Charly Crawford Podcast

Steve Duhon is a true legend in the rodeo world. He captured the Steer Wrestling World Championship in 1986, 1987, and 1993, and also claimed average titles at the National Finals Rodeo in 1987 and 1993. Steve still holds the arena record at the Thomas & Mack Center with a blazing 3.0-second run. His accomplishments earned him induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2003, followed by the L...

She’s back for a second time, but now she toting the title of 2025 World Champion Breakaway Roper. It was great to have Taylor Munsell back on to talk about her year in review and relive the roller coaster that was her last two weeks of the season from the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway to the NFBR where she ultimately walked away as the World Champion.  To hear more of Taylor’s story check...

Alex Thompson is a cowgirl, rancher, and part of the customer success team at Ambrook. We had an awesome conversation about the steps that Ambrook is taking to simplify bookkeeping for ranchers, farmers, and even rodeo cowboys with their software. I have first hand experience with Alex, who helped me set up my Ambrook account and was excited to have her on the podcast to shine more light on just h...

Honored to have Pastor Ryan Hurt from the Lingleville Baptist Church back on the podcast this week during such a special time of year. We had a wonderful conversation about Christmas and what it really means. It's amazing to see what God is doing through Pastor Ryan, his staff, and the church. If you are every in Stephenville area, be sure to stay until Sunday and catch a sermon, it will fill...

Maddy Deerman is a cowgirl through and through, from growing up on a cattle ranch 45 minutes from town, to now being center stage as one of the biggest names in breakaway as she is now headed to comepete at her second straight NFBR. Maddy joins me to talk breakaway roping—from life on the ranch to competing on rodeo’s biggest stages. We get into the future of breakaway, the mental game behind high...

Andrew Ward jumped on with me and we got right into it — roping, growth, and what really keeps you sharp. We talked Thanksgiving traditions, NFR pressure, and why enjoying this sport matters more than anything. We hit on partners, horses, and how much this game has changed. Faith, mentors, youth rodeos, and the little moments that shape who you become — it’s all in here. My new online course &quot...

With the recent outbreak of the EHV virus, I felt it was an appropriate time to bring back Dr. Charlie Buchanan back on the podcast and discuss what he's learned from the most recent outbreak and hopefully answer some of your questions about traveling to and from Las Vegas or Arizona. To hear more of Dr. Buchanan's story check out episode #109 Check out all the amazing products that Ezra T...

Three time NFR qualifier Tanner Tomlinson and I break down the craft of team roping—scoring, timing, horsepower, and the mindset it takes to win. Tanner shares lessons from his standout season, his approach to winter rodeos, and the horsemanship that keeps him sharp. They also talk partnerships, road life, and the new documentary giving fans a real look behind the scenes. Check out all the amazing...

Dawson Graham from Wainwright, Alberta is headed to his first NFR as a header this year. We talked about his whirlwind of a year, what it means to make the NFR with his brother, and some wild stories from the road. Check out all the amazing products that Ezra Tech Ranch Gear has to offer at ezratechgear.com . Use code “Charly10” for a 10% discount on any product they offer, like their best-selling...

Jake Long is headed back to Las Vegas for his fifteenth NFR qualification as a heeler. It was great to sit down and talk with him about a year that was full of ups and downs. Jake has a unique ability to break roping down in a way that’s both relatable and easy to understand, making this episode full of great stories and valuable advice from one of the top heelers in the game. Check out all the am...

Happy to have my good friend Brian Bolick back on the podcast this week to talk about his recent move from North Carolina to Texas, what he thought of his experiences this summer out on the rodeo trail, and how much his roping has progressed from when he first came to the Horns and Heroes Clinic in 2021. To hear all of Brian's story, check out episode 42! Check out all the amazing products tha...

Honored to have Sergeant John Kelly on the podcast this week to reflect on how far the American Hero Celebration has come since its early days. John was with us one of the first years we hosted the clinic at my house — and in 2023, he walked out of Cowtown Coliseum as the Champion Heeler. John served our country across multiple theaters during his time with the U.S. Army. His story is one of coura...

I sat down with Billie Jack to talk about the world of team roping and futurity horses. We dive into Billie Jack’s journey from amateur rodeos to the NFR and his transition into horse training. We also discuss breeding, training young horses, and the business side of the futurity world. Most importantly, we talk about the bond between horse and rider, building relationships in the roping community...

