The EarthWorks Podcast
The EarthWorks Podcast features interviews and conversations hosted by EarthWorks agronomists with friends from the turf industry. Guests include golf course superintendents, industry experts, agronomists, and business people. The discussions are designed to inform and entertain while focusing on biological soil management. EarthWorks has produced professional-grade carbon-based fertilizers for over 30 years and performs more than 15,000 soil tests annually, which helps shape the podcast's topics.
Episodes
The EW Podcast - The Jefferson Classic - Lehigh Country Club
The EarthWorks story and Lehigh Country Club have been connected for more than 35 years. During the inaugural Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic, Joel Simmons and Jack Higgins sat down with the team responsible for preparing this historic William Flynn golf course for its first PGA TOUR Champions event.Joel talks with longtime Director of Grounds John Chassard about their decades of friendship, the e
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - Part 2 Sand Injection
There was plenty left to discuss after John Reilly’s last visit, so Joel Simmons brought him back to continue the conversation. This time, they shift from paspalum to sand and amendment injection and the work John is doing with his company, Fundamental Inputs Right Management, or F.I.R.M.John explains how his experience with DryJect as a superintendent turned him into a believer in sand injection
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Dave Wilber - What’s Really in Your Irrigation Water?
Dave Wilber has been one of the most popular guests on the EarthWorks Podcast since its beginning, and this conversation shows why.Dave joins Joel Simmons for a deep dive into irrigation water quality and the impact water chemistry can have on turf, soil structure, and biology. They start with how to properly interpret a water report, including why pH readings can change depending on how a water s
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Michael Clifton - A Little Goes A Long Way
Jack Higgins sits down with Michael Clifton, owner of Chesapeake Grounds, to talk about how EarthWorks principles have helped shape a growing nursery operation built around biology, carbon-based fertility, and healthier plants.Michael shares how he moved from managing roughly 200 acres of turf into growing annuals and perennials, developing a system that combines Myco-Replenish 3-3-3, Replenish 3-
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks and Jack Higgins - The Case for More Diversity
For the first time, Kevin Hicks and Jack Higgins sit down for an EarthWorks Podcast of their own, and the conversation covers a lot of ground. They compare East Coast and West Coast turf challenges, from drought and water restrictions to changing turfgrass selections, mixed-species stands, bunker construction, irrigation investment, and the growing importance of managing the entire property rather
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - Paspalum, Career Changes and Staying in the Game
John Reilly is an old friend of The EarthWorks Podcast who always brings great turf conversations and plenty of laughs. Recently, John found himself facing a transition many longtime superintendents eventually encounter: moving on after losing a position he held for many years.Rather than slowing down, John has built a diversified business that includes sand injection work, autonomous mowing techn
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Tim Falvey - Rebuilding Inwood One Hole at a Time
Jack Higgins visits Tim Falvey at historic Inwood Country Club on Long Island for a tour of the property and a conversation about golf, turf management, course architecture, and restoration.Tim shares how he and his team are working to bring Inwood back toward its original links-style character, using historic aerials, removing trees, expanding short grass areas, incorporating fescue, and completi
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with John Szklinski - From the U.S. Open to a $30 Million Renovation.
