Episodios

  • Episode 73 - How Golf Changed His Life: Patrick Koenig’s Journey Across America

    Episode 73 - How Golf Changed His Life: Patrick Koenig’s Journey Across America
    Nov 25 2025
    On this episode of Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob sit down with one of the most fascinating personalities in the game: golf photographer, storyteller, and record-setting adventurer Patrick Koenig, author of The United States of Golf. Patrick shares how he left a conventional career behind to chase a dream—playing over 500 golf courses in a year, criss-crossing America in his RGV (Recreational Golf Vehicle), and capturing the spirit of the sport and the people connected to it. We dive into: ⛳ The day he crossed paths with President Bill Clinton at Sleepy Hollow 🚐 How an RV, a spreadsheet, and a leap of faith changed his life 🏌️‍♂️ The mental grind of 500+ rounds — and one unforgettable shank 💔 The emotional toll of divorce and healing through golf and friendship 🔥 His parents’ loss in the Paradise Fire and the inspiring compassion that followed 📸 The rise of golf influencers and life in the social media arena 😂 Hilarious (and occasionally insane) stories from the road, the range, and the parking lot This episode is packed with laughter, vulnerability, perspective, and love for the game. If you care about golf, humanity, friendship, resilience, and choosing an extraordinary path — this one will stick with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 37 m
  • Episode 72– Bob Ney: Inside the Breakdown of American Government

    Episode 72– Bob Ney: Inside the Breakdown of American Government
    Nov 17 2025
    In this Veterans Day–recorded episode of Golf and Politics, Matt and Rob welcome back their very first guest — former Congressman Bob Ney — for a brutally honest deep dive into Congress, shutdown politics, fiscal chaos, and the future of American governance. Before the politics, the guys honor the veterans in their lives and share personal stories that set the tone for an episode rooted in gratitude and perspective. Then they get into the big questions: • Why does the government keep shutting down? • Does “fiscal responsibility” mean anything anymore? • Could Congress ever pass a real budget again? • How have primaries, social media, and Trump reshaped incentives in Washington? • Is Chuck Schumer stronger or weaker after this shutdown showdown? • What happens when one party centralizes power — and the other eventually gets it back? Bob Ney brings decades of insider perspective — from the Contract with America to balancing the budget in the 1990s to the Patriot Act fight — and breaks down how Congress lost its power and how it could regain it. If you want a real, unfiltered, behind-the-curtain view of D.C. from people who’ve lived it, this is the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 11 m
  • Episode 71 – Inside the Elections: Strategists React to Surprising Results

    Episode 71 – Inside the Elections: Strategists React to Surprising Results
    Nov 11 2025
    This week on Golf & Politics, Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth break down key takeaways from statewide races across the U.S., including what Democrats’ strong night in Virginia and New Jersey means heading into 2026. They’re joined by Republican pollster John Rogers and Democratic lobbyist Brad Cheney to unpack what happened, why it happened, and what both parties should panic about (or celebrate). 🔑 Highlights: What shifted with Hispanic and younger minority voters Is “Trump fatigue” already affecting Republicans? Did Democrats crack the affordability message? Are candidate quality and authenticity finally mattering again? What redistricting chaos could mean for Congress The future of both parties heading into the next big cycle Plus — insider stories from behind the scenes on campaigns in Virginia, California, New Jersey, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    50 m
  • Episode 70 - Inside the MG Cup: How a Corporate Golf Event Became a Force for Good

    Episode 70 - Inside the MG Cup: How a Corporate Golf Event Became a Force for Good
    Nov 5 2025
    This week on Golf & Politics, Matt and Rob finally return — and they’re breaking down one of the coolest traditions in corporate golf: The Majority Cup (MG Cup). What started as a small outing among friends has grown into a 14–year legacy of competitive golf, meaningful relationships, and major impact. Hosted at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia and Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, the MG Cup brings together clients, friends, and family to raise money for pediatric cancer through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. This year’s event generated more than $50,000 — and the stories behind the shots, the swag, and the people are what make this outing truly special. Matt and Rob also talk: 🏌️ Charity golf in Austin 🎒 Swag that everyone actually uses 🤝 Relationship building in politics and business 🗳️ Upcoming elections and bipartisanship 🎙️ Guest updates including Marty Russo & friends If you’re thinking about hosting your own corporate or charity golf event — this is the episode to learn from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • Episode 69 – Rolling True with Sam Hahn: L.A.B. Putters, Lucky Breaks, and Lessons from the Greens ⛳️🏛️🎙️

