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 function within the plant, and why so much of the industry conversation is driven by hype rather than complete science. Lawrence explains how properly formulated amino acids can help reduce nitrogen inputs, improve efficiency, and support plants under stress.

We also explore the real role of carbon in fertility programs. Too many products remain plant-focused instead of feeding the soil microbes that drive nutrient availability. By mimicking natural photosynthetic exudates, EarthWorks liquid technologies help create bioavailability in the root zone, even in the challenging environments of golf courses and sports fields.

As always, Lawrence delivers a thoughtful and engaging look at how plants truly function and what it takes to build healthier, more resilient turf.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 a loose, engaging format that makes the show as entertaining as it is informative.

Turf Talk evolved organically from Ty’s early days hosting live turf conversations on Twitter (now X), where he would talk turf in the evenings and fellow grass growers would gradually jump in. One of the more memorable stories from our interview involved those early broadcasts starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. Just as Rob and Ty were ready to wrap up, turf managers from the West Coast would join, turning what was meant to be a one-hour show into a marathon that stretched well past East Coast bedtimes. Both hosts also reflected on their beginnings in turf management as teenagers, discovering a passion for the industry early on. Today, they continue to give back through the First Green program at their local high school, opening up their time and golf courses to help the next generation of turf managers explore the industry firsthand.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 golf.

Jared walks through the hands-on realities of putter manufacturing, from teaching himself CNC machining to producing just six putters a day with a small team and two Haas mills. He explains why sound and feel are central to Hanna Golf’s design philosophy, how customization plays a key role in their process, and why staying focused on putters allows the company to maintain quality and intention over rapid scale.

The conversation broadens to the state of the golf industry, touching on the post-COVID participation boom, domestic manufacturing challenges, and the growing influence of direct-to-consumer brands and storytelling through social media. Jared also discusses building an engaged audience through his Perfect Putt newsletter and the long-term value of supporting American manufacturing.

Kevin and Jared close by reflecting on the future of golf, from junior and female participation to evolving attitudes around course maintenance and culture. They explore how less rigid maintenance standards, par-3 courses, and entertainment-driven golf experiences are reshaping the game while still honoring its traditional roots.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 reflects on what surprised him most and how adaptability played a key role. It is an honest conversation about leadership, learning, and managing a complex property.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 voice out there, had a fascinating conversation with Grant McKnight and Eric Blanton from DuraEdge. In that episode, they delved into some innovative ideas about building root mixes for sports fields—definitely one of Kevin’s favorites.

Jack Higgins went live with Zack Holm, the turf manager from Central Park in NYC. It’s an incredible story—Zack handles millions of visitors and keeps the turf thriving in some of the toughest urban conditions, all without pesticides.

We wrap up with this year’s most listened-to episode featuring John Reilly from Long Boat Key Golf Club in Sarasota, Florida. Joel chatted with John, a former Rutgers student, about organic matter management—a hot topic in the turf world.

From all of us at EarthWorks, we wish you a very Happy New Year and thank you for your ongoing support. Here’s to a fantastic 2026 with more great guests and insightful, fun conversations. Our goal remains the same: to leave you with at least one piece of useful turf wisdom each episode!

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 current research and the work being done within regenerative agriculture communities, it is exciting to see that Biological Soil Management is not only here to stay, but thriving within the sports turf world. The lawn care industry also came up, with many LCOs making the shift to carbon-based fertility and experiencing both agronomic and financial benefits.

Golf course construction continues to trend upward, and each of us has stories of turf managers who have seen significant success using the EarthWorks amendment package. Many of those stories have been shared through the EarthWorks Podcast. This team truly is a family, and that connection is clear in the conversations and interactions among coworkers and friends on the podcast.

We wish everyone a very happy holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Most of all, we want to sincerely thank you for helping make the past 37 years so incredibly successful. Thank you.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 retiring as the company’s Vice President. Over the years, many people in the EarthWorks extended family have spoken with Lisa on the phone or had the pleasure of working with her through one of her many responsibilities.

As the owner and president of the company, I can honestly and humbly say that if Lisa had not walked into our office that spring afternoon, we may not be here today. She has been instrumental in our growth and direction. She kept the company moving forward while the rest of us were able to get out into the field and help turf managers discover the real value of Biological Soil Management.

Many companies have someone like Lisa, but very few have someone who truly lives and breathes the work and carries such a deep passion for the mission we all embraced. She has been juggling balls and, more recently, elephants for her entire time with us. Unfortunately, elephants are not easy to juggle, so she has decided it is time to focus on her family, her six grandchildren, and life on the farm.

To say we will miss her is an understatement. Expressing how grateful we are for her warm spirit, contagious laugh, and incredible work ethic comes effortlessly. We sat down in the same spot where we first met Lisa to record this podcast, sharing a few laughs, reminiscing often, remembering old friends, and even shedding a few tears.

This is not goodbye by any means, but simply a change in the relationship Lisa has had for so long with the team and with all our friends at EarthWorks.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

From there, Bob took on construction of the Palmer-designed Fawn Lake, navigating a maze of new environmental restrictions that stretched the project into a four-year effort. After one more chapter as a golf course superintendent, he stepped away from the profession for more than a decade. Even while working in turf-related roles, he eventually realized it was time to follow the advice he had always given his sons: go back to the work you truly love.

That decision led him south, trading snow for sunshine, and ultimately landing what he calls his dream job as superintendent at The Old Collier Club in Naples, Florida. His story is full of remarkable moments, including caddying for Arnold Palmer and mastering the challenges of managing Paspalum in high-sodium soils.

Bob is always engaging, entertaining, and generous with his experience. This episode is a wonderful listen for anyone who loves golf, turfgrass, or the winding roads that lead people back to their passion.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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 the industry, has worked with many of the top turf managers from the early days of their careers.

In this episode, the three hosts revisit some of their favorite conversations from 2025. Their reflections lead into discussions on emerging technologies in turf and agriculture, Eco-Adaptive approaches, regenerative agriculture, the future of lawn care, golf course construction, and much more.

As you’d expect when these three get together, there’s not a wasted moment—just insightful conversation, plenty of laughs, and great camaraderie.


Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/