Advertise on podcast: The EarthWorks Podcast

Golf course renovations are major undertakings, and there's no substitute for learning from those who have been through them. In this crossover episode of The EarthWorks Podcast and The Low Downs Podcast, Kevin Hicks and Brent Downs take a deep dive into the challenges, decisions, and lessons learned during large-scale golf course construction. Brent shares an inside look at the extensive renovation underway at Otter Creek Golf Course, while Kevin draws on decades of experience managing renovation projects across the country. Together, they discuss planning, contractor relationships, irrigation, seeding, grow-in strategies, and why cutting corners can lead to costly problems down the road. The conversation also explores the importance of building healthy soil from the beginning, including the role of EarthWorks RenovatePlus and balanced carbon-based fertility during grow-in. From construction challenges to developing great teams, this episode offers valuable insight for anyone planning, managing, or considering a golf course renovation. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Amino acids are becoming a major talking point in the turf industry, but what do they actually do for plant health, soil biology, and overall turf performance? Joel Simmons welcomes back popular guest and EarthWorks formulator Lawrence Mayhew for an in-depth conversation about the science of amino acids and their role in Biological Soil Management. They explore how amino acids support plants and soil microbes, improve nutrient-use efficiency, and help turf manage environmental stresses, including heat, drought, and sodium. Lawrence also explains the importance of osmotic balance, the relationship between amino acids and humic substances, and why diversity matters when selecting raw materials. The conversation offers a fascinating look into EarthWorks' formulation philosophy, including the multiple natural ingredients used to create a diverse profile of 26 identified amino acids. From understanding plant physiology to building more resilient turf, this episode offers valuable insight into the science behind carbon-based fertility. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Kevin Hicks welcomes Tyler Bloom of Bloom Golf Partners back to The EarthWorks Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, communication, and the changing expectations of golf course superintendents. What started as a discussion about club governance and the relationship between superintendents and greens committees quickly expands into the challenges of managing expectations, navigating club politics, and protecting your career. Kevin and Tyler share personal experiences and discuss why superintendents need to take a more proactive role in club leadership. The conversation also explores the growing importance of equipment managers, the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified staff, and how robotic mowers and artificial intelligence are changing golf course operations. Through it all, one message stands out: Technology and data are powerful tools, but they can't replace experience, relationships, and good judgment. It's an honest, insightful conversation about what it takes to succeed as a superintendent in today's golf industry. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Joel Simmons sits down with PJ Ringenberger, Competitions Agronomist for the PGA TOUR, at Lehigh Country Club during the Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic for a fascinating look behind the scenes of professional tournament golf. What does it take to prepare a golf course for a PGA TOUR Champions event? PJ explains how months of planning, agronomic expertise, staffing coordination, and daily course preparation come together to deliver championship conditions. From managing green speeds and navigating unpredictable weather to coordinating more than 60 crew members and volunteers, the details go far beyond turf management. PJ also shares his journey from golf course superintendent to PGA TOUR agronomist, including his experiences at some of the world's finest courses and the devastating California wildfires that changed his life. The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining historic golf courses, the importance of building relationships with superintendents, and why sharing knowledge continues to elevate the turf industry. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 evolution of the property, and how some of EarthWorks’ earliest work and product development took place right here at Lehigh. Jack continues the conversation with Golf Course Superintendent Jim Lanza, Assistant Superintendents Dan Barone and Gavin Durkin, and Assistant in Training Derek Kressler. It’s a conversation about much more than tournament preparation. It’s about great golf course management, building a strong team, passing along decades of knowledge, and a relationship between Lehigh Country Club and EarthWorks that helped shape both organizations. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 and how that work has expanded beyond golf greens to tee boxes, approaches, landing areas, and sports turf. They discuss managing ligneous thatch by converting it into usable organic matter rather than simply removing it, along with John’s experience performing multiple injections in the same week while maintaining rapid recovery. The conversation also explores physical testing, how John uses data to evaluate playing surfaces, and the different physical amendments being incorporated into injection programs. It’s a practical discussion about aerification, soil modification, recovery, and creating firmer, better-performing turf. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 sample is handled. From there, they explore sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), the effects of sodium on soil flocculation and microbial activity, and how bicarbonates can contribute to localized dry spots. The conversation also covers sodium-induced wilt and the critical balance between potassium and sodium in the root zone. Dave also shares some of the work he is doing with Turf Rad and how new technology is helping turf managers better understand conditions below the surface. A technical but highly practical conversation about one of the most important inputs on any golf course: water. