The Course of Life Podcast features two life-long golfers talking golf, sports, and pop-culture. Every week, they are joined by celebrity guests offering a new perspective on the game we love.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Back from vacation are hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell, and they both had productive weeks in Southwest Florida, including Alex's trip to Popstroke (1:54).
But then it was time to get back to golf, and low scores in Vegas at the Shriners Children's Open (4:48).
On the Champions Tour, Phil Mickelson ups his win average to 75% with a win in Jacksonville, begging the questions once again if he should go there full-time (6:26).
The Tour stays in Vegas for the CJ Cup, but with a whole lot of star power, and Alex and Michael agree on keeping an eye on Xander (7:57).
In Tuned In, Alex is watching the international phenomenon that is "Squid Game" while Michael is laughing it up with Steve Martin with "Only Murders in the Building" (10:10).
This week's guest is the VP of Marketing for a company known for colorful golf balls. Volvik's Wes Whittingham chats with Alex about his love for the game, how popular colorful golf balls will be in 5 years, and Volvik's partnership with Disney to make some Superhero golf balls (13:33).
On the college football front, Alex rebounds with an incredible week (44:01). His Patriots rebound as well, while Michael's Giants continue to fall apart (45:37). But Alex is all over his Red Sox after they defeat Michael's Yankees (47:00).
And as the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is getting ready for Halloween baking, while Michael finally found his way to a Buc-ee's (50:47).
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
Tuesday Oct 05, 2021
It's a vacation week for hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell, but they are still impressed by the early success of Beefy Bryson at the Professional Long Drivers Association World Championships, where pasts-guests Wes Patterson and Josh Koch (1:38).
Alex had some time to think about the game of golf, and has some revelations on how to enjoy the game even more (4:18).
And for the next PGA Tour event, the Shriners Open Las Vegas, Alex makes some random picks without knowing the true field yet (10:50).
In Tuned In, Michael is watching a documentary called "Nuts!", while Alex is watching a new network show, "Ordinary Joe" (12:25).
This week's guest keeps the vacation vibes going in the Florida Keys and Bahamas. Alex chats with Clay and Stephanie Cowart, hosts of the "Life By the Bow" YouTube channel (14:40).
The guys recorded early so Alex doesn't know if his Patriots won or lost, but Michael sets up Alex with two possible outcomes and Alex shares his reaction (44:11).
And as the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, it's all about crab dip and National Coffee Day (not a great mix) (48:22).
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Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
Tuesday Sep 28, 2021
It was a wild week at Whistling Straits for the Ryder Cup, and co-hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell made an oh-so-wrong pick as the United States pummeled Europe in historic fashion to hoist the trophy. Alex and Michael break down the week, from Jordan's amazing flop shot, to the "manufactured" encounters of Bryson and Brooks, to Rory's emotional ending (1:44).
Perhaps the shot of the week actually came from the LPGA Tour's Eun-Hee Ji ... with a putter ... from the bunker (11:51).
The PGA Tour gets back into action at the Sanderson Farms Championship in Mississippi, with a field including past champs Sergio Garcia and Sebastian Munoz (13:27).
In Tuned In, Michael is beyond excited for the announcement of the second season of Tiger King, as well as the return this week of The Great British Baking Show. Meanwhile, Alex is watching the inside of the refrigerators as MTV's Cribs returns to the airwaves (14:47).
Returning to the podcast this week is special guest Wes Patterson, who chats with Alex about an exciting new golf and music festival coming to South Florida on November 6, the Par-Tee Tour (18:17).
In the world of college football, Michael is surprised by the firing of a local coach, while Alex is just trying to forget about his picks this past weekend (36:17).
In the NFL, Alex isn't doing any better, and Michael is doing even worse (38:21). But at least Michael's got his Yankees (39:53).
And as the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, it's all about crab dips and Florida (41:09).
