Making The Turn Podcast

Well, it's been a minute since my last episode and I wanted to give everyone an update on what's been going on with me and the podcast. This is a solo episode and I talk about the last couple of years and through the many ups and downs along the way. Hope you enjoy the episode. Thanks for listening and please as always, like share and subscribe. 

Brent is back on another episode of the podcast. We had a blast talking about many of the things that have changed since our first conversation. We sat under the pavilion near the clubhouse "the shed" and talked all things Sweetens... Enjoy and things for listening.

We are back and with the one and only Scott Cole, Golf Course Superintendent at The Grove in College Grove, Tennessee. Sit back and enjoy this conversation. it was a fun one. Thanks for listening.

A great conversation with Drew that took place while I was invited down to Alabama to help with preparations for Spring Game. It was a trip of a lifetime and we recorded in his office in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Really enjoyed this one and I think you will too... Thanks for listening. 

Latest episode is with my friend and fellow Oakland Patriot, Michael Osborne.  Michael is a Real Estate Agent in Murfreesboro TN and we discussed the Real Estate Market and how it's going in the Area. He is also the President of the MGA (Men's Golf Association) at Stones River Country Club and We discussed that as well. This is a little different from my normal conversation but I think you will enjoy this episode.  Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Back with another episode of Turn Talk and I am discussing how to overcome challenges, disruption, negative thoughts and actions and more. You must start talking to yourself in a positive manner. Have Gratitude. And Forgive Yourself.

In the latest episode, I sat down with my friend Whit Davis, Operations Manager at Winstead Turf Farms and we discussed a large variety of topics including music, concerts, the pandemic, his new career in the Sod Production business and added a little football talk at the end. It was a great conversation and I'm sure you will enjoy this one. Thanks for listening and be sure to like, share and subscribe. 

In the latest episode, I had a great conversation with Tim Moraghan with Aspire Golf. Tim talked about his career and we discussed many topics about personal development and career advancement and more. Tim has accomplished many things in our industry and it was a pleasure to sit down and chat with him. I know you will enjoy this episode. Be sure to share and subscribe. Share with someone who may need to hear this. As always, thanks for listening.

In the latest episode, I sat down on a virtual call with Director of Field Operations for the Memphis Redbirds, Eric Taylor.  We had a great conversation and I know you will enjoy it.   Thanks for listening. Be sure to share and subscribe.

In the latest episode of Turn Talk, I talk about how to bounce back from adversity, failures and setbacks in your life. 4 things to the Art of the Comeback 1. Forgive Yourself 2. Seek Clarity 3. Get Laser Focused 4. Eliminate Distractions Do these for things and you will be on the road to redemption and recovery. Everyday is a new day and opportunities are endless, Let's Get It!!

We are back after a short layoff and I sat down with Patrick Hensley, the newly named Golf Course Superintendent at King's Creek Golf Course in Spring Hill, Tennessee. We had a great conversation and covered a wide range of topics. I know you will enjoy this one. Thanks for listening and please to sure to like, share and subscribe...

Welcome to 2021... I'm Back and ready to get the year started. For the first episode of the New Year, I thought I would talk about how going at it Alone is often the road we have to take. It's a lonely, scary, often difficult path but it may just be the one that makes it for you and lifts you passed all the ups and downs and challenges you are facing. I discuss goals and a daily routine and even mention one of my favorite podcast and share some insight on a unique mental toughness challenge. I hope you enjoy the latest version of Turn Talk.  Many more great episode are ahead for the New Year and beyond.  Stay Tuned....

In this latest episode, I bring you another installment of "Turn Talk".  Turn Talk is a series within the Making The Turn Podcast that brings you value by delivering content centered around Life, Business, Finances, Relationships, Career, Dreams, etc... And in this episode, I discuss with you ways to put 2020 behind you and how to make 2021 the best year or at least a better year than 2020. I lay out 4 basic steps for 2021: 1. Commit to Something...  2. Be Visible. Get around as many people as possible. 3. Put some skin in the game. (Time and/or Financial) 4. Don't Give up. Don't Quit. See it through! Hope you enjoy this episode of Turn Talk and if you did, be sure to like, share and subscribe for more available content. Also, be sure to invite a friend to listen. Stay tuned for more Episodes of Making the Turn as well as Turn Talk. Thanks for listening and talk with you soon!

