S2 Ep. 14 — Flashlights, crushes, and finding her people on the pickleball court

Shireen was just looking for a tennis court when pickleball found her — and nothing has been the same since. In this episode, she shares how the sport reignited a childlike joy she didn't know she was missing, and how showing up to open play led to friendships that now extend far beyond the courts. As a dentist, Shireen brings a fascinating lens to the game, drawing unexpected parallels between the focus required in her work and the mental presence pickleball demands. HighlightsHow stumbling onto a pickleball court while searching for tennis completely redirected her relationship with sport and playThe vulnerability of showing up to open play as a total beginner — and why it was worth itThe unexpected joy of playing outside again like a kid, and why that feeling mattersWhat dentistry taught her about focus — and how it shows up in her pickleball gameUsing her phone flashlight to light up the courts for early morning sessionsHow being an outdoorsy person from New Mexico has influenced her love for the gameChapters00:00 Intro01:40 Stumbling upon pickleball when looking for tennis courts05:04 Th first time at open play and not being able to play09:07 Rediscovering the joy of playing outside again like a kid12:21 Sizing people up to play17:47 Finding community and connection during life ups and downs20:27 Friendships that have moved beyond the courts22:14 The thrill of a pickleball crush23:45 Using her phone flashlight to light up the courts for early morning play25:14 Blasting Sarah Landry on the courts27:41 Pet Peeves in Pickleball30:52 The Dentist on the Court35:36 Lessons on focus from dentistry on the courts36:58 How pickleball makes her feel so different than tennis