Tales from the first tee
Stories about my life experiences and others as I work at one of the premier golf clubs in Charleston, SC. Interviews with golfers around the world that have one thing in common...the pursuit of excellence on a golf course and everything else that happens along the way.
Episodes
39 episodes
Re-Release Warriors Come Home: Understanding PTSD and the Mission to Save Veterans' Lives
Dan Gaeta from Operation VetFit discusses PTSD in veterans and their revolutionary approach to preventing veteran suicide that has resulted in zero suicides among their members.• Clinical definition of PTSD including exposure to traumat...
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32:35
From Boarding School to Everest: Harry Farthing's Extraordinary Journey
Harry Farthing, author of two novels Summit and Ghost Moths, shares his extraordinary life journey from motorcycle enthusiast to high-altitude mountaineer to writer. His experiences—from boarding school at age eight to climbing Mount Everest an...
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1:13:36
When Golf Isn't Stressful Enough: Tales of Ego, Bets, and $1 Walmart Balls
Journey into the mind of a passionate golfer as Rich Easton delivers an energetic analysis of the upcoming Ryder Cup showdown at Bethpage, New York. With razor-sharp insight, Rich breaks down Team USA's three critical advantages—the raucous New...
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40:13
The Art of Business Golf
Business golf differs significantly from recreational, competitive, country club, gamblers, and drinkers golf because it's entirely about relationship building rather than winning at any cost. Understanding this distinction can mean the differe...
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34:45
From Headbutts to Bounce Backs: A Journey Through Golf and Life's Absurdities
Tommy Fleetwood's long-awaited breakthrough at Eastlake marks a pivotal moment in golf's mental game saga. After years of Sunday heartbreaks, watching Tommy walk up the 18th with a three-shot lead felt like witnessing the final chapter in a red...
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33:11
Wi-Fi, Kris Kringle, and the Curse of the Golf Satchel Re-Release
Ever found yourself in a heated political argument with a friend or family member and wondered why you're fighting so passionately for politicians who don't even know you exist? In this thought-provoking episode of Tales from the First Tee, I e...
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35:16
Golf, Ego, and Life Lessons
Have you ever made a decision so spectacularly self-sabotaging that you couldn't help but laugh at yourself afterward? That's exactly where we begin this journey—with my confession about renaming a successful golf podcast and promptly losing ha...
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29:38
Golf, Gaffes, and Getting Fired: Tales from a World Gone Mad
CBS turned a weekend golf tournament into a living eulogy for commentator Ian Baker Finch while simultaneously covering Cameron Young's first PGA Tour victory, creating an awkward juxtaposition that diminished Young's accomplishment.• I...
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34:12
Golf's Assholes and Karma ( from the 2022 archives)
Rich Easton dives into the fascinating psychology behind Bubba Watson's dramatic collapse at the Travelers Championship, going from leading at 13-under par to a series of bogeys on the final five holes. Harris English eventually claimed victory...
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35:53
Hollywood's Hidden Side: Training Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet (From the archives 2021)
Josh and Rich dive into hilariously candid stories about Josh's experiences training Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Kate Winslet, revealing the human side of celebrities that fans rarely get to see.• Training Angelina Jolie for Tomb...
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30:45
Money, Mulligans, and Media: Who Controls What You See?
Rich Easton delves into the suspicious timing of Stephen Colbert's show cancellation alongside Paramount's merger announcement and how South Park creators get away with pointed criticism that others can't. We examine the media power dynamics at...
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38:07
Bison Jam: When Family Vacations Turn into Awkward Life Lessons (From the archives 2021
Rich walks Sullivan's Island beach, highlighting the community cleanup efforts and introducing two humorous stories that capture life's awkward yet memorable moments.• The "Bison Jam" story follows a family vacation in Yellowstone where...
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29:06
When Private Lives Become Public: From Golf Champions to Kiss Cams
Rich 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' ...
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Episode 130
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29:24
E-bikes, Epstein, and Eagles: A Golfer's Take on Sports and Society
Golf 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 ...
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36:18
Is "People" the Most Exhausting Sentence in the English Language?
We 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 ...
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39:55
The Augusta Rejection (From the archives 2022)
Rich 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 fo...
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17:29
Strippers, Skins, and Scorecards: The Wild Side of Golf Gambling
Golf 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...
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26:40
Redemption in the Lowcountry: The Mental Game of a Champion
Jordan 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 ...
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14:01
Handcuffs, Home Runs, and Hollywood: A Week of Surprises
Rich 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 ma...
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34:31
Chug Buddies, Boss Golf, and Other Tales of Golfing Mischief
Rich 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 flaw...
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40:44
From Chess Scams to Asteroid Defense: A Monthly Rant on Modern Life
We 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 includ...
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41:54
Zen Golf & Cheaters (from the archives of 2022)
Monthly 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 acti...
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41:54
The Polar Plunge and Other Adventures
Rich 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....
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43:35
The Fourth Pillar: Why Golf Fitness Matters More Than Your New Driver
Kerry 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 impro...
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46:24