Brian Schwartz

Dr. Brian Schwartz joins Frankly Speaking to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass breeding at the Tifton, GA  Experiment Station. Frank and Brian discuss the history of the station and the giants  (Drs. Burton and Hanna) he has replaced. This is an excellent primer to understanding the modern Bermudagrasses and Zoysiagrasses that are available as well the strengths that they bring to the market. A must listen for warm season grass growers, but also great information for anyone in the golf turf industry.

Exploring the Bermuda and Zoysiagrasses | Frankly Speaking with Brian Schwartz

Josh Lewis

Josh Lewis joins this episode of Frankly Speaking to discuss his career and the challenges and opportunities he has had from his early days at Bandon Dunes to Chambers Bay and now in Project Management as a partner in Gradoville and Hertzing Management Group. Josh reflects on his journey to becoming a golf course superintendent and the many relationships he has had and has nurtured along the way. Of course, homage is paid to Professor Tom Cook at Oregon State University who views his student as his measure of success, certainly Josh would be counted among them.

A Measure of Success: Frankly Speaking with  Josh Lewis

Jeff Sexton

Anthony Pioppi chats with Jeff Sexton, CGCS, about the recently opened 10-1/2 month campus-wide renovation of Evansville (IN) Country Club. ECC brought in Beau Welling Design for the architecture and Heritage Links as the construction contractor.Sexton said the membership at ECC was patient and understanding throughout the project, and is ecstatic with the results. The golf course reopened on Memorial Day, with a new driving range and short-game area opening July 1.Jeff touts the contributions of his assistant and equipment manager in helping keep him and the project in line and on task. He also talks about the value of his Twitter account in documenting and communicating the progress of the project, while also serving as an outreach and marketing tool to the general public in the greater Evansville area.

Anthony Pioppi chats with Jeff Sexton, CGCS, about the recently opened 10-1/2 month campus-wide renovation of Evansville (IN) Country Club. ECC brought in Beau Welling Design for the architecture and Heritage Links as the construction contractor. Sexton said the membership at ECC was patient and understanding throughout the project, and is ecstatic with the results. The golf course reopened on Memorial Day, with a new driving range and short-game area opening July 1. Jeff touts the contributions of his assistant and equipment manager in helping keep him and the project in line and on task. He also talks about the value of his Twitter account in documenting and communicating the progress of the project, while also serving as an outreach and marketing tool to the general public in the greater Evansville area.

Renovation Report w/ Jeff Sexton, CGCS: Campus-wide Renovation at Evansville CC

Stan Kostka

Dr. Stan Kostka joins Frank on this episode of Frankly Speaking to explore the important and timely topic of water repellent soils, the use of surfactants and the potential role of surfactants on critical soil water and rooting relationships. Stan and Frank discuss different surfactant chemistries and their potential use to mitigate localized dry spots, enhance seed establishment and manage certain soil borne diseases and insects. This is a classic “deep dive” (no pun intended) into soil water management with one of the worlds leading experts.

Water-Repellant Soils | Frankly Speaking with Stan Kostka

Brad Klein

A long-awaited conversation with Frank and his old friend and mentor Brad Klein. Brad and Frank talk about their relationship dating back to GolfWeek's Superintendent News, caddying for Bernhard Langer, translating complicated science to golfers and a variety of opinions on golf course architecture and what it has been like to speak truth to power.Brad takes on living and dead golf architects, challenges our conventional wisdom about the golf industry , best ways to help superintendents work with PGA pros and shares his thoughts on golf’s biggest challenges. No opinions here.

A long-awaited conversation with Frank and his old friend and mentor Brad Klein. Brad and Frank talk about their relationship dating back to GolfWeek's Superintendent News, caddying for Bernhard Langer, translating complicated science to golfers and a variety of opinions on golf course architecture and what it has been like to speak truth to power. Brad takes on living and dead golf architects, challenges our conventional wisdom about the golf industry , best ways to help superintendents work with PGA pros and shares his thoughts on golf’s biggest challenges. No opinions here.

