Best Travis Rettenmaier Podcasts (2025)

1
Wooden Paddles Made Pickleball… Better?! 28:25

Play Pause

5h ago28:25

28:25

The Kawamoto sisters snag gold in Cincinnati and prove that they were severely underrated! We get into why their patient style works and how parity is catching up to the big teams. Paddles: the RPM is making noise, but UPA approval is still pending. We talk dwell time, pop, and why switching sticks mid-season can mess with your trajectory. Sacramen…

1
Are Pros Softer Than Tennis Players? Hindrance Chaos and Line-Call Cheating 42:48

8d ago42:48

42:48

We’re back at Crescent Lake and it finally isn’t raining. Travis breaks down a grueling PPA Challenger weekend, the certification chaos that has paddles swapping mid-event, and why half the new sticks are failing tests. We talk lab tour intel, the missing deflection machine saga, roll-out courts in Vegas, and whether random crowd noise should ever …

1
Andre Daescu the Best Men’s Player in the World 38:36

27d ago38:36

38:36

Andre Daescu just went full beast mode at MLP Finals in New York. He didn’t just win, he dominated. We’re talking flawless men’s play, carrying the Sliders, and even making Anna Leigh look human. So we had to ask… is Daescu officially the best men’s player in the world right now? We break down the finals weekend, debate the Ben vs. Andre argument, …

1
Are Pickleball Pros Making Too Much Money? 43:04

1M ago43:04

43:04

This week we cover everything from rowdy Utah crowds heckling pros to why Dallas might have been the loudest MLP event ever. We get into why Ben Johns will dominate with a wooden paddle, who we think should be the top men’s doubles pairing, and whether pro pickleball players are actually making too much money.…

1
Ben Johns Gets Traded... and Everyone's Mad 44:08

2M ago44:08

44:08

Ben Johns gets traded to the Mad Drops… and the league kind of melted down. Was it collusion? Was it smart business? Depends on who you ask. We break down the shady-looking deal, the $400K+ price tag, and what it means for MLP's top teams. Oh—and did someone really offer $25K to throw a Challenger match? Yep. That too. Plus: – The Shock vs Flash ri…

1
We Kidnapped Little Gucci Rach 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

We’re back from New York and we’ve got stories. The venue didn't smell great, one of us might be kidnapped by now, and someone definitely ordered Domino’s in NYC. We talk DreamBreakers, Collin Johns dominating Challenger, Sam Querry entering the chat, and yeah… someone stole Rachel's Labubu. This one’s all over the place, but that’s kinda the point…

1
It will not be my last intentional hook, I can tell you that. 36:55

3M ago36:55

36:55

We break down Travis’ intentional hook at PPA San Clemente. Yes, it was on purpose, and no, he’s not sorry. Plus: new Smash teammates and more Labubu controversy.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
$50,000 and a Super Rare Conspiracy 42:21

3M ago42:21

42:21

A $50,000 fine made the news this week, we break down what happened, why it matters, and whether the punishment fits the moment. Then it’s on to MLP Austin and Daytona: the wins and the rise (and stumble) of some surprising teams. The Florida Smash made their debut in the new format — we’ve got a full recap, plus thoughts on what’s clicking, what’s…

1
Kendra Lust Wants a Smash Jersey (And We’re Not Complaining) 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

New jerseys, big heads, and even bigger drama. The Bad Calls crew is on-site at the Racket Club of St. Pete, where they break down Florida Smash’s new look (and unexpected OnlyFans followers), recap a chaotic Atlanta event, and unpack everything from Anna Bright’s sideline stares to a new ball that’s quietly transforming singles. Plus: CJ Klinger’s…

1
Hayden Patriquin's Apology 47:53

5M ago47:53

47:53

Hayden Padugruin joins the pod to break down the most talked-about moment of the MLP season—his courtside clash with Anna Leigh Waters. From what was said and why, to how things escalated and what he wishes he’d done differently, Hayden gives his unfiltered side of the story. We talk chirping, double standards, apologies, and whether this kind of f…

1
Agassi’s Playing the U.S. Open… and We’re Kinda Coaching Him? 34:04

5M ago34:04

34:04

What happens when a tennis legend becomes your pickleball student? In this episode, the guys break down playing with Andre Agassi, who’s now texting them midweek to ask about off-arm mechanics. We dive into Agassi’s upcoming U.S. Open debut with Anna Leigh Waters (yep, that’s happening), which teams might actually give them trouble, and why the who…

1
Andre Agassi: Pickleball Lit a Fire in Me 1:25:34

5M ago1:25:34

1:25:34

In this special episode of Bad Calls, we sit down with tennis legend Andre Agassi to talk about how pickleball unexpectedly reignited his competitive spirit, reshaped his daily life, and gave him a new sense of purpose. Agassi opens up about: •How he discovered pickleball during lockdown •Why it became more than just a hobby •His honest thoughts on…

1
Anna Leigh Waters & Catherine Parenteau Split 16:56

6M ago16:56

16:56

What's next for Catherine & Rachel? Can we see a revenge tour for the new pair? We break it down in a special episode.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Pickleball Execs Get Heated at RacquetX 🔥 36:41

