The LowDowns

Podcast Episode Breakdown

0:00 - 2:46 – Introduction to the podcast, its themes (leadership, culture, career growth), and guest Justin Sims, Director of Facilities and Maintenance at The Alotian Club.

2:46 - 7:21 – Justin’s early career journey, from outdoor work to switching majors at Murray State and landing his first internships.

7:21 - 14:41 – Learning from mentor Pat Finlen at The Olympic Club, early lessons in leadershi...

Episode Title: "Sami Strutt of the Bernhard Academy"

Episode Highlights:

1. 1. Meet Sami Strutt:
   • Sami shares her incredible career in the UK turf management and education industry.
   • Her transition from BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association) to leading the Bernhard Academy.
   • Reflections on her journey from office junior to industry leader.
   1. Inside BTME:
   • Learn about BTME, the prem...

Top Takeaways:

1. The Power of Great Mentors – Learning from experienced leaders shapes agronomic philosophies, but true success comes from adapting those lessons into one’s own approach.
2. Creativity & Organization in Agronomy – The best solutions emerge when structured problem-solving meets innovative thinking.
3. Developing Soft Skills for Leadership – Professionalism, communication, and structure are critical and teachabl...

Top Takeaways

• Being selected for the Bernhard Delegation was a life-changing professional milestone — delegates spoke to the honor, the effort required to be chosen, and the deep meaning behind their selection.
• The delegation fostered a unique bond among participants — it felt like a family, and the relationships formed over the course of the week were authentic, lasting, and filled with mutual respect and camaraderie.
• BT...

Episode Summary:

In this powerful conclusion of the Bernhard Delegation Podcast, host Brent Downs is joined by the second half of the 2025 Links to Success Delegation: Emily Casey, Ryan Franklin, Tyler Miget, Matt Earhart, and Cole Miedema. Picking up where Part 1 left off, this episode dives deep into the personal takeaways, leadership lessons, and memorable moments that shaped the group’s once-in-a-lifetime trip to the UK...

Show Summary:
In this episode, Brent Downs sits down with Leann Cooper, Director of First Green and Workforce Development at GCSAA, to explore the depth of opportunities and programs offered by the association. Leann shares insights on workforce development initiatives like the EXCEL Leadership Program, the transformational impact of the First Green field trip program, and the growing outreach to FFA students nationwide. She d...

Show Summary

In this episode of The LowDowns, Brent Downs welcomes longtime friend and turf industry veteran Jeff Austin of Racebrook Country Club. What begins as a playful roast between two old friends unfolds into a wide-ranging conversation about Jeff’s unique career path—from political science and Capitol Hill to Augusta National and beyond. They dive deep into what it means to work at a classic Northeast course, how to handle s...

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 inv...

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 c...