Groundskeeper Chats

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Andy Levy

Arizona Cardinals and State Farm Stadium, Director of Turf, Andy Levy, joins us for his special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field Groundskeeper Chat episode. We learn that adventure and a love for the outdoors is at the core of Andy's story. Andy led the team that implemented the first retraceable field in the NFL, tune in for this week's episode.

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Chase Straw

The Chase Straw turfgrass world tour started in Kentucky, traveled through Georgia, Minnesota and Texas before its current residency in State College, Pennsylvania. Straw joins us for his in-depth Pioneers in the Field interview to discuss the people, places and principles that will help serve as his legacy in the sports turf industry. Don't miss this special edition 2025 Pioneers in the Field Groundskeeper Chat episode.

2025 Pioneers in the Field: Groundskeeper Chat with Ryan DeMay

Founder and Principal of Field Source, Ryan DeMay walks onto a new movie set each day. There is always a new cast of characters, obstacle to overcome and hero's journey, but DeMay shared with us that he often runs off the same script. DeMay allows his passion for safe community-level sports fields to take the center stage and hopes that his delivery will serve as his legacy in the industry.

Earning a Seat at The Table: Groundskeeper Chat with Kelly Lynch

Kelly Lynch, Pure Seed Regional Manager, could write a book on earning a seat at the table.  Meg Kruger invites her mentor onto our latest #GroundskeeperChat episode to share her trade secrets to success.  Whether you tune in for the professional development or are looking for a pep talk from one of the best, here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Sherpa Mindset 
• Navigating the No
• Asking, "How Do I Get to Be You?" 
• Finding Your Tribe 
• Two friends and a podcast 

Routes to Turf: Groundskeeper Chat with Rick Perruzzi

We've always liked Rick Perruzzi, Director of Athletic Fields in South Portland, Maine, but after our pit stop to visit him on a gloomy Thursday. We are officially launching the Rick Perruzzi Fan Club LLC. After listening to this week's episode you'll understand why. Here's what you'll hear on this #GroundskeeperChat: 

• South Portland, born and raised 
• Rick's turf origin story
• Mentors along the way 
• Legacy and much more 

Earning a Seat at the Table: Groundskeeper Chat with Jill Seymour

Jill Seymour, CGCS is the Superintendent at Charleston Springs South Course in New Jersey and one of the founding members of the Women in Turf Team. Jill and Meg waste no time catching up in this week's episode, where they touch on everything from the Women's Leadership Academy, Jill's 20 years in the industry and their current reading wish list. Here's what you'll hear in this #GroundskeeperChat: 

• Jill recaps the second annual Women's Leadership Academy hosted by GCSAA
• Jill's turf origin story, from children psychology to the golf course 
• The Women in Turf Team, past, present and all the magic in between 
• Lastly, Meg and Jill's book club  

A little bit more about our guest... 
Jill Seymour is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and wildly respected leader in the green industry. She has played a pivotal role in helping The Women in Turf Team and volunteered at four U.S. Open's. Jill is a proud Penn State Alum. 

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