The LowDowns

Show Notes

Show Summary

In Season 2, Episode 2 of The LowDowns Podcast, Brent welcomes Phil Helmn, Master Greenkeeper, educator with the Bernhard Academy, lecturer at Myerscough College, author, and lifelong turf professional. Recorded live at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, this international conversation follows Phil’s journey from growing up around golf, to becoming a greenkeeper, completing multiple grow-ins around the world, earning Master Greenkeeper status, and eventually stepping into a powerful second act as a teacher, writer, and leadership voice in the turf industry.

Phil shares the story behind his first book, The Power of People, which grew out of leadership coursework and reflection during the COVID period, and then dives into his new release, The Power of You. While his first book focused on building teams, this new book turns the lens back toward the leader. It explores resilience, self-awareness, mental toughness, reflection, and how leaders can better look after themselves while carrying the weight of responsibility.

The episode also highlights Phil’s work with the Bernhard Academy, including its interactive leadership and communication training for greenkeepers, superintendents, and turf teams around the world. Brent and Phil discuss why learning about people can be even more difficult than learning about grass, why passion matters, and why the best leaders need to keep developing themselves.

This is a warm, funny, thoughtful conversation between two friends across the Atlantic, built around leadership, purpose, education, and the next chapter of a life lived in turf.

Key Takeaways

• Phil’s Career Came Full Circle — From growing up around golf to becoming a Master Greenkeeper, leading turf teams, working across multiple performance turf environments, and now teaching at Myerscough College, Phil’s career has evolved into a true second act.
• The Power of People Started During COVID — Phil’s first book grew out of leadership coursework, reflection, and a need to stay mentally engaged during a difficult period. What began as dissertations became a leadership manual for building teams.
• The Power of You Focuses on the Leader — Phil’s new book shifts from team building to self-leadership, helping leaders handle pressure, responsibility, resilience, decision-making, and those quiet moments when the weight of leadership feels heavy.
• Passion Has to Be Protected — Phil makes a powerful point: "When the fun stops, stop". If you enjoy what you do, passion shows naturally. If you don’t, it may be time to reflect on what truly drives you.
• Leadership Training Must Be Interactive — Through the Bernhard Academy, Phil emphasizes practical, engaging, people-focused education that helps turf teams understand communication, personality styles, empathy, and team dynamics.
• The Turf Industry Is Global — Whether in the U.S. or UK, greenkeepers and superintendents face many of the same challenges with people, communication, confidence, stress, and leadership.
• This Is a Second-Act Story — Phil’s journey shows that a successful first career chapter can become the foundation for an even more meaningful second one.

Call to Listen

If you are looking for an episode about leadership, passion, personal growth, and what the next chapter of a turf career can look like, this conversation with Phil Helmn delivers. It is insightful, vulnerable, funny, and full of perspective from someone who has lived the greenkeeping profession from nearly every angle.

Show Summary

In the Season 1 finale of The LowDowns Podcast, Brent closes the season with a powerful transatlantic conversation featuring Lee Strutt, CGCS MG MS, estate manager at Loch Lomond Golf Club in Scotland, and Matthew Wharton, CGCS MG, superintendent at Idle Hour Country Club in Lexington, Kentucky.

This episode brings together two respected leaders, two Master Greenkeepers, and two close friends whose relationship was built through BIGGA, GCSAA, the Master Greenkeeper process, and years of shared industry experiences across both sides of the pond. What begins as a conversation about friendship quickly turns into something deeper: career pressure, personal sacrifice, mentorship, mental health, success, family, legacy, and what it really means to give back to the turf industry.

Lee and Matthew reflect on the emotional journey of becoming Master Greenkeepers, the responsibility of mentoring the next generation, and the lessons learned from years of leading teams through both success and struggle. They also discuss the presentation they created together, What Does Success Look Like?, and why it became so important for them to challenge the old idea that burnout is a badge of honor.

The episode also brings plenty of humor and personality, from Air Force One stories and golf architecture debates to music, travel, Royal Dornoch, Darless powerful cancer recovery story, and the friendships that make this profession feel like family. It is a fitting close to Season 1: honest, emotional, funny, reflective, and deeply rooted in the people who make this industry special.

