Podcasts about Earthworks

Jerry Brunetti was a founding partner of EarthWorks alongside Joel Simmons in 1988. At the time, Jerry owned an animal health care business in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, where Joel served as the County Extension Agent. Their friendship quickly grew, and Jerry became instrumental in helping Joel understand the value of Biological Soil Management.After EarthWorks was established, Jerry formulated two foundational products: the flagship Replenish 5-4-5 and the soil conditioner Kick. These products were originally intended to support a lawn care business, but Joel soon recognized that EarthWorks' future was in manufacturing. From there, the company's product development continued to grow.Jerry passed away from cancer in December 2014, but his influence remains deeply woven into EarthWorks. It has often been said that he was 10 years ahead of the industry, although he may have been closer to 20 years ahead. One of his greatest lessons was the importance of remineralization.In this clip, titled “The Holy Grail of Crop Health,” Jerry explains the importance of plant secondary metabolites and how plants develop them when they have access to a broad range of available minerals. Although he does not speak directly about turf, his explanation of how plants function certainly applies to turfgrass.This presentation offers valuable insight into the thinking behind EarthWorks' product development while showcasing Jerry's knowledge, intelligence, and unmistakable passion for the subject. We miss you, Jerry.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Last time we spoke about autumn battle of Changsha. In late September and early October 1941, the Chinese commander Chen Cheng focused on Yichang, a crucial Yangtze stronghold whose loss would threaten China's position and the approach toward Chongqing. Chen Cheng's plan tightened a ring around the city while Chinese forces blocked Japanese reinforcement routes, including efforts to cut retreat lines at places like Jingmen and Dangyang. The battle's pressure was intensified by shifting momentum elsewhere. As the Japanese situation around Changsha became unstable—strained by supplies, exhaustion, and mounting casualties—the Japanese command began to withdraw north. Chiang Kai-shek used this to accelerate Chinese priorities, ordering rapid capture of Yichang within a tight deadline. Inside Yichang, the defense turned tragic as Japanese troops faced encirclement, heavy artillery barrages, and desperate street fighting.    #213 Blood, Rain, and Flags: The Last Struggle Around Yichang Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. While the struggle around Changsha occupied one half of the battlefield, another contest of equal consequence was taking shape farther west at Yichang. The two operations were not separate stories. They belonged to the same campaign, and each influenced the fate of the other. If Changsha was the city whose danger was plain to every observer, Yichang was the stronghold whose importance weighed most heavily on the calculations of commanders. In the autumn of 1941, the outcome in one place could not be understood without the other. For Chen Cheng, Yichang was more than a military objective. It was a wound that had never closed. The city stood on the Yangtze at a point of major strategic value, tied not only to communications and transport but also to the defense of the river approach toward the wartime capital. When Yichang had fallen in June 1940, it had done more than alter the front line. It had left behind humiliation. Three Japanese divisions—the 3rd, 13th, and 39th—had seized the city after twelve days and nights of intense fighting. At five in the afternoon on June 11, a unit of the Japanese 13th Division under Tanaka Seiichi had broken in from the southeast. Chinese troops of the 18th Army under Peng Shan and Luo Guangwen's 18th Division fought a savage close-quarters battle inside the city for a full day and night, while Japanese forces of the 3rd and 39th Divisions pressed from the north. At four in the afternoon on June 12, with Deng Ping's battalion covering the withdrawal, the Chinese finally pulled out and Yichang was lost. Men in high command do not always remember defeat in the same way as the men who fight through it. Soldiers tend to remember heat, hunger, the dead, or the exact corner where a friend fell. Commanders also remember those things, but they remember something else as well: failure recorded in the language of responsibility. Chen Cheng could not forget that twenty Chinese corps had been beaten by three Japanese divisions. At the time, Li Zongren had commanded the operation. Now the chance to erase that old disgrace seemed to be passing into Chen Cheng's own hands. On September 20, he received two telegrams, one from the Military Commission and one from Chiang Kai-shek himself. From that point onward, Yichang dominated his thoughts. By September 23, the Military Commission approved Chen's request to transfer the 33rd Army Group of the Fifth War Zone into the Sixth War Zone for the coming attack. On paper, his position seemed powerful. He now had fourteen divisions at his disposal. Yichang itself was held only by Uchiyama Eitaro's 13th Division and the Hayabuchi Detachment, together amounting to roughly sixteen thousand men. Even granting the usual Japanese superiority in training, firepower, communications, and local tactical cohesion, the Chinese possessed absolute numerical advantage. By September 28, the Chinese units had reached their attack positions, and Chen Cheng set his operational design in motion. The forces on the right bank were to attack first and pull the main body of the Japanese 39th Division southward. The 33rd Army would strike toward Jingmen and Dangyang in order to cut off the enemy's routes of retreat and reinforcement. Once these movements took hold, Yichang itself would be enclosed and crushed. Li Jilan's 94th Army, Li Yannian's 2nd Army, Song Kentang's 32nd Army, and other formations advanced according to plan. On paper the arrangement had clarity. On the ground it had resistance. The Japanese defended from strong fieldworks, and progress came slowly. Earthworks, wire, trenches, and mutually supporting positions transformed every apparent advance into hard labor. The Chinese pushed forward, but not with the speed Chen Cheng wanted. Even a favorable comparison of troop numbers could not cancel the fact that an entrenched Japanese force, once determined to hold, could impose a terrible price on assault. By October 1, Japanese troops outside Yichang began withdrawing into the city proper. Chen Cheng responded by ordering all troops to complete the encirclement. At last the operation seemed to be reaching the decisive stage. The city was tightening under pressure. The ring was nearly closed. Yet at that very moment time began pressing harder on both sides. On October 2, both Chen Cheng outside the city and Uchiyama inside it received telegrams that sharpened the crisis. The message sent from the Japanese 11th Army headquarters in Wuhan informed Uchiyama that the famous Tokyo Asakusa Art Troupe was coming to Yichang to comfort the front-line troops. The Expeditionary Army Headquarters in Nanjing had decided that, for political reasons, the troupe could not be turned back merely because combat conditions were dangerous. Their purpose was morale. That such a message could arrive at such a time reveals much about Japanese wartime culture. Appearances, spirit, ritual reassurance, and the emotional theater of endurance still had to be maintained even when military reality was worsening by the hour. The telegram that Chen Cheng received was very different. Chiang Kai-shek's order stated with brutal directness: the Japanese in northern Hunan had begun to withdraw, and Chen was ordered to spare no effort to capture Yichang within three days. Chen stared at the message for a long time. There was no need for explanation. He understood at once what Chiang meant. The battle for Yichang had already consumed days of hard fighting. Chinese units had suffered substantial losses. But the essential fact stood over every map and every order: if Japanese forces disengaging from northern Hunan reached Yichang in time to reinforce it, then all the effort already expended might amount to nothing. The battle had become not only a contest of strength, but a race. At nearly the same time, the command post of the Japanese 11th Army at Yueyang was confronting the other half of the same problem. On the night of September 30, the headquarters was brightly lit as Chief of Staff Isamu Kinoshita arranged reports, reconnaissance findings, and field messages before the army commander. The Japanese still possessed a valuable advantage: they had access to Chinese communication codes. But such intelligence could not solve every operational problem. It could not conjure food where there was none, restore exhausted bodies, or stop the battlefield from changing shape. By then the Japanese situation around Changsha had become increasingly unstable. The Hayabuchi Detachment, after entering the city, was entangled in fierce urban fighting with the Chinese 6th Provisional Division of the 79th Army. By the evening of September 30, neither side had eliminated the other inside the city. Outside Changsha, the Japanese 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 40th Divisions had assembled and kept major Chinese forces at bay. One element of the 3rd Division had even moved south by truck to Zhuzhou, fifty kilometers away, and occupied the abandoned city. Yet these outward signs of success concealed a serious weakness. The Japanese rear was fraying. Ammunition and food were running low. Divisions operating that deep in hostile territory could not sustain a prolonged campaign under such conditions. More than ten days of uninterrupted movement and fighting had also produced rising non-combat casualties. Men were collapsing from fatigue along the march. Sickness increased steadily. Units that had looked formidable on the offensive were beginning to wear thin from inside. At the same time, Chinese remnants from earlier defeats, new reinforcements, and formations that had regrouped after being thrown back were all watching for signs of weakness. Even if the Japanese divisions in Hunan still had the strength to fight several more actions, another question overrode everything else: Yichang. Yichang was not simply another point on the map. It was a strategic stronghold on the Yangtze and one of the key places from which Japan threatened Chongqing. The city also carried institutional memory. After its capture in June 1940, the occupying troops had initially been ordered to withdraw for rest and reorganization. But Imperial General Headquarters had reversed that decision almost at once and demanded that Yichang be held after all. Troops already on the road had to turn back and retake a city that had been burned, stripped, and rendered difficult to occupy. Among those who had insisted most strongly that Yichang must be retained was Anami Korechika, then vice minister of the army. Now Anami faced the consequence of that earlier insistence. However attractive the gains in Hunan might appear, Yichang could not simply be sacrificed. Uchiyama's 13th Division was not strong enough to hold indefinitely without relief. Anami looked at Hunan on the map—a rich province, beautiful and militarily tempting, much of it seeming almost within reach. But strategy does not reward attachment. With great reluctance, he gave the order to retreat. On the morning of October 1, all Japanese divisions received the reversal instructions, and at four in the afternoon they began moving north. For Xue Yue, this altered the entire meaning of the campaign. Since the beginning of the battle, he had known frustration, disappointment, and anger. Whatever private calculations he may have made about Chiang Kai-shek's strategic direction, Chen Cheng's political influence, his own mistakes in the earlier phase of operations, or the rivalries that had long poisoned Republican military life, none of those feelings prevented him from seeing the opportunity now before him. Once the Japanese turned north, pursuit was no longer merely a matter of salvaging dignity. It became an operational