The Joy of Padel

Building Bridges and Resilience With Padel: Ben Hanley’s Global Military Story (JOPS04E04)

In this episode, Minter sits down with Flight Lieutenant Ben Hanley, whose journey into padel began unexpectedly after a military posting to Madrid in 2022. With zero background in racket sports but a willingness to dive in, Ben Hanley quickly discovered how padel could not only transform his own life but also build community within the military and beyond. From his very first game to becoming a certified coach with the M3 Academy, Ben Hanley shares how padel’s addictive simplicity hooked him—and how he's now championing its growth across UK armed forces bases. You’ll hear about the creative ways he’s overcoming logistical and policy hurdles to introduce the sport, including negotiations around infrastructure, accessible padel for rehabilitation, and even ambitions for a court in the Falkland Islands! This episode is packed with heartwarming stories, from helping a colleague rediscover her passion for sport to using padel as a bridge for mental health and leadership development. Whether you’re new to padel or a seasoned player, Ben Hanley’s energy will leave you inspired to pick up a racket and connect with your community—maybe even with a post-match caña in hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empowering Women in Padel: Pep Stonor’s Journey and Vision for Inclusion (JOPS04E03)

In this episode, host Minter sits down with the inspiring Pep Stonor, a passionate padel player and founder of Empower Padel. Pep shares her journey from discovering padel on a holiday in Portugal to becoming an early adopter in the UK during the COVID lockdowns, and eventually representing Australia at the international level. Together, they explore the unique social spirit of padel, the transition challenges for tennis converts, and the empowering potential of the sport—especially for women and girls. Listen in as Pep Stonor recounts the joys and challenges of building a global community through Empower Padel, dedicated to helping more women start, return to, and stay in sport by embracing padel. From practical tips for beginners to the importance of making clubs welcoming for women, this conversation is jam-packed with insight, honest reflections, and the infectious enthusiasm that defines the JOY OF PADEL. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a casual fan, or totally new to the sport, this episode will leave you inspired to pick up a racket and join the community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising Through the Ranks: Clément Geens’ Journey to Belgium’s Top Padel Player (JOPS04E02)

Welcome to a brand new season of JOY OF PADEL! We’re kicking off with a true rising star in the sport – Belgian padel ace Clément Geens, who rocketed into the world’s top 100 after picking up the game just five years ago. In this episode, Minter sits down with Clément Geens to explore his unique journey from a hockey-playing family to the upper echelons of international padel, his transition from tennis, and the passion that makes padel addictively fun. Get ready for an inside look at what it takes to forge a pro career in this fast-evolving sport, why watching the world’s best can shape your game, the art of adapting partner chemistry, and how staying consistent yet unpredictable on the court can truly set you apart. Clément Geens also shares fascinating details about life on the pro tour, including the economic realities and the search for the perfect partner. Whether you’re an aspiring player, a recreational enthusiast, or just padel curious, this episode offers practical wisdom, candid stories, and fresh insights into the world’s fastest-growing sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spreading the Padel Love: British Padel Awards UK Edition (JOPS04E01)

Special Edition: Nominations and Voting in The British Padel Awards 2026 This episode of JOY OF PADEL celebrates the launch of the British Padel Awards 2026, as host Minter energizes listeners with exciting news for the UK padel community. Minter kicks off this fourth season by announcing that the BPA has 21 categories honoring the players, clubs, coaches, innovators, and legends who are shaping British padel as the fastest growing sport in the world. Run by Anthony Daulphin and featuring a world-class MC duo, the awards are positioned as a true highlight for everyone passionate about the game. Minter also shares his personal involvement with four categories, including as Padel Ambassador, Padel Influencer of the Year, Innovation and Technology with Pango Sports, and, notably, a nomination for JOY OF PADEL as Podcast of the Year. However, the focus remains firmly on community and celebration. Minter calls on listeners to visit britishpaddleawards.co.uk/vote, support their favorites, and spread the word, emphasizing that every vote helps fuel the growth and visibility of padel across Britain. Key points: The British Padel Awards 2026 spotlight 21 categories, celebrating those driving the sport's growth and vibrancy in the UK. Minter urges the community to vote, share, and participate, highlighting padel’s inclusivity and the importance of collective enthusiasm in building the sport’s future. JOY OF PADEL is proudly nominated for Padel Podcast of the Year, recognizing its contribution to connecting and inspiring padel fans. Join the JOY OF PADEL every other week as Minter and the broader padel community continue to share stories, foster connection, and showcase the supreme delight of this wonderful game across Britain and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transforming Padel Experiences for All: Camille Huyghues Despointes and Pango (JOPS03E22)

This episode of JOY OF PADEL features Camille Huyghues Despointes, French entrepreneur and co-founder (with me) of Pango, to discuss her journey from theater studies and multiple startups to launching an innovative padel app. Camille shares how her experience in show jumping shaped her understanding of partnership and energy, and why she fell in love with padel's accessibility and social nature. The discussion explores Pango’s mission to redefine player ratings and foster a global padel community. Key points: Pango addresses real padel player problems, offering a unique, community-driven rating system. Padel’s joyful, strategic gameplay makes it addictive and ideal for social and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices