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The Dirt on Turf Podcast

The Dirt on Turf Podcast

By Christopher Toppings

Follow along with us as we dive into the Turf Industry. We will interview turf professionals weekly. The history of their career, adversity faced in today’s turf industry, high and low of turf career, cultural practices they live by, importance of continuing education, and much more. We will interview sports turf managers, turf products and equipment representatives, and much more. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @dirtturfpodcast
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Currently playing episode

Kendall Gurley Women in Turf

The Dirt on Turf PodcastDec 06, 2022

00:00
34:23
Kendall Gurley Women in Turf

Kendall Gurley Women in Turf

Follow along as we get back started with the podcast. 

More to come  Thank to our patient sponsors:


Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

Sod Solutions https://sodsolutions.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/


Dec 06, 202234:23
Re-Air Ryan Bjorn

Re-Air Ryan Bjorn

With football season right around the corner let’s go back to the archives and listen to Ryan Bjorn from the New England Patriots
Aug 15, 202250:31
Darrin Waters Part 2

Darrin Waters Part 2

Listen along as I interview, in this 2 part podcast, my inspiration into turf and my very best friend in the world, Darrin Waters.  We will talk about his intro into the industry, tenure at Duke University, sod farm stint, and ultimately becoming at stay at home dad and one of my most useful turf resources and life coach.

Sponsored by :

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

Sod Solutions https://sodsolutions.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/


Jun 30, 202259:09
Darrin Waters Part 1

Darrin Waters Part 1

Listen along as I interview, in this 2 part podcast, my inspiration into turf and my very best friend in the world, Darrin Waters.  We will talk about his intro into the industry, tenure at Duke University, sod farm stint, and ultimately becoming at stay at home dad and one of my most useful turf resources and life coach.


Sponsored by :

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

Sod Solutions https://sodsolutions.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/

Jun 28, 202245:12
Corey Levine University of North Florida

Corey Levine University of North Florida

Sponsored by :

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

Sod Solutions https://sodsolutions.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/

Jun 01, 202238:32
Kevin Hauschel

Kevin Hauschel

Sponsored by :

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

Sod Solutions https://sodsolutions.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/


May 03, 202241:08
Conversations with Toro Part 4 Noah Wahl

Conversations with Toro Part 4 Noah Wahl

Conversations with Toro Part 4 Noah Wahl

Workman UTX

https://www.toro.com/en/sports-fields-municipalities/utility-vehicles

Sponsored by :

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

Sod Solutions https://sodsolutions.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/

The Toro Company  https://www.toro.com/en

Apr 11, 202230:21
Conversations with Toro Part 3 Jeffrey Ische

Conversations with Toro Part 3 Jeffrey Ische

Conversations with Toro Part 3  

Jeffrey Ische Bullseye Products

https://www.toro.com/en/commercial/bullseye

Sponsored by :

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

Sod Solutions https://sodsolutions.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/

The Toro Company  https://www.toro.com/en

Apr 07, 202229:09
Conversations with Toro Part 2 Marissa Garin

Conversations with Toro Part 2 Marissa Garin

Listen along with us as we talk to Sam and hear updates about this product.
www.toro.com/
Sponsored by :
The Toro Company www.toro.com/en
Netting Professionals nettingpros.com/
AgStone ag-stone.com/
Turf Mend www.turfmend.com/
Feb 21, 202234:22
Nicole Sherry / Baltimore Orioles Field Manager / "Never Let Them See You Sweat"

Nicole Sherry / Baltimore Orioles Field Manager / "Never Let Them See You Sweat"

Sponsored by :

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/

The Toro Company  https://www.toro.com/en

Feb 09, 202240:33
Part 1 Conversations with Toro - Sam Dando FieldPro 6040

Part 1 Conversations with Toro - Sam Dando FieldPro 6040

Listen along with us as we talk to Sam and hear updates about this product.

https://www.toro.com/en/commercial/field-pro

Sponsored by :

The Toro Company  https://www.toro.com/en

Netting Professionals  https://nettingpros.com/

AgStone   https://ag-stone.com/

Turf Mend   https://www.turfmend.com/


Jan 28, 202228:38
Drew Hall UNCW Sports Turf

Drew Hall UNCW Sports Turf

Music by Koe Wetzel.

Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Ag Stone https://www.ag-stone.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Dec 22, 202152:39
Jeremy Tredway Indiana University

Jeremy Tredway Indiana University

Music by Koe Wetzel.

Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Ag Stone https://www.ag-stone.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Nov 05, 202151:50
Episode 31 Chris May Georgia Tech

Episode 31 Chris May Georgia Tech

Music by Koe Wetzel.

Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Ag Stone https://www.ag-stone.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Oct 20, 202153:18
Episode 30 Jeff Stahman Turf Mend

Episode 30 Jeff Stahman Turf Mend

Music by Koe Wetzel. 

Podcast Sponsored by

 Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/ 

Benchmark Tool & Supply https://benchmarksupply.com/sports-turf-landscaping/

Ag Stone https://www.ag-stone.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Oct 12, 202146:40
Episode 29 Eric Harshman

Episode 29 Eric Harshman

Follow along as we talk to Eric Harshman of Berea College

Aug 10, 202144:10
Episode 28 Josh Glover

Episode 28 Josh Glover

Listen as we talk about Benchmark Tool and Supply

Jul 27, 202151:31
Episode 27 Joey Elmore Salem Red Sox

Episode 27 Joey Elmore Salem Red Sox

Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

MVP Genetics https://www.mvsironcutter.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Jul 20, 202152:19
Episode 26 Jody Gill

Episode 26 Jody Gill

Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

MVP Genetics https://www.mvsironcutter.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Jul 14, 202101:02:46
Episode 25 Bruce Suddeth

Episode 25 Bruce Suddeth

Listen along as we talk to Bruce about the game changing BMP and being the Director of Turf at USC Upstate in South Carolina and his tenure with the SCSTMA

Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

MVP Genetics https://www.mvsironcutter.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Jul 05, 202101:11:31
Episode 24 Tom Burns from DuraEdge

Episode 24 Tom Burns from DuraEdge

We interviewed the legend Tom Burns of DuraEdge  

Past employment: 

Cleveland Stadium

Texas Rangers


Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

MVP Genetics https://www.mvsironcutter.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Jun 28, 202101:02:20
Episode 23 Ryan DeMay Field Source Ohio

Episode 23 Ryan DeMay Field Source Ohio

Podcast Sponsored by

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

MVP Genetics https://www.mvsironcutter.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Jun 21, 202101:12:16
Episode 22 Ryan DeMay & Tom Burns (Synthetic vs. Natural)

Episode 22 Ryan DeMay & Tom Burns (Synthetic vs. Natural)

Great conversation about synthetic grass versus natural grass.  We address the cost and safety of these two options. Ryan DeMay owns his own business and Tom Burns is former Texas Rangers and Angels MLB Groundskeeper now with DuraEdge Products.  

Podcast Sponsored by 

Netting Professionals https://nettingpros.com/

MVP Genetics https://www.mvsironcutter.com/

TurfMend https://www.turfmend.com/

Jun 14, 202101:17:31
Episode 21 Adam Russell MVP Genetics

Episode 21 Adam Russell MVP Genetics

Former golf course super gone to developing seed and sales  amazing company and story

Jun 07, 202155:38
Episode 20: Stephen Watson

Episode 20: Stephen Watson

Groundskeeper for the Down East Wood Ducks

May 31, 202101:06:45
Episode 19 Teddy Gutman

Episode 19 Teddy Gutman

Assistant Director of Field Operations at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches
May 24, 202101:02:27
Episode 18 Tom Nielsen Nielsen Mafia

Episode 18 Tom Nielsen Nielsen Mafia

Follow along as we talk to the legendary Tom Nielsen, leader of the Nielsen Mafia (haha), former longtime Louisville Bats Groundskeeper, and current Lynne Family Stadium Groundskeeper.

May 16, 202101:17:31
Episode 17 Luke Yoder DuraEdge Products

Episode 17 Luke Yoder DuraEdge Products

Listen along as we talk with Luke Yoder of DuraEdge Products about turf and his former experience as an MLB groundskeeper
May 10, 202101:03:38
Episode 16 Matthew Kerns Turf Manager for Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania PreK - 12 Private School

Episode 16 Matthew Kerns Turf Manager for Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania PreK - 12 Private School

Tune in as we talk to Matt about his career and what brought to manager such a well manicured facility.

