The Converse Cowboy

He grew up eating squirrel and rabbit, didn't taste his first steak until he was 22, and was once told that betting his future on horses was the dumbest thing he'd ever do. He went anyway. Today, Michael Cooper is an NCHA Hall of Famer, with more than six and a half million in lifetime earnings, and he's become one of the most respected cutting horse trainers in the industry. But this conversation...

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances—but the story you keep telling yourself? In a unique role reversal, The Converse Cowboy steps into the guest seat, interviewed my none other that the Louis Vuitton Vaquero himself, to unpack the ideas behind his new book, "Perspective Is a Verb". What starts as a conversation about writing a book quickly becomes a deeper explorati...

The NCHA Super Stakes delivered unforgettable runs, breakout performances, and plenty of chaos inside the cowbox — I am joined by my good pal, 'The Louis Vuitton Vaquero' aka NCHA Hall of Famer, Jesse Lennox to break it all down. From Kenny Platt's historic dominance in the 5/6 Open to Michael Cooper's clutch performances under pressure, this episode dives deep into the horses, the strategy, and t...

Aaron Watson turned down Nashville at 22 — and spent the next 25 years proving he was right. In this deeply honest conversation, Aaron opens up about building one of country music's most successful independent careers without compromising his identity, his songwriting, or his family. He shares the real cost of chasing music for a living, surviving two vocal cord surgeries that nearly ended his car...

In this episode of The Converse Cowboy, NFL veteran Davon Godchaux breaks down the uncomfortable truth behind success, discipline, and identity — after 10 years in a league where most careers barely last three.   "You've got athletes… and then you've got professional athletes."    From LSU to the NFL, Davon shares the small, unglamorous habits that define longevity — the things no one sees, but ev...

Most people don't accidentally find their calling. Scott Slusher did. With no formal training, he borrowed a horse, a truck, and a saddle—and stepped into a world that would eventually define his life's work. In this episode, we go beyond photography into purpose, identity, and the tension between making money and making a life. Scott shares why chasing fulfillment looks nothing like chasing succe...

Evan Felker of 'Turnpike Troubadours' has earned his reputation as one of the most respected songwriters in American music, but this conversation reveals what sits beneath the songs. Rather than focusing on highlights or history, this episode explores how great writing is built—through attention, discipline, and a deep respect for ordinary moments. Evan reflects on why the most lasting songs don't...

Foundations of Greatness – Training Young Horses Roundtable with some of the best in the business. Dive deep into the world of starting cutting horse prospects with three of the industry's most respected horse trainers: Wes Ashlock (Abilene, TX), Richard Jordan (Idaho), Gregg Garvie (Canada). In this candid roundtable recorded live at the NCHA Futurity, Fort Worth, Texas, these unsung heroes of th...

What happens when a breakout college breakaway roper can't turn pro and has to get a "big girl job"? She accidentally becomes one of the country's leading equine nutritionists. Dr. Jyme Nichols (Bluebonnet Feeds) pulls back the curtain on her unlikely journey from the Sandhills of Nebraska and Montana State rodeo to earning a PhD and revolutionizing performance horse feeding. In this myth-busting...

Professional tie down roper, Shane Hanchey – 16x NFR Qualifier & World Champion. This Louisiana cowboy will be heading back to Las Vegas in December to compete at the National Finals Rodeo for the 16th consecutive time since 2010.  Join host Mike Roberts as he sits down with tie-down roping legend Shane Hanchey, 2013 world champion, and American Rodeo winner. From ditching his baseball bag at 16 f...

Acclaimed photographer Beau Simmons at Kimes Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards.  Beau, known for his evocative fine art photography capturing the soul of the American West, shares his journey from fashion photography to documenting the raw, authentic lives of cowboys and cowgirls. Inspired by the mantra "when you're green, you grow; when you're ripe, you rot," Beau discusses his relentless pursui...

NCHA Hall of Famer and co-host Jesse Lennox, aka "The Louis Vuitton Vaquero" is back on the show with cutting horse legend Kenny Platt. With over $4 million in lifetime earnings and an NCHA Futurity win under his belt, Kenny shares the highs and lows of his career, from his mental toughness in the show pen to the life-changing advice that shaped his journey.  Dive into raw, unfiltered stories of o...

Featuring NCHA Hall of Fame legend Jesse Lennox! Gripping tale of a border crossing gone awry, where a duffel bag stuffed with questionable "Vita bars" and a shaky love story about "Shelby" nearly derail his U.S. return. With sweaty palms and a stern immigration officer breathing down his neck, Jesse's quick thinking and cowboy charm make for a hilarious, edge-of-your-seat story. Jesse shares his...

