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Bagel Bagel

liapicard

Bagel Bagel is a podcast for beginner and rec-level tennis players. Hosted by journalist Lia Picard, Bagel Bagel isn't about perfect serves or strategy, it's about the lifestyle, the fashion, the friendships, and, yes, the occasional drama that makes this sport so addictive. Whether you’re just picking up a racket or deep in your 3.0 era, you’ll find yourself right at home here.

  • 20 episodes
  • Updated July 9

Episodes20

  • July 9 · 30 min

    Keilly Ulery: professional pickleball player

    In this episode, host Lia Picard chats with professional pickleball player, Keilly Ulery, who shares how she transitioned from a college tennis career into the fast-growing world of pickleball. She and Lia talk about the mental side of sports, the strategic differences between tennis and pickleball, and how Keilly built confidence and skill after getting back into competition. The episode also highlights why pickleball is such a social, accessible sport and why more tennis players should give it a try. Things to know: Keilly is currently wrapping up the final three regular season Major League Pickleball events with the Atlanta Bouncers, as the team vies for a spot in the playoffs beginning in August. You can find her in Grand Rapids this week for the Mid-Season Tournament. Check out the full MLP schedule here: https://majorleaguepickleball.co/ When not traveling around the country for tournaments, Keilly coaches pickleball at Life Time Peachtree Corners. Interested in taking a lesson? Send her an email at KUlery@lt.life (P.S. You don’t need to be a Life Time member!) Keep up with Keilly on Instagram. Follow Bagel Bagel, too!

  • July 2 · 25 min

    Basia Piechoczek of Beksa Lala

    This episode combines two of host Lia Picard’s favorite things: food and tennis. Last year, Wimbledon champion Iga Świątek went viral after sharing her love for a classic Polish dish of pasta topped with a sweet strawberry sauce. In honor of Wimbledon, Lia sits down with Basia Piechoczek of Atlanta’s Beksa Lala pop-up to talk about the dish, what it meant to see it have its moment in the spotlight, and how Basia makes her own version. You can read about the dish's viral moment here. Follow Beksa Lala on Instagram to see what Basia's cooking up (and where). Follow Bagel Bagel, too.

  • June 25 · 36 min

    Lisa Anders of Explore Georgia

    In this episode, host Lia Picard chats with Lisa Anders, the executive director of Explore Gwinnett, the organization that promotes tourism, film, and sports in Gwinnett County. Lisa wears many hats, but found her way to tennis 20 years ago and has been hooked ever since. They discuss what tennis has meant to Lisa, how it impacted her weight loss journey, and why everyone on her team takes turns being captain. Check out Explore Gwinnett on Instagram. Follow Bagel Bagel, too!

  • June 18 · 32 min

    Amelia Fogarty of Love All Fairfield

    On this week's episode of Bagel Bagel, host Lia Picard chats with Amelia Fogarty of Love All Fairfield. They discuss Amelia's background as a graphic designer, how she returned to tennis as a mom of three, and the platform she's launching soon for tennis players in Fairfield, Connecticut (which she calls home). Follow Amelia on Instagram and Bagel Bagel!

  • June 4 · 39 min

    Margit Bannon of Play Tennis, Practice Yoga

    In this episode, host Lia Picard interviews Margit Bannon, a tennis and yoga coach from Florida. Margit shares her journey from playing tennis as a child to becoming a coach, and how yoga became an integral part of her life after a back injury. They discuss the benefits of combining yoga with tennis, focusing on injury prevention, mental balance, and enhancing performance on the court. Follow Margit on Instagram: Play Tennis Practice Yoga. Follow Bagel Bagel, too!

  • May 28 · 5 min

    Quick Bite: Life Lately

    In this episode, host Lia Picard catches up with listeners about rec tennis life and the French Open.

  • May 21 · 40 min

    Marcelo Ferreira of Intennse

    In this episode, host Lia Picard chats with Marcelo Ferreira, a coach for Intennse (a professional tennis league in Atlanta). They chat about his journey to tennis through being a ball boy, playing college tennis, and what Intennse is all about. Intennse's season starts June 5 - buy tickets here. Follow them on Instagram as well as Marcelo. Don't forget to follow Bagel Bagel, too!

  • May 14 · 46 min

    Phillip Kim of Love Set Match

    In this episode, host Lia Picard chats with Phillip Kim, a Los Angeles-based tennis pro and founder of the nonprofit Love Set Match. Phillip shares his journey from being a musician to coaching tennis to making tennis accessible to underserved communities. The episode highlights the impact of sports on community building and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and education in tennis. Learn more about Love Set Match and give them a follow on Instagram. Follow Phillip Kim and the Bagel Bagel Pod, too!

  • May 7 · 49 min

    Tabitha Morse of Playful Pleats

    In this episode, host Lia Picard interviews Tabitha Morse, founder of Playful Pleats, about her innovative tennis skirts with built-in towels, exploring the inspiration and design process behind them. They discuss the impact of these skirts and how they enhance functionality on the court. The conversation also touches on Tabitha's entrepreneurial journey and her passion for creating practical sportswear. Check out Playful Pleats as well as their Instagram. Follow Bagel Bagel on Instagram, too!

