This week we are joined by the incredible hosts of the new podcast 99% Pickleball, PPA Pro Mari Humberg, and content creator extraordinaire Nikki Maldonado. We dive deep into their origin stories—from Mari pitching her C-suite executives to sponsor her pro tour debut, to Nikki discovering the sport through a bar flyer during a dark time in her life. It’s a masterclass in how pickleball changes lives both inside and outside the lines of the court.
Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of the pro game. Mari breaks down what it’s actually like to share the court with Anna Leigh Waters, and the insane level of discipline required to execute the strategy that finally handed ALW her first MLP doubles loss this season. We also talk MLP super teams, why pickleball desperately needs more on-court personalities, and top-tier strategy tips for amateurs—including why you need to film yourself and stop hitting to the weaker player in open play. Grab your hydration (and your favorite paddle) and tune in!
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and Guests
01:08 Poll Influencer Warmup
01:41 Rapid Fire Poll Debate
06:36 Fabian Answers Back
07:51 Why 99 Percent Pickleball
08:34 How Mari Met Nikki
09:58 Mari Tennis to Pro Journey
15:38 Going Full Time and Sponsors
18:22 Nikki Pickleball Origin Story
21:00 Nikki Content Creator Rise
25:10 Podcast Concept for Rec Players
27:27 Beyond the Lines Vision
30:18 Storytelling Over Stats
32:16 Playing With Anna Leigh
34:45 Beating The Superhuman
37:24 Facing Her After Teaming
38:52 MLP Trades And Drama
43:45 Rapid Fire Training Tips
47:59 Hot Takes And Drills
50:28 Signature Shots Breakdown
52:51 Gear Picks And Shoe Talk
57:15 Where To Find Them