6M ago36:41

36:41

This week on Bad Calls, we break down an awkward panel at RacquetX — where execs got a little heated. Also in this episode: • Luz paddle controversy • Utah tournament recap: wind, wild momentum shifts, and a mixed gold for Dekel & Paris • Challenger Series vs APP – which one’s the real path to pro? • Discord drama at 3AM over paddle handles 👉 Like,…

1
Hand Battles & Trash Talk Are Dying in Pickleball 41:20

6M ago41:20

41:20

Is trash talk dying in pickleball? Are hand battles officially over thanks to paddle technology? And who the hell is Lucien Goins, and how did he just take down Ben Johns?! In this episode of Bad Calls, Travis and Graham break down the wildest storylines from the Cape Coral and Texas Open tournaments—wind-induced chaos, paddle controversies, and ma…

1
Drafting the Florida Smash & Reaction to MLP Rosters 39:44

7M ago39:44

39:44

Travis and Graham talk through the MLP draft process and how they picked the players for the Florida Smash. They also react to the new premier team rosters, with some winners & some losers.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Travis' Controversial Challenge in Mesa & New Player Stealing Rule in Major League Pickleball 43:22

7M ago43:22

43:22

Not a fantastic weekend for Travis in Mesa - he tests the newest paddle challenge rule in his mixed doubles game. Plus, Graham walks us through the incoming rule for player stealing in major league pickleball.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Major League Pickleball Says Goodbye to Rally Scoring 43:53

7M ago43:53

43:53

Say goodbye to rally scoring and hello to 6 player rosters for premier teams. Graham and Travis get into the details of the changes and what it'll mean for the league.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Recapping the drama from The PPA Masters 41:41

8M ago41:41

41:41

Travis and Graham recap the Masters Tournament, covering key matches, windy conditions, and standout performances. They discuss the Selkirk 08 paddle controversy, UPA paddle regulations, and Ben Johns’ headhunting moment against Quang Duong. Other topics include Shick’s return to medical school, Federico Staksrud’s switch to Adidas paddles, lawsuit…

1
Predicting Ben John's New Partner 49:12

9M ago49:12

49:12

Vote for us in The Dink Awards for Best Podcast — dinkawards.comBy Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
PPA Finals Reaction & Predictions for 2025 37:50

10M ago37:50

37:50

Let's just say there was some confusion over last week's bet. Nevertheless, Graham and Travis both decided to give $100 to stop Alzheimers now. This week we talk through the highlights of the finals and some predictions for Daytona and 2025 partnerships.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Setting the record straight & predicting PPA finals 39:48

10M ago39:48

39:48

Ok so we don't get it right every time but hey at least we're honest about it! Go to our IG for a chance to win the FlickWizard jersey.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Reacting to the MLP final & predicting who is getting dropped 38:46

10M ago38:46

38:46

Well, Graham & Travis didn't get a single prediction right for the MLP final so why not make even more predictions on who will get dropped by their team next season?By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Pickleballer kicked in the head after a match 42:21

10M ago42:21

42:21

The whole world has seen it, the viral video of a pickleball player being kicked in the head. Travis and Graham break down what happened and explain what happened leading up to the incident.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Bad Calls and Wake Up Calls featuring Ryan Sherry 41:08

10M ago41:08

41:08

The Sherbear himself (Ryan Sherry) stops Crescent Lake and chats with us about all the great things he almost made it to. Not all as a result of eating too much Bluebell Ice Cream. After, Travis talks us through what really went down during that quarter final match.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Making Pickleball More Entertaining ft. Jaume Martinez Vich & Layne Sleeth 51:54

11M ago51:54

51:54

This week we welcomed Jaume and Layne to the Crescent Lake courts to talk about their rise in pickleball, how they think they performed in MLP, and how they would improve the sport if they were commissioner.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
From Tennis to Pickleball ft. Donald Young 42:20

11M ago42:20

42:20

From the US Open semi-finals to the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, Donald Young talks through his transition to the sport and what the reality is vs his expectations.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
This Rivalry Will Make Pickleball Successful 41:30

11M ago41:30

41:30

Just when you thought you saw the best pickleball match of all time, we get one even better. Is there anything better than a rivalry like this? Let us know in the comments. This week, Graham and Travis talk about the one good thing to come out of the Gen 3 paddles. They also talk through the real issues affecting the value of the Major League Produ…

1
Favoritism in the PPA? 41:45

12M ago41:45

41:45

This week we talk about potential favoritism with certain players on tour. Plus, Travis and Graham recap Virginia Beach and how the Smash are shaping up for MLP Miami.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Did the trades pay off? MLP New York City Recap 42:19

12M ago42:19

42:19

Travis and Graham break down the team chemistry for MLP New York City after their first appearance with Christa Gecheva and Donald Young.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
The future of paddle testing with UPA-A President Jason Aspes 47:11

1y ago47:11

47:11

This week we ask Jason Aspes, president of the UPA-A, his take on pickleball paddles, the state of testing, and future of the sport.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
New serving rule coming to the PPA? Plus, the new players traded to the Smash 48:07

