Gritmen Show

Ken is a singer songwriter from Birmingham who spent 20 years in Nashville writing songs. Some of the artists to record Ken's songs include Craig Morgan, Kid Rock, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Chris Janson. Ken and Gritman discuss his career and the changes that have occurred in the music industry which led him to his current endeavor, performing children's music with his wife as Huck & Lilly(@huckandlilly). Towards the end of the episode, Ken performs an original song inspired by Gritman's relationship with his late Grandpa. We think it is a hit. Grit Principles in this Episode: Chasing Dreams Courage to act when it's time to make a change Appreciating those who invest their time in you Using your talents to help others Leaving a Legacy Special Thanks to Mathew Cooper for hosting us at his studio. Check out his amazing story at www.defendingvision.com Sponsors: Poncho Outdoors Turtle Box Audio Contact: chris@gritmenclub.com

Leonard Botello, Sr. aka "Big" is one of the founders of Truth BBQ with locations in Brenham and Houston, TX. He joins the show to share his families gritty journey into the BBQ business. Topics Covered: -Qualities he looks for when sourcing a BBQ pit -Learning to cook brisket in their backyard -What their goal was when they started (spoiler alert: TX Monthly Top 50) -Why they named the restaurant Truth -Pros & Cons of working with family -What they look for when interviewing potential employees -Where they source their meat from -Prep Work/ Cooking cycle to prepare for the next day -How he instilled work ethic in his sons -Best way to get your kids to work hard -What he hopes people experience when they come to Truth -Most popular order by customers -Secret to making a passion your job A big thank you to Leonard for taking the time to come on our show. Please visit either Truth location and tell Leonard Sr. and Jr. the Gritmen Show sent you. Visit Truth BBQ for more information. Sponsors: Poncho Outdoors Turtle Box Audio

Jack Burke Jr. is a legend in the game of golf. Burke won 16 PGA tour events between 1950 and 1963. He won two major titles, the Masters and PGA Championship, both in 1956. He was on five successive American Ryder Cup teams and won 7 of his 8 career matches. In 1957, Burke and Jimmy Demaret founded Champions Golf Club in Houston. Jackie passed away on January 19, 2024 just 10 days shy of his 101st birthday. This interview was recorded back on December 1, 2021 when he was 98 years old. This was one of the last interviews that he appeared in. The audio is mostly unedited to capture Burke's authenticity and memories over a life well lived. Topics covered: Winning the 1956 Masters Philosophy when playing match play in the Ryder Cup Transitioning ownership of Champions Golf Club to his son and grandson Putting with a blade putter 4 T's: Tension, Timing, Tempo and Trust Walking vs riding in a cart Life lessons golf can teach you Be sure to listen to the end when Jackie discusses winning the Masters and what he specifically told his caddie. Thank you to Dean Burke and Champions Golf Club for hosting us. Sponsors: Turtle Box Audio Poncho Outdoors Contact: chris@gritmenclub.com

Jay Blasi is a golf course designer that recently finished the redesign at Lakeside Country Club in Houston, Texas. Jay shares his story and how he was able to win the project despite a few hurdles to get over. Bigger is not always better and who is doing the work is important. Gritman and Jay explore the following topics: - Gaining experience (chicken or egg) - Positioning yourself to win a competitive selection process - Putting in the time and being present during construction - How to make golf more enjoyable for the average golfer and still challenging for the low handicap player - Parkland vs Links (What is Augusta National?) - Working with membership to establish project goals - Bringing classic design to Texas (MacKenzie, Macdonald, Ross, Rayner) - How to make a course interesting on a relatively flat piece of land - Template holes (Road, Redan, Biarritz) - Overcoming the unexpected loss of the course superintendent during construction - Role of the architect throughout the project - Course Conditions vs. Design - Maintaining a new golf course - Pros and Cons of presenting plans in interview process A big thank you to Jay for taking the time to visit with us. Thank you for listening. Jay Blasi Design Lakeside Country Club Sponsors: Turtle Box Audio Poncho Outdoors Contact: chris@gritmenclub.com