Kevin Hicks reconnects with John Szklinski, his first boss out of college, for a conversation covering nearly four decades in golf course management.John’s career began at age 16 on a golf course near State College, Pennsylvania, before taking him to Penn State, Arizona, Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, and ultimately Charlotte Country Club. Along the way, he helped prepare Southern Hills for
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jamie Richardson, Churchill Downs
Jack Higgins visits Churchill Downs for an on-site conversation with Track Superintendent Jamie Richardson about the unique challenges of managing one of horse racing’s most demanding turf surfaces. Jamie explains how the track transitions from cool-season grasses to Ironcutter Bermudagrass during the summer, using the strength of the Bermuda root system to build a more stable, resilient racing su
The EW Podcast - Still Learning with Jerry
Jerry Brunetti was a founding partner of EarthWorks alongside Joel Simmons in 1988. At the time, Jerry owned an animal health care business in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, where Joel served as the County Extension Agent. Their friendship quickly grew, and Jerry became instrumental in helping Joel understand the value of Biological Soil Management.After EarthWorks was established, Jerry formul
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lawrence Mayhew - The Chemistry Behind Healthy Soil
Lawrence Mayhew, “The Chemist of EarthWorks,” joins Joel Simmons for a wide-ranging conversation about humic substances, soil biology, nutrient efficiency, and the evolving science behind Biological Soil Management. Lawrence explains how humic substances moved from being poorly understood and difficult to label to becoming widely used for improving nutrient bioavailability and fertilizer performan
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins at Hurstbourne Country Club - ISCO Championship 2026
Jack Higgins travels to Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky for the ISCO Championship and interviews the entire agronomy team responsible for preparing the course for PGA Tour competition. The discussion explores how the team managed more than six inches of tournament rain while still delivering firm, consistent playing conditions, along with the planning, moisture management, course
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Tyler Bloom
In this episode, Joel Simmons joins Tyler Bloom on the Leadership on the Links podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of Biological Soil Management, leadership, mentorship, and the future of the golf course industry. Joel shares the story of how EarthWorks was founded, his transition from Penn State Extension to recruiting and eventually launching EarthWorks with Jerry Brunett
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Peter McCormick - Retirement 101
Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet, joins Joel Simmons for a candid conversation about retirement after more than three decades serving the golf course industry. Rather than focusing solely on finances, Peter shares the emotional transition of stepping away from a career that defined much of his life, the importance of completely disconnecting from work, and the unexpected relief that comes from
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins & Kirk Castner - Behind the Scenes at EarthWorks
Jack Higgins sits down with EarthWorks’ Kirk Castner for a behind-the-scenes look at how the company has evolved over the past decade and where it's headed next. Rather than focusing on agronomy alone, this episode explores the people, manufacturing, logistics, and philosophy that allow EarthWorks to continue meeting growing demand while maintaining product quality.Jack and Kirk reflect on their y
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons & Jack Higgins with Dr. James White, Rutgers University
Dr. James White of Rutgers University joins the EarthWorks Podcast to discuss the fascinating world of rhizophagy, a process in which plants actively farm, consume, and extract nutrients from soil bacteria and fungi. His groundbreaking research has helped identify and explain this remarkable relationship between plants and soil microbes, changing the way we think about plant nutrition and Biologic
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Moe Robinson - turfRad
Former golf course superintendent and self-proclaimed "Turf Head" Moe Robinson brings her passion for turf management and technology to this conversation. Now serving as Customer Success & Agronomy Advisor with turfRad, Moe shares how this innovative moisture mapping system is helping superintendents make smarter irrigation decisions through data instead of guesswork.Mounted on a utility vehic
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Ryan Severidt
On this episode of the EarthWorks Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Severidt, Superintendent at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. Ryan's career has taken him from the Midwest to some of the most challenging turf environments in the country, managing both cool-season and warm-season grasses across a variety of climates and conditions.Ryan began his career at Kinloch Golf Club in Richmond,
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks & Joel Simmons - Soil Testing
EarthWorks began extensive soil testing nearly 40 years ago with one goal in mind: creating healthier soils that support stronger biological activity. By understanding soil chemistry through detailed testing, turf managers can improve soil structure, increase air and water movement, and build an environment where microbes thrive. It’s the foundation of the EarthWorks philosophy: Balance the Chemis
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Scott McLean - The Davey Tree Expert Company
