Grit Branded

Long before becoming a recognized Western artist, Shannon Lawlor spent years in the saddle, starting colts and training horses. In this episode, Brad sits down with Shannon to talk about her childhood and how her time working with horses ultimately influenced her career as an artist. From the lessons learned in the saddle to the stories and legacies she now preserves through her paintings, Shannon...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with Adam Schwalm, founder and owner of The Saddle House, to talk about the journey from trading used saddles and tack for personal use to building a business known around the world for quality western gear and custom saddles. Adam shares the story behind the business, its growth over the years, the importance of serving the western horse commu...

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with KC Jones to talk about his journey from growing up on a farm and getting his start in rodeo to building a career beyond the arena. KC shares stories from his time as a competitor, the experiences that shaped him, and how his passion for rodeo led him to create Pro Rodeo Fantasy. He and Brad also discuss his latest venture, Rodeo Bonus, and...

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Bo Gardner, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and General Manager of the Junior National Finals Rodeo. Bo shares about his career in the rodeo industry and the work that goes into bringing major events like the National Finals Rodeo, Cowboy Christmas, and the Junior National Finals Rodeo to life. From managing corporate partnerships an...

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Jett McCoy, a highly respected pick-up man and horseman whose life has been shaped by rodeo, horses, and family. Jett shares stories of growing up with his dad, as well as memories of rodeoing with his younger brother Cord. From the arena to the horses that have been a part of his life, Jett offers a look at the experiences and knowledge h...

Tyler Tayler has spent years in the arena as a bull rider, but his passion for rodeo has always extended beyond the eight-second ride. As the physical demands of being an athlete begin to change what the next chapter looks like, Tyler is pursuing a career behind the microphone as a rodeo announcer. In this episode, Tyler shares what drew him to announcing, why staying connected to the western indu...

Young PBR bull rider Jaden Hays joined Brad in Montana during Big Sky PBR to talk about the sport from a perspective shaped by more than what happens at the rodeo. Jaden’s experience caring for livestock has given him a deep appreciation for the animals he rides, from understanding their body language and individual personalities to learning how to read and work with them. That connection to stock...

In this episode of The Grit Branded Podcast , Brad sits down with Sten Anderson, co-founder and CEO of WildRye Distilling, to talk about grit, perseverance, and building a life and business the right way. Raised in Bozeman, Montana, Sten grew up immersed in the outdoors and continues to pursue challenging adventures, from backcountry elk hunts to ultra-marathon trail racing. With more than 20 year...

In this episode of The Grit Branded Podcast , Brad sits down with rodeo cowboy, stock contractor, and entrepreneur Cord McCoy for a conversation about the bucking bull business, family legacy, and the experiences that shaped his career. Cord shares stories about his dad, the values passed down through generations, and how those lessons continue to influence both his family and McCoy Rodeo today. W...

In this episode of The Grit Branded Podcast , Brad sits down with master bit and spur maker Wilson Capron to discuss the mentors and experiences that shaped his career and artistic style. From learning under Greg Darnall to growing up with renowned cowboy artist Mike Capron as his father, Wilson shares how tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity influenced his journey. The conversation also explo...

As the Big Sky PBR kicks off this week, we're excited to share this episode with a essential person behind it all. Josh Timon, Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners, the company behind some of the Mountain West's most recognizable brands and experiences. From producing the award-winning Big Sky PBR and Wildlands Festival to building businesses rooted in community, Outlaw Partners has become a...

In this episode, Brad sits down with Becky Speelman, an educator, leader, and the founder of Code West Scholars, an organization dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in the Western industry. Driven by a passion for education, mentorship, and character development, Becky has devoted her career to equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and values they need to succeed b...

