Shows
Grass ClippingsWhere Passion Meets Purpose: Insights from SFMA Field of the Year recipient Robin WilsonIn this engaging conversation, Robin Wilson, the Sports Field Manager of the Year, shares her journey in turf management, the challenges she faces, and the importance of community support. She discusses her experiences with field management, the significance of quality seed, and the role of mentorship in her career. The conversation also highlights the growing presence of women in the turf industry and the value of networking. Robin emphasizes the importance of creating a positive environment for young athletes and the pride she takes in her work.TakeawaysRobin Wilson was inspired to apply...
2026-01-2921 min
Grass ClippingsFrom Soil to Success: The Journey of Avista Stadium and Tony LeeIn the 7th episode of Grass Clippings, Crystal travels to Avista Stadium in Spokane, WA, for a site visit with Tony Lee, the Director of Grounds. Tony shares his experiences and insights on turf management, particularly focusing on the transition to new grass and the benefits it has brought to the stadium. He discusses the challenges faced with the previous native soil field, the improvements made with the new turf, and the importance of teamwork and passion in maintaining a successful field. The conversation highlights the significance of partnerships in the industry and the therapeutic...
2025-10-2319 min
Grass ClippingsCelebrating the Unsung Heroes: Field of the Year at UGAIn the 6th episode of Grass Clippings, host Crystal Rose Fricker interviews BJ Thomas, grounds foreman at the University of Georgia. BJ shares her inspiring journey from being a college athlete to becoming an award-winning turf manager. The conversation covers the hard work and dedication required to maintain elite sports fields, the importance of mentorship and teamwork, and the challenges faced in turf management. BJ also discusses her experiences with Pure Seed products, the balance between work and education, and offers valuable advice for women in the turf industry.TakeawaysJack Turner Stadium awarded...
2025-05-1345 min
Grass ClippingsThe Playing Field: Where Athlete and Turfgrass Management ConnectIn this episode of the Grass Clippings podcast, Crystal interviews Ava Veith, a former Virginia Tech soccer player and current graduate student researching field safety for athletes. Ava is also a former recipient of the Bill Rose Foundation travel scholarship to Pure Seed's Field Day.Ava shares her journey from being an athlete to pursuing a career in turfgrass management, discussing the importance of research in improving athlete performance and safety. She emphasizes the value of networking within the turf industry and offers advice for aspiring students looking to enter this field.Ava's passion for...
2025-04-2938 min
Grass ClippingsNavigating the Grass Seed Industry in 2025In this episode, Crystal discusses the current state of the grass seed industry with Kelly Lynch. They explore the challenges faced by growers and seed dealers, the importance of relationships in the industry, and the impact of overproduction on market dynamics. They also delve into the significance of quality control, the role of technology in seed testing, and the global perspective on seed regulations. The conversation highlights the sustainability of grass and its value in various applications, while looking ahead to future trends and innovations in turfgrass.takeawaysThe grass seed industry is currently...
2025-03-1333 min
Groundskeeper ChatsGroundskeeper Chat Rush Hour hosted with Pete ThibeaultPete 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
2025-03-0434 min
Grass ClippingsTurfgrass Management Insights at the High School LevelIn this episode, Crystal Fricker interviews Nick Erwin, the groundskeeper for the Canby School District, discussing the intricacies of turf management, the challenges faced in maintaining high-quality sports fields, and the benefits of natural grass versus synthetic turf. They explore the importance of quality grass, maintenance practices, and the future of sports fields, emphasizing the need for networking and mentorship in the turf management industry. Nick shares valuable advice for new groundskeepers and highlights the significance of communication with coaches and players.TakeawaysTurf management is essential for athlete safety and performance.Natural grass has numerous...
2025-01-1525 min
Grass ClippingsLong-term Sustainability in Golf Course ManagementIn this episode of Grass Clippings, host Crystal Fricker interviews Jim Culley, president of Seed King Enterprises, about the vital role of turf grass consultants in the golf course industry. They discuss the importance of matching grass varieties to specific environments, innovations in grass breeding, and the challenges of sustainability and water conservation in golf courses. The conversation also highlights the ecological benefits of golf courses and the need for ongoing education and adaptation in the industry.Consulting for golf courses involves understanding diverse environmental needs.Long-term relationships with superintendents are crucial for success.Innovative grass...
2024-12-1738 min
Grass ClippingsChallenges of International NFL GamesIn this episode of Grass Clippings, Crystal Fricker interviews Justin Balich, discussing the NFL's efforts to expand its global reach through international games. They explore the challenges of hosting NFL games in foreign venues, the importance of turf management and field preparation, and the logistics of equipment distribution. The conversation also touches on player safety, consistency in practice and game fields, and the long-term effects of the NFL's international presence. The episode emphasizes the significance of grass variety and quality, the role of research and trials in turf management, and concludes with a reflection on the future of grass...
2024-11-0137 min
Tiger Turf TalkEpisode 111: SFMA Series- International Women's Month/ Women in Turf Team; Sun Roesslein, Kelly Lynch, Nina Oldenkamp, Christi Clay, Crystal Rose FrickerThis is a fantastic episode to kick off International Women's Month with our first Women in Turf Panel with some of our industry's best sports field managers and professionals. This truly highlights the incredible events that have highlighted the Women in this industry, like the first-ever All female Grounds Crew at the Softball Little League World Series. It is inspiring the next generation to be a part of this phenomenal industry. Truly an episode you do not want to miss!
2023-03-0646 min
100% Hits Vol. Pod100% Hits Vol 1 Side B with Gen Fricker and Alexei ToliopoulosGen Fricker and Alexei Toliopoulos join me to discuss Side B of the very first 100% hits compilation.Tracklisting Gypsy Woman - Crystal WatersRead My Lips - Melissa TkautzIt Ain't Over 'Til It's Over - Lenny KravitzSlave - James ReyneLove Junk - DieselWalking in Memphis - Marc CohnMore Than Words - ExtremeTough Me All Night Long - Cathy DennisThe Grease Megamix - John Travolta and Olivia Newton JohnSpotify...
2022-05-1851 min
TurPh.Dudes PodcastA (Seed) Year Unlike Any OtherIn Episode #35 the TurPh.Dudes are joined by Crystal Rose-Fricker, President of Pure Seed. In this episode we discuss the dynamics influencing the unprecedented seed market, seed variety development, and the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance.
2021-09-0848 min
Lived ItSnack: Seth Rogen makes ceramics so now we make ceramicsPlus Lucy Liu’s erotic paintings, Diane Keaton’s wine, Nic Cage’s fossils, and other celebrity side hustles. All in this episode with Alexei Toliopoulos and Gen Fricker.Further reading:Seth Rogen’s ceramic vaseshttps://www.thecut.com/2020/12/interview-seth-rogen-on-his-ceramic-vases.htmlSeth Rogen’s Houseplanthttps://www.houseplant.com/Lucy Liu’s erotic paintingshttps://www.thecut.com/2019/11/did-you-know-lucy-liu-creates-beautiful-erotic-paintings.htmlGeorge Clooney’s Casamigos tequilahttps://www.businessinsider.com/george-clooney-tequila-brand-casamigos-started-by-accident-2017-6Puff Daddy’s Ciroc vodkahttps://www.ciro...
2021-05-3109 min