On this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, Joel Simmons talks with Scott McLean, Plant Healthcare Business Developer for Northeast Operations at The Davey Tree Expert Company.Like many turf professionals, Scott didn’t begin his career with a clear roadmap. After taking a job at a local golf course, he quickly fell in love with the turf industry. He spent twelve years in golf course management, earned his
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Josh Saunders & Jason Bataille
On this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, Jack Higgins catches up with longtime friend and superintendent Josh Saunders for a ride around Lancaster Country Club as they discuss spring conditions, tournament preparation, and the 64th Compher Cup.Josh shares insights into managing the historic William Flynn-designed golf course following an unusually cold winter with extended snow cover, late frosts, and s
The EW Podcast -Joel Simmons with Marissa McDowell - Vista Seed
On this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, Joel Simmons sits down with Marissa McDowell, a third-generation seed producer whose family played an important role in the growth of Pickseed, one of the most recognized names in turfgrass seed production. Based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the center of grass seed production in the United States, Marissa grew up immersed in the seed business before eventually
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Jeff Gullikson, CGCS
On this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, Kevin reconnects with longtime friend Jeff Gullikson, CGCS, to explore how the First Green program first took root in the late 1990s.As the golf course superintendent at Kalispel Golf & Country Club in Spokane, Washington, Jeff balances running a 128-year-old course with family life and coaching high school golf. Along the way, he’s helped grow First Green in
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Joel Simmons - Construction
For over 30 years, EarthWorks has helped turf managers successfully establish golf courses and sports fields during construction and grow-in. Our soil-first approach has consistently delivered stronger rooting, more efficient fertility programs, and long-term performance.Sand-based root zones, however, present a unique set of challenges. They are naturally low in mineral content, have limited nutr
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Tim Hollowell, Horticulturalist
In this episode, Jack Higgins sits down with horticulturalist Tim Hollowell to explore the deeper connection between soil health, plant performance, and practical horticulture. Tim shares his perspective from years of hands-on experience, breaking down how soil biology, structure, and nutrient balance all work together to influence plant success.The conversation moves beyond surface-level plant ca
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons & Marshall Evans with Nate Maurer
Construction is booming across Florida, and for Director of Agronomy Nate Maurer, the clock is ticking toward a major course reconstruction set to begin next year. After years of planning and finalizing a partnership with golf course architect Andy Staples, the project will kick off with a full turf removal in late spring.When asked what advice he’d offer superintendents considering a renovation,
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Zach Holm - Central Park Conservancy
In this episode, Jack Higgins sits down with Zach Holm of the Central Park Conservancy to explore what it takes to manage one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. From high-traffic turf challenges to long-term soil health strategies, Zach shares how his team balances performance, sustainability, and aesthetics in a demanding urban environment.The conversation dives into practical approaches
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with the Team at Nature's Own - Kevin and Wes Morrison
This week, Jack Higgins sits down with Kevin and Wes Morrison, owners of Nature’s Own, to talk about what it really means to take a Soil First approach to lawn care.For more than three decades, Kevin has stayed committed to building from the ground up. It’s a philosophy he developed while studying at Rutgers in the 1980s, and one he’s never wavered from—even as industry trends and sales pressure p
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - The Art of Managing Data
Back on the EarthWorks Podcast, we’re joined by our friend John Reilly from Longboat Key Club in Sarasota, Florida. John is one of the most innovative golf course superintendents in the industry, using technology to enhance what he calls the “art of greenskeeping.”We dive into how data collection strengthens his natural intuition on the golf course, helping him make more confident decisions. John
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins and Joel Simmons - The Traveling Minstrels
Life as an EarthWorks Agronomist means living on the road. The early season is packed with trade shows and Soil First Academies across the country, connecting with turf managers from golf, sports turf, lawn care, and hydro-seeding.So far, we’ve delivered over 30 Soil First Academies this season alone.In this episode, Jack Higgins and Joel Simmons hit the road to Buffalo for a talk with our distrib
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jim Lanza
The Lehigh Country Club grounds crew is a vibe. We always say great turf starts with the soil, but great teams start with the right attitude. A positive, friendly, and welcoming culture goes a long way, and that’s something the new Golf Course Superintendent at Lehigh, Jim Lanza, clearly understands.In this episode, two Lehigh guys talk shop, covering the club’s new irrigation system, aerification
The EW Podcast - Our 300th Episode with Old Tom Morris (John Reilly), Tom Walker and John Chassard
