Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara Episode: Number 1 Pickleballer Anna Leigh Waters Joins & Mavs Win the Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes
Release Date: May 15, 2025

Personal Life Updates

In the opening segment, Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara dive into personal anecdotes surrounding overlapping celebrations. Matt, turning 42, shares the unique challenge of having his birthday fall on Mother's Day—a day already reserved for honoring mothers.

Jerry Ferrara humorously reflects on balancing multiple celebrations:

"What do you do when your 6-year-old loves basketball and it's just not there?" ([00:00])

Matt elaborates on how he and his wife managed to celebrate both occasions gracefully, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family:

"I made it very, very clear. This is husband 101. My birthday means absolute on the day of Mother's Day." ([03:05])

The Rise of Pickleball & Interview with Anna Leigh Waters

The core of the episode centers around the explosive growth of pickleball and its rising star, Anna Leigh Waters. Matt introduces Anna, highlighting her as the world's number one women's pickleball player and the "Serena Williams of pickleball."

Matt Leinart shares his excitement about Anna’s involvement:

"Anna Leigh, she's an absolute savage. She is basically the Serena Williams of pickleball." ([07:11])

Discussion Highlights:

• Pickleball’s Popularity: Both hosts discuss how pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport globally, attracting celebrities and professional athletes alike.

  Jerry Ferrara remarks on his recent encounters with the sport:

  "When I turn and look, they're starting to... they're starting to pick up." ([09:50])

• Investment in Pickleball: Matt talks about his investment in the New Jersey Fives, a team under Major League Pickleball (MLP), and praises the organization’s leadership.

  Matt Leinart:

  "I'm part of the New Jersey Fives... I have just the luxury to have the greatest player in the world." ([07:31])

• Interview with Anna Leigh Waters: Anna delves into her journey in pickleball, emphasizing the sport's accessibility and her competitive nature. She discusses training routines, the significance of playing with her mother, and her aspirations for the sport's future.

  Anna Leigh Waters shares her approach to the game:

  "Pickleball is easy to learn, but hard to master... it's a sport that everybody can go out there and play and have fun." ([29:49])

  She also highlights the importance of team chemistry and supportive ownership:

  "Ryan and Gary have been so amazing... we have such great team chemistry." ([48:17])

Matt’s Charity Golf Tournament

Transitioning from pickleball, Matt announces his participation in Patrick Mahomes' charity golf tournament. Despite his self-professed limited experience in golf, Matt expresses enthusiasm and seeks advice from Jerry on navigating the event.

Jerry Ferrara offers playful yet practical tips:

"Don't go first, go last... save your hips, save your calves." ([59:25])

Matt Leinart responds with his strategy:

"I'm more of the middle guy. I'll sink a couple putts and have a great time." ([61:05])

Anecdotes & Adventures

The hosts reminisce about their experiences in the entertainment industry, particularly Jerry’s adventures with director Pete Berg. Jerry recounts his roles in movies like Battleship and Lone Survivor, highlighting the unpredictable nature of acting gigs.

Jerry Ferrara shares a memorable encounter:

"For me, that adventure is, you never know where one thing will take you." ([71:05])

Matt adds his own experiences, emphasizing the lasting friendships formed on set:

"Shout out to Adam Ray and Frat parties." ([74:07])

Listener Questions: Parenting in Sports

Concluding the episode, Matt and Jerry address listener inquiries about parenting young athletes. They discuss the balance between fostering a child’s passion and avoiding over-pressurization. Emphasizing the importance of keeping sports fun and allowing children to develop naturally, they offer heartfelt advice to fellow parents.

Jerry Ferrara advises on handling a child’s enthusiasm:

"You should think your kid's awesome... keep it fun." ([82:05])

Matt Leinart echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the unpredictable nature of athletic development:

"Kids have less than a 1% chance to make it professional in any sport... keep it fun." ([82:27])

Conclusion

Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara wrap up the episode with enthusiasm for upcoming events and continued support for Anna Leigh Waters’ endeavors in pickleball. Their blend of personal stories, sports insights, and engaging conversations offers a comprehensive and entertaining glimpse into their lives and the evolving world of sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "Anna Leigh, she's an absolute savage. She is basically the Serena Williams of pickleball." - Matt Leinart ([07:11])
• "Pickleball is easy to learn, but hard to master... it's a sport that everybody can go out there and play and have fun." - Anna Leigh Waters ([29:49])
• "Kids have less than a 1% chance to make it professional in any sport... keep it fun." - Matt Leinart ([82:27])

For those interested in the burgeoning sport of pickleball and the insights of its top athletes, this episode offers an engaging and informative listen. Stay tuned for more throwbacks and in-depth conversations every week!