The Joy of Padel podcast with NotebookLLM

This episode is a bit special. First, it’s not in the usual form of an interview that I conduct with a padel connoisseur or celebrity. While based on a real article I wrote, it was converted into a podcast thanks to the uncannily good NotebookLM (by Google). The artwork for this episode was created by Dall-ee (OpenAI) on a custom-trained dataset. I also created a Padel Etiquette study guide to go along with the conversation (just in case you’re an ever-student of the game!).

This conversation, between two AI-generated voices, focuses on padel etiquette, outlining unwritten rules for maintaining a positive playing experience. I must note that the woman’s voice only knows how to pronounce padel the American way padél (pad-elle) as opposed to pádel (pah-dle). Meanwhile, the male voice’s version is worse, coming out something like piddle.

The main focus of the conversation is on avoiding “fridging,” where a player is deliberately excluded from the action. Other etiquette points cover respecting opponents and partners, such as avoiding excessive lobs, prompt apologies for accidental hits, and responsible phone use. I also look at post-game behavior and provide a few self-awareness tips to improve one’s own game and interactions. Overall, the post emphasizes the importance of respect and fun within the game of padel.

Tools used to create this episode:

• NotebookLM for the interview and the study guide
• Image created by OpenArt via proprietary dataset on OpenAI
• Flowsend (for the transcript, excerpt)

To listen to the show:

To listen to The Joy of Padel podcast, you can use the embedded player above, or go find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or any number of other podcasting services listed here.

Send in your questions or reactions:

Please send me your questions — as an audio file if you’d like — to nminterdial@gmail.com. Otherwise, below, you’ll find the show notes and, of course, you are invited to comment. If you liked the podcast, please take a moment to review and/or rate it! ¡VAMOS!

Further resources for The Joy of Padel:

artificial intelligence | casual matches | competitive spirit | court behavior | court booking | court courtesy | fridging | game strategy | Notebook | notebooklm | padel community | padel Culture | padel etiquette | padel faux pas | phone usage | player communication | player habits | player punctuality | post-game interaction | respect in sports | self-awareness in sports | serve etiquette | social aspect | social connection | sportsmanship | tennis comparison | unwritten rules

This transcription comes courtesy of Flowsend.ai, an AI service for podcasters.

Notebook Host B (female): All right, let’s dive into a topic that’s gaining a lot of traction these days. Padel. Yeah, it’s a bracket sport played in doubles. Kind of like tennis, but on a smaller court.

Notebook Host A: With the walls.

Notebook Host B (female): Oh yeah, the walls. You can use them to your advantage.

Notebook Host A: Definitely adds a whole new dimension to the game, doesn’t it?

Notebook Host B (female): It does, it does. But what really strikes me about Padel is the social aspect. It’s like even more than tennis, there’s this whole culture around it.

Notebook Host A: You got it.

Notebook Host B (female): People hanging out after matches.

Notebook Host A: You know, like a built-in community.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah, exactly. But before we all to join the Padel craze, we gotta talk about something kinda crucial. Yeah, crucial. Padel etiquette.

Notebook Host A: Ah, yes. The unwritten rules of the court.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. And lucky for us, we have a fantastic guide to navigate this tricky territory.

Notebook Host A: Oh, and who’s that?

Notebook Host B (female): We’re using a recent article by Minter Dial.

Notebook Host A: I’ve heard of him.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah, he’s. He knows his Padel names.

Notebook Host A: Like it.

Notebook Host B (female): The article’s titled Padel etiquette the unwritten rules of the court. And let me tell you, he doesn’t hold back.

Notebook Host A: I’m intrigued.

Notebook Host B (female): He dives right into this kind of controversial topic of fridging.

Notebook Host A: Fridging? I’m not familiar.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah, he even calls it the ultimate Padel party pooper.

Notebook Host A: Okay, now I really want to know what this is.

Notebook Host B (female): So, basically it’s when you and your partner deliberately hit the ball only to one opponent.

Notebook Host A: Ah, I see. So, you’re basically excluding their partner from the game.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah, like they’re not even there.

Notebook Host A: And in a casual setting I could see how that would be a problem.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. It’s like you’re breaking some kind of.

