The EarthWorks Podcast

Episod

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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - Part 2 Sand Injection 01.10.2026 1j 3min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Dave Wilber - What’s Really in Your Irrigation Water? 24.09.2026 1j 11min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Michael Clifton - A Little Goes A Long Way 17.09.2026 50min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks and Jack Higgins - The Case for More Diversity 10.09.2026 1j 2min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - Paspalum, Career Changes and Staying in the Game 03.09.2026 56min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Tim Falvey - Rebuilding Inwood One Hole at a Time 27.08.2026 41min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks with John Szklinski - From the U.S. Open to a $30 Million Renovation. 20.08.2026 1j 3min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Jamie Richardson, Churchill Downs 13.08.2026 26min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Still Learning with Jerry 06.08.2026 46min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Lawrence Mayhew - The Chemistry Behind Healthy Soil 30.07.2026 57min

  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/
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  The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins at Hurstbourne Country Club - ISCO Championship 2026 23.07.2026 1j 3min

  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 setup, and teamwork required to host a world-class event. Listeners also get an inside look at the daily responsibilities of each team member and the management philosophy that keeps the operation running at a high level.Jack interviews:Matt Shallock – Golf Course SuperintendentJackson Logsdon – Assistant Golf Course SuperintendentBen Nelson – Assistant Golf Course SuperintendentJosh Rippy – Assistant Golf Course SuperintendentWalter Pritchett – Director of Golf Course OperationsTogether, they discuss tournament preparation, moisture management, TDR readings, bunker presentation, rough preparation, Zoysia fairway management, volunteer coordination, labor efficiency, equipment longevity, and how a strong team culture allows everyone to perform at their best during one of the biggest weeks of the year.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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Tyler Bloom 16.07.2026 56min

  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 Brunetti, and the challenges of introducing carbon-based fertility in an industry that initially resisted the concept.The discussion explores why healthy soils create healthier turf with less effort, how today's superintendents have embraced carbon-based programs, and why soil testing remains the foundation of successful agronomy. Joel also discusses the impact of new technologies including AI, autonomous equipment, and data-driven agronomic recommendations while emphasizing that strong fundamentals will always matter more than gadgets.Tyler and Joel also dive into recruiting, mentorship, work-life balance, and what separates great golf course superintendents from average ones. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, discovering rather than simply being taught, and building careers through strong mentors and professional networks.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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Peter McCormick - Retirement 101 09.07.2026 1j 2min

  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 simplifying life.The discussion covers practical retirement planning, including maximizing retirement contributions, understanding Social Security, working with financial advisors, downsizing possessions, avoiding debt, and preparing financially long before retirement arrives. Peter explains how thoughtful planning gave him confidence that retirement could be something to enjoy rather than fear.Beyond finances, Joel and Peter explore the psychological side of retirement, staying physically active, maintaining purpose, volunteering, mental health, and the value of letting go of possessions and responsibilities that no longer serve you. Peter also reflects on the meaningful relationships he built throughout his career and the touching retirement tribute organized by his family and industry friends.Whether you're just starting your career or beginning to think about life after work, this episode offers honest advice about preparing for retirement while also reminding us that success isn't measured only by money, but by health, relationships, and living a life with purpose.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/
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  The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins & Kirk Castner - Behind the Scenes at EarthWorks 02.07.2026 45min

  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 years with EarthWorks and discuss the tremendous growth the company has experienced, expanding from a single granulation facility to multiple production plants across the United States. They explain how increasing demand from golf courses has expanded into sports turf, parks, universities, hydroseeding, construction, and tree care, requiring significant investments in new manufacturing capacity.The conversation dives into the unique partnership with Rose Acre Farms and how EarthWorks turns poultry manure into premium compost-based fertilizers through a true circular economy. Kirk explains the lengthy composting process, new composting technologies, odor reduction efforts, expanded compost storage, and additional granulation facilities currently under construction.They also discuss the global fertilizer market, including how geopolitical events can dramatically impact synthetic fertilizer availability and pricing, while highlighting the advantages of sourcing and producing organic fertilizers domestically. The discussion reinforces EarthWorks' long-standing commitment to building healthier soils rather than simply supplying nitrogen.On the liquid side of the business, Kirk shares how automation, robotics, and improved production systems have increased efficiency while preserving the small-batch manufacturing process that keeps EarthWorks liquid products biologically active and effective.The episode concludes with a discussion about EarthWorks' Early Order Program, why planning ahead benefits both customers and manufacturing, and how these improvements ultimately help turf managers receive consistent, high-quality products while reducing production bottlenecks. Throughout the conversation, Jack and Kirk emphasize that every investment EarthWorks makes is focused on supporting customers, improving soils, and making turf managers' jobs easier. 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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons & Jack Higgins with Dr. James White, Rutgers University 25.06.2026 1j 13min

