Groundskeeper Chats

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 

Data-Driven Sports Field Management: Groundskeeper Chat with Tyler Carr

Tyler Carr, Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Ohio State University joins Meg for an OH-IO Groundskeeper Chat. From Palm Springs, Tyler shares with us his turf origin story, his passion for community level sports fields and data-driven sports field management. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: 

• Having an Impact via Academia 
• Tyler's Extension Appointment 
• Passion for Community Level Sports Fields 
• Data-Driven Sports Field Management 
• Lastly, The Importance of Visibility in Turf 

Aces to ASU: Groundskeeper Chat with Leah Withrow

Assistant Field Manager at Arizona State University, Leah Withrow details her recent big move from Reno to Arizona. Meg, Chris and Leah talk about having confidence in your decision making and field of the year standards. Here's what you'll hear in this week's episode: 

• Leaving Home for ASU 
• Establishing trust in a new organization 
• The diversity of University groundskeeping  
• Mentor shout out 
• 14 games in 4 days

Live from Palm Springs Kick Off: Groundskeeper Chat with Andy Hebrard and Mike Kuhn

Join us for a chaotic kick off to our Live Groundskeeper Chat series live from Palm Springs. Andy Hebrard of Athletic Applications joins Meg and Chris to help paint the picture of show opening during the annual Sports Field Management Association conference. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: 

• 2024 Year in Review for Athletic Applications 
• 2025 Trade Show Opening 
• Special Guest: Mike Kuhn from Arizona State University 

A little bit more about our guests... 
Andy Hebrard is the Owner and Operator of Athletics Applications. Andy and his crew do everything from painting to field renovations to hosting community smoke series. Andy was named a SFMA 2024 Rising Star. 
Mike Kuhn is Arizona State University's Assistant Athletic Field Manager, where he works alongside Josh Lenz, Mike Klakulak to create some our industry best field designs and conditions. ASU's football field was named a 2024 SFMA Field of the Year. 

SFMA 2025 Recap: Groundskeeper Chat with Meg Kruger and Chris Bell

Co-hosts Meg Kruger and Chris Bell sit down in Cleveland to recap the 2025 Sports Field Management Association Conference in Palm Springs. We invited several guests to our Groundskeeper Chat podcast series over the course of two days on the trade show floor. The pair give a glimpse into what listeners can expect to be release over the next 2 months. 

• 14 Live from Palm Springs Groundskeeper Chat episodes 
• Show highlights and takeaways 
• Favorite guests/episodes