Lance Stancik is the owner of the Pintail Hunting Club, one of the premier waterfowl hunting destinations in the world. Based in Garwood, Texas, Lance and his team own over 30,000 acres of private agricultural land that is prime habitat for migratory waterfowl.  The main duck season is only 74 days, but Lance and his team work year round to make sure their guests have an unforgettable experience.  Knowledgeable guides, sound management practices and professionally engineered duck ponds help make the hunting at the Pintail a success. When you couple that with a welcoming atmosphere and a staff that treats people right, you get a truly special duck club.  It takes grit to be a duck guide and sustained success doesn't happen by accident. In this conversation we cover the following topics: -How to create habitat for ducks  -Engineered duck ponds  -Waterfowl migration patterns  -Proper decoy configuration  -Taking kids hunting  -When to call and when to be quiet  -Dogs: can they hunt and be a pet too? -Puppy vs started or finished dog  -Polaris vs CanAm -Hunting dry fields in Canada -Banded birds -Is the Spoonbill(Northern Shoveler) reputation warranted? -Best month to shoot a bird to get mounted  -Favorite shot size for ducks  -Why scouting is important  -Hunters safety  -Future challenges for waterfowl hunters  I really enjoyed my visit with Lance and appreciate how generous he was with sharing his time and expertise…especially right before duck season kicked off. Enjoy! Sponsors: Turtle Box Audio Poncho Outdoors  Email Gritman with feedback on this episode or suggestions for future guests: Chris@gritmenclub.com

Mark and Gritman drink a few beers and discuss how select baseball got started and how we evolved into the year-round madness that exists today.  Topics Covered: - How (and why) he created the first select team in the Houston area in 1992 - What age kids should start to play select baseball - Should kids still play Little League? - Should kids play multiple sports? - Private lessons - what age to start and how to get the most out of each lesson - How parents should act - Kids no longer playing outside - Absolutes for successful hitting - College vs Pro ball approach to hitting - Protective padding the players wear these days - How to navigate high school baseball while also playing select - How to get seen by college and pro scouts About Mark Machalec: You would be hard pressed to find someone with more coaching and teaching experience than Mark. Mark played college ball at Rice University and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners. After pro ball he coached at the high school and college levels and then opened his own training facility. Currently Mark works with Twelve Baseball in Katy, TX. For over 40 years he has coached select teams and given private instruction to countless ballplayers. He's flipped a lot of balls! Thank you to our sponsors: Turtle Box Audio Poncho Outdoors  For Sponsorships/Partnerships/Guest Recommendations contact Gritman: chris@gritmenclub.com 

Lauren-Grace (LG) joins the show to share her unique journey of becoming a 4'11” 105 lb Muay Thai fighter. Her dream was to go to West Point, be a cadet and then serve her country. Her plans changed when her acceptance was pulled by DoDMERB due to an outpatient kidney surgery she had at the age of three. Gritman and LG discuss how she dealt with this dissapointment, how she was able to move on, and her positive approach to life. Lots of great grit lessons in this episode. Listen to learn why she has adopted the motto of "Get your ladder!" Episode Sponsor: Turtle Box Audio Poncho Outdoors Lauren-Grace Pannell Feedback/Sponsor Opportunities/Guest Ideas: chris@gritmenclub.com Gritmen Show

Gritman explains the farming journey that him and his son Coy have begun. While spending quality time together and getting a little dirt under their nails are their primary goals, Gritman becomes increasingly curious about how the heck anyone makes money farming. He reaches out to his John Deere dealer and asks if they can introduce him to a real farmer and they connect him with Dean Hanson. Dean is one of the larger corn and cotton producers in Wharton and Matagorda Counties.  Dean did not inherit a farm, rather built his operation from scratch, increasing his acreage over time. Gritman and Dean discuss the challenges associated with farming and why a farmer must have a lot of grit to survive.   Show topics: The question you never ask a farmer  How he's adapted over the years to create efficiencies and maximize yields  Challenges facing farmers (drought, flood, hogs, input costs, rising land values, bad trade deals, commodity prices, solar farms) Truth about crop insurance and subsidies  Why it's hard to be a small scale farmer today  Should foreign countries own US farm land  Secret to hooking up implements to the tractor Thank you to our presenting sponsor Shoppa's John Deere  Season Sponsors: Outdoor Shirt Provider: Poncho Outdoors  Loud Music Provider: Turtle Box Audio Craft Beer Provider: Karbach  Gritmen Show Comments/Guest Recommendations/Partnerships: Email Chris: chris@gritmenclub.com

