Cowgirl Confessions

Join me, Dakota Dawn Johnson, as I sit down with Meredith Mobley and Tiffany Fuller, the dynamic duo behind Southern Belle Classic. They discuss their careful curation process, ensuring a diverse and top-quality catalog. You’ll also get a sneak peek behind the extensive preparation of each event, underlining the signature Southern hospitality that sets their sales apart. We delve into the key ingr...

Join me, Dakota Dawn Johnson, as I uncover the essence of cowgirl tenacity with Katie Gentry, a pioneering first-generation cowgirl, on the latest Cowgirl Confessions podcast. Discover the transformative power of morning routines as we talk about finding peace and purpose before the day begins. From reading the Bible to preparing for a child's first school day, these rituals lay the foundation...

Join me, Dakota Dawn Johnson, as I sit down with the incredible Kendra Leigh Dickson, a household name in pro rodeo and a beacon of the Cowgirl spirit. Kendra shares her passion for Stall High, a social media alternative for barrel racers & a virtual clinic program. Hear firsthand accounts of how riders shave off crucial time without reliance on specialized products but through biomechanical f...

Join me as I welcome the remarkable Brooke Burks from The Buttered Home to share her heartwarming journey into the world of home cooking and how it's become a beacon of legacy for future generations. Brooke reveals the deep-seated roots of her culinary passion, one that sprouted in the nurturing kitchens of her grandmother and great aunt, and flourished into a mission to preserve the art of co...

Saddle up for a heartwarming ride as we welcome Sequoyah Branham, a West Texas cowgirl turned author. Sequoyah shares her trail-blazing journey from the fields of ag to the pages of her debut novella, "In the Company of Cows." Her transformation is nothing short of remarkable, intertwining the fight against anxiety with the enduring influence of her uncle and their shared Western way of...

Ever wondered how the resilience of a cowgirl and the entrepreneurial spirit intertwine? With her boots planted firmly in both worlds, Loryn Cook shares her personal story of how horses have served as the catalyst for countless rewarding business opportunities and friendships worldwide. She highlights the explosive growth of barrel racing and western disciplines, and how they've carved a niche...

Saddle up for a heartfelt journey through the unbridled joys and gritty realities of the Cowgirl State of Mind with yours truly, Dakota Dawn Johnson and former guests of the Cowgirl Confessions Podcast. Get ready to be infused with the pioneer spirit that defines cowgirls across the globe. We will unpack what it takes to chase dreams with steadfast determination, whether you're wrangling cattl...

On this episode, I share valuable life lessons I've learned over the past decade serving as a sales rep in the western industry. And yes- even if you don't think of yourself as a sales person this episode is still for you. I firmly believe that sales skills translate into life skills, and I share examples throughout this episode that are applicable to anyone navigating every day moments. 1...

South Dakota native, Kaylee Mae Phillips, takes us on the wild ride of how a dreaming dancer transformed into a western boutique innovator. Kaylee is a wife to a rodeo cowboy, mom to two darling littles, and owner of Suede & Coy Boutique. She sheds light on what it takes to be a successful business owner. Kaylee passionately explains why hard work , beginning with the end in mind, being hersel...

Ashley Jackson is a pioneer western influencer, educator, and entertainer. Although her career began in boot sales, she is now the founder and operator of The Boot Babe. Join us in this episode to learn how The Boot Babe helps western stores create a lasting legacy in their communities. Ashley also gives us a behind the chute look at The Boot Babes VIP group where women across the nation are joini...

Oklahoma cowgirl, Kallie Corrington, sits down with us to share her trail to owning and operating her boutique, Buffalo Betty’s. Just as a buffalo takes storms head on, Kallie discusses the importance of having friends in your corner to SPUR you on through trials, why you need to take action now, and tips for making progress. Kallie’s first step of action was a digital course that encouraged her t...

Abigail Benz bravely shares her wild ride as Miss Rodeo Arkansas. From managing Cowgirl Courage, a non-profit organization for combating injustice, to wrangling an unexpected thyroid surgery, her reign has been packed full of learning experiences and growth opportunities. Abi shares with us how she obtained the Miss Rodeo Arkansas title without being an Arkansas native, which qualities are most ne...