Notebook Host A: Unspoken agreement, that social contract. Right. Like we’re all here to have fun, to play together.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly, exactly. And Dial, he’s got some. Some pretty hilarious coping mechanisms for when you’re being fridged.

Notebook Host A: Like what? Spill the beans.

Notebook Host B (female): Well, one of them is to become your partner’s like personal cheerleader.

Notebook Host A: That’s funny.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. But I think the bigger takeaway is that we should all be aware of how our actions on the court affect others.

Notebook Host A: Totally agree. It’s all about being mindful, right?

Notebook Host B (female): Yes. And speaking of things to be mindful of, Dial doesn’t stop at fridging. He goes on to list a whole bunch of other Padel faux pas. Oh no, he calls them the top ten Don’ts.

Notebook Host A: Sounds juicy. Let’s hear him.

Notebook Host B (female): And they range from like mildly annoying to straight up disrespectful.

Notebook Host A: Can’t wait to hear what tops the list.

Notebook Host B (female): All right, So, he starts with something relatively minor, but still, you know, a little inconsiderate.

Notebook Host A: Okay, I’m listening.

Notebook Host B (female): He calls it the bag blender.

Notebook Host A: Bag blender.

Notebook Host B (female): You know, those players who leave their bags on the benches instead of putting.

Notebook Host A: Them on the ground?

Notebook Host B (female): Yep. That’s the bag blunder.

Notebook Host A: Ah, yeah. I guess it can be annoying if the benches are crowded.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. It’s all about respecting the shared space, making sure everyone feels comfortable.

Notebook Host A: Makes sense.

Notebook Host B (female): Ah.

Notebook Host A: What’s next on the list of padel sins?

Notebook Host B (female): Okay, this one. I’m sure we’ve all witnessed it at some point.

Notebook Host A: Late on me, the smash and dash. Ooh. Okay. I think I can picture this one.

Notebook Host B (female): It’s when a player hits a powerful shot, you know, like, really blasts it, and it ricochets off their opponent, and then they proceed to celebrate like they just won Wimbledon.

Notebook Host A: Oh, no. No humility whatsoever.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. Like, a little. A little humility goes a long way in those situations.

Notebook Host A: Especially when you accidentally hit someone with the ball.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. A quick sorry would suffice.

Notebook Host A: Definitely. What’s next?

Notebook Host B (female): Okay, this next one is kind of interesting.

Notebook Host A: Okay.

Notebook Host B (female): He calls it net luck.

Notebook Host A: Netluck.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah. You know, when you hit a shot and it clips the net and dribbles over.

Notebook Host A: Oh, yeah. And you get the point. Even though it’s totally a fluke.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. And it’s tempting to act like it was intentional. Right. But dial suggests a simple nod of my bad.

Notebook Host A: Ooh, I like that. Acknowledges the lucky break.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. Shows you’re not taking undeserved credit.

Notebook Host A: It’s about being honest even when you’re winning.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. So, moving on, keep them coming. This one can be frustrating, especially in casual matches. Calls it lob overload.

Notebook Host A: Lob overload. I’m picturing a lot of high shots.

Notebook Host B (female): You got it. It’s when a player excessively uses lob.

Notebook Host A: Shots, even when it’s not strategically necessary.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. Like they’re just trying to show off or something. And it. It kind of disrupts the flow of the game, you know?

Notebook Host A: Yeah. Prevents those back and forth rallies that make padel So, fun.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. It’s like they’re saying, I’m gonna keep hitting these high shots until you get tired of chasing them.

Notebook Host A: Right. Not very sportsmanlike.

Notebook Host B (female): Not at all. Speaking of making your opponents run all over the court.

Notebook Host A: Oh, tell me about it.

Notebook Host B (female): We got the ball chaos, culprit.

Notebook Host A: Ball chaos. Okay, that sounds chaotic.

Notebook Host B (female): It’s those players who just don’t care where the ball lands.

Notebook Host A: You know, they make you Chase after every shot, even if it’s clearly out of bounds.

Notebook Host B (female): Yep. And it’s just. It’s not considerate.

Notebook Host A: No, it’s not. It’s like they don’t respect your time and energy.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. Like it’s a game, not a marathon.

Notebook Host A: Exactly.

Notebook Host B (female): In this respect, it should extend beyond the actual match. Right?

