In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, the Squad welcomes special guest (and now “friend of the show”) Stephanie Whitehouse. They all reminisce about their long-standing friendships and discuss various horticultural topics, including the old Seely Conference at Cornell, how plant breeders are our industry’s unsung heroes and the Pantone Color of the Year (which might be OK for our industry, but is generally pretty lame). Stephanie shares her journey into horticulture, her experiences at a couple leading greenhouses and garden centers and her current role at Dümmen Orange. The wide-ranging conversation also touches on memorable events and shows, highlights from their 2025 gardens and the importance of integrating horticulture into education.

They also discuss cheap chicken wings, money laundering, celebrity plant influencers, walk-in music, sourdough, more inspiration from Disney, Martha Stewart, raspberry plants and so much more—you never really know where the conversation is going to go!

In GH Squad Podcast episode 4, Seth, Mason and Bill dive into a variety of topics ranging from bad movie reviews to brilliant horticultural insights. They spend time on Firefly Petunia and the future of plant genetics (Oreo plants, carnivorous Snapdragons). The conversation also touches on importance of quality tradeshow swag, why Mason won’t eat invertebrates, and ends with shout outs (pickleball players, WC wrestlers) and hot takes on various subjects, including the merits of (and future of) novelty poinsettias.

Join Seth, Mason and Bill for the latest episode of the GH Squad podcast as they dive into the world of horticulture, share personal stories and discuss the official launch of their podcast on December 3. The guys talk about favorite Christmas gifts they got as kids and then turn it into a discussion of best gifts for people on the professional hort side of things.

They preview some winter trade shows, how to maximize the value of trade shows and tips for convincing your boss to send you to events for education and idea generation. In Shout Outs and Hot Takes, the Squad gives props to the Jason’s Nuts tabletop game and then brainstorms ways to turn empty greenhouses into kids’ party moneymakers in winter.

Also … How Taylor Swift and the GH Squad podcast are similar, why Mason AND Seth are both a lot like Sylvester Stallone, Roadhouse and Patrick Swayze, using an app to generate NIL money in horticulture, Mason’s old shoes might be worth big bucks and so much more.

Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you.

And follow us on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

Jason’s Nuts (it’s safe to click the link): https://www.jasonsnuts.com/

In this episode of the GH Squad Podcast, Bill Calkins, MasonDay and Seth Reed explore the differences between botany and horticulture, debate the timing of holiday decorations, explain California Spring Trials and discuss the ideal attributes of a new AmericanHort CEO. The Squad also shares travelmishaps, the plan for an American garden party and why Pokémon belongs in garden centers.

Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you.

And follow us on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

Botany (according to Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botany

The Martian (official trailer): https://youtu.be/ej3ioOneTy8?si=lfBLFXI2qbTyCJG9

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the GH Squad Podcast!Join Bill Calkins, Mason Day and Seth Reed as they share their own unique perspectives into the world of horticulture and beyond. In this episode, the trio discusses their journeys into the industry, the unique opportunities they've encountered and the friendship that keeps them coming back for more.

From tales of the Kentucky Derby and the magic of Disney's flower festivals to why Seth loves the relatively obscure Kevin Costner movie Waterworld, this episode is packed with stories that highlight the unique world of horticulture.

Tune in for laughs, insights and a few hot takes on holidays and industry competition. Don't miss out on getting to know the voices behind the podcast!

Leave a comment! We’d love to hear from you.

And follow us on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

Mason’s USDA Video Cameo – representing us for 2025National Ag Day (about 1:00 in): https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DNtk1RAn4/

Waterworld Movie Trailer: https://youtu.be/NpKbULrB9Z8?si=z2TLdEGKuiTH_DsE

In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, the Squad reflects on their holiday experiences, discuss the dynamics of having guests on the show, thoughts on Christmas traditions and their kids’ gifts. They also introduce the concept of a Fantasy Plant Draft! Next week (on episode 7), they’ll select their teams of 10 starting-lineup plants and two bench players in a competitive format.

Of course, there’s much more in this episode … including the conclusion of Bill’s Costco Christmas tree saga, holiday meals, Big Ham, a recent trip to a local garden center, why New Year’s Eve is overrated, Mason’s lactose intolerance and plenty of other fun facts. The conversation wraps up with shout outs and hot takes.

