D1 Training Launches 'The Turf' Podcast to Expand Athletic Training Authority and Franchise Growth

D1 Training announces the launch of its new podcast, The Turf: Powered by D1, hosted by founder and CEO Will Bartholomew. The series officially begins on August 27 with Vanderbilt Head Football Coach Clark Lea as the inaugural guest. Filmed inside D1 Training facilities, the podcast features raw conversations with athletes, coaches, celebrities, and influencers about training, competition, and achieving success both on and off the field.

The podcast launch occurs during a significant growth period for D1 Training, which recently surpassed 150 open locations nationwide and continues to rank among the fastest-growing franchise systems in the country. Bartholomew explained that the podcast serves as both an educational tool and brand expansion strategy, stating that filming inside their facilities allows them to showcase D1's world-class training environment while producing motivational content for athletes of all ages and experience levels.

Upcoming episodes will feature high-profile guests including Super Bowl champion Golden Tate, Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson, and country music star Chase Rice. These conversations aim to reveal the secrets behind elite performance and provide insights that can benefit anyone pursuing greatness in their respective fields.

The debut episode with Coach Clark Lea highlights the personal connections within the D1 community. Lea, who looked up to Bartholomew during their high school years, now coaches Bartholomew's son at Vanderbilt while his own son trains at a D1 facility. Lea emphasized the importance of training principles taught at D1, noting that the discipline, goal setting, and deferred gratification represent life lessons that extend beyond athletic performance.

The podcast expands D1's reach into new audiences while reinforcing the brand's position as a trusted authority in athletic-based training. Bartholomew described franchise development as building a movement rather than simply opening locations, with the podcast serving as another vehicle to spread the D1 story and celebrate the culture that makes the brand distinctive. The content will be available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, making it accessible to a broad audience interested in training excellence and personal development.