Frankly Speaking with Brad Klein: No Opinions Here!

Josh Smith

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank chats with Josh Smith, the golf course superintendent of Orinda CC in Northern CA. As usual, Frank and Josh cover a lot of ground from his early days in golf course construction and having his paintings commissioned by the likes of Weiskopf and Doak, to his current role as GC Superintendent and the founding and operation of Flag Bag Inc., specializing in custom golf bags made from used golf flags.Josh might be one of the most interesting people in golf course management. This is a good listen!

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank chats with Josh Smith, the golf course superintendent of Orinda CC in Northern CA. As usual, Frank and Josh cover a lot of ground from his early days in golf course construction and having his paintings commissioned by the likes of Weiskopf and Doak, to his current role as GC Superintendent and the founding and operation of Flag Bag Inc., specializing in custom golf bags made from used golf flags. Josh might be one of the most interesting people in golf course management. This is a good listen!

GC Supt, Artist, Entrepreneur: Frankly Speaking with Josh Smith

In this episode, the Rockbottum CC gang gets tangled up in AI golf, but Momma figures out how to neutralize the situation.

Rockbottum Radio: Solving The AI Threat to Golf

Tyler Bloom

Frank has a conversation with Tyler Bloom about the current and future labor issues facing the golf industry. Tyler outlines the value of investing in recruiting and retaining talent at every level of your organization. As usual Frank and Tyler cover a lot of ground in a short period of time, but still have time to talk about the impact of automation and technology on the workforce of tomorrow. Always an interesting conversation.

Frankly Speaking with Tyler Bloom: Golf Labor 2023

In this episode, Willy and the gang struggle to complete the radio show while running the golf course and finally just give up and go straight to Storytime for a tale about an Alphabetic Turf Consultationist . . . who hated Rockbottum CC.

Rockbottum Radio: The Hornswogglin' Turf Consultant

Roch Gaussoin

Frank had a chance to catch up with an old friend and renowned turfgrass scientist Dr. Roch Gaussoin on the eve of his recent USGA Green Section Award. Roch and Frank catch up about his storied career that led to him receiving the USGA award.The conversation eventually leads to some fascinating information about organic matter testing and development, precision agriculture and the field of turfgrass science at the national and international level.

Frank had a chance to catch up with an old friend and renowned turfgrass scientist Dr. Roch Gaussoin on the eve of his recent USGA Green Section Award. Roch and Frank catch up about his storied career that led to him receiving the USGA award. The conversation eventually leads to some fascinating information about organic matter testing and development, precision agriculture and the field of turfgrass science at the national and international level.

Frankly Speaking: Organic Matters  with Dr. Roch Gaussoin

TurfNet personalities Frank Rossi, Dave Wilber, Randy Wilson, John Reitman, Jon Kiger and Peter McCormick interview a variety of turfies on a multitude of subjects... or just pontificate upon occasion.

Golf Jetsetter Anthony Pioppi is now filling our ears with his wisdom. Make sure you all sit down and listen!! 😂👍🏼
Seriously good podcast though. Good work.

Anthony Pioppi

Both Dave &amp; Frank do a great job on their shows. Frank&#39;s is oriented to the science of growing turf grass. Dave&#39;s TZ show has been enjoyably &#34;turf adjacent&#34;-- i.e. about the lives of people in the business and what makes them remarkable. The Renovation shows are equally as good. Listen up!

Extremely enjoyable

TurfNet RADIO

Thomas Bastis

Join Dave Wilber and Thomas Bastis as they talk about Education and Giving Back.As Winter heads out and the season is upon most superintendents, Dave and Thomas take a moment to get some perspective on why it rocks to share information.A simple and yet not always used concept.The Turfgrass Zealot Project is only on TurfNet Radio.

Join Dave Wilber and Thomas Bastis as they talk about Education and Giving Back. As Winter heads out and the season is upon most superintendents, Dave and Thomas take a moment to get some perspective on why it rocks to share information. A simple and yet not always used concept. The Turfgrass Zealot Project is only on TurfNet Radio.