Key Takeaways

• The Turf Industry Is a Global Family – Lee and Matthew’s friendship shows how this profession can build lasting relationships across countries, conferences, associations, and shared career experiences. 
• The Master Greenkeeper Journey Is More Than a Credential – Both guests discuss the emotional, professional, and personal weight of the MG process and why those who complete it often describe it as a life-changing journey. 
• Success Is Not Just Career Achievement – Their shared presentation, What Does Success Look Like?, challenged the idea that more hours automatically equal more commitment and opened a deeper conversation about health, family, and balance. 
• Mentorship Becomes the Legacy – Both Lee and Matthew speak with pride about the people they have helped along the way, from future industry leaders to former team members who reached out years later. 
• Vulnerability Matters in Leadership – The episode touches on burnout, pressure, mental health, family strain, illness, and the importance of admitting when you are not okay. 
• Relationships Outlast the Job Titles – Whether through BIGGA, GCSAA, BTME, the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Royal Dornoch, or simple WhatsApp messages, the strongest memories are tied to people. 
• Season 1 Ends Where It Began: With a Strutt – Brent opened the season with Sami Strutt and closes it with Lee Strutt and Matthew Wharton, bringing the first season full circle in a meaningful way. 

Closing

This episode is everything The LowDowns Podcast has grown into during Season 1: thoughtful, personal, funny, international, and grounded in real conversations with people who have lived the highs and lows of the turf profession. Lee Strutt and Matthew Wharton bring wisdom, humility, humor, and honesty to a finale that feels less like an interview and more like sitting at a table with three people who truly care about the industry and each other. If you want a conversation about leadership, friendship, legacy, family, and what success really looks like, this is the perfect way to close out the season.

Episode Summary

This week on The LowDowns, I sit down with Steven Spatafore, Director of Agronomy at Los Altos Golf & Country Club and the GCSAA Emerging Leader Award recipient. Steven and I go deep on the craft and the calling: building teams, earning respect the right way, learning from mentors, and why leadership is ultimately about people—your crew, your members, and your family.

We talk through Steven’s career path (including stops like Pebble Beach and an internship at Valhalla that pushed him out of his comfort zone), what it meant to get “the call” for Emerging Leader, and how his curiosity—books, politics/advocacy, and constant learning—shows up in his management style today. Then we close with our usual segments: Four Down Territory, Two Truths and a Lie, and The Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting.

Key Takeaways

• Emerging Leader isn’t a title—it's a responsibility. Steven shares what the award means after the excitement fades: representing your team, your club, and the profession with consistency.
• Respect is earned in the margins. Small actions—how you communicate, how you handle pressure, and how you treat people when they’re struggling—become your leadership résumé.
• Mentors matter, but so does personal evolution. Steven credits the people who shaped him, while being honest about how marriage, partnership, and life outside the course refine your priorities.
• Advocacy is leadership. Steven’s interest in government/politics translates directly into serving the profession and navigating stakeholder environments at the club level.
• Hard seasons reveal real culture. From lean staffing moments to COVID-era constraints, Steven explains how you keep standards high while staying human.

Segment Rundown

• Introduction / Rundowns / Breakdowns – what’s happening in golf + turf, then we set the table for the episode
• Showdowns (Interview) – Steven’s origin story, career milestones, leadership philosophy, and what Emerging Leader means in real life
• Four Down Territory – a quick-hit list segment (and a great way to hear how Steven thinks)
• Two Truths and a Lie – can I finally break my streak? (tune in…)
• Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting – rapid-fire “fill in the blank” + a few laughs
• Final Thoughts / Downs and Out – what Steven is most proud of, what’s next, and the episode wrap

Final Word

Steven is the real deal—grounded, people-first, and relentlessly intentional about growth. If you’re building a team, stepping into leadership, or simply trying to do this job at a high level without losing yourself in it, this episode will hit home.

🎙️ Episode 13 — John McLoughlin: Culture, Leadership, and the All-One Philosophy

Show Summary

In this international edition of The LowDowns, Brent is joined by John McLoughlin, Course Manager at Wallasey Golf Club in England and a fellow Bernhard Delegation alumni. The conversation unpacks John's thoughtful and holistic leadership philosophy—one grounded in empathy, cultural ownership, and constant growth. From his "All-One" team ethos to his personal transformation through failure, John shares a masterclass on building workplace culture without sacrificing balance at home. You’ll also hear about his global travels, unexpected passion for MMA, and deep pride in Everton FC. Tyler Miget joins early to reflect on what made Wallasey such a standout stop on the UK tour.

