Best Neil Balme Podcasts (2026)

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#106 - Coolcabanas are taking OVER! 29:58

Play Pause

13h ago29:58

29:58

This episode is a quicky but a goodie. Brian and Harrison kick things off by getting an update on how BT's summer holidays are going. Then they get stuck into another ⁠⁠⁠⁠Barwon Heads Brewing Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 6-pack, where they cover; Brian's discontent with Coolcabanas taking over Lorne beach, the Lachie Neale situation, what’s happening in Venezuela, an…

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#105 - XMAS Review + HELLO 2026 44:34

8d ago44:34

44:34

This week is a little bit different, much like the Taylor Christmas (and family dynamic generally), it's messy, chaotic, loud and spontaneous, yet, it all seems to come together in end. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Brian, Harrison and Rocky anchor the episode, while having a 4th, revolving style guest seat, filled by family and friends to re-hash the holiday festivities. ⁠…

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#104 James Tomkins - Australia's Greatest Ever Rower 1:09:42

15d ago1:09:42

1:09:42

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off by acknowledging the Bondi Shooting tragedy and sharing their condolences to the victims and their families. They then tuck into a Christmas themed edition of the ⁠⁠⁠Barwon Heads Brewing Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 6-pack. Joining the show this week is James Tomkins. James is undoubtedly Australia's greatest ever rower, as…

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#103 Ken Piesse - Sports journalist & commentator 1:36:36

22d ago1:36:36

1:36:36

This week Brian and Harrison are joined by friend of the show, Rocky Dabscheck for the intro. They kick things off with updates: Rocky's recent trip to Thailand, BT's diet and, of course, his tunnel. In this weeks ⁠⁠Barwon Heads Brewing Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠ 6-pack they cover; F1 season review, the Warners Brothers sale, Australia's U/16 Social media ban and ple…

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#102 Peter Hitchener - News Presenter 54:40

29d ago54:40

54:40

This week Brian was MIA, so Harrison intro's the podcast solo - cutting the fat and getting straight into the good stuff. Joining the show this week is Peter Hitchener. Peter is a news presenter who has been working in broadcasting for over 60 years, he's one of Melbourne's most loved identities, but above all else, he's one of the most, kind, gene…

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#101 Ruby Schleicher - AFLW Star & Media Personality 1:05:44

1M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off by giving an update on BTs home projects and some AFL draft thoughts. They then crack open another 6-pack of topics for ⁠Barwon Heads Brewing Co.⁠⁠⁠, including; the First Ashes Test, more Metro Tunnel slander, F1 season thoughts, and plenty more. Joining them on the mic this week is Ruby Schleicher. Ruby…

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Live from Pickleball Kingdom: Real Players, Real Stories, Zero Filter 32:59

1M ago32:59

32:59

Gina and Neil recorded this one live at Pickleball Kingdom in Menomonee Falls, WI, where the courts stay full and the community is the whole point. They dig into why pickleball facilities are exploding, how each one builds its own culture, and why people show up at the same place day after day. Throughout the episode, they bring a rotating cast of …

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#100 EPISODES!! 🎉 49:53

1M ago49:53

49:53

This week Brian and Harrison celebrate 100 Episodes of Life of Brian. They talk about some of their favourite Eps., what Eps. have been the most successful, and what they've enjoy about the podcasting process thus far. They also crack open another 6-pack of topics for Barwon Heads Brewing Co.⁠⁠, before finally, being joined by friend of the family …

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What Do You Want to Be Known For? Pickleball’s Relationship & Friendship Drama 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

Gina and Neil are back, and they’re diving straight into the side of pickleball nobody likes to admit exists: the drama. From pro-level chaos to everyday rec-court fallouts, the sport is seeing friendships end, relationships blow up, and reputations shift fast. In this episode, they walk through what they’ve witnessed, what they’ve experienced, and…

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#99 Damian Barrett - Australian Sports Journalist 1:13:43

2M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off by covering all the major headlines in BT's world. First, the goings-on on the home-front, and then all the normal areas of interest; new AFL rules, Piastri conspiracy theories, BT's fascination with Shohei Ohtani, the Trump Nobel Peace Prize buzz, the Louvre Hiest, and finally, a chainsaw inspired CHAT-…

