We had the pleasure of featuring a pro pickleball player, Richard Livornese Jr., in this special episode. It will be interesting to listen to the discussion, not just about the mechanics of the sport, but the mental journey that accompanies it. Richard shares insights about his pickleball journey which began four years ago during the COVID pandemic. Despite his achievements, Richard, like many of us, faced moments of doubt and frustration. In this episode he discusses the mental challenges he faced, including the pressure of expectations and the pursuit of success in pickleball.His turning point came in 2023 after a series of unexpected losses. This led him to explore stoicism and mental resilience, which transformed his approach to the game—and life.Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your pickleball journey, there are valuable takeaways from Richard’s experience. If you're curious about exploring Stoicism further, Richard and I discussed a few resources that might interest you:Podcast: "Stoicism on Fire" offers digestible insights into Stoic philosophy and how it can be applied to modern life.Book: "The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer, although not strictly Stoic, provides valuable guidance on understanding your inner thoughts and achieving emotional freedom. Check out Richard Livornese, Jr. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_pickleball/ and YouTube