Exploring Life Beyond the Court: Hot Mike’s Charming Chat with Joseph R. Gannascoli on “People of Pickleball”

Welcome back, pickleball enthusiasts! 🎉 In this week’s episode of the People of Pickleball podcast, our charismatic host Mike Sleeves is joined by the multi-talented Joseph R. Gannascoli, best known for his unforgettable role as Vito Spatafore on HBO’s iconic series, The Sopranos. Together, they dive into the fascinating intersections of Joseph’s life—from Hollywood to the pickleball courts—uncovering his journey, challenges, and triumphs along the way.

From Hollywood to Pickleball Courts

Joseph recounts his athletic beginnings in Brooklyn, sharing how a chance encounter with pickleball rekindled his love for sports. Discover how he went from paddleball to pickleball, and how the sport has become a powerful force in his life. With great enthusiasm, he opens up about losing 100 pounds and how this transformation has reshaped not just his game but his entire lifestyle.

Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Wins

The conversation then delves into the physical demands of pickleball, as Joseph shares his candid experiences with injuries and the unexpected intensity of the game. His journey emphasizes resilience and growth, proving that challenges are just stepping stones to success. The importance of community and networking within the pickleball world shines through, making for an inspiring dialogue.

A Culinary Touch and Vodka Ventures

As a chef and entrepreneur, Joseph also discusses his culinary ventures, including his exclusive vodka brand, Rocco Vodka. Learn how he blends his passions for cooking and quality spirits, bringing creativity and flavor to every aspect of his life.

What’s Next for Joseph?

As the episode wraps up, Joseph teases exciting upcoming projects, including a unique theater performance in Boca Raton that intertwines elements of The Sopranos with his personal stories. His infectious enthusiasm for storytelling will leave you inspired to explore your own passions.

Don’t Miss Out!
Join us for this insightful and entertaining episode, filled with laughter, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the spirit of reinvention. Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Sopranos, a pickleball newbie, or seeking inspiration in your own life, this episode has something for you!

👉 Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with more episodes of People of Pickleball.

Until next time, keep your paddles up and your spirits high! 🏓✨

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Follow Joseph Gannascoli:

Rocco Vodka: https://rocavaka.com

Instagram: @josephr.gannascoli

Sopranos themed parties

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game.

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Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

and let your entertainment journey begin!

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AUSTIN, Texas, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At SXSW 2025, the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) is set to showcase the next frontier of entertainment and technology, bringing 12 cutting-edge Korean companies to Austin. From AI-powered media to immersive experiences in XR and the metaverse, KOCCA Pavilion will be the hub for the latest innovations reshaping global content trends.

KOCCA will host three major events at SXSW 2025:

KOCCA Pavilion (March 9-12, Booth No. 1007, Austin Convention Center, Hall 3) – Experience firsthand how AI, virtual humans, immersive art, and game-tech are redefining storytelling and audience engagement.

KOCCA NEXT STAGE (March 10, 10 AM, Hall 4) – Industry leaders discuss the convergence of AI and entertainment, the rise of digital humans, and the future of interactive storytelling.

K-Content Night (March 10, 6-9 PM, Parlor & Yard, Downtown Austin) – An exclusive networking event where investors, creators, and tech pioneers connect over K-content’s impact on the global entertainment landscape.

Meet the Innovators at KOCCA Pavilion
Twelve visionary companies will present game-changing solutions in AI-driven media, metaverse experiences, immersive art, and next-gen music & gaming solutions. These companies include DATUMO, BRUSH Theatre, BEAM Studio, ShiningLab, Cuz Global, KAI, Minimap, GiiOii Immersive Studio, apoc, Stela, Neutune, and Gaudio Lab.

Visitors can expect to engage with groundbreaking advancements such as AI-generated storytelling, virtual human interactions, and next-gen music tech that is redefining how audiences consume content worldwide.

KOCCA NEXT STAGE – The Future of AI in Entertainment (March 10, 10 AM, Hall 4)
Beyond the exhibition, KOCCA will host NEXT STAGE, a must-attend panel exploring how AI, XR, and emerging tech are revolutionizing content creation and audience experiences. Featuring industry experts Michael Hwang (DATUMO), Youngbeom Jeong (BEAM Studio), Ellie Lee (apoc), and Sylvia Yang (BRUSH Theatre), this session will dive into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in storytelling and the lessons global industries can learn from Korea’s rapid innovation.