In the latest episode of Turn Talk, I sat down with Virgil Herring and we discussed the 2020 Masters Tournament and more. We had a great conversation and we not only covered the tournament but many other topics. I think you will really enjoy it and we ended it with a few nice tidbits. Thanks for listening and enjoy!

In the latest episode, we had a panel discussion with audience participation. We were discussing "Is 2020 the best year for Golf" and we had a great discussion centered around this topic and how 2020 has been for area courses.  The Panel consisted of: Dr. Jim Brosnan, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Dr. Brandon Horvath, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Dan Johnson, Golf Course Superintendent at Old Hickory CC Kevin Snell, Greenskeeper at Henry Horton Golf Course Justin Browning, Golf Course Superintendent at Clarksville CC Jeff Cooper, Golf Course Superintendent at Saddle Creek GC B.J. Parker, Host, Making the Turn Podcast This discussion was recorded at Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club in Hendersonville TN. Thanks to Tyler and the staff at Bluegrass for their hospitality. The seminar was a scheduled meeting for the Middle Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association. The audience was good and engaging.  A lot of topics were discussed and we tried to address as many of the questions as possible. This was the second live seminar that has been recorded on the podcast and some audio may be hard to hear. Thanks to the MTGCSA for having Making the Turn as part of this event! Enjoy and thanks for listening!!

In the latest episode, I sat down with Darren Reese, the Director of Communications for the Golf House Tennessee. We had a great conversation and we covered a bunch of topics.  Darren runs the many different Social Media, website and communication platforms for the Golf Foundation and wears many other hats as well. We talked about all that and more... Even talked a little football and sports gambling which was a first for the podcast. Really think you will enjoy this one. Thanks for listening and Enjoy!!

In the latest episode, I sat down with John Clintsman with the Ensworth School in Nashville TN. John is the first 3 time guest to the podcast. We discussed many great topics but mostly we talked about the Turf Field renovation that he and his team took on this summer during the Pandemic.  I really think you will enjoy this one. We attempt to solve the world's problems as well. Thanks for the listening and Enjoy!

In the latest Episode, I sat down with Shawn Emmack with Syngenta Chemical Corporation. I've known Shawn for nearly two decades and we have worked together on many different projects. Shawn has an interesting story and we talked about his experiences in the world of the Green Industry.  I really enjoyed chatting with Shawn and we talked about topics going on in the industry today. Shawn discussed his tragic wreck he had when he was younger and how that impacted his life today. I really think you will enjoy this one. Thanks for listening and please be sure to rate, review, share and subscribe. Also, invite a friend to listen. That's the best way to get the content out there and keep it growing.

The latest episode is with Brad Erickson, Golf Course Superintendent at Brentwood Country Club in Brentwood, Tennessee.  I had a great conversation with Brad and we discussed many topics. Brad has a unique story and we discussed that and more. I really loved doing this one and it was one I wanted to do for a long time.  You will really love this one.  Be sure to rate, review, share and subscribe. Thanks for listening.

On this Episode, I welcome back my good friend Dan Johnson. Dan is Superintendent at Old Hickory Country Club just north and east of Nashville, TN.  We had a great time and talked about a variety of topics.  I hope you enjoy. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, share and subscribe. If this is your first time listening, thank you and welcome. For those that regularly listen, I ask that you share with 1 friend or colleague.  Thanks for all your support and hope you are all doing well and staying safe.

In the Latest Episode of Turn Talk, I discuss the latest things going on in our world and the Everything is a Test. I give some examples of the trying times we are in and what steps we can take when faced with difficult choices and decisions. I know that we are all in different spots in our lives but we all face some "tests" along the way. Being Mentally tough and sharp helps us focus on the task at hand. Being willing to put in the work and take action allows us to handle the tough road ahead and not take steps backwards that would knock us off our road to success. And Finally, be willing to see these "tests" as opportunities to succeed and "Win" in all areas of your life. You are the average of the 5 people you hang around and you need to constantly evaluate the people around you. If they only try to bring you down or speak to you negatively, then they aren't adding value to your life.  I hope everyone is doing well. I am looking forward to getting back to having some regular guests on but I really enjoy bringing you some valuable content about things that I have learned in my life. Please share with a friend and rate, review and comment if you are getting some value from the Turn Talks.  Have a great day and I will talk to you soon.

