Basically Famous Podcast

Julie Bass serves as the Chief Mission Officer for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, an organization dedicated to promoting agriculture through a family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, celebrates Western heritage, supports Texas youth, and provides year-round educational opportunities throughout the community.

A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Julie has spent the past 20 years helping shape one of the world's largest and most impactful livestock shows and rodeos. In this episode, she shares exciting details about the future expansion of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, what it takes to coordinate more than 36,000 volunteers each year, and the incredible impact the organization has on the next generation through scholarships, educational programs, and agricultural advocacy.

https://www.rodeohouston.com/

https://www.rodeohouston.com/the-rodeo-announces-transformational-multimillion-dollar-investment-to-build-new-agricultural-complex/

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Stacy Stockard Caliva is a writer and graphic designer based in Lubbock, Texas. She serves as director of communications and marketing for the Texas Tech University Office of Advancement, where she oversees the voice of philanthropy across the university and shapes communications for prospective and current donors.

A proud Red Raider, Stacy earned her JD from the Texas Tech University School of Law, along with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications. She also served as the 2004–2005 Texas Tech Masked Rider and continues to support the tradition through her work on the Masked Rider Advisory Board.

In addition to her professional work, Stacy is deeply involved in student life and spirit organizations at Texas Tech. She advises the Texas Tech High Riders spirit group, serves on the Raider Red Mascot Advisory Committee, and is a former recipient of the Texas Tech Outstanding Student Organization Advisor award. Stacy took her passion for the Masked Rider and Texas Tech history and turned it into her book, Long Live the Matadors: The Fearless History of Texas Tech’s Masked Rider.

https://www.stacystockard.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Live-Matadors-Fearless-History/dp/1682831949/ref=sr_1_1

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Kensie Darst Todd has never been afraid to chase a dream — even when it meant stepping outside of her comfort zone and creating a path all her own. Two generations removed from the ranching lifestyle, Kensie followed every opportunity that came her way and built a career rooted in storytelling, western culture and agriculture.

Today, Kensie works in marketing for the American Paint Horse Association while also freelancing as a writer for PRCA and Western Horseman, blending her passion for the western industry with her gift for communication. Her journey to Texas started long before she officially called it home. From honeymooning in Texas while interning with the WRCA to eventually moving to Lubbock to pursue her master’s degree, every step helped shape the life and career she has today.

Through every season — building a career, raising her son and navigating life’s changes — Kensie has continued to bet on herself and pursue the things that inspire her. This week, she shares her story of resilience, motherhood, career growth and what it looks like to build a life fueled by passion, purpose and the courage to say yes to new opportunities.

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Allison Burenheide is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University who has never been afraid to bet on herself, take risks, and grow through every opportunity. Today, she leads global marketing at Vence, helping shape innovation and storytelling within the agriculture industry on an international scale.

Throughout her career, Allison has built a reputation for leading with both strategy and heart. She is passionate about investing in people, creating opportunities for the next generation, and helping others recognize the value they bring to the table.

This week, Allison joins us to talk about building a career with intention, developing skills that make you hireable, and why taking chances can open doors you never expected. From leadership and mentorship to personal growth and career development, this conversation is full of wisdom for anyone looking to make an impact in agriculture and beyond.

Books - 

Dare to Lead 

Shoe Dog

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Dr. Kallie Covington and Payton Priest are passionate about their careers, their families, and raising the next generation. These working moms join us to share what life looks like balancing careers, motherhood, and marriage to husbands in the agriculture industry. In this episode, we discuss how life changes after having kids, the realities of managing work and family, and how to better support and work alongside parents in professional settings.

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Leslee Kay Hurwitz is a dream chaser, lifelong learner, and someone who has built a lifestyle that truly embodies her spirit. Alongside Sandy, she has helped lead the Clinics as a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) since the early 2000s. Together, the pair also ventured into real estate investment and development, eventually acquiring what would become Transition Ranch through years of restoration and improvement. Today, Sandy and Leslee call the ranch home, alongside their three dogs, five horses, a few cattle, and one salty cat. Leslee also competes and rides Peruvian horses, further reflecting her passion for the western lifestyle and continuous pursuit of growth and adventure.She is an ambassador for the breed and shares the joy she has found in riding and breeding Peruvian horses. 

https://www.transitionranch.com/

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Stacy Stockard Caliva is a writer and graphic designer based in Lubbock, Texas. She serves as director of communications and marketing for the Texas Tech University Office of Advancement, where she oversees the voice of philanthropy across the university and shapes communications for prospective and current donors.