This episode is packed with introspective storytelling, leadership wisdom, and a shared love for books, growth, and challenging the status quo—on both sides of the Atlantic.

 Top Takeaways

• John champions the “All-One” philosophy: everyone is valued, aligned, and accountable.
• Leadership is built in the first 100 days—set expectations and walk the walk early.
• Work-life balance isn’t a myth—it’s a conscious recalibration rooted in priorities.
• Failure is feedback—John’s growth as a leader came from missteps and reflection.
• The Bernhard Delegation was a life-changing experience, connecting turf pros globally.
• Culture disruption doesn’t have to be loud—sometimes it’s consistent and intentional.
• John draws from books like Legacy and Fish! to build buy-in, loyalty, and joy at work.
• Behind the greens, he’s a devoted Everton supporter, MMA fan, and proud father.
• We share laughs and leadership insight in Four Down Territory (top leadership books).
• As always, we wrap with Two Truths and a Lie, the Fastest 2 Minutes in Podcasting, and a heartfelt outro.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

If you’re looking for a real-world example of how soft skills build hard results, this episode will hit home. John brings emotional intelligence, clarity of purpose, and lived experience to every answer. Whether you're a superintendent, distributor, or aspiring leader, his approach to culture and growth is both inspiring and actionable. A standout episode in the series.

🕒 Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction
• 01:45 —   The RunDowns
• 02:24 —  The BreakDowns
• 05:21 —   The ShowDowns
• 07:08 — Tyler and John Discuss Wallasey
• 16:00 — The Beginnings of the All-One Philosophy & Work-Life Balance
• 23:06 — Personal Development and Understanding Priorities
• 27:03 — Making Plans and Learning from Failures
• 29:23 — The First 100 Days of Change
• 35:45 — How to Measure If You’re Making an Impact
• 39:33 — Career Beginnings and Traveling Around the World
• 45:50 — The Bernhard Delegation
• 52:55 — John Away From the Course
• 57:00 — Liverpool and “Scouse” Culture
• 1:00:30 — Four Down Territory: Best Leadership Books
• 1:08:04 — Two Truths and a Lie
• 1:11:22 — The Fastest 2 Minutes in Podcasting
• 1:18:24 — John’s Final Thoughts and Exit
• 1:25:32 — Downs and Out

Show Summary

In this episode of The LowDowns, Brent sits down with Ryan Baldwin, former superintendent and current distributor representative with Advanced Turf Solutions. Joined by co-host Mitchell Eickhoff, the conversation dives into the evolving role of distributor reps in the golf and turf industry—from sales stereotypes and EOP realities to personal stories of growth, gratitude, and baseball. Ryan reflects on the skills that helped him succeed on both sides of the industry, what pushed him to leave his superintendent role, and how he still gets that “dopamine rush” from perfectly sodded projects.

This episode is filled with light-hearted jokes, thoughtful career insight, and the kind of honest reflection you only get from someone who’s been around the turfgrass block. If you've ever wondered what makes a great rep—or what really goes on in those early order programs—this one's for you.

Top Takeaways

• Distributor Reps Need Soft Skills – Listening, building trust, and being okay with rejection are critical in this side of the industry.
• Transferable Traits from Super to Sales – Ryan’s superintendent experience gave him a foundation in empathy, precision, and building relationships.
• Dopamine in Distribution – For reps, satisfaction comes from helping others succeed—seeing great projects finished, not just personal glory.
• Early Order Program Myths and Truths – Ryan explains how EOPs work, when they’re beneficial, and when they might not be the best fit.
• The Power of Saying Yes (or No) – Great reps aren’t pushy; they offer the right solution—even if it’s not a product.
• Career Pivots Are Personal – Ryan shares an emotional story about a pivotal moment that convinced him it was time to leave his superintendent role.
• Life Outside the Greens – A proud grandparent, baseball coach, and family man, Ryan shows there’s more to turf professionals than turf.
• What Makes a Good Sales Rep – Spoiler: It’s not just samples. It’s humility, patience, and knowing when not to sell.
• Don’t Judge a Rep by the Truck – Jokes aside, this episode challenges the clichés about sales reps—and honors the good ones.
• The LowDowns Format Continues to Evolve – With recurring segments like “Four Down Territory” and “Two Truths and a Lie,” Brent’s podcast continues to entertain while informing.