In the latest episode, I sat down with Jacob Marsh (@Truss_Super) Golf Course Superintendent at Timber Truss Golf Course in Olive Branch, MS.    Jacob has a unique story. Normally you don't become a superintendent 2 years out of College. But Jacob managed to accomplish this feat. We discussed this and more. This was my first meeting with Jacob and we had a great conversation. If you think you have challenges or are looking for some good nuggets for fighting through on the job adversity, then this will be a good one for you.   Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening. 

In the latest Turn talk episode, I dive into dealing with adversity and how to overcome difficulties in your life. I breakdown some of my struggles and give you 5 steps to making it through any adversity in your life. 1. Stop saying why me?  2. Self reflection on what factors or influences you may have had with the adversity 3. Stay focused 4. Start listening, learning and educating yourself. Podcasts, books, mentors, etc. 5. Start doing something. Take Action I hope you get something out of this episode and I really hope you will like, review, share and subscribe.  Thanks for listening and enjoy Turn Talk.

In the latest episode, I sat down with the President of Better Billy Bunker and Golf Course Architect, Jerry Lemons. We had a great conversation about a variety of topics including his architecture work and the development of the Better Billy Bunker Method. I know you will enjoy this one. It was a lot of fun and I appreciate you listening. Thanks and be sure to tell a friend about the podcast. That really helps.

Finally got one of my kids on the podcast. Sat down with my oldest daughter Allyson Parker and we had a great conversation. I'm sure you will love this one, especially if you have kids.  Hope you enjoy and Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. Thanks for listening.

Well, I've decided that I would start a new segment called "Turn Talk". I hope you will give it a chance and get something out of it. I want this to be part of the overall platform and it will fit well with the long form conversations I will continue to have.  I realize you can get your content from anywhere. Thanks for checking it out. Turn Talk will be segments centered around motivation, education, self-improvement, business and more. I've had this idea for a while now and i guess I just needed to take my own advice. Enjoy the first episode of Turn Talk....

The latest episode is my interview with Darren Reese, Director of Communications with The Golf House Tennessee, that happened several weeks back. I hoped on with Darren and was on the other side of the table being interviewed and it was a fun conversation. I really enjoyed it and I don't really ever get to tell parts of my story so I thought it would be great to share. I think you will like it and it will let you know a little bit more about me. Thanks to Darren for having me on.  Thanks for listening and as always be sure to rate, review, share and subscribe.

The latest episode of the podcast is with Jeb Browder, Southeast Territory Manager for Redexim. We discussed many aspects of his job and the industry and the challenges of selling specialty turf maintenance equipment. We discussed lots of different things and even got into some the aspects and principals of selling.  Despite having some technical difficulties, we had a great conversations and I think you will enjoy it and you will get something out of this one. Thanks for listening and enjoy!

The latest episode of the podcast is the second part of a two part interview I had with Virgil Herring, Director of Golf at Ensworth School. We talked about golf, turf management, new grasses, golf course architecture, the Masters, and more.  I really enjoyed my talk with Virgil and I know you will too. Lots of good stuff we discussed. Please be sure to rate, share and subscribe. Thanks for listening.

In this latest episode, I sat down with Clay Uselton who is/was Partners with Stephen Nutt in Nutt Irrigation. As many may know, Stephen passed away suddenly and I wanted to have Clay on to discuss the situation, talk about Stephen and the transition and future of Nutt Irrigation. It was a great talk and we had a great conversation discussing all that and more. Following the episode, I replayed Stephen's Episode in case you haven't heard it and/or wanted to listen to them both straight through.  Thanks to Clay for coming on and I hope you enjoy this one. Thanks for listening!

