Sami O'Connell: Motherhood, Guilt, and Mental Health

Today I bring you the inspiring journey of Sami O'Connell, the wife of three-time world champion bareback rider Tim O'Connell. In this episode, Sami shares the remarkable love story of how she and Tim first met in a Minnesota bar, with a surprising connection through Tim's older brother. Their on-and-off relationship eventually led to engagement after a rodeo-related injury.

We delve into the challenges of being a rodeo wife, adjusting to the unique lifestyle, and battling loneliness when spouses are away. Sami discusses their transition to parenthood and the struggles they faced while balancing family life with Tim's rodeo career, which included the decision for Sami to leave her job and travel with him.

The heart of our conversation focuses on parenting, especially their son Hazen. Sami candidly shares her guilt and emotional journey as a mother, touching on ADHD medication for Hazen. We also explore Tim O'Connell's rodeo career, the mental toll of disappointments, and his path to personal growth. Join us!

What you'll hear in this episode:

[0:00] Rodeo life, families, and relationships with a 3-time world champion bareback rider.

[1:40] Meeting and reconnecting with a past love.

[7:20] Life as a rodeo wife, adjusting to lifestyle changes.

[11:20] Marriage, loneliness, and the rodeo lifestyle.

[15:30] Balancing work and family life for a rodeo cowboy and his wife.

[19:40] Parenting challenges and support.

[26:30] Motherhood, guilt, and dealing with a child's special needs.

[32:05] ADHD diagnosis and medication for a child.

[37:55] Motherhood, mental health, and rodeo success.

[43:20] Rodeo competitor's mental health after NFR disappointment.

[50:10] Rodeo legend Tim Page's personal growth and legacy.

[54:10] Rodeo experiences, memories, and growth.

Connect with Sami on Instagram @sami_oconnell

Connect with Lindsay on Instagram @lindsaybranquinho and @companion.pass

Find more Companion Pass content on the blog: https://www.lindsaybranquinho.com/companion-pass

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