Podcast
Pickleball & Partnership: On Transformation, Growth & the Game of Becoming
Hosted by Charlotte Jukes · EN
Welcome to Pickleball & Partnership, the podcast about Transformation, Growth, and Becoming...both on the pickleball court and in life.
I'm Charlotte—Registered Nurse of 37 years, now Life Coach, Podcast Host, and lifelong student of what it means to evolve. Each week, I share honest reflections on the messy, courageous work of personal growth: how we heal, pivot, release old identities, and step into more authentic versions of ourselves.
The pickleball court is where I see everything clearly. My triggers. My patterns. My resistance to change. Every rally becomes a mirror—showing me where I'm gripping too tightly, where I need to trust more, where I'm still playing small.
And what I learn on the court applies to everything off it!
This podcast explores:
- Nervous system healing and regulation
- Identity shifts and career transitions
- Relationship dynamics and emotional patterns
- The cost of transformation (and why it's worth it)
- How to go all in when you're terrified
- What it means to integrate who you were with who you're becoming
This isn't motivational fluff. It's real talk about growth...the kind that honours the grief, the discomfort, and the beauty of becoming.
If you're navigating transition, doing inner work, or just trying to understand why change feels so hard — this podcast is for you.
Hit subscribe and join me every week for stories, insights, and the lessons the court keeps teaching me about life.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Being Me Is Enough: The Path to Feeling Worthy
4d ago00:28:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Charlotte demonstrates a powerful coaching exercise she uses for herself and her clients. She explains that even with great strategy and consistent effort, people can hit an “invisible wall” that is usually driven by unconscious beliefs about worthiness, such as feeling success isn’t safe or believing they don’t deserve it. Charlotte emphasises embodiment — accessing worth through the body and nervous system rather than just mindset shifts — drawing on 37 years in healthcare and her belief that the body holds wisdom the mind can’t process. She models a vulnerable self-coaching exercise: voicing self-doubt, locating it in her body, linking it to childhood pressure, offering compassion to her “little one,” and then inquiring into the belief “being me is not enough.” Charlotte lists grounded examples from her work, coaching, marriage, parenting, and pickleball to support “being me is enough,” practices self-forgiveness, chooses an affirmation, and commits to sharing this raw recording as a podcast episode.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:39 The Invisible Wall02:41 Embodiment Over Mindset05:16 Guided Exercise Begins06:07 Giving the Inner Critic Voice06:47 Body Sensations and Origins08:12 Breathing and Self Compassion12:33 Challenging the Core Belief13:21 Proof Being Me Is Enough18:43 Self Forgiveness Practice24:06 Embodied Worth and Affirmations25:17 Integration and Closing ReflectionPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →Embracing Change: Who Am I Now?
2w ago00:19:35Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThis episode is also available in VIDEO format on YouTube.In this episode of the Pickleball and Partnership Podcast, Charlotte reflects on recent conversations about grief and a life change that included losing her mum, discovering she was pregnant two days later, starting a new job five days later, and welcoming her younger brother into her home. Charlotte explores a listener theme — “I don’t even recognise the person I used to be” — and discusses what happens after healing and transition, when identity shifts bring loneliness and discomfort. She explains that meaningful transformation involves grieving old identities (people-pleasing, staying quiet, overworking, never asking for help) because familiar patterns feel safe to the nervous system even when unhealthy. Using pickleball skill development as a metaphor, she notes that feeling frustrated and confused before expansion is evidence of rewiring, not failure. She invites listeners to ask who they are beneath roles and who they are becoming.00:00 Welcome Back and Recap01:36 Who Am I Now02:27 Grieving Old Identities06:17 Safety and the Nervous System08:19 Pickleball Growth Analogy10:45 When Growth Feels Like Grief13:27 Inner Child and Survival Roles15:04 Questions for Your Becoming17:18 Invitation and ClosingPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →Navigating Life's Sudden Changes: From Grief to Growth
