Grass Clippings is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the world of turfgrass and the people who make it thrive. Hosted by Crystal Rose-Fricker world renowned turfgrass breeder and president of Pure Seed and Pure-Seed Testing. Listen to interviews with industry professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators who share their passion for turfgrass and its impact on our communities.
Join us as we explore the stories behind the green spaces we love, from golf courses, sports fields and vibrant parks to home lawns and the positive impact they have on our environment. Discover the science and art of turfgrass management, learn about the latest industry trends, and gain insights into how turfgrass contributes to environmental sustainability.
Through engaging conversations, inspiring stories, and practical advice, Grass Clippings aims to educate, entertain, and inspire listeners to expand their knowledge about the simple (or not so simple) living organism called turfgrass. Whether you're a seasoned turfgrass professional or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful lawn, this podcast offers something for everyone.
Building Dreams: How Sports Transform Lives in West Africa
Summary
In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Foday Kabba, founder of Kalabash Academy, as he shares how sports and education are transforming lives in West Africa. Discover the challenges, successes, and future plans of creating sustainable opportunities for youth through innovative sports facilities and community engagement.
Key Topics
Foday Kabba's personal journey from Sierra Leone to the US
The founding and mission of Kalabash Academy
Challenges faced in building sports facilities in West Africa
The importance of sustainable sports infrastructure
Community impact and youth development through sports
Partnerships with organizations like Pure Seed and Michigan State
Long-term vision for education and sports in Africa
The role of sports in social and economic development
Guest Name
Foday Kabba LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/foday-kabba-4a82b119a/)
Resources
Support Kalabash Academy - KalabashAcademy.com (https://www.kalabashacademy.com/)
Michigan State Turfgrass Program - https://turf.msu.edu (https://turf.msu.edu)
Pure Seed Turfgrass Research - https://pureseed.com/pstinside (https://www.pureseed.com/pstinside)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kalabash Academy
03:03 Foday Kabba's Journey from Sierra Leone to the U.S.
06:04 The Role of Soccer in Community Building
08:55 Challenges in Establishing Kalabash Academy
12:02 Overcoming Hurdles in Africa
15:08 The Importance of Infrastructure for Development
18:04 Partnerships and Collaborations for Success
20:50 The Impact of Pure Seed on Kalabash Academy
24:03 Vision and Future of Kalabash Academy
26:57 The Role of Sports in Personal Development
29:59 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
37:56 Navigating Challenges in Field Preparation
44:20 Sustainability and Long-Term Planning
51:03 Education and Community Engagement
58:27 Transforming Lives Through Opportunity
21 Apr 2026
The Science and the People Behind World Cup Turfgrass with Dr. John Sorochan
In this engaging conversation, industry experts discuss the multifaceted world of turf management, sharing insights from their experiences, particularly in relation to the World Cup. They emphasize the importance of relationships, education, and community engagement in the turf industry, while also addressing challenges such as athlete safety and the future of turfgrass research. The dialogue highlights the interconnectedness of the industry and the vital role of the next generation of turf professionals.
Takeaways
The turf industry is built on strong relationships and collaboration.
Experiences from the World Cup have reinforced the importance of teamwork.
Education is crucial for the future of turf management.
Athlete safety is a top priority in turf management.
Innovations in turfgrass research are paving the way for better playing surfaces.
Community engagement enhances the impact of turf management initiatives.
The future of the turf industry relies on the next generation of professionals.
Grass has significant environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration.
Effective communication and education can elevate the turf industry.
The economic impact of the turf industry is substantial and growing.
19 Mar 2026
From Golf Course Superintendent to Muscular Dystrophy Advocacy: The Inspiring Journey of Justin VanLanduit
In Episode 9 of Grass Clippings, we sit down with Justin to hear his remarkable journey from growing up on a farm Illinois and working on golf courses at a young age to becoming a superintendent, innovator, and founder of The Turf Tank Foundation (https://theturftankfoundation.org/). Justin shares the realities of golf course management, the balance of art and science behind high‑quality courses, and how innovation is shaping the future of the industry.
Justin also opens up about his personal battle with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and how it inspired his advocacy work and the creation of the Turf Tank Foundation. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and giving back—both to the turfgrass industry and to the broader community.
This episode was produced in partnership with Podcasthon (https://podcasthon.org/about), supporting podcasts that drive awareness and positive change.