necessity tied directly to Yichang. His staff quickly drafted a pursuit order defining routes, timings, and methods. The document explicitly called for tracking and pursuing, interception, flanking movement, ambush, and surprise attack. This was not to be a ceremonial following of a retreating enemy at a respectful distance. It was meant to be pressure—enough pressure, if possible, to delay Japanese movement back toward Hubei. Two hours after Xue issued the order, another telegram arrived from Chongqing. Chiang Kai-shek instructed that since the enemy which had advanced into northern Hunan had begun retreating toward Yueyang on the night of October 1, the Ninth War Zone was to exploit their fatigue, pursue boldly, seize Yueyang if possible, sabotage the Wuyue Railway, and launch attacks, ambushes, and fierce strikes along the retreat route to prevent the Japanese from regaining their former defenses or shifting quickly toward Wuhan. The purpose was stated clearly: to facilitate the operations of the Third, Fifth, and Sixth War Zones. Xue Yue understood the message at once. The support provided by the Third and Fifth War Zones had been limited and often symbolic. The operation that truly mattered now was Chen Cheng's assault on Yichang. Pursuit in Hunan was not simply retaliation for the threat to Changsha. It was an attempt to buy time in blood, mud, and delay. He adjusted the pursuit deployment and ordered commanders at every level to go forward and supervise their units in person. Autumn rain began to fall over northern Hunan. Hills disappeared in mist and drizzle. Along the roads leading north moved Japanese soldiers under the Rising Sun flag; behind them and beside them, often through fields, villages, and broken country, moved Chinese troops under the Blue Sky, White Sun, and Red Earth flag. Their uniforms differed, their languages differed, their causes differed—but the exhaustion in their faces must often have looked terribly alike. Both armies moved through damp air, hunger, uncertainty, and the constant expectation of another clash. The pursuit, however, revealed the limits of Chinese strength as well as its persistence. On October 2, the battered remnants of the Chinese 74th and 26th Armies cleared battlefields along the Liuyang and Laodao Rivers and found no Japanese left there. The 74th withdrew to Liling to regroup. The 26th halted at Changle Street for replenishment. Yang Sen sent the whole 27th Army Group after the retreating enemy. Ou Zhen's 4th Army attempted to intercept the Japanese 40th Division, but the Japanese maneuvered skillfully and escaped. Ou Zhen pursued them north of the Miluo River for three days, reached the Changshui River, and found the south bank empty. The 20th Army tried to cut off the Japanese 6th Division at Fulipu. At first they could not even locate the enemy, but they did collect large amounts of matériel left behind. Deputy Commander Xia Jiong remarked, with rough optimism, that the Japanese were still "steaming hot" and would certainly be caught. His men ran hard, crossed the Miluo River, and finally did catch a rearguard. Yet the Japanese, intent only on getting away, adopted what Chinese accounts described as a low-key method of not retaliating and not becoming decisively engaged. After crossing Gaoqiao they withdrew into their previous defensive area, and Xia could do little more than stop, rest, and continue to watch them. The 58th Army intercepted more than two thousand Japanese troops near Guanwang Bridge. For a moment it seemed a major clash might erupt. Instead the Japanese fled, leaving behind large quantities of supplies. The Chinese followed them as far as Taolin and then halted when it became clear that the enemy had regained strong ground. These episodes were frustrating, but they were not meaningless. They showed that many Chinese formations had been too badly mauled in the earlier phase of the campaign to sustain relentless offensive pressure. They also showed that the Japanese, though in retreat, were still disciplined enough to avoid disastrous entanglements while shedding matériel to gain speed. The Chinese units that struck hardest during this phase were not those most damaged at the beginning of the battle, but fresher formations such as Xia Chuzhong's 79th Army and Fu Zhongfang's 99th Army. Xia's men ambushed the Hayabuchi Detachment and nearly destroyed it, killing two of its three battalion commanders. Fu's 99th Army fought a series of clashes with the Japanese 3rd and 6th Divisions and with the Hirano and Araki Detachments. The Japanese, eager to keep moving, absorbed losses rather than pause for extended battle. The 99th Army captured so much matériel that transporting it became a problem in itself. On October 4, a squad leader of the 197th Division even shot down an aircraft with machine-gun fire. Yet even here success had limits. By October 9, the entire Japanese force in northern Hunan had crossed the Xinqiang River and reoccupied its original positions. Chinese attacks achieved nothing decisive. The river once again became, in military imagination, almost a fixed frontier. As gunfire subsided in Xiangbei, all attention turned toward Yichang. The encirclement of the city was completed at noon on October 4. Chen Cheng ordered a general offensive to begin at four in the morning on October 6. Outside the city, Li Yannian's 2nd Army held fast against the Japanese 39th Division, which was trying to come in from Jingmen. Altogether, the Sixth War Zone had committed fourteen divisions—more than one hundred thousand men—to the operation. What followed was the familiar but always arresting spectacle of a great battle gathering itself. Small detachments moved forward to cut wire and destroy fortifications outside the city. Artillery officers adjusted their fire with care. Ammunition boxes changed hands continuously. Telephone operators hurried back and forth laying lines. Engineers worked with picks and shovels. Trucks forced their way down crowded roads with horns blaring. Boats were requisitioned along the riverbank, and dark-skinned boatmen weathered by the Yangtze wind moved among soldiers and officers. Behind the assault units stood medical stations under Red Cross flags, waiting for the wounded they knew were coming. All the machinery of battle was in motion. Inside Yichang, meanwhile, another scene unfolded that could only exist in wartime Japan's peculiar mixture of militarism and performance. At the field hospital of the Japanese 13th Division on the campus of Mingde Middle School, wounded soldiers wrapped in white bandages stood, sat, lay on stretchers, or leaned on medical orderlies in the yard watching entertainers from home perform while the dull rhythms of artillery sounded in the distance. The Asakusa Art Troupe had been founded in the mid-1920s and had made its name by combining modern popular elements with traditional stage culture. It had first won over ordinary audiences and then, as its reputation rose, gained acceptance among official and elite circles as well. After the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War, it was gradually folded into the machinery of wartime propaganda, performing works meant to praise sacrifice, glorify the empire, and strengthen morale. When the delegation of more than thirty members arrived at the 11th Army headquarters in Wuhan, the army added a military band of more than twenty men to accompany them to Yichang. But by the time they reached the city, the battle had already drawn close. They could not visit forward positions. Instead they performed for the wounded. The last performance featured heavily made-up young men and women dancing a popular folk number. As the dance continued, the women bowed and invited medics and wounded men who could still move to join them. Kimono and military uniform mixed. Smiles appeared beside bandages. Music from the home islands drifted out beneath the sound of an approaching siege. Then war interrupted the scene completely. Before dawn on October 6, Chinese artillery opened on Yichang with a deafening bombardment, and the cries of attack rolled over the city. As day came up, the troupe members watched stretchers being rushed into the field hospital where they had only recently performed. One of the sixteen-year-old twin geisha sisters, Mihoko, asked the troupe leader Akizuru through tears whether they would ever be able to return to Tokyo. Qiuhe, the famous dance artist in her fifties, answered gently that they would. General Anami, she said, was leading brave troops there and would arrive in the next few days. The child must pray. The reassurance was human, but it was also part of the wartime language of consolation. Outside the city, reality was harsher. For two days and nights the fighting remained severe. The Japanese fell back toward the edge of the city and resisted with desperation. The Japanese 3rd Air Regiment in Hankou committed itself heavily to the defense, flying sortie after sortie over Yichang. Aircraft came so often that some made four round trips in a single day. On the morning of October 8, a unit of the Chinese 94th Army crossed by boat from the west bank, bypassed the Gezhouba area, and landed at the northern end of Huangcaoba. Advancing south along the embankment, it established positions on the Yangtze side only about half a kilometer from the city. This foothold effectively dominated Japanese positions west of Yichang. Mortar rounds crossed the water. Heavy and light machine guns pinned the defenders outside the walls. At the same time, the 9th Division of the 32nd Army and part of the 99th Army pressed inward as well. The ring tightened. October 9 was grave for both sides. The Japanese withdrawal from northern Hunan had by now produced a relief force. Anami assembled elite troops from several divisions into a rapid deployment column for Yichang. For the Chinese Sixth War Zone, however, victory seemed very near. Inside the city the Japanese situation was increasingly desperate. Casualties were severe. The field hospital yard was filled with groaning wounded. Uchiyama summoned support personnel, medics, cooks, ordnance repairmen, and any wounded men still capable of firing. He armed them all and formed an improvised reserve. Then, while this force was assembling, he heard the sound of a trumpet. One of the band members, still practicing as if battle had not reached its climax, reminded him that the more than twenty members of the 11th Army band were also soldiers in uniform. He added them as well, creating a special unit of 388 men. Hundreds of sacks of rice were taken from storage and piled around division headquarters as fortifications. Uchiyama then turned to Chief of Staff Akinaga and said, "Let's not believe any miracles will happen." The line was bleak, but lucid. It meant that there would be no rescue through wishful thinking. If they lived, it would be because they held long enough. If they died, they would die without pretending that destiny had cheated them. Outside the city, Chen Cheng faced a different but equally harsh pressure. On October 2, Chiang Kai-shek had ordered Yichang taken within three days. On the 4th, Chen requested an extension until the 8th; Chiang agreed, but warned that because the Japanese were retreating from northern Hunan, the city must be captured by then or all previous effort would be wasted. Chen launched the general assault on the 6th, but fierce resistance on the ground and in the air slowed him. By the 8th, the city still had not fallen. He requested another extension, asking to take Yichang by October 10. This time Chiang sent no reply. Chen understood the silence. It meant that no political room remained behind him. At 2:30 in the morning on October 10, the Sixth War Zone opened another general offensive. One hundred and forty artillery pieces joined the bombardment. Shells fell across every part of the Japanese defenses until the repeated flashes made it hard for the gunners to tell what had not yet been hit. Then the infantry went in. Men shouted and surged forward like water breaking through a barrier. Hidden Japanese machine guns cut them down in wave after wave, but more men followed behind. The dead piled on the approaches so thickly that nationality itself seemed to vanish in blood and mud. Under that fire, dawn rose