We’re proud to share our 300th podcast episode. Nearly six years in, we’re grateful for every listener and guest who has made this podcast a meaningful part of the turf community. To mark the occasion, this milestone episode brings together three hosts and three special guests, each offering a unique story from across the game.First, our friend John Reilly, the Turf Monkey at Longboat Key Resort i
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Dr. Mike Fidanza - Managing Fairy Ring and Soil Biology
This week we welcome Dr. Mike Fidanza from Penn State University, a globally recognized authority on fairy ring in turf. Our conversation digs into how this fungus establishes itself in the soil and why the traditional explanations only tell part of the story.For years, fairy ring was blamed solely on decomposing organic matter. While that plays a role, Dr. Fidanza explains why the issue runs deep
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Olee Poole - The Fescue Freak
This time of year never fails to inspire. The sun starts climbing higher, soil temperatures begin to wake up, and the first hints of green remind us why we love this work.This week we’re joined by our friend Olee Poole, known by many as the Fescue Freak, to walk through the fertilizer program behind his exceptional three-acre fescue lawn outside of Charlotte. Olee relies exclusively on EarthWorks
The EW Podcast - GCSAA Recap: Connecting with Turf Leaders Across the Industry
EarthWorks has returned from a fantastic week in Orlando at the GCSAA Trade Show and Conference, and by every measure, it was a tremendous success. On Wednesday afternoon, we welcomed friends from across the industry to our booth for cocktails. The space was packed from start to finish, and venue staff told us the EarthWorks gathering was the largest event on the show floor.Throughout the week, we
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lawrence Mayhew - How Amino Acids Improve Turf Performance
Lawrence returns for a wide-ranging conversation that blends chemistry, physics, and biology with a few surprises along the way. Beyond being a world-class chemist and humate specialist, he shares stories from his past as a motorcycle racer and glass artist, proving great science often comes from creative minds.This episode takes a deep dive into amino acids: how they are produced, how they functi
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Rob Uzar & Ty Robb
Podcasting in the turf industry continues to gain momentum, and one of the standout successes is Turf Talk, hosted by Florida golf course superintendents Rob Uzar and Ty Robb. The show is broadcast live, which brings a unique set of challenges, from managing technology to handling unexpected guests or off-the-cuff moments. Rob and Ty embrace those challenges with quick thinking and humor, creating
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Jared Doerfler
In this episode, Kevin Hicks sits down with Jared Doerfler, founder of Hanna Golf Company, to explore his path from college golfer to launching a boutique, U.S.-based CNC-milled putter brand in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Jared shares how a background in manufacturing and a turning point in his personal life pushed him to leave a corporate VP role and bet on building something of his own within the game of
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Josh Saunders
We’re back at Lancaster Country Club on a sunny winter day with Josh Saunders. In this conversation, we dive deeper into agronomic planning than ever before, covering practical insights and thoughtful strategies drawn from real-world experience. There’s a lot of strong, actionable advice here from Josh. Enjoy.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Matthew Wolfe
Every property is different, and that reality becomes clear fast in a new role. In this episode Matthew Wolfe shares stories from his first year as superintendent at Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia after more than 15 years working alongside top agronomy teams as an assistant superintendent. From managing a 360-acre pine forest to dealing with sand-based soils and unique site conditions, Matt
The EW Podcast - 2025 Best of Year
We began the EarthWorks Podcast back when Covid brought everything to a halt, and now we’re approaching our 300th episode this coming March. For the past six years, the final week of the year has been our "Best of the Year" tradition. This time around, we’ve chosen one standout episode from each of our hosts—Kevin Hicks, Jack Higgins, and Joel Simmons.Kevin, who just might have the best podcast vo
The EW Podcast - The EarthWorks Agronomy Team - End of Year Wrap-Up
Each year at this time, we bring the EarthWorks agronomy team together to reflect on the past year and to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 37 years. This year, we were joined by our friend and chemist, Lawrence Mayhew, one of our favorite and most popular guests.As a team, we discussed the trends we are seeing across the industry, particularly in agronomic technology. By studying
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lisa Kiefer
It is rare these days to see someone stay in a job for more than 26 years, and even rarer to find a person who pours themselves into their work as if it were their own company. This month, we have been celebrating someone who has done all of that and so much more.More than 26 years ago, Lisa Kiefer walked into our office for an interview as an office support person. At the end of 2025, she will be
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Bob Wren - From Maryland Roots to Naples Greens
Bob Wren has been a friend of EarthWorks for more than 35 years, and his career has taken him on a winding and memorable path through the turf industry. A graduate of the University of Maryland’s turf program, he began his career working alongside podcast alumnus Kevin Pryseski at Pine Ridge in Baltimore, Maryland. He then joined another podcast alumnus, Glenn Smickley, for the grow-in at the Robe
The EW Podcast - The Podcasters - Joel, Jack and Kevin!