Why You Should Listen

If you're looking for a candid, fun, and surprisingly deep conversation about what life looks like after the superintendency, this episode brings heart, humor, and industry insight in equal measure. Whether you're a superintendent, a vendor rep, or just love this community, Ryan Baldwin’s journey will give you something to think about—and probably make you laugh along the way.

 Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:40 – The Rundowns
• 05:07 – The Breakdowns
• 07:06 – Showdowns Introduction
• 09:00 – Skills of a Distributor Rep
• 14:10 – Ryan Baldwin Origin Story
• 22:15 – The Effect of Dopamine in Turf
• 26:30 – The Change from Superintendent to Rep
• 31:17 – Benefits of Early Order Program
• 37:05 – Ryan Baldwin Away from the Golf Course
• 42:20 – Four Down Territory
• 49:10 – Two Truths and a Lie
• 50:50 – Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting
• 54:12 – Most Proud
• 55:18 – Ryan’s Exit
• 56:18 – Downs and Out (Outro)

Show Summary
In this standout episode of The LowDowns, Brent welcomes renowned agronomic consultant Adam Moeller, principal of Moeller Consulting and partner at Turfgrass, Inc. What begins as a preview of the show’s new format quickly dives deep into the heart of modern golf course management — from battling brutal weather to writing elite turf reports, from evolving agronomic wisdom to lessons learned across the globe.

With a career shaped by research, USGA fieldwork, and years of on-site consultation, Adam shares hard-earned insights into turf diagnostics, renovation trends, travel consulting, and the power of adaptable thinking. The conversation blends technical expertise with stories from the field — and even touches on snowboarding, fatherhood, and the tools every great super should own.

This episode also marks the full launch of Brent’s new podcast format, featuring the debut of Breakdowns, Showdowns, Four Down Territory, and more. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good consultant from a great one — or how the best turf minds navigate change — this episode brings you the answers.

Top Takeaways

• Water Trumps All – In challenging summers like 2025, moisture management is the #1 priority.
• Evolving Wisdom – Agronomic advice changes. Today’s approach requires flexibility and refined timing.
• Elite Reports Are Legacy Tools – A great site visit report isn’t just information — it’s a lasting impression and a leadership guide.
• Renovations on the Rise – Post-COVID upgrades have reshaped turf schedules, budgets, and consulting strategies.
• From TA to Turf Titan – Adam’s origin story goes from cart barn to Purdue grad school to one of the most trusted voices in turf.
• Turf CSI – Diagnosing turf problems isn’t about a “smoking gun,” it’s about asking the right questions and spotting patterns.
• Work-Life Evolution – From snowboarder to family man, Adam reflects on how life off-course shapes him on-course.
• Global Turf, Local Wisdom – Travel builds perspective. Adam shares what he’s learned from seeing turf around the world.
• Consulting Requires Connection – It’s not just data. It's listening, asking, caring, and crafting advice that works on the ground.
• Every Superintendent Needs These 4 Tools – Tune in for the “Four Down Territory” list you'll want to argue with on social media.

Why You Should Listen

If you're looking for the most actionable agronomic advice from one of turf’s most respected voices, this episode delivers. Adam Moeller shares elite insights, field-tested wisdom, and stories that will sharpen how you lead, diagnose, and adapt — all while helping Brent launch a new show format that’s built to educate and entertain.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 01:06 | The RunDowns
• 02:40 | The BreakDowns
• 05:30 | The ShowDowns (Guest Intro)
• 07:50 | The Summer of 2025
• 12:04 | Shifting Advice
• 15:40 | Report Writing
• 20:25 | Renovation Era
• 21:45 | Adam’s Origin Story & Pathways
• 26:45 | Days with the USGA
• 30:30 | CSI: Turf
• 36:00 | Adam Away from the Golf Course
• 40:00 | Worldwide Consulting Travel
• 43:50 | Four Down Territory
• 48:00 | Two Truths and a Lie
• 50:20 | The Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting
• 52:18 | Big Finish
• 58:12 | Downs & Out

Show Summary

In this milestone 10th episode of The LowDowns, Brent flips the mic with longtime friend, former superintendent, and current EarthWorks agronomist Kevin Hicks in a first-of-its-kind joint episode between The LowDowns and The EarthWorks Podcast.

What begins as a two-host handshake quickly evolves into a rich and wide-ranging conversation about career transitions, project leadership, personal growth, and creative balance — whether you’re navigating a $25M renovation or carving maple in your garage shop. Kevin brings wisdom from decades on the superintendent side and now travels the country as a trusted agronomic consultant, while Brent shares the grit, pride, and process of guiding one of the most ambitious public-course overhauls in Indiana history.

