The Joy of Padel

In this solo episode of the Joy of Padel podcast, Minter Dial departs from his usual interview format to delve into one of the sport’s most contested and consequential questions: what level are you, really? Drawing on both personal anecdotes and the quirks of popular platforms like Playtomic, the episode focused on how self-assessment and padel ratings shape our experiences on and off the court.

One concept presented was the temptation to inflate our abilities—whether through ego or optimism—and the pitfalls of relying too heavily on numbers alone. A key theme that emerged was the idea that knowing your real level is not a judgement but a gift, helping players select better games, improve their practice, and become stronger partners. The discussion explored the many variables that impact your rating: from communication, positioning, and shot selection, to your physical readiness and how you handle pressure at five-all in the deciding set.

Several points were raised, including the limitations of automated rating systems, why communication with your partner is just as important as technical skill, and the value of curiosity and humility in honest self-assessment. Whether you’re striving to level up, searching for more satisfying matches, or simply seeking more joy from your time on court, this episode offers practical tips, heartfelt stories, and an open invitation to reflect on your own padel journey. Tune in as Minter encourages every player to approach their game—and their number—with curiosity, candour, and above all, joy.
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carolina Navarro Björk, a former professional padel player and a true legend of the sport. I recorded the full interview in Spanish and have provided an English-subtitled video on my hub website, minterdial.com/joyofpadel, as well as on my Joy of Padel YOUTUBE channel. In our chat, Carolina shares her story, from her binational Spanish-Swedish beginnings in Málaga to becoming number one in the world, touching on topics such as the evolution of padel, cultural differences between Spain and Sweden, and the challenge of maintaining the top ranking once you get there. We discuss the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, choosing partners, and the valuable social work of “Palas Para Todos.”

You’ll discover why padel is about much more than competition, and how passion and mindset make the real difference.
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In this episode of the Joy of Padel, Minter Dial is joined by Giulia Dal Pozzo, a rising left-handed Italian padel player who recently achieved her highest ever world ranking at number 31. The conversation focused on Giulia’s personal journey from junior tennis to embracing padel, the challenges and rewards of switching sports, and the unique appeal of playing as part of a team. Giulia shares her insights into the transition for tennis players entering padel, highlighting the nuances of wall play, communication, and adapting old habits to a new court.

A key theme that emerged was the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of padel in Italy, as well as the crucial role of international training—especially in Spain—and the importance of finding the right partner both on and off the court. The discussion explored how top players manage stress and partnership dynamics during high-pressure moments, and why open communication is central to teamwork and success.

Several points were raised, including the evolving pace and physicality of women’s padel, the significance of daily training, and Giulia’s favourite shots alongside the technical skills she is working to improve. For anyone interested in the mindset and mechanics behind elite padel, this conversation offers an authentic look into the making of a world-class player. Tune in as Giulia Dal Pozzo and Minter Dial go beyond rankings and routines to unpack what truly drives the joy of padel.
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In this episode of Joy of Padel, the conversation centres around the remarkable journey of Anthony Daulphin, founder and CEO of the British Padel Awards (BPA). Reflecting on his introduction to padel only a few years ago, Anthony shares how a holiday encounter quickly blossomed into a full-fledged pursuit, leading not only to his own involvement on court but to the launch of a womenswear padel clothing collection and a series of pop-up shops across the UK. The discussion explores the inclusive and social nature of padel, delving into why the sport uniquely brings people from all walks of life together, in stark contrast to sports with higher barriers to entry.

A key theme that emerged is Anthony’s entrepreneurial drive—his determination to recognise the unsung heroes and innovators shaping the British padel community. The pair delve into the origins of the British Padel Awards, unpacking the challenges of galvanising support, defining 21 distinct award categories, and establishing a truly national platform for recognition in an industry still finding its feet. The conversation moves from concept to execution, revealing both the visible successes and the behind-the-scenes hurdles of staging such an ambitious event.

Listeners will gain insight into the award’s evolution from a one-off idea to a structured national network, with the launch of the BPA Network and a suite of upcoming regional events designed to foster connection and celebrate achievement. For anyone interested in sports entrepreneurship, community-building, or the vibrant future of padel in Britain, this episode offers both inspiration and practical lessons—demonstrating the power of vision, collaboration, and resilience within a rapidly growing sport.
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In this episode of Joy of Padel, we catch up with architect and grand padel aficionado and player Martín de León, who offers a unique perspective from his journey spanning Uruguay, San Diego, and London. The conversation focuses on how Martín first discovered padel during the pandemic and quickly became immersed in its energetic community and layered dynamics, eventually leading him to train with top-tier professionals at Madrid’s Star Academy (M3).

The discussion explores the distinct cultures of padel across Uruguay, San Diego, Miami, New York and London, highlighting how accessibility, pricing, and club culture vary wildly from city to city. A key theme that emerged was the vital importance of community in building successful padel clubs, with special emphasis on the manager’s and coach’s human touch as the heartbeat of any club’s spirit and growth.

Delving into the burgeoning United States scene, the conversation turns to the Professional Padel League (PPL)—described by Martín as the NBA of padel—and its ambitious vision to create enduring franchises and foster team-based fandom in a sport traditionally anchored in individual pairings. Several points were raised, including the innovation of regional leagues, the challenge of growing a passionate fan base, and the American approach to branding and event-making that’s enlivening the sport Stateside, as exemplified by Martín’s work with the San Diego Stingrays and Taktika.

Listeners will also hear reflections on the values at the core of padel—from the humility demanded by playing as a team to the joy found both in competition and camaraderie. Whether you are a padel enthusiast, club director, or simply curious about the sport’s rapid global expansion, this episode is brimming with lively stories, practical insights, and a palpable passion for the game. Join us for a characterful tour through the world of padel, as Joy of Padel uncovers what truly makes this sport so addictive and why its future looks so bright.
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