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 3-4-3, Sea3, ProteinPlus, Trilogy, CalVantage, MagVantage and biological growing media. The conversation gets into propagation, soil blending, irrigation, EC management, foliar feeding and why a little fertility applied consistently can often outperform pushing plants too hard. It is also a fascinating look at how the same Soil First concepts used on golf courses and landscapes can translate directly into greenhouse and nursery production. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 than just the most visible areas. The discussion also turns heavily toward soil biology, mycorrhizal networks, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and what those systems may tell us about building healthier, more efficient root zones. Kevin and Jack share thoughts on fall aerification, seeding, Myco-Replenish 3-3-3, Ecolite, Sea3, K-Vantage, and using the fall season to rebuild turf after a difficult summer. They also offer a glimpse at some of the changes underway at EarthWorks, including advances in soil testing and compost production. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 technology, and traditional turf consulting. He remains deeply connected to the industry and continues to share his experience and perspective with turf professionals. John is also one of the pioneers of using paspalum on golf courses. In this episode, he discusses what he has learned from growing and managing paspalum over the years, why he believes it produces an exceptional playing surface, and some of the misconceptions surrounding the grass. As John explains, paspalum prefers fresh water but has the ability to tolerate salty conditions. The conversation explores paspalum’s versatility, its ability to produce significant root mass, and how managing organic matter biologically with a carbon-based approach can help create outstanding playing conditions. John believes paspalum has a growing future in golf, particularly for courses looking to reduce inputs, chemical use, and overall maintenance costs. John also talks candidly about career transitions, staying optimistic, and finding new opportunities while continuing to do what he loves: talking turf. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 completing major renovation projects almost entirely in-house. They also discuss the challenges of managing a coastal golf course, including salt, wind, drought, extreme humidity, and an irrigation failure that left the course without its system for nearly 10 days.  Along the way, Tim talks about his trip to Scotland, creating firm and fast playing conditions, designing for multiple shot options, his approach to shaping and construction, and what’s ahead for Inwood as the club continues to reconnect with its remarkable golf history. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 2001 U.S. Open, navigating everything from a maintenance facility fire and vandalism to major course renovations and the challenges of managing famously fast putting surfaces under championship conditions. John also reflects on nearly 20 years at Charlotte Country Club, where he oversaw an extensive $30 million renovation. He shares lessons about project management, budgeting, contractor oversight, and preparing a maintenance staff for the very different demands of large-scale construction. Kevin and John also discuss how technology has changed turf management, including the impact of soil moisture meters, cell phones, and hydronics, while emphasizing that experience, observation, and hands-on management still matter. Most importantly, John looks back on the people and relationships that shaped his career and offers simple advice to the next generation of superintendents: find work you genuinely love. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 surface focused on horse safety and performance. Jamie also discusses the evolution of the sand-based turf course, which was rebuilt in 2021, and how sprigging, DryJect, organic matter management, drainage, aerification, and fertility have helped improve the track year after year. The results are showing: Churchill Downs ran 108 turf races during the spring meet, and the course performed exceptionally well even following heavy rainfall. The conversation also looks at Jamie’s EarthWorks fertility program, including Myco-Replenish 3-3-3, Replenish 8-2-2, Replenish 5-4-5 and C3, with a major emphasis on building roots, maintaining stability, replenishing nutrients in the sand profile, and supporting turf recovery under heavy traffic. After the Churchill Downs interview, Jack shifts to late-summer turf management and discusses why August is an important time for recovery, aerification, overseeding, carbohydrate storage and preparing both warm- and cool-season turf for the months ahead. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 formulated two foundational products: the flagship Replenish 5-4-5 and the soil conditioner Kick. These products were originally intended to support a lawn care business, but Joel soon recognized that EarthWorks’ future was in manufacturing. From there, the company’s product development continued to grow. Jerry passed away from cancer in December 2014, but his influence remains deeply woven into EarthWorks. It has often been said that he was 10 years ahead of the industry, although he may have been closer to 20 years ahead. One of his greatest lessons was the importance of remineralization. In this clip, titled “The Holy Grail of Crop Health,” Jerry explains the importance of plant secondary metabolites and how plants develop them when they have access to a broad range of available minerals. Although he does not speak directly about turf, his explanation of how plants function certainly applies to turfgrass. This presentation offers valuable insight into the thinking behind EarthWorks’ product development while showcasing Jerry’s knowledge, intelligence, and unmistakable passion for the subject. We miss you, Jerry. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 performance. The discussion explores rhizophagy, the process through which plants cultivate microbes, bring them into their roots, extract nutrients, and release them back into the soil to repeat the cycle. Lawrence and Joel also examine the importance of enzymes, trace elements, carbon diversity, micronization, and complex product formulations in creating biologically active soils and longer-lasting turf responses. The central message is that reducing fertilizer inputs requires more than simply applying less product. It requires changing the soil system so microbes, chemistry, and physical soil conditions work together more efficiently. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com  Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/  EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/