To learn more please visit: theturftankfoundation.org (https://theturftankfoundation.org/)
Key Topics Covered
Life as a golf course superintendent and managing high expectations
The art and science of creating elite turf and green spaces
Innovative turf projects, including fine fescue conversions and drought‑tolerant varieties
Modern irrigation systems and water conservation strategies
Golf courses as valuable environmental and community green spaces
Living with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)
Founding the Turf Tank Foundation and supporting FSHD research
Health, work‑life balance, and mental well‑being in demanding careers
The future of turf genetics and advancements in medical research
29 Jan 2026
Where Passion Meets Purpose: Insights from SFMA Field of the Year recipient Robin Wilson
In 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.
Takeaways
Robin Wilson was inspired to apply for Field of the Year through a friendly challenge.
The application process for Field of the Year was intensive but educational.
Managing a multi-sport field presents unique challenges, especially with high traffic.
Community support and respect from coaches are crucial for effective field management.
Positive feedback from athletes motivates Robin in her work.
Quality seed is essential for maintaining a high-performing field.
Networking and mentorship have played significant roles in Robin's career.
Women in turf are building a supportive community for each other.
Robin's journey reflects the importance of perseverance and passion in one's career.
Creating a great field experience for kids is Robin's ultimate goal.
23 Oct 2025
From Soil to Success: The Journey of Avista Stadium and Tony Lee
In 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 nature of working with live grass.
Takeaways
The transition to new turf has significantly eased maintenance.
Proper drainage and soil preparation are crucial for a successful field.
Tony's passion for turf management developed from a chance encounter.
Teamwork and flexibility are essential in turf care.
Players and fans appreciate the quality of the field.
Compliance with MLB standards is vital for stadium operations.
Mowing grass can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience.
Successful turf management requires good seed and knowledgeable people.
Building strong partnerships enhances the quality of turf management.
The artistry of turf management is recognized and valued.
13 May 2025
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: Field of the Year at UGA
In 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.
Takeaways
Jack Turner Stadium awarded the Sports Field Managers Association Softball Field of the Year
BJ emphasizes the hard work and dedication required to maintain elite sports fields.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in BJ's career development.
Planning and routines are essential for effective field management.
BJ shares her experience dealing with unexpected challenges in turf management.
Managing stress is important for effective leadership in high-pressure situations.
Behind-the-scenes work is vital for maintaining beautiful fields.
BJ's transition from athlete to turf manager highlights the importance of passion.
Pure Seed products have proven effective in BJ's field management.
Networking and support are key components in the turf industry.
29 Apr 2025
The Playing Field: Where Athlete and Turfgrass Management Connect
In 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 turfgrass and her commitment to making a positive impact on the industry shine throughout the conversation.
13 Mar 2025
Navigating the Grass Seed Industry in 2025
In 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.
takeaways
The grass seed industry is currently experiencing significant changes.
Developing new seed varieties takes a long time and requires substantial investment.
Market dynamics are affected by overproduction and changing demand.
Seed dealers play a crucial role in the supply chain and customer service.
Quality control is vital to maintain trust in the seed industry.
Technological advancements are improving seed testing and identification.
Sustainability is a key focus, with grass contributing to environmental health.
The global perspective on seed regulations varies significantly from the U.S.
Building relationships in the industry is essential for long-term success.
15 Jan 2025
Turfgrass Management Insights at the High School Level
Crystal Fricker interviews Nick Erwin, a seasoned groundskeeper, about the intricacies of turf management, highlighting the importance of quality grass, maintenance practices, and networking for high school sports field excellence.
17 Dec 2024
Long-term Sustainability in Golf Course Management
In 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 varieties can significantly improve sustainability.
Water conservation is becoming increasingly important in turf management.
Golf courses can serve as vital ecosystems for local wildlife.
Education on turf management practices is essential for sustainability.
The use of glyphosate-tolerant grasses can aid in weed management.
Biodiversity on golf courses can enhance their ecological value.
Future challenges in turf management will require innovative solutions.
Collaboration between breeders and consultants is key to industry advancement.
1 Nov 2024
Challenges of International NFL Games
In 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 in sports.
Keywords
NFL, international football, turf management, player safety, grass variety, field preparation, sports surfaces, global sports, equipment logistics, turf research
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
61,505
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
3
Social presence
100
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
Contact Grass Clippings
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Grass Clippings?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
