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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An important step in learning about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

(Family Features) Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Awareness Day, observed every year on the last Wednesday of February, is a chance to shine a light on a heart condition that runs in families but often goes undiagnosed. Knowing your family’s heart history could help prevent sudden cardiac death.

What is HCM?

HCM is the most common inherited heart disease, affecting 1 in 500 people in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. It causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Some people with HCM feel symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath while others may not notice anything at all.

Because HCM runs in families, first-degree relatives – including parents, siblings and children – should be screened if a family member has been diagnosed. An echocardiogram or genetic testing can catch HCM early, helping prevent complications and guide treatment.

Why Does This Matter for Young Athletes?

HCM is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, sometimes with no warning signs. Research shows Black male athletes in high-intensity sports like football and basketball may be at higher risk.

In the past, athletes with HCM were often told to avoid intense exercise. Today, AHA/ACC/AMSSM/HRS/PACES/SCMR Guideline for the Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy have found many people with HCM can safely stay active. Each athlete should work with a doctor who understands HCM to create a safe exercise plan.

Where Can You Find Support?

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Living with HCM can be overwhelming, but no one has to go through it alone. For example, the American Heart Association’s Support Network connects people with HCM, caregivers and loved ones so they can share experiences, ask questions and find encouragement from others.

If you have a family history of heart disease, cardiac arrest or HCM, talk to a doctor about getting screened. To learn more about HCM and resources for student-athletes and young adults, visit heart.org/HCMStudentAthlete.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
American Heart Association

THE CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES FOOTBALL FANS TO DITCH MIDWEEK ROUTINE FOR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ACTION

• Campaign features two films with Pepsi ambassador Vini Jr. The first, unveiled today, features him as a cowboy transported into a traditional Telenovela scene and the second will see him taking on the role of a martial artist within the Chinese fiction genre, Wuxia
• In a separate standalone film, we witness Jack Grealish taking on a traditional gameshow challenge in the jungle  
• Pepsi’s latest campaign – Football Always Wins – encourages fans to break their midweek monotony, that might include watching TV game shows, Telenovela serial dramas, or Wuxia martial arts shows and to instead choose football enjoyment over everyday sameness.

LONDON /PRNewswire/ — Pepsi has launched its latest global football campaign, encouraging fans around the world to break their midweek routines to experience the enjoyment of UEFA Champions League football. Featuring ambassadors Jack Grealish and Vini Jr, the campaign sets out to show that “Football Always Wins” over other forms of entertainment.

n the set of films created for the campaign, Jack Grealish and Vini Jr. challenge fans to break with their midweek routines that might include watching TV Game Shows, Telenovela serial dramas, or Wuxia martial arts shows and to instead embrace the opportunity to watch more sport. The global campaign coincides with Pepsi partnership with the UEFA Champions League.

In the first two entertaining films, Vini Jr. is transported into the Telenovela format popular across Latin America, donning a cowboy outfit for his role. The player rides a horse towards a potential romantic partner but, just as the two lock eyes, Vini Jr. decides to choose football and instead controls a ball on his chest. The film closes with Vini Jr. standing on his horse’s saddle, demonstrating that football should always win in a choice between soap opera and a match.

Whilst this epic competition can turn a routine Tuesday or Wednesday into the best moment of the week, Pepsi’s latest campaign recognises that fans around the world encounter habits and routines which might stop them from watching and enjoying midweek games.

Vini Jr. said, “When I was younger and growing up in Brazil, I clearly remember sprinting back from school as fast as I could to catch the start of European matches. I remember being glued to the screen, dreaming of one day playing on those pitches. Now I’m there, my goals and ambitions are always about taking my game to the next level. I want to score more goals, provide more assists, and be a decisive player in every competition”.

The second film, due to be released next week, will feature Vini Jr. transported into the Chinese fiction genre, Wuxia. Two martial artists are shown preparing to fight each other but are dramatically interrupted by Vini Jr., armed only with a football. Once again, Football Always Wins. 

Vini Jr. continues, “Playing a martial artist in the new Pepsi campaign was amazing—it felt like stepping into a completely different world. But I have to say, the cowboy outfit was such an unexpected and fun look for me. As for what’s next? Who knows! Maybe I’ll get to be a superhero or even dive into the world of music”.

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In a standalone film featuring Jack Grealish, we find him taking on a traditional gameshow challenge based in the jungle. The film opens with a group of contestants crawling in the mud in an attempt to find a giant ball to slot into a hole in the wall. Having struggled to complete the challenge, Jack Grealish appears from nowhere and kicks a football straight through the hole, completing the challenge and once again demonstrating that Football Always Wins.

Jack Grealish said, “Those who know me know how much I love game shows. So, when Pepsi revealed I’d be taking on a series of jungle inspired challenges for its latest campaign, I couldn’t wait to get involved!”

In supporting content for the campaign Jack Grealish is dispatched to the “jungle” as he’s challenged to test himself with a series of mystery boxes to unlock the winning Pepsi and the enjoyment of mid-week football. The “Football Always Wins” campaign will later be extended with a series of social assets in which Jack and Vini Jr. encourage football fans to stop their scroll and tune-in to UEFA Champions League games. The three players will “hack” popular TikTok memes to present the match as more fulfilling entertainment.

Eric Melis, VP Global Brand Marketing at PepsiCo said: “Football has an unrivalled ability to entertain fans around the world, and nothing encapsulates this more than the UEFA Champions League. We know, however, that UEFA Champions League football alters the midweek routine and that fans around the world have weekly schedules which might keep them from experiencing the thrill of mid-week sport.

“Pepsi’s latest campaign – Football Always Wins – sets out to encourage football fans to break their midweek monotony, encouraging them to choose enjoyment over everyday sameness. Working with our incredible Global football ambassadors, Jack Grealish and Vini Jr, both of whom are known for challenging convention in the game, we’ve created a campaign which brings unrivalled entertainment to fans around the world and continues Pepsi’s philosophy to unlock pure enjoyment for those who are Thirsty For More.”

The campaign launches globally with the first of the two films released on 20 January 2025, across a range of channels. Fans can follow Pepsi channels to see more as the campaign unfolds: X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook

The Vini Jr. in Telenovela and Jack Grealish Jungle Game Show films are available here, with the final film to be released next week. 

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Jack Grealish imagery is available here and Vini Jr. imagery is available here.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LiinkedIn @PepsiCo.