
The Fire Pit Podcast
In the 25 years of covering golf, the development of the game, courses and the camaraderie that’s core to the culture, it was time for Matt to share some of the best stories he has heard around fire pits all over the world. From PGA Tour players, caddies, architects, avid amateurs and buddies-trip planners, Matt has forged relationships with some of the most colorful and influential people in the game. So grab a drink, a seat and settle in. We’re getting to the essence of one story per podcast. A narrative so deep and meaningful, you save it for a post-round fire pit, which is where no one is in a hurry for the night to end.
Latest episodes

Oct 18, 2023 • 47min
Fire Drill 095: Positive Vibes Only
In this Fire Drill Matt Ginella and Alan Shipnuck discuss: The launch of "Liv and Let Die" The uncertain future of professional golf The influence of Tiger Woods and the TGL Accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of the modern game How geopolitics is affecting the framework agreement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 13, 2023 • 56min
Fire Drill 094: Songs and Stories From Around The Fire Pit
In this Fire Drill: Matt Ginella, Alan Shipnuck, Grammy award winner Jacquire King and Linksoul founder John Ashworth join artist Griffin House as he discusses the intersection of golf and music, his creative process and debuts some songs from his new EP. Griffin House is a 2 handicap who swings his driver 125 miles per hour. He is also a talented singer-songwriter with a long discography and dedicated fanbase that packs his shows. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 4, 2023 • 59min
Fire Drill 093: LIV and Let Die
In this freewheeling conversation, Michael Bamberger gets the story-behind-the-story from Alan Shipnuck about his new book chronicling the battle for the soul of professional golf. They discuss the challenges of reporting a controversial, evolving story, delve into the larger themes of the book and dish on the brand name protagonists. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 11min
Fire Drill 092: From Dublin to Belfast
In this episode of a Fire Drill from the Fire Pit Collective, Matt Ginella joins Alan Shipnuck to break down his latest travels to Dublin and Belfast. They both dive into the best of what’s available on and off the course. You’ll hear from several protagonists who offered their expertise throughout the trip. From a rainbow and whiskey at Royal County Down, the architect of the front-9 of Portstewart, Ardglass with the 11-time club champ and a brief history of St. Patrick, Ginella and Shipnuck also share their Top 10 courses on the island of Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 23, 2023 • 28min
Fire Drill 091: The Hair Apparent w/ Neal Shipley
In this Fire Drill, Alan Shipnuck speaks with U.S. Amateur runner-up Neal Shipley about his life-changing run at Cherry Hills, his brainy academic pursuits, the coming NIL windfall and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 17, 2023 • 49min
Fire Drill 090: "Gambler" - The Story Behind the Story
Armen Keteyian, co-writer of Billy Walters's "Gambler", discusses fact-checking and crafting storytelling in this Fire Drill podcast. They talk about researching and verifying information, co-writing techniques, and addressing misconstructions in the media. The podcast also covers Phil's reluctance to explore his betting habits and hiring powerful counsel. The importance of context is highlighted, followed by three ads/sponsors.

Aug 16, 2023 • 54min
Fire Drill 089: Around the World with the FPC
In this Fire Drill, Alan Shipnuck checks in from the U.S. Am at Cherry Hills and reflects on the Women’s Am at Bel-Air, while Matt Ginella relives highlights from his recent sojourn to Ireland. They also delve into the reaction to the Billy Walters excerptSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 10, 2023 • 45min
Fire Drill 088: Gambler - An EXCLUSIVE Excerpt from Billy Walters' New Autobiography
This podcast episode delves into an excerpt from Billy Walters' new autobiography, revealing shocking details about Phil Mickelson's gambling partnership. It also explores the personal lives and successes of golfers, challenges stereotypes, and discusses Phil Mickelson's complex life, involvement with various entities, and deteriorating relationship with Billy Walters.

Jul 24, 2023 • 47min
Fire Drill 087: In the Footsteps of Giants [OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP]
In this Fire Drill podcast, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger celebrate Brian Harman’s dominant win while drilling down on all the other news from an intriguing Open week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 19, 2023 • 1h 2min
Fire Drill 086: I Am The Walrus
In this Fire Drill Podcast, Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger break down the highly anticipated Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Rory’s win at the Scottish Open and more on the ongoing battle between LIV, the PGA Tour and the future of professional golf. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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