From making wine in his parents garage as a teenager to being the youngest first generation winery owner in Napa Valley history, Grant Long Jr. has done it his way one relationship at a time. Grant makes wine a personal experience and the only way to get his wine is to make the trip to Napa and shake his hand. Gritman records this interview amongst the vines at Grant's winery Aonair with the help of fellow Gritmen Cale, Danny and Chip. From the casual wine drinker to the wine enthusiast, this episode has a little something for everyone. In the end, we discover that grit does exist in California.  Show highlights: -building a grassroots family business -leading from the front, no excuses attitude -leasing vs owning land -balancing business and family -teaching kids the value of a dollar -navigating the wine list at a nice restaurant -how to open wax covered bottles -scaling a business without losing the craft -God bless Texas Disclaimer: This episode was recorded under the influence of good wine  Visit Grant's wineries:  Aonair  Reverie II  Call Matt Lonergan to schedule a tasting (707) 738-8352  Thank you to our Episode Sponsors:  Clear Companies  Bubela Real Estate  Higginbotham  Shirt Sponsor:  Poncho Outdoors  Brand Partners:  Turtle Box Audio  Chama Chairs *use code GRIT to unlock special Gritmen savings

Gritman continues his conversation with Lance Berkman and they discuss: -More hilarious Coach Graham stories -The story behind Lance's nicknames (Blue Dart, Big Puma & Fat Elvis) -How fat guys that can flat out hit are a dying breed -Whether or not Lance is fat -The strikeout becoming so prevalent in the pro game -Lance's two strike approach to hitting -Why most major leaguers should not coach -Finding his purpose after retiring Episode Sponsor: Gordy & Sons "If you go to Gordy & Sons and don't find something you want or need, that is a sign you need to get your grit checked" -Gritman Please support our brand partners: Chama Chairs (Use code GRIT for special Gritmen savings at checkout.) Turtle Box Audio (Use code GRIT for special Gritmen savings at checkout.) Poncho Shirts (Buy a shirt get a free hat. Use code GRITMEN at checkout be sure to add the hat to your cart.)

Lance Berkman comes on the show to discuss: -the truth about grit and success -His struggles after being traded to the Yankees -2005 NLCS Game 5 (Pujols homer off Lidge) -Cardinals World Series Game 6 in 2011 -Prayer & Sports - the “do's and don'ts” -Using religion as a crutch -hunting Stone sheep in BC -playing for Coach Graham at Rice University -going from boyhood to manhood-toughness, grit and no excuses attitude -hilarious Coach Graham tactics to make you better and raise expectations Please support our brand partners: Chama Chairs Turtle Box Audio Use code GRIT for special Gritmen savings at checkout. To watch the interview visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3q0rCHFU76IKW75vDT_S4Q

Dr. Tim Reynolds joins the Gritmen Show for a conversation on his international bestselling book Living Every Minute. Chris and Dr. Tim discuss a few themes from the book including; toxic masculinity, equality not meaning sameness, feminine energy vs masculine energy, integration over balance, the concept of “chunking”, taking personal inventory, getting revenge with massive success, making things non-negotiable, and being the rider instead of the horse. This episode is for anyone looking to create spectacular in their health, wealth and relationships. Connect with Dr. Tim Reynolds: Website: livingeveryminute.com Instagram: instagram.com/drtim_lem Use promo code GRITMENSHOW to receive 25% off everything on Dr. Tim's website livingeveryminute.com (excludes planner) Show Sponsor: Thank you to the Clear Companies! A group of companies that provide critical infrastructure construction services including excavation, earthwork, underground utilities, paving, electrical, and plant work. One call instead of ten. “Our Connections Build Texas” https://www.clear-companies.com Trusted Brand Partners: Poncho Outdoors - “Made for the Outdoors” Use code GRIT to get a free hat or t shirt with purchase of any Poncho shirt. Be sure to add the hat or tee to your cart for the code to work. https://www.ponchooutdoors.com Turtle Box Audio - LOUD. OUTDOOR. AUDIO Use code GRIT to unlock some special Gritmen savings at checkout https://turtleboxaudio.com Chama Chairs- “Rugged Luxury” Use code GRIT for special Gritmen savings at checkout https://chamachairs.com Connect with the Gritmen Show: Email: chris@gritmenclub.com Website:https://www.gritmenshow.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/gritmenshow/ Email Chris with future guest recommendations, event and sponsor opportunities, collaborations or just general feedback! chris@gritmenclub.com