The Turfgrass Zealot Project, Ep. #28 with Thomas Bastis, CGCS

Kevin Ross

Dave Wilber

Join Kevin Ross of On Course Turf and Dave Wilber of The Turfgrass Zealot Project for a Jam Session like no other!Call it experimental or explorational or just plan fun. Kevin and Dave sit down for a session. And no topic is off limits. With more than 60 years of combined experience in direct hands on agronomy life, there is bound to be some wisdom. And good chops to hear.This session includes riffs around Tiger Woods, Anxiety and Depression, Clipping Volume and more.The mics and recorders are on you get to enjoy The Jam.

Join Kevin Ross of On Course Turf and Dave Wilber of The Turfgrass Zealot Project for a Jam Session like no other! Call it experimental or explorational or just plan fun. Kevin and Dave sit down for a session. And no topic is off limits. With more than 60 years of combined experience in direct hands on agronomy life, there is bound to be some wisdom. And good chops to hear. This session includes riffs around Tiger Woods, Anxiety and Depression, Clipping Volume and more. The mics and recorders are on you get to enjoy The Jam.

TurfHead Jam Session with Kevin Ross and Dave Wilber, Session Number 1

Brian Winka

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with Brian Winka, CSFM, about the benefits of "Bluemuda" vs the "insanity" of the traditional process of overseeding Bermudagrass on sports fields and golf courses in the south and transition zone.Presented by DryJect/Maximus and Civitas/Intelligro.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with Brian Winka, CSFM, about the benefits of "Bluemuda" vs the "insanity" of the traditional process of overseeding Bermudagrass on sports fields and golf courses in the south and transition zone. Presented by DryJect/Maximus and Civitas/Intelligro.

Frankly Speaking with Brian Winka, CSFM: "Bluemuda" and Overseeding

In this special episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with four influencers in the golf turf industry about how they manage their lives, health and careers through purposeful mindfulness. Frank's guests includePeter McCormick, founder of TurfNetDavid Kuypers, Syngenta CanadaPaul MacCormack, Fox Meadow Golf &amp; Country ClubChris Tritabaugh, Hazeltine National Golf ClubSpend an hour and learn how to turn off the noise, focus and prioritize.Presented by Civitas and DryJect.

In this special episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with four influencers in the golf turf industry about how they manage their lives, health and careers through purposeful mindfulness. Frank's guests include Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNetDavid Kuypers, Syngenta CanadaPaul MacCormack, Fox Meadow Golf &amp; Country ClubChris Tritabaugh, Hazeltine National Golf Club Spend an hour and learn how to turn off the noise, focus and prioritize. Presented by Civitas and DryJect.

Frankly Speaking: Four Influencers and Mindfulness

Randy Wilson

Mark Hoban

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, Randy Wilson chats (seriously) with envelope-pusher Mark Hoban, superintendent at Rivermont Golf Club in John's Creek, GA.  One of the true "mad scientists" of the golf course maintenance world, Mark always has new research going on with always a holistic view of soil/plant management.Mark fills us in on his current delvings into biochar, compost extracts (as opposed to compost tea... which he explains the difference), new applications for the Air2G2 machine, an untraditional take on beekeeping, and growing mushrooms for the club restaurant.Presented by VinylGuard Golf.

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, Randy Wilson chats (seriously) with envelope-pusher Mark Hoban, superintendent at Rivermont Golf Club in John's Creek, GA.  One of the true "mad scientists" of the golf course maintenance world, Mark always has new research going on with always a holistic view of soil/plant management. Mark fills us in on his current delvings into biochar, compost extracts (as opposed to compost tea... which he explains the difference), new applications for the Air2G2 machine, an untraditional take on beekeeping, and growing mushrooms for the club restaurant. Presented by VinylGuard Golf.

