Show Summary:
In this episode of The LowDowns, Brent flips the mic on one of turf media’s most polished pros: Matt LaWell, Senior Editor at Golf Course Industry magazine. After first appearing together on the Superintendent Radio Network, Brent brings Matt into the hot seat to explore the stories behind the storyteller.

They cover Matt’s journalism roots, the evolution of GCI’s print and podcast presence, and what it takes to create compelling content in today’s changing media landscape. The conversation blends humor, reflection, and professional insight—plus a deep dive into Matt’s marathon training, his favorite stories, and a hilarious round of “Two Truths and a Lie.” If you’ve ever wondered what makes great turf storytelling tick, this episode is a masterclass in content and connection.

Top Takeaways:

• Content That Meets You Where You Are – GCI continues to grow across platforms, from magazine to podcast to video, reaching every corner of the industry.
•  An Unexpected Road – How Matt's journalism career evolved
• Turf Storytelling Has a Human Core – Matt’s best work focuses on people, relationships, and the communities that define this industry.
• Write Your Own Story – Whether you’re a superintendent or a student, everyone has at least one story worth telling—just start writing.
• The Guy Behind the Pages – Matt opens up about fatherhood, Cleveland heartbreak, and why running long distances helps clear his creative mind.

00:00 | Introduction of Matt LaWell
Brent stages for part 2 of their crossover series, recapping their SRN episode and introducing Matt.

03:01 | Golf Course Industry Content and Matt’s New Role
Matt shares how his promotion has shifted his daily responsibilities and details GCI’s print, podcast, and digital content strategy.

07:16 | Superintendent Radio Network and Podcasting
A look inside SRN’s growing podcast catalog, the goals behind it, and why podcasting became a central part of GCI’s media presence.

13:09 | The Future of Podcasting
Matt explains the “podcast bubble,” what separates successful shows from short-lived ones, and why niche storytelling still wins.

18:17 | Matt’s Beginnings in Media
From high school newspapers to small-town sports beats, Matt traces his journalism roots and how they led him to GCI.

21:06 | Matt’s Passion and Best vs. Worst Stories
Matt reflects on the stories that stuck with him—including “Green Mountain Magic”—and others that didn’t age so well.

28:40 | Turfheads Takeover
A PSA and creative pitch to aspiring turf writers, with insight into what makes a great submission for GCI’s annual themed issue.

31:30 | Who is Matt LaWell?
Brent and Matt talk life beyond turf: fatherhood, fandom, and the role of running in Matt’s life and mindset.

35:35 | Two Truths and a Lie
Matt stumps Brent with hot dog contests, ballparks, and Bill Murray trivia in the season’s most detailed fake-out yet.

38:25 | The Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting
A fill-in-the-blank lightning round that covers everything from Harry Potter voices to underrated writing strengths.

41:22 | What’s Next for Matt LaWell
Matt shares the vision for GCI’s continued growth and reflects on what he’s most proud of—both personally and professionally.

44:14 | Outro
Brent wraps with reflections on storytelling, a thank-you to Matt, and a teaser for the next episode

 If you’ve ever wondered how great turf stories get told, Matt LaWell opens up about his journey from small-town newsrooms to Senior Editor at Golf Course Industry, shares what makes a story unforgettable, and reminds us that great content is about people, passion, and purpose.