Inside The Turf: How D1 Turned Training Conversations Into Must-Watch Content On Youth Sports, Coaching And More
When D1 Training launched The Turf: Powered By D1, the goal was simple: create authentic conversations around training, coaching, leadership and mindset that reflected the culture inside D1 facilities every day.
Hosted by D1 founder and CEO Will Bartholomew, The Turf brings athletes, coaches, entertainers and performance experts together for unfiltered discussions about competition, growth and what it takes to succeed on and off the field. Filmed inside D1 facilities, the show blends high-level sports insight with the energy and personality that have helped define the D1 brand.
More than a podcast, The Turf has become a content platform that showcases D1’s connection to elite athletes, coaches and influential voices across sports and culture. Guests have ranged from NFL stars and SEC coaches to entertainers and industry leaders, all tied together by conversations centered on performance, discipline and personal development.
Through its first 11 episodes, The Turf has already produced several standout moments that reflect both the versatility of the show and the reach of the D1 network.
One of the earliest memorable episodes featured Clark Lea, who discussed his coaching journey, leadership philosophy and the importance of accountability within Vanderbilt football. The episode also highlighted Lea’s longstanding connection to Bartholomew and the Nashville sports community.
Former NFL receiver Golden Tate delivered another powerful conversation, sharing lessons about intentionality, multi-sport development and balancing fatherhood with competition. His episode reinforced one of the show’s recurring themes: athletic success often starts long before the spotlight arrives.
The episode featuring R.A. Dickey offered a different perspective on perseverance and reinvention. The former Cy Young Award winner discussed transitioning from a traditional pitcher to mastering the knuckleball, along with the mindset shifts required to go from starring as an MLB pitcher to parenting his own kids in youth sports.
Country music superstar Luke Bryan also brought a different perspective to The Turf, discussing the similarities between performing and competing at a high level. Bryan shared stories about discipline, preparation and handling pressure in front of massive audiences, while also reflecting on his longtime passion for sports and fitness. His appearance further demonstrated the show’s broad appeal, bringing together influential figures from both athletics and entertainment through conversations centered on performance, mindset and consistency.
One of the podcast’s most recognizable guests so far has been Tim Tebow, who discussed confidence, discipline and the habits that shaped his career. Tebow’s conversation aligned naturally with D1’s emphasis on long-term character development and consistent work ethic.
The show has also highlighted voices deeply connected to the future of sports. On3 CEO Shannon Terry discussed NIL, recruiting and the changing youth sports landscape, while D1 senior director of coaching Clif Marshall provided a detailed breakdown of NFL Combine preparation and what professional teams truly evaluate during the draft process.
More recently, NFL wide receiver Deebo Samuel joined the show while returning to his hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina, for a youth camp hosted alongside D1. Samuel spoke about recovery, training habits, mentorship and the responsibility professional athletes have to inspire younger athletes in their communities.
Part of what makes The Turf unique is its ability to appeal to multiple audiences at once. Parents gain insight into athlete development and youth sports culture. Coaches hear firsthand leadership philosophies from elite competitors. Athletes learn practical lessons about training, confidence and resilience. Franchisees see a growing media platform that reinforces the D1 brand nationally while staying rooted in authentic storytelling.
As The Turf continues to grow, the show is helping position D1 as more than a training company. It is becoming a media and content brand centered around performance, leadership and culture — all built from conversations happening directly on the turf inside D1 facilities.
The first 11 episodes have already featured an impressive lineup of guests and memorable moments, but more importantly, they’ve established the identity of the show itself: authentic conversations with people who understand what it takes to compete, improve and lead.