A proud Red Raider, Stacy earned her JD from the Texas Tech University School of Law, along with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications. She also served as the 2004–2005 Texas Tech Masked Rider and continues to support the tradition through her work on the Masked Rider Advisory Board.

In addition to her professional work, Stacy is deeply involved in student life and spirit organizations at Texas Tech. She advises the Texas Tech High Riders spirit group, serves on the Raider Red Mascot Advisory Committee, and is a former recipient of the Texas Tech Outstanding Student Organization Advisor award. Stacy took her passion for the Masked Rider and Texas Tech history and turned it into her book, Long Live the Matadors: The Fearless History of Texas Tech’s Masked Rider.

https://www.stacystockard.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Live-Matadors-Fearless-History/dp/1682831949/ref=sr_1_1

Michelle Simpson Tuegel grew up in Bridgeport, Texas, and has built an impressive career marked by determination, resilience, and passion. As a young athlete, Michelle competed on the U.S. Water Ski Team before pursuing a law degree and eventually founding The Simpson Tuegel Law Firm. Today, her firm is a passionate team of victims’ rights attorneys and advocates focused on cases involving sexual abuse, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death.

Amid the weight of her work, Michelle found peace and purpose at her family ranch in Montana. What began as a desire for an escape soon turned into a passion for the western industry after purchasing her first horse and taking cutting lessons. That experience quickly sparked a love for the sport of cutting. Today, Michelle and her husband own 5MS Ranch Texas Division and actively compete in cutting events across the country.

In this episode, Michelle shares her journey from elite athlete to attorney, advocate, ranch owner, and competitor, while discussing the balance between high-pressure careers, personal passions, and building a life rooted in purpose.

https://www.shewinslaw.com/about/

https://www.amazon.com/Rise-My-Story-Lindsey-Vonn/dp/0062889443

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Dr. Kyre Larrabee is shaping the next generation of veterinarians as an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Practice at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Texas Tech University. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Kyre was a member of the OSU rodeo team before continuing her education there to earn her veterinary degree.

Her teaching centers on clinical and professional skills across both small and large animal medicine, with a strong emphasis on client communication. Kyre’s professional interests include wound management, small animal surgery and dermatology, equine sports medicine, and compassionate end-of-life care for companion animals.

In this episode, we also dive into the role of volunteer leadership and the profound impact it has had on Kyre’s personal and professional journey.

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Dr. Kelley Ranly serves as an Extension Program Specialist and Leadership Coordinator for Texas 4-H and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, where she leads the charge in developing and coordinating statewide agricultural leadership programs for high school students across Texas. From overseeing Texas 4-H Horse Validation to playing a key role in the Texas State 4-H Horse Show, Kelley is deeply invested in creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Kelley’s journey with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension began while she was still a student at Texas A&M University, where she worked in steer and heifer validation before transitioning into youth leadership programming. That early experience laid the foundation for a career centered around mentorship, education, and impact.

Raised in agriculture, Kelley discovered her passion for the western way of life at a young age through showing livestock and rodeo. While at Texas A&M, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Business Administration, followed by a Master of Agribusiness. As a four-year member of the Ranch Horse Team, she found her true niche in the equine industry and developed a deep appreciation for reined cow horses.

Kelley recently completed her PhD in Animal and Natural Resource Sciences at Tarleton State University, where her research focused on developing a leadership program for students interested in the equine industry—further expanding her impact on the future of agriculture.

Passionate about student success, Kelley works day in and day out to create pathways for young people through Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Youth Livestock Ambassador program. 

Books Recommended: 

Leaders Eat Last 

Story Worthy 

Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.