I'm back from a pause in podcasting and it feels better than ever. Part of what has this podcast relaunch feeling SO GOOD is having an extra set of boots on the ground to help make the magic happen. On today's episode, I'm going to share with you what I believe are two fundamental questions you should ask yourself if you've considered starting a podcast, what you can expect with th...

I had a "pinch me" moment while recording this episode with Brett McPherson, the owner & brilliant mind behind the design of Designers Brew. Her name has literally been on my vision board for years and after getting to visit with her, I'm even more confident that she is THE gal I want helping design our dream home one day. Brett shares how her love for Interior Design began, how...

On this episode, it was my absolute pleasure to visit with Karoline Rose- Founder & CEO of KRose Company & Cattleman U- on topics like Why We Need Creative Women in Ranching as well as How to Set & Reach Goals for Your Life & Ranch. Karoline is on a mission to show ranchers- specifically ranch women- how valuable their creative side is on the ranch. She believes that empowering wom...

“To the world you may be one person; But to one person you may be the world.” ~ Dr. Seuss.  We never really know the difference we can make in another person's life by simply pausing long enough to listen. We also never know how we might be spurred to action once we recognize there is a need to be met. On this episode, I visit with Stephanie Smith (who I lovingly call Aunt Steph). Stephanie is...

Each January, the International Professional Rodeo Association holds the International Finals Rodeo where the Top 15 cowboys & cowgirls in each event gather to compete for World titles. It has been 13 years since I first joined the IPRA family as Miss Rodeo USA, and 11 years since I had the opportunity to be part of rodeo history as one of the 15 qualifiers competing in the Cowgirls Breakaway...

This episode is something new that I plan to anniversary at the end of each podcast season. The Wonderfully Wild & Western 2022 Recap came about in short from me taking time to pause, reflect & deep dive into journaling about what this past year not only looked like- but felt like. 2022 was full of challenges & heartache for me & my family - but we also experienced immense joy, new adventures, gro...

The timing couldn't have been more perfect for our guest Christina Black to share her story. November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month & Christina's new book "Two Grandpas & a Truck" that shares part of her family's adoption story was recently published as well.  Christina is an adoptee. A title she shares first because it has made her who she is today and clearly de...

Episode 52 featuring Illinois Cowgirl Kelly Lacey Kelley is one that will leave you with a smile, some get up 'n go, a tear streaked face & a full heart. As we sat together in my SUV to record this episode, I was reminded at my core as to why I invest the time to produce this podcast. It's for stories like hers {and yours} to be available for years to come. It's about sharing stories that cut...

Horse Power, Western Lifestyle Photography, Homeschooling, Mountain Lions & Ministry- these are just a handful of topics our guest Candace Lostroh shares with us on this episode when it comes to living her life in the wild & wonder. If you're not already following Candace, a Colorado native, on Instagram or getting her e-newsletter, you'll want to follow & subscribe today. If you could...

Here we are~ 50 Cowgirl Confessions podcast episodes later! To celebrate this milestone, we're sharing segments from the Top 5 most listened to episodes as well as a Cowgirl State of Mind story from your host Dakota Dawn Johnson. Thank you for joining us on this Wonderfully Wild & Western adventure.  Let's Connect: INSTAGRAM: @CowgirlConfessionsPodcast EMAIL: CowgirlConfessionsPodcast@gma...

Join me as I catch up with Bailey Nahrgang-Director of Barrel Racing for the National Barrel Horse Association & West Coast Barrel Racing. If you are looking for encouragement when it comes to making a career shift, have a deep appreciation & love for barrel horse stories or you might know (or be) someone interested in learning more about internships available in the barrel racing industry...

Join me on this episode as I visit with Caitlyn Havelka, Miss Michigan State University Rodeo. Caitlyn currently resides in East Lansing, Michigan & will be graduating from Michigan State University in May with her Master's in Social Work. Caitlyn's speaking platform that she shared while recently competing during the Miss Rodeo USA 2022 pageant is Dream. Believe. Achieve. This is a young woma...

Welcome to another episode to the Cowgirl Confessions Podcast, my friend. This is a solo episode with yours truly. If you have been feeling STUCK, trying to FIGURE IT ALL OUT or asking yourself WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO LEARN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE??? at any point, then this episode is for you. I share my personal process (the 4 P's) that help me lean into any situation I'm faced with with the "I'l...