00:00   Holiday Reflections and Work-Life Balance

03:04   Guest Perspectives and Show Dynamics

05:51   Christmas Celebrations and Family Traditions

12:03   Toys and Gifts: A Parent's Perspective

19:00   The Fantasy Plant Draft: Concept and Rules

26:09   Drafting Strategies in Fantasy Plant Selection

28:17   Holiday Meal Traditions and Family Gatherings

31:44   The Costco Christmas Tree Saga

32:51   Shout Outs and Family Activities

39:51   Reflections on Holiday Decorations

43:55   Closing Thoughts on the Holiday Season

In GH Squad Podcast episode 7, Seth, Mason and Bill assemble their 2026 teams consisting of 12 plants in a classic, fantasy style draft. This is the ultimate horticultural showdown—three industry veterans selecting their best team from a list of more than 55 annuals, perennials and vegetables (plus two bench players not on the formal list). The draft is full of solid plant information, anecdotes and hot takes. There are definitely interesting sleeper picks, major crops that slipped down the board and potentially some debatable genus rostered quite early. Like any fantasy draft, some picks are made to block opponents and others to dominate in the trenches. Each team captain has a strategy (we think) and you’ll need to listen all to the end to see how it all unfolds.

Team Names/Managers:
Hosta La Vista (Seth)

Carlos Lantana (Mason)

Pulmonaria 51 (Bill)
Perhaps most importantly … you can join in the action BY VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITE TEAM! Rank them 1-3 in the comments for this episode, on the Squad’s individual LinkedIn pages or on Instagram @GHSquadPod. Voting closes at midnight after the Super Bowl—February 8, 2026.

In this episode, Bill debriefs on California Spring Trials 2026—which just wrapped up on March 27—and shares his unfiltered thoughts on the event, some of the big picture trends, new variety direction and a bit about the overall vibe of the event. Mason asks him some hard questions and Bill does his best to not dodge them and actually give honest opinions.

Watch CA Spring Trials coverage videos (starring Bill, Chris Beytes and Jen Zurko)

Bill also adds his own thoughts to the garden center good, bad and ugly discussion from episode 17, which he missed while on vacation with his family. Speaking of families … Seth is away this week with his kids on spring break and Mason’s family had a big weekend conducting a “potty learning boot camp.”

Follow us on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

(NOTE: Apologies for the few times video cuts out … no clue what happened and I’m way too busy catching up on work to try and fix it. ~Bill)

In this episode:

• Key takeaways from Spring Trials including plant innovations, sustainability and market trends
• Personal stories from feed stores to greenhouses, highlighting the evolution of gardening and retail experiences
• Insights on the most innovative plants like black-leaf begonias, glow-in-the-dark petunias and trendy dahlias
• Industry trends: conservative product releases, combo recipes and the future of plant breeding
• Behind-the-scenes tales including propane filling, customer interactions and memorable garden center moments
• Food and travel highlights with restaurant recommendations and parenting wins, like potty training success!
• Lighthearted sports banter about baseball rivalries and seasons
• Parenting shout-outs and personal milestones from potty training weekends to family vacations
• Industry observations: sustainability practices and the shift in plant production

It’s another Squad duo-cast! Seth and Mason run the ship because Bill is on vacation. The topic of the week is their favorite AND least favorite experiences working in garden centers—including horticultural lessons learned, customer interactions and the how things have evolved over time. Of course, this dynamic duo drops plenty of brilliant tidbits weaved throughout wacky stories. You’d be disappointed if they didn’t … Be sure to follow the Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

This one gets deep. Following up on the 2026 Fantasy Plant Draft in episode 7, the Squad turns introspective this time. They discuss why taking time off work is essential for personal well-being—although 500 emails might crush you—and why balancing work and personal life can be challenging but rewarding. Seth, Bill and Mason share some of their 2026 resolutions and intentions and the shows and conferences they plan to attend this year. After shouting out a new hort podcast and some of the good work being done promote horticulture through different industry initiatives, the guys agree that showing what goes into bringing plants to market might help the overall value proposition.

They also talk about why Seth’s collared shirt and mobile office in the back seat of his own car are signs of sophistication, why Roblox needs Night Sky and Proven Winners, adult men wearing weighted vests, shoveling sidewalks in the suburbs and so much more.

Follow The Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod

Because Seth is taking the day off to be a fantastic father, Mason (a lifelong Ford guy) and Bill (Ford guy turned Jeep guy) held down the GH Squad fort and finished the California Spring Trials prediction show using storylines from the 2026 LA Auto Show (trust us, it will make sense when you listen). If you haven’t listened to episode 15, maybe jump back in the archives and catch up. After discussing some questions Bill might ask at CAST in a couple weeks—to dig beneath the surface and challenge presenters to talk about solutions—they jump into storylines 6 through 10. In there are some real nuggets of wisdom and two legit controversial hot takes. Does Bill compare big box stores to a global superpower? Does Mason advocate for trials in a convention center? You seriously have to listen because there’s some wisdom to their madness. Plus, they break down good and bad appetizers/finger foods at receptions and Bill subtly requests 1,000 Tri-tip sliders from an exhibitor at Spring Trials. Be sure to follow The Squad on Instagram @GHSquadPod.

