Two Gal Pals Launch National Women’s Pickleball Foundation
Release Date: 02/20/2025
The Debbie Nigro Show
Kathy McShane is Empowering Women Entrepreneurs 50+ to Embrace the Future On a recent episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I was thrilled to welcome back longtime friend and unstoppable force in women’s entrepreneurship, Kathy McShane. Kathy is the founder of Ladies Launch with AI, a three-time business founder, and the former head of the U.S. SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership. These days, she’s on a mission to help women—especially over 50—leverage AI to start and scale businesses faster, smarter, and with more confidence. “AI doesn’t have emotions,” Kathy...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
As heard on The Debbie Nigro Show Sometimes it really helps to just talk to other caring people about whatever you’re going through. Now there’s a place where you can. I had a talk with Scott Kelsey, the incredibly resilient Founder & CEO of Shareapy—about his groundbreaking wellness platform born from personal tragedy and built to foster connection, healing, and personal growth. After a life-altering fall down a staircase left him with a traumatic brain injury, Scott found himself forced to hit pause—and reflect. "I had to isolate, be in a dark room, and let my brain...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
As heard on The Debbie Nigro Show There's a hot new real estate migration trend picking up steam among Northeasterners and former Floridians: they’re becoming “Halfbacks”—people who moved to Florida, found it a little too much (too hot, too humid, too everything), and are now settling halfway back up the East Coast. Their happy medium? Coastal North Carolina. On The Debbie Nigro Show, I got the inside scoop from Jason Faulkner, General Manager of Kingfish Bay Development in Calabash, NC—one of the fastest-growing destinations for these lifestyle-minded movers that's just minutes...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
This story of mind-blowing resilience is a wake-up call for anyone feeling stuck, sidelined, or afraid to bounce back. On a recent episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the joy of speaking with global wellness pioneer Dan Metcalf—international performer turned brain-injury survivor, Olympic coach, and now CEO of Total Balance Company and Born Superhuman. Hard to believe this superhuman got in touch with me to see if I was interested in uncovering how we could inspire listeners together. Here’s what I read when I opened his blind email to me. Hey Debbie. “I've...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
If you thought lobster rolls were just food, think again. They're fashion now, too! On The Debbie Nigro Show, Debbie caught up with her “sister from another mother,” Andrea Anthony — the iconic entrepreneur behind Lunch Lobster Roll in Amagansett and Southampton — to talk lobster love, restaurant buzz, and lobster pajamas (yes, really). I try and track the latest trends and surprisingly discovered ‘Lobster Fashion’ was trending? Wow, I was seriously behind the lobster claw curve on this one! Then I searched online to see what I could find out and came upon endless items of...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
As heard on The Debbie Nigro Show – Wellness Wednesday Edition Move over French fries, there's a new crispy craving in town — and it’s doing more than just satisfying your snack attack. It’s feeding schoolkids, shaking up convenience stores, and making waves nationwide. Meet Stephen Caldwell, founder of , the world’s first patented stuffed shredded potato bite. These aren’t your average tots. Think crispy outside, gooey inside — filled with real Wisconsin cheese, veggies, or meats — all under 60 calories, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with just five clean ingredients. ...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
From The Debbie Nigro Show Podcast Let’s face it—we all want to keep doing the things we love. But one unexpected twist, fall, or awkward step (looking at you, pickleball!) and suddenly we’re dealing with pain that lingers longer than our last relationship. On this episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, Dr. Alan Siegel, co-founder of ProClinix, brings 30+ years of insight on how to recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, and keep your body moving—without relying on surgery or medications. Here are the key takeaways anyone—anywhere—can benefit from: Injury Prevention...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
Thrift Shops & Online Hustles Are Booming On this week’s Trending Tuesday on The Debbie Nigro Show, we talked tariffs, thrift shops, and thriving through turbulence. Whether you’re bargain hunting or business-minded, there’s never been a better time to think secondhand—or second income! According to the 2024 Thrift Industry Report by Savers Value Village 16-18% of Americans shop at thrift stores each year: 12 to 15% shop at consignment or resale stores. Nearly 90% of consumers have shopped or donated at a Thrift Store up from 83% in 2022. It’s The Ultimate...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
From the Stage to the Soul: Robin Lloyd’s A Believer’s Perspective on Life, Legacy & Faith On the latest episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the real honor of talking with Robin Lloyd—a man whose life journey reads like a Hollywood script… but with a whole lot more heart. Robin started his career as a singer, sharing stages with Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, James Brown, The Supremes, and more. He was part of the legendary Dick Clark Caravan of Stars, toured with iconic names, and was even managed by Shelly Berger (yep, the longtime manager of The Temptations). But...