red. Uchiyama watched the sunrise from the highest building in the city, the three-story Yichang Bank. After the war, he told a reporter that the sky, the earth, and even the Yangtze had all seemed red to him, as if the river itself were carrying the blood of Chinese and Japanese alike. According to a later Japanese account, messages reached him from every side that morning reporting collapse. Roughly 5000 men were estimated killed or seriously wounded. At eight o'clock Uchiyama went down to the operations room. Waiting there were his chief of staff and senior officers. At that moment the final ritual of battlefield defeat began. A farewell telegram to Anami Korechika was read aloud. Nearby stood the regimental flag of the 104th Regiment, entrusted to Captain Izumi Shigeru before the regiment's complete destruction. Uchiyama then took the 13th Division's own flag—the imperial military color—and laid it over the regimental flag. Officers and men wept, removed their caps, and bowed their heads. Uchiyama's hands trembled so badly that it took him three matches to set the flag alight. In Japanese military culture, burning a flag was among the sternest rites of defeat. The flag could not be allowed to fall into enemy hands. To destroy it was to acknowledge annihilation while presenting that annihilation as a final offering to the imperial state. When the flags had burned and places for seppuku had been chosen, the farewell message remained. It declared that all officers and soldiers had done their utmost for the empire in the final struggle, that military flags, confidential documents, and imperial edicts had been burned, and that it was deeply regrettable that overseas Chinese and the delegation in Yichang had also suffered this fate. Uchiyama then added one final sentence in red pencil: the soldiers of the empire had fulfilled their duty and died for their country amidst the heroic cries of "Long live the Grand Marshal!" At 8:50 the clerk began encoding the telegram. Then Uchiyama said quietly to the officers waiting to die: "Please wait a little longer." The words postponed death by minutes. There was still the narrow possibility that communication mattered, or that the battle had not yet reached its absolute end. Chief of Staff Akinaga summoned his adjutant, Sakata Ryūshirō, and ordered that if the division commander and chief of staff died before the telegram was sent, Sakata was to form a suicide squad, break out by any means possible, and report the division's fate to 11th Army headquarters. At ten in the morning, the Japanese 39th Division attacking from Jingmen launched a new assault under Anami's strict orders against Li Yannian's 2nd Army. One regiment used poison gas to break through part of the Chinese line and reached the outskirts of Yichang. Chen Cheng personally directed the Chinese response, using elements of the attacking force and the 2nd Army to surround and beat back the thrust. By two in the afternoon, only the Dongshan Temple line remained intact among the different sectors of the Japanese city defense. Chinese troops had penetrated the city and were fighting bitterly in the streets, moving steadily toward division headquarters. At four in the afternoon, more than 2000 Japanese rapid deployment troops from northern Hunan reached the northeast approaches of Yichang and at once joined the relief effort. Chen Cheng threw reserves in to block them, and both sides locked in combat six kilometers outside the city. As dusk fell, the Chinese assault units in the city had also suffered terrible losses. Chen Cheng ordered them to regroup, replenish, and launch a final attack after dark. Then, at seven in the evening, almost as the order was issued, a violent gale rose and torrential rain began to fall. Such heavy rain was unusual in the Yichang area in October, and to men who had been living for days under the pressure of siege, death, and deadline, it must have seemed uncanny. The Chinese attacked through the downpour, but progress was painfully slow. At the same time, more than ten thousand Japanese troops arriving from northern Hunan reached the outskirts, fought for over two hours in the rain, and finally broke into the city, linking up with what remained of the 13th Division. At eleven that night, Chiang Kai-shek ordered the attack on Yichang halted and instructed the Chinese troops to return to their original defensive positions. The battle ended not in a clear verdict, but in exhaustion. One elderly resident of Yichang, Huang Jupu, later left a memory of the aftermath more vivid than any headquarters summary. He recalled that the heavy rain began at nightfall on the twentieth day of the eighth lunar month—October 10 in the Gregorian calendar—and continued into the next afternoon. Rainwater soaked the corpses lying in the streets until the water became a deep brownish-red pool more than two feet deep before it drained into the Yangtze and changed the river's color. The next day, he said, both sides sent corpse-collection teams into the streets under Red Cross flags. They pushed carts and worked separately, avoiding conflict, though sometimes they spoke to one another when trying to identify bodies. The Japanese recovery party included Chinese helpers and local residents. They turned corpses over, looked at clothing and weapons, and tried to determine nationality. Some bodies were naked, perhaps stripped wounded, which made identification harder. Since Chinese and Japanese could resemble one another, neither side wanted to take the wrong dead, fearing that a mistake would disturb the heroic souls to whom each army believed it owed proper burial. In the end, Huang remembered, it was the people of Yichang who pooled their money to bury many of the dead north of the city. Later an unmarked stone was raised there, with a bowl of rice and a stick of incense set before it. That image does something military history often fails to do. It restores weight to the end of battle. Armies issue attack orders, counterattack orders, pursuit orders, and retreat orders. Staff officers mark arrows on maps. Commanders calculate reinforcement and delay. But after all of that comes the business of soaked bodies in the street, identification, carts, shallow graves, and local people forced to do what armies can no longer fully do for their own dead. Seen as a whole, the operations in Hunan and Hubei during these weeks form one connected historical drama. The Japanese advance toward Changsha was real and dangerous, but it failed to produce decisive strategic gain. The battle strained the Chinese defense badly. Some units collapsed. Others improvised and recovered. The city was entered, contested, and then fought over again. Behind the forward line, Chinese forces such as Yang Sen's 27th Army Group harassed Japanese communications and supply, turning depth into vulnerability. At the same time, Chen Cheng's offensive against Yichang transformed what might otherwise have remained a local success for Japan in Hunan into a strategic dilemma. Once Yichang came seriously under threat, the Japanese command could not continue to treat the Hunan offensive as self-contained. It had to weigh possession against preservation, momentum against strategic necessity. That calculation compelled the retreat from northern Hunan. The retreat in turn changed the meaning of Xue Yue's operations. Pursuit became valuable not mainly because it might recover wounded pride or even because it might damage the retreating enemy, but because every hour of delay imposed on Japanese units moving north was another hour in which Yichang might fall. Yet Yichang did not fall. That fact is central, but it must be interpreted carefully. Chen Cheng had numerical superiority and fought with determination, but numbers alone could not cancel the difficulty of assaulting a fortified Japanese position under air attack and against fanatical resistance. Time worked against him. Every day lost increased the chance that Japanese relief would arrive from Hunan. Chiang Kai-shek's increasingly urgent telegrams reflected strategic logic, but they could not abolish battlefield reality. Men still had to cross open ground, cut wire, silence guns, and survive fire. Inside Yichang, Uchiyama's defense reveals the same pressure from the opposite side. He understood that his task was simple in principle and terrible in practice: hold until relief arrived. That necessity drove him to arm cooks, medics, repairmen, musicians, and wounded men. It drove him to build fortifications from sacks of rice. It brought him to the point of burning flags and preparing for ritual death while still delaying the final act long enough to see whether rescue might come. The presence of the Asakusa Art Troupe inside the besieged city sharpened the tragedy. They had been sent for morale and appearance, as if cultural performance might reassure an empire already growing anxious about the costs of war. Instead they became trapped witnesses to near-annihilation. The young girl asking if she would ever return to Tokyo cuts through all rhetoric. It is the ordinary human question that waits behind every doctrine of heroic sacrifice. In the end, neither side obtained everything it sought. Japan failed to turn its push into Hunan into a decisive result. China failed to retake Yichang despite concentration of force and a window of opportunity that for a time seemed very real. But that does not mean the campaign resolves into stalemate in any empty sense. It revealed important truths. For China, it showed both weakness and development. Weakness appeared in broken lines, uneven coordination, exhausted pursuit, and the inability to convert superiority in numbers into victory at Yichang. But development appeared too: a greater ability to coordinate war zones, to pressure Japanese rear areas, to force the enemy into strategic compromise, and to sustain resistance under conditions that would once have threatened outright collapse. For Japan, the campaign exposed the narrowing gap between aggressive offensive action and dangerous overextension. Japanese divisions could still strike hard, move with speed, and defend with ferocity. Their aircraft could still exact terrible cost. But logistics, fatigue, sickness, and the obligation to rescue threatened positions like Yichang increasingly limited what offensive success could mean. The deepest memory of the campaign may belong not to generals, however, but to the smaller figures history often notices only in passing: the soldier chewing dry ration without water; the wounded man who blew himself up rather than submit; the old beggar who revealed a depot; the band member still practicing trumpet in a city preparing for death; the frightened girl from the troupe; the townspeople who buried the dead after rain washed blood into the Yangtze. These are not decorative details. They are what make the history real. The autumn of 1941 in Hunan and Hubei was not one clean victory, nor one clean defeat. It was a season in which pressure in one sector altered decision in another, in which tactical success did not always yield strategic reward, and in which endurance itself increasingly became a form of power. That is why the campaign matters. It shows a war whose balance had begun to change, not dramatically or conclusively, but perceptibly. China still suffered, improvised, and fell short. Japan still advanced, struck hard, and held important ground. Yet the margin between them was no longer what it had been in the earlier years of the war. History moved that autumn not by omen or destiny, but by the hard materials of war: supply, timing, weather, command, fatigue, communications, morale, and blood. In Hunan and Hubei, all of those forces converged. They carried armies north and west, into cities and out again, across rivers, through rain, and finally into memory. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As Chinese pressure tightened, Japan's wider situation around Changsha deteriorated—fatigue, supply strain, and losses accumulated. When the Japanese began retreating north, relief efforts turned Yichang into a desperate struggle marked by shifting fronts, poison gas, street fighting, and heavy bombardment. Chiang Kai-shek demanded a deadline, forcing Chen into final assaults that ultimately failed to secure a clean victory.  

