The LowDowns
The LowDowns is a turf industry podcast done in a different way. It features some of the typical conversations, but it will will also feature subjects like leadership, efficiency, education, and many other aspects of the industry. We will get to know who that person is and why their traits make them successful. We will also have some fun with my dry wit and some Q&A games while doing it. REAL INSIGHTS. REAL OPINIONS. REAL CONVERSATIONS.
Episodes
In this episode, I discuss both my origin story and the origin of this podcast. I go into to details in the first 8 minutes about what we are, what we are NOT, and why I think this podcast will be different.
In the last 8 minutes, I discuss my own career. I talk about my trials and tribulations and how they led me here. The origin story.
Finally, in the end, I discuss our first two guests, and give my list of thank you's!
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:
- 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.
- Inside BTME:
- Learn about BTME, the prem...
Top Takeaways:
- 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.
- Creativity & Organization in Agronomy – The best solutions emerge when structured problem-solving meets innovative thinking.
- 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...
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 20...
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 —...
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 c...
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 h...
🎙️ 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-On...
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 (includin...
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...
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 aroun...
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