An Inside Look at the Hottest Sport in America Through a Top Pickleball Podcast
Pickleball Personalities Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Future Plans in Lively Discussion
Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the past few years, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in America. And at the center of this pickleball phenomenon is the Johnkew Podcast, hosted by noted gear reviewer and aggressive baseliner John Kew.
In the first episode of the "JohnKew Podcast", Kew is joined by frequent playing partner and local legend “Flying” Eddie to discuss the latest paddle models they’re testing, dish on new balls entering the market, share funny stories from the courts, and reveal their resolutions for 2024.
Right from the start, Kew sets an enthusiastic tone, ready to “have fun talk about stuff that's in our daily lives that I don't get to talk about in the official podcast and official videos.” The conversational style allows Kew and Eddie’s passionate personalities to shine as they run through nearly 15 pickleball-centric topics.
0:00, Introduction
Kew jokes about finally starting his long-awaited podcast, saying “this is episode one of the podcast something I've been wanting to do for a good while now.” He envisions it as “filler between the official reviews,” where he can give real-time updates like new paddle quality control issues. Kew is clearly excited about all the possibilities for more informal discussions related to his main gear review show.
He introduces co-host Eddie, whom viewers will recognize from cameos “in a lot of my videos.” Affectionately known as “Flying Eddie” for his gravity-defying court moves, Eddie gives his pickleball origin story (getting hooked after getting “beat by an elderly person”) and builds anticipation for the wide-ranging conversation ahead.
1. 3:02, Best Podcasts Right Now
The hosts jump right into a pickleball core topic: their favorite pods. Kew name checks the Pickleball Studio guys, Pickleball Effect, King of the Court, The Dink, and more—establishing his podcast taste-maker credentials.
Eddie singles out Kew’s “fair and honest objective kinds of reviews” in particular, giving his co-host a credible endorsement. It’s clear these two have fun on-court chemistry and take the sport seriously from multiple angles.
2. 4:28, First Paddle and Paddle Journey
A trip down paddle memory lane reveals their early, budget-friendly starter paddles. Eddie recalls his Monarch Mercenary, while Kew goes through his progression from the Electrum Model E to Pro 2 to Joola Hyperion.
The hosts commiserate over trying to keep all the various paddle brand names straight, with Kew complaining about nonsense names like “Invikta with a K.” But their detailed recounting shows genuine enthusiasm for testing lots of models in the future.
3. 8:29, Gearbox Pro Paddles - Break-In Period
The pros/cons discussion gets more technical as Kew and Eddie evaluate the high-end Gearbox Pro series they both currently use. Complaints about early production run weight inconsistencies prompted the owner to vow stricter quality control, showing how seriously the community takes paddle standards.
While both hosts vouch for the quality of their own Gearboxes, they dive deeper into the idea of a “break-in period” for optimal performance. Kew mentions inside knowledge from his various maker relationships (like with Gearbox founder Rafael) regarding materials used and manufacturing differences that affect durability.
4. 12:14, New Paddles We're Hitting: Proton
Staying on theme of latest gear, Kew introduces the Proton paddle gaining buzz on the pro tour. With signature players like mixed doubles phenom Meghan Dizon using it, the unique surface material has caught Kew and Eddie’s interest as reviewers.
They analyze the tacky, “almost rubberized” face that “grabs” the ball for tremendous spin without using texture. Kew geeks out over technical specs like the paddle’s aerospace-grade carbon fiber and Made in USA sourcing. Eddie raves about the spin potential after facing Kew’s slippery slices.
5. 20:40, How Much Do Pros Develop Their Own Signature Paddles?
Leveraging their insider expertise, the hosts ponder how much input pros actually have into branded paddle collaborations. Kew believe Ben Johns “pushed Joola originally to make that edge foam perimeter U paddle,” but says many big names just use sponsor products for the paycheck.
He worries about the influence on beginners, who assume pros automatically use the best gear. Eddie wonders whether Johns’ ideal specs would even benefit average players. It’s an intriguing glimpse into the pickleball business side.