Chris introduces his new "Brand Partners" idea and explains how grit can't be bought and why he won't run ads on the Gritmen Show. He then interviews his son Coy to talk about him shooting his first deer. Coy has some challenges in life and this experience was a huge win for him. They discuss the unforeseen benefits that resulted from father and son spending time together outdoors, and how this was so much more than just killing. On the way home from hunting Coy asks the question "How can killing can be considered conservation" and Chris didn't know how to answer. Chris interviews Tyler Sharp, CEO and Editor in Chief of Modern Huntsman, to help him come up with an appropriate answer. A simple question required a complex answer that involves a collaborative effort to achieve success. They cover the conservation models that exist in both Africa and North America today and the role of the modern hunter. They discuss traditions, creating memories and abiding by a code of ethics. Last, they dig into Tyler's personal grit story and the challenges he's faced creating a print publication in today's world. Tyler Sharp: www.tylersharp.com modernhuntsman.com Brand Partners: turtleboxaudio.com (Code GRIT at checkout for discount) www.ponchooutdoors.com (Code GRIT at checkout for free hat or t-shirt. Be sure to add hat or t-shirt to your cart for the code to work) gritmenshow.com Contact Chris - Chris@gritmenclub.com

In this episode Chris visits with Will Chesney, a SEAL Team Operator, military dog handler and author of the book No Ordinary Dog. They discuss Will's upbringing, training, and time during active duty with the SEAL Teams and operation Neptune Spear which resulted in the successful elimination of Bin Laden. Will explains the bond he had with his working dog Cairo and how they were there for each other when they needed it the most. We learn what it means to be a "Boat Ducker" and how this is not a desirable trait. Will is a true patriot and defines what it means to live a life of grit. "No Ordinary Dog" Warrior Health Foundation Jimmy Hatch Spike's K9 Fund Warrior Dog Foundation This episode brought to you by Pumps of Houston - Over 60 Years of “Legendary Service” pumpsofhouston.com Find out more about the Gritmen Show at gritmenshow.com For sponsorship opportunities/collaborations/events or general feedback email chris@gritmenclub.com

In this episode, Chris sits down with Greg Gatlin, owner of Gatlin's BBQ, to discuss his journey from athlete to pitmaster and the challenges he faced along the way. They cover a lot of ground including the value of education, putting in hard work, treating people the right way, the state of race relations in America, and making BBQ that consistently tastes good. Greg has earned many accolades including being named to the Texas Monthly Top 50 and recently served as a judge on the Bravo television series Top Chef. Lots of Gritmen principles and lessons in this episode. Living Every Minute This episode brought to you by Pumps of Houston - Over 60 Years of “Legendary Service” pumpsofhouston.com Find out more about the Gritmen Show at gritmenshow.com For sponsorship opportunities/collaborations/events or general feedback email chris@gritmenclub.com

Chris addresses why he took an extended break and then sits down with Hal Sutton to discuss golf and life. They go deep into Hal's career, discussing the highs and lows, the lessons he learned from both success and failure, and the grit to keep going. They highlight the 1983 PGA Championship when Hal beat Jack Nicklaus, the 2000 Players Championship when Hal took down Tiger Woods, and discuss the 2004 Ryder Cup saga when Hal made the controversial decision to pair Tiger and Phil together. Hal tells his story in a way only he can. This episode brought to you by Pumps of Houston - Over 60 Years of “Legendary Service” pumpsofhouston.com Find out more about the Gritmen Show at gritmenshow.com For sponsorship opportunities/collaborations/events or general feedback email chris@gritmenclub.com

Gritman shares the 'grit' Christmas story (GIV Version) and explains how commercialization has covered up the grit. Coach Ronnie Vinklarek joins the show and shares his story of losing his parents at an early age, raising his 4 brothers, and persevering to become a successful college and NFL coach. Ronnie's story of "Tragedy to Triumph" must be heard to believe it.  This episode brought to you by Pumps of Houston - Over 60 Years of “Legendary Service”.  Find out more at gritmenshow.com

Chris speaks with David McIntosh who caddies at Carnoustie in Scotland. David caddied for Chris in 2019. Laughter and being able to take a joke is the theme of this episode. David shares some of the jokes and stories gleaned from his many years around the game, and discusses the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the golf tourism industry. David's story is one of resiliency, adaptation, and doing whatever it takes to provide for his family.

Gritman sits down with former MLB player and manager Phil “Scrap Iron” Garner. Phil explains the origins of his legendary nickname and shares stories from his childhood and professional career. They cover how the modern game has lost toughness, the Astros sign stealing controversy, Phil's relationship with Dusty Baker, and the Astros-Braves World Series. They close with a discussion on masculinity and how a free society is supposed to operate.

Gritman lays out the vision for the podcast and defines what it means to be a man of grit. Wayne Graham, one of the greatest college coaches of all time, sits down with Gritman to discuss finding your purpose, recognizing potential, using intuition and analytics, and knowing what to demand from his players. We discuss his baseball career, from playing for Casey Stengel to recruiting Lance Berkman and Roger Clemens. Finally, we hit on the 2003 National Championship and the circumstances surrounding his retirement.