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Tuesday Sep 21, 2021
Twitter funny guy and now a man with a mustache Max Homa took down the competition at the start of the new season in Napa, CA. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell congratulate the now 3-time winner and wonder if he'd be willing to join the podcast as a guest (1:38). Plus past guest Dylan Wu starts off his full season with a PGA Tour card by making the cut.
But really, all that matters is that this is now Ryder Cup week. Whistling Straights hosts the players, where the Americans are heavily favored for some reason. Are Alex and Michael going to be turncoats this weekend (4:46)?
In Tuned In, Alex was keeping an eye on the Emmy Awards, and Michael was watching super assassins on Netflix with "Gunpowder Milkshake" (11:36).
This week's guest is Dr Bern Barnacki, the president of the Golf Heritage Society. Dr Bernacki shares his love for the history of the game with Alex, including old hickory golf clubs and Tiger Woods' $400,000 backup putter (13:52).
In the football world, it's all coming up roses for Alex, while Michael doesn't seem to understand what football is anymore thanks to his reeling Giants (39:40).
And as the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, it's apples and pumpkins for Alex, but High Tea time for Michael (42:24).
Listen + Love + Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3fdoQed
Part of the Morning Read Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/3k0jSnk
Support the First Tee - Greater Austin: https://bit.ly/3n09U4I
Have you listened to our new food podcast? https://bit.ly/3vrJvj9
Join us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NpEIKJ
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Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Tuesday Sep 14, 2021
Steve Stricker put out his Captain Picks for the Ryder Cup, and hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell didn't get a call to let them know they weren't getting picked. But regardless, this new US Team doesn't appear to have the makings of being victorious over a loaded European Team (1:46).
The new 2021-2022 PGA Tour season kicks off this weekend in Napa Valley, where Jon Rahm is getting one last tune up before the Ryder Cup (8:55).
In Tuned In, Alex is flashing back to the 1990's and the Monika Lewinsky scandal, while Michael is listening to a new Australian podcast about the British stealing your country's historical artifacts (12:00).
Former Big Break contestant Don Donatello chats with Alex about life on the Golf Channel reality show, plus his new life as a caddy on the PGA Tour (15:46).
Football season is in full swing, as Alex's college football cards start to fill out (40:35), but the podcast's favorite NFL teams are not doing too well (41:28), and Michael's Yankees are falling hard (43:03).
But as the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is getting ready for passed appetizers at weddings, and Michael is gloating about his bountiful kitchen this weekend (43:55).
Listen + Love + Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3fdoQed
Part of the Morning Read Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/3k0jSnk
Support the First Tee - Greater Austin: https://bit.ly/3n09U4I
Have you listened to our new food podcast? https://bit.ly/3vrJvj9
Join us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NpEIKJ
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Watch us on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3qvq4Dt
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
Tuesday Sep 07, 2021
The FedEx Cup Playoffs wrapped up at East Lake CC, and Patrick Cantlay played just well enough to hold off Jon Rahm and win the big, fat fifteen million dollar check. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell ask whether Cantlay deserved his win, if Rahm was truly the best golfer this season, and if 3rd place finisher Kevin Na will ever win a major (1:46).
Meanwhile, the Solheim Cup monopolized the golf world as the best women in the US and Europe battled it out at Inverness, but at the time of recording, the chances for Team America looked bleak (7:03).
The men have their chance of winning in team golf with the Ryder Cup starting on September 21, and Alex and Michael look at who should round out team USA in Captain Stricker's picks this week (9:50).
And on the European Tour this week, Alex is surprised beyond belief that there is a Højgaard twin who is just as good as Rasmus (14:31)!
In Tuned In, Alex is listening to a new Drake album that's dropping lyrics shouting out Tiger Woods, and Michael is unplugging with another kayaking adventure on Tybee Island (16:40).
This week's guest is Dannielle Garcia, a reporter for WINK-TV in Ft Myers, FL. Dannielle shares stories about her time interning at ESPN, her culinary adventures in New Orleans, and staying professional on location during COVID (19:13).
