Grit Branded

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...

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Elise Southerland’s path has been guided by storytelling, hard work, and the western way of life. From her start as the Bullfighters Only Sideline Reporter in college to her current role as On-Air Host of Western Sports Roundup on The Cowboy Channel, Elise’s career has come full circle. In this episode, she shares how building connections and saying “yes” to every oppo...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad Pryor sits down with Devin Marcum, President of Resistol, to talk about what it takes to lead one of the most iconic brands in the western world. Devin shares how his upbringing on a feed yard shaped his work ethic, his responsibility to care for Resistol employees like family, and his advice for young adults building their careers. He also gives an inside lo...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad Pryor visits with Logan Lynch — a Louisiana native turned Texan whose passion for horses and communication has led her to a career with the National Cutting Horse Association. Now serving as NCHA’s Communications Manager, Logan shares her path to this role and how her experiences along the way equipped her to succeed. Her passion for her career and love for p...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad Pryor talks with Mary Jane Carpenter , a marketing leader with more than 30 years of experience shaping western and outdoor brands. From Mossy Oak and BowTech to Stetson, Resistol, and Charlie1Horse, Mary Jane has left her mark through innovative brand building, sponsorships, and event strategy. A lifelong horsewoman and founder of Ride West Marketing , she c...

With more than 30 years of experience in the westernperformance horse industry, Patty Tiberg has dedicated her career to celebrating the horses, the people, and the culture that make it so special. She currently serves as the Director of Incentive & Sponsorships for the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), where she plays a pivotal role in developing programs and partnerships that fu...

This week’s episode features Jake Bloomer, who is preparing to step into a leadership role at his family’s iconic company, Bloomer Trailers. Known for setting the standard in quality and innovation, Bloomer Trailers has become a household name in the western industry. Jake shares his journey of growing up around the business, the lessons he’s learned from his family, and the values that drive his...

This week’s episode Lauren LaFleur talks with Dustin Rogers, a performance horse trainer based in Poolville, Texas. Dustin focuses on training rope horses and reined cow horses. Dustin shares knowledge and experiences from working for two industry legends—Todd Crawford and JD Yates. He shares how the foundation he gained under Todd’s program allows him to create rope horses that are more broke, an...

This week on Grit Branded, Lauren Lafleur sits down with Ryan Motes — a 5-time NFR heeler, American Rodeo and BFI Champion, and respected rope horse trainer. No stranger to the winner’s circle, Ryan has experienced every angle of the sport, from hauling down the rodeo trail to building a business training futurity horses and coaching the next generation. In this conversation, Ryan shares his passi...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Lauren LaFleur, Marketing Director of Rafter P Construction, sits down with videographer and storyteller JD Tollefson . Though he never competed in rodeo himself, JD grew up surrounded by it through his family and friends, a lifelong connection that drives his passion for capturing authentic western stories on film. Since picking up a camera in 2022, he’s made his...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Lauren LaFleur, Marketing Director at Rafter P Construction, sits down with Jessica Wahlert — Marketing Director at Cinch Jeans and Shirts. Jessica grew up on a cow-calf operation in eastern Colorado, and her journey from ranch life to leading a major western brand is a testament to grit, relationships, and seizing opportunity. She shares insights on staying groun...

In this episode of Grit Branded , Brad Pryor sits down with master craftsman and Western industry staple, Kerry Kelley. From launching Kerry Kelley Bits & Spurs in 1995 to building a full-time team and acquiring an East Texas foundry, Kerry shares how he’s built a legacy rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and family values. They dive into the evolution of his business, his deep love for the cra...