Join The Squad as they explore current trends in horticulture and what they think will be key messages at California Spring Trials 2026— all inspired by storylines from this year's LA Auto Show! This episode is only Part One and includes the first five storylines, touching on product maturation, technology integration and market adaptation. Seth, Mason and Bill bring their unique perspectives on how automotive innovations can inform and inspire plant industry strategies. Are perennials the EVs of horticulture? With plants for every price point, can we gain relevance in today’s cost-conscious society?

The Squad also shares some #CASpringTrialsMemories and discusses Monster Jam as a cultural phenomenon.

This is a good one! But aren’t they all? In episode 14, Mason, Seth and Bill are pretty focused—sharing Seth and Mason’s takeaways from the iLandscape trade show, plus all the networking opportunities and innovative products at this leading regional green industry event. The Squad shared thoughts based on a listener comment about the challenges horticulturists face as consumers and highlight the importance of engaging the next generation in the industry. The conversation also touched on the significance of trade shows in fostering connections and showcasing new technologies.

In the second half of the episode, the hosts explored the evolving nature of hobbies in the context of social media and influencer culture. They discussed how platforms like TikTok and Instagram have transformed hobbies into competitive activities laden with stress and consumerism. The conversation got into the pressure to post and the impact of social media on personal enjoyment of hobbies. The Squad advocates for a return to the joy of hobbies without the need for validation through social media, emphasizing the importance of individual outcomes and realistic representations in hobby culture.

Some takeaways:

·     The horticulture industry faces unique consumer behavior challenges.

·     Horticulturists often feel guilty about not purchasing plants.

·     Trade shows like iLandscape provide valuable networking opportunities.

·     Engaging students at trade shows can foster interest in horticulture.

·     Innovative products are essential for modern horticulture practices.

·     Sustainability is a growing focus in the horticulture industry.

·     The importance of community and connections in the industry cannot be overstated.

·     Themes at trade shows can enhance the overall experience.

·     Networking at trade shows can lead to valuable business connections.

·     The integration of technology in horticulture iscrucial for efficiency. Social media has turned hobbies into competitive content.

·     Hobbies are now associated with stress and consumerism.

·     The pressure to post can detract from the enjoyment of hobbies.

·     Influencer culture impacts how hobbies are perceived and pursued.

·     Gardening is on the rise due to sustainability and homegrown food.

·     People often feel pressured to monetize their hobbies.

·     Realistic representations of hobbies are needed in media.

·     The joy of hobbies should be prioritized over social media validation.

·     Crayons are often inadequate for quality coloring experiences.

·     AI is likely to influence the future of hobbies and creative activities.

In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, the Squad welcomes special guest Tiffany Heater. They reminisce about how they all met and some of the ways they've worked together in different capacities for 15 years.As a side hustle, Tiffany and her family operate a small "backyard" farm in New Jersey and sell cut flowers and vegetables at a local farmer's market and direct to local businesses. Tiffany and the Squad discuss the current home garden veggie market (Tiffany has represented the Burpee Home Garden plant program for 15 years), who's shopping at farm markets and whether or not cut flowers is a trend with more growth potential.Of course, there's plenty more to this episode including the inside scoop on new Girl Scout cookie flavors!

The Squad is back with another banger. In episode 12, Seth, Mason and Bill cover a wild range of topics from ways to improve some of the more boring events in the Winter Olympics (by adding fire or wolves) to what they’d do if they could start a green industry business from scratch. The winner of the 2026 Fantasy Plant Draft is announced and the losers congratulate him—although he sort of cheated the system … and the Squad answers their first “ask the old guys” question about now-defunct industry businesses they miss. Mason gives a quick recap of Indoor Ag-Con and the Squad talks a bit about CEA and vertical farming.

The episode ends with a rural Florida orchid excursion that almost turned into a horror movie. Other topics include the “Quad God”, snowboarding, Las Vegas fitness centers, NERF and so much more.

REGISTER NOW for Seth’s upcoming Perennial Plant Association webinar: Be A More Resilient(Sustainable) Company! | February 20 at 1:00 PM EST. https://perennialplant.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2014764&group=

Learn more about Digging In—The Association for Professional Container Gardeners: https://digging-in.org/about/

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @GHSquadPod

In this episode, the GH Squad dives into the chaos, humor and unexpected stories encountered in the industry—and the airport. From travel mishaps involving diamonds and border seizures to creative ideas for horticultural media, they explore how unfiltered experiences reveal industry truths and could generate some new plant fans.

