Against The Grain

Heat, high fives, and a hint of face paint—this episode brings you inside the 2025 POA Golf & Luau weekend at the Ritz‑Carlton Tiburón. Dave Meske and Gabe Gallo swap stories from two full days on the course, share why a four‑man scramble shaved precious minutes off Friday's round, and tiger stripes at the Luau. They shout out the board, partners, and Ritz staff for keeping everyone fed, hydrated, and happy. Kick back, picture chips & guac by the pool, and catch the recap before planning starts for 2026. Follow us on Facebook and X, grab the EGCSA app for real‑time updates, and we'll see you “Against the Grain.”

We're just 5 days out from the big POA Golf & Luau weekend, so we jumped on the mic for a quick (and slightly chaotic) rundown of everything you need to know. From BMP classes and check-in times to how to score a free drink from Dave and where the Ladies of the POA event is actually happening this year—we've got you covered.

In this episode, Gabe and David talk with John Reilly—aka TurfMonkeyBoy—about how he went from a psychology degree to running one of Florida's most progressive golf course operations. John shares the story behind his social media handle, why he's embraced electric equipment, and how data-driven turf management is reshaping the way superintendents approach tradition. They dive into why sharing both the wins and challenges online matters, how social pressure impacts the profession, and what tech might be overhyped. It's honest, insightful, and packed with fresh perspective. Guest: John ReillyDirector of Agronomy, Longboat Key Club X (Twitter): @turfmonkeyboy

Henry “Skip” Hines, Equipment and Facilities Manager at Royal Poinciana in Naples, joins Gabe and David to talk about winning the Edwin Budding Award and his decades of leadership in the industry. Skip shares how he helped start the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association, pushed for technician education, and helped shape today's technician certification through GCSAA. This one's packed with insight, industry history, and a few powerful personal moments you won't want to miss.

In this episode, hosts Gabe Gallo and David Meske sit down with Ryan Swilley, CGCS, Vice President of the Florida GCSA. They explore the latest trends in golf course management, the biggest challenges superintendents face, and practical strategies for maintaining high-quality turf conditions. Ryan shares his experiences, industry insights, and advice for golf course professionals looking to stay ahead.

Big changes are coming for pesticide licensing and regulation! In this episode, we take you to the GC Horn, where Dr. Brett Wells Bultemeier breaks down the EPA's updated rules, how they impact licensing requirements, and what pesticide applicators need to do to stay compliant.

In this episode of Against the Green, hosts Gabe and Dave bring humor and updates

Gabe and Dave kick off the holiday spirit in this festive Against the Grain episode! They chat about the upcoming Christmas event, GC Horn updates, BMP Facility Manuals, Christmas lights, and some hilarious Elf on the Shelf antics. A fun, quick listen!   Support Golisano Children's Hospital through our 50/50 Raffle! Here Register For the GC Horn Here Create Your BMP Facility Manual Here   Follow us on X for more updates! Have questions or feedback? Reach out here    

Adam Garr went from fixing ball marks to transforming golf course communication as the founder of Course Cares. In this episode, he shares how Course Cares produces custom content like team recruiting videos, member updates, drone flyovers, and educational series on course etiquette. Discover how creative storytelling can lighten the load for golf course staff while keeping members informed, teams motivated, and courses looking their best.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this special episode of Against the Grain! Join Gabe and Dave as they chat about last-minute costume ideas, candy favorites, and plans for spooky celebrations. Gabe and Dave keep it light from neighborhood parties to haunted plans, sharing a few laughs and prepping for the Halloween season.  Plus, they share some exciting updates on upcoming events for the Everglades Golf Course Superintendent Association. Tune in for a quick, fun conversation!

In this episode of Against the Grain, we sit down with turfgrass expert Todd Lowe to discuss his 20+ years in golf course management. From growing up as a superintendent's son to working as a USGA agronomist and consultant, Todd shares the key challenges and rewards of his career shift. He also breaks down his innovative work in soil diagnostics and turf health, offering practical tips for improving organic matter management on golf courses. Packed with valuable insights, this episode is a must-listen for golf course professionals. Follow us on Twitter: @Evergladespod Follow Todd Lowe on Twitter: @TloweTgrass toddloweconsulting.com

In this episode of Against the Grain, hosts Gabe and Dave sit down with TJ Shine, a past President of the EGCSA, to explore his unique journey from golf course superintendent to sales rep. TJ opens up about what initially drew him to a career in turf management and the pivotal moment that inspired his switch to the sales side of the industry. He shares candid insights on the challenges he faced during this transition, including the surprises that came with leaving the greens behind. Gabe and Dave dig into how TJ's extensive experience as a superintendent now shapes his approach to sales and whether his view of the industry has shifted since making the move. TJ also offers valuable advice on what superintendents might not know about the sales world and reveals the most rewarding aspects of his new role. Join us for a fun and insightful conversation as we trace TJ Shine's path from mowers to closers.