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#98 BTs 2010s 1:00:09

2M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

This week Brian and Harrison are joined by Tania Taylor (Brian's wife / Harrison's mum / 'The Darl'), they cover the usual topics making headlines across the AFL, the world and within the family unit. Next, they resume their deep dive on the 'Life of Brian', they cover his career and life from 2010-2019, including; his move from MMM to 3AW and back…

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#97 Neil Balme - AFL Legend 1:14:32

3M ago1:14:32

1:14:32

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off by covering all the major headlines in BT's world; Phillip Island MotoGP attendance, AFL Trade Deadline, updates on both his 'Tunnel Project' and health journey. Joining them on the mic this week is Neil Balme. Neil has been involved in league football at the highest level for over 50 years and has one o…

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We Tried Xtreme Brands CBD Balm & Spray | Instant Pain Relief on the Court! 13:32

3M ago13:32

13:32

At a recent NPL event, Gina was struggling with serious back pain when she stumbled across Xtreme Brands, a pharmaceutical-grade wellness company known for their CBD-based products. One quick try of their CBD Pain Relief Balm and Spray, and the results? Immediate. Neil tested it on his knees... same story. We’re talking about what makes these produ…

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Pickleball Rituals, Nerves, and Motivation | The Mental Side of the Game 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil, we’re diving into the mental side of pickleball, from quirky rituals and nervous habits to how we motivate ourselves (and our partners) when the game gets rough. We’ve all been there. You lose a few points in a row, your partner’s off their rhythm, and the pressure’s creeping in. So what do you d…

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#96 Jason Heffernan - CFA Chief Officer 1:25:02

3M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

By Clubby Sports

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Paddle Evolution | How Design Changed the Game 24:40

3M ago24:40

24:40

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil, it’s all about paddles — where they started, how they’ve evolved, and where innovation is headed next. Neil shares a bit of family history from the early days of Pro Lite Pickleball and breaks down the details of the wooden paddles players had to use at the recent PPA Sacramento Vintage Open. Fro…

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#95 AFL GF REVIEW 25' 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

This week Brian and Harrison review the massive week and weekend that was; Grand Final Week, Grand Final Day, the wash-up, some classic stories and what's next. This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Yellow Iron Fleet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat BT:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Voice messages Hosts: Brian & Harrison Taylor Guest: N/A Produced by …

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#94 AFL GF WEEK 25' 38:04

4M ago38:04

38:04

This week Brian and Harrison chat all things AFL Grand Final, they review the Preliminary Finals, preview the Grand Final, discuss BT's busy GF week schedule, State or Origin and much, much more. This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Yellow Iron Fleet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat BT:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Voice messages Hosts: Brian & Harrison…

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The Pickleball Obsession | When Passion Turns Into Addiction 19:11

4M ago19:11

19:11

Pickleball is fun, social, and healthy—but what happens when it takes over your entire life? Gina and Neil dive into the growing obsession with the sport and how it can spill into every area of life, from friendships and relationships to work and responsibilities. They talk about what makes pickleball so addictive, how to find balance between passi…

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#93 AFL PRELIM WEEK 25' + Alan Howe - World-Renowned Journalist 1:24:28

4M ago1:24:28

1:24:28

This week Brian and Harrison open the episode with friend of the show, Rocky Dabscheck, as they cover all the major AFL and world news; they review the Semi-finals, preview the big Prelims, cover the Zach Merritt situation, dabble in the Charlie Kirk murder, plus, a can't miss F1 / Piastri rant from Brian. Next, the boys are joined by world-renowne…

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From Pros to Pick-Up | Lessons From the Court 21:16

4M ago21:16

21:16

This week’s episode is packed with real match talk and lessons from the court. Gina shares her run in the senior pro bracket at the APP Chicago Open, while Neil breaks down his local flex league tournament — including how he adjusted against opponents towering at 6’7” and 6’8”. The two dive into strategies for handling taller players, why partner c…