The NFL season kicks off this week, and Alex and Michael give us all a little preview on what to expect in the new 17-game season (43:30).
College football was in full force this past weekend, and Alex's new Texas Tailgate Tour kicked off with incredible access to Texas State hosting Baylor (49:35).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, it's about Whataburger and Blackberry and Apple Butter Pie Bars (51:19).
Listen + Love + Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3fdoQed
Part of the Morning Read Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/3k0jSnk
Support the First Tee - Greater Austin: https://bit.ly/3n09U4I
Have you listened to our new food podcast? https://bit.ly/3vrJvj9
Join us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NpEIKJ
Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2QJhZLQ
Watch us on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3qvq4Dt
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Tuesday Aug 31, 2021
Another week on the PGA Tour, another playoff. This time, at the BMW Championship, it took 6 holes for Patrick Cantlay to beat Bryson DeChambaeu to take the second FedEx Cup Playoff event. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell break it down, plus what makes DeChambeau one of the most hated golfers on tour (1:56).
The European Tour, meanwhile, may have played one of the most beautiful courses in all the world this weekend. Like, seriously (6:43).
All $15 million is on the table at boring ol' East Lake Country Club for the FedEx Cup finale. But what do Alex and Michael really think about The TOUR Championship (9:14)?
In Tuned In, Michael is getting ready for the return of one his favorite vampire comedies, and Alex is stuck on a new show on Netflix (12:55).
This week's guest is bowling Darren Tang, returning to the podcast after winning the PBA Summer Point Title and having one heck of a season. Darren chats winning it big and his vlog game on YouTube (15:00).
Michael shares his love of baseball as the Yankees continue to roll, but Alex keeps trying to remember the better times when the Red Sox were the better team (31:36).
In football talk, everything the guys talked about is moot when it comes to the Patriots QB battle. After a Monday record session, and Tuesday breaking news, we all now know who the starter will be in New England (32:17).
College football season heats up this weekend, and resident football pro Brooks Austin comes back on the podcast to give us all a look at the upcoming college season (35:53).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex is getting ready for his big birthday week, while Michael is busy baking up a storm (1:02:26).
Listen + Love + Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3fdoQed
Part of the Morning Read Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/3k0jSnk
Support the First Tee - Greater Austin: https://bit.ly/3n09U4I
Have you listened to our new food podcast? https://bit.ly/3vrJvj9
Join us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NpEIKJ
Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2QJhZLQ
Watch us on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3qvq4Dt
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
Tuesday Aug 24, 2021
A Monday finish and another playoff meant Tony Finau finally hoisted a trophy again, this time at the first event in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell look at Tony's win, and chances at winning again (2:14).
Across the pond, the LPGA held the AIG Women's Open at Carnoustie, where bad luck may have won the story (6:10). On the Korn Ferry Tour, meanwhile, prized PGA Tour cards were handed out to more deserving players (7:13).
Attention now turns to a new venue for the BMW Championship and the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs (8:11). Whose got the best chance, and does this format for the Playoffs even make sense?
In Tuned In, Michael is pleased his Constitutional duty has been fulfilled, while Alex is catching up on a popular new series on HBO Max (14:40).
This week's guest is Jesse Florkowski, a 17-time disabled golf champion. Jesse shares his story of learning the game in Canada, bowling in the off season, and his dismay of eating hot dogs without any condiments (17:34).
In baseball, Alex's Red Sox continue to disintegrate, while Michael's Yankees continue to dominate (36:06).
In the NFL, Alex's Patriots have a new wrinkle in the QB battle, and new info from "Hard Knocks" about the Dallas Cowboys' leads Ale and Michael to discuss sunflower seeds (37:24).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex announces a new tailgating adventure, while Michael is beyond annoyed at grapes with seeds (41:26).