In this lively episode, Dave and Gabe dive into a mix of hilarious and heartfelt topics. They kick things off with a discussion about Thunder Vests for dogs and how to keep pets calm during 4th of July fireworks. The conversation takes a fun turn as Dave admits he hasn't listened to any of their past episodes, despite always being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for recordings. They also touch on the importance of membership dues and give a sneak peek into exciting upcoming events that listeners won't want to miss. Tune in for a blend of laughs, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories in this action-packed episode!

Join us for an engaging conversation with David Shepp and Seth McKeel from The Southern Group as they share their experiences and insights on lobbying for golf courses in Florida. We discuss their roles, the impact of their efforts on regulations and policies, and the challenges they've encountered, especially regarding local fertilizer ordinances. Discover their key achievements, how they tackle environmental concerns on golf courses, and their future goals for the industry. Plus, find out how our association and its members can better support their ongoing efforts to keep Florida's golf course industry thriving. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Join us as we sit down with Dan Brooks, the past president of the Everglades GCSA, to explore his journey and insights. Dan shares what he enjoyed most about his time on the board, his motivations for joining, and key lessons learned. He also offers valuable advice for those considering a role on the Everglades GCSA Board and shares his thoughts on the organization's future. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Come on down, swing on by, in this episode, Gabe and Dave discuss Dave's recent birthday, upcoming EGCSA events, and a promise to treat everyone who passes the BMP class on 4/16 to drinks at the pool.   Follow us on X/Twitter @evergladespod Sign up for the POA BMP class HERE   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

In this episode, Gabe and Dave dive into a discussion about their new sponsor, upcoming EGCSA events, and Dave's penchant for splurging on high-end tech. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

In this episode, Gabe and Dave chat with Brian Beckner from Native Bird Boxes and how they are reshaping bird conservation efforts. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

In this episode, we uncover Gabe's revolutionary 'Wife Hack,' dive into personal communication styles, and preview the exciting lineup for upcoming EGCSA events. Follow Against the Grain on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/evergladespod Email us at Podcast@evergladesgcsa.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Bryan Unruh, Professor and Associate Center Director at the University of Florida, for a deep dive into the vital role of Best Management Practices (BMP) in enhancing environmental quality on Florida's golf courses. Our conversation traverses the origins, current implementations, and future prospects of the BMP program, showcasing its significance in promoting environmental stewardship within the golfing community. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Join us at the GC Horn Memorial Seminar, where Todd Lowe, the Technical Service Manager at Envu, imparts crucial strategies and insights for managing the complexities of an El Niño Winter. Recorded live at the GC Horn Memorial Seminar on January 16th, 2024. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

In this episode, Gabe and Dave chat with Billy Davidson on Superintendent Communication in the Face of Course Renovations and El Niño. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Join Dave and Gabe as they take a reflective journey through the festive season and share their excitement for the year ahead. To register for the GC Horn - ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/RegisterGCHorn Follow us @evergladespod on X --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Join Gabe and Dave as they discuss Black Friday shopping and some significant changes coming to the Certification of Pesticide Applicators To learn more about the changes to the Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule, visit ⁠https://bit.ly/3GKNkrF⁠ To view the Florida Certification Plan - ⁠https://bit.ly/41qr0gp⁠ To view the Florida Certification Plan Attachments - ⁠https://bit.ly/3RnhDtl⁠ Follow us @evergladespod on X --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

We're joined by Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Together, we discuss the future of golf course management, the innovative strategies shaping this evolving landscape, and more. Follow us @evergladespod on X Follow Rhett Evans @GCSAACEO on X To learn more about the GCSAA and ways you can contribute to the association's efforts visit https://www.gcsaa.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Join us as we talk with Isaiah Ireland from Club Care about nurturing Top Hat Bergonias, Red Zinnias, and the art of using frost cloth. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

In this episode, we give you a glimpse into our Halloween celebrations, talk about our upcoming events, and tease what's on the horizon with our big mystery guest. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

In this episode, we tackle the taboo of tech on the turf. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Episode 4 - In this episode, we welcome past EGCSA President and current Bahamian resident Captain Kevin Leo. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Episode 3 - In this episode, Gabe's AC is broken, the GCSAA Chapter Challenge competition is live, and who is Dave, and how terrible is he at golf? You can contribute to GCSAAPAC one of three ways: 1. By check. Make your personal check payable to “GCSAAPAC”. Mail it to: GCSAA 1421 Research Park Drive Lawrence, KS 66049 2. Online. Online donations can be made at: gcsaapac.snwbll.com 3. Text. Text “GCSAAPAC” to 758-756-4005. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Episode 2 - We've got a special treat for you! Join us as we sit down for a conversation with Robert (Bob) Lucius, Ph.D. Executive Director, CREW Land & Water Trust. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message

Episode 1 - In this episode, we cover a range of topics, including upcoming events, exciting ways to utilize the shortcuts app on iOS, and announce the winner of our Podcast naming contest. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/egcsa/message