Serving Up Trouble

Season 2 Episode 8 Paralympic, World and European table tennis medalist Megan Shackleton joins me on Serving Up Trouble!In a packed episode, we talk about finding the confidence to be creative and express yourself on the table, the nuances of the wheelchair game and how a mix of hard work and a winning mindset took her to the podium in Tokyo 2020!SocialsFollow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Megan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@megshackletonRead articles on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠

ITTF World Parkinson’s Class 1 Gold Medalist 2021 and showcase gold medalist 2025 Jan Fuller joins me on Serving up Trouble to talk about her table tennis journey. Jan started playing TT as a young woman. A Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2012 led her to return to the sport, prompted by extraordinary research into the benefits of TT for the condition. Now she’s competed at the highest level, on the world stage!Find out more about Parkinson's Table TennisParkinson's UK: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/magazine/stories/table-tennis-and-parkinsonsTable Tennis England Parkinson's Toolkit:https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/news/2025/how-you-can-unleash-the-power-of-table-tennis-to-help-people-with-parkinsons/SocialsFollow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read articles on ⁠⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠

Season 2 Episode 6Mari Baldwin joins me to discuss the different stages in a table tennis player’s early career. The steps from one age group to the next can be steeper than expected!We also chat about our experiences being queer in the sport with lots of laughs along the way! SocialsFollow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Mari: ⁠⁠⁠@_mari_baldwin_Read articles on ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠

Season 2 Episode 5'Underspin delves beneath the pressure that forges a champion, and the vulnerability that makes a coming of age: the crackling intensity of a match, the push and pull of first love, and the great injustices committed within our closest relationships.'Move over Marty Supreme, this week I'm joined by sports writer and novelist Emily Zhao to discuss her debut book Underspin!SocialsFollow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Emily: ⁠⁠@underspinthebook⁠Order a copy of Underspin: https://amzn.eu/d/0fRsueIDRead articles on ⁠Substack⁠

Season 2 Episode 4These pips don't lie! I'm joined by player, coach and content creator Agnieszka Maluszczak for a masterclass in one of table tennis' most misunderstood playing styles. 25% DISCOUNT AT CHAOS CURVE CULTURE We're teaming up with Chaos Curve Culture this Christmas with a 25% discount on all stock until the end of December!USA: Use the code SUTPOD25 at checkoutUK: Message the code to @chaoscurveculture on Instagram, and Carol will assist you with your order and international shipping!SocialsFollow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Aga: ⁠@agapingpong

Season 2 Episode 3A good commentator can make you feel like you’re right there courtside, living every rally, every spin, and every smash from your living room.But what does it take to step behind the mic for the first time? How do you prepare, and what happens behind the scenes that you never hear on air?In this episode of Serving Up Trouble, I’m sharing my first experience as a commentator, meeting the people who make it all happen and discovering the magic that turns a match into a story.FeaturingFaser Riley: @fraserriley1Jordan Wykes: @jordan_wykes0Lucija Dankic: @dankic.lucijaCharlotte Lutz: @charlotte_lutz05Camille Lutz: @lutzcamille17Sarah De Nutte: @sarahdenutteHana Arapović: @hana_arapovicTanja Helle: @tanjahelle_ttSabine Winter: @sabine.winter.92Annett Kaufmann: @annett_kaufmann_ttNina Mittelham: @ninamittelham...and more!

Season 2 Episode 2The second half of our special podcast on America's pro league- Major League Table Tennis!We talk to Amy Wang about balancing top-level TT with her studies in neuroscience, how her playing style has developed and her love of figure skating!I also chat with Chinese newcomers Peiyu Zhu and Ge Chi, who are joining the Florida Crocs and Bay Area Blasters.Featuring:Amy Wang: @amyywang02Peiyu ZhuGe ChiDaniel Gorak: @daniel.gorakNandan Naresh: @nandanareshhSid Naresh: @sidnareshDavid McBeath: @david_mcbeathWatch Major League Table Tennis Live on YouTube⁠https://www.youtube.com/@majorleaguetabletennis⁠Follow Us!Instagram: ⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠TikTok: ⁠@serving.up.trouble⁠⁠Facebook: Serving Up Trouble Podcast

Season 2 Episode 1Table Tennis season is back, and so is Serving Up Trouble!To kick off the new series, I travelled to America to chat with the stars of Major League Table Tennis. Across the next two episodes I'll be talking to some of the league's top female talent as well as their teammates and the folks behind the scenes who make it all happen!Featuring:Lily Zhang: @lilyyzKotomi Omoda: @omodakotomi0407Tianna Cohen: @tiannalouisecohenMatt Hetherington: @mhtabletennisChristian LillieroosJens Lundqvist: @jenslu79Sid Naresh: @sidnareshVed ShethWatch Major League Table Tennis Live on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@majorleaguetabletennisFollow Us!Instagram: @servinguptroublepodTikTok: @serving.up.troubleFacebook: Serving Up Trouble Podcast

