TurfNet Podcasts

TurfNet personalities Frank Rossi, Randy Wilson, John Reitman, Tony Pioppi, Brad Klein, Dave Wilber and Peter McCormick interview a variety of turfies on a multitude of subjects... or just pontificate upon occasion.

TurfNet Podcasts is a sports podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 164 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.

Unknown Host hosts TurfNet Podcasts, a sports show with 164 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 #1

  Cultivating careers | Beyond the Green with Brandon Horvath, Ph.D., University of Tennessee

  Aug 19, 202655 min

  In this episode of TurfNet's Beyond the Greens, Dr. Brandon Horvath from the University of Tennessee discusses his career trajectory from pharmacy studies at Butler University to agronomy at Ohio State, his experiences studying under Dr. Joe Vargas at Michigan State, and his role in growing the turfgrass program at Tennessee. The conversation covers the strategic recruitment efforts used to increase student enrollment and the program's unique academic calendar that facilitates long-term internships, including international opportunities. Dr. Horvath also shares insights on the impact of artificial intelligence and autonomous technology, such as drones and robotic mowers, on the turf industry, emphasizing the importance of being a 'human in the loop' when using these tools.

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  Episode #1

  The Curious Leader | Frankly Speaking with Adam Zubek, CCM, AGS

  Aug 13, 202648 min

  Frank caught up with Adam Zubek, the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara. Adam’s career began in golf course agronomy and included leadership positions at some of Canada’s leading clubs. Adam reflects on his transition from superintendent to club executive and why communication, curiosity, and the ability to influence people became central to his leadership style. We discuss building teams around talented people, learning from mentors and colleagues, and creating a culture where department leaders trust and support one another rather than operate in silos. Adam also shares his perspective on the importance of good governance, clear roles, and giving capable people the autonomy to do their jobs. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about career growth, self-awareness, and what it takes to lead people successfully across an increasingly complex golf operation.

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  TurfNet Podcasts

  Renovation Report | Anthony Pioppi with Dennis Hurley

  Aug 13, 202624 min

  This TurfNet Renovation Report episode features host Anthony Pioppi interviewing Dennis Hurley about his career and the evolution of golf course drainage. Hurley recounts his journey from a Kentucky upbringing and golf scholarship at Louisiana State University into insurance, chemical distribution, and ultimately founding his drainage company in 1985. A key turning point was his adaptation of a construction material into what became the “waffle drain” (marketed as Turf Drain), which he helped popularize nationwide despite early business setbacks and industry skepticism. Hurley also discusses broader trends shaping modern golf course management. There is increasing pressure from owners, players and revenue demands to keep courses open and playable even after heavy rain, unlike in past decades when closures were more accepted. This has driven demand for more advanced and intensive drainage systems, though tensions sometimes arise with architects who prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Hurley concludes that while perfect drainage is impossible, the goal today is to minimize downtime and maintain consistent playing conditions in an industry with far less tolerance for weather-related interruptions.

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  TurfNet Podcasts

  The economics of club leadership | Renovation Report - Brad Klein with Kurt Kuebler and Tom Wallace

  Aug 13, 202648 min

  In this TurfNet Renovation Report podcast episode, host Brad Klein interviews Kurt Kuebler and Tom Wallace from KK&W consulting firm about the critical relationship between leadership and golf course excellence. The discussion explores how successful golf courses require strong leadership not just from superintendents, but coordinated efforts between general managers, golf professionals, and board governance. The guests emphasize that modern superintendents need skills beyond agronomy — they must be effective communicators, financial managers, and team builders who can educate boards and members about necessary investments. The conversation covers the evolution of golf course budgets, with renovation costs now reaching $25-30 million at high-end facilities, and the importance of proper dues structures to support quality operations. They discuss how clubs are increasingly focusing on dues revenue rather than outside events, and touch on innovative food and beverage models like Monterey Peninsula's cost-plus approach. Throughout, Kuebler and Wallace stress that great golf courses result from collaborative leadership teams that can build trust, communicate effectively, and make sound business decisions together.

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  TurfNet Podcasts

  Retirement 101 | The EW Podcast — Joel Simmons with Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet

  Aug 13, 20261h 2m

  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.

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