6. 26:04, The New Vulcan Ball
Shifting to ball technology, Kew and Eddie analyze the much-hyped new USA Pickleball-sanctioned Vulcan. Breaking out his ball testing tools again, Kew classifies hardness grades across brands—placing Vulcan just below his top-rated Franklin.
Although Vulcan durability has improved, the hosts identify an affordable, near-identical alternative for cost-conscious players: the NEOSLICK Vega 40. Kew clearly relishes his role as lore-keeper and guide for optimal gear pairings.
7. 38:13, Gearbox G2 Budget Paddles
In this segment, Kew covers the other end of the spectrum: Gearbox’s new value-focused G2 line. Designed with recreational players in mind, the more affordable honeycomb composite models retain Gearbox’s quality commitments, according to the hosts.
Kew does caution that the grippy surface texture may not be as durable as other materials, affecting spin over time. But overall, at $100-$130 with Gearbox’s signature attention to detail, both hosts agree the G2 paddles should hold their own against peers.
8. 44:58, Volair Corto Budget Paddle
Continuing the budget paddle profile parade, Kew checks in on Volair’s fiberglass Corto model. Shaped akin to the popular Mach 2 Forza graphite paddle Kew previously reviewed, the Corto trades lighter swing weight for a $100-ish price point while keeping Volair’s craftsmanship intact.
Between Gearbox’s G2 line and Volair’s continuing innovations, Kew seems excited by the increasing quality and affordability happening across the pickleball paddle world.
9. 45:30, 11Six24 Hurache-X
When the owner of niche paddle maker 11Six24 offered to send Kew paddles for review, Kew couldn’t resist checking out another fresh option. The Hurache-X combines carbon fiber, fiberglass, and peel ply surface layers for what Eddie describes as exceptional touch and punch.
Kew highlights the extra-long handle for margin-of-error flexibility, deducing the sweet spot also seemed enlarged during play testing. For just $140, both hosts came away impressed with the Hurache-X as an intriguing value choice.
10. 48:37, Bread & Butter Filth 14mm
Before closing with resolutions and plans, Kew fits in one final paddle first impression: the latest Bread & Butter 14mm-thick Filth model. Shaped for power over pop compared to prior Filth iterations, the early returns are strong.
Kew says the thinner core and face increased punch and kitchen exchanges stood out. It’s clear Kew feels a responsibility to keep his fellow gear heads updated on every advancing paddle opportunity worth their analytical attention.
11. 49:30, Goals/Resolutions for 2024
Shifting conversational gears, Kew asks Eddie about his pickleball hopes for the year ahead. Beyond usual incremental skill improvements, Eddie focuses on recapturing his earlier joy for play after recent frustration-driven pressure dented his enthusiasm.
Kew shares how injuries hampered his own 2023progress, making mobility and strength training prime 2024 goals. Both acknowledge the mental game’s impact as well, with Kew preaching better warm-ups and meditation as critical for peak performance. It’s a nice glimpse into their human sides versus just paddle-crazed robots!
12. 58:15, Padel vs. Pickleball in Saudi Arabia
In an unexpected turn, Kew details his globe-trotting archaeologist career including frequent trips to Saudi Arabia. An attempts to travel home with his Gearbox paddle even led to airport security interrogating him about the mysterious “raw carbon fiber” item!
While pickleball itself is unknown in Saudi Arabia, Kew leverages abundant local padel courts of similar dimensions to get his fix abroad. He envisions a potential crossover opportunity, as padel continues growing internationally at a rapid pace in areas pickleball hasn’t touched.
13. 59:36, Q&A: Comparisons between Six Zero Infinity & Ruby
Kew fittingly closes with an impromptu gear breakdown, comparing 60’s latest Ruby release with their Infinity paddle line. Getting technical on materials and designs again, he praises the Ruby’s superior power and controls versus the Infinity models’ advantages in pop and touch.
Eddie asks insightful questions about quantifying the subjective "plushness" metric Kew references, leading to an analysis of paddle cores, faces, vibrations, and other factors that determine feel. For players seeking the best balance of power and control, Kew gives the edge to the Ruby; for aggressive attacking games focused on quick exchanges, he suggests the lighter Infinity versions.