Recorded during the NCHA Super Stakes, Brad sits down with cutting horse trainer Cooper Clark for a conversation about the people and experiences that shaped his journey. Cooper reflects on growing up working for his dad, Jason Clark, the values his parents instilled in him, and what he's learned while working for Adan Banuelos alongside Jessie Lennox. He also shares how the trust of great cli...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Miles Baker, recorded just before he left for the Old West Futurity, the discussion shifts to the future of the rope horse industry. Miles shares his perspective on where the industry is headed, the impact futurities have had on owners and trainers, and how horse ownership has become more than a passion project for many. He also discusses the responsibility horse...

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with horseman, futurity champion, and trainer Miles Baker for the first of a two-part conversation. Recorded just before Miles headed to the Old West Futurity, the episode explores the experiences and values that shaped his journey. Raised on his family's ranch in southwest Oklahoma, Miles reflects on the lessons he learned from his dad and gra...

This week on the podcast, Brad sits down with Mai-Brit Harvey, Executive Director of the Western Sports Foundation, for a conversation about the organization's mission, impact, and commitment to serving the western industry. Mai-Brit shares how the Western Sports Foundation is providing critical resources for athletes and their families, from mental health and brain health support to scholarsh...

This week, Brad is joined by Morgan Holmes for a conversation about versatile horses, competitive drive, and the lessons that shaped her journey to becoming the 2026 World's Greatest Horsewoman. From developing well-rounded horses to navigating the highs and lows of competition, Morgan shares the experiences and mindset that have helped her succeed both in and out of the arena. Competing as a...

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Rafter P Construction General Manager Colt Herrin for a conversation focused on what it really looks like to build with Rafter P. From the first conversation to final walkthrough, Colt and Brad break down the Rafter P construction process and what customers can expect every step of the way. They talk through communication, timelines, decis...

This week on the podcast, we sit down with four-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Leighton Berry for a conversation that goes far beyond rodeo. Leighton shares how becoming a father to his son, Ledger, has changed his perspective on life, competition, and success. Throughout the conversation, he continually points back to his faith, discipline, and the importance of being a strong role model for his fam...

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Rafter P Construction Young Pro Team member Colee Cox. Colee shares what’s ahead as she prepares for the next chapter at Tarleton State University, where she plans to continue her rodeo career while pursuing a degree in agricultural communications. Brad and Colee dive into the work it takes to compete at a high level in rodeo—from maintaining quality hors...

In this episode, we sit down with Carley Montemuro Myers, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Four Sixes Ranch, to talk about what it means to grow a brand rooted in 150 years of history. She shares how she balances legacy with innovation, approaches her role as a steward of the brand, and builds partnerships that look to the future. Carley also offers honest insight for young professionals...

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Hagaman of Rockwall, Texas, who has spent the past eight years with Resistol under RHE Hatco—the largest hat manufacturer in the world, home to brands like Stetson and Charlie 1 Horse. Joe shares his journey to Resistol, along with his recent transition from Manager of Sponsorships & Events into a new role in sales, while continuing to manage relationships...

John Dowdy, entrepreneur and President of Equinety Horse Supplements, joins the Grit Branded Podcast to share the story behind Equinety. He dives into the experiences, relationships, and pivotal moments that led him to build a product now recognized across the equine industry. In this episode, John unpacks lessons learned through business, the realities of entrepreneurship, and offers grounded ins...

On this episode, Brad sits down with rising cutting horse trainer Colt Moore. At just 25, Colt has already established himself as a consistent Open and Intermediate Open finalist, earning major titles and gaining momentum in some of the sport’s toughest pens. Now based in Blue Ridge, Texas, Colt operates Colt Moore Performance Horses, training horses and working with Non-Pro, Amateur, and Open rid...

Lorinda Van Newkirk—entrepreneur, founder, and a true force in the western industry—joins the podcast to share what it really looks like to build a business, a family, and a life rooted in faith. Grounded in her upbringing in the western world and shaped by early exposure to entrepreneurship and FFA, Lorinda speaks to her deep passion for business and the mindset required to continue growing, both...