Why I Hate & Love Pickleball

Picking up where our Valentine's episode left off, this is the first of three chaos‑filled installments where Austin—our fearless 20‑something—spills his 'icks,' red flags, and absolute deal‑breakers.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold." After the Valentine's episode—our chaotic detour into Gen Z "icks" and red flags, where Bill practically dry‑heaved at the mere idea of dating—he came back swinging. This time, Bill didn't just serve Presley one dish… he rolled out an entire tasting menu of payback.

It was our boss Verne's birthday, and Presley's good‑natured determination dragged Bill—despite his fatigue and total lack of interest—on a late‑night shopping trip.

The suffering continues. Bill's boomer brain short‑circuits as Presley unleashes yet another round of her infamous 'icks.' Her heart is absolutely in the right place—unfortunately, her advice only pushes Bill further toward the Dark Side.

What is an "ick?" Presley, the sweet and ever‑supportive cohost, valiantly tries to steer Bill's love life with advice and encouragement. Predictably, it goes off the rails almost immediately — and she absolutely refuses to give up.

At long last, the episode that refused to die finally meets its dramatic end. The mall adventure wraps with Bill getting hopelessly overstimulated in a game room while Presley, ever the responsible one, hauls him home like a frazzled babysitter.

The Mall saga continues—this time with window‑shopping detours and a Korean hot dog taste‑test you can practically hear. Every bite, every crunch, all captured. Along the way, Presley drops a revelation about her future earnings… and why she's totally at peace with it.

On today's remote episode Presley tells Bill he dresses like a "geriatric fart," and that it's time for a wardrobe upgrade. To bring Bill out of his Great Depression fashion era and into the modern age, Presley bribes Bill by using milk tea and Korean corn dogs.

Last episode went off the rails—so much so that we're officially renaming it 'Recapping.' This time, we're back on track as Presley dives into the hidden corners of Bill's mind with her signature game, '200 Questions.' Expect revelations, chaos, and yes… Toxic Waste candy and potato chips make an appearance.

What do you want to know about Bill? To Presley, he's an enigma—so she dives straight into his quirks, instincts, and thought patterns by asking the questions she really wants answered. And yes, it gets weird fast. What's under your pillow? Who's on your grudge list? Was Jesus a marathoner? Tune in and see how far this conversation runs.  

Do dreams have meanings? Who knows. We're not experts, and we're not exactly losing sleep over it. Presley dreams about her teeth falling out and brains in glass cases. It doesn't mean anything about her… or does it?

Presley shares her experiences from her first semester in law school, including preparing for finals and the story of how she met her husband.

We had our first guest, Rachel Crandall, an engaged medical student at the University of Houston with extensive clinical, leadership, and humanitarian experience across five continents. This is part two of our first "three-way" interview. 

We had our first guest, Rachel Crandall, an engaged medical student at the University of Houston with extensive clinical, leadership, and humanitarian experience across five continents. This is part one of our first "three-way" interview. 

In this special holiday episode, we explore the deeper meaning behind the season—beyond the lights, the meals, and the gifts. Together, we reflect on traditions of giving and the ways holidays remind us of our shared humanity. Even in times when differences feel sharper than ever, the holidays offer a chance to pause, connect, and celebrate what unites us. From stories of generosity to reflections on cultural traditions, this conversation is about rediscovering the joy of giving and the power of community.

Presley and Bill dive into a candid, cross-generational conversation—sharing what they love and loathe about their own generation and each other's. It's honest, funny, and full of surprising insights.

Presley and Bill dive into a candid, cross-generational conversation—sharing what they love and loathe about their own generation and each other's. It's honest, funny, and full of surprising insights.

We talked more about nothing. It better than great.  

We talked about absolutely nothing. It was great!

Two generations. One absurd reality. Infinite hot takes. Welcome to Boomer vs Zoomer Chat, where a wisecracking Boomer and a chronically online Zoomer collide in the most unhinged group chat you never asked to join. From AI panic to avocado toast inflation, we roast the chaos of modern life—one brutally honest convo at a time. It's hilarious. It's heartbreaking. It's real. We don't always agree, but we never ghost. Because somewhere between "back in my day" and "that's so delulu," there's a shot at actual understanding. New episodes drop bi-monthly. Bring your opinions, contradictions, and coping mechanisms—we've got room for all of it.  

