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 May 25, 2021
Tuesday May 25, 2021
After a monumental week of golf at Kiawah's Ocean Course, hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell break down Phil Mickelson's historic PGA Championship victory, plus some other compelling storylines from the season's second major championship (1:42).
Meanwhile, the Let Them Play Classic gave women's college golf the tournament it deserved, as Barstool Sports put on an amazing event after the canceled New Orlean's NCAA Regional (11:07).
The LPGA, meanwhile, had a new winner in Wei-Ling Hsu at the Pure Silk Championship (12:57).
The PGA Tour is back at it in Texas for the Charles Schwab Challenge, and you should expect some local picks from Alex and Michael at Colonial (14:07).
In Tuned in, Alex and Michael are in the music scene, with new tunes from Bleachers, and an actual "good" music awards show (15:48).
This week's guest has catapulted into golf stardom for his unique one-handed swing on TikTok. Alex chats with aspiring soccer player Eliezer Paul-Gindiri, aka "Snappy," on his soccer skills and new found golf fame (18:08).
Alex and Michael quickly whip-round some other sports, including the pitching successes in the MLB, and the NBA Playoffs giving us a Lebron/Curry matchup (38:51).
As the show #AlwaysEndsWithFood, Alex and Michael talk about a disgusting new ice cream flavor, French's Mustard (40:41). But don't worry, the new Always End With Food Podcast is coming out on Friday, May 28, and probably won't include that.
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Tuesday May 18, 2021
Tuesday May 18, 2021
The PGA Tour was in McKinney, TX for the AT&T Byron Nelson, where everyone went low-low-low and the Tour had their fifth new winner of the season in K.H. Lee, even with a rain soaked Sunday finish (1:42).
But over in the NCAA Women's Regional in Baton Rouge, rain meant the course was "playable" but not in "Championship conditions," leading to a cancelation of a tournament without a single shot. Hosts Michael Russell and Alex Lauzon have a lot to say on the horrendous treatment of the female collegiate golfers (5:49).
The feel-good story of the week came from the European Tour, where Richard Bland broke through with a win after almost 500 starts without one (11:47).
All eyes will be on Kiawah Island's Ocean Course for the PGA Championship this weekend, as super long holes, high winds, and historic results (Rory's 2012 win) add to the many storylines for a Major Championship. Alex and Michael break it down and share some early picks for the week (14:26).
In Tuned In, Alex shows his age by watching the MTV Movie Awards and not knowing a single film, while Michael tunes into nature in the marshes of the Georgia coast (20:36).
This week's guest is Elizabeth Diane Martin, host of the "American Veteran Show." In her second appearance on the podcast, Elizabeth shares why there's snow in Colorado, and what it was like to play at Riviera in California (22:54).
And as Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, sharing stories of food shortages and homemade hamburger buns, they also share an exciting new announcement (54:02).
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Tuesday May 11, 2021
Tuesday May 11, 2021
It was a week of big house spotting at Quail Hollow for hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell. Oh, and watching Rory McIlroy return to the winner's circle at the Wells Fargo Championship (1:27).
And while Phil Mickelson dropped a 64 on Thursday, Alex and Michael wonder what it would take the draw big names like Phil away from the PGA Tour and to a new Super League (7:03).
Out in Thailand, the sunbrellas were still out in force, and a comeback victory provided the first native Thai LPGA golfer to win in her home country, Ariya Jutanugarn (10:55).
A week before the PGA Championship, the Tour heads to McKinney, TX for the AT&T Byron Nelson, where a potentially loaded field is set to get ready for the next major (13:25).
In Tuned In, Michael is getting back to his childhood Nickelodeon favorites, and Alex is watching a childish prank storming the boxing world (15:27).
This week's guest just completed hitting 50 golf shots in all 50 states within 30 days, and is a comedian to boot. Jake Adams shares what it was like during his journey around the country, and his infamous encounter with Matt Kuchar's caddy (18:32).
The NBA is getting ready for a new play-in tournament, and Michael isn't too excited about it (48:38).
And as the guys #AlwaysEndWithFood, it's a remembrance of what a good 10th tee snack can do for your game (50:58).
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Tuesday May 04, 2021
Tuesday May 04, 2021
It was a Sunday horse race that led to Sam Burns picking up his first win on the PGA Tour at the Valspar Championship this weekend, and hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell look at the win. And we cannot forget the feel good story of the week of Michael "Big Mike" Visacki after his emotional Monday qualifier (1:23).
Past guests Ryan French and Neil Johnson, Twitter's Monday Q Info guys, drop a major announcement on our backs to start the week and we couldn't be happier for them (5:45).
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour seems to be turning into a race to the wedding altar, as Brooks Koepka's and Dustin Johnson's fiancés' post dueling dress photos to social media (7:25).