Episode 16England No. 1 Tin-Tin Ho joins me on Serving Up Trouble for the final episode of the series!We chat about Tin-Tin’s road to 7 National titles, handling pressure on the international stage, balancing a degree with top level table tennis and how she’s looking to develop her game with sights on LA 2028!SocialsFollow us: ⁠⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠⁠Follow Tin-Tin: @tintin.hoTip of the Week: @doran66Champion of the Week: ⁠@mima_ito

Episode 15We are joined by Paralympic doubles bronze medalist and World Championship doubles gold medalist Fliss Pickard!Since joining the GB para squad, Fliss has had an incredible journey, battling with physical and mental barriers as she came through the ranks.I speak to Fliss about how she came to table tennis, the hurdles along the way especially following a difficult Asperger’s diagnosis and her aspirations to become the best in the world.SocialsFollow us: ⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠Follow Fliss: ⁠⁠FacebookTip of the Week: ⁠⁠@jackhsttChampion of the Week: ⁠⁠@shin_yubin_

Episode 14We're joined by Jo Green this week to talk about what makes a great coach, advice for TT parents, how to encourage girls battling anxiety and what she’d do if she won the lottery!SocialsFollow us: ⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠Follow Jo's Coaching Page: ⁠RedBlackGreen - Table Tennis CoachingFollow Draycott: ⁠@dlettcTip of the Week: ⁠@hey_its_napsChampion of the Week: ⁠@_brunatakahashi

Episode 13The interviewer becomes the interviewee this week on Serving Up Trouble as I chat with former French international player and podcast host Marie Migot!Marie talks about how she's been able to find her game and rekindle her love of table tennis after a tumultuous time on the circuit as a young person. After feeling burnt out playing internationally aged 24, Marie took a step back from table tennis. Returning to the sport on her own terms has reignited her passion for play. She competes in the French League Pro A and her podcast "On The Edge" is full of deep and interesting conversations with personalities throughout the table tennis world.Follow Marie: ⁠@mmigot⁠Follow On The Edge: ⁠@ontheedgetabletennis⁠Listen to On The Edge: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7htGKcJWQLnseFKtNa5FBt?si=49624106b2ff4482⁠Tip of the Week: Steve BrunskillChampion of the Week: ⁠@prithika.pavade

Episode 12Rebecca Savage is a high ranked player in England now working as an apprentice coach at eBaTT. We talk about playing semi-pro in Portugal, how she thinks becoming a coach has improved her game and her ideas for how to encourage more competition for high ranked female players!SocialsFollow eBaTT: @_ebattTip of the Week: @jason.ramageChampion of the Week: @dina_alaameshrefSupport Rebecca's Push-up Challenge!https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/rebeccas-giving-page-34522273

Episode 11Lisa Harwood is a qualified yoga instructor who has been running sessions with players at table tennis wales. During this episode we discuss how yoga can benefit your table tennis from flexibility and injury prevention to physical and mental strength!Watch to the end for some extra special table tennis yoga videos!SocialsFollow Us: ⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠Follow Lisa: ⁠@lisa_echoyoga⁠Website: ⁠https://www.echoyoga.co.uk/⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g1jnETVTqU&t=265s

Episode 10Former Welsh international Natasha Hurd made her senior debut aged only 11 years old! In this episode we talk about her journey to Commonwealth Bronze in 1992, what it was like training back up after a break for the Commonwealth Games 2002, playing ping in the police and some new ideas for engaging young players.SocialsFollow us: ⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠Tip of the Week: ⁠@colin.wilson62Champion of the Week: ⁠@diazadriana123

This is your bonus May recap! Included in this episode: Anna Hursey Makes History at U21 European ChampionshipsPara Success in LaskoITTF World Championships DohaITTF Presidential ElectionsFollow usInstagram: @servinguptroublepod

Episode 9Have you ever wondered what's going on in the head of a pro Table Tennis player? Multi-Slovak champion and Sports Psychologist Natália Grigelova is here to answer your questions!We talk about emotion regulation, mental exercises off the table and how to give yourself the confidence to go for your shots. SocialsFollow us: @servinguptroublepodFollow Natália: @grigelkaCheck out Natália's Website: https://psychonaty.com/Tip of the Week: @the_dungeon_philckChampion of the Week: @sofia.polcanova

