The EarthWorks Podcast

EarthWorks

The EarthWorks Podcast is a series of interviews and conversations hosted by many of the EarthWorks agronomists, featuring friends from the turf industry. Interviews include noted golf course superintendents, industry experts, agronomists and business people. These conversations are designed to inform and entertain. EarthWorks has been a leader in the discussion of Biological Soil Management and has been producing professional grade carbon based fertilizers for over 30 years. Each year over 15,000 soil tests are performed by the companies agronomists and all of this builds the focus of The EarthWorks Podcast. Please enjoy.

  1. Jul 16

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Tyler Bloom

    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/

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Tyler Bloom

  2. Jul 9

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Peter McCormick - Retirement 101

    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/

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Peter McCormick - Retirement 101

  3. Jul 2

    The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins & Kirk Castner - Behind the Scenes at EarthWorks

    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/

    The EW Podcast - Jack Higgins & Kirk Castner - Behind the Scenes at EarthWorks

  4. Jun 25

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons & Jack Higgins with Dr. James White, Rutgers University

    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/

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons & Jack Higgins with Dr. James White, Rutgers University

  5. Jun 18

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Moe Robinson - turfRad

    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/

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Moe Robinson - turfRad

  6. Jun 11

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Ryan Severidt

    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/

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Ryan Severidt

  7. Jun 4

    The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks & Joel Simmons - Soil Testing

    EarthWorks began extensive soil testing nearly 40 years ago with one goal in mind: creating healthier soils that support stronger biological activity. By understanding soil chemistry through detailed testing, turf managers can improve soil structure, increase air and water movement, and build an environment where microbes thrive. It’s the foundation of the EarthWorks philosophy: Balance the Chemistry Feed the Soil. In this episode, Kevin Hicks and Joel Simmons dive into the importance of soil testing and how real data can help turf managers make smarter fertility decisions. They discuss how compaction, nutrient balance, and water quality all influence soil performance and long-term turf health. The conversation also explores the growing importance of water testing and how poor irrigation water can impact the nutritional position of the soil. Kevin and Joel also share updates on the future of the EarthWorks and Soil First Consulting soil audit programs, including the development of a new interactive soil protocol designed to give turf managers faster, more actionable insights. Packed with practical knowledge and decades of field experience, this episode is a valuable listen for anyone serious about building healthier soils and stronger turf from the ground up. 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/

    The EW Podcast - Kevin Hicks & Joel Simmons - Soil Testing

  8. May 28

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Scott McLean - The Davey Tree Expert Company

    On this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, Joel Simmons talks with Scott McLean, Plant Healthcare Business Developer for Northeast Operations at The Davey Tree Expert Company. Like many turf professionals, Scott didn’t begin his career with a clear roadmap. After taking a job at a local golf course, he quickly fell in love with the turf industry. He spent twelve years in golf course management, earned his turf degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and built a strong foundation in traditional turf management. But as family priorities changed, Scott began looking for a career path that offered a better work-life balance while still keeping him connected to the industry he loved. That search led him into lawn care, where he initially followed conventional high-synthetic fertilizer programs. Over time, however, he began questioning whether there was a better approach. After speaking with a local golf course superintendent about organic fertilizers, he discovered EarthWorks and started experimenting with carbon-based fertility programs on his own lawn. What he saw changed everything. His lawn developed a darker, richer green color, stayed greener later into the fall, and greened up earlier in the spring. But the moment that truly convinced him came during a late winter thaw, when the snow melted off his lawn days before it disappeared from neighboring properties receiving traditional fertilizer programs. Today, Scott is a strong believer in Biological Soil Management and carbon-based fertility. He believes the lawn care industry is shifting away from high-input, ala carte service models toward more efficient flat-fee programs that reduce inputs, lower labor and fuel costs, and improve profitability, all while producing healthier lawns and happier clients. This is a conversation about changing industry philosophies, building better soil, and the future of lawn care. 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/

    The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Scott McLean - The Davey Tree Expert Company
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

The EarthWorks Podcast is a series of interviews and conversations hosted by many of the EarthWorks agronomists, featuring friends from the turf industry. Interviews include noted golf course superintendents, industry experts, agronomists and business people. These conversations are designed to inform and entertain. EarthWorks has been a leader in the discussion of Biological Soil Management and has been producing professional grade carbon based fertilizers for over 30 years. Each year over 15,000 soil tests are performed by the companies agronomists and all of this builds the focus of The EarthWorks Podcast. Please enjoy.

Information

  • Creator
    EarthWorks
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    319
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright EarthWorks
  • Show Website
    The EarthWorks Podcast

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