On the LPGA Tour, the sunbrellas were out in Singapore where the heat was high but the scores were low as past major winner Hyo Joo Kim came from behind for the victory (8:52).
And this week the PGA Works Collegiate Championship kicks off at TPC Sawgrass, featuring HBCU schools and more (11:01).
The PGA Tour heads to Quail Hollow for the Wells Fargo Championship where the top players are back at it, including DJ, Beefy Bryson, Rory, Justin Thomas, and defending champ Max Homa (13:02).
In Tuned In, Michael is planning on watching "Bee Movie," featuring the favorite comedian of this podcast, Jerry Seinfeld. Alex, meanwhile, is watching the TBS comedy "Chad" (15:07).
This week's guest is former LPGA golfer Jeehae Lee on her journey from collegiate and professional golf to founding a new A.I. golfing venture, and making some golf parody music during the pandemic (17:30).
The NFL draft was this past weekend, and Alex and Michael recap their team's picks (50:11). Plus, Aaron Rodgers stole the headlines this weekend.
As Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, it's all about fresh sushi and watermelon (54:05).
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Tuesday Apr 27, 2021
Tuesday Apr 27, 2021
The team event at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans didn't disappoint as the Australian duo won in a playoff, giving co-host Michael Russell his second winning pick of the year. Michael and co-host Alex Lauzon break down the win, and the chances that Cam Smith cuts off his mullet (1:43).
Across the pond, past guest Rhys Enoch flexed in contention in beautiful Gran Canaria on the Euro Tour (4:48), and Tony Romo continues to fail at being worth the exemption on the Korn Ferry Tour (6:14).
Brook Henderson showed off her game as she won at the Hugia-Air Premia LA Open, cementing her place as the best Canadian golfer of all time (8:35).
And Tiger pops back onto social media, just as the PGA Tour announces new money awarded to golfers who are good at it (9:58).
As the podcast continues its partnership with The First Tee - Greater Austin, Alex reminds us of the great things the First Tee offers during the summer (11:52).
The PGA Tour heads to Tampa Bay to return to the Valspar Championship, run by past guest Tracy West. Alex and Michael throw out some names of golfers to keep an eye on, including 2-time defending champion Paul Casey (12:42).
In Tuned In, Alex was one of the few people watching the Oscars this weekend, while Michael was viewing the new "Mortal Kombat" for his other podcast, 3 Minute Movie Reviews (15:23).
As the NFL Draft approaches, Alex chatted with Cole Thompon from Sports Illustrated's "Fan Nation" to get everyone ready for this weekend (18:23).
And as Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, it's all about returning to restaurants and baking bread (47:05).
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Tuesday Apr 20, 2021
Tuesday Apr 20, 2021
The RBC Heritage handed out their Tartan Jacket to Stewart Cink after he put on a clinic at Harbor Town to claim his 3rd win there, and second this season after not winning for 11 years. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell look at Cink's chances of winning again this year, and how the rest of the field fared in Hilton Head Island (1:49).
In the Korn Ferry Tour, past guest Ryan French (The Monday Q Guy) was on the bag of this week's guest Mark Baldwin, tweeting about the entire experience like a champ (9:48).
And over in the LPGA, Lydia Ko also returned to the winner's circle, absolutely demolishing the field at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii (10:49).
All this winning makes Michael and Alex want to get back out to the course themselves, and give back with the First Tee as part of their new partnership with the Greater Austin chapter (12:19).
The PGA Tour heads to New Orleans this weekend for the unique Zurich Classic, where it's all about team golf! Alex and Michael share some picks and thoughts on this unique golf tournament (13:19).
In Tuned In, Alex is watching soccer(!) as his town of Austin welcomes its new MLS team (16:12).
This week's guest is a fellow New England native to Alex and Michael, and a Korn Ferry Tour pro. Mark Baldwin shares his story of becoming a professional golfer, and the joys (and hardships) of not always knowing you'll be playing in a tournament (18:40).
As baseball season rolls on, Michael's Yankees are faltering and Alex's Red Sox are surging (55:51). Who would have thought?
As Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, Alex shares his plans to return to restaurants, and Michael does a live taste test of a new soda flavor (57:15).
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Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
It was a week unlike any other at The Masters, as the azaleas bloomed, the world's best didn't make the cut, a relatively unknown bursted onto the scene, and Japan reigned supreme for the second week in a row at Augusta. Hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell break down everything from the past weekend's Masters Tournament, including Hideki Matsuyama's huge win and what it means for the sport (1:58).
Alex and Michael also announce a brand new partnership with the First Tee - Greater Austin (TX) in an effort to continue to grow the game and give back to the golf community (16:38).