Lawrence Mayhew, “The Chemist of EarthWorks,” joins Joel Simmons for a wide-ranging conversation about humic substances, soil biology, nutrient efficiency, and the evolving science behind Biological Soil Management. Lawrence explains how humic substances moved from being poorly understood and difficult to label to becoming widely used for improving nutrient bioavailability and fertilizer performance.The discussion explores rhizophagy, the process through which plants cultivate microbes, bring them into their roots, extract nutrients, and release them back into the soil to repeat the cycle. Lawrence and Joel also examine the importance of enzymes, trace elements, carbon diversity, micronization, and complex product formulations in creating biologically active soils and longer-lasting turf responses. The central message is that reducing fertilizer inputs requires more than simply applying less product. It requires changing the soil system so microbes, chemistry, and physical soil conditions work together more efficiently.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

In this episode:00:45 Ancient structures hidden beneath the Amazon's canopyResearch article: Pärssinen et al.09:15 Research HighlightsNature: It'll grow on you: live fungi formed into sustainable fashionPhysical Review Fluids: Gourmandie et al.11:48 Tiny fossils represent the earliest-known squid ancestorResearch article: Song et al.Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel East is back for a no-agenda episode that turns into Gig Gab therapy. You’ll hear about Brit Drozda’s fifth record in pre-production, unannounced pop-up gigs built from cajon, guitar, and keys, and the Rayvel grand opening on Florida’s Space Coast, where a rocket went up over the stage during Starman. Then Daniel gets into those moments of bliss you can’t fish for…the ones that arrive because you prepared enough to stop thinking. If you’re feeling it, they’re feeling it. And when a piece of the puzzle is missing, that’s your cue to admit a gig isn’t the right fit for you and be willing to walk. Then Dave takes the couch: three gigs in a row where he became the accidental sound savior. A theater where nobody knew how Dante was routed. An outdoor stage hard-panned left with monitors EQ’d to the disco smile. A club that handed him the iPad at line check. Daniel’s prescription: an expectations agreement when you don’t have a contract, an audio tech who also speaks IT, and permission to say no. Always Be Performing is real, but you set a standard, you don’t meet one. Plus: find your clock first, and Gear Gab on Earthworks drum mics, the Kompakt 421, and why a high-pass filter beats deep EQ cuts every time. 00:00:00 Gig Gab 544 – Monday, July 27th, 2026 July 27th: Barbie-in-a-Blender Guest co-host: Daniel East 00:03:53 Brit Drozda's new record 00:04:46 Pop-up gigs! Cajon, Guitar, Keys Stage Ninja Cables 00:06:58 Chad Ely Productions Rayvel – Joe Ciaudelli's involved Rocket launching during a performance of Starman Dan Lawson Chowtoberfest VII September 12th, 2026, Fence Road Farm Brewery in Warwick, NY. Benefits To Write Love On Her Arms and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Bo Bice on the lineup 00:12:46 Those moments of bliss on stage 00:16:21 If you're feeling it, they're feeling it Find the groove Preparation helps Shoutout to Paul Kent! 00:22:16 Recognizing when a gig is not the right fit for YOU 00:24:46 Nobody's Perfect 00:25:11 SPONSOR: Warby Parker – Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/GIGGAB — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad 00:27:21 Dave's Had Three Gigs…and needs therapy Allen Heath SQ7 00:40:12 Were there contracts? 00:41:59 Option A: Bring your own audio tech with you to every gig And your audio tech also needs to be versed in IT @groovepocket80 – Joe Cabrera 00:46:33 Finding the people who are skilled AND humble Jason Banta, FOH engineer Marty Garcia, new Future Sonics IEMs 00:51:12 Back to the solution A contract or expectations agreement Find help, have help, learn how to find help Have the venue/gig hire someone professionally trained 00:53:04 Pave the path to enforce my Dave Bang Drum ethos Don't be afraid to walk away You set a standard, you don't meet a standard – be the example of what 00:59:33 Diagnosing Dante FIND YOUR CLOCK FIRST 01:04:30 Solving Dante issues in the future Move fast, break things 01:11:11 Gear Gab: Sennheiser MK4 SSL 2 MkII Interface Earthworks Drum Mics SR20 Gen2 overheads DM17 Snare Drum & Tom Mic DM20 G2 – great for toms! Kompakt 421 01:20:16 Sound summarization! Minimal EQ, but don't forget about your high pass filters De-Feedback on Gig Gab And Time Alignment is important 01:24:23 Gig Gab 544 Outtro Follow Daniel East DanielEast.net @eastd and @themixdoctor Contact Gig Gab! @GigGabPodcast on Instagram feedback@giggabpodcast.com Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List The post When Your Worlds Collide…and the Drummer Becomes the Sound Guy – Gig Gab 544 with Dan East appeared first on Gig Gab.

Want more exclusive content?! http://prometheuslens.supercast.com to sign up for the "All Access Pass" and get early access to episodes, private community, members only episodes, private Q & A's, and coming documentaries. We also have a $4 dollar a month package that gets you early access and an ad free listening experience!====================

Climate resilience planner and Earthworks host Marina Psaros joins Molly Wood to talk about why the old climate communication playbook—scary charts, technical jargon, and doom-heavy messaging—so often fails, and how creative mediums can help people imagine and build better futures. They dig into Marina's work with the King Tides project, tabletop games, virtual reality, video games, and artists who are using beauty, play, and storytelling to make climate action feel more tangible, less overwhelming, and maybe even fun.In this episode, we cover:Why one-way climate communication, especially heavy science and “bummer” messaging, can shut people down instead of moving them to actHow the King Tides project helped people see sea-level rise in their own communities through citizen science and local photographyWhy climate models can be useful but incomplete—and how community observations can help validate and improve themWhat tabletop games, classroom projects, and immersive experiences can teach us about making climate resilience more understandableMarina's work at Unity Technologies, including funding games and projects that used real-world action, climate data, and storytellingHow games like Pokémon Go, Ahi Kaa Rangers, Fathomverse, Minecraft climate challenges, and other playful tools can connect digital worlds with real-world conservation and climate actionWhy “not being cringe” matters when adults try to reach younger audiences through games and popular cultureMarina's podcast Earthworks, which highlights creatives using art, games, music, painting, and storytelling for climate solutionsWhy joy, beauty, nature, and creativity can sustain climate work when business and government fall shortThe case for valuing breathable air, weird animals, and a livable world without needing to justify them through a business rationaleLinks:Earthworks podcast: https://www.marinapsaros.com/earthworksMarina Psaros: https://www.marinapsaros.com/Everybody in the Pool: https://www.everybodyinthepool.com/Subscribe to the Everybody in the Pool newsletter: https://www.mollywood.co/Become a member for the ad-free version of the show: https://everybodyinthepool.supercast.com/Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/2EsDhwQC2z Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Joel Simmons joins Tyler Bloom on the Leadership on the Links podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of Biological Soil Management, leadership, mentorship, and the future of the golf course industry. Joel shares the story of how EarthWorks was founded, his transition from Penn State Extension to recruiting and eventually launching EarthWorks with Jerry Brunetti, and the challenges of introducing carbon-based fertility in an industry that initially resisted the concept.The discussion explores why healthy soils create healthier turf with less effort, how today's superintendents have embraced carbon-based programs, and why soil testing remains the foundation of successful agronomy. Joel also discusses the impact of new technologies including AI, autonomous equipment, and data-driven agronomic recommendations while emphasizing that strong fundamentals will always matter more than gadgets.Tyler and Joel also dive into recruiting, mentorship, work-life balance, and what separates great golf course superintendents from average ones. Throughout the conversation, they highlight the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, discovering rather than simply being taught, and building careers through strong mentors and professional networks.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Leadership on the Links Summit  Join us at the Leadership on the Links Summit on October 12, 2026 at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. This one-day gathering brings together superintendents, directors of agronomy, club executives, and industry leaders for a day focused on personal branding, leadership development, and building high performing teams. Register here: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/ ------ In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the science and philosophy of biological soil management with Joel Simmons, Founder and President of EarthWorks Natural Organic Products. Joel shares his journey from Penn State county extension agent to co-founding EarthWorks with the late Jerry Brunetti in 1988, pioneering a carbon based approach to soil health that was once dismissed by academics and is now standard practice across the turfgrass industry. Tyler and Joel discuss why soil testing functions like blood work for a golf course, what separates truly engaged superintendents from the rest, and how emerging technology, from autonomous mowers to AI driven agronomic programs, is reshaping the profession. Joel also reflects on his decade teaching soils at Rutgers University and how that work evolved into the GCSAA accredited Soil First Academy. If you care about agronomy fundamentals, superintendent development, or the future of soil health in golf, this is a conversation worth your time. What You'll Learn in this Episode How Joel's path from Penn State county extension agent and executive recruiter led to co-founding EarthWorks and establishing biological soil management in the turf industry. Why carbon based fertility was heavily criticized in the early 1990s and how it became a fixture in virtually every golf course maintenance facility today. Why Joel compares soil testing to a patient's blood work, and how roughly 15,000 annual soil tests anchor EarthWorks' agronomic recommendations. What has stayed constant in golf course maintenance, including superintendent intuition, and what is changing rapidly, from autonomous mowers to research on the rhizophagy cycle. How the Soil First Academy condenses Joel's ten years of Rutgers soils instruction into a GCSAA accredited seminar on soil chemistry, physics, and biology. How EarthWorks is developing an AI based program that tailors recommendations to each property's specific soil and water data. How Tyler and Joel evaluate genuine engagement and mastery of fundamentals when vetting superintendent candidates. Links and Resources Leadership on the Links Summit Registration: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/ Joel Simmons – LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-simmons-504b7241/ EarthWorks Natural Organic Products: https://www.earthworksturf.com/ Soil First Academy: https://www.earthworksturf.com/soil-first-academy/  