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#92 Tom Baulch AKA Prime Train - Business Owner & Content Creator 1:25:12

4M ago1:25:12

1:25:12

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some general chit-chat, they cover; the big AFL Finals headlines and upcoming games, Dan Andrews attending the Chinese Military Parade, Dezi Freeman (where is), plus, '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAT-BT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'. Joining them on the mic this week is Tom Baulch, also known as Prime Train. Tom is the founder and CEO…

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The Love of the Game | Why Pickleball Brings Out Our Inner Kid 21:27

4M ago21:27

21:27

Everyone has that first game they fell in love with — the one that sparked endless hours of practice in the driveway, backyard, or garage. In this episode, they reflect on the athletes they admired growing up, the games that shaped them, and how all those moments paved the way for falling head over heels for pickleball. They explore why pickleball …

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#91 AFL Finals Preview 25' + The Porepunkah Manhunt 1:14:35

4M ago1:14:35

1:14:35

This week Brian and Harrison are joined by Mrs T / The Darl / Mum / Tania Taylor to preview the AFL Finals series, discuss some life updates and also, some major current affairs, they cover: The Legends Game AFL NEWS: First openly bi-sexual former or current player, Mitch Brown. Season awards & All-Australian. Porepunkah police murders BT & HT obse…

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From Local Courts to National Stages | How Pickleball Players Grow Their Game 24:12

4M ago24:12

24:12

How do you go from hitting around at the local rec center to competing on the national stage? In this episode, Gina and Neil dig into the pathway of a pickleball player: starting with those first rallies at community gyms and rec departments, and eventually working up to tournaments both big and small. They talk about what it’s like to sign up for …

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#90 Doug Hawkins - AFL Icon 1:30:41

4M ago1:30:41

1:30:41

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some general chit-chat, they cover; their big trip to Yellow Iron Fleet's mine site in SW NSW, the Izak Rankine debacle, Tom De Koning situation, F1 summer break, an interesting mailbag submission, plus, '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAT-BT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠'. Joining them on the mic this week is AFL Icon, Doug Hawkins. Dougy,…

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The Delusional Player | When Confidence Turns to Chaos 18:10

5M ago18:10

18:10

This week’s episode takes on one of Gina’s favorite topics: the delusional player. You know the type: the ones signing up for pro brackets without a shot at qualifying, the 3.5s decked out in flashy gear, or the players asking if they “have what it takes to go pro” while treating others with a sense of entitlement. Gina and Neil talk about the fine…

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#89 John Bertrand - America's Cup Winning Skipper & Businessman 1:27:33

5M ago1:27:33

1:27:33

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some general chit-chat, they discuss; A very interesting function they attended recently, the installation of a memorial bench seat for BT's great mate, Michael Turner, the state of the West Gate Freeway, the major AFL headlines, a mailbag, a '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat-BT' and plenty more. Joining them on th…

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Hall of Famer, Founder, Father | Mark “Yoda” Friedenberg’s Pickleball Story 27:18

5M ago27:18

27:18

Neil’s dad isn’t just Mark Friedenberg... he’s THE Mark “Yoda” Friedenberg: National Champion, USA Pickleball founder, Hall of Famer… and the guy who taught Neil almost everything he knows. We cover the early days of pickleball, the wild ride of owning Pro-Lite Sports, and why he decided to pull the trigger on creating USA Pickleball. Mark shares w…

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#88 Tom Elliott - Radio Personality 1:09:47

5M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some general chit-chat, they discuss; BT’s wrap of the TV week Logies, some major AFL headlines, a mailbag and plenty more. Joining them on the mic this week is Australian radio personality, Tom Elliott. Tom has been broadcasting on radio for almost 30 years, from short finance reports to now one of…

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Temper Tantrums & Walk-Offs | When Pickleball Gets Ugly 12:44

5M ago12:44

12:44

From paddle tossers to mid-game quitters, this week Gina and Neil dive into the emotional outbursts and dramatic exits happening more often on the pickleball court. Gina opens up about how she used to throw her paddle (but with flair), while Neil reflects on a lesson learned after throwing one in front of a crowd of retirees. They explore how reput…

