Gratton: Owner Of The UK Pickleball Shop - (PART 1)

    S2 Ep4: Freddie Gratton: Owner Of The UK Pickleball Shop - (PART 1)
    Mar 21 2025
    Freddie Gratton shares the story behind his name and how a lockdown hobby led to owning the UK Pickleball Shop. Hear how he revamped the business, levelled up its marketing, and teamed up with Pickleball England.

    If you enjoyed please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE the podcast!
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • S2 Ep3: Where is Pickleball Heading Next... The Olympics? - S2: EP 3 (Part 2)

    S2 Ep3: Where is Pickleball Heading Next... The Olympics? - S2: EP 3 (Part 2)
    Mar 6 2025
    From adaptive play and wheelchair pickleball to growing the game in schools and new countries, Frank shares his vision for making pickleball more inclusive and globally recognised.

    Frank also reflects on his achievements and the exciting road ahead for the sport.

    Where is pickleball heading next?

    If you enjoyed this episode, please FOLLOW the podcast!
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • S2 Ep3: The Fight for Pickleball: Frank Arico Reveals All... - S2: EP 3 (Part 1)

    S2 Ep3: The Fight for Pickleball: Frank Arico Reveals All... - S2: EP 3 (Part 1)
    Feb 27 2025
    In this episode of What a Pickle, I (Andy) chat with Frank Arico, a driving force behind pickleball’s rise in the UK and beyond. From helping recognise Pickleball in England to growing the game across Europe and even South Africa, Frank shares the highs, challenges, and future of the sport.

    Plus, we dive into inclusivity, international expansion, and why pickleball is booming worldwide.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please FOLLOW the podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • S2 Ep2: How Can Pickleball Evolve...? - (PART 2)

    S2 Ep2: How Can Pickleball Evolve...? - (PART 2)
    Jan 9 2025
    Our conversation continues with Louis Laville.

    Discover insights about team selections, performance stats, and the evolution of pickleball in Europe. With 17 gold medals this year alone, Louis shares his journey, training challenges, and what it means to represent his country.

    What is over the horizon for Pickleball?

    Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE if you enjoyed!
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • S2 Ep2: It Finally Came Home... The Return of Louis Laville - PART 1

    S2 Ep2: It Finally Came Home... The Return of Louis Laville - PART 1
    Dec 20 2024
    This week, we’re joined by the legendary Louis Laville, England’s flag bearer and gold-medal machine! 🥇🔥

    We dive into:
    🇬🇧 England’s triumph in the Euros
    🏆 Louis’s career highlights, including 58 professional gold medals
    🌟 His incredible 17 golds in 2024 alone

    Get ready insights into his journey, and what it takes to become a champion. Don’t miss this exclusive chat with a living legend!

    Please be sure to follow the podcast if you enjoyed the episode!
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • S2 Ep1: Expanding Pickleball: Overcoming Access and Growth Challenges in the UK - (PART 2)

    S2 Ep1: Expanding Pickleball: Overcoming Access and Growth Challenges in the UK - (PART 2)
    Nov 1 2024
    Sam Basford and I explore the barriers facing Pickleball and Pickleball players in the UK, from limited court access and high costs to the need for official recognition and funding.

    Listen to the FULL episode to find out more.

    Thank you to Sam Basford for joining me! Who should we have on next?

    Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • S2 Ep1: What A Pickle RETURNS with Sam Basford - (PART 1)

    S2 Ep1: What A Pickle RETURNS with Sam Basford - (PART 1)
    Oct 25 2024
    Welcome back to What A Pickle - The Pickleball Podcast.

    I'm Andy and I'm here to bring you all things Pickleball.

    Meet Sam Basford a top-level player, commentator, and coach. He’s the youngest-ever Tournament Director of the English Open and a Nottingham Uni grad, now shaping the future of pickleball coaching. Want to learn more? Listen to the whole episode to find out all about Sam.

    Please follow What A Pickle and share with your friends and family.

    Thank you,

    Andy - What A Pickle
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins