Shows
Tales from the first teeWhen Private Lives Become Public: From Golf Champions to Kiss CamsSend us a textRich Easton explores why Scotty Scheffler's dominant performances leave him emotionless while other athletes' victories bring tears, questioning what truly creates emotional connections in sports.• Scotty Scheffler matched Tiger Woods' timeline of 1,197 days between first and fourth major• Professional golfers face constant pressure of "what's next" even immediately after victories• The Coldplay concert kiss cam caught Astronomer CEO Andy Byrom with his HR manager in a compromising moment• Social media amplifies private mistakes and modern technology makes privacy increasingly difficult • Billy Joel documentary reveals the personal stories behind his...2025-07-2429 min
Tales from the first teeE-bikes, Epstein, and Eagles: A Golfer's Take on Sports and SocietySend us a textGolf provides extraordinary moments of courage and unexpected triumph, as demonstrated in three exciting tournaments from this past weekend.• Grace Kim's incredible "never give up" mindset led to an eagle-birdie-eagle finish to win her first major championship at the Amundi Evian event• 25-year-old Chris Goderup surprises everyone by holding off Rory McIlroy to win the Scottish Open, securing spots in The Open and next year's Masters• The American Century Golf Tournament showcases that even elite athletes find golf humbling when cameras are rolling• Questions about bringing manufacturing jobs back to...2025-07-1736 min
Tales from the first teeIs "People" the Most Exhausting Sentence in the English Language?Send us a textWe explore the fascinating and frustrating ways people just can't help being people, from politicians who succumb to corruption to everyday encounters with the oblivious and selfish.• The word "people" sometimes functions as a complete sentence, perfectly encapsulating our reaction to selfish or oblivious behavior• Politicians frequently demonstrate how access to power, influence, and money can lead to corrupt decision-making and criminal charges• A golf outing with a drunk young player showcases frustrating disregard for etiquette, even when politely confronted• Our digital photo habits reveal disconnection when we prioriti...2025-07-1239 min
Tales from the first teeThe Augusta Rejection (From the archives 2022)Send us a textRich shares his disastrous attempt to land a job working the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, complete with a terrifying security guard encounter and a hilariously botched interview.• Never been to the Masters despite applying for tickets through the lottery system for years• Received legitimate email opportunity to work as merchandise staff during the tournament• Nearly got shot trying to take a selfie at the Augusta National entrance• Spilled hot sauce on white golf shirt before the interview• Showed up underdressed while everyone else wore suits• Failed the i...2025-07-0517 minTales from the first teeStrippers, Skins, and Scorecards: The Wild Side of Golf GamblingSend us a textGolf betting isn't about the money—it's about winning, pride, and having someone else open their wallet at the clubhouse after your round. Rich Easton shares hilarious and memorable stories from his experiences with various betting games on the golf course.• The Nassau bet provides multiple ways to "get off the schneid" with bets for front nine, back nine, and total match• A group of skilled super seniors battle weekly, with one team finally breaking their losing streak• A $2 Nassau bet nearly escalates to physical violence when a disputed ball lea...2025-07-0326 minTales from the first teeFrom Dead Nazis to Dynamic Bands: Josh Salzman's Unconventional Fitness WisdomSend us a textFitness expert Josh Salzman shares his unconventional but highly effective approach to health, healing, and performance through the lens of his philosophy-driven training method. We explore why most fitness approaches fail and how simple changes in thinking, eating patterns, and recovery can transform your physical wellbeing.• 95% of fitness is mental—how you think, how you eat, how you sleep—only 5% is what you physically do• Pain can sometimes be a path to healing through proper myofascial release techniques• Forearm strength is critically overlooked yet essential for preventing injuries and improving...2025-07-0151 minTales from the first teeTee Time AnticsSend us a textJust Tales returns with personal golf stories, artful social commentary, and reflections on trust in our modern world.• Senior golfers at Charleston National forget they're playing with the same people after a mid-round bar visit• The CJ Cup tournament at exclusive Congaree Golf Club reveals pro golf culture and impressive play from Rory McIlroy• Entitled "prima donnas" at golf practice facilities ignore etiquette and common courtesy• Parenting styles on display at the range, with one father's negative approach likely to drive his child away from golf• Lego's sustainabl...2025-07-0148 minTales from the first teeEvery argument has truth somewhere in the middleSend us a textThe increasing polarization of our world leads us to contemplate where truth can be found amid extreme perspectives, while exploring what makes sporting greats truly exceptional.• The evolution of "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) from a term of ridicule to one of admiration• Indonesia's controversial new laws criminalizing sex outside marriage and "blasphemy"• An encounter with "Brockmire," a golfer who epitomizes poor etiquette and emotional volatility• How technology companies track our activities and use our data for recommendations and targeting• The challenge of navigating self-checkout lines during busy holid...2025-07-0148 minTales from the first teeThe Fourth Pillar: Why Golf Fitness Matters More Than Your New DriverSend us a textKerry O'Rourke, founder of Core Golf Fitness, shares her expertise on golf-specific fitness training designed for golfers 45 and older. We discuss how proper physical conditioning can help you enjoy pain-free golf longer while potentially improving your scores.• Golf-specific fitness differs significantly from general workouts or other sports training• Core Golf Fitness programs can be done at home, while traveling, or in a gym with minimal equipment• TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) certification focuses on the science of how the body and golf swing interact• Golfers fall into two categories: "gazelles...2025-07-0146 minTales from the first teeThe Polar Plunge and Other AdventuresSend us a textRich shares stories and rants about everything from the exhilarating Polar Plunge at Sullivan's Island to confronting an entitled golfer on the course, weaving together observations about social norms, trust, and life's peculiar challenges.• Experiencing the Sullivan's Island Polar Plunge with thousands of costumed revelers diving into 59-degree water• Examining political dishonesty through the lens of George Santos and questioning why politicians face fewer consequences for lying than law enforcement• Exploring the psychological challenge of hitting golf shots over hazards and how acknowledging the "angst monster" can improve performance•...2025-07-0143 minTales from the first teeZen Golf & Cheaters (from the archives of 2022)Send us a textMonthly hybrid of fictional and non-fictional stories ranging from time changes to sports scandals, featuring personal golf insights and observations on modern-day frauds.• Daylight Saving Time affects our daily rhythms and outdoor activities for a third of the year• Congress remains divided on making DST permanent despite bipartisan Senate bill• Zen Golf philosophy emphasizes staying present, accepting outcomes, and maintaining emotional equilibrium• Meeting "The Shaman," a Zen-like golf partner with ayahuasca-influenced perspectives• "Baggate" scandal in competitive cornhole where players modified equipment for advantage• American Cornhole League now has 155...2025-07-0141 minTales from the first teeFrom Chess Scams to Asteroid Defense: A Monthly Rant on Modern LifeSend us a textWe dive into a monthly hybrid of fictional and non-fictional stories that compel our host to rant about everything from cheating scandals to adult toy buyers and loud talkers in public.• Exploration of cheating in unlikely places including grandmaster chess and professional fishing tournaments• Examination of Hans Niemann's chess scandal with computer move matching rates higher than legends like Bobby Fischer• Revelation of fishing tournament cheaters using lead weights to double their fish weights for prize money• Commentary on the dangerous driving habits on Interstate 275 in Tampa-St. Petersburg• An...2025-07-0141 minTales from the first teeChug Buddies, Boss Golf, and Other Tales of Golfing MischiefSend us a textRich Easton explores the fascinating story of a family who won a $4.9 million lawsuit against a golf course because their home was in the direct line of play. He shares insights about the implications of this legal precedent and the design flaws that led to the unusual situation.• The Tenskar family collected over 700 golf balls in one year that hit their property• Children had to wear bicycle helmets to play in their own backyard• The house was positioned at the dogleg apex where golfers naturally aimed• Course designers placed a...2025-07-0140 minTales from the first teeDiplomacy on the Front LinesSend us a textSupport the showSpotify Apple podcastsAmazon Music all other streaming services2025-07-0140 minTales from the first teeJust Tales: Irreverent Rants on Life's AbsurditiesSend us a textRich Easton explores life's absurdities through irreverent rants and personal tales in this month's episode of Just Tales. Listeners are treated to sharp observations on modern phenomena ranging from holiday commercialization to the curious trend of permanent jewelry and the experience of becoming "invisible" as we age.• Traditional Thanksgiving turkey has evolved dramatically from a simple holiday meal to bizarre variants including turkey pizza, burritos, and even ice cream• The awkward dilemma of what to call your in-laws – from using their first names to the uncomfortable request to call them "Mom" a...2025-07-0135 minTales from the first teeNavigating Family Politics in the Age of OffenseSend us a textRich explores politically charged family gatherings, unlikely golf friendships, and our increasingly offended society while delving into the mental complexities of golf. His storytelling weaves together insights about human cooperation, the absurdity of political arguments, and our tendency to talk to ourselves on the golf course.• Questioning media coaching for family holiday gatherings amid political tensions• Reflecting on Yuval Noah Harari's theory that storytelling helped humans evolve through cooperation• Fighting with people we know on behalf of politicians who don't know we exist• The tale of Wi-Fi and Kris Kri...2025-07-0135 minTales from the first teeWhy the most successful people show up on time, every timeSend us a textJosh Salzman shares insights about actor Kenneth Branagh's exceptional discipline and training arms dealers in London while reflecting on what constitutes true success in life.• Sir Kenneth Branagh exemplifies discipline in his career and personal life• Chronic lateness signals disrespect and creates an "emotional overdraft" with others• Arms dealers were cash-flush clients who lived in opulent homes with top security• Despite immense wealth, many clients suffered health problems at young ages• Different definitions of success: accumulation vs valuing health and relationships• Time is our most precious non-renewabl...2025-07-0135 minTales from the first teeHandcuffs, Home Runs, and Hollywood: A Week of SurprisesSend us a textRich Easton returns with unexpected tales from the golf world following Scottie Scheffler's shocking arrest outside Valhalla during the PGA Championship. What seemed like a misunderstanding between golf's golden boy and local law enforcement may have altered the tournament's outcome entirely, creating a butterfly effect that helped Xander Schauffele secure his first major championship.• Scottie Scheffler's arrest outside Valhalla occurred after a misunderstanding with traffic police on a rainy morning• How the butterfly effect of Scheffler's arrest likely changed the entire tournament dynamic • Xander Schauffele's clutch performance on the 18th hole...2025-07-0134 minTales from the first teePractice Makes Perfect: How Non-Practicers Sabotage Their GameSend us a textRich Easton dives into the controversial LIV Golf Tour, examining the hypocrisy in responses from the PGA Tour and certain players regarding the Saudi-backed competition. He explores the fundamental differences between tours, questioning why players can't compete across multiple platforms and suggesting how the PGA could innovate to retain talent rather than forcing ultimatums.• The recurring segment "What Annoys Me This Week" focuses on hypocrites who don't recognize their contradictory behaviors• The first LIV Golf event in London featured shotgun starts, team formats, and $25 million in prize money• PGA Tour C...2025-07-0131 minTales from the first teeMasters of Hypocrisy: From Road Rage to Golf WarsSend us a textThe battle between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed Live Golf Tour exposes profound hypocrisy in professional golf, challenging the notion that golf isn't primarily about money. The concept of loyalty in professional sports is examined alongside the double standards that affect players' freedom to compete where they choose.• Hypocrites come in many forms, from road ragers with religious bumper stickers to supervisors who claim to empower employees but punish independent thinking• The Live Golf Tour offers players significantly more money for fewer events (8 vs 40+) with guaranteed appearance fees• PGA To...2025-07-0131 minTales from the first teeThe Fleecer: Spotting Advantage-Seeking GolfersSend us a textRich Easton examines the behaviors and mindsets that define the golf experience, from exploitative betting schemes to self-deceptive thinking patterns. He identifies common characters and psychological traps that can impact both your scorecard and your wallet.• "The Fleecer" – the skilled player who suggests complex betting games designed to empty other players' pockets• Vegas betting game explained – how seemingly small dollar-per-point wagers can quickly escalate into substantial losses• Spurious assumptions in golf – why "if I hadn't missed those putts" thinking ignores the butterfly effect of each shot• Regional expressions for calling ou...2025-07-0128 minTales from the first teeRedemption in the Lowcountry: The Mental Game of a ChampionSend us a textJordan Spieth claims his second consecutive Easter Sunday victory at the RBC Heritage tournament, demonstrating remarkable resilience after missing the Masters cut two weeks prior. The win at Harbour Town showcases Spieth's ability to overcome mental hurdles and rediscover his winning form when he gets out of his own way.• Spieth shot a final-round 66 to take the clubhouse lead at 13-under• Multiple contenders including Straka, Varner III, Lowry, and van Rooyen all failed to match Spieth's score• Patrick "Patty Ice" Cantlay forced a playoff after missing a birdie putt for ou...2025-07-0114 minTales from the first teeDon't Be That Guy: A Plea from Your Frustrated StarterSend us a textRich Easton tackles a growing problem in the golfing world: tee time no-shows and the selfishness that's emerged since the pandemic golf boom. He discusses this frustrating trend with his special guest, fitness trainer Josh Salzman, who shares fascinating stories about his experiences at Augusta with Ernie Els.• Post-pandemic golf demand has created intense competition for tee times at most quality courses• No-shows and last-minute cancellations block other golfers from playing and demonstrate selfishness• Credit card holds for reservations could help discourage no-shows and last-minute cancellations• Josh shares his Augu...2025-07-011h 02Tales from the first teeThe 100th Episode 2022Send us a textRich Easton celebrates 100 episodes by turning the mic on the colorful characters he's been talking about for years, revealing the people behind the pseudonyms in a series of candid, often hilarious interviews.• Dr. Payne recounts getting a hole-in-one while wearing Costco tennis shoes because he'd forgotten his golf shoes• Billy the Kid explains how his experience in coal mines gave him the mental toughness to excel under pressure on the golf course• Cloudy Graves shares his Mississippi-born wisdom and explains the origins of his famous aphorisms• Pauly Walnuts dodges q...2025-07-011h 19
Tales from the first teeReturn to the Mic: Why Nobody Cares About Your WhySend us a textRich Easton returns to podcasting with reflections on why changes matter less than their effects on others, and how finding your happy place leads to fulfillment throughout life's transitions. His candid observations about social dynamics, competitive pressure, and personal boundaries offer wisdom that extends well beyond the golf course.• The 10-minute rule: limiting health complaint conversations to preserve positive energy and relationships• Keegan Bradley's Ryder Cup dilemma: should he be player-captain in 2025?• New smart golf tracking technology that changes colors mid-flight based on shot trajectory• The three-day rule for hous...2025-07-0139 min