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Around the Pod
Four hosts. Two Australian pros. Two passionate amateurs. One obsession: pickleball.
Join Australian pros Aaron Blitz and Josh Chia alongside passionate pickleballers Justin McLeod and Michael Murrell as they dive into everything happening in the world's fastest-growing sport. From tournaments, tactics and the latest news to stories from life on and off the court, every episode blends elite insight with the perspective of everyday players. Featuring guests from across the pickleball world, Around the Pod is the podcast for anyone who loves the game — whether you're just getting started or competing at the highest level.
Around the Pod
Gold Coast vs Perth Scene, Asia Tour Secrets & Aussie Pickleball "Love Island" Draft (ft. Nicholas Maleganeas & Nigel Lee) | Episode 2
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Gold Coast pros Nick Maleganeas and Perth’s Nigel Lee join Josh Chia and Michael Murrell in the booth at Pickle4real ahead of the PPA Melbourne 250.
In this episode, the boys break down:
• Gold Coast vs Perth: Why Queensland produces Australia’s top players while Perth deals with DIY tennis court setups.
• Touring Asia: What Australian players can learn from Asian pickleball culture, 5 AM street food runs, and getting outplayed by pipe-smoking locals.
• Hot Takes: Nick calls out refs for shutting down banter on court, while Nigel attempts a ChatGPT-inspired hot take on the third shot drop.
• Aussie Pickleball "Love Island": The boys draft the ultimate pickleball cast, complete with dynamic duos and matching cheetah print outfits.
HOSTS:
Josh Chia
Michael Murrell
GUESTS:
Nick Maleganeas
Nigel Lee
Rate and review us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—it helps the Aussie pickleball community grow!
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A special thanks to our studio sponsor, Pickle4real — Melbourne’s premier indoor pickleball centre in Mentone.
Pickle4Real features eight climate-controlled indoor courts for social play, coaching, DUPR games, tournaments and private events. Open seven days a week, it also hosts PPA and DUPR competitions and offers venue hire and event support.
Play indoor pickleball in Melbourne at Pickle4real:
■ Website: https://pickle4real.com.au/
■ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickle4real/
■ Facebook: Pickle4real Facebook
■ Join Pickle4real League
■ Location: 36–40 Shearson Crescent, Mentone VIC 3194