3w ago00:28:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCharlotte continues last week’s conversation about grief, focusing on pivotal moments when life splits into “before” and “after,” and shares her experience of losing her mum to renal cancer: diagnosis in 1994, death in December 1996 when Charlotte was 27, and the disorienting, overlapping emotions and nervous-system overwhelm that followed. She describes denial as protection, how familiar places felt unfamiliar, and how she became the emotional caretaker at the funeral, supporting family while suppressing her own feelings. In rapid succession she and Neil took in her younger brother, learned they were unexpectedly pregnant two days after her mum died, married three months later, and she faced a new nursing role; nine months later, after the birth of their daughter, she experienced postnatal depression. Charlotte emphasises that grief isn’t linear, people often need presence rather than solutions, and she uses pickleball to illustrate how one moment can change everything, redefining strength as feeling, receiving support, and allowing transformation over time.00:00 Welcome Back and Why This Matters01:06 When Life Changes Overnight02:49 Mum’s Diagnosis and Denial05:02 Grief in the Body07:29 Being Strong for Everyone09:58 Pregnancy Amid Loss11:25 What Help Really Looks Like14:09 Postnatal Depression After Grief17:16 Grief Isn’t Linear18:45 Pickleball and Sudden Pivots21:53 Choosing How We Respond23:33 Redefining Strength and Healing26:14 You’re Not Broken ClosingPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →The Sacred Journey of Grief: Love, Loss, and Presence
May 1400:31:13Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCharlotte reflects on the overwhelming response to a prior episode featuring a conversation with her mother, who died nearly 30 years ago, and explores grief as a profound expression of love rather than a problem to fix. Charlotte shares her experience of losing her mum to renal cancer in 1996 at age 27, the disorientation and physical impact of grief, the pressure to support family, starting a new job, and learning she was pregnant days after her mum’s death, later experiencing postnatal depression amid many life changes. She challenges common messages like “be strong” and “time heals,” explains that Kübler-Ross stages are non-linear, and emphasises that support can be simple presence without advice. Using a pickleball analogy, Charlotte notes there’s no going back, only integrating change, and affirms there is no right way or timeline to grieve; joy and grief can coexist, and ongoing grief reflects enduring love and connection.00:00 Welcome And Why Grief02:54 Mum's Death Story06:14 Funeral And Family Weight08:37 Pregnancy Amid Loss09:50 When Help Hurts13:07 Remembering Her Love14:42 What Grief Really Is16:28 Stages Are Not Linear19:42 Support Doesnt Need Perfect20:48 Grief As Sacred Love23:11 Pickleball Reset Lesson25:27 No Right Way To Grieve27:21 Love Continues After Death29:28 Doorway Moments And Meaning30:34 Closing ThanksPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →A Conversation With My Mum… What She Still Teaches Me About Love, Loss, and Becoming
May 500:18:49Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCharlotte shares an unplanned, deeply personal episode of Pickleball and Partnership reflecting on her mother, who died in 1996 nearly 30 years ago, and the lasting feeling she associates with her—“soft, warm, and brown.” She leads a quiet, connected conversation with her Mum about what she misunderstood when younger, including the complexity of love and her mother staying after betrayal, and explores how Charlotte still “hides in strength” instead of showing vulnerability in relationships. The conversation addresses the fear of outgrowing others, growth through discomfort, and making space for grief as “love that still has somewhere to go.” Charlotte connects these lessons to pickleball—playing with joy rather than perfection—shares a treasured cross stitch and note from her Mum, reads “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Fry, and invites listeners to reach out and have the conversations they’ve been longing for.00:00 Unexpected Episode Shift01:34 Remembering Mum’s Presence02:58 Breath and Begin the Dialogue03:16 Strength Softness and Staying05:31 Hiding Behind Capability07:56 Outgrowing and Becoming09:50 Walk Through Discomfort10:52 Play Joy and Pickleball Lessons11:58 Making Space for Grief13:46 You Are Doing More Than Okay14:47 Cross Stitch and Lasting Love15:55 Have the Conversation Now17:02 Poem Do Not Stand at My Grave18:07 Closing Thanks and InvitationPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →The Path to Transformation: Letting Go to Grow
Mar 3100:36:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCharlotte Jukes shares the uncomfortable cost of going all in on her podcast and new coaching work: the identity loss and grief of stepping away from nursing after 37 years. She describes how being a nurse provided instant respect, external validation, competence, certainty, and the comfort of being known, and how leaving forced her to become a beginner again, tolerate uncertainty, and release the need to be liked, understood, or agreed with. Charlotte connects this to nervous system safety, explaining how the unfamiliar can trigger fear and resistance, like a pickleball player resisting a coach’s changes. She emphasises integrating—not discarding—past identities, offers a brief guided reflection on releasing and integrating, and reframes grief as a sign of real transformation, inviting listeners in transition to seek support and keep becoming.00:00 All In Transformation02:47 Leaving Nursing Identity04:48 Losing Validation05:39 Beginner Again09:25 Becoming Unrecognized11:17 Integrating Past Self13:39 Podcast Vulnerability14:49 Voice And Perfectionism18:32 Pickleball Change Lesson21:13 Nervous System And Grief24:07 Six Things To Release28:05 Guided Release Practice31:09 Grief Means Growth33:08 Loose Grip Metaphor35:15 Closing And SupportPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →Stop Dabbling: The Power of Consistent Commitment