In the latest episode, I had a chat with Dr. Jim Brosnan, Professor at University of Tennessee at Knoxville. We discussed some of the latest things going on in the world of Weed Science and more. We also discussed the latest upcoming Digital Turfgrass Tuesdays that the UT Program is rolling out. The First Tuesday of each month from May thru November will be a webinar that anyone can tune into and hear some really great content from the educators at UT Knoxville. Information can be found here:  http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/Pages/TurfTuesday.aspx We also got a little Football talk in about his beloved Tom Brady heading to Tampa and I think he hung up on me during our conversation as I was asking him about Tom being a Titan? You will have to see for yourself. Thanks again to Dr. Brosnon for coming on. Be sure to rate, review, share and subscribe.  Go check it out!

In the latest episode, I sat down with Virgil Herring. Virgil has done many things in the golf business and we talked about his career. Some of the many things we discussed was working with PGA Professional Brandt Snedeker, Teaching for the Golf Channel, shaping and molding young kids at the high school level and also writing a book with Drew Maddux. We got into a lot of cool stuff and I really think you will enjoy this episode. We had so much fun talking that this was Part 1 of a two part conversation I had with Virgil over a couple of days out at Harpeth Valley Golf Center. The second part was a great conversation about more about the specifics of golf and golf course maintenance and architecture. That one will be out in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy this episode with Mr. Virgil Herring... Please go check it out. Rate, review, share and subscribe.  Thanks for listening. 

In the latest episode of the podcast, I had a great time chatting via video with Jim Huntoon, Golf Course Superintendent at the Heritage Club in South Carolina. Jim and I had connected over social media and I asked him to come on the podcast and we finally made it happen. This podcast takes us outside the boundaries that I normally use with my guests but it was great to talk with Jim and discuss some things going on in the Carolinas. We discussed Jim's career, the challenges of being at the Heritage Club, the current Pandemic and its effect on he and his staff, and also his involvement with the Carolina GCSA. He is also a lover of the podcast and helps with the guys at Pullin' Weeds from time to time. I think you will really enjoy this one. I apologize for the audio in the beginning but I got it sorted out and we had a great chat. Go listen. Be sure to rate, Share and subscribe and as always, thanks for listening!  

Well this episode is an all-time for me. As many of you know, I have a love for old school hip hip and in this episode me and my long time friend and 1/2 of the group Break 2 (to which I am the other half) discuss all things music, hip hop and more. Rob has a great story surrounding his coffee business and his love for music. If you are music fan and especially old school hip hop/rap, this episode is for you. I took a break from the green industry content to bring you some pop culture and music content. Don't worry, I'll be back bringing you more from the world of turf and all but this one was a fun break in these weird and crazy times.  I hope you enjoy. Go check out Just Love Coffee and be sure to support your local businesses. Thanks to Rob (aka Master Rob) for coming on and talking music and more.  Enjoy.

In the latest Episode, I had a great conversation with Dr. Brandon Horvath, Professor at University of Tennessee at Knoxville. We discussed many topics including the current epidemic, how we can relate it to turfgrass and many other topics. We dove into golf data and it can be used to help manage your course and how to use data to relate specific topics to golfers expectations. I really enjoyed this conversation and I know you will too. Please go check it out and enjoy.  And as referenced: @scottfawcett  @loustagner @utturfpath @utturfgrass - Go follow on twitter for more great content. Thanks for listening!  

In the latest podcast, I sat down with Ryan Emerson, Golf Course Superintendent at McLemore Golf Club on Lookout Mountain. I was able to spend a few days with Ryan and it was a great conversation. we taped the podcast prior to me seeing much of the course due to some extreme fog and I wish I had seen it prior to the interview but it turned out great anyway and we will definitely follow up with a future podcast episode. Thanks to Greg Johns and Rusty McClendon at Sigma Organics for helping set this up and for allowing me to tag along. I appreciate their hospitality. Also, thank you to Matthew Powell with GroundsCare Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast. Your support is very appreciative. Be sure to go check out all their services, equipment and turf care options. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode. Please rate, review, share and describe....also be sure to bring a friend or tell someone about the podcast. That would be an awesome way to spread the content and for the people that may not have heard Making the Turn to jump on board.