Randy Wilson with Mark Hoban:  Biochar to RiverJuice, beekeeping, and the Air2G2

John Sorochan

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with Dr. John Sorochan of the University of Tennessee about various factors -- especially mechanical -- that affect putting green performance. HOC, frequency of clip, mowing/rolling frequency, bedknife position and attitude, topdressing,and more.A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Dr. John Sorochan began working on the grounds crew at Earl Grey Golf and Country Club in 1988. This experience led him to Michigan State University where he earned his Ph.D. in Turfgrass Science in 2002. He is currently a Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee (UT), where he also serves as the Co-Director for the UT Center for Athletic Field Safety.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with Dr. John Sorochan of the University of Tennessee about various factors -- especially mechanical -- that affect putting green performance. HOC, frequency of clip, mowing/rolling frequency, bedknife position and attitude, topdressing,and more. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Dr. John Sorochan began working on the grounds crew at Earl Grey Golf and Country Club in 1988. This experience led him to Michigan State University where he earned his Ph.D. in Turfgrass Science in 2002. He is currently a Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee (UT), where he also serves as the Co-Director for the UT Center for Athletic Field Safety.

Frankly Speaking with John Sorochan: Factors affecting putting green performance

Al Turgeon

In this episode of Living Legends, presented by the Nufarm Insider, host John Reitman chats with Dr. Al Turgeon, retired professor emeritus of turfgrass management at The Pennsylvania State University.Turgeon learned a work ethic early on in his father's restaurant and then developed a love of the outdoors and turfgrass by working for his uncle, Bruno Vadala, at Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, NY.A stint in VietNam as an Army helicopter pilot gave him a new perspective on life and he turned his attention to teaching.One of his more recent accomplishments before his 2011 retirement was spearheading the development of Penn State's World Campus distance learning program.Presented by the Nufarm Insider.

In this episode of Living Legends, presented by the Nufarm Insider, host John Reitman chats with Dr. Al Turgeon, retired professor emeritus of turfgrass management at The Pennsylvania State University. Turgeon learned a work ethic early on in his father's restaurant and then developed a love of the outdoors and turfgrass by working for his uncle, Bruno Vadala, at Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, NY. A stint in VietNam as an Army helicopter pilot gave him a new perspective on life and he turned his attention to teaching. One of his more recent accomplishments before his 2011 retirement was spearheading the development of Penn State's World Campus distance learning program. Presented by the Nufarm Insider.

Living Legends: Dr. Al Turgeon, professor emeritus at Penn State

Ben McGraw

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with Dr. Ben McGraw of Penn State University on the latest research, control methodology, new larvicide products, adulticide resistance information and BMPs in ABW management.Presented by Civitas Turf Defense and DryJect.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank Rossi chats with Dr. Ben McGraw of Penn State University on the latest research, control methodology, new larvicide products, adulticide resistance information and BMPs in ABW management. Presented by Civitas Turf Defense and DryJect.

Frankly Speaking: Dr. Ben McGraw on ABW research, management and control

Cale Bigelow

Frank Rossi

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank chats with Dr. Dale Bigelow of Purdue University about rootzones, including the latest research and thinking on...maintaining optimal soil moisture on new greens, older greens, California greensthe value of vacuum extraction devices (likeon new versus older greens…vacuum extraction vs oxygenating via reverse operation; regional differencessurface fans, andsoil biology.Presented by DryJect and Civitas.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank chats with Dr. Dale Bigelow of Purdue University about rootzones, including the latest research and thinking on... maintaining optimal soil moisture on new greens, older greens, California greens the value of vacuum extraction devices (likeon new versus older greens… vacuum extraction vs oxygenating via reverse operation; regional differences surface fans, and soil biology. Presented by DryJect and Civitas.

