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Growing the Game: Nick Baker on Padel Clubs, Juniors, and Tournaments in the UK (JOPS04E08)

Growing the Game: Nick Baker on Padel Clubs, Juniors, and Tournaments in the UK (JOPS04E08)

by | May 6, 2026 | , , ,

This episode of the JOY OF PADEL features Nick Baker in conversation with a dynamic UK club owner whose racket sport journey evolved from squash and real tennis to padel entrepreneurship. They delve into the joy and challenges of transitioning skills across racquet sports, the addictive tactics of padel doubles, and what makes the sport irresistibly social. The episode offers insights into building vibrant padel communities and the growth of UK tournaments and junior programs.

Key points:

Padel’s accessibility and fun community drive its rapid UK expansion.

Smart club initiatives foster diversity, skills, and grassroots passion for padel.

Behind the Curtain: Julia Burbach on Creativity, Risk, and Teamwork in Opera Direction (MDE653)

Behind the Curtain: Julia Burbach on Creativity, Risk, and Teamwork in Opera Direction (MDE653)

by | May 3, 2026 | , , , ,

On this episode of Minter Dialogue, Julia Burbach—an acclaimed scenic director in opera—shares insights into the blend of artistry, leadership, and diplomacy required to bring grand productions to life. From her personal journey navigating risk, creativity, and collaboration, to the importance of team dynamics and the evolving world of opera, Julia offers a compelling look behind the scenes. Perfect for those curious about the power of imagination, emotional intelligence, and international experience in the performing arts.

A Plan for the New World Disorder

A Plan for the New World Disorder

by | Apr 28, 2026 | ,

The world order is not merely shifting — it is inverting. The political coalitions, military alliances, moral standards, and civic habits that governed the last eighty years are dissolving simultaneously. Germany and Japan re-arm. Right-wing parties court working-class voters once owned by the left. Technology accelerates faster than our ethical grammar can follow. Beauty, truth, and goodness become matters of personal taste. And courage — that oldest of virtues — grows scarce precisely when it is most needed. The central question of this decade is not what is changing, but whether we have the character to meet it.

The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Leilani Garrett’s Path to Radical Empathy (MDE652)

The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Leilani Garrett’s Path to Radical Empathy (MDE652)

by | Apr 26, 2026 | , ,

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter speaks with Leilani Garrett, founder of Be More Human and author of After the Burn. They explore the meaning of being more human in today’s world, navigating authenticity in corporate life, and the power of radical empathy. Leilani Garrett reflects on her journey from a long corporate career to embracing creativity, identity, and purposeful leadership. Dive into a candid discussion on storytelling, belonging, and integrating your side hustle into a meaningful life.

Is a Left-Right Pairing the Best Doubles Combination? Padel and Tennis Data Compared

Is a Left-Right Pairing the Best Doubles Combination? Padel and Tennis Data Compared

by | Apr 23, 2026 | ,

Does a left–right pairing really outperform in doubles, or is it just padel folklore? This article digs into Grand Slam tennis and Premier Padel results to see how often left- and right-handed pairs actually win, compared to two right-handers or two lefties. From Coello–Tapia and Sánchez–Josemaría in padel to classic lefty combinations in tennis, it shows why having two forehands down the middle – and an opponent-unfamiliar lefty spin – can be a genuine competitive edge, not just a tactical curiosity.

Padel for Everyone: Adaptive Sport, Community, and Inspiration With Alessandro Ossola (JOPS04E07)

Padel for Everyone: Adaptive Sport, Community, and Inspiration With Alessandro Ossola (JOPS04E07)

by | Apr 22, 2026 | , , , , ,

This episode of the JOY OF PADEL features Alessandro Ossola, Paralympic athlete and founder of Inclusive Padel Tour, joining Minter Dial to share his inspiring journey from overcoming a life-changing accident to pioneering adaptive padel in Italy. Alessandro reveals how sports and community fueled his recovery, discusses founding Bionic People, and outlines how Inclusive Padel Tour empowers both disabled and able-bodied players.

