Is Pickleball a Cult?: Traveling the World and "Coopetition" with Max "Purple Jesus" Manthou |S2 E1

Neely and Natasha open Season 2 with APP pro Max Manthou (aka “Purple Jesus”), author of A Pickleball Gospel. In this episode they cover Max’s Peace Corps past, life traveling the pro tour, his book’s concept of “coopetition,” and the growing pickleball scene — including NPL indoor tournaments and Anna Leigh’s Nike deal. The episode also touches on community stories (including a life-saving kidney donation), mental-game tips, and a rapid-fire segment, blending personal memoir, pro insight, and pickleball culture.