Plus a look ahead to the RBC Heritage Classic in Hilton Head, SC, and the chances that Will Zalatoris will claim a victory after a stunning week up the road (19:36).
Alex and Michael also share what they are "Tuned In" to outside of the world of sports, including a childhood throwback in Levar Burton, and a Boston sports radio battle including two past guests of the podcast (21:11).
This week's guest is Stephanie Gilbert, host of Studio 5-1-2 in on WXAN in Austin, TX. Gilbert joins Alex to chat about her journey back to television, her friendship with past guest Ali Khan, and her eating contest with the great Joey Chestnut (24:45).
As Alex and Michael round out this week's show with a look at their favorite teams in baseball (54:09), they conclude, as always, with food, looking at new soda flavors, ice cream favorites, and a crazy pizza concoction (56:32).
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Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
Tuesday Apr 06, 2021
It's one of the most wonderful week's of the year, but before hosts Alex Lauzon and Michael Russell get into all that, Michael wants to relish his first correct pick on tour this year after Jordan Spieth returned to the winner's circle at the Valero Texas Open (2:00).
Past guest Fredrick Lindblom had reason to celebrate last week as he won conditional status on the Canadian Tour after a great weekend at Q School (6:00). And in California, rookie Patty Tavatanakit roared her way into the LPGA scene with a commanding wire-to-wire victory at the year's first major, the ANA Inspiration (7:30).
Back in Georgia, Augusta hosted the ANWA, concluding in Japan's Tsbuasa Kajitani winning in a playoff (9:17). But Michael asks the question: where's the LPGA event at Augusta (10:06)?
Alex and Michael's attention then turns to this weekend's Masters tournament, where Dustin Johnson looks to defend, Spieth looks to continue his form, Rory McIlroy hopes to finish his career grand slam, and Jon Rahm wants to bring a jacket home to his newborn baby (11:36). Alex and Michael also throw out some sleepers to keep an eye on ahead of the most exciting golf week of the year.
Meanwhile in Tuned In, Alex got a little more of awards season with the SAG awards, and Michael is turning back the clock with a classic NBC show (19:30).
This week's guest is former PGA Tour pro Richard Lee, who shares his incredible story of earning Tour status, what it's now like to teach golfers in Arizona, and what it was like to play with Tiger on a Sunday (21:58).
Baseball season is underway, with snow, COVID-19, and poor starts for Michael and Alex's favorite teams (58:53). Meanwhile, March Madness continues to destroy what's left of everyone's bracket (1:01:20).
As Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, they get hot and heavy over DJ's controversial Champions Dinner (1:02:00).
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Tuesday Mar 30, 2021
Tuesday Mar 30, 2021
Austin, TX, played host to the always fun and unique WGC Dell Technologies Match Play, where golf takes on the bracket game, and host Alex Lauzon was just going CRAZY as he volunteered on course and got to see all the action, including Billy Horschel's win, Sergio's hole-in-one, and more (1:45).
Meanwhile, at the Corales Puntacana Championship with the opposite field, Joel Dahmen became a first time winner (11:47). And The LPGA gears up for its first major of the season, the ANA Inspiration (13:14). Also this weekend, the PGA Tour stays in Texas in the warm-up to The Masters (14:20).
In Tuned in, co-host Michael Russell is officially feeling old, after hearing a song from his childhood being played in Target. Alex Alex's joins in with more music that reminds the two hosts of their age (17:30).
This week's guest is comedian and actress Jade Catta-Preta, who chats with Alex about the adrenaline of being on stage and hosting E!'s "The Soup" (19:57).
Michael is psyched for baseball to be back as the MLB season begins on Thursday (48:35), but Alex is ready for March to be over as his bracket is destroyed in the NCAA tournament (49:50).
And it's all about Passover and Easter as Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, including Peeps flavored soda (52:30).
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Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
It was a horrible week for picks from Alex and Michael at the Honda Classic as Australian Matt Jones punched his way back to the winner's circle (1:33). And he did it very, very quickly.
But all attention is now on Alex's backyard in Austin, TX, as the WGC Dell Match Play rolls in to give us all another opportunity to draw up busted brackets (5:05). Alex shares reports from the course, and will do so all week on his instagram.
In Tuned In, it's all about drone footage, and Michael is watching a volcano and Alex a bowling alley (10:48).
This week's guest is Wes Patterson, a World Long Driver and co-founder of the new Press Golf Series (12:51). Wes shares the story of his career growing up, and the exciting new concept of the Press Series.
We can all say it was an incredibly crazy week for March Madness, as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament got under way and there were too many upsets to mention (36:39).
But as Alex and Michael #AlwaysEndWithFood, attention turns to homemade bread and next-level sandwiches from past guest Chef Ponzio (41:01).
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