Thursday, October 26, 2023

Bread and Butter Podcast EP2

 

Bread & Butter Podcast Hosts Discuss New Gear, Growing Pains in Pickleball

Florida-based paddle company dives into the latest news rocking the fast-growing sport

The game of pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity, buoyed by passionate players and eager investors. But growing pains are inevitable for any fledgling sport, as proven in the latest episode of the Bread & Butter Pickleball Podcast hosted by pickleball entrepreneurs Doug and Tim. Operating out of Vero Beach, Florida, Doug and Tim's pickleball paddle company Bread & Butter aims to shake up the market with unique designs targeted at rec players. The duo covers all aspects of starting a small business in the pickleball space, while also providing commentary on developments in the wider pickleball world. 1. Intro (00:00) The episode kicks off with the hosts settling into their makeshift podcast "studio" - really just an office ball pit for now. But Doug assures listeners that upgrades are coming soon, including a proper booth and production equipment to improve audio quality. 2. Agenda (1:00) Doug outlines the topics they plan to hit in this episode:

  • Updates on Bread & Butter operations
  • The status of their new paddle bag
  • Checking in on their signature "Loco" paddle release
  • Discussion of the controversial new Gearbox paddle
  • Overview of a recent Apple study on pickleball
  • Thoughts on Steve Kuhn's resignation from the MLP tour
3. Shop Talk (2:35) 
Transitioning to company updates, Doug shares that Bread & Butter is bringing on more help - a graphic designer for creative needs and an editor to produce the podcast. He also says their office is shaping up with new furniture and layouts. With their team growing, it's time for an upgraded workspace. 

4. BnB Bag? (4:50) 
One of the earliest and most eagerly awaited Bread & Butter products is their own-branded pickleball bag. 

However, Doug confesses quality issues with the first samples. "I'm going to be honest with you every single one of them is garbage... I took one of them to Austin and had it for four days of travel. What that means is - I had it for one day flying in and then the day that I was leaving, like four or five days later, I went to go close the zipper and it literally came off the track. I am not going to make an inferior bag." 

He says they've partnered with a designer to create a "military grade" bag now slated for release in mid-2024. Doug encourages listeners to fill out a product survey. 

5. Loco - New Paddle Update (6:35) 
Doug provides an update on Bread & Butter's first signature paddle, the graphite "Loco." It's expected to pass USAP approval soon and start shipping in November. Pre-orders have passed 350 units so far, meaning plenty of the promised custom hot sauce bottles will go out with early purchases. 

6. Gearbox Paddle | Pickleball is Dangerous? (7:45) 
Transitioning to wider pickleball topics, Doug first shares audio from a podcast discussing whether Gearbox's new paddle increases shot power to dangerous levels. The clip features Jimmy Newsome stating the paddle likely doesn't affect outcomes much for high-level doubles players. 

But, Pro Lea Jansen responds angrily in the comments about getting clocked by the paddle. "I hope someone clocks Tyler with a dam paddle." 

Doug believes pickleball is not becoming unsafe, suggesting protective eyewear could ease any concerns: "I'm sorry but pickleball is not a dangerous sport. If you catch one in the eye, it can be very dangerous. But, maybe people should wear glasses if they're that worried." 

He feels increased ball speed improves entertainment value, comparing it to his childhood playing with BB guns and bottle rockets. The hosts joke about potential "quieter" pickleball gear like EVA foam paddles in the future. 

7. Apple Fitness Study on Pickleball (14:30) 
Doug saw an article about how Apple Watch fitness trackers show pickleball surpassing tennis in workout sessions logged over the summer. The study by Apple and Brigham Women's Hospital found that pickleball draws an older crowd on average, with more female participation versus tennis. 

Pickleball workouts were longer in duration but lower in intensity than tennis - evidence of the aerobic exercise benefits. Doug ties it back to how much data fitness watches provide, which he finds overwhelming.  

8. Live Customer Service Call (22:27) 
In a surprise moment, the podcast is interrupted by a phone call from a recent Bread & Butter customer named Ann. Doug answers live and she raves about enjoying her new paddles. He explains they're in the middle of recording a podcast, then moderates a conversation where Ann asks about exchanging for different paddle models. 

They agree Ann shouldn't feel rushed to return them and can try out some options before the 30-day window closes. Doug thanks her for participating in the spontaneous podcast cameo. 

9. Steve Kuhn is Doneski (28:10) 
Shifting the discussion to pickleball drama, Doug brings up Steve Kuhn's resignation from the MLP board. Kuhn was deeply involved as an investor and advocate for the sport's growth. 

Doug speculates: 
"To me when I saw him resign off all this stuff I really did question like what does that mean...are the finances of this thing like truly that bad?" 

He plans to have pickleball commentator Jimmy Newsome on a future episode to explain the details. But in general, Doug is cynical about the motivations of big money entering pickleball: "Let's be very clear at the end of the day they're capitalists - they're trying to make money." 

He hopes the various pickleball governing bodies can unify and stabilize for the good of the sport. 

10. Wrap Up (32:45) 
As they wrap up, Doug lists some of the equipment and set upgrades in progress for their podcast studio. He also puts out an invitation for interesting pickleball guests to join them in Florida and share their experiences. 

The hosts close out with their signature sign-off, encouraging listeners to "keep being weird" as part of the quirky but impassioned pickleball community.

Summary:

The hosts Doug and Tim kicked off the episode from their makeshift podcast "studio" - really just an office ball pit for now. They outline the topics to cover, starting with updates on their Florida-based paddle company Bread & Butter.


Doug shares they are bringing on more help - a graphic designer and podcast editor. Their office is also getting a makeover with new furniture to accommodate their growing team. One of the most eagerly awaited products is their branded pickleball bag, but Doug admits quality issues with initial samples. He says they've partnered with a designer to create a higher quality "military grade" bag for release in mid-2023.


In paddle news, their new signature model called the Loco is nearing completion and will start shipping in November. Pre-orders have already surpassed 350 units.


Switching to wider pickleball topics, the hosts play audio discussing whether Gearbox's latest paddle increases power to dangerous levels. Pickleball Pro Lea Jansen angrily threatens retaliation if hit by the paddle. But Doug isn't concerned about the sport becoming more unsafe. He feels protective eyewear could ease any fears and that increased ball speed improves entertainment value.


Doug also covers a recent Apple study showing pickleball now exceeds tennis in workout sessions logged via Apple Watch. The data indicates pickleball provides an excellent aerobic exercise option, especially for older players.


In a surprise moment, the hosts answer a call live from a pleased customer named Ann during the podcast. She raves about her new Bread and Butter paddles and asks about exchanging for different models in the future.


Transitioning to pickleball drama, Doug brings up Steve Kuhn's resignation from the MLP board. As a major investor and advocate for the sport, his departure raises financial concerns. Doug plans to have pickleball commentator Jimmy Newsome on a future show to explain the details. But in general, he believes big money entering pickleball is still motivated by profits first and foremost.


As they wrap up, Doug says they are upgrading their podcast studio equipment and set. He also puts out an invitation for unique pickleball guests to join them in Florida and share their experiences. The hosts sign off by encouraging listeners to "keep being weird" as part of the passionate and quirky pickleball community.


YouTube Time Code List

0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Agenda 2:35 - Shop talk 4:50 - BnB Bag? 6:35 - Loco - New paddle update 7:45 - Gearbox Paddle | Pickleball is Dangerous? 14:30 - Apple Fitness study on Pickleball 22:27 - Live Customer Service call 28:10 - Steve Kuhn is Doneski 32:45 - Wrap up

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