A jazz‑leaning trip through the Yes universe this week with our Featured Album, The Sound of Surprise from Bill Bruford's Earthworks. Plus Steve Howe, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman, Alan White, and acoustic Yes moments. A smooth, fun ride. Enjoy. Teaching Vera to Dance – Bill Bruford's Earthworks — The Sound of Surprise Dream River – Steve Howe — The Haunted Melody Sludge – Trevor Rabin — Can't Look Away Summertime – Rick Wakeman — Rhapsodies Song of Innocence – Alan White — Ramshackled Revel Without a Pause – Bill Bruford's Earthworks — The Sound of Surprise Westwinds – Steve Howe's Remedy — Elements These Tears – Trevor Rabin — Rio Waterhole – White — White Cloud Cuckoo Land – Bill Bruford's Earthworks — The Sound of Surprise Half Life – Bill Bruford's Earthworks — The Sound of Surprise Paradise – Trevor Rabin — Rio Roundabout (Acoustic) – Yes — The Ultimate Yes: 35th Anniversary Collection  The Mission – Rick Wakeman — Out There Giddy – Alan White — Ramshackled Triplicity – Bill Bruford's Earthworks — The Sound of Surprise Sound Picture – Steve Howe — Love Is Through the Tunnel – Trevor Rabin — Jacaranda South Side of the Sky (Acoustic) – Yes — The Ultimate Yes: 35th Anniversary Collection  Labyrinth – Steve Howe — Spectrum Never the Same Way Once – Bill Bruford's Earthworks — The Sound of Surprise The Wooden Man Sings, And the Stone Woman Dances – Bill Bruford's Earthworks — The Sound of Surprise

Jack Higgins sits down with EarthWorks' Kirk Castner for a behind-the-scenes look at how the company has evolved over the past decade and where it's headed next. Rather than focusing on agronomy alone, this episode explores the people, manufacturing, logistics, and philosophy that allow EarthWorks to continue meeting growing demand while maintaining product quality.Jack and Kirk reflect on their years with EarthWorks and discuss the tremendous growth the company has experienced, expanding from a single granulation facility to multiple production plants across the United States. They explain how increasing demand from golf courses has expanded into sports turf, parks, universities, hydroseeding, construction, and tree care, requiring significant investments in new manufacturing capacity.The conversation dives into the unique partnership with Rose Acre Farms and how EarthWorks turns poultry manure into premium compost-based fertilizers through a true circular economy. Kirk explains the lengthy composting process, new composting technologies, odor reduction efforts, expanded compost storage, and additional granulation facilities currently under construction.They also discuss the global fertilizer market, including how geopolitical events can dramatically impact synthetic fertilizer availability and pricing, while highlighting the advantages of sourcing and producing organic fertilizers domestically. The discussion reinforces EarthWorks' long-standing commitment to building healthier soils rather than simply supplying nitrogen.On the liquid side of the business, Kirk shares how automation, robotics, and improved production systems have increased efficiency while preserving the small-batch manufacturing process that keeps EarthWorks liquid products biologically active and effective.The episode concludes with a discussion about EarthWorks' Early Order Program, why planning ahead benefits both customers and manufacturing, and how these improvements ultimately help turf managers receive consistent, high-quality products while reducing production bottlenecks. Throughout the conversation, Jack and Kirk emphasize that every investment EarthWorks makes is focused on supporting customers, improving soils, and making turf managers' jobs easier. Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Want more exclusive content?! http://prometheuslens.supercast.com to sign up for the "All Access Pass" and get early access to episodes, private community, members only episodes, private Q & A's, and coming documentaries. We also have a $4 dollar a month package that gets you early access and an ad free listening experience!====================ABOUT:Uncover the forbidden truths hidden in history, giants, ancient technology, and cosmic cycles that could rewrite everything you think you know. If you're hungry for real answers, this episode will challenge everything — from the pyramids' secrets to the lost civilizations of Atlantis, and even the mysterious elongated skulls that defy explanation.Alexander Tsushkevich, a young Polish researcher with a mind sharper than a blade and a spirit fueled by curiosity, takes us deep into the labyrinth of our shared ancient past. His groundbreaking insights about megaliths across the globe, from Peru's Sacsayhuamán to Egypt's underground temples, will blow your mind. How did ancient masters craft such perfect precision in stone—without modern technology? Could they have used techniques lost to time? Alexander explores the possibility of ancient advanced technology, softening stones, and even the role of Atlantis in shaping human history.Dive into the enigma of cosmic ages, the precession of the equinoxes, and the astrological cycles that sync with the rise and fall of civilizations. We'll unravel the mysteries of the Sphinx's connection to Leo, the hidden codes in ancient myths, and the strange, elongated heads that look straight out of science fiction. What if the biblical giants and ancient giants were real—biological beings, not mythology? Could they hold the key to understanding who we really are and where we come from?This isn't just a story—it's a wake-up call. Forget the sanitized version of history. The truth is layered, complex, and waiting to be uncovered. If you've ever wondered about the origins of humanity, the secrets of the pyramids, or the mysteries that get buried under history's rubble, this episode is your invitation to look beyond the surface.Perfect for truth seekers, history buffs, conspiracy explorers, and anyone hungry for the wild, raw edges of our past. Don't miss it—because the journey to the truth starts now.Guest Credibility: Alexander Tsushkevich is a researcher and author, best known for his book Deja Vu has everything already been and for his exceptional ability to connect ancient history with futuristic theories. His insights come from rigorous interdisciplinary research, making this episode a goldmine of hidden knowledge.Unlock secrets buried for millennia. Hit play now—your mind will thank you.====================

This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a new book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region's mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia. 

Indigenous people created hundreds of earthen monuments in what is now Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. John E. Hancock, a professor of architecture and design at the University of Cincinnati, spent years studying these earthworks. He published a guidebook for visiting them. Inside Appalachia's Bill Lynch spoke with Hancock about the book.   The post A Guidebook For Visiting Ancient Earthworks, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Archaeologists recently began digging in a field in Granville after a perfect circle appeared in their subsurface imaging. They believe it could be the remnants of an ancient Hopewell earthwork.

EarthWorks began extensive soil testing nearly 40 years ago with one goal in mind: creating healthier soils that support stronger biological activity. By understanding soil chemistry through detailed testing, turf managers can improve soil structure, increase air and water movement, and build an environment where microbes thrive. It's the foundation of the EarthWorks philosophy: Balance the Chemistry Feed the Soil.In this episode, Kevin Hicks and Joel Simmons dive into the importance of soil testing and how real data can help turf managers make smarter fertility decisions. They discuss how compaction, nutrient balance, and water quality all influence soil performance and long-term turf health. The conversation also explores the growing importance of water testing and how poor irrigation water can impact the nutritional position of the soil.Kevin and Joel also share updates on the future of the EarthWorks and Soil First Consulting soil audit programs, including the development of a new interactive soil protocol designed to give turf managers faster, more actionable insights. Packed with practical knowledge and decades of field experience, this episode is a valuable listen for anyone serious about building healthier soils and stronger turf from the ground up.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

On this week's EarthWorks Podcast, Joel Simmons talks with Scott McLean, Plant Healthcare Business Developer for Northeast Operations at The Davey Tree Expert Company.Like many turf professionals, Scott didn't begin his career with a clear roadmap. After taking a job at a local golf course, he quickly fell in love with the turf industry. He spent twelve years in golf course management, earned his turf degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and built a strong foundation in traditional turf management. But as family priorities changed, Scott began looking for a career path that offered a better work-life balance while still keeping him connected to the industry he loved.That search led him into lawn care, where he initially followed conventional high-synthetic fertilizer programs. Over time, however, he began questioning whether there was a better approach. After speaking with a local golf course superintendent about organic fertilizers, he discovered EarthWorks and started experimenting with carbon-based fertility programs on his own lawn.What he saw changed everything. His lawn developed a darker, richer green color, stayed greener later into the fall, and greened up earlier in the spring. But the moment that truly convinced him came during a late winter thaw, when the snow melted off his lawn days before it disappeared from neighboring properties receiving traditional fertilizer programs.Today, Scott is a strong believer in Biological Soil Management and carbon-based fertility. He believes the lawn care industry is shifting away from high-input, ala carte service models toward more efficient flat-fee programs that reduce inputs, lower labor and fuel costs, and improve profitability, all while producing healthier lawns and happier clients. This is a conversation about changing industry philosophies, building better soil, and the future of lawn care.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Want more exclusive content?! http://prometheuslens.supercast.com to sign up for the "All Access Pass" and get early access to episodes, private community, members only episodes, private Q & A's, and coming documentaries. We also have a $4 dollar a month package that gets you early access and an ad free listening experience! ==================== SummaryHold on tight because we're diving deep into a world where biblical giants, ancient mysteries, and uncovered secrets collide! Join us as Nick Daigle shares his passionate journey of discovery, revealing evidence of Nephilim, ancient mound sites, and eerie connections across America.This is not just history—it's a quest for truth that could rewrite the story of our ancient past. Buckle up, because this episode might just change how you see the world forever.====================

