D1 Training Launches 'The Turf' Podcast to Expand Brand Reach and Athletic Training Authority
D1 Training's new podcast featuring elite athletes and coaches reinforces the brand's authority in athletic training while supporting its rapid franchise expansion.
D1 Training has launched a new podcast titled The Turf: Powered by D1, hosted by founder and CEO Will Bartholomew. The series, which premieres on August 27 with Vanderbilt Head Football Coach Clark Lea, features conversations with athletes, coaches, and influencers about training, performance, and achieving greatness both on and off the field.
The podcast's launch comes 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 dual purposes: expanding the brand's audience reach while reinforcing D1's position as a trusted authority in athletic-based training. The content is filmed inside D1 Training facilities, showcasing the company's world-class training environment while producing motivational content for athletes of all ages and fitness 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 are designed to reveal the secrets behind elite performance and provide insights that benefit everyone from young athletes to seasoned professionals. The podcast is available on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
The debut episode features a particularly meaningful conversation between Bartholomew and Coach Lea, whose relationship spans decades. 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. This full-circle moment underscores the long-term impact of athletic training relationships and the life lessons embedded in D1's methodology.
From a business perspective, the podcast represents a strategic expansion of D1 Training's content and marketing efforts. Bartholomew emphasized that franchise development involves building a movement rather than simply opening locations. The podcast provides another channel for sharing the D1 story, celebrating athletes, and showcasing the culture that distinguishes the brand in the competitive fitness franchise market. This content initiative supports both brand awareness and franchise recruitment efforts as the company continues its national expansion.