The Converse Cowboy

In this episode of The Converse Cowboy, I sit down with country artist Ned LeDoux for an in-depth conversation about his career, the profound influence of his father, the legendary Chris LeDoux, and how that legacy continues to shape his life and music. Ned shares stories of growing up in a rodeo and music-filled world, the lessons he's carried forward, and the creative process behind his newest a...

Gratitude is the best fallback plan!!  This exclusive bonus episode (subscribe to listen)—just over five minutes long—is packed full of in the moment insights designed to shift your perspective, spark inspiration, and infuse your day with Gratitude. Whether you need a mindset reset or just a moment to reflect, this short but powerful episode will leave you feeling uplifted and more present. Enjoy...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tyler Troop of Performance Equine Associates for a down-to-earth conversation about life as a performance horse veterinarian. Dr. Troop shares his journey—from tackling the challenges of vet school to working with some of the top equine athletes in the industry. We dive into the realities of equine sports medicine, the latest advancements in keeping horses perf...

Tim O'Keefe is a professional photographer with many interests, including guitar, performance horses, motorcycles, owner and founder of the magazine, 'The Few'.       IG: @tim.okeefe This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch, (kimesranch.com) and Kerry Kelley Bits & Spurs, (kerrykelleyspurs.com) Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Jesse Lennox is a Hall of Fame cutting horse trainer with over $3 Million in Lifetime earnings. He's also one of the most positive horse trainers in the game today with a passion for winning. Enjoy the show! IG: @jl.performancehorses This episode is sponsored by: Kimes Ranch: https://kimesranch.com Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs: https://kerrykelleyspurs.com Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy conver...

Truly a pleasure to have singer songwriter, Kenny Feidler on the show.  Kenny Feidler's sound is dark, gritty, western rock n roll filled with thoughtful, honest songwriting. Feidler's path to the stage started on the rodeo circuit, writing songs about the life and selling his music from the trunk of an old Cadillac. Now he racks up the miles with his band, traveling from his home on the plains of...

What does colt starting have to do with the conscious and unconscious..? Tune in to find out.  Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy

First ever, "Converse Cowboy Interlude". A brief bio about The Converse Cowboy, and where my mind is today. This short 12 minute episode was uncomfortable for me and at the same time fun to record.  Let me know your thoughts and/or questions for the next episode. IG: @theconversecowboy or feel free to email me at mike@conversecowboy.com Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Truly a pleasure to have 10x NFR Team Roper, Charly Crawford join me on this episode. I walked out of the studio after this interview feeling inspired and motivated.  We discuss Charly's career as a team roper in the arena and his life outside of the arena. The mindset of an elite rodeo athlete to have sustainable success requires discipline and consistency. Charly shares his lessons learned and e...

Truly a pleasure to visit with Texas singer-songwriter, Mike Harmeier. We discuss the band's recent decision to make a name change from "Mike and the Moonpies" to "Silverada". Mike shares his songwriting process in detail. One of the main takeaways from this interview is to unapologetically be you, something Mike Harmeier is known for throughout the industry. Be sure to check out the bonus content...

Texas singer-songwriter, Hayes Carll joins me at the Kimes Ranch Studio in the Ft Worth Stockyards for this episode. We discuss his humble beginnings, his writing process and influences that had an impact on his style of writing along the way. Hayes shares stories about co-writing a song with the legendary, Guy Clark and lessons he learned from that experience.  Whether you're already a Hayes Carl...

"Dale Brisby", a pioneer in the western industry, leading the way in the field of content creation. Also the self proclaimed, greatest bull rider of all time. Dale pulls the curtain back during this interview and shares insights into how the "Dale Brisby/Rodeo Time" brand was built over the past eleven years.  Dale Brisby is the real deal and undoubtedly one of the most humble humans I have ever m...

Warning! This episode contains extremely foul language! The 1st Amendment protects the freedom of speech here in the United States of America and Clinton Anderson fully exercises that right throughout this episode. Clinton simply says out loud what most people are thinking and although he wraps those verbal thoughts in a blanket of curse words, there is a sense of authenticity that comes with them...