Feb 300:28:36Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this milestone episode of 'Pickleball and Partnership,' Charlotte reflects on a year-long commitment to recording a podcast every week. Despite doubts, fears, and challenges, the journey reveals the power of consistent effort and how it can transform one's identity. The episode delves into the universal principle that true change comes from going all in on one thing and explores how this commitment has not only grown the podcast but also improved relationships, business, and self-confidence. Tune in to discover key takeaways on building consistency, handling criticism, and the importance of sustained action over sporadic effort.00:00 The Promise: A Year of Commitment01:33 Welcome to Pickleball and Partnership02:25 Facing the Fear of Starting06:30 The Power of Consistency08:04 Overcoming Challenges and Doubts10:02 The Transformation Through Commitment13:43 The Science Behind Commitment15:33 Choosing Your One Thing18:39 The Magic of Consistency21:55 Reflecting on the Journey26:32 Key TakeawaysPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →
Why You Can't Rest: Overcoming the Invisible Load and Nervous System Dysregulation
Jan 2700:22:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailHappy Happy 1st Birthday Pickleball & Partnership 🥳 🎉In this episode of Pickleball in Partnership, host Charlotte Jukes delves into the often overlooked Invisible Load that many carry, which makes true rest feel unattainable. She explains how our nervous systems are conditioned to remain in a state of hypervigilance, which impacts our ability to truly relax. Charlotte shares personal anecdotes, the science behind nervous system states, and practical steps to signal to your body that it's safe to rest. She also celebrates a year of the podcast and encourages listeners to prioritise self-care and rest for sustainable well-being. Follow along for actionable advice on how to rewire your nervous system for true relaxation.00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Rest00:57 The Invisible Load: Why Rest Feels Impossible04:42 Understanding Your Nervous System05:48 Personal Story: Hypervigilance and Its Impact07:22 The Importance of Resetting: Lessons from Pickleball11:52 Practical Steps to Teach Your Body to Rest18:10 The Necessity of Rest: Final Thoughts20:11 Conclusion: Embracing Rest and Moving ForwardPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →Ditch the Approval Game: Love Yourself Like a Pro
Jan 2100:31:23Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Pickleball and Partnership, host Charlotte Jukes unpacks a common stumbling block: the desperate need for approval from others. Charlotte explores the evolutionary basis of approval seeking, its modern-day pitfalls, and offers actionable insights on shifting focus from external validation to self-compassion. Through practical examples and insightful anecdotes, listeners will learn how to genuinely appreciate others, practice self-compassion, and ultimately find freedom in liking themselves. Key takeaways include understanding the neuroscience of approval seeking, the benefits of appreciating others, and concrete steps to develop a healthier relationship with oneself.00:00 Introduction: The Approval Paradox01:46 The Lie: We Need Others to Like Us07:36 The Alternative: Liking Others to Feel Good15:01 The Deeper Truth: Liking Yourself to Be Free25:54 Practical Steps to Self-Compassion28:17 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →Break Free from the Chains of Resolutions: Become Who You're Meant to Be
Jan 600:26:26Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore the concept of identity-based change and how it trumps traditional resolutions that often set us up for failure. Starting with the excitement of a new day, we delve into why resolutions frequently fail and how focusing on who we want to become rather than what we want to achieve can lead to sustainable transformation. Using powerful examples and metaphors like pickleball training, Charlotte Jukes emphasises the importance of small, consistent actions in rewiring our nervous system for lasting change. Key takeaways include understanding that slip-ups are not failures but information, focusing on repetition over perfection, and setting intentions based on identity. Whether you're feeling the weight of broken promises or just need a fresh approach, this episode offers actionable insights to help you become more of who you truly are.00:00 A Fresh Start: Embracing New Beginnings01:05 Understanding the Weight of Resolutions02:24 The Broken System: Why Effort Isn't Enough03:21 Introducing Identity-Based Change05:25 The Power of Identity Over Resolutions08:59 Practical Steps for Lasting Change18:41 Visualization and Setting Intentions24:27 Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsPickleball & Partnership Facebook PagePlease jump on over and say "Hi" - I would love to hear from you...email: cejukes@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/conejukeshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/848118700833703https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pickleball-partnership/id1775742795Get your FREE Top 10 Tips for Playing Pickleball with Your Partner subscribepage.io/Top-10-Tips-Partner-PickleballMusic: Purple Planet MusicThanks to Purple Planet Music for Pickleball & Partnership Intro and Outro music Purple Planet Music is a collection of music written and performed by Chris Martyn and Geoff Harvey.
Transcribe →