Two generations. One absurd reality. Infinite hot takes. Welcome to Boomer vs Zoomer Chat, where a wisecracking Boomer and a chronically online Zoomer collide in the most unhinged group chat you never asked to join. From AI panic to avocado toast inflation, we roast the chaos of modern life—one brutally honest convo at a time. It's hilarious. It's heartbreaking. It's real. We don't always agree, but we never ghost. Because somewhere between "back in my day" and "that's so delulu," there's a shot at actual understanding. New episodes drop bi-monthly. Bring your opinions, contradictions, and coping mechanisms—we've got room for all of it.      

The Future of Pickleball and AI

The five W's of Chapter 1: When, Who, Where, What, and Why. It introduces the main character "Rivka," which means binding and linking.

How should you play in the wind? Why should you compete in tournaments? What is it like to play at the Senior Pro level?

Artists need a thick skin.

How I wrote the prologue? 

What is my writing process? How did I develop my characters? I love the heroes and villains I created who are flawed, wonderful and terrible.  

Writing is lonely. You need a support group.

After one and a half years, the 300-page manuscript is done. Now the hard work begins.  New Year's Day War is a modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set against the backdrop of a Middle Eastern conflict. It explores themes of duty, regret, and unspoken emotions. Rivka, an underpaid yet overqualified Israeli middle school teacher, sees her life upended when Egypt and Syria launch a coordinated attack on Israel. She begins as a gentle, compassionate figure—earning her comparisons to Fred Rogers (a.k.a. Mr. Rogers)—but is thrust into a world of brutality and impossible choices. Embedded with a frontline combat unit alongside Rami, a Palestinian interpreter, Rivka must navigate the chaos of war, the fight against Hamas terrorists, and the pervasive sexism of the military. Facing modern-day adversaries reminiscent of Adolf Hitler and Muammar Gaddafi, Rivka finds herself at the heart of an escalating conflict that hurtles toward nuclear annihilation. Ultimately, she is forced to make sacrifices that could cost her honor, her soul, and the life of the man she loves. New Year's Day War is a precise, gritty, and layered character-driven novel that examines love and intimate relationships amid the harsh realities of war. 

For the past six months, I learned a few things about Pickleball 

I hate when players play below their level but I hate cowardice and laziness even more. 

I was interviewed by Curtis for his podcast. I produced a preview podcast and will use his interview on my show when it is available. Next week, I'll discuss playing down or "sandbagging" tournaments.  

Today's episode is about pickleball mental fitness: enhancing focus, performance under pressure, and unlocking hidden potential.

Why I haven't published lately?

During the Chicago APP, I had a terrible experience at some local pickleball courts.  

I decided to collaborate on a murder mystery short story. 

I discuss the main characters using a framework "WIN" (Wants, Intents and Needs)

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel: the first draft is nearly complete.  I created a character so terrible it make me sad. 

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel: the first draft of the manuscript is nearly complete. I had a difficult time writing a character. It was inconceivable a person in a position of authority to be indecisive and cowardly. 

My daughter is a Professional Pickleball player. I coached her tennis from four years old. We have a special relationship, but I made some mistakes which I do not want you to do. You should listen to this episode, if you are considering coaching your child.

"Ego is a cousin of evil" but how can we see "ego?" Answer: by being self-aware. Recognition of a problem is the first step to fixing it.  

I discuss the progress of my writing to date. How does power corrupt?

It's getting hotter and you need to hydrate. Should you keep your paddle in your car? Who had the worst draw at the Sacramento Open?   https://youtu.be/1sF2qpTTclI  

Many players say they want to improve but don't do the work. To be a good pickleball player, the body, mind and heart (desire) must work in concert. I talk about desire.

My friend says that mature adults can not hit a pickleball hard. I disagree. Some use age as mental crutch and an excuse. How to hit a ball with power when you are not muscular? What are the important muscles? 

What are some of the weapons in the novel? F15, F16, C17, and the SAM-11. For this book, I had to learn a lot. 

What is the new social scene? Yes, it's pickleball, not only during the day but also at night. What is fun? Why is pickleball fun? 

After a year of analysis, why is this the most difficult shot to master? 3 parts: before, during, and after, and require skills: movement, defense and offense.      

My novel is a love story in a moden-day Tom Clancy story. What are my themes? What do I want you to take away? Courage. Spoiler Alert: I discuss parts of the novel.  

Why should you play left-handed? What? Playing right-handed is difficult enough. I suggest that we are sometimes our worst enemies. My pride evaporates when I play left-handed: it's a humbling and frustrating experience. It also adds weapons to my arsenal and my right-handed shots improve. Try it.  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCGZ28T6 D2D: https://books2read.com/u/baB7Na