In this episode, Joel and I have an incredible conversation about what has made the Calgary Stampede a true bucket-list rodeo — not just for contestants, but for fans from around the world. We talk about how the Stampede tailors its rodeo experience to engage a predominantly urban audience, and we dive into the thought process behind adding breakaway roping to their main event — including the key...

I sat down with Lightning Aguilera, headed back to Las Vegas for his second NFR qualification as a header. Lightning tells the story of grinding through the regular season to secure his spot in the “Super Bowl of Rodeo,” who he’ll be roping with, and how he’s preparing for the next few months. He also opens up about competing with a prosthetic leg, the ropers who inspired him, and shares stories f...

Trey Yates comes from a legendary rodeo family in Pueblo, Colorado. He is now headed back to Vegas for the fourth time after a successful trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the Governor’s Cup.  Charly and Trey Yates break down the mental side of rodeo heading into the Governor’s Cup—covering pressure, process, and performance. They share stories on confidence, team chemistry, and giving back,...

Dr. Blake Mallory, LPC, NCC, CPT, and EMDR-trained, is a Marine Corps veteran with over 20 years of combined experience across military service, aviation, law enforcement, and counseling. At Cardinal Counseling and Wellness Group, he provides both traditional and non-traditional therapies—including outdoor retreats and trauma-focused modalities such as EMDR and CPT—helping veterans, first responde...

Jeff Medlin comes from a multi-generational ranching family in Tatum, New Mexico. A talented heeler, he had a successful rodeo career that took him all the way to the National Finals Rodeo twice, in 1991 and 1996. If the name sounds familiar, it should — Jeff is also the father of four-time NFR qualifier Logan Medlin. In our conversation, Jeff shares how he made the journey from the ranches of eas...

Kolton Schmidt from Barrhead, Alberta has made the NFR twice on the head side, and right now he’s chasing down his third qualification with just a few weeks left in the 2025 season. We talk about the horsepower it takes to win, finding the right partner, and how time on the road has taught him to lean into his strengths instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing. We also get into why te...

Judd Henderson is a rancher, businessman, and proud Texan from Jewett. After graduating from Texas A&M and building a career in business, he’s now pouring that knowledge into the next generation. Together with his oldest son Deacon, Judd launched Ezra Tech Ranch Gear—a fast-growing venture run entirely by teenagers, giving them real-world experience in entrepreneurship and enterprise. His pass...

Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Greg Coker spent 22 years in the U.S. Army, including 15 flying the AH-6 “Little Bird” with the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—the Nightstalkers. He’s the author of Death Waits in the Dark: Six Guns Don’t Miss! , a powerful firsthand account of combat, survival, and the fight to transition back to civilian life. All proceeds from his book go to vete...

From the arena to the mic, Arkie Kiehne has done it all. In this episode, the voice of the USTRC shares his journey from roper to announcer, the evolution of team roping, and the moments that defined his career. Packed with stories, humor, and insights into the community that keeps this sport alive.  Be sure to check out my first of many online courses at ⁠charlycrawford.training⁠ under the course...

This week, five-time NFR qualifier and 2016 World Champion Heeler Jeremy Buhler joins the show to talk about his big wins at Reno, Cheyenne, and the Old West Futurity. We dive into his journey from an unlikely roping country to the top of the sport, his thoughts on horses, rodeo life, and balancing it all with family. A true champion in and out of the arena, Jeremy brings powerful insight and grea...

Two-time World Champion Header Tyler Wade is back. We break down his and Wesley’s recent wins—like Spanish Fork and a reserve title at Cheyenne—and talk about the hottest teams on the trail. Tyler shares real insight on the growth of team roping, his new role in producing the World Youth Championships, and the gritty side of staying mentally tough through the highs and lows. This episode is brough...

On this week’s episode, I have Jill Edwards, the visionary behind the "Something Special All Girl Breakaway Roping" event in Stephenville, Texas. Discover how Jill's passion for creating opportunities for young female ropers has transformed the landscape of breakaway roping. From humble beginnings to a thriving annual event, Jill shares her journey, the challenges faced, and the incredible growth...