Notebook Host A: Absolutely. Which brings us to one of the biggest offenses. Gordon and ghosting after the game.

Notebook Host B (female): Ooh, I’ve seen this one. They finish the match, mumble a quick good game, and then vanish.

Notebook Host A: Like they suddenly remember they had somewhere very important to be.

Notebook Host B (female): Right, but isn’t the post-game chat, like, part of the whole Padel experience?

Notebook Host A: It is. It’s a chance to connect with the people you just played with.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. And ghosting, it just suggests a lack of genuine engagement.

Notebook Host A: Like they were only interested in the competition, not the social connection.

Notebook Host B (female): I see your point. It’s a reminder that Padel’s about building relationships too.

Notebook Host A: For sure. And speaking of disengagement. Dial calls out another modern-day faux pas.

Notebook Host B (female): Oh, no. What is it?

Notebook Host A: Phone ignition on the court.

Notebook Host B (female): Oh, yeah, those players glued to their….

Notebook Host A: Screens, checking messages, scrolling through social media.

Notebook Host B (female): Like they’re not even present in the game.

Notebook Host A: It’s a lack of focus. Disrespect for the people you’re playing with.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah, it’s like, why are you even here, Right?

Notebook Host A: If you’re just gonna be on your phone, go sit in the cafe.

Notebook Host B (female): Okay, So, we’ve got ghosting phone addiction.

Notebook Host A: What else is there?

Notebook Host B (female): Well, this one is just plain dishonest. The fake rush.

Notebook Host A: The fake rush. Okay, I’m curious.

Notebook Host B (female): It’s that person who claims they can’t stay for a drink after the game.

Notebook Host A: Because they have somewhere to be.

Notebook Host B (female): Right? But then you see them chilling in the sauna.

Notebook Host A: Oh, no, Busted.

Notebook Host B (female): Right? Like it’s one thing to politely decline, but to make up an excuse.

Notebook Host A: Yeah, and then get caught red handed.

Notebook Host B (female): It just makes people feel like they’re not worth your time.

Notebook Host A: Totally undermines that sense of community.

Notebook Host B (female): You know, speaking of things that undermine the game, hit me with it. What about those players who are chronically late?

Notebook Host A: Ooh, yes, the fashionably late offender.

Notebook Host B (female): Dial really emphasizes that time is precious, especially when you’ve got a limited court booking.

Notebook Host A: Totally. Don’t be that person who saunters in.

Notebook Host B (female): 10 minutes late making everyone wait around.

Notebook Host A: Yeah, punctuality is a sign of respect.

Notebook Host B (female): For the game, for the people you’re playing with.

Notebook Host A: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Notebook Host B (female): And finally, we have the serve and swerve.

Notebook Host A: Serve and swerve. Sounds shifty.

Notebook Host B (female): It’s when a player rushes their serve, doesn’t give their opponent time to get ready.

Notebook Host A: Ah, So, they’re trying to gain an unfair advantage.

Notebook Host B (female): Yep. It’s just rude, plain and simple.

Notebook Host A: It goes against the whole spirit of sportsmanship.

Notebook Host B (female): So, we’ve covered a lot of ground here.

Notebook Host A: A lot of Padel de don’ts, from.

Notebook Host B (female): Fridging to rushed serves and everything in between. It seems like Padel etiquette is all about respect.

Notebook Host A: Respect for the game, for your opponents, even for yourself. Absolutely.

Notebook Host B (female): But it makes me wonder, what’s that? Does Dial ever admit to his own etiquette slip ups?

Notebook Host A: You know what he does, and it’s one of the most refreshing parts of the article.

Notebook Host B (female): Really?

Notebook Host A: Yeah, he gets really candid about his own potentially annoying habits on the court. Oh, he spills the tea.

Notebook Host B (female): Like what kind of stuff?

Notebook Host A: He admits to grunting a bit too much.

Notebook Host B (female): Oh, I’ve definitely played with those guys.

Notebook Host A: Right. And talking his partner’s ear off.

Notebook Host B (female): Can’t relate. Haha.

Notebook Host A: Oh, and offering unsolicited advice.

Notebook Host B (female): The backseat coach.

Notebook Host A: Exactly. And even sneaking in those phone checks we talked about.

Notebook Host B (female): Oh, the hypocrisy. I’m just kidding. I’m kidding.