For over 30 years, EarthWorks has helped turf managers successfully establish golf courses and sports fields during construction and grow-in. Our soil-first approach has consistently delivered stronger rooting, more efficient fertility programs, and long-term performance.Sand-based root zones, however, present a unique set of challenges. They are naturally low in mineral content, have limited nutrient holding capacity (CEC), and provide little to no carbon to fuel soil biology. The result is reduced microbial activity, an overreliance on synthetic nitrogen during grow-in, and the development of excessive, unmanageable thatch.In this episode, Kevin Hicks sits down with Joel Simmons to explore the origins of the EarthWorks construction grow-in program—and the why behind amending sand-based soils from the start.As Joel puts it, “someone you know has used the EarthWorks grow-in program.” Built around proven inputs like Renovate Plus, Ecolite, and MycoReplenish, this construction-focused approach has been trusted by thousands of turf managers since the mid-1990s.The results are consistent—faster grow-ins, deeper rooting, reduced nitrogen inputs, and a dramatic reduction in thatch. By shifting from a nitrogen-heavy strategy to a carbon-driven, biologically active system during construction, turf managers turn thatch into usable organic matter—and make grow-ins far more manageable from day one.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

On April 18, Green-Wood Cemetery is opening Green-House, a new welcome and educational center that expands on the Weir Greenhouse, build in 1895. To mark the opening, the Cemetery commissioned Brooklyn artist Jean Shin to create two new installations: 'Offering,' an earthwork that will transform old cemetery trees into a meadow of flowers, and 'Celadon Landscape,' the debut exhibit at Green-House that features Shin's work with celadon ceramics. Jean Shin discusses her inspiration for the work ahead of the opening this weekend, which invites public participation for both pieces. Photo by Etienne Frossard

In this episode, Jack Higgins sits down with Zach Holm of the Central Park Conservancy to explore what it takes to manage one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. From high-traffic turf challenges to long-term soil health strategies, Zach shares how his team balances performance, sustainability, and aesthetics in a demanding urban environment.The conversation dives into practical approaches to building resilient turf systems, the importance of soil-first thinking, and how thoughtful inputs can support both plant health and playability under constant pressure. It's a behind-the-scenes look at managing turf where expectations are high and the margin for error is slim.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Life as an EarthWorks Agronomist means living on the road. The early season is packed with trade shows and Soil First Academies across the country, connecting with turf managers from golf, sports turf, lawn care, and hydro-seeding.So far, we've delivered over 30 Soil First Academies this season alone.In this episode, Jack Higgins and Joel Simmons hit the road to Buffalo for a talk with our distributor partner, Weaver Turf. The podcast unfolds in real time, starting in the car on the way to Newark Airport, continuing through the terminal, and wrapping up late at night after a well-earned stop for Buffalo wings and a couple of Guinness.Along the way, it's pure EarthWorks: conversations on turf, weather, microbiology, construction, and getting ready for spring. There's plenty of industry insight, a lot of laughs, and the kind of honest, unscripted energy that only comes from a long day on the road.If you're gearing up for the season, this one's worth the ride.Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss what's next.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Alex Langer, President and CEO of Sierra Madre Gold And Silver (TSXV: SM) (OTCQX: SMDRF), joins me to provide an equipment purchase and installation update on the progress of the planned two-stage expansion at its La Guitarra silver-gold mine complex. We also get a brief operations update on the 3 producing mines:  La Guitarra, Coloso, and Nazareno mines in Mexico.   Beyond the production growth, we also focus on the substantial exploration programs planned for the 2nd half of this year, both at the La Guitarra complex and at the property coming into the company from the ongoing acquisition of the Del Toro Silver Mine in the Chalchihuites District in Mexico from First Majestic Silver Corp.   The first stage of the expansion at the La Guitarra plant will increase production rates from the current 500 tonnes per day ("tpd") to 750 tpd to 800 tpd of processing capacity; with a goal to get that completed by June or July of this summer. Processing plant and tailings handling upgrades and equipment purchases for the planned production expansion are underway. Once the first stage of the expansion is completed, the planned second phase would increase processing capacity to a range of 1,200 tpd to 1,500 tpd by Q3 2027.   The current crushing circuit consists of a primary jaw crusher, a two-tier vibrating screen plant and a 3-foot short head cone crusher. The installation of a new 3-foot standard head crusher is expected to expand crushing capacity to 750 tpd to 800 tpd. Options are now being evaluated for the construction of a second crushed ore storage bin for additional backup storage capacity. Earthworks for the foundations of the 750 tpd to 800 tpd thickener are nearly complete. This thickener will allow a portion of the tailings to be deposited as paste fill in old stopes, thus extending the life of the existing tailings impoundment. It will also allow for the construction of a filter circuit to produce dry stackable tailings. A used 11x12.5 ball mill has been purchased and is in the process of being refurbished. The mill's capacity is a nominal 600 tpd at a -3/8 inch feed size and, when used in combination with one of the two existing +200 tpd mills, is expected to expand processing capacity to the 750 tpd to 800 tpd objective. The Company has acquired two new scoop trams, one used scoop and is in the process of rebuilding two existing scoops. These purchases and rebuilds will allow the Company to dedicate one 3-cubic metre scoop to the newly reopened Nazareno mine and allow for production improvements in both the Guitarra and Coloso mines. The Company has purchased four haulage trucks and a second front end loader.     The balance of the discussion is on the exploration campaign for the second half of this year across both the La Guitarra property and Del Toro property.  Alex points out that having their own assay lab should allow the company to quickly react to incoming assays at La Guitarra, going from 20 holes, to 40 holes, and then eventually 80 holes.  At Del Toro, the envisioned plan is to drill about 30,000 meters, which is an even larger program than at La Guitarra.   When pressed about what metals price environment the company would need to see to turn on the mines at Del Toro quicker, in tandem with the exploration, Alex mentioned that as was the case with La Guitarra, First Majestic has done an exceptional job in keeping permits current and maintaining the mine and plant in an operations-ready state.  As a result, if a decision was made, after the acquisition is completed in late April, then it is possible that a mine restart could begin in around a year's time.     If you have any questions for Alex regarding Sierra Madre Gold and Silver, then please email them to me at either Shad@kereport.com.   In full disclosure, Shad is a shareholder of Sierra Madre Gold and Silver and may choose to buy or sell shares at any time.   Click here to follow along with the latest news from Sierra Madre Gold & Silver   For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks:   The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/ Shad's resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/     Investment disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.

This time of year never fails to inspire. The sun starts climbing higher, soil temperatures begin to wake up, and the first hints of green remind us why we love this work.This week we're joined by our friend Olee Poole, known by many as the Fescue Freak, to walk through the fertilizer program behind his exceptional three-acre fescue lawn outside of Charlotte. Olee relies exclusively on EarthWorks products and keeps his approach refreshingly simple. With just four core products, he feeds everything on his property, from fescue to thuja, tomatoes to blueberries.In this episode, Olee shares his exact fertilizer schedule, why he trusts carbon-based fertility, and how a soil-first program delivers consistent performance across turf and landscape plants.EarthWorks has been leading the conversation on Biological Soil Management for nearly 40 years, and this discussion highlights how simple, biology-driven programs can produce outstanding results.We're wishing you a beautiful spring and look forward to working with you this season.EarthWorks For Home Products:EarthWorks For Home Sea3 Soil ConditionerEarthWorks for Home ProteinPlus Liquid Fertilizer (14-0-5) GalEarthWorks for Home Replenish Fertilizer (8-2-2) 25lb BagEarthWorks for Home Replenish Fertilizer (3-3-3) 25lb Bag

EarthWorks has returned from a fantastic week in Orlando at the GCSAA Trade Show and Conference, and by every measure, it was a tremendous success. On Wednesday afternoon, we welcomed friends from across the industry to our booth for cocktails. The space was packed from start to finish, and venue staff told us the EarthWorks gathering was the largest event on the show floor.Throughout the week, we spent valuable time with our distributor partners aligning goals for the year ahead while also connecting with countless turfgrass managers to answer questions, exchange ideas, and simply catch up. Those conversations remain the highlight of the show for our team. Reconnecting with longtime colleagues, some relationships spanning decades, and hearing both professional successes and personal updates is always deeply rewarding.One noticeable trend this year was the number of new companies entering the “organic” space. To us, this signals that EarthWorks' nearly 40-year commitment to biological soil management continues to influence the industry in meaningful ways. We repeatedly heard from clients that EarthWorks has risen to the forefront of the carbon-based fertility movement, with more companies embracing a soil-first philosophy.As we shared stories from the week, the team also discussed opportunities to refine our approach for next year. And while there may be one notable exception, most of us are already looking forward to gathering again in New Orleans.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Lawrence returns for a wide-ranging conversation that blends chemistry, physics, and biology with a few surprises along the way. Beyond being a world-class chemist and humate specialist, he shares stories from his past as a motorcycle racer and glass artist, proving great science often comes from creative minds.This episode takes a deep dive into amino acids: how they are produced, how they function within the plant, and why so much of the industry conversation is driven by hype rather than complete science. Lawrence explains how properly formulated amino acids can help reduce nitrogen inputs, improve efficiency, and support plants under stress.We also explore the real role of carbon in fertility programs. Too many products remain plant-focused instead of feeding the soil microbes that drive nutrient availability. By mimicking natural photosynthetic exudates, EarthWorks liquid technologies help create bioavailability in the root zone, even in the challenging environments of golf courses and sports fields.As always, Lawrence delivers a thoughtful and engaging look at how plants truly function and what it takes to build healthier, more resilient turf.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Podcasting in the turf industry continues to gain momentum, and one of the standout successes is Turf Talk, hosted by Florida golf course superintendents Rob Uzar and Ty Robb. The show is broadcast live, which brings a unique set of challenges, from managing technology to handling unexpected guests or off-the-cuff moments. Rob and Ty embrace those challenges with quick thinking and humor, creating a loose, engaging format that makes the show as entertaining as it is informative.Turf Talk evolved organically from Ty's early days hosting live turf conversations on Twitter (now X), where he would talk turf in the evenings and fellow grass growers would gradually jump in. One of the more memorable stories from our interview involved those early broadcasts starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. Just as Rob and Ty were ready to wrap up, turf managers from the West Coast would join, turning what was meant to be a one-hour show into a marathon that stretched well past East Coast bedtimes. Both hosts also reflected on their beginnings in turf management as teenagers, discovering a passion for the industry early on. Today, they continue to give back through the First Green program at their local high school, opening up their time and golf courses to help the next generation of turf managers explore the industry firsthand.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

