Dirty Tennis. Clean Living. The Podcast!

When our special guest John swapped his familiar surroundings for the sunny disposition of Florida, little did he know tennis would be his ace for connection and community. This episode serves up a delightful narrative as John recounts his evolution from casual pop tennis enthusiast to becoming an integral part of a thriving tennis fellowship. His tale isn't just one of backhands and forehands; it's a volley of experiences that underscore the pivotal role of sports in creating friendships and a sense of belonging.
Laugh along with us as John shares the secret sauce to a marriage going strong for 40 years: humor and shared experiences. Whether it's about finding love in the unexpected corridors of nursing school or switching careers under the subtle guidance of a father's influence, John's journey is a heartwarming reminder of the serendipitous turns life can take. As we navigate through his anecdotes, we uncover the richness of relationships forged on and off the tennis courts, and the life lessons served along the way.
And because love knows no season, we wrap things up with a nod to Valentine's Day, not just as a day of romance but as a continuous celebration of deep connections. John opens up about emotional milestones, from the pride of walking his daughter down the aisle to the eager anticipation of grandparenthood. If you're looking to ignite or reignite that spark in your relationship, or just enjoy a touching reflection on love's journey, let this episode be your match point.

On today's episode, Dena waxes poetic over turkey costumes, the Thanksgiving Parade, and (strangely) dog shows. Ashley gives the details about United Against Poverty's Turkey Trot fundraiser. Jules explains how embracing gratitude impacts player results on the court. Plus a riveting discussion about the proper pronunciation of the word pecan. (Ashley's right on this one!)
Follow @DirtyTennisPodcast on Instagram and @DirtyTennisShow on X (Twitter).

Ever swung a tennis racket while doubling over with laughter? That's the kind of energy Caroline Sutton brings to the court as she joins us to serve up some candid confessions about picking up tennis to keep up with her ace of a husband. We volley through the comedic struggles of syncing one's menstrual cycle with their backhand, and the enigma of men's choices in tennis whites and black briefs. From the intimacy of couple's play to the hilarity of club socials, we spin a yarn that's as much about community as it is about the game itself.
Who knew that a league of "baby sharks" could set a new tennis record within the IRTCA? This episode isn't just about backhands and volleys; it's testament to friendship and the unexpected places you can find it. And if you think tennis could use more flair, wait until you hear our pitch for dance-offs and walk-on anthems that could rival any wrestling entrance.
Finally, we take a swing at the more serious side of things, discussing the importance of understanding menstrual cycles and hormone balance, especially for female athletes. Then, it's a respectful nod toward sportsmanship and the icons who set the bar, like Tim Tebow and Steph Curry, whose grace both on and off the field inspire us to mind our manners and maybe search for more creative expletives. Rounding things off, Caroline and Ashley embrace their respective imperfections with open arms, proving that sometimes, the quirks are the best part of the game. So lace up your sneakers, adjust your visor, and get ready to chuckle, cringe, and maybe even learn a thing or two.

Embark on an entrepreneurial odyssey with Elise Ivy, the dynamo at the helm of Rokne Pickleball Paddles, as she recounts her pivot from the glare of television cameras to the competitive world of sports equipment manufacturing. With a dash of humor and a sprinkle of stardust, Elise's story is one of embracing the pickleball craze and transforming it into a thriving business with her brother. Her infectious enthusiasm for the sport and knack for innovation shine through as she unveils the patent-pending technology of their Aero Blade paddle and the intricate journey from concept to court.
Picture this: a former TV personality and her brother, mastering the art of synergy to conquer the burgeoning pickleball market. Our engaging chat with Elise traverses the rigorous process of product testing, enlisting professional athletes, and the delicate interplay between marketing ploys like sending paddles into space and the groundwork of logistics. We get candid about the cultural tide that's carrying pickleball into sororities and beyond, with Elise painting a vivid picture of strategic choices and the resolve to keep the focus sharp on what they do best: crafting exceptional paddles.
The episode rounds off with a peek into the inclusive world of pickleball, as we discuss Rokne's initiative to launch an affordable line of paddles, democratizing the sport for all. Elise regales us with tales of underestimated elder statesmen of the courts and the ambassadors who champion the brand with authenticity, heralding a new era of pickleball fanaticism. Her parting words leave you inspired and in eager anticipation of what's next on her horizon, ensuring that her next visit to our show is one you won't want to miss.

Life has a way of connecting dots in the most unexpected fashion, and on Dirty Tennis, we're here to share how the zesty hue of orange played a pivotal role in a surprising story of connection. Dena and guest, John Nichols, reminisce about their adventures in real estate, their mutual fondness for Oklahoma State University, and a serendipitous encounter involving a beach condo that proves the world is indeed a small place.