The EarthWorks Podcast is approaching its 300th episode, hosted by Kevin Hicks, Jack Higgins, and Joel Simmons—each bringing a uniquely valuable perspective to the industry.Kevin, with 25 years of experience as a golf course superintendent, can truly “talk shop” with guests. Jack brings youthful energy and a deep passion for biological soil management, while Joel, with more than three decades in t
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Chassard - An EW Podcast Classic!
In this special Thanksgiving Week episode, we want to express our gratitude for more than 40 years of support and for helping us advance the principles of Biological Soil Management across the industry. With over 250 episodes behind us, we’re celebrating the holiday by revisiting one of our earliest—and most beloved—conversations.This week, enjoy a classic episode with our longtime friend John Cha
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Zach Holm - Central Park Conservancy
This week’s EarthWorks Podcast is a real treat as we take you behind the scenes at one of the most famous public parks in the world, New York City’s Central Park.Our guest, Zach Holm, Turf Care Manager, shares his unique approach to maintaining over 350 acres of beautifully manicured turf, all without the use of pesticides or herbicides.Zach walks us through his biological and cultural management
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lawrence Mayhew - Calcium
According to Lawrence Mayhew, the EarthWorks chemist, calcium is the most important nutrient in plant production. While that may be debated, Lawrence makes a strong case for why calcium deserves top billing in any fertility program.This episode begins with a discussion about ammonium sulfate and how it can release calcium from the soil colloid, making it more available to plants. Lawrence also exp
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Geoff Haynes
Discover what it takes to run a 9-hole golf course carved into the Idaho mountains and the exciting plans to expand with a second nine. During the off-season, the superintendent transitions from turf to snow, grooming slopes at the nearby Silver Mountain resort. The conversation explores a deep enthusiasm for golf course architecture, favorite and bucket-list courses, and a hopeful perspective on
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with James Morgan - How One Superintendent is Growing Opportunity
This week’s episode features James Morgan, the Director of Grounds at Russell Lands in Alexander City, Alabama, home to two world-class golf courses, Wicker Point and Willow Point Golf Clubs.James’ career has taken him from the team at Trinity Forest in Dallas, Texas to overseeing the construction and grow-in of the Core Crenshaw–designed Wicker Point Golf Club. The EarthWorks team recently visite
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jack Meyer - How a Steady Hand Saved this A.W. Tillinghast Gem
This week, the EarthWorks Podcast comes to you from the 13th hole at Shackamaxon Country Club, a classic 1916 A.W. Tillinghast design in Union County, New Jersey. Our guest, Superintendent Jack Meyer, shares the story of his four year journey improving course conditions and elevating player experience at this high traffic, historic course. Jack’s conversation is filled with practical insights, fro
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Logan Freeman - Recovery Through Biological Soil Management
This episode dives into how Biological Soil Management can reshape turf performance and simplify management. When poor soils and turf stress were constant challenges, adopting carbon-based fertility and a soil-first approach changed everything.Over time, improved soil structure, faster recovery, and reduced inputs led to stronger turf and greater consistency. The conversation also explores how the
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Dave Wilber - Soil Investment - The Intuition of Watering
In this episode, we’re joined once again by our friend and turf industry legend, Dave Wilber, to explore one of the most critical and often misunderstood aspects of turfgrass management: water. Dave shares his experiences from years of working with superintendents around the world, discussing how water management decisions can influence the course of a career. He offers thoughtful insight into tea
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Grant McKnight & Eric Blanton - DuraEdge
In this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Grant McKnight, President & CEO of DuraEdge, and Eric Blanton, Western Region Manager for both DuraEdge and 4Most Sport Group. We explored the story behind DuraEdge—how Grant’s early work in mining and aggregates eventually led to the creation of specialized root zone materials for golf courses, and how that expertise
The EW Podcast - Joel & Jack - How to Build Stronger Soils and Healthier Turf
For almost four decades, EarthWorks has championed Biological Soil Management—long before carbon-based fertility became the industry norm. By creating soil conditions where microbes thrive, turf managers unlock better nutrient cycling, stronger recovery, and sustainable turf health. This episode shares the evolution of this practice and how thousands of turf managers have put it into play through
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Bobby Solar - The EW "Go-To" Tree Expert Returns!
