Pickleball Pals Plot Podcast Production
Enthusiastic co-founders of Bread & Butter Pickleball discuss podcast setup and big plans for 2024 in lively third episode
Bread & Butter Pickleball co-founders Doug and Tim banter playfully in their third podcast episode, chatting about the origins of their newly built podcast set, memorable recent visitors to the Bread & Butter offices, delays on their signature Loco paddle, whether they should get a pet goldfish for their studio, ambitious goals for 2024 including new paddle colors and an ambassador program, and more.
1. New Studio (1:26)
The duo kick off the podcast by marveling at the retro-chic new studio that Tim recently built out for the show. Doug jokes that between the wood paneling, funky furniture, bold wallpaper and shag carpet, some listeners have said the set looks like a 1970s porn film. “We are hiring,” Doug quips in response.
They explain that the main goal for this episode is to test out the lighting, camera angles, audio levels, and overall vibe of the new space. Tim assembled the geometric wall and sourced most of the decor to create a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Clearly pleased with the results so far, they say they may make a few more tweaks but are nearly ready to “go into production mode” with regular podcast recording and distribution.
2. Podcast Agenda (3:00)
Doug outlines the topics they want to cover in this episode: recapping visits from tennis legend Ivan Lendl and a local pickleball player with a “bionic” prosthetic arm, updating listeners on the pre-sale Loco paddle release delays, discussing their plans to miss the big pickleball national championships in Texas this year, teasing some new colorways for the Filth paddle line, detailing goals for Bread & Butter through the end of 2023 and into 2024, and soliciting feedback on the podcast setup itself.
3. Ivan Lendl Came to our Office (6:00)
In a big thrill for the team, Doug recounts that tennis great Ivan Lendl recently visited the Bread & Butter headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida. Doug's kids had no idea who the 7-time major champion was, but Doug calls him a “legend.” The Czech-born athlete now lives nearby and plays pickleball recreationally.
Lendl came in with an array of pickleball paddles he currently uses, including the Head Carbon Pro and Rhombus R3 Pulsar models. Doug says Lendl was interested to try out their flagship Filth paddle to compare it to his existing options. He let Lendl take a Filth to test out, and proposed working together on a signature Ivan Lendl Filth edition if he likes how it plays. While noncommittal so far, Doug seems optimistic about the chances of collaborating. He plans to invite Lendl onto the podcast soon regardless.
4. The Loco Pre-Sale Delayed (11:40)
Next, Doug admits to feeling “very bummed” that the new Loco paddle they had offered for pre-order has faced production and shipping delays. Originally slated to deliver by November 9th, issues have pushed the likely arrival date back to November 18th-19th.
Doug laments that “I don’t like to sell something unless I’ve got it,” noting that pre-selling often leaves customers frustrated. However, he remains confident that barring any further hangups with customs, the Locos should land in buyers' hands before Thanksgiving. He plans to stay in close contact with their logistics provider DHL to ensure a smooth process.
5. Wanted to Meet Dale from 6.0 at Nationals (13:50)
Changing topics, the hosts discuss the upcoming National Pickleball Championships they unfortunately need to skip this year. Doug reveals a family emergency requires him to travel to Chicago, so he'll sadly have to miss out on meeting fellow pickleball influencers in attendance like Chris and Will from Pickleball Studio and Dale from 6.0 Pickleball in Australia.
However, Doug hints that he and Dale have been collaborating behind-the-scenes on an unspecified "synergy" project they hope to announce soon. Their geographical distance makes linking up in person rare, so missing this opportunity is a big disappointment. But overall Doug sounds at peace with needing to prioritize family this time.
6. New Filth Colors Coming Soon (16:09)
Picking up the energy again, Doug eagerly describes how they recently polled fans online about two vibrant new Filth concepts: a pink "Cotton Candy" version with lighter blue edge guard, and a neon orange "Citrus" model with green accents.
While they likely won't arrive until early 2024 due to production timelines, the guys clearly dig the juicy new color schemes. Doug admits to sweating the details on selecting just the right pink hue. They joke about running color ideas by fellow pickleball influencer "Pickleball Will" since he's known for his flashy paddles.
7. End of 2022 Business Plans (18:30)
Moving into big-picture business plans, Doug says their main goals before 2023 are: officially launching the Loco paddle, finalizing the Filth colorways, developing a long-awaited pickleball backpack product, and getting their ambassador program up and running.
True to Bread & Butter's community-first values, Doug says they decided to open up the ambassador program to all interested players rather than just proven top performers. However, more active ambassadors will earn access to extra perks like customized warmups and other swag. Doug's bursting with ideas, but keeping the details secret for now.
8. We Need a Pet Goldfish! (19:36)
Taking a quick tangent into whimsy, the duo debates whether they should get a pet goldfish for the studio. While initial reactions are positive, Doug's daughter preemptively refuses cleaning duties. With Doug's track record of unintentional fish homicides, Tim seems skeptical of their ability to keep a finned friend alive.
Doug suggests spontaneously renaming the fish each episode as a quirky bit. But Tim ultimately convinces him that having a regular goldfish "therapy" pet to care for could provide a grounding sense of responsibility and purpose during stressful times.
9. Thanksgiving Plans (23:00)
Trading holiday plans, Tim usually camps locally in Florida but crowded campgrounds this year pushed them to change course. His flexible "friends are family" crew will likely celebrate casually at a spring.
Meanwhile, with Doug's family gathered in Chicago, he expects to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas up north this year. He enthuses about his brother-in-law's lavish new suburban mansion, complete with indoor pool, home theater, game rooms and more amenities. Tim should borrow Doug's boat while he's away to transport supplies to his own holiday spot.
10. Ooni Pizza Ovens (24:24)
Comparing Thanksgiving traditions, Doug raves about making pizza for the holiday on his Ooni wood-fired outdoor oven. While delicious, he's learned that the wood heat source struggles to maintain the ultra-high temperatures required for Neapolitan pizza perfection.
So Doug now recommends the gas burner attachment for anyone planning high-volume pizza parties. Though a purist at first, he's accepted that propane better allows ovens to reheat quickly for consecutive pies. Tim should take him up on borrowing the gas adapter for better holiday pizza flow.
11. Closing (28:15)
As the friends wrap up, Doug calls on editor Jeff to add some triumphant closing music about "coming in hot" to punctuate their fiery plans for 2024. He thanks Leo, their lighting advisor for this test episode, and reminds listeners to provide feedback on any aspects of the podcast's production as they refine things.
Clearly pumped about the future, Doug closes by promising they'll get right back to diligently building the Bread & Butter brand after a restful holiday reset. He states that they'll "kick 2024's ass" with this powerful pickleball partnership.
Conclusion
Throughout the casual but information-packed third episode of the Bread & Butter Pickleball podcast, Doug and Tim's playful rapport, unrestrained enthusiasm and ambitious vision shine through. While acknowledging some short-term setbacks, the team remains focused on bringing innovative products to market, creating engaging community content, and propelling pickleball to new heights. Their blend of whimsical and strategic thinking promises many more memorable moments both on and off the courts.
YouTube Time Code List
00:00 - intro
1:26 new studio
3:00 Podcast Agenda
6:00 Ivan Lindl Came to our office
11:40 The Loco in delayed
13.50 - Wanted to meet Dale from 6.0 at nationals
16:09 - New Filth Colors
18:30 - End of the year biz plans
19:36 - We need a pet goldfish
23:00 thankgsiving plans
24:24 Ooni Pizza Ovens
28:15 Closing
No comments:
Post a Comment