info_outlineThe Debbie Nigro Show
Hey friends, Debbie Nigro here—and yes, I was literally clapping for collagen on the air. I’ve officially joined the collagen revolution thanks to NativePath, and I feel GOOD about it. So good, I invited their brilliant co-founder, Dr. Chad Walding, on The Debbie Nigro Show to spill the truth about this stuff that’s got my knees, skin, hair, and even my outlook bouncing back. Here’s the scoop from our chat… Collagen Is the Missing Link According to Dr. Chad, our ancestors used to get collagen naturally from eating “nose to tail.” But today? We’re...
info_outlineWomen Are Making Major Moves On The Pickleball Court
Move over, fellas! Women are making major moves in pickleball, and The Debbie Nigro Show just got the inside scoop from two powerhouse ladies leading the charge—Alita Friedman and Catherine Barton.
If you haven't caught the pickleball bug yet, let me break it down for you: It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s the ultimate social sport. And now, thanks to these two trailblazers, women finally have their own place in the game with the launch of the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation which joins the National Women’s Pickleball Association.
The Power of Pickleball: Fun, Fitness & Philanthropy
Alita and Catherine are turning their love of the game into a movement. Here’s how:
Bringing Women Together – Pickleball is for all ages, and women are loving the camaraderie. It’s competitive, but it's also social—so whether you're in it to win it or just there to meet new friends, it’s a win-win!
Giving Back Big Time – The National Women’s Pickleball Foundation is partnering with major charities like the Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and even the Girl Scouts to make an impact beyond the court.
Creating a Membership Club for Women – The National Women’s Pickleball Association is launching with events, exclusive benefits, and ways to keep the community connected.
Why Pickleball Is the Hottest Sport Right Now
If you thought pickleball was just for retirees, think again! The sport is growing at lightning speed, with indoor courts popping up everywhere—even in old Bed Bath & Beyond stores! (Now that's a makeover we can get behind.)
And if you’re worried about injuries (hello, ER stories!), the ladies have some pro tips:
*Stretch first. Seriously, don't skip this.
*Wear the right shoes. No, your running sneakers won’t cut it.
*Take a lesson. Learn the basics before diving in!
Pickleball Lingo You Need to Know
Want to sound like a pro? Here are some must-know terms:
- Stay out of the kitchen – Not the one in your house! This is the no-volley zone near the net.
- Dink – A soft shot that makes your opponent scramble.
- Pickled – When your team scores zero points in a game. Ouch!
- Shake & Bake – A killer combo move that leaves your opponent in the dust.
The Big Event – Join the Fun in Boca Raton, Fla!
Want to see this movement in action? The National Women’s Pickleball Association is hosting its launch event in April at the stunning Boca West Country Club. Expect:
🌟 Pro players
🎾 Fashion & gear
🎟️ Raffles & fundraising
💃 Tons of fun!
Check out womenspickleballassociation.org for details and to grab your spot!
Pickleball Isn’t just a Sport for Women—It’s a Movement.
It’s bringing women together, creating lasting friendships, and making a difference through philanthropy.
So, ladies, grab a paddle, get on the court, and let’s play!
P.S. – Want to hear the full conversation? Check out The Debbie Nigro Show podcast and follow me The Debbie Nigro Show on Facebook and @therealdebbienigro on Instagram for more scoop!