This week’s EarthWorks podcast is all about plant healthcare. Our go-to tree expert, Bobby Solar, joins us to share real-world results fighting bacterial leaf scorch, hemlock scale, and adelgid. He highlights innovative ways EarthWorks products can be used to strengthen and protect trees.Products discussed: Foliars+ Sea3, BioVantage, Magvantage, Mikronite, Kick, Myco-Replenish 3-3-3, Replenish 5-
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Doug Kieffer from Spectrum Technologies
In this episode, Kevin sits down with Doug Kieffer of Spectrum Technologies to explore the tools reshaping turf management. Doug shares his unconventional journey from aerospace engineering to agronomy, including his years volunteering in Uganda, and how those experiences ultimately led him to his role as product training specialist at Spectrum.The conversation dives into the evolution of Spectrum
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Kevin Hauschel - Rainmaker.Earth
For 35 years, EarthWorks agronomists have asked turf managers: What’s the most important nutrient in turf management? The answer is oxygen. Without oxygen in the soil, beneficial microorganisms can’t thrive—and healthy soil biology is the foundation of strong turf.The challenge has always been delivering oxygen effectively. That’s where Rainmaker.Earth comes in. Their in-line irrigation system use
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons presents a talk by Jerry Brunetti - Food As Medicine
The concept of Food as Medicine has been central to Biological Soil Management, drawing a clear connection between human health and turf health. Just as proper nutrition helps our bodies build natural immunity and resist disease, balanced fertility programs help turf recover from stress, develop stronger roots, and support healthy soil biology.In this episode, we revisit one of Jerry’s lectures gi
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Brent Downs - Golf, Growth and The Low Downs
In this special dual podcast, Kevin Hicks and Brent Downs, CGCS MG, dive into their journeys in golf course management, career transitions, and a current course renovation project. They also explore woodworking as a creative outlet beyond the turf, sharing stories of tools, safety lessons, and the value of mentorship throughout their careers.Hear insights from two voices in the golf industry as th
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Gage Knudson - Grass Can Take More!
Grass can take more! This week’s guest, Gage Knudson, keeps the turf at BMO Stadium—home of LAFC—in top form all year long. Right now, he’s juggling concerts in the middle of soccer season, plus on-field video shoots, because in Hollywood the action never stops. Hear how Gage and his crew execute a precise agronomic plan to keep the field in premier condition, no matter what’s on the calendar.Visi
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Tyler Bloom - Shaping the Future of Turf Careers
This week, we welcome back Tyler Bloom of Bloom Golf Partners, an executive search and business consulting firm. Tyler began his career as a golf course superintendent, managing turf across several courses in the mid-Atlantic. Five years ago, he launched his company to help golf course managers improve recruitment strategies. Since then, Bloom Golf Partners has grown rapidly, expanding its focus b
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lawrence Mayhew - The Biology of Thatch
Back by popular demand, we welcome Mr. Lawrence Mayhew—chemist and humic substance specialist—to talk about the biology of thatch. Thatch is the result of an imbalance in the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio within the soil profile, often caused by the overuse of synthetic nitrogen. It can restrict air and water movement through the turf, fails to provide a usable carbon food source for microbes, and does
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Louis Pitcock - Smiling Through 300 Rounds a Day!