Jim Kiser is the mastermind behind the legendary Kiser arena drags that you'll see today at most every big performance horse event. Tune in to this episode to hear how an idea for a piece of equipment to groom the footing for horse events in the late 80' turned into a business that has revolutionized the performance horse industry that we know today.  Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Melanie Smith is the owner and founder of Solo Select Horses, the full-service operation at the forefront of the performance horse industry with a focus on disciplines ranging from cutting to roping to racing. More than 15 years ago, Melanie started on a path that would eventually lead her to incredible success in the performance horse industry. Over the years, she has sold thousands of horses all...

Austin Shepard, NCHA Hall of Fame Rider, two time NCHA Futurity winner, and NCHA Open World Champion with over $10 Million in LTE. Austin has trained some of the most elite cutting horses in the industry today, including: Highbrow CD, Bet Hesa Cat, Bamacat, Bama Jelly, Dual Reyish, Wood She B Magic, Kittenish, Kinky Bootz, Fancy Deville, Countess Catrina and dozens more.   Topics we discuss: •Bust...

Mark Michels, owner and founder of 'Performance Horse Central' visits me on the show at the Teton Ridge booth during the '2023 Metallic Cat NCHA Futurity'.  'Performance Horse Central' has revolutionized how spectators and competitors stay in tune with the performance horse industry today.   Mark is the mastermind behind PHC and the primary reason that it has become a staple for the performance ho...

Cade Shepard sets the tone for the 2023 NCHA Futurity, marking a 225 in the 1st go.  He visits the show at the Teton Ridge booth to discuss his run.  We talk about what makes this horse special and his strategy for events like the Futurity.  Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

Luca Fappani, professional Reining Horse Trainer, $625K LTE, has a bright future ahead of him.  With some of the best to ever play the game in his corner, we discuss the role that his father and NRHA legend, Andrea Fappani, ($8 Million LTE) has played in shaping his mindset in the show pen.  We discuss what shows like 'The Run For A Million' and Teton Ridge's 'American Performance Horse' are doing...

Glad to have Matt MIlls visit the show in Las Vegas at 'The Run For A Million'.  Born and raised in Southern California, Matt began riding horses at an early age. He enjoyed a successful career as a youth rider, earning multiple championships throughout California in a variety of disciplines including western pleasure, horsemanship and trail. In 1996 he switched his focus to reining and a few year...

Truly a pleasure to visit with Chelsea Edsall (@cheersitschelsea), this episode is entertaining and informative.  Tune into this episode to hear more about the performance horse world from a trainer's wife perspective.  We cover a number of topics throughout this interview, ie. Texas living, IG Lives, Cowhorse mental health, The Run For A Million and much more.  Enjoy the show!   Subscriber Benefi...

Al Dunning has owned and operated the Almosta Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1970. Over the years, Al has developed his multi-faceted equine business with a focus on the development of champion horses and riders. With over 45 World and Reserve World Titles, Al and his students have dominated in AQHA, NCHA, NRCHA, and NRHA events. His love of teaching has taken Al all over the world, conducting...

NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, and 2016 Worlds Greatest Horseman Champion, Clayton Edsall joins me on the show in Las Vegas during 'The Run For A Million'.  Enjoy the show!! Subscriber Benefits:  (Subscribe only on Apple Podcast).                                                             •Early Access To All Shows  •Ad-Free Listening •Exclusive Content  •A minimum of 10% of subscription profits wil...

Truly a honor to have living legend, Boyd Rice join me on the show in Las Vegas at 'The Run For A Million'.  Boyd has lifetime earnings in excess of $4 million in the Western performance horse industry. Well respected professionally as a horseman and as a human.  His successes have come from natural talent, hard work and family support. Among Boyd's many accolades are, NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity O...

With NCHA lifetime earnings in excess of $9 Million, professional cutting horse trainer and living legend, Matt Gaines needs no introduction.  The NCHA Hall of Famer and 2016 NCHA Futurity Champion joins me on the show at the Kimes booth in Las Vegas to talk about his strategy and mindset for events like the 'Run For A Million'.  Enjoy the show! Now Offering Subscriptions:  (Subscribe Only On Appl...