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#87 Jackson Warne - A living legacy of the great Shane Warne 1:21:15

5M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some general chit-chat, they discuss; Brian's hilarious appearnce on 'The Front Bar', Brownlow predictions, the podcasts 2-year anniversary, '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAT-BT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' and plenty more. Joining them on the mic this week is Jackson Warne. Jackson is the son of Aussie icon, Shane Warne - arguably Aust…

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When Pickleball Breaks Up the Friendship (or the Marriage) 12:15

5M ago12:15

12:15

Pickleball is supposed to be fun... but what happens when it starts blowing up friendships, marriages, and long-standing court groups? Gina and Neil dive into the emotional fallout happening in pickleball communities everywhere, from breakups between besties to actual divorces. Some players are getting ditched because they "got too good." Others ar…

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#86 Isaac Smith - AFL Legend 1:09:59

5M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

This week Brian and Harrison kick things by working through some various items, they discuss; Greg Swann's appointment to the AFL, the Charlie Curnow's buzz, more AFL fixture confusion, an update on BT's projects (Ryan's Shed approaching completion and a discussion around a new project where Brian plans to dig a tunnel with is bare hands). Finally …

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From Death & Dismemberment to Dinks | Meet Kim Bastien, Co-Founder of Empower Pickleball 32:19

6M ago32:19

32:19

This week’s episode is a big one! Gina and Neil welcome their first-ever guest to the pod: Co-founder of Empower Pickleball, Kim Bastien. Kim opens up about how she stumbled into pickleball after a career in insurance, the corporate burnout that led her to a total life pivot, and what inspired her to start a platform that gives voice to everyday pl…

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#85 Duncan Barber - Sheep Farmer 1:03:55

6M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some of the usual chit-chat, they discuss; Brian's appearance in the MMM Saturday Rub, the fixturing around Thursday Night Football, the return of the EJ Whitten Legends Game, what can go wrong in Bali and a '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAT-BT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' from Amsterdam. Joining them on the mic this week is sheep farmer, Dun…

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Court Etiquette | A Dying Art Form 9:07

6M ago9:07

9:07

It shouldn’t have to be said, but here we are. If you’re blowing through open gates mid-point, smacking balls back instead of handing them over, or just generally being THAT Person on the court... this episode is for you. Gina and Neil break down the etiquette that should be common sense but clearly isn’t anymore. From respect and pacing to body ba…

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#84 'Good For Footy' Special 1:14:47

6M ago1:14:47

1:14:47

This week is a little bit different, this week is purely dedicated to something close to our hearts: Community sports. First up, BT and Harrison are joined by Brian's youngest son, Jesse and friend of the show 'Rocky'. They discuss a few topics making headlines in our world before going through some of their favourite memories surrounding local foo…

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Is Open Play Really Open | The Truth About Newbies, Cliques, and Court Culture 6:16

6M ago6:16

6:16

You show up to open play for the first time. You’ve got your paddle, your nerves, and a little excitement in your step—because pickleball is supposed to be the most welcoming sport, right? But then… no one asks you to play. Your paddle sits untouched in the lineup. You’re told to play on parking lot lines. Welcome to the sometimes not-so-welcoming …

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#83 Heath Shaw - AFL Cult Hero 1:04:32

6M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some of the usual chit-chat, they discuss; BT's mid-season getaway to Port Douglas, they review Jay-Z's top 50 AFL players, Tom Lynch's suspension, the SCG surface and plenty more. Joining the boys this week is former AFL player, Heath Shaw. Heater as he's known, is an iconic character of our game, …

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Stop Getting Hurt Playing Pickleball | Real Talk on Shoes, Technique & Recovery 9:43

6M ago9:43

9:43

If you’ve ever stepped on a pickleball court and thought, “I’ve got the moves like I’m 25 again,” only to pull something mid-rally… yeah, you’re not alone. This week, Neil and Gina get real about injuries, and how the sport we love can quickly turn painful when we’re not taking care of ourselves. They dive into why pickleball injuries are becoming …