1y ago48:07

48:07

Will we be seeing a new serving rule come to the PPA? Travis and Graham talk through whether the serve should be a weapon in pickleball. Plus, we go behind the scenes on the trades to the Florida Smash.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
The Worst Line Call in Pickleball 46:39

1y ago46:39

46:39

We've got to talk about how this sport is going to move forward at the professional level if we don't invest in technology at the lines.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Hot Mic Season in Pickleball 44:35

1y ago44:35

44:35

You just can't be too careful what you say these days... although somebody should tell that to Travis. We're back from an unfortunately long break but recapping all the stuff we've missed - did you miss us?By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Pickleball has a line call problem 39:45

1+ y ago39:45

39:45

A recap of MLP and PPA Atlanta highlights one of the latest issues in pickleball, bad line calls. Travis and Graham talk through the future of the Florida Smash and we even get a brief history lesson on the "Bert". Follow us on Instagram @tennissucksBy Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
The Rise of Daescu & That Special Paddle 44:17

1+ y ago44:17

44:17

Live from Major League Pickleball Atlanta, we sit down with pro-player Andrei Daescu & Charles Darling, CEO of Proton Paddles. We talk about the rise of Proton, what inspired them to jump into paddle technology, and Daescu got connected with them.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Travis and Graham's Predictions for MLP Atlanta 43:08

1+ y ago43:08

43:08

We may be biased but we're putting good money on the Smash taking the whole thing. Who are your top teams for premier and challenger?By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
The best sh*t talkers on tour 40:11

1+ y ago40:11

40:11

Travis gives a rundown of the best chirpers in pickleball along with the do's and don'ts of getting spicy on the court.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
"It literally felt like I was playing with a tennis racket" 32:17

1+ y ago32:17

32:17

The boys react to the new Joola Gen 3 Paddles - do you think this is a step in the right direction for paddle technology? They also recap the Houston Open and talk through the latest MLP trade.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Travis is back on the Smash! Behind the scenes of the MLP draft. 41:18

1+ y ago41:18

41:18

After not drafting in premier, Travis becomes the steal of the century for the Florida Smash, making the team a force to be reckoned with this MLP season. We also look back at PPA North Carolina and talk highlights, lowlights, and upsets.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Everyone is dropping out of MLP 37:15

1+ y ago37:15

37:15

With so many pros dropping out of Major League Pickleball - who is even left to draft? Travis and Graham talk through the roster of the signed (and unsigned) players ahead of this week's draft.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Jack Sock on his Transition to Pickleball 51:01

1+ y ago51:01

51:01

This week we get on the phone with Jack Sock to talk about his transition into pickleball and whether he's really having the best time while out their playing. He also has some words of advice for Travis on his game.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Cheating in Minnesota? Plus Looking Ahead at Austin PPA 34:01

1+ y ago34:01

34:01

We recap PPA Indoor Minnesota and talk about what it'll take for Travis to get on the podium. Plus there's a rumor that a certain paddle company won't let unsigned pros play with their paddle.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Mergers, Buy-Outs, & Contracts Yet to Be Signed 47:04

1+ y ago47:04

47:04

Major League Pickleball is back! Travis and Graham share their reactions to the merge and share some rumors of players who never signed.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
"I feel like it took the life out of me" ft. Lea Jansen 44:34

1+ y ago44:34

44:34

Get 15% off your Rukpack with code Rattlesnake15 at Rukpack.com Use code Rattlesnake20 to get 20% off your Engage paddle at engagepickleball.comBy Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
We Went Inside APP Paddle Testing 35:11

1+ y ago35:11

35:11

Get 15% off your Rukpack.com with code Rattlesnake15 Join the Tampa Bay Lightning Pickleball event: https://e.givesmart.com/events/Avv/i/_All/By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Serving Chaos and PPA Masters Recap 45:26

1+ y ago45:26

45:26

Use code Rattlesnake15 to get 15% off your Rukpack at Rukpack.comBy Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
Travis is ready to Nasty Nelson at the PPA Masters 32:58

1+ y ago32:58

32:58

Welcome to Tennis Sucks - Use code Rattlesnake15 to get 15% off your Rukpack at Rukpack.com. This week we recount the trouble we got in for announcing the ball deals too soon, the updates on MLP draft and format, and predictions for the PPA Masters this week.By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico

1
New official balls, APP rule changes, and surprising 2024 matchups. ft. Alix Troung 35:06

1+ y ago35:06

35:06

Get 15% off your own Rukpak using code rattlesnake15 at Rukpack.com Welcome to Tennis Sucks, a pickleball podcast by Travis Rettenmaier and Graham D’Amico. This week, we get to know APP star and MLP challenger player Alix Troung. Alix shares her thoughts on the tour wars from the perspective of an APP player, deep dives into the changes to the tour…

1
Will pro pickleball survive? 36:19

2y ago36:19

36:19

Get 15% off your Ruk Backpack with code Rattlesnake15 @ Rukpack.com Play the Frenchy's Pickled Grouper Classic on Jan 26-28 (Register at pickledgrouperclassic.com)By Travis Rettenmaier & Graham D'Amico