May 03, 202156:37
Episode 15 Blaise Restifo University of Stanford Sports Turf Manager

Episode 15 Blaise Restifo University of Stanford Sports Turf Manager

Tune in as we talk to The Sports Turf Manager for the University of Stanford

Apr 26, 202101:00:40
Episode 14 Quince Landry Corpus Christi Hooks Field Manager

Episode 14 Quince Landry Corpus Christi Hooks Field Manager

Tune in as we talk to a minor league baseball field manager.

Apr 19, 202152:35
Episode 13 Chris Ball Turface Athletics Former Braves minor league groundskeeper

Episode 13 Chris Ball Turface Athletics Former Braves minor league groundskeeper

One of my home town guys Chris Ball sits down with us and talks about his career with the Braves organization and Turface Athletics/Profile Products
Apr 12, 202101:11:23
Episode 12 Jimmy Simpson USA Baseball/Town of Cary, NC Facility Coordinator

Episode 12 Jimmy Simpson USA Baseball/Town of Cary, NC Facility Coordinator

Tune in as we talk with Past National STMA President Jimmy Simpson and current facility coordinator for USA Baseball and the Town of Cary

Apr 05, 202101:06:07
Episode 11 Leah Withrow Field Manager for Triple A Reno Aces

Episode 11 Leah Withrow Field Manager for Triple A Reno Aces

Tune in to this episode as Leah and I talk about her renovation and her career in minor league baseball.

Mar 29, 202149:28
Episode 10 Ryan Bjorn New England Patriots

Episode 10 Ryan Bjorn New England Patriots

Join us as we talk to New England Patriots Head Groundskeeper Ryan Bjorn
Mar 22, 202148:21
Episode 9 Nick McKenna Texas A & M

Episode 9 Nick McKenna Texas A & M

We talk to Nick McKenna from Texas A & M. Current president for National STMA
Mar 15, 202101:18:55
Episode 8: Craig Potts Athletic Sports Turf Texas A & M Part 1

Episode 8: Craig Potts Athletic Sports Turf Texas A & M Part 1

We talk to Craig Potts from Texas A & M about his life in Texas A & M Athletics. History of Texas A & M Turf and stories of large renovations FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @dirtturfpodcast
Mar 08, 202147:08
Episode 7: Clark Cox from USC Gamecocks

Episode 7: Clark Cox from USC Gamecocks

Clark Cox from the University of South Carolina joins us today as we discuss his career and life in athletics from the sports turf view. We also talk about some of his new roles and keys to his success
Mar 01, 202101:16:47
Episode 6: Scott Lupold - LA Coliseum - USC Trojans/LA Rams/LA Dodgers

Episode 6: Scott Lupold - LA Coliseum - USC Trojans/LA Rams/LA Dodgers

We interview Scott Lupold today  Extensive background in the turf industry who has overcome many hurdles.

Feb 23, 202101:19:04
Episode 5: Danny Losito Carolina Panthers Field Supervisor

Episode 5: Danny Losito Carolina Panthers Field Supervisor

Today we interview Danny Losito from the Carolina Panthers and talk to him about some challenges during the pandemic and other turf talk.

Feb 18, 202154:35
Episode 4: Casey Carrick UNC Chapel Hill Director of Athletic Grounds and Turf

Episode 4: Casey Carrick UNC Chapel Hill Director of Athletic Grounds and Turf

Interview with Casey Carrick, the Director of Athletic Grounds and Turf for UNC Chapel Hill.  We dive into the day to day for Tarheel turf managers.  

Feb 18, 202141:11
Episode 3: John Turnour Director of Field Operations for the Washington Nationals

Episode 3: John Turnour Director of Field Operations for the Washington Nationals

In this episode we interview, John Turnour, Director of Field Operations for the Washington Nationals. John is a very well known turf manager with an amazing background. We talk about the turf industry, John's day to day, World Series experience, and much more.
Feb 10, 202101:16:43
Episode 2: Nolan Thomas

Episode 2: Nolan Thomas

Today I interview, Nolan Thomas, owner and operator of Nolan Thomas and Company, a sports turf contractor. We talk about the trial and tribulations of owning a business. NT and Company does field renovations, drainage installs, and much more.
Feb 10, 202101:04:01
Episode 1: Zach Van Voorhees Head Groundskeeper Birmingham Barons AA Chicago White Sox

Episode 1: Zach Van Voorhees Head Groundskeeper Birmingham Barons AA Chicago White Sox

I, Chris Toppings, your host, take a look into the career and life of a Double A Groundskeeper. We talk about the turf industry, his background, and life in general.
Jan 30, 202157:43