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.

The LowDowns is a sports podcast hosted by Brent Downs, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Brent Downs hosts The LowDowns, a sports show with 18 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #2

  Phil Helmn

  May 23, 202647 minS2

  <p><b>Show Notes</b></p><p><b>Show Summary</b></p><p>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.</p><p>Phil shares th...

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  Episode #16

  Lee Strutt and Matthew Wharton

  May 11, 20261h 37mS1

  <p><b>Show Summary</b></p><p>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.</p><p>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...

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  Episode #14

  Steven Spatafore

  Jan 30, 20261h 13mS1

  <p><b>Episode Summary</b></p><p>This week on The LowDowns, I sit down with <b>Steven Spatafore</b>, Director of Agronomy at <b>Los Altos Golf & Country Club</b> and the <b>GCSAA Emerging Leader Award</b> 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.</p><p>We talk through Steven’s career path (including stops like <b>Pebble Beach</b> and an internship at <b>Valhalla</b> that pushed him...

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  Episode #13

  John Mcloughlin

  Dec 20, 20251h 27mS1

  <p>🎙️ Episode 13 — John McLoughlin: Culture, Leadership, and the All-One Philosophy</p><p><b>Show Summary</b></p><p>In this international edition of The LowDowns, Brent is joined by <b>John McLoughlin</b>, Course Manager at <b>Wallasey Golf Club</b> 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...

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  Episode #12

  Ryan Baldwin

  Nov 25, 202558 minS1

  <p><b>Show Summary</b></p><p>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.</p><p>This...

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