Notebook Host A: But it’s actually really refreshing, you know, because it shows that even someone who’s like super passionate about Padel etiquette. Yeah. Isn’t perfect.

Notebook Host B (female): He’s human.

Notebook Host A: Exactly. And I think it highlights the importance of self-awareness.

Notebook Host B (female): Interesting.

Notebook Host A: Like we all have those little quirks and habits that might annoy others.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah.

Notebook Host A: The key is to be mindful of them. Right? Yeah. And make an effort to like minimize any negative impact.

Notebook Host B (female): So, true. So, true. Oh, he actually had a good point about the phone checks.

Notebook Host A: Oh yeah? What was that?

Notebook Host B (female): He suggests explaining to your fellow players if you need to glance at your phone for medical reasons.

Notebook Host A: Ah, that makes sense. Not everyone is comfortable disclosing personal stuff like that.

Notebook Host B (female): Right. But a simple heads up can go a long way.

Notebook Host A: Definitely shows consideration.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah. It’s a good reminder that everyone has different needs and circumstances.

Notebook Host A: Exactly. We gotta be flexible.

Notebook Host B (female): So, we’ve explored the don’ts, we’ve learned.

Notebook Host A: About self-awareness and the golden rule of Padel.

Notebook Host B (female): But I feel like we’re still missing something.

Notebook Host A: Oh, what’s that?

Notebook Host B (female): Well, Dial spends a lot of time on what not to do.

Notebook Host A: Yeah.

Notebook Host B (female): But it makes me wonder, what are some of the unwritten do’s?

Notebook Host A: Ah, interesting. Like what are the things that actually contribute to a positive experience?

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. What can we do to make the Padel Court a more welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone?

Notebook Host A: Well, I think it all boils down to, like, simple acts of kindness and sportsmanship.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah, yeah.

Notebook Host A: Like cheering for someone’s good shot, even if they’re your opponent.

Notebook Host B (female): Right, right, Totally.

Notebook Host A: Yeah.

Notebook Host B (female): Makes the game more fun for everyone.

Notebook Host A: Exactly. Or offering a word of encouragement to someone who’s having a tough time.

Notebook Host B (female): Yeah. Or even just like, helping to retrieve a ball that’s gone astray.

Notebook Host A: Little things like that can make a big difference.

Notebook Host B (female): They really can. And it’s not just what you do, but also your attitude, you know?

Notebook Host A: Oh, for sure. Nobody wants to play with a negative, Nancy.

Notebook Host B (female): Exactly. Come on, we’re here to have fun.

Notebook Host A: It’s about focusing on the joy of the game, the chance to connect with.

Notebook Host B (female): Others, and, hey, maybe even learn a thing or two along the way.

Notebook Host A: Right. So, I think what we’ve learned today is that Padel etiquette puts more than.

Notebook Host B (female): Just a set of rules.

Notebook Host A: It’s about creating a culture of respect and camaraderie on and off the court.

Notebook Host B (female): And that’s what makes Padel So, special, right?

Notebook Host A: Absolutely. It’s a sport that brings people together and dial.

Notebook Host B (female): He sums it up perfectly in his article. He toasts to good games and even better sportsmanship.

Notebook Host A: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Notebook Host B (female): So, whether you’re a seasoned Padel pro.

Notebook Host A: Or just starting out, we all have.

Notebook Host B (female): A responsibility to uphold these unwritten rules.

Notebook Host A: And to create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Notebook Host B (female): It’s not always easy, especially in the.

Notebook Host A: Heat of the moment, but it’s worth it.

Notebook Host B (female): It is. Because at the end of the day.

Notebook Host A: Padel should be about having fun, connecting.

Notebook Host B (female): With others, and just enjoying the thrill of the game.

Notebook Host A: Well said.

Notebook Host B (female): So, there you have it, folks. A deep dive into the surprisingly complex world of Padel etiquette.

Notebook Host A: We hope you learned a thing or.

Notebook Host B (female): Two and that you’ll join us in making the Padel community a little bit more awesome.

Notebook Host A: 1. Why bad at a time?

Notebook Host B (female): Uh huh. Exactly. Until next time, keep playing Padel.

Notebook Host A: And remember, it’s all about the vibe.

Notebook Host B (female): Peace out.