We began the EarthWorks Podcast back when Covid brought everything to a halt, and now we're approaching our 300th episode this coming March. For the past six years, the final week of the year has been our "Best of the Year" tradition. This time around, we've chosen one standout episode from each of our hosts—Kevin Hicks, Jack Higgins, and Joel Simmons.Kevin, who just might have the best podcast voice out there, had a fascinating conversation with Grant McKnight and Eric Blanton from DuraEdge. In that episode, they delved into some innovative ideas about building root mixes for sports fields—definitely one of Kevin's favorites.Jack Higgins went live with Zack Holm, the turf manager from Central Park in NYC. It's an incredible story—Zack handles millions of visitors and keeps the turf thriving in some of the toughest urban conditions, all without pesticides.We wrap up with this year's most listened-to episode featuring John Reilly from Long Boat Key Golf Club in Sarasota, Florida. Joel chatted with John, a former Rutgers student, about organic matter management—a hot topic in the turf world.From all of us at EarthWorks, we wish you a very Happy New Year and thank you for your ongoing support. Here's to a fantastic 2026 with more great guests and insightful, fun conversations. Our goal remains the same: to leave you with at least one piece of useful turf wisdom each episode!Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Each year at this time, we bring the EarthWorks agronomy team together to reflect on the past year and to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 37 years. This year, we were joined by our friend and chemist, Lawrence Mayhew, one of our favorite and most popular guests.As a team, we discussed the trends we are seeing across the industry, particularly in agronomic technology. By studying current research and the work being done within regenerative agriculture communities, it is exciting to see that Biological Soil Management is not only here to stay, but thriving within the sports turf world. The lawn care industry also came up, with many LCOs making the shift to carbon-based fertility and experiencing both agronomic and financial benefits.Golf course construction continues to trend upward, and each of us has stories of turf managers who have seen significant success using the EarthWorks amendment package. Many of those stories have been shared through the EarthWorks Podcast. This team truly is a family, and that connection is clear in the conversations and interactions among coworkers and friends on the podcast.We wish everyone a very happy holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Most of all, we want to sincerely thank you for helping make the past 37 years so incredibly successful. Thank you.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

In this Christmas Special of the Dirt Bags Podcast, Luke Eggebraaten sits down with Matt Study, owner of Sapphire Construction Services in Kalispell, Montana.From excavation and site development to utilities, septic systems, and land management in the beautiful (but challenging) Flathead Valley, Matt has raw insight from the trenches on what it really takes to thrive when everyone else is undercutting to survive.@sapphireconstructionservices@study_mattCheck out Matt's work: https://sapphireconstructionservice.com/ (Website powered by Phaser Marketing)Merry Christmas, Dirt Bags! Let's keep pushing the industry forward in 2026Book a free strategy call with Phaser Marketing:https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05Huge Thanks to our sponsors:Charlie Huff - Need a certificate of insurance? Done. Adding a new piece of equipment to the fleet? Consider it handled. Got an audit breathing down your neck? Charlie's already on it. This is full-service insurance from people who care and understand—and it shows. Whether you're a one-crew start-up or managing a multi-state operation, Charlie makes sure you're covered right the first time so you can focus on growing, hiring, and hauling. Call (435) 764-4833 or visit https://trupointco.com/Eljen - Revolutionizing Onsite Wastewater ManagementBacked by decades of engineering expertise, the Eljen GSF® A42 system uses a layered approach combining geotextile fabric and a plastic core to optimize effluent treatment. This modular leachfield design increases filtration efficiency, reduces the required installation footprint, and protects soil absorption capacity for the long term. Especially effective in space-constrained or environmentally sensitive areas, it offers a reliable, sustainable upgrade to traditional septic systems.Learn more at: eljen.comSludgeHammer - Enhancing Septic System Performance with Advanced MicrobiologyBy introducing a proprietary blend of live bacteria into existing septic tanks, SludgeHammer systems biologically transform waste processing. This method restores failing leach fields, reduces sludge buildup, and supports environmentally friendly water recyclingwithout the need for major system overhauls. Certified for performance and scalability, the solution is ideal for homes, businesses, and larger-scale applications.Discover the details at: sludgehammer.netThanks for listening!

It is rare these days to see someone stay in a job for more than 26 years, and even rarer to find a person who pours themselves into their work as if it were their own company. This month, we have been celebrating someone who has done all of that and so much more.More than 26 years ago, Lisa Kiefer walked into our office for an interview as an office support person. At the end of 2025, she will be retiring as the company's Vice President. Over the years, many people in the EarthWorks extended family have spoken with Lisa on the phone or had the pleasure of working with her through one of her many responsibilities.As the owner and president of the company, I can honestly and humbly say that if Lisa had not walked into our office that spring afternoon, we may not be here today. She has been instrumental in our growth and direction. She kept the company moving forward while the rest of us were able to get out into the field and help turf managers discover the real value of Biological Soil Management.Many companies have someone like Lisa, but very few have someone who truly lives and breathes the work and carries such a deep passion for the mission we all embraced. She has been juggling balls and, more recently, elephants for her entire time with us. Unfortunately, elephants are not easy to juggle, so she has decided it is time to focus on her family, her six grandchildren, and life on the farm.To say we will miss her is an understatement. Expressing how grateful we are for her warm spirit, contagious laugh, and incredible work ethic comes effortlessly. We sat down in the same spot where we first met Lisa to record this podcast, sharing a few laughs, reminiscing often, remembering old friends, and even shedding a few tears.This is not goodbye by any means, but simply a change in the relationship Lisa has had for so long with the team and with all our friends at EarthWorks.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Bob Wren has been a friend of EarthWorks for more than 35 years, and his career has taken him on a winding and memorable path through the turf industry. A graduate of the University of Maryland's turf program, he began his career working alongside podcast alumnus Kevin Pryseski at Pine Ridge in Baltimore, Maryland. He then joined another podcast alumnus, Glenn Smickley, for the grow-in at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.From there, Bob took on construction of the Palmer-designed Fawn Lake, navigating a maze of new environmental restrictions that stretched the project into a four-year effort. After one more chapter as a golf course superintendent, he stepped away from the profession for more than a decade. Even while working in turf-related roles, he eventually realized it was time to follow the advice he had always given his sons: go back to the work you truly love.That decision led him south, trading snow for sunshine, and ultimately landing what he calls his dream job as superintendent at The Old Collier Club in Naples, Florida. His story is full of remarkable moments, including caddying for Arnold Palmer and mastering the challenges of managing Paspalum in high-sodium soils.Bob is always engaging, entertaining, and generous with his experience. This episode is a wonderful listen for anyone who loves golf, turfgrass, or the winding roads that lead people back to their passion.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

In this special Thanksgiving Week episode, we want to express our gratitude for more than 40 years of support and for helping us advance the principles of Biological Soil Management across the industry. With over 250 episodes behind us, we're celebrating the holiday by revisiting one of our earliest—and most beloved—conversations.This week, enjoy a classic episode with our longtime friend John Chassard, superintendent at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, Pennsylvania. John has led the care of this William Flynn–designed gem for more than 30 years, making it one of golf's best-kept secrets.From all of us at EarthWorks, have a safe, joyful Thanksgiving with family and friends. We are truly grateful for your continued support.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

A path winds on before you, running along the top of an ancient earthwork constructed over a 1000 years ago. To the west, the land falls away into a deep river valley, to the east, fertile farmland that this fortification once protected. Your feet crunch on this year's freshly fallen beech and hazel leaves while a wind blows up for the west, breaking over the dyke as an echo of an invading army. BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe. Email the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: theplodcast@countryfile.com And just a reminder, the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is a media partner for the Speakies! The British Audio Awards from The Bookseller Magazine. The awards celebrate the best in audio books and the Plodcast is the partner for the non-fiction category. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to Lawrence Mayhew, the EarthWorks chemist, calcium is the most important nutrient in plant production. While that may be debated, Lawrence makes a strong case for why calcium deserves top billing in any fertility program.This episode begins with a discussion about ammonium sulfate and how it can release calcium from the soil colloid, making it more available to plants. Lawrence also explains how the presence of calcium in the soil triggers the release of root exudates, helping the element move into the plant.The conversation explores different calcium sources, such as various forms of limestone and gypsum, and how they behave differently in the soil. Lawrence dives into the redox chemistry of calcium, explaining its true function in the soil and why it does not directly affect pH the way many assume.The discussion wraps up with a look at how calcium operates within the plant and practical ways to improve calcium bioavailability.If you are a fan of soil chemistry and Biological Soil Management, this is a must-listen. Whether you are already a believer in the power of calcium or still skeptical, you will find this episode both informative and memorable.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

From the end of Saxon England last week, we head to the height of Saxon power in Mercia and the reign of King Offa (757-796). Plodcast host Fergus takes a walk along Offa's great work – a massive defensive earthwork that ran along much of the Welsh Borders and can still be encountered today. What is Offa's Dyke and why and how did Offa build it? Listen on to find out more. Also, the Plodcast is very proud to announce that it is media partner for the Speakies – the British Audio Awards from The Bookseller Magazine. These new awards celebrate the very best in audiobooks. The Plodcast is partnering in the non-fiction category. Find the shortlists here: www.thebookseller.com/the-british-audio-awards And now you can get in touch with the Plodcast team via: The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast group on Facebook & BBC Countryfile Magazine's Instagram page. The BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast is the Publishers Podcast Awards Special Interest Podcast of the Year 2024 & 2025 and the PPA Podcast of the Year 2022. If you've enjoyed the plodcast, don't forget to leave likes and positive reviews. Contact the Plodcast team and send your sound recordings of the countryside to: theplodcast@countryfile.com. If your letter, email or message is read out on the show, you could WIN a Plodcast Postbag prize of a wildlife- or countryside-themed book chosen by the team. The Plodcast is produced by Jack Bateman and Lewis Dobbs. The theme tune was written and performed by Blair Dunlop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The project is a collaboration between WOSU Public Media, the Ohio History Connection, the National Park Service and a Tribal Advisory Council.