Had a great spur of the moment discussion with John Clintsman from the Ensworth School in Nashville Tennessee. We talked about the recent events and how he is handling the current world situation. We talked about a bunch of topics and he even turned it around on me and asked me a few questions. Always great to have him on and had a blast just taking a few moments to distract from the craziness. John is the first repeat guest and that was cool as well. Thanks for listening and i know you will enjoy this.

The latest episode is with Matthew Powell. He is the Owner/Superintendent at Pebble Brook Golf Course in northern Middle Tennessee and he also is the Owner of GroundsCare Unlimited.  We talked about a variety of topics including his career, his many hats he wears, what it's like to be a golf course owner now and the challenges of doing many different things.  GroundsCare Unlimited is also a sponsor of this episode and I appreciate them for coming on Board.  Thanks to Matthew and I know you will really enjoy this one. Lots of Fun! Be sure to go rate, review, share and subscribe!

My latest episode put me square in the sights of Mr. Pat Jones. What a conversation we had. This was my first Video chat and I think it went really well. We talked a lot about the industry, his career and even got into some interesting topics regarding technology and social media. There is a lot in this conversation. Please go listen and enjoy. Share and invite a friend.  Enjoy and thanks for listening!

In the latest episode, I sat down with Whit Turnbow whi us the President of the Tennessee Golf Foundation. We had a great conversation about his role with the Foundation. His career as a professional golfer, MTSU golf coach and more. Whit discussed what it was like taking over for Dick Horton and what that was like. We discussed the Junior Golf landscape in Tennessee and also how Superintendents play a role in helping the Foundation. Whit also shared his life story about battling cancer and how that changed his life and perspective. I had a great time with this episode and I know you will enjoy it. Please sure to share and always thanks for listening.

The latest episode is a recorded seminar from the 2020 Tennessee Turfgrass Conference and Show. The seminar talk was given by Mr. Anthony Pioppi and it was titled "Uncovering the Architectural History of Your Golf Course" Really great talk and lots of good information for clubs out there. If you have any questions after the episode or want to reach out to me or Anthony please don't hesitate. Anthony can be found at Turfnet as a podcast host and also currently serves as Executive Director for the Seth Raynor Society. You can also find him on Twitter @AnthonyPioppi Reach out to him and tell him that you enjoyed the seminar talk. Thanks to him for allowing me to record the session and thank you to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association for hosting Making the Turn at this years conference and show. Thanks for listening and hope you enjoy!

In the latest episode, I sat down with Ryan Storey, Sports Turf Manager at Vanderbilt University in Nashville Tennessee. We talked about all things Sports Turf. We discussed his career and the unique challenges he faces at Vanderbilt. Ryan deals with a lot of Synthetic Turf and we discussed that aspect of his responsibilities. This was a fun and great interview. I am sure you will enjoy it.  Thanks for listening. 

In this latest episode, I recorded a seminar at the 2020 Tennessee Turfgrass Conference and Show by Dr. Brandon Horvath. The title of his talk was "From Goats to Triplexes: The History of Mowing"  This Talk was really great about the history of the industry. Where things started from to where they are now. And where they may lead to in the future. If you heard this talk then it will be a refresher for you and If you missed it then you will certainly enjoy this seminar. Thanks again to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and its sponsors. Thanks for listening and Enjoy!

In this episode, I was able to set up at the Trade show and have people come by and sit down for a chat. It was a busy day and many people came by to say hello that didn't come on the mic but I was able to catch up with a few people. 1. Chris Sykes  2. Frank Turner 3. Bill Marbet They are in order and were about 10-15 minutes each.  Thanks to these guys for sitting down and speaking with me and I look forward to doing this again in the future. Thanks for listening and talk with you soon.

In this special edition of the podcast, I give my thoughts on the life of Kobe Bryant and how you can take his life and the tragic death at such a young age and turn it into good. How can you use this as a reminder to live life day by day. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Be sure to love well, tell those that you miss them. Seek to forgive those that need it and ask to be forgiven from those that you need it from. Thanks for listening and go and be good to each other.