But wait, there’s more:

• Mason reports back after TPIE: great networking, new houseplant varieties and display ideas
• Favorite horticultural smells—from tomato trichomes to earthy greenhouse and garden center fragrances
• The unpredictable nature of airport adventures, including a diamond deal gone wild and TSA encounters
• How travel stories can create chaos and camaraderie within the horticultural community
• Creative brainstorming for movies and TV shows centered around horticulture industry stories

Follow the Squad on Instagram! @GHSquadPod

Leave a comment below—shout out topics for future episodes, vote on our episode 7 fantasy plant draft picks or just tell us we’re awesome.

NOTE: Mason secured an excused absence for this one as he was attending the TPIE show.

So … in this episode of the GH Squad podcast, the dynamic duo of hosts Seth and Bill celebrate their 10th episode milestone while discussing unique career paths within the horticulture industry. They talk about the evolution of their own horticultural careers and the role of education in fostering a love for plants. The conversation highlights the diverse opportunities in horticulture, from greenhouse and nursery production and management to the importance of garden centers and landscape as the ultimate touchpoint with end consumers. They explain additional opportunities—from marketing and sales to technology and sustainability, emphasizing the industry's resilience and huge potential for job satisfaction.

Seed Your Future: https://www.seedyourfuture.org/KidsGardening: https://kidsgardening.org/

In this episode of the GH Squad podcast, hosts Bill, Seth and Mason dive into the latest trends in horticulture and beyond, discussing what’s in and what’s out for 2026. Some of what they explore during INs and OUTs include the rise of online learning as a valuable resource for industry professionals, generational shifts in consumer behavior—Bill thinks Millennials are OUT! They discuss trends, touch on the resurgence of flower bulbs and the decline of candles, emphasizing a shift towards more sustainable and meaningful consumption in home decor and gardening.

They seem to agree that nostalgic fashion choices like cargo shorts, double popped collars and 90s aesthetics are making a comeback. At some point, the conversation shifts to the use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), the growing demand for native plants, the decline of business cards (vigorously debated by Mason) and the return of analog media like CDs and VHS tapes.

You need to listen all the way to the end of this one—or you’ll no doubt miss out on some future trends like light bulbs, smoke-flavored juices and Micro Machines.

The Squad is all together live in one room for this one, which creates a totally different dynamic because we are social creatures and virtual meetings just don’t cut it. This time, Mason, Seth and Bill talk about spring—the season. What’s it look like for the industry, their own jobs, their yards and gardens and even their neighbors’ lawns. They find out Seth is a grass guy and decide horticulture is without a doubt the happiest industry of all time.Other topics discussed include parking at big events, gas prices, Mason’s community pool, a new bagel shop, circus peanuts (the candy), unpaved garden centers, shepherd’s hooks and squash hammocks.Follow The Squad on Instagram: @GHSquadPod Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: in-person recording and conference room vibes00:27 - The squad reunites physically after weeks apart01:00 - Sprin' in the Midwest: weather, outdoor activities, and summer plans02:20 - Spring break adventures: pools, staycations, and sports04:00 - Live sports insights: hockey, parking, and game day experiences06:07 - Parking tips and experiences at major venues, Spot Hero shoutout08:33 - Topic introduction: celebrating spring’s arrival and its impact on industry work09:47 - How spring influences garden centers, growers, and wholesale dynamics11:00 - Realities of busy spring seasons and planning for the upcoming months12:51 - Personal projects: preparing for fall and strategic planning in retail and production14:17 - Rising fuel costs and reflections on gas prices through the years15:28 - Gas prices, childhood memories, and eco-conscious choices19:11 - Favorite spring moments: opening windows, outdoor activities, and weather preferences20:31 - Love for spring rain and green grass, seasonal aesthetic appeal22:54 - Lawn care: overgrown shrubs, yard projects, and neighborly relations27:00 - Seed starting, vegetable gardening, and DIY plant projects30:37 - Garden structure upgrades: beds, wood choices, and DIY framing31:54 - Fun detours into candy: circus peanuts, childhood nostalgia, and taste tests36:23 - Yard and landscape updates: trimming, planning, and neighbor comparisons37:41 - Gardening philosophies: simplicity, overgrown over perfect, and seasonal chaos40:24 - Landscaping choices: functional versus decorative features, and industry storytelling43:47 - Greenhouse setups: dirt floors, plant care, and operational insights45:28 - Garden bulbs, winter planting, and spring surprises48:46 - Yard cleanup plans, landscaping strategies, and seasonal planting goals54:39 - Current projects: mulching, edging, and perennials55:28 - Industry happiness: survey insights, employee satisfaction, and long-term joy62:25 - The industry as a source of happiness and fulfillment64:09 - The distraction factor: fogged windows and overcommunication of negativity65:55 - Wrapping up: future episodes, guest ideas, and upcoming topics such as AI66:48 - Listener interaction: comments, feedback, and the importance of community67:42 - Final thoughts: staying connected through social media, subscriptions, and upcoming content