Groundskeeper Chats

Routes to Turf: Groundskeeper Chat with Mira Emma

This episode is brought to you in two separate parts, beginning with the end of our Palm Springs show and then a few weeks later Meg and Mira pick the mics back up to finish our conversation. We kick off with a special cameo featuring Max Casper of the Reno Aces and then deep dive into a fascinating story of athlete turned groundskeeper with Mira Emma. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 

• Max and Mira's Turf Origin Stories 
• Mira's Mentors
• Becoming a Young Leader 
• KC Current and the Changing Culture 

Best Practices in Field Painting: Groundskeeper Chat with Brad Finn and Nick McKenna

Texas neighbors and University CSFMs, Brad Finn and Nick McKenna joined cohost Tyler Morris and Meg Kruger for a jam-packed Groundskeeper Chat. The duo reflected on their individual success this past years and the times they've been able to team up to help out industry peers and promote our industry. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 

• Converting Kyle Field to host MLS and concerts 
• University of Houston's new Football Operations Center 
• Major life updates for the UH crew 
• Honoring tradition vs. innovation in field painting 
• Lastly, supporting and promoting our industry 

Better Mental Health: Groundskeeper Chat with Lisa and Mike Goatley

The Doctors are in! Lisa Goatley and Mike Goatley, Ph.D are back to share a recap from their 2025 SFMA sessions. Don't miss this insightful episode into how we can be our true, authentic selves in the green industry. Here's what you'll hear in this #GroundskeeperChat:

- Soft skills and self awareness

- Trauma bonding

- Work/life balance

- Being vulnerable and the shared human experience

A little bit more about our guests... Lisa Goatley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in a private practice. Mike Goatley is a Professor and Extension Turgrass Specialist at Virgina Tech University.

Groundskeeper Chat with Chase Straw

Penn State's newest employee joined us in Palm Springs to talk about his major move from Texas A&M to Penn State. Chase Straw is the Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils at Penn State University. And a 2025 Pioneers in the Field teaser. Here's what you'll here in this #GroundskeeperChat: 

• FFA College Bowl 
• Paths to Turfgrass for our Next Generation 
• Turfgrass 101 curriculum 
• The reward of being involved in SFMA 
• ChatGBT

Field FUNdamentals: Groundskeeper Chat with Chrissie Segars

Our lead off hitter for day 2, Chrissie Segars joins us to catch up and reminisce on the beginning of our Groundskeeper Chat series. Chrissie is the West Research Scientist at PBI Gordon Corporation. Chrissie reflects on where she's been and her current adventure. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode:

•  Meg and Chrissie's Trip Advisor Review 
• The world behind turf research 
• Academia vs Research vs Sports Turf 
• OG Women in Turf

Groundskeeper Chat Rush Hour hosted with Pete Thibeault

Pete Thibeault helps Meg kick off our second annual rush hour to close out the first day of podcasting from SFMA 2025 in Palm Springs. The duo invited guests to share a story, their turf origin story or their current hobby outside of the gig. Here's who you'll hear from in this #GroundskeeperChat: 

• Pure Seed's Crystal Rose Fricker 
• Father and Son Duo, Matt and Conor Duncan 
• Neilsen Mafia Members, Tod Shafer and Eric Harshman 

The Mentorship Blueprint: Groundskeeper Chat with Ben Hartman and Jakob Scales

Ben Hartman, Head Groundskeeper for the Wichita Wind Surge, welcomed Jakob Scales onto his crew when he was just 16 years old and has been one of his biggest supporters ever since. After a successful year in Arizona working in both the MLB and NFL, Scales shares how important mentors have been in his trail blazing time in the industry. Here's what you'll hear from these two in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 

• Growing the turf industry and growing the brand
• Social media and portfolio building 
• What's next for the duo? 

Dream Job Quitters: Groundskeeper Chat with Ryan DeMay and Stephen Lord

How to know when it's time. Ryan DeMay and Stephen Lord recap their 2025 SFMA session in Palm Springs with Meg and Chris. Two dream job quitters talk about how scary it can be to take a bet on yourself and forge a new path. Here's what you'll hear in this week's #GroundskeeperChat: 

• Leaving when you're on top 
• Calling your own shot 
• Seeing more for yourself and future 
• Building your timeline 

Navigating a New Role: Groundskeeper Chat with C.J. Buck

Cohost Tyler Morris kicks off this Live SFMA episode with CJ Bucks, former Head Groundskeeper with the Philadelphia Union. Buck gives us a glimpse into the thought process that led him to take a new role on the other side of our industry and how he is navigating the new role. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• CJ's Turf Origin Story 
• Name drop pile up! 
• Confidence in your decisions and yourself 
• Navigating a new balance 
• Vendor relationships 

Year in Review: Groundskeeper Chat with Tyler Morris

MetLife Stadium Head Sports Field Manager, Tyler Morris, CSFM joins Meg and Chris to reflect on 2024 and look forward to what the World Cup will bring to New Jersey. This is Tyler's fourth GroundskeeperChat and he's welcomed back anytime! Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• World Cup Outlook 
• Industry Support 
• Jam-packed calendar of events 
• Life outside of the field