  • April 16 · 6 min

    Quick Bite: Checking In

    In this Quick Bite episode of Bagel Bagel, host Lia Picard shares a brief rec tennis update (in other words, she rambles about her wins and losses). The show will return with full episodes in May! Follow Bagel Bagel on Instagram.

  • March 26 · 37 min

    Anthony Evrard of Court 16

    Anthony Evrard is transforming the tennis landscape by creating innovative indoor spaces with Court 16, inspired by his childhood experiences in Belgium. This episode delves into his journey of founding cutting-edge tennis clubs in NYC, where he combines high-tech features with accessibility to make tennis more inclusive and enjoyable. Discover how Anthony's unique approach to court design and programming is turning tennis into a year-round sport for players of all skill levels. Links: Follow Court 16 and Bagel Bagel. Read my interview with Hilary Sheinbaum where I first learned about Court 16.

  • March 19 · 36 min

    Marina Cooley, Emory Professor and Hobbyist

    In this episode, Marina Cooley, a professor at Emory’s Business School and avid hobbyist, reveals how hobbies like tennis can serve as powerful tools for stress relief and personal growth. Through her journey of exploring 17 hobbies in a year, Marina shares insights on embracing persistence over proficiency, de-influencing consumer culture, and finding joy in the process. This episode challenges the modern obsession with productivity, urging listeners to invest in genuine hobbies that foster resilience, patience, and happiness. Follow Marina Cooley on Instagram and check out her Substack, Professor Off Duty. Follow the Bagel Bagel Pod, too!

  • March 12 · 44 min

    Joy Cho of Joy On the Court/Oh Joy!

    In today's episode, host Lia Picard dives into the inspiring story of Joy Cho, a Los Angeles-based graphic designer, entrepreneur, author, and passionate tennis player. In this episode, Joy shares her journey from childhood tennis to becoming a dedicated captain of USTA teams, and how tennis has influenced her life and creativity. Whether you're a new player or seasoned enthusiast, listen for insights on balancing competition, community, and self-growth. Follow Joy's tennis account, Joy On the Court and her main one, Oh Joy. Follow the Bagel Bagel Pod, too!

  • March 5 · 25 min

    Mikey Severson, journalism student

    In this episode we hear from Mikey Severson who shares his path from high school tennis and innovative writing to covering college sports and balancing his passions. Discover how his love for tennis, storytelling, and creativity shapes his future goals and daily life. Follow Mikey here and here and check out his articles here. Don't forget to follow the Bagel Bagel Pod!

  • February 26 · 50 min

    Josh Gettler of Ace the Moon

    This week, host Lia Picard chats with Josh Gettler, co-founder of clothing brand Ace the Moon. They talk about how he transitioned from real estate to apparel, what goes into designing and producing cool tennis apparel in Los Angeles, his love of vintage tennis gear, and bagels. Lia also shares an "unforced error." Visit Ace the Moon's website and Instagram. Follow Bagel Bagel, too!

  • February 19 · 36 min

    Melany Robinson of Sprouthouse

    In this episode, host Lia Picard chats with Melany Robinson, founder of Sprouthouse, a PR agency, about how her love of tennis influences her leadership style. Melany shares her journey from childhood tennis champion to a dedicated adult player, highlighting lessons learned on and off the court. Notable links: Melany's cute sweatshirt Melany's recommended tennis travel bag Follow Sprouthouse Agency on Insta Follow Bagel Bagel Pod on Insta

  • February 12 · 37 min

    Dr. Keshia Green

    Today we chat with Dr. Keshia Green, a former special education teacher turned content creator and passionate tennis player. In this episode, Keshia shares her inspiring journey of starting tennis in her thirties, balancing competitive play and fun, and how her professional background influences her creative content. Whether you're into tennis, education, or personal growth, there's something here for everyone. Follow Dr. Keshia Green on Instagram as well as her podcast, BrokePhD. Follow Bagel Bagel on Instagram, too!

  • February 5 · 39 min

    Damla of Racquet Therapy

    Welcome back to season 2 of Bagel Bagel! In this first episode, host Lia Picard chats with Damla Dogan of the Instagram account Racquet Therapy. They discuss how Damla found her way back to tennis, why it's important for moms to have hobbies, and Damla's knack for tennis fashion. Follow Damla on Instagram. Follow the Bagel Bagel Pod on Instagram.

  • January 28 · 4 min

    Bagel Bagel: Defrosting

    In this surprise episode, Lia pops by to give listeners a preview of season 2 (which drops Thursday, February 5) and a rec tennis update. It's short and sweet. Follow the Bagel Bagel Pod on Insta!

  • January 8 · 29 min

    Bagel Bagel: Get to Know Lia

    It's the season one finale of Bagel Bagel, and to wrap things up Lia chats with her friend and fellow journalist, Allison Ramirez. Allison doesn't play tennis (...yet), but was happy to dive into what drew Lia to the sport and what listeners can expect for future episodes of Bagel Bagel. The podcast will return in a few weeks, but for now, follow along on Instagram. Links: the Vogue essay Allison Ramirez's Instagram