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#82 Cadel Evans - Australia's Greatest & Most Decorated Cyclist 1:39:23

6M ago1:39:23

1:39:23

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off with some of the usual chit-chat, they discuss; 'Chocco' (survey comp. winner) coming to pick up sticks in Lorne, the AFLs sale of Waverley Park, AFL State of Origin (again), the NBA Finals, Tour de France predictions, '⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAT-BT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠' and plenty more. Joining them on the mic this week is Australia's …

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Cheating in Pickleball | Rec vs Tournament Play (and How to Handle It) 13:25

7M ago13:25

13:25

This week on Keeping It Real, Gina and Neil get into the sticky subject of cheating in pickleball, from rec play politics to tournament tension. In this episode: ✔️ What to do when you're on the receiving end of a bad call ✔️ Why humor might be your best weapon in casual games ✔️ When to speak up, when to shrug it off ✔️ How cheating messes with yo…

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#81 A chipped tooth & The Prancing Pony 36:52

7M ago36:52

36:52

This week Brian and Harrison go solo, they chat all things life and footy including; BT's chipped his tooth, the weekend of footy, the Warwick Capper ban, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat BT and plenty more. This episode is brought to you by: ⁠Yellow Iron Fleet⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chat BT:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Voice messages Hosts: Brian & Harrison Taylor Guest: N/A Produced by Harrison Taylor Au…

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Sandbagging in Pickleball | Why Playing Up Makes You Better 11:04

7M ago11:04

11:04

Let’s call it what it is: sandbagging hurts the game. In this episode, Gina and Neil get into why playing up will always serve you better than playing down, and how tournament brackets don’t always reflect real skill levels. They share personal stories (including a 5.0 player sneaking into a 3.5 bracket at the US Open), talk about where DUPR rating…

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#80 Matt Keenan - The Voice of Cycling 1:15:50

7M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

This week Brian and Harrison hit on; an update on Brian's arm injury, a behind the scenes account of the Australian Football Hall of Fame night, Brian talks about how he showed up to the Grand Opening of Channel Seven's new HQ in Birks and a T-shirt, ⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAT-BT⁠⁠⁠⁠' and plenty more. Joining them on the mic this week is friend of the show and the v…

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8-0 in LA & Mountain Camp Vibes | NPL Wins, Coach Bonds & Community Feels 36:08

7M ago36:08

36:08

It’s a full-court press this week. Gina shares what went down at the National Pickleball League (NPL) event in LA: her undefeated run with the Denver Iconics, changes in the format, how team dynamics work, and why one encounter with Jennifer Dawson meant so much. Neil recaps his time coaching at a Suncoast Pickleball Camp in the North Carolina moun…

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#79 Derek Hine - AFL Recruiting Guru 1:17:48

7M ago1:17:48

1:17:48

This week Brian and Harrison kick things off by chatting about Brian’s recent arm surgery and how little care and sympathy he’s been receiving from his nearest and dearest. The surgery reignited his love of anesthetics and having a nurse to hail at any moment. They also discuss a few footy topics and have a round of '⁠⁠⁠CHAT-BT⁠⁠⁠'. Joining them on…

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Karens & Bangers | Soft Shots, Power Plays & Why Balance Wins 14:35

7M ago14:35

14:35

In this episode, Gina and Neil dive into the playful (but very real) divide in recreational pickleball: Karens vs. Bangers. Gina admits she used to be all power, all the time, until she had to teach herself how to slow things down. Neil naturally leans into a calmer, dink-focused game, but both agree: to truly grow as a player, you have to get unco…

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#78 Jacqui Felgate - Radio Presenter & Unofficial 'Queen of Melbourne' 58:19

7M ago58:19

58:19

This week Brian and Harrison kick things of with some footy chat, they cover; State of Origin footy, the Front Bars 'Team of Tradies; (which BT features in), plus, '⁠CHAT-BT⁠'. Next, the boys are joined by radio presenter and the unofficial 'Queen of Melbourne', Jacqui Felgate. A journalist by trade, Jacqui has been providing Melburnians with the n…