It's an informative peek behind the dynamic testing and evaluation that has made Kew a respected authority within pickleball circles.
14. 1:05:59, Secret Meeting of Paddle Reviewers in Las Vegas
Finally, Kew tantalizes readers with exclusive plans for a collaborator summit the following month. He and other top gear channels Pickleball Will, Pickleball Effect, and Chris Olson will gather in Las Vegas to get personally fitted by a “total paddle nerd” maker planning weight-optimized new releases.
Kew jokes their host may saddle him with a beginner’s special Z5 while reserving top-shelf prototypes for his YouTube co-stars. But the anticipation of original content to come from their desert brain trust session is palpable.
From start to upbeat finish, this informal yet info-packed John Kew Podcast episode spotlights pickleball’s surging participant passion through the eyes of two deeply devoted ambassadors. Kew and Eddie balance humble self-deprecation with strong strategic opinions, while clearly relishing every opportunity to hit the courts in their shared hometown.
If their wide-ranging first podcast is any indication, expect even more colorful stories and connector tissue filling out the pickleball universe in between Kew’s acclaimed reviews. The movement toward more niche analysis and diverse media covering America’s new favorite pastime sport has truly arrived.
Noted gear expert John Kew gives pickleball fans an enticing taste of what’s driving the sport’s rapid growth in his debut podcast episode. With frequent playing partner “Flying” Eddie joining in the conversation, Kew uses an informal format to reveal behind-the-scenes insights from two devotees immersed in pickleball culture daily.
Topics span from hot new paddles getting buzz to ball technology advancements and even some surprises about the pros. Kew and Eddie’s infectious enthusiasm for analyzing subtle equipment performance details also shines through as they reference various product databases and testing tools as casually as box scores.
The rapid-fire dialogue captures pickleball’s accelerating status as more than just a casual hobby. From debating technical paddle specifications to previewing a secret desert summit with fellow gear channel influencers, Kew embraces the show’s potential as connective tissue integrating different pickleball community elements.
Yet despite Kew and Eddie’s obvious gear geek tendencies, they also discuss developmental priorities like improving mobility, maintaining joy for play, and strategic warm-up mental preparation. Their well-rounded approach encompasses physical, social, competitive, and even global cultural aspects that comprise pickleball’s mushrooming appeal.
With clout earned through his popular reviews, Kew is leveraging the podcast space to expand scope. This first episode suggests no pickleball-relevant topic is off limits if insight value exists, particularly on emerging trends. Based on initial reception, the Johnkew Podcast figures prominently among outlets needed to advance understanding of the sport sweeping American recreation.
0:00 Introduction 3:02 Best Podcasts Right Now 4:28 First Paddle and Paddle Journey 8:29 Gearbox Pro Paddles - Break-In Period 12:14 New Paddles We're Hitting: Proton 20:40 How Much Do Pros Develop Their Own Signature Paddles? 26:04 The New Vulcan Ball 38:13 Gearbox G2 Budget Paddles 44:58 Volair Corto Budget Paddle 45:30 11Six24 Hurache-X 48:37 Bread & Butter Filth 14mm 49:30 Goals/Resolutions for 2024 58:15 Padel vs. Pickleball in Saudi Arabia 59:36 Q&A: Comparisons between Six Zero Infinity & Ruby 1:05:59 Secret Meeting of Paddle Reviewers in Las Vegas
The Pickleball Prosody Podcast Get ready for a real podcast treat, Cause Johnkew serves up talk that can’t be beat! With trusty friend Eddie blasting away, They make pickleball lessons seem like child’s play. From paddle specs to future plans, These pickleball review pros make big demands. Testing gear that makes others look meek, John and Eddie offer insights we won’t find on the street. Debating balls and rating faces, Universally respected in all player spaces, No topic off limits between this talkin’ two, Bouncing ideas with passion only the pickleball obsessed would do! So lend your ear to Johnkew’s lecture, Featuring Eddie adding extra vector. You’ll gain key tips and laughs in bulk, As host John brings Eddie’s flying circus to cult. Their pickleball minds shine—make a point not to miss it, This pod’s got the juice...and you’ll soon be addicted!
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