  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 Biological Soil Management.Throughout the conversation, Dr. White walks through the entire rhizophagy cycle, explaining how plants bring microbes into their root cells, extract nutrients, and then release them back into the soil to continue the cycle. This process not only feeds the plant but also stimulates the formation of root hairs, allowing roots to explore more soil for water and nutrients.The discussion also explores the surprising role that some disease-causing organisms can play within a healthy biological system and why maintaining an active, diverse soil microbiome is essential for long-term plant health.Whether you manage golf course turf, sports fields, landscapes, or any other plants, this episode provides remarkable insight into one of the most important discoveries in modern plant science. It offers a deeper understanding of why soil biology matters and why Biological Soil Management continues to transform the way we grow healthier, more resilient plants.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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Moe Robinson - turfRad 18.06.2026 1j 1min

  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 vehicle or other course equipment, the turfRad system collects thousands of moisture readings across the turf in a single pass, creating detailed maps that identify exactly where water is needed and where it is not. Armed with this information, turf managers can fine-tune irrigation, improve consistency, conserve water, and reduce unnecessary applications.Moe explains how the technology first gained traction in regions where water is limited and expensive, but also discusses why courses in wetter climates are finding tremendous value by identifying overly saturated areas and improving overall moisture management. She also talks about turfRad's partnership with Toro and how the system is helping superintendents better understand what is happening below the surface.Moe's enthusiasm for turf management and emerging technology shines throughout this conversation, making this an informative and engaging episode for anyone responsible for growing and managing high-quality 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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Ryan Severidt 11.06.2026 1j

  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, Virginia, one of the first all-bentgrass golf courses built that far south. Despite skepticism from many in the industry, Kinloch established itself as a world-class property. As Ryan explains, success came from focusing on the work at hand and doing whatever was necessary to keep the course performing at a high level.He later moved to The Olde Farm in Bristol, Virginia, where higher elevations and a cooler climate provided a different set of opportunities for managing bentgrass. His next move to Woodmont Country Club introduced a new challenge: maintaining both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass in the Mid-Atlantic region, where changing weather patterns continue to influence turf management decisions.Ryan discusses the increasing adoption of warm-season grasses in the region, the challenges presented by the winter of 2025, and how environmental conditions continue to shape management strategies. He also shares his approach to leadership, emphasizing education, communication, and helping team members understand the "why" behind every decision. By creating a culture of learning, Ryan has built strong teams and developed future industry leaders.This conversation offers valuable insights into turf management, leadership, and adapting to changing conditions in one of the most dynamic growing environments in the country.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/
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  The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks & Joel Simmons - Soil Testing 04.06.2026 1j 1min

  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 Chemistry Feed the Soil.In this episode, Kevin Hicks and Joel Simmons dive into the importance of soil testing and how real data can help turf managers make smarter fertility decisions. They discuss how compaction, nutrient balance, and water quality all influence soil performance and long-term turf health. The conversation also explores the growing importance of water testing and how poor irrigation water can impact the nutritional position of the soil.Kevin and Joel also share updates on the future of the EarthWorks and Soil First Consulting soil audit programs, including the development of a new interactive soil protocol designed to give turf managers faster, more actionable insights. Packed with practical knowledge and decades of field experience, this episode is a valuable listen for anyone serious about building healthier soils and stronger turf from the ground up.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/
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  The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Scott McLean - The Davey Tree Expert Company 28.05.2026 1j 2min

  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 turf degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and built a strong foundation in traditional turf management. But as family priorities changed, Scott began looking for a career path that offered a better work-life balance while still keeping him connected to the industry he loved.That search led him into lawn care, where he initially followed conventional high-synthetic fertilizer programs. Over time, however, he began questioning whether there was a better approach. After speaking with a local golf course superintendent about organic fertilizers, he discovered EarthWorks and started experimenting with carbon-based fertility programs on his own lawn.What he saw changed everything. His lawn developed a darker, richer green color, stayed greener later into the fall, and greened up earlier in the spring. But the moment that truly convinced him came during a late winter thaw, when the snow melted off his lawn days before it disappeared from neighboring properties receiving traditional fertilizer programs.Today, Scott is a strong believer in Biological Soil Management and carbon-based fertility. He believes the lawn care industry is shifting away from high-input, ala carte service models toward more efficient flat-fee programs that reduce inputs, lower labor and fuel costs, and improve profitability, all while producing healthier lawns and happier clients. This is a conversation about changing industry philosophies, building better soil, and the future of lawn care.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/
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  The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins with Josh Saunders & Jason Bataille 21.05.2026 36min

  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 slow soil temperatures. The conversation covers A1/A4 bentgrass greens, Tahoma bermudagrass tees, spring fertility programs, plant growth regulators, and the patience required to properly manage turf during difficult spring transitions.Jack and Josh also discuss the restoration work at Lancaster Country Club, preparations for tournament play, and the balance between delivering championship conditions while protecting long-term plant health throughout the season.Later in the episode, Jack is joined by competitive amateur golfer Jason Bataille, who shares his perspective after competing in the Compher Cup at Lancaster. Jason discusses the strategy and architecture of the course, memorable holes from the Flynn design, and the appreciation players have for superintendents who are passionate about both turf management and the game of golf itself.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/