Grit Branded

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...

Christopher “Click” Thompson is a photographer known for capturing the Western world in a way that lets you feel the moment, not just see it. With East Coast roots, Click found his true passion at a local rodeo in Virginia, where he fell in love with the people, culture, and stories of the Western industry. Over the past decade, his work has taken him across the country to iconic events such as th...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad sits down with Brianna Tucker, Marketing Manager and Photographer at Twisted X Global Brands, to talk about the creativity and strategy behind marketing Western footwear. Brianna shares her experience working across Black Star Boots, Twisted X, and Twisted X Work, and how she approaches each brand with a distinct voice while staying aligned under one umbrella...

In this short but insightful follow-up episode of Grit Branded , Brad sits down with Ryan Motes to continue the conversation that began earlier this summer. A 5-time NFR heeler, American Rodeo and BFI Champion, and respected rope horse trainer, Ryan brings a seasoned perspective shaped by years competing at the highest level of the sport. This time around, Ryan dives deeper into the evolving rope...

Garrett Yerigan is a two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year and one of the most recognizable voices in rodeo today, known for bringing energy, insight, and storytelling to some of the sport’s biggest stages, including Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and the IFR. Raised in a rodeo family and announcing since childhood, Garrett shares how that foundation shaped his career...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad talks with Tod Bergen, a respected horseman, trainer, and coach with over $2.5 million in lifetime NRCHA earnings, now based in Texas, whose influence reaches far beyond the show pen. Tod shares what it has been like to raise a family while training and showing on the road, reflects on the impact of his father, a self-made man whose strength and resilience sh...

In this episode, Brad sits down with saddle bronc rider Ben Andersen for a conversation filled with stories from the rodeo trail, reflections on his faith, and insight into the technical side of the sport — from equipment and preparation to what he loves most about riding broncs. Ben also offers meaningful advice to young athletes: slow down, stay present, and don’t rush through the moments that s...

In this episode, Wesley Thorp opens up about the foundations of his success, from his family upbringing to the mindset and perspective that have shaped him into one of the top professional rodeo athletes. He shares the lessons he learned from the professionals who guided him, the work he put into improving his roping, and the pivotal moments that built his career. Wesley also talks about his passi...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad welcomes Jenna Morr, Director of Content Marketing & Athlete Relations at Teton Ridge Sports. Jenna dives into her passion for Western sports and media, her dream of raising rodeo’s profile to match mainstream athletics, and how she uses storytelling to build bridges for athletes and fans. She also opens up about her evolving career path and shares advice...

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Chelsea Shaffer — the editorial director of the Team Roping Journal and content director for Roping.com. Chelsea opens up about her journey in Western performance media and how her team has transformed the Team Roping Journal into a leading source of news, education, and storytelling for nearly every corner of the team roping community. Chelsea...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad sits down with Miguel Guerrero Elías — a visionary businessman, accomplished horseman, and proud Chihuahuan whose life’s work bridges industry, family, and tradition. Miguel shares his inspiring journey from his early ventures to leading Grupo Acermex, a company that spans multiple sectors across Mexico. He also discusses founding Las Tunas Ranch, where he ra...

In this episode, Brad sits down with breakaway roper Kinlie Brennise, a 2025 NFBR qualifier, business owner, and fourth-generation Colorado rancher. Kinlie shares her journey to reaching the NFBR, the mindset and goal-setting habits that helped her get there, and how she balances life between the rodeo road and running her spa, Luxury Aesthetics, in Stephenville, Texas. She also talks about her pa...

In this episode of Grit Branded Brad talks with Garrison Panzer. Garrison talks about his path to becoming a Rodeo Announcer, Music Director and Rodeo producer, the craft and preparation that go into each of his roles, a bit of advice to young professionals regardless of their career goals. At just 27, Garrison has already built a name across the rodeo world as one of the sport’s most versatile ta...

Originally from Ashland, Kansas, Garth Gardiner has spent decades building a legacy in the reined cow horse world. Alongside his wife, Amanda, the Gardiners have bred NRCHA progeny earning over $2.8 million and were recently inducted into the NRCHA Million Dollar Breeder Club. In this episode, Garth shares insights from a lifetime spent breeding, showing, and now judging some of the sport’s top ho...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad Pryor sits down with Brock Malson of Oswood Stallion Station , one of the premier stallion stations in the western performance horse industry. Brock shares what goes into selecting the right stallion for a mare, and the three key areas where Oswood strives to be the best, stallion management, mare management, and foaling. He also opens up about his own journe...