Episode 8It's double trouble on the podcast this week with Fusion's Tiana Dennison and Amelia Chan! We talk about training camps in China, finding friends in the sport and the life changing experience of Amelia hearing her first "cho".SocialsFollow us: @servinguptroublepodFollow Tiana: @tiana.dennisonFollow Amelia: @ameliachannnChampion of the Week: Sun YingshaFind Competitions and Events:https://www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/events/

Episode 7Making her Serving Up Trouble debut this week is European Silver Medalist, World Para Championships doubles Gold Medalist and, more importantly, my Halton teammate- Grace Williams! By self-admission not a "sporty" kid, Grace talks about how she was encouraged to pick up a bat and the crazy journey it's taken her on since, giving us insight into life on the Para pathway and what it's like trying to qualify for an Olympic games while also getting a degree! SocialsFollow Us: @ServinguptroublepodFollow Grace: @graceelennChampion of the Week: @bruninha_alexandre

Episode 6An extra special episode of the pod today as I go behind the scenes at the WTT Feeder in Manchester! I chat to top female players and coaches, getting their perspective on winning and losing, what brings them joy in the training hall and most importantly advise for the next generation. Interviews in order of appearance: Jasmine WongSophie Early Tin Tin HoKrittwika RoySayali Wani Silvija ErdeljiAinhoa CristobalJana RieraDebora VivarelliTianer YuSophia Xuan ZhangJosephina NeumannFollow us!Instagram: @servinguptroublepodTikTok: @serving.up.troubl

A new bonus episode recapping all the biggest headlines from the table tennis world this month. Included in this episode: Hugo Calderado and Sun Yinsha take World Cup Gold in Macao New changes to the Olympic format lead to increased investment in female playersAmerican League MLTT and Indian League UTT announce draft picks for top teamsFollow us: Instagram: @servinguptroublepod

Episode 5Lyndsey Simpson has been involved in every aspect of table tennis as a player, coach, umpire and referee! In this episode Lyndsey talks about her mental health journey, the daily challenges she has to overcome and how table tennis has helped her gain strength, confidence and family.Learn more about Lancashire Mind:https://www.lancashiremind.org.uk/TW: Mentions of suicide and self-harmIf you or someone you know has been affected by issues raised in this episode you can seek support at some of the links below. Samaritans Tel: 116 123 (Free)www.samaritans.org ShoutText Shout to 85258www.giveusashout.org MindMindInfoline: 0300 123 3393www.mind.org.ukSocial LinksFollow us: ⁠⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠⁠Follow Lyndsey: ⁠⁠@lifeof.lyndsTip of the Week: ⁠⁠Brian JacksonChampion of the Week: ⁠⁠@lilyyz

Episode 4Former England star and Commonwealth medalist Maria Tsaptsinos joins us on the podcast to talk about her table tennis journey from starting out to National Champion! We discuss how the friendships she formed during England camps and abroad helped her overcome challenges and find the drive to succeed on the world stage.Social LinksFollow us: ⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠Follow Maria: ⁠@mariatsaptsinosTip of the Week: ⁠@mattportercoachChampion of the Week: ⁠@nixialianofficial

Episode 3I sit down with Brighton's Teresa Bennett to talk all about her experience coaching young players, the importance of positivity in the corner and how we can keep young women engaged in table tennis!Social LinksFollow us: @servinguptroublepodFollow Brighton TTC: @brightonttcTip of the Week: @leonmagicianChampion of the Week: @hanaaymangoda

Episode 2Jill Parker joins me at a recording studio in Preston to talk all about her playing career from picking up a bat at the civil service club in Slough to her 1976 European Gold medal! Jill tells us all about her iconic defending style and the importance of getting to know your players as a coach.Social LinksFollow us: ⁠@servinguptroublepod⁠Tip of the Week: ⁠@ta_ttcoachingChampion of the Week: ⁠@manikabatra.15

Episode 1 To kick us off we chat to player, coach and TTE board member Sally Hughes! We talk about the challenges of playing in a local league as a young person, how we can create more opportunities for women and girls in the UK and that one time the England shirts were... yellow?Social LinksFollow Us: @servinguptroublepodFollow Sally Hughes: @sallymdhughesTip of the Week: Cliff Carder - BATTS TTCChampion of the Week: @szocsbernadettecynthia

Serving Up Trouble is the podcast all about women's table tennis. Tune in every Monday for interviews, top tips and more!Get Involved!Are you a female table tennis player who'd like to share your story? Get in touch!Email: [email protected]: @servinguptroublepod