Louis Pitcock, Golf Course Superintendent, Avalon Golf Club joins us on the podcast to share innovative strategies for managing the demands of 300-round days during an endless summer. How does he keep both the turf and crew performing at a high level? His unique approach offers several insights you won’t want to miss.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthw
The EW Podcast - Joel & Jack with Walter Pritchett - Championship Week at Hurstbourne
Joel Simmons and Jack Higgins catch up with our friend—and returning EarthWorks Podcast guest—Walter Pritchett, Superintendent at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Walter recently hosted the ISCO Championship at his course, where Jack had the chance to volunteer. In this episode, Walter shares insights on the prep, the pressure, and the payoff of managing his first PGA tournament.I
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Tim Kortanek - Managing Turf Under Extreme Pressure
Herons Glen Golf & Country Club, located in the Fort Myers area of Florida, is a high-traffic public facility with over 55,000 rounds of golf played annually. That alone is a big responsibility for any golf course superintendent—but add in 1,300 homes around the property, all of which rely on the course's irrigation system, and the job becomes even more complex. That’s the daily reality for Ti
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Dave Wood - Talking Turf & World Cup Soccer
If you're looking to learn a methodical, consistent—and surprisingly peaceful—approach to greenkeeping, this episode is for you. Dave Wood gets the job done with a smile, and Stockton University's greenkeeping success has earned international recognition. After hosting Brazil’s CR Flamengo—one of the world’s most popular sports franchises—Stockton is now a sought-after training base for the 2026 W
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Charlie Aubry - From Renovation to Tour Championship
In this episode, Charlie Aubry, Director of Agronomy at East Lake, discusses his early career, East Lake’s renovation, and year-round preparation for the Tour Championship. He shares insights on turfgrass choices, design considerations, community involvement, and what makes the course’s conditioning world-class—plus some personal favorites in a lightning round.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.ear
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins Visits the Liberty Hall Museum to talk to Jeff Eckert, Megan Couch and Kayla Doyle
On this episode of the EarthWorks Podcast, step back into the early days of the United States. We visit Liberty Hall Museum in Union, New Jersey, adjacent to Kean University and once home to a founding family, including a signer of the Constitution and the first elected governor of New Jersey. Kayla Doyle, Curator of Archives, sets the stage with historical context before Megan Couch, Assistant Di
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Armen Suny - Leadership in Golf Today
Armen Suny returns to the podcast, and once again, he delivers valuable insights that are essential listening for anyone in the golf industry. In this episode, Armen dives into current hiring trends and what clubs are truly looking for in today’s superintendents. He emphasizes the growing importance of leadership and why it's critical for professionals, especially those early in their careers, to
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Kirk Castner - Talking Turf Business!
In this episode, Kirk Castner takes us through his journey from a sports-focused upbringing to a career in turf and agronomy. He shares how he transitioned from fieldwork to sales at EarthWorks, all while juggling work, family life, and earning two master’s degrees. The conversation explores the inner workings of product manufacturing, supply chain challenges—including the surprising ripple effect
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Zac Ramey
Biological soil management isn’t just theory—it’s real, and every now and then, we meet someone who proves it in remarkable ways. At a recent EarthWorks Academy in Greenville, South Carolina, we had the pleasure of meeting Zac Ramey, a young golf course superintendent with a powerful success story.Zac introduced himself to Joel Simmons and shared how he transformed the soil profile at the Country
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Ryan Kuster
Ryan Kuster of Ag Enterprise joins Kevin for an in-depth conversation on the future of sprayer technology. Together, they unpack the mechanics, precision, and innovation driving the evolution of modern turf sprayers. Ryan shares real-world insights and highlights some of Ag Enterprise’s most unique custom projects, offering a firsthand look at how cutting-edge technology is enhancing application a
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - Talking Organic Matter in Golf Greens
John Reilly joins us to delve into the evolving topic of organic matter in golf greens. There’s been considerable discussion across the industry about how to best test organic matter, with new methods like the OM 2, 4, 6 tests gaining traction. Our key question for John was: Do these tests differentiate between beneficial and harmful organic matter?Anyone familiar with John knows he’s one of the m
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jeremy Tredway
We're coming to you from the hallowed athletic fields of LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Our guest, Jeremy Tredway—Director of Athletic Fields and Grounds at LSU—shares what it takes to manage 18 intensely active acres. A standout example: Alex Box Stadium, home to LSU Baseball, hosts an incredible 350 events each year. Jeremy dives into the challenges of maintaining overseeded ryegrass on Celebrat
The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Keith Wood - Quail Hollow Goes All In for the PGA Championship
The first rounds of the PGA Championship begin on May 15th, but the preparation to make it all happen started well over a year ago. That’s something Keith Wood, Director of Green and Grounds at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, knows all too well. He’s been at Quail Hollow for 10 years and has hosted a tournament every year, including the 2017 PGA Championship.We talked about what it
The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with Zach Bauer & Dan Frederiksen
Kevin interviews Zach Bauer, CGCS, and Dan Frederiksen, offering a compelling glimpse into the minds of two next-generation superintendents with distinct approaches. Dan champions data-driven precision, employing advanced sensors and analytics to inform his decisions. In contrast, Zach relies on intuition, experience, and real-time observation to guide his turf management.Though their philosophies
The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins and Joel Simmons - Shoot the Breeze About Their Favorite Topics
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