Benji Radio Pickleball Recovery Journey: Benji Radio marked a special milestone on August 16, 2025. The 41-year-old from Ohio has played pickleball every single day for one year. What began as a casual game turned into a powerful tool in his recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.
A Daily Commitment
Benji Radio discovered pickleball in August 2024 while driving through Pleasant Hill Lake. He asked his wife, Jordan Radio, what the “tiny tennis” game was called. That same day, they tried the sport together and kept returning to the courts.
“It ended up being a great workout and tons of laughing and we kept going back each day while the pickleball kit we ordered came in. Many times, we went in the morning and in the evenings.”(Benji Radio)
At first, the couple didn’t realize they were playing every day. After a few weeks, Benji Radio noticed the streak and told his wife they should see how long it could last. The same week he discovered pickleball, he also committed to a life of sobriety.
Support from Family
Benji Radio said he owes his success to his wife and brother, Jason Radio. His brother moved back to Mansfield from California and now joins him on the court five to six days each week.
The three even played for five months without keeping score. Their first four-person game took place in January 2025 at the Lakewood Racquet Club in Lexington.
No injuries or illnesses have stopped the streak.
“Christmas Day was one of those days. On New Year’s Day, we had to go to Columbus to find an open pickleball place. It was called ‘Paddle Taps’ and we couldn’t believe how packed it was.”(Benji Radio)
Pickleball and Recovery
After years of battling addiction, pickleball gave Benji Radio focus and a healthier lifestyle.
“Addiction is weird. Even when I was only sleeping an average of 16 hours a week for over a year, I didn’t think I was addicted.”(Benji Radio)
He credits the sport for helping him change.
“My wife, in her infinite wisdom, said she wanted to live clean and sober. I said if you are, then I am, too,” (Benji Radio).
“It keeps my mind off the bad stuff. All I can say is thank God for pickleball.”
Building New Connections
The couple plays at Pleasant Hill Lake, Sterkel Park, Lakewood Racquet Club, and a park in Loudonville. Each location brings new players and challenges.
“One thing I didn’t fully realize in the beginning is that when you change your lifestyle, you lose your old social life. Pickleball just so happens to be a wonderful social sport.”(Benji Radio)
He added,
“Our friends at Lakewood Racquet Club and the Loudonville Pickleball Organization, are some of our absolute favorite people and they have enriched our lives more than they’ll ever know.”
Looking Ahead
Benji Radio said he never planned a big goal until one day someone asked.
“I remember someone asked me after four months what my goal was. I hadn’t considered it till just then, and I just spit out 365 days,” (Benji Radio).
Now, after completing the year, he feels it has been the happiest and most rewarding time of his life.
“Jordan and I are as close and happy as we’ve ever been. And our beautiful boy is about to start his first year of college at Ashland University.”(Benji Radio)
When asked about taking a break, he often jokes about resting for a week. His wife quickly replies that he won’t stop.
“So, here’s to year two,” (Benji Radio).
News in Brief: Benji Radio Pickleball Recovery Journey
Benji Radio celebrated one year of playing pickleball daily on August 16, 2025. The Ohio resident used the sport to support his recovery from addiction, with the help of his wife, Jordan, and brother, Jason. Pickleball gave him focus, community, and joy, making it his new way of life.
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