Listen + Love + Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3fdoQed
Part of the Morning Read Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/3k0jSnk
Support the First Tee - Greater Austin: https://bit.ly/3n09U4I
Have you listened to our new food podcast? https://bit.ly/3vrJvj9
Join us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NpEIKJ
Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2QJhZLQ
Watch us on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3qvq4Dt
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
Tuesday Aug 17, 2021
The end of the PGA Tour regular season only confirmed that this was the year of the playoff as 6 players played two more holes to see who would win the Wyndham Championship. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell check out Kevin Kisner's win, and the biggest winner of the week (1:56).
Over on the Korn Ferry Tour, past guests Dylan Wy and Taylor Montgomery finished up the Super Season that started before COVID did, and while one got great news, another still has some work to do in the Playoffs (7:00).
Next the PGA Tour gets to start the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and that means Lady Liberty for the Northern Trust Open. Anyone who's anyone is in the field, and it'll be a surefire star studded weekend (11:10).
In Tuned In, Alex and Michael share some music inspired films that include music festivals and mega stars (14:33).
A couple weeks ago Alex traveled to the campus of the First Tee of Greater Austin, and got a chance to chat with their Executive Director Jennifer MacCurrach. Jennifer shares the history of Austin's First Tee chapter, and the importance of foot golf (17:50).
The NFL continues to roll in the preseason, while the Cowboy's owner adds a little something extra to his McGriddles. But it's the food at SoFi stadium that has everyone up in arms (35:00).
And Alex can't do anything other than praise the success of MLB's "Field of Dreams" game in Iowa (41:16).
As the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, Michael is not anywhere near as happy as Alex is that Pumpkin Spice season has finally arrived (43:04).
Listen + Love + Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3fdoQed
Part of the Morning Read Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/3k0jSnk
Support the First Tee - Greater Austin: https://bit.ly/3n09U4I
Watch us on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3qvq4Dt
Have you listened to our new food podcast? https://bit.ly/3vrJvj9
Join us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NpEIKJ
Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2QJhZLQ
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
It was a very busy week in the golf world, but the main headline everyone needs to know is that Nelly Korda is the best of the best after claiming the gold medal in Tokyo (2:10).
In Memphis at the WGC - FedEx St Jude Invitational the Season of the Playoff continued with another playoff. In the end, Abraham Ancer claimed his first PGA Tour victory (6:40).
Over at the Barracuda Championship, former guest Mark Baldwin snuck in after claiming a Monday qualifier spot and then made the weekend (9:26).
And last week's guest, Jhared Hack, racked up a W on the day his episode was released (11:45). We're not saying being on the podcast is good for people but we're not saying it isn't either.
On Thursday, Alex had the honor of visiting the First Tee of Greater Austin, the official charity of the Course of Life (15:12). He got to tee it up with some of their best students, and enjoy some foot golf. Check out a video of his visit here: https://youtu.be/u34smtzgFlM
The PGA Tour regular season comes to a close this weekend with the Wyndham Championship, where a couple big names are in the field to try to secure a place in the FedEx Cup Playoffs (19:11).
In Tuned In, Alex wraps up his summer of watching the Olympics, while Michael listens to the new album by Bleachers, and watches the brand new "The Suicide Squad" (21:19).
The week's guest is a professional soccer player with the new Austin FC and a former member of Team USA (23:39).
Football season is right around the corner, and the preseason is in full swing as Alex's Patriots and Michael's Giants grind towards another season (49:52). Meanwhile, Michael's Yankees are surging and Alex's Red Sox are falling apart in the baseball world (51:37).
Alex shares his foray into a TikTok food trend as the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, and Michael continues to ponder opening his own bakery (52:44).
Listen + Love + Subscribe: http://bit.ly/3fdoQed
Part of the Morning Read Podcast Network: https://bit.ly/3k0jSnk
Support the First Tee - Greater Austin: https://bit.ly/3n09U4I
Have you listened to our new food podcast? https://bit.ly/3vrJvj9
Join us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2NpEIKJ
Follow us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/2QJhZLQ
Watch us on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3qvq4Dt