Grit Branded

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...

On this episode of the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Logan Hay—one of the most exciting names in professional saddle bronc riding today. A two-time NFR qualifier, Calgary Stampede Champion, and World Record holder, Logan represents the next generation of Western athletes: talented, humble, and deeply committed to the sport. Coming from a legendary rodeo family, Logan carries forward a...

On this episode, we sit down with Andrew Waters, stallion manager at Valley Equine, to talk about his journey through the horse industry. Originally from Australia, Andrew grew up involved in Pony Club and campdrafting before making his way into the Thoroughbred industry, where he worked as a stallion manager. He later transitioned into the performance horse world, spending time working for cuttin...

In this episode, Brad sits down with equine photographer Carolyn Simancik, whose work captures the beauty and intensity of the performance horse industry, from cutting and reined cow horse to reining and the racetrack. Her passion stems from a deep love of the horse and a desire to capture impactful moments for the friends and clients. Carolyn shares the story behind her journey into photography,...

On this episode of the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Winston Hansma, a National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame trainer. Raised on a ranch in Canada, Hansma made his way to Texas and quickly became one of the sport’s most respected horsemen. His career-defining moment came in 1994 when he won the NCHA Futurity aboard the legendary CD Olena. In this conversation, Hansma reflects...

On this episode, we sit down with Jordan Jo Hollabaugh—professional breakaway roper, broadcast host, and one of the most recognized voices in Western sports. A two-time qualifier to the National Finals Breakaway Roping and the 2020 Average Champion, Jordan Jo has consistently proven herself at premier events including The American Rodeo and Cheyenne Frontier Days. Beyond her success in the arena,...

One year after making history, Erin Taormino returns to the conversation as the reigning champion of the World's Greatest Horseman . In 2025, Erin became the first woman to win the prestigious title. Now, she’s back in the arena in 2026, competing once again aboard Hazardous Material , the same horse that carried her to that historic victory. Erin sits down with Brad to talk about her backgrou...

On this episode, we sit down with Chris Dawson, a $2 million rider in the National Reined Cow Horse Association and champion at events like the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, NRCHA Derby, and World's Greatest Horseman reserve champion. Chris shares about competing at the highest level, his involvement with War Horses for Veterans and the War Horse Challenge, and how horsemanship can help veterans red...

On this episode, Brad sits down with Kordale DeSpain — originally from Holbrook, Arizona, and now based in Tishomingo, Oklahoma — whose journey has taken him from working full-time as a farrier to producing video at some of the biggest rodeos in the country with Real Screen Video. Kordale shares what really goes into running video boards and production systems at major events like the WNFR, Fort W...

Brad sits down with Emily Konkel, Executive Director of the National Reined Cow Horse Association, for a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership and vision guiding the organization. Emily shares her journey with the NRCHA, the challenges of her role, and how the association is balancing tradition with growth as the sport continues to evolve. She also opens up about her family, childhood, the advi...

In this episode, Casey Deary joins the podcast to share the journey that shaped him both inside and outside the show pen. From the horses that defined pivotal moments in his career to the values rooted in family, faith, and hard work—and the biggest challenges he has faced, including those he faces today—Casey reflects on the experiences that made him who he is today. It’s an honest conversation—f...

On this episode of Grit Branded , Brad sits down with Amber Crawford, a professional breakaway roper and horsewoman based in Texas. With deep roots in the Western lifestyle, Amber has spent her life around horses while building a successful career in nursing and healthcare administration. Amber shares about her recovery from shoulder surgery, the realities of working and running a business alongsi...