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K-Content Night – Where Business Meets Creativity (March 10, 6-9 PM, Parlor & Yard, Austin)
KOCCA’s K-Content Night is an exclusive gathering that brings together investors, startups, and industry leaders to explore how Korean content is shaping the next wave of entertainment. Attendees will enjoy a high-impact networking session, speed pitches from innovative startups, and exclusive insights into one of the fastest-growing creative industries in the world.

This is more than just a networking event—it’s an opportunity to connect with visionaries redefining the future of media and entertainment.

Register Now:

KOCCA Pavilion: https://m.site.naver.com/1BCHG

KOCCA NEXT STAGE: https://forms.gle/ZGedEyUEAjxKsH4X8

K-Content Night: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/k-content-night-2025-sxsw-free-dinner-drinks-tickets-1238084777899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join KOCCA at SXSW 2025 and witness the future of entertainment unfold.

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March 4-7, 2025, marks a momentous occasion in the world of innovation at Expo West, and we’re thrilled to share the exciting news about the strategic partnership between two pioneers: Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the functional beverage landscape with the introduction of goBHB®-powered drinks, combining science-backed formulation with mouthwatering flavors.

What’s Buzzing at Expo West?

Set in the vibrant city of Anaheim, California, Expo West 2025 is the place to be for industry professionals and health enthusiasts alike. Visitors can look forward to an exclusive sneak peek at groundbreaking non-stimulant energy beverages that harness the power of goBHB®. These innovative drinks stand out by delivering clean, sustained energy without the jitters associated with caffeine or taurine.

The Power of goBHB®: Fueling a Healthier Future

At the core of this partnership is goBHB®, a game-changing innovation that promises to uplift our daily wellness routines. Here’s a breakdown of what makes these beverages stand out:

• Brain Health: The cognitive benefits of goBHB® are remarkable! It enhances mental clarity and focus, making it perfect for those long workdays or study sessions.
• Gut Health: With specially designed formulations that support the microbiome, these beverages are as much about feeling good on the inside as they are about revitalizing your energy levels.
• Metabolic Energy: goBHB® serves as a rapid source of fuel, enabling endurance and performance, whether you’re hitting the gym or navigating a busy day.

Meet Our Innovators

Industry veterans Donald F. Wilkes, CEO of Blue Pacific Flavors, and Rob C. Rogers, Founder of Ketone Labs, are enthusiastic about this partnership and the future it holds. With Donald’s extensive experience in flavor science and beverage formulation and Rob’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of metabolic health, this collaboration is set to redefine expectations.

“In my 40+ years in the industry, I have never seen a technology as transformative as goBHB®,” Wilkes stated. “It’s a game-changer in metabolic health, offering a science-backed, clean-energy solution that fits today’s functional beverage landscape.”

Echoing this sentiment, Rob C. Rogers shared, “goBHB® is revolutionizing the industry, and our partnership with Blue Pacific Flavors is pivotal in unlocking its full potential.”

Tantalizing Taste Meets Cutting-Edge Science

One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the introduction of several unique and innovative flavored products, all developed by Blue Pacific Flavors. The day is coming when functional health drinks aren’t just good for you—they’ll taste fantastic too!

Will you be attending Expo West 2025? Be sure to visit Booth #4373 for a chance to sample these extraordinary beverages and see firsthand how goBHB® can integrate into your lifestyle. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the experts behind these innovations and learn more about the intersection of delicious flavor and health-conscious formulation.

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Join Us on This Journey!

As we embark on this exciting journey in functional nutrition, we invite you to stay connected and follow along. Together, Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors are committed to delivering the next generation of delicious, effective, and innovative products tailored to modern consumer needs.

Let’s Change the Way We Think About Nutrition

Join us at Expo West 2025, and be part of the exciting new wave of functional beverages that promote brain health, gut health, and metabolic energy without compromising on flavor. The future of wellness awaits—let’s explore it together! 🥤✨

For more updates, follow us on our social media channels and explore the fascinating world of goBHB® and its incredible potential! See you in Anaheim!

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

https://stmdailynews.com/