From Master Greenkeeper and CGCS certification talk to the value of mentorship, from the changing turf media landscape to the unexpected power of woodworking, this episode offers both practical insight and personal honesty. The chemistry between these two is real — sharpened by shared respect, the occasional rabbit hole, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories.

And yes — a new segment debuts: Four Down Territory. You’ll want to weigh in.

Top Takeaways

• From Superintendent to Director: Brent shares the evolution of his dual-course role and what it means to build systems and mentor from above the turf line.
• Why Certifications Still Matter: CGCS and Master Greenkeeper weren’t just titles — they were transformative. Brent details the personal grind and lasting growth.
• Mentorship Means Everything: Kevin and Brent reflect on the pride of developing others — and how leadership legacy matters more than any logo on your shirt.
• EarthWorks Is the Right Fit: Kevin explains why his pivot to EarthWorks aligned with his agronomic values and how consulting let him expand his impact.
• Renovations Require Guts: The Otter Creek rebuild is the definition of “high stakes.” Brent unpacks the reality of managing crews, budgets, expectations — and still loving it.
• A Tight-Knit Community: From random cross-country introductions to shared contacts in Idaho and Ohio, turf really is one degree of separation.
• Woodworking Keeps You Grounded: When turf gets too chaotic, there’s something pure about making something with your hands. These two dive deep into the sawdust.
• Turf Podcasting Has Range: Whether it's a soil chemistry deep-dive or a cultural commentary, the podcast space is expanding — and still personal.
• New Segment Debut: Four Down Territory kicks off with the Top 4 Tools in the Woodshop. There were no survivors.
• What Matters Most: At the end of the day, both guests agree — it’s not turf conditions, titles, or tools. It’s relationships, growth, and the stories you get to tell along the way.

Why You Should Listen

If you're looking for a true blend of turf leadership, project grit, and personal honesty, this crossover episode brings it all. Kevin Hicks and Brent Downs open up about their career pivots, why certifications shaped them, and what it means to guide others through chaos, construction, and change.

You’ll hear stories you’ve never heard before — including how a cross-country truck ride turned into a turf career, why EarthWorks is more than just products, how Otter Creek is rewriting public-course renovation, and what it means to find peace in the woodshop.

This is for superintendents, assistants, consultants, builders, educators, and anyone who believes turf is more than grass — it's about people, timing, and always building something better.

Episode 9 – Dan Grogan: Turf Trials, Tech Tools, and Turfgrass Legacy

Show Summary

In this episode of The LowDowns, Brent Downs welcomes longtime friend and respected Superintendent Dan Grogan of The Sagamore Club. With summer stress, crew challenges, and cutting-edge turf tech all in play, Dan shares a deeply personal and professional reflection on what it takes to thrive in modern golf course management.

From the brutal summer of 2025 to his early days influenced by a turf family legacy, Dan opens up about the lessons he's learned, the mentors who shaped him, and the tools that keep him pushing boundaries—like GPS sprayers and robotic mowers. But it’s not all agronomics. The episode also explores Dan’s life outside the turf, from family and sand volleyball to his golden retriever, Maverick.

It's a conversation filled with laughs, leadership wisdom, and a heartfelt look at the people and places that define our turf careers.

Top Takeaways

• Resilience in Rough Seasons – Dan details the extreme summer of 2025 and how he kept his team healthy, motivated, and grounded through it all.
• Tech That’s Actually Working – A practical breakdown of Toro GeoLink GPS sprayers, plus candid thoughts on robotic mowers and FireFly fairway units.
• Unique Property, Big Challenges – Sagamore Club’s expansive native areas and A1 greens present both maintenance hurdles and high rewards.
• Power of Social Media (with a Warning) – How Dan’s use of X (formerly Twitter) shaped his growth—and why he’s dialed it back.
• Legacy in the Turf – Growing up with a father and uncle in the business shaped Dan’s career path more than he realized.
• Influencers Who Mattered – A nod to Kyle and Gary Myers, and the mentors who molded Dan’s approach to turf and leadership.
• Balance Off the Turf – Family time, competitive sports, and a dog named Maverick help Dan stay centered beyond the 18th green.