Key points:

Inclusive Padel Tour creates mixed teams, fostering accessibility and fun for all.

Padel’s walls and gameplay make it the perfect adaptive sport, emphasizing inclusion and skill development.

The AI Instinct and Hybrid Cognition Redefining Human Agency and Experience with Rana Gujral (MDE651)

The AI Instinct and Hybrid Cognition Redefining Human Agency and Experience with Rana Gujral (MDE651)

by | Apr 19, 2026 | , , , ,

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, host Minter Dial welcomes AI entrepreneur and author Rana Gujral to discuss his forthcoming book, “The AI Instinct.” Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is shaping human perception, decision-making, and even experience itself. From the realities of hybrid cognition to the risks and responsibilities of emotion AI, the conversation probes the boundaries between humanity and technology, raising timely questions about agency, transparency, and the evolving roles of machines in our lives. Discover insights from Rana into the future of intelligent collaboration and what it means for all of us.

Why Left-Handed Tennis Players Punch Above Their Weight at Grand Slams

Why Left-Handed Tennis Players Punch Above Their Weight at Grand Slams

by | Apr 16, 2026 | ,

Left-handers make up barely one in ten people, yet they appear in a far larger share of Grand Slam tennis finals and titles than you’d expect. Digging into every Open Era singles final across the four majors, this article uncovers just how often lefties show up on the last weekend, which southpaws dominate the record books, and why opponents struggle so much with them. From Laver, Connors and McEnroe to Navratilova, Seles, Kvitová, Nadal and Kerber, we explore the data, the patterns and the science behind the left-handed advantage.

Making AI More Human: Rebecca Rowntree’s Framework for Brand Voice and Community Building (MDE650)

Making AI More Human: Rebecca Rowntree’s Framework for Brand Voice and Community Building (MDE650)

by | Apr 12, 2026 | , , ,

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Rebecca Rowntree shares her journey as an AI creative technologist and founder of Get Shit Done, a thriving creative community. She discusses the importance of empathy, practical prompting in AI, and how she’s built viral AI assistants with personality. Rebecca also offers insights on branding, cultural relevance, and the power of curiosity and generosity in building impactful communities. Tune in to discover how Rebecca’s approach is shaping the creative and AI landscape.

Do left-handed people think differently? Does handedness give you a hand?

Do left-handed people think differently? Does handedness give you a hand?

by | Apr 9, 2026 | , ,

Left‑handers have long been treated as odd, deviant, or in need of correction. Yet this 10% minority quietly punches above its weight in business and politics. From Steve Jobs and Bill Gates to Obama and Reagan, left‑handed leaders seem disproportionately present in corner offices and presidential residences. Neuroscience suggests their brains are wired a little differently, and new research links left‑handed CEOs with greater innovation and performance. But the political record tells a more ironic story: many left‑handed leaders have governed from the right, reminding us that difference shapes us—but never fully defines us.

To Book Minter!

I’m Minter Dial and I serve my clients by elevating the debate and energy, telling powerful stories and connecting people and ideas. My mission to insert more meaningfulness into our lives and at work. I relish being an engaging professional speaker on leadership, transformation and branding. I’m known for being someone who walks the talk and delivers on or above expectations. I’m the author of four award-winning books, including the second edition of my award-winning book, Heartificial Empathy (April 2023, available in English and French), You Lead published by Kogan Page that won the Business Book Award 2022, and Futureproof (FT-Press/Pearson) that won the Business Book Award 2018. I’m also the producer of the award-winning WWII book and documentary film The Last Ring Home.

My last major published project was Dialogos, Fostering More Meaningful Conversations that was published weekly via Substack, over 79 weeks. I am currently working on a new book, The Avatar Trap.  

Click here to inquire about booking Minter!

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