The Philosophical Cowgirl

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Sarah is joined by Christian author, literary scholar, philosopher, pastor, and longtime professor Donald T. Williams about a dangerous shift in how people are taught to read today: from seeking authorial intention (originalism) to the reader-response view that readers create meaning, a stance he calls self-refuting and morally inconsistent with a “herm...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Why does a good God allow suffering? It’s one of the oldest—and hardest—questions we can ask. In this episode of The Philosophical Cowgirl, I sit down with philosopher and apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis to explore the problem of evil from both an intellectual, deeply personal, and Christian perspective. Dr. Groothuis doesn’t just approach this topic ac...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!  We live in a culture that treats opinions like they’re facts and feelings like they’re evidence. But truth doesn’t bend for us—and ignoring that has consequences.  In this episode, we’ll explore what truth is, what it isn’t, how it differs from opinion, and why getting this distinction right matters for our lives, our relationships, and our communities...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Manda McCarthy is a reined cowhorse trainer based in Conifer, CO. She’s got a compelling story, a deep sense of perspective, and plenty of horsemanship wisdom to share. Plus, we’ll discuss her recent NRCHA Premier Event win in the Limited Open Hackamore class at the Derby in Scottsdale! You don’t want to miss this conversation.  If you like the show, pl...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this episode, I sit down with Rodney Yost—4th-generation rancher, founder of Rodney Yost Horsemanship (also the guy who started barrel horse extraordinaire, Adios Pantalones), and part of the family behind South Dakota’s Broadaxe Ranch. We had a great conversation, in which Rodney shared wisdom from a life spent training horses, insights on building...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Ever wonder what your equine vet is really thinking? In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Maria Brock joins me to talk about the emotional toll of veterinary work, common client misconceptions, and the reality behind why most horse vets aren’t in it for the money. We discuss the impact of abusive clients, burnout, and what your vet wishes yo...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Emotions aren’t just human terrain—our horses feel them too. In this episode of The Philosophical Cowgirl , we explore the five key elements of emotional intelligence and how they shape our horsemanship. From self-awareness to social skill, we unpack what it means to be the emotional anchor in a relationship with a prey animal that lives in the moment....

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this solo episode, we wade into the stormy waters of online outrage, public perception, and the horse world’s increasingly fragile relationship with the outside eye. We'll talk about the tragic case of Dr. Shawn Frehner, a veterinarian caught in the viral crosshairs of condemnation before his side was widely heard.  How should the horse industry...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions!  In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Winn—expert saddle fitter, lifelong horsewoman, and representative for Burns Saddlery. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how saddle fit impacts both horse and rider, Wendy shares insights that blend tradition, craftsmanship, and practicality. We talk about common saddle fit issues, the...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into the ongoing “war” between three major horsemanship styles: Natural Horsemanship, Cowboy/performance training, and what I lovingly call Hippie Horsemanship.  We’ll talk about where each style shines, where they fall short, and why so many horse owners feel pressure to pick a side. (Spoiler alert: You don’t have...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this episode, we examine the historical and cultural significance of cowboys, their romanticized, mythological version that took on a life of its own, and how they got turned into cultural heroes. Through the lens of virtue ethics, we'll discuss the essential traits that define heroism, like the pursuit of excellence and controlled dangerousness...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this episode of the Philosophical Cowgirl, you'll meet the couple behind Perry Quarter Horses in Leoti, KS: Jason Perry and CJ Garland. We'll discuss their unique paths in the horse industry. Jason, a rancher and self-made horse trainer, and CJ, with a background in business and marketing, have combined their skills to create a thriving hor...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Disclaimer! Philosophy heavy episode!  This one may not be as directly horse-oriented, but it's still fascinating stuff (at least I think so!) because it's so crucial to how and why we think what we do. People have all sorts of different beliefs. But the most fundamental of those beliefs, the ones about ultimate reality, color everything else...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Mentorship is an important ingredient for growth—both in the saddle and in life. In this episode, we dive into the art of mentorship from both sides of the fence. What makes a great mentor? How do you find one? And just as importantly, how do you become one? Whether you're looking for guidance in your horsemanship, career, or personal development,...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this episode, a couple of my closest friends, Brenna DeGeer, Colorado Brand Inspector and long time horse trainer, and Brittnee Woodward, also a long time Colorado horse trainer, continue our talk through a highly controversial list of commonly held beliefs in the horse world. You may or may not agree with everything you hear, but that’s part of the...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Gil Friedman is the founder and head coach of Mental Athletics, a performance mindset coaching program for riders. As an NRHA professional trainer and lifelong competitor, Gil has a unique perspective on the mental needs of equestrian competitors. He was featured on Taylor Sheridan’s show The Last Cowboy, coaching one of his NRHA professional clients. C...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! We all are reality avoiders in one way or another. In this episode, we'll cover 10 ways we do this and what to do about it. Here's the list:  1.  Loving horses to death  2.  Overestimating  a horse’s skill set or value 3.  Underestimating what progress takes  4.  Thinking that talent alone can bring us success  5.  Failing to recognize how our...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! It's time to talk horse care! In this episode, we have a wonderful opportunity to hear from a veterinarian- a terrific one at that-  about two closely related subjects: colic and ulcers. This issue affects nearly every horse owner in one way or another, so it will be hugely beneficial information! A little about my guest:  Dr. Maria Brock is an ass...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Have you encountered horse people (or anyone, really) who have ethical views you can’t believe they could possibly hold?  In the last episode, some themes came up that are highly controversial in the horse world, but there wasn’t time to really discuss or unpack them.  So, this episode is all about encountering different ethical ideas that may get under...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! Dave Duquette from Western Justice joins me to discuss some major legal battles facing the horse industry that threaten our way of life, possibly the biggest one right now being the Horse Protection Act that goes into effect this coming February. That is, unless we can block it!  Animal rights organizations are mobilized and causing issues, and Western...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this episode, a couple of my closest friends, Brenna DeGeer, Colorado Brand Inspector and long time horse trainer, and Brittnee Woodward, also a long time Colorado horse trainer, join me to talk through part 1 of a highly controversial list of commonly held beliefs in the horse world. You may or may not agree with everything you hear, but that’s part...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! A life-altering horse wreck: every horse person's greatest fear. Join me as I discuss what happened to me earlier this year, lessons from it, how I moved forward, and how you can learn how to conquer your anxiety.  If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! In this episode of "The Philosophical Cowgirl," join me as I share my personal journey and how it led to the creation of this podcast. I’ll discuss what listeners can expect in future episodes, including deep dives into philosophical concepts through the lens of horse culture and the western life. We’ll explore fundamental questions and ideas...

Send us your thoughts and topic suggestions! If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going! For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com