⏱ Chapters and Timestamps

• 00:00 | Episode Intro + PSA on the 2025 Summer
• 03:48 | The Summer of 2025: Weather, Crew & Culture
• 10:10 | Technology for the Superintendent: GPS Sprayers, Robots & More
• 17:10 | Challenges of The Sagamore Club
• 22:39 | Dan’s Social Media Journey: From Twitter Power User to Occasional Poster
• 27:40 | A Turf Family Legacy: Multi-Generational Superintendent
• 32:12 | Memories of a Career: Nicklaus, Bryson, and NCAA Regionals
• 38:35 | Influencers and Mentors: Kyle & Gary Myers
• 41:07 | Life Beyond Work: Family, Volleyball, Sports & Maverick the Dog
• 46:00 | Two Truths and a Lie + Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting
• 53:40 | Final Reflections: What’s Next and What Matters Most
• 57:20 | Outro & Episode 10 Preview: Adam Moeller

If you're navigating turf through tough weather, curious about GPS tech, or just want to hear from a superintendent who's seen it all and still loves the grind—this episode with Dan Grogan delivers. From brutal summer stress to fatherhood and fairways, Dan shares stories that are honest, hilarious, and filled with practical wisdom.

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. 

Show Summary:
In this international edition of The LowDowns, Brent welcomes two standout guests from Europe: Angelique Crosnier, Marketing Director at Bernhard Company, and Valentine Godin, CEO and Founder of Maya Global. Together, they explore the powerful partnership between a turf equipment icon and one of the most innovative AI-driven software platforms in golf. Angelique shares exciting updates on Bernhard’s U.S. Open involvement, technician development, and global academy outreach. Valentine reveals the origin story of Maya, how it grew from a COVID-era project to a global agronomic assistant, and what the future holds for digital tools in turf. The conversation blends tech, culture, mentorship, and fun — including stories of misnamed grinder colors, hiking adventures, unicycles, and the secret history of the Bernhard blazers. This episode is proof that the future of turf is global, digital, and deeply personal.

Top Takeaways:

• Bernhard’s Academy Is Expanding – The legendary turf company is growing its presence in the U.S. through academy partnerships and international technician opportunities.
• Maya Global Is the AI Assistant for Turf Pros – Built during the pandemic, Maya turns site-specific data into actionable insights for turf health, disease prevention, and efficiency.
• Partnership Rooted in Shared Values – The Bernhard–Maya relationship is built on mutual vision, professional alignment, and a deep commitment to innovation.
• Efficiency Enables Responsibility – Maya streamlines decision-making, reduces inputs, and helps supers act with both precision and sustainability.
• Great Tech Still Starts With Great People – Beyond the dashboards and grinders, it's the people behind the products who drive progress in the turf world.

Chapter Timestamps and Summaries:

Top Takeaways:

00:00 | Introduction
Brent kicks off the episode with hooks, a theme song, and a French intro for Angelique and Valentine, setting the tone for an international conversation.

02:55 | Bernhard Update
Angelique shares updates on Bernhard’s U.S. Open work at Oakmont, their Academy Center, technician initiative, and the upcoming BIGGA delegation to the U.S.

09:15 | Introduction to Maya Global
Valentine joins the discussion to explain how Maya’s partnership with Bernhard began and shares the origin of the company during the pandemic.

18:10 | Data-Driven Turf Health
Val dives into Maya’s AI capabilities, combining sensors, weather data, and user input to help supers manage turf more proactively and responsibly.

31:27 | A Lighter Moment with Bernhard
Brent shares a funny story about calling Bernhard’s grinders “orange”.

32:22 | What’s Next for Bernhard and Maya?
Angelique and Valentine discuss their visions for growth, innovation, and staying close to users while scaling globally.

36:15 | Angelique and Valentine Away from Work
Both guests share a glimpse into their lives outside the industry 

38:45 | Two Truths and a Lie
Each guest tries to stump Brent with fun facts

43:35 | The Fastest Two Minutes in Podcasting
A France vs. USA-themed rapid-fire game where Brent asks the questions… and decides who wins.

48:15 | The Story of the Bernhard Blazer
Angelique shares the heritage behind the iconic striped blazer worn by Bernhard team members, tracing back to the vision of Stephen Bernhard.

50:35 | Final Reflections and Outro
Valentine offers her final thoughts on Maya’s path forward, Brent reflects on the impact of both companies, and previews next episode’s guest: Matt LaWell

 If you're looking for cutting-edge turf tech and global leadership insights, this episode brings innovation, vision, and personality straight to you.