HR Hardball Farewell (and HELLO!)

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?
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