The project is a collaboration between WOSU Public Media, the Ohio History Connection, the National Park Service and a Tribal Advisory Council.

This week's episode features James Morgan, the Director of Grounds at Russell Lands in Alexander City, Alabama, home to two world-class golf courses, Wicker Point and Willow Point Golf Clubs.James' career has taken him from the team at Trinity Forest in Dallas, Texas to overseeing the construction and grow-in of the Core Crenshaw–designed Wicker Point Golf Club. The EarthWorks team recently visited the property and can attest that it is one of the best-conditioned courses we have seen in years.Russell Lands, a lake community built by the Russell family of Russell Athletic fame, blends history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. But being far from a major metropolitan area presents a unique challenge in attracting the next generation of turf professionals. The solution was the Turf Grass Invitational, a day of education and inspiration where turf students from nearby universities experience the EarthWorks Academy, network with industry professionals, and finish the day with a round at Wicker Point.It is an innovative approach to mentorship, agronomy, and community building in the golf industry. The conversation covers turf management, leadership, and the evolving role of superintendents.A great day, a great conversation, and a reminder that when education and passion meet, the future of turf is in good hands.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Before Earthworks Audio was founded in ‘95, there was dbx, the company that put David Blackmer's name in the pro audio hall of fame. Now his son, Dan Blackmer, is carrying the torch. Dan reflects on growing up surrounded by audio ingenuity, carrying the Blackmer mantle, and steering a company where every product is as much a tool as it is a testament to a family's lifelong pursuit of sonic excellence.

This episode dives into how Biological Soil Management can reshape turf performance and simplify management. When poor soils and turf stress were constant challenges, adopting carbon-based fertility and a soil-first approach changed everything.Over time, improved soil structure, faster recovery, and reduced inputs led to stronger turf and greater consistency. The conversation also explores how these same principles apply to high-traffic, high-stress environments — proving that building biology delivers long-term results.Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

For almost four decades, EarthWorks has championed Biological Soil Management—long before carbon-based fertility became the industry norm. By creating soil conditions where microbes thrive, turf managers unlock better nutrient cycling, stronger recovery, and sustainable turf health. This episode shares the evolution of this practice and how thousands of turf managers have put it into play through the EarthWorks Academy. If you haven't experienced it yet, ask your distributor to bring the Academy to your team this winter.Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

This week's EarthWorks podcast is all about plant healthcare. Our go-to tree expert, Bobby Solar, joins us to share real-world results fighting bacterial leaf scorch, hemlock scale, and adelgid. He highlights innovative ways EarthWorks products can be used to strengthen and protect trees.Products discussed:  Foliars+ Sea3, BioVantage, Magvantage, Mikronite, Kick, Myco-Replenish 3-3-3, Replenish 5-4-5Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Yessounds Episode 023Host Roman Guzman returns with a rhythm-rich journey through the Yes universe, featuring Dig? by Bill Bruford's Earthworks as this episode's spotlight album. Expect solo gems, rare cuts, guest appearances, and a brand-new segment: The Whisker Shuffle, curated by Roman's feline co-host, Lenny. Listen, download, comment and enjoyIntro Novalis – Steve Howe1.       Siberian Khatru – Yes2.      Fist of Fire – Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe3.      Hail Storm – Steve Howe4.      Stromboli Kicks – Bill Bruford's Earthworks5.      Emotional Shirt – Bill Bruford's Earthworks6.      Hold On – Yes7.       Life On Mars – Rick Wakeman8.       Island Of Life – Kitaro 9.       Libreville – Bill Bruford's Earthworks10.     Dancing on Frith Street - Bill Bruford's Earthworks11.      Onward (Live) – Yes (Keys to Ascension)12.      All Things Considered – Arc Of Life13.      Ready, Set, Sue – Levin Minnemann Rudess14.      Stone's Throw - Bill Bruford's Earthworks15.      Atlantic Airs – Oliver Wakeman16.      Separate Ways – Steve Howe17.      The Calling – Yes18.      Days – Jon Anderson19.      Voice of Amerika – John Wetton20.     Hoedown – Patrick Moraz (Cover Song Spotlight)21.      Take the Water to the Mountain – Yes22.     Cover Up – Trevor Rabin23.     Gentle Persuasion – Bill Bruford's Earthworks

For 35 years, EarthWorks agronomists have asked turf managers: What's the most important nutrient in turf management? The answer is oxygen. Without oxygen in the soil, beneficial microorganisms can't thrive—and healthy soil biology is the foundation of strong turf.The challenge has always been delivering oxygen effectively. That's where Rainmaker.Earth comes in. Their in-line irrigation system uses UV light, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide to create highly oxidized water that's “wetter,” penetrates deeper, improves soil flocculation, and boosts biological activity.At EarthWorks, we know oxygen drives stronger soil biology and healthier turf. The Rainmaker system aligns perfectly with our Biological Soil Management approach—making it one of the most exciting turf innovations we've seen in years.Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Chris Lee brings over 27 years of green industry experience to his role as President and CEO of Earthworks, where he leads with hands-on know-how and a clear vision for quality, safety, and service. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas and raised in Texas and Colorado, Chris's journey in landscape began humbly—pushing a mower on his very first job. He saw early on that the green industry held unlimited potential, and he's been building on that vision ever since. Today, he leads one of the region's most trusted commercial landscape teams. Chris holds TDA Chemical Applicator and TCEQ Irrigator licenses and has earned credentials from the TCC School of Horticulture and Florida State University's Financial Planning program. His leadership approach is also shaped by his experience as a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and is a frequent contributor to leading industry publications. Whether he's walking a job site or speaking at a conference, Chris is known for elevating standards, mentoring others, and finding smart ways to help people—and landscapes—thrive. His approach blends practical experience with forward-thinking leadership, always focused on doing what's right for clients, communities, and the teams who keep it all growing.

Joel Simmons and Jack Higgins catch up with our friend—and returning EarthWorks Podcast guest—Walter Pritchett, Superintendent at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Walter recently hosted the ISCO Championship at his course, where Jack had the chance to volunteer. In this episode, Walter shares insights on the prep, the pressure, and the payoff of managing his first PGA tournament.If you're not familiar with Hurstbourne CC, it's one of Louisville's hidden gems—steeped in history and known for its exceptional design. Walter discusses what it took to get the course championship-ready and credits Biological Soil Management and EarthWorks products as key to a smooth and successful week.One player summed it up best: “I thought we were coming to play an off-week tournament in Kentucky—but it felt like a U.S. Open!” With 5-inch rough and small, firm greens, the course demanded precision and finesse. The tournament ended in dramatic fashion with a first-time champion firing a Sunday 61 to win by a stroke.This episode is full of agronomic insight, tournament prep tips, and great turf talk—don't miss it! A great conversation with a lot of agronomic and tournament prep ideas great fun for any turf manager.Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

The Amazon has been imagined as a pristine wilderness, one in need of protection from development. This framing has often treated the Amazon as a place without history, practically untouched before the arrival of colonizers in South America. Statistics is helping show the history is much more complicated than that and it's the focus of this episode of Stats and Stories with guest Dani Gamerman. Gamerman is Emeritus Professor at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where he was professor of statistics from 1996 to 2019. He is the author of numerous books and research papers, and the StatPop blog. He was one of two statisticians who worked on a Science paper showing evidence of manmade earthworks deep in heart of Amazonia and is also the author of a Significance article examining the use of statistics to map this hidden history of the Amazon.

In this episode, Kirk Castner takes us through his journey from a sports-focused upbringing to a career in turf and agronomy. He shares how he transitioned from fieldwork to sales at EarthWorks, all while juggling work, family life, and earning two master's degrees. The conversation explores the inner workings of product manufacturing, supply chain challenges—including the surprising ripple effects of bird flu—and the evolving landscape of organic demand and carbon-based construction. Kirk also weighs in on the economic pressures shaping the industry today. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire lightning round, offering a dynamic glimpse into Kirk's experiences and insights.Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

In this exclusive interview I am joined by explorer, researcher and author Dr Gregory Little who has written many books which include "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Native American Indian Mounds & Earthworks." Dr Gregory is the foremost expert regarding the ancient mound builders who thrived from coast to coast across North America in ages past. Did you know there were once millions of ancient mounds dated as old as 11,000 years old scattered across North America? Why do many of the strange artifacts that were unearthed inside these mounds appear to look as if they were Mayan artifacts? Why have many skeletons measuring between 7-8 feet long been found inside these mounds? Why are our history books and history classes nearly silent regarding this ancient mound building culture? Dr Gregory and I dive into all of these topics and more in this exciting new episode.