    Episode 69 – Rolling True with Sam Hahn: L.A.B. Putters, Lucky Breaks, and Lessons from the Greens ⛳️🏛️🎙️
    Oct 15 2025
    This week on Golf & Politics, Matt Parker sits down with Sam Hahn, co-founder and co-CEO of L.A.B. Golf, to unpack one of the most revolutionary stories in modern golf — how a street musician from Eugene, Oregon, turned his passion for tinkering with putters into a company that’s redefining the way players roll the rock. Sam shares the unlikely journey from local music venues to leading one of golf’s most innovative brands — including the moment he almost ran for mayor of Eugene, how a viral Facebook argument helped launch L.A.B. into the spotlight, and what it felt like watching J.J. Spaun’s legendary U.S. Open putt sink with a L.A.B. in hand. The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, perseverance, and putting philosophy — from Phil Mickelson’s golf IQ to why golfers should practice decision-making, not just mechanics. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered: How a failed band tour led to golf’s most creative putter brand Why Sam almost traded golf for politics The early struggles (and lucky breaks) that helped L.A.B. Golf go viral What makes the L.A.B. design so different — and why it works Putting lessons from pros like Phil Mickelson, Lucas Glover, and J.J. Spaun How COVID, social media, and authenticity shaped L.A.B.’s rise The future of putting — beyond just putters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • Episode 68 – Birdies and Big Ideas: Why Run for State Representative? ⛳️🏛️🎙️

    Episode 68 – Birdies and Big Ideas: Why Run for State Representative? ⛳️🏛️🎙️
    Oct 8 2025
    On the first episode of our new series Birdies and Big Ideas, we’re at Twin Hills Country Club in Oklahoma City, asking one big question: Why should someone run for state representative? Matt Parker tees it up with Rep. Anthony Moore, Rep. John Kane, and consultant Jackson Lisle to talk campaign life, community service, family sacrifices, and how golf teaches perseverance and leadership. We also teamed up with the Nightbirde Foundation — every net birdie raised money for women fighting breast cancer — so expect some real-talk about public service, and some genuine on-course moments. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered: Why people should run for office Balancing life, work, and public service Fundraising for the Nightbirde Foundation Golf course-inspired leadership lessons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • Episode 67 – G&P Cup Recap: The Captains’ Showdown & Highlights from the Inaugural G&P Cup

    Episode 67 – G&P Cup Recap: The Captains’ Showdown & Highlights from the Inaugural G&P Cup
    Sep 25 2025
    The first-ever Golf & Politics Cup is in the books — and it didn’t disappoint. In this episode, co-hosts and team captains Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth look back on an unforgettable week at Gray Bull Golf Club in Nebraska. From the electric opening matches to the all-important head-to-head battle between the captains, this recap dives into the drama, the camaraderie, and the big takeaways from the inaugural bipartisan showdown. Along the way, Matt and Rob share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on what made this Cup special, and talk about the future of golf as both a game and a bridge-builder in politics. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered: • Full recap of the first-ever Golf & Politics Cup • The story of the captains’ singles match: Matt Parker vs. Rob Ellsworth • Team highlights, key moments, and clutch performances • Lessons learned on trust, leadership, and competition • Reflections on golf as common ground between politics and community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    1 h y 21 m
  • Episode 66 – The 19th Hole: Golf, Government, and the Future of the Game

    Episode 66 – The 19th Hole: Golf, Government, and the Future of the Game
    Sep 12 2025
    In this special episode, co-hosts Matt Parker and Rob Ellsworth host their very first roundtable discussion at the first-ever Golf & Politics Cup from Gray Bull Golf Club in Nebraska. Joined by friends, teammates, and guests from both sides of the aisle, they recap the practice round, share personal golf stories, and dig into how the game connects to community, politics, and even personal growth. This conversation encompasses everything from golf as an economic driver to the LIV vs. PGA debate, the future of course design, and why golf remains one of the best ways to foster genuine trust in politics. It’s equal parts golf nerd talk, bipartisan banter, and heartfelt reflection on the friendships and values that make this game so special. ⸻ 🧠 Topics Covered: • The launch of the first-ever Golf & Politics Cup • Golf as a driver of jobs, community, and rural economies • LIV vs. PGA vs. YouTube Golf: where is the pro game headed? • The role of municipal & public courses in growing the game • Family traditions, youth golf, and lessons learned on the course • Why golf is the perfect setting for bipartisan trust-building • The future of golf course design, costs, and accessibility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    56 m