In this latest episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Rodney Smith Jr. Rodney is the Founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Services. This is a non-profit organization that was started with one simple act of kindness and is now spreading around the world. Rodney was kind enough to open his home and allow me some time to speak with him about his story and what he has going and how God is working through him in his life. His story is amazing and Rodney has an unbelievable drive and passion to help people. If you haven't heard his story, then you are really in for a treat. This was a fun interview and I really enjoyed speaking with Rodney.  If you would like to help Rodney and/or reach out to him, go visit his website @ weareraisingmen.com Or you can find him on social media: @rodneysmithjr  @raisingmenlawncareservices - Instagram Rodney Smith Jr. - Facebook @iamrodneysmith - twitter Thanks for listening and be sure to share this episode with a friend.  

In this Episode, I recorded Dr. Jim Brosnon from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville as he gave his talk at the 2020 Tennessee Turfgrass Association Conference. This was an in depth discussion about his research and the results of those research studies. You will hear about recent trends and the challenges with controlling weeds and what you can expect and some practical solutions going forward. Dr. Brosnon is a leader and highly knowledgable in this area and this talk was well attended and highly received.  It is a variance from my normal interview based podcasts but as I move into more available content, giving you more resources to refer to is the goal. I hope you enjoy this one.  Thanks for listening and if you care to leave a comment or feedback, that would be appreciated.  Thanks to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, The Board of Directors, Chris Sykes(moderator) for their help in the production and distribution of this episode. 

In this episode, I had the privilege of hosting the podcast in front of a live audience at the 2020 Tennessee Turfgrass Annual Conference and Show. This seminar was titled "Titans of the Industry" and it was a panel discussion with 3 of Tennessee's and the Industry's top professionals. David Stone - Retired Golf Course Superintendent at The Honors Course Joe Kennedy - Head Golf Course Superintendent at The Grove Club Jimbo Thomas - Salesman for GrassRoots and former Golf Course Superintendent at TPC Southwind All 3 of these individuals have been on the podcast previously but this was an opportunity to sit down with all 3 at one time and discuss many aspects of their career and their time in the business. It was a fun conversation and I think you will really enjoy it. It was a first for the podcast as it was recorded in front of a live audience but I really enjoyed this and look forward to many more in the future. Thanks for listening and I'm excited for 2020    

In this episode, I sat down with Mac Kirkpatrick, the 1st Assistant Superintendent at Stones River CC in Murfreesboro, TN. Mac and I discussed his career path and the ups and downs of being an assistant in the golf course industry.  If you are an assistant superintendent and want to be a Super one day, this episode is for you. But it also has good nuggets for all of the industry on how to react and respond to different things that happen in your career and also what are important to keep moving forward towards your goals. You will enjoy this episode and getting to know Mac. Thanks for listening and be sure to Rate, share and subscribe.

In this latest episode, I sat down with John Clintsman, Head of Grounds for the Ensworth School in Nashville Tennessee. Ensworth is a Private school and has two different Campus for their K-8 and 9-12 students. Ensworth has a high level of expectation and John is responsible for the grounds and the many athletic fields on both properties.  This was a fantastic conversation and I really enjoyed sitting down and chatting with John. He has a great story and we talked about a lot of it. He was very open and honest about his career path and some of the things that he been through along the way. From the hilarious intro to the many great self-help nuggets we dropped, it was one of my favorite interviews. I really think you will not only enjoy this episode, you will get something out of it that could help someone in need or that they may just need to hear. Thanks for listening. Be sure to like, share and subscribe and welcome to the latest episode.

In the latest episode, I sat down with Ray Pearce, Head Golf Professional at Champions Run Golf Club in Rockvale, TN. Ray is from a family that is deep in history in Golf, especially in Tennessee. He has played golf on the PGA Tour, won a Professional event on the Hogan Tour (Now the Korn-Ferry tour) and as been in the club professional side for the majority of his career. We talked about his career, his family influence, stories about trying to make it on tour and his path to becoming the Head Professional at Champions Run.  I don't usually interview Head Golf Professionals but Ray was someone I've known since I started in the business and he had an influence on me early on.  I'm sure you will enjoy this one. Thanks for listening. Please rate, share and subscribe!