All things ROOTZONES: Dr. Cale Bigelow with Frank Rossi on Frankly Speaking

Jim Wagner

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Dr. Frank Rossi chats again with Jim Wagner of the Hanse Design Group, this time about his current project working with Paul B. Latshaw (again) at the East Course of Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA.How critical is the golf course superintendent in a renovation project? Wagner says that the ultimate success of a project can be predicted by gauging the enthusiasm level of the superintendent, and that often depends on their inclusion in early conversations and later in the decision-making processes.How can superintendents leverage the current and continuing influx of investment money into golf course renovation projects? Listen and find out.The "Howard Stern of TurfNet?" Really?Presented by Civitas/Intelligro and DryJect.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Dr. Frank Rossi chats again with Jim Wagner of the Hanse Design Group, this time about his current project working with Paul B. Latshaw (again) at the East Course of Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, PA. How critical is the golf course superintendent in a renovation project? Wagner says that the ultimate success of a project can be predicted by gauging the enthusiasm level of the superintendent, and that often depends on their inclusion in early conversations and later in the decision-making processes. How can superintendents leverage the current and continuing influx of investment money into golf course renovation projects? Listen and find out. The "Howard Stern of TurfNet?" Really? Presented by Civitas/Intelligro and DryJect.

Frankly Speaking (again) with Jim Wagner of Hanse Design, at Merion Golf Club

Dan Dinelli

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Dan Dinelli relates what he has learned from his recent conversion from Poa annua on native soil greens to bentgrass on sand-based greens at North Shore Country Club near Chicago.A fresh look at behavior and management of organic matter and biomass in sand-based systems, down to the single-particle level. A fascinating discussion!Frankly Speaking is presented by Civitas/Intelligro and DryJect.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Dan Dinelli relates what he has learned from his recent conversion from Poa annua on native soil greens to bentgrass on sand-based greens at North Shore Country Club near Chicago. A fresh look at behavior and management of organic matter and biomass in sand-based systems, down to the single-particle level. A fascinating discussion! Frankly Speaking is presented by Civitas/Intelligro and DryJect.

Frankly Speaking with Dan Dinelli: What I Learned From New Bent-on-Sand Greens

Scott Ramsay CGCS

In this episode of the TurfNet Renovation Report, host Anthony Pioppi chats with Scott Ramsay, CGCS, about the ongoing restoration of the Seth Raynor-designed classic at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.Ramsay has been at Yale since 2003 and was the TurfNet Superintendent of the Year in 2006. Working for an academic institution, he occasionally claims the tongue-in-cheek title of "Director of the Department of Applied Botany" at Yale.The "renovation of the renovation" at Yale -- a complete renovation was finished up in 2003 -- focuses on reclaiming lost green area and tree removal. The Yale course in the middle of a 450 urban forest owned by the university.Ramsay quips that "we don't measure greens here in square feet... we measure them in acres".  He relies on a 1934 aerial map along with poking a lot of holes to find the gravel choker layer that Raynor liked to use. Once the original green outline is determined, he uses the "scalp and pray" method to bring the turf to green height.He also discusses his new 15,000 sq ft plug nursery in which he has cultivated the mix of German bents, velvets, Penncross and Poa that match the original turf on the golf course.Spend a half hour or so with Tony and Scott!  Good conversation!Presented by Golf Preservations, the greens drainage specialists and full service restoration/renovation contractors.

In this episode of the TurfNet Renovation Report, host Anthony Pioppi chats with Scott Ramsay, CGCS, about the ongoing restoration of the Seth Raynor-designed classic at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Ramsay has been at Yale since 2003 and was the TurfNet Superintendent of the Year in 2006. Working for an academic institution, he occasionally claims the tongue-in-cheek title of "Director of the Department of Applied Botany" at Yale. The "renovation of the renovation" at Yale -- a complete renovation was finished up in 2003 -- focuses on reclaiming lost green area and tree removal. The Yale course in the middle of a 450 urban forest owned by the university. Ramsay quips that "we don't measure greens here in square feet... we measure them in acres".  He relies on a 1934 aerial map along with poking a lot of holes to find the gravel choker layer that Raynor liked to use. Once the original green outline is determined, he uses the "scalp and pray" method to bring the turf to green height. He also discusses his new 15,000 sq ft plug nursery in which he has cultivated the mix of German bents, velvets, Penncross and Poa that match the original turf on the golf course. Spend a half hour or so with Tony and Scott!  Good conversation! Presented by Golf Preservations, the greens drainage specialists and full service restoration/renovation contractors.

Renovation Report: Anthony Pioppi with Scott Ramsay CGCS, Yale Golf Course

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!