Five-time world champion steer wrestler Luke Branquinho! Ever wondered what drives a rodeo legend to risk it all to be their best? Luke reveals the raw nerves and adrenaline rush of competing at the 2025 American Rodeo after a three-year hiatus, proving he's still got it. From his iconic "shake" that lit up arenas to hilarious behind-the-scenes carpool karaoke with rodeo stars, Luke's stories will...

President of Priefert Manufacturing; a powerhouse in rodeo and ranching equipment! Eddie spills the beans on transforming a family legacy into a global brand, from crafting iconic blue chutes to dominating the steel industry. With grit, humor, and a fearless approach to failure, Eddie shares wild tales—like building rocket-ship roping chutes that changed the game at the USTRC finals and bucking ch...

Recorded at Kimes Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards, this episode features Gerry Gesell, a ranch manager, leather craftsman, polo player, cow horse competitor, podcast host, and actor. Gerry's brand, "Many Irons", born from the mantra "many irons in the fire," connects cowboys, surfers, and firefighters through shared stories and wearable art.  Gerry discusses transitioning from high-speed polo p...

Erin Taormino, the first woman to win the 2025 World's Greatest Horseman title. Erin shares her journey from a Canadian grain farm to breaking barriers in the cow horse world, overcoming self-doubt and a late start in the sport. She reflects on training her horse, Hazardous Material, for four events despite not being a roper, and the humbling moment of her historic win. Erin's resilience shines th...

Drew Knowles, a modern-day steward of the historic XIT Ranch, a 3-million-acre legacy tied to the construction of Texas' State Capitol. Drew shares the ranch's storied past, from its 1885 founding to its revival under his and his wife Abby's leadership. With a philosophy degree shaping his critical thinking, Drew discusses the art of ranching, the importance of mare bands in breeding programs, and...

Former bull rider turned sports agent and Vexil brand founder. In this episode, Shawn recounts his 15-year bull riding career, from head-stomping injuries to securing Monster Energy's sponsorship for professional bull riding through his agency, XD Sports. With humor and honesty, he shares the hustle of navigating corporate deals, the emotional weight of a transformative divorce, and the creation o...

On this episode of The Converse Cowboy, dive into the world of Nashville singer - songwriter Joshua Quimby, whose third album, 'Something Like Country', drops June 6th. From folky roots to bold, genre-blending sounds, Joshua shares his creative awakening, battles with vices, and growth through grit. With raw tales of tour life and staying true to himself, this conversation inspires resilience and...

$3 Million NCHA money earner, Monty Buntin, shares his rise from a tough Arizona childhood to the NCHA Hall of Fame. Monty shares hard-earned lessons on staying composed under pressure, executing with purpose, and rooting ambition in gratitude. From mastering the show pen to mentoring others, his story proves: hold triumph in your mind, and you'll hold it in your hands. Enjoy the show! Be sure to...

Rodeo Roads: Capturing the Cowboy Spirit This episode uncovers the creative and conscious journey of professional filmmaker, Meng Lee. In this raw and heartfelt series, Meng—a Western storyteller shaped by rodeo, personal growth, and serendipitous connections—shares his path from pizza maker to capturing cowboy culture. Meng's infectious positivity and gratitude shine through. Expect deep dives in...

Tune in to this episode, featuring Matt and Amanda Kimes, the heart behind Kimes Ranch. Recorded at the 2024 Kimes Ranch Million-Dollar Breakaway in Scottsdale, this interview unveils the couple's journey from 2009 dreamers to Western industry trailblazers. With raw honesty, they share how focus, grit, and a belief in "someday" turned a ten-month vision into a game-changing event. From Kash Gay's...

In this episode, 8-time World Champ Speed Williams and his daughter Hali, a breakaway roping phenom, unpack their journey to the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway in Scottsdale, Arizona. Speed's revolutionary roping legacy meets Hali's fearlessness, blending fundamentals, gratitude, and raw grit. From backyard practice to big money, this father-daughter duo shares mindset secrets that win. Afte...

In this episode of The Converse Cowboy, Chad Bushaw takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in rural Oregon to becoming a top wealth manager and a dominant force in the cutting horse world. He shares how a childhood field trip to Oxbow Ranch sparked his passion for horses and set him on a path that intertwined business and the equine industry. Chad opens up about the mindset of the ultra-...