The EarthWorks Podcast

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/

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 Superintendent
Jackson Logsdon – Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Ben Nelson – Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Josh Rippy – Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
Walter Pritchett – Director of Golf Course Operations

Together, 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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/