An Upbeat Chat About the Ups and Downs of Pickleball
Two enthusiasts discuss the explosive growth of pickleball and how the sport has impacted their lives in this lively podcast episode.
Pickleball, the paddle sport that has exploded in popularity over the last decade, brings together players of all ages and backgrounds. In episode 28 of the podcast More or Less Pickleball the premiered in March 2021, host Morgan Evans sits down with the author of the book, “Pickleball and the Art of Living” Mike Branon for an illuminating discussion about pickleball's rapid growth and the personal impacts it has had on their lives.
1. 0:40 Introduction - Mike Branon
After a brief introduction, Evans welcomes his guest, Mike Branon, who recently wrote a book about his experiences with pickleball after retiring from a successful career in construction at age 40. Branon explains that he first discovered pickleball a few years ago and quickly became engrossed in the sport and its welcoming community.
2. 2:49 What inspired you to write this book? Why Pickleball?
Branon traces the origins of his book to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He found himself stuck at home with lots of free time on his hands, so he decided to channel his newfound time and energy into writing about his passion for pickleball. As he connected with more players via social media, Branon realized there were great stories to be told about pickleball's exponentially growing popularity and the lives it was changing.
3. 4:43 If not for COVID, we wouldn't have a book to read
Both men agree that the coronavirus pandemic played an integral role in the writing of Branon's book. Evans points out the irony that if not for COVID-19 forcing so many indoor gatherings and activities to shut down, Branon may never have discovered pickleball to begin with. Nor would he have had the time and inspiration to write a whole book about the quirky sport so many people are now coming to love.
4. 6:57 You retired at 40
Mike retired at a relatively young age, around 40, and attributes this decision to a combination of luck, a frugal lifestyle, and a shift in priorities. Despite having success in the construction business, which he started at 34 and grew into one of the largest companies in its field within six years, he realized that the demands of his work were limiting the time he could spend with his young children.
Recognizing the importance of family and personal fulfillment, he made the unconventional choice to step away from the potential for significant financial gain. Mike emphasizes the value of experiences over wealth and expresses gratitude for the freedom and fulfillment his decision has brought him. Despite acknowledging the role of luck, he also takes pride in taking an unorthodox path and encourages others to consider a similar lifestyle if they can find contentment with less.
5. 9:00 Morgan Evans - For a long time I wondered about the world teaching tennis
The conversation then turns to the host's own background as a tennis player and coach. Evans explains that he sometimes struggled to find meaning and purpose in teaching tennis lessons to wealthy clients he had little in common with. He wondered if there were larger lessons to impart through sports, beyond technical skills.
6. 10:20 What did you learn from writing this book?
Returning to the themes of his book, Branon tells Evans that writing about pickleball taught him a lot about human nature. Specifically, he learned that people are inherently social beings who long for community, which pickleball provides in abundance. He also realized that many people fail to meet basic psychological needs like feeling competent or autonomous. Branon found that pickleball offers a great avenue for fulfilling those needs.
7. 11:35 Morgan Evans - Mental Health Problems
Building on Branon's comments about human psychology, Evans opens up about his own struggles with mental health issues like depression and anxiety earlier in life. He credits finding purpose by teaching tennis and later discovering pickleball with helping to improve his mental health.
8. 13:18 Mike Branon - I'm very familiar with that cognitive behavior therapy. I use to teach psychology
Branon reveals that earlier in his career he taught psychology courses, so he is quite familiar with concepts like cognitive behavioral therapy that can help treat conditions like anxiety or depression. This mental health expertise also helped inform parts of his book that examine how pickleball affects players' well-being.
9. 13:53 Morgan Evans - I found Pickleball
Circling back to how he personally discovered pickleball, Evans recalls feeling burnt out from teaching tennis. Finding pickleball provided him with a renewed sense of excitement and fun about racquet sports. He also found instant connections with fellow players through their shared stories about discovering the game.
10. 15:26 Chapter 6 - Perspective
The two men discuss chapter 6 of Branon's book which focuses on maintaining perspective in both pickleball and life. Off the court challenges like injuries, personal losses, or other hardships can affect pickleball performance. But the sport can also help provide needed perspective after setbacks. By offering exercise, camaraderie, and a mental distraction, pickleball can be therapeutic.
11. 18:26 Love the Climb, Love the Grind, Enjoys their life out in the rocks - Morgan Evans
Expounding on the nexus between mental health and physical activity, Evans uses an extended metaphor about mountain climbers persevering through challenging climbs and finding reward in the journey. He draws a parallel to pickleball providing similar mental and emotional benefits to players putting in games, sets, and matches as a kind of “grind” to enjoy.
12. 23:13 Pickleball Is A Social Sport
The conversation shifts to pickleball’s inherently social nature compared to other racquet sports like tennis that often focus on individual accomplishments. Both men agree pickleball's popularity owes in part to its emphasis on community. Evans tells colorful stories of players chatting for hours over post-game beers, fostering real friendships in the process.
13. 24:05 New Book For Seniors - Mike Branon
As the podcast episode winds down, Branon mentions his next book project will focus on senior citizens and the myriad positive impacts pickleball can provide as people age. Improving mobility, cognitive function and combatting isolation are just some of the benefits he plans to highlight along with many inspiring stories sure to resonate with readers.
14. 25:28 Life and Pickleball - Morgan Evans
In closing, Evans offers a few final thoughts tying together the major themes covered in this wide-ranging conversation about life, mental health, community and of course, the state of pickleball today. While many players first come for paddle pops and competition, Evans asserts they stay for the connections and sense of belonging forged around this unlikely sport turned cultural phenomenon.
Pickleball’s Unique Combination of Competition and Camaraderie Offers Lifelong Rewards
From Mike Branon finding new purpose after a construction business career to podcaster Morgan Evans improving his mental health, it’s clear pickleball affects more than just the quad muscles. With its mix of athletics and relationships, pickleball builds community and changes lives. As Evans observes, players often show up casually looking for some fun exercise but end up finding lifelong friendships from hours spent slapping plastic balls back and forth on a rec center court. Perhaps that unique combination helps explain why so many people are eagerly joining in on this pickleball craze that shows no signs of slowing down.
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