HR Hardball Farewell (and HELLO!)

08/22/23 • 3 min

After four seasons and 60 episodes, Elvis is leaving the building. HR Hardball has been a passion project from the time my first blog post, "First Pitch," posted on July 15, 2012 - you're currently reading post #367, so that passion burned for quite a while. It would be eight years before transitioning to a podcast format, allowing me to have interesting conversations with interesting people throughout the "people" industry, whether that was an entrepreneur, an author, a consultant, or even my own wife it has been a fun ride.

But frankly, I'm ready for a change.

This season I brought Karen into the mix as co-host and that addition kept me engaged, but it wasn't long before another topic consistently found its way into every interview.

Pickleball. As the sport continued to grow, our interest level grew in tandem. The final straw was our interview with the "Pissed & Pickled" ladies, Lori and Missy. These two crack-ups started a podcast about pickleball, we connected via Instagram, and it wouldn't be long before they were chatting with me and Karen about all things pickleball. We didn't know it at the time, but that episode would be the finale for HR Hardball.

So we have made the decision to pull the plug on HR Hardball and switch to a new topic (guess?). The new podcast, "Blazing Paddles" will focus on the sport, the players, the influencers and those at the front and center of the zeitgeist of the 2020's.

The show will launch this October, and we expect some may choose to opt out but we hope you'll stick around and share the moment with us.

With all the nonsense we have been subjected to over the last three years, the one ray of sunshine for many people was this crazy game played with a paddle and a wiffle-ball. Let's talk!

HR Hardball, the podcast was launched in October, 2020 to explore the connection between Human Behavior and Human Resources. HR Hardball, the blog first appeared in July of 2012 ~ please explore and celebrate the entire catalogue. The opinions and views expressed on HR Hardball are those of John & Karen Whitaker and do not represent our professional employers.

Special thanks to our sponsor, dink.pro, the official outfitter of the #pickleball tribe. Shop for shirts, tanks, hoodies, jackets, and pullovers for your favorite pickleball nut! #PlayWithPurpose #LiveLovePlay

Want to find out for yourself? Download the Aim7 app today. Use our url to get a 25% discount and try the app for a free trial before committing. https://www.aim7.com/?via=blazing-paddles

Special thanks to Crown Pickleball for their support and sponsorship! Don't waste money on balls that break, Crown pickleballs rarely crack, are more visible and have a higher spin rate than the competitors.
Use our link to receive a discount on your next purchase! https://crownpickleball.store/blazingpaddles

Have a suggestion for a guest or topic you'd like to see us address?
Hit me up at [email protected] or shout out on social:
Instagram
Twitter
Tik Tok

But frankly, I'm ready for a change.

This season I brought Karen into the mix as co-host and that addition kept me engaged, but it wasn't long before another topic consistently found its way into every interview.

The show will launch this October, and we expect some may choose to opt out but we hope you'll stick around and share the moment with us.

With all the nonsense we have been subjected to over the last three years, the one ray of sunshine for many people was this crazy game played with a paddle and a wiffle-ball. Let's talk!

Want to find out for yourself? Download the Aim7 app today. Use our url to get a 25% discount and try the app for a free trial before committing. https://www.aim7.com/?via=blazing-paddles

Have a suggestion for a guest or topic you'd like to see us address?
Hit me up at [email protected] or shout out on social:
Instagram
Twitter
Tik Tok

Previous Episode

Getting Pissed (and Pickled) with Lori & Missy

We officially live in a day & age when "pickleball celebrity" is becoming a real thing. Who woulda thunk it? Three years ago you couldn't draw attention to a pickleball match if you set it on fire, but now???? Now in addition to the professional players and coaches, you have pickleball influencers - which now includes our new friends and current guests, Lori & Missy of the Pissed & Pickled podcast.

They come to this place honestly after their friends suggested they take their brand of snark to a podcast, so these self-described "less than average" pickleball players did just that as "Pissed and Pickled" was born. If. you like pickleball and/or you like to laugh, give these ladies a follow on Instagram, subscribe to their podcast, subscribe to their YouTube channel and get notified when new P&P content drops.

Put your ears on and have a listen!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pissed_and_pickled/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pissedandpickled

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pissed-pickled/id1617301783

HR Hardball, the podcast was launched in October, 2020 to explore the connection between Human Behavior and Human Resources. HR Hardball, the blog first appeared in October of 2013 ~ please explore and celebrate the entire catalogue. The opinions and views expressed on HR Hardball are those of John & Karen Whitaker and do not represent our professional employers.

Want to find out for yourself? Download the Aim7 app today. Use our url to get a 25% discount and try the app for a free trial before committing. https://www.aim7.com/?via=blazing-paddles

Have a suggestion for a guest or topic you'd like to see us address?
Hit me up at [email protected] or shout out on social:
Instagram
Twitter
Tik Tok

Next Episode

Pickleball Drama with Crown Pickleball

How well can you navigate the world of pickleball? Our guest, Kevin Perkins, the founder of Crown Pickleball, can certainly help you. While sharing his passion for pickleball, Kevin also provides a look at the significant merger of #MLP and #PPA, the two key players in the professional game, and explains why the MLP's format has kept him more engaged and excited about the sport.
Are you curious about how pickleball could improve your life? Kev shares his powerful story about the health benefits of pickleball and how it has changed his life. You'll hear how he applies visibility, spin, and durability principles to his pickleballs and how this strategy has boosted his business in just three months. Kevin also takes us on his journey of setting up a Shopify store, sharing how that experience shapes his business direction and why he believes pickleball marketing needs a more modern vibe. John & Karen talk about avoiding #pickleballdivorce, the reason behind their own journey, and some exciting teasers about the upcoming #Oktoberfest celebration in Southlake, TX.
Finally, Kevin brings us into the heart of the pickleball community with his cancer awareness initiative - the pink pickleball. As he shares how cancer has touched his family, he reveals how he's using the sport to raise awareness and funds for the cause. We explore the fun and competitive side of pickleball, discussing Kevin's experience in tournaments, and he gives us tips on playing pickleball without a tennis background. So, get ready for some fun, insights, and lots of pickleball!
Listen for shout-outs to #KOTC, #TheBadger, #MILP shirts and some very unfortunate puns about Kevin's balls - pickleballs, that is.
https://www.instagram.com/crownpickleball/
https://www.instagram.com/kevinsperkins/
https://dink.pro/products/milp-tee-unisex (sold out, new colors on the way!)
https://dink.pro/products/pickleball-anyone-tee-ladies
https://dink.pro/products/god-bless-pickleball-4th-of-july-tee

Want to find out for yourself? Download the Aim7 app today. Use our url to get a 25% discount and try the app for a free trial before committing. https://www.aim7.com/?via=blazing-paddles

Have a suggestion for a guest or topic you'd like to see us address?
Hit me up at [email protected] or shout out on social:
Instagram
Twitter
Tik Tok