Breaking the Barrier

Mackenzie Skeels has deep roots in agriculture. The former Miss Rodeo Canada has leveraged her experience as a rodeo queen to contribute to her family's operation, Anchor D Ranch Simmentals, and puts together marketing materials for other farmers and ranchers in the area.

In this episode of Breaking the Barrier, she reflects on her year as Miss Rodeo Canada, the lessons learned, places traveled, and lives impacted. Listen to her story and learn more about her in this week's episode hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

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Mackenzie's IG: @kenzielabrie

Chances are, if you've attended a rodeo in the state of Nebraska, the voice of this week's guest may sound familiar. Travis Schauda is a PRCA cardholding announcer that makes his home right here in the Cornhusker State.

Travis sat down with host Rebel Sjeklocha for a live podcast recording at Husker Harvest Days. Learn about Travis' background, experiences behind the microphone, and his vision for rodeo going forward in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier.

Connect with us on Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod

Chances are, if you've attended a rodeo in the state of Nebraska, the voice of this week's guest may sound familiar. Travis Schauda is a PRCA cardholding announcer that makes his home right here in the Cornhusker State.

Travis sat down with host Rebel Sjeklocha for a live podcast recording at Husker Harvest Days. Learn about Travis' background, experiences behind the microphone, and his vision for rodeo going forward in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier.

Connect with us on Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod

Marci Powell has proven herself as a hand in the arena, and as a mentor outside of it. She is a WPRA/CPRA Gold Card Professional Barrel Racer and a certified mental toughness coach.

Each year, she puts on 20-25 clinics across the United States and Canada to help the next generation of horsewomen and barrel racers. Marci believes in kindness, empathy, and giving people the confidence to do big things.

After suffering serious injuries from a barrel racing accident, Marci has lived her mental toughness principles and proven that nothing is impossible. Learn from this legacy barrel racer in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier!

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Instagram:  @breakingthebarrierpod

Facebook: Rural Radio Network

Connect with Marci: https://www.facebook.com/marcipowellclinics

Emma Arndt is an artist in every sense of the word. The Kansas native began learning the art of leatherwork as an eighth grader when stuck at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. From there, she has learned how to silversmith and make boots.

Arndt has been recognized by Western Horseman and is a nationally acclaimed young artist that creates stunning custom creations for the public. The now college freshman has lofty aspirations to grow her capabilities as a maker and horsewoman. Learn more about this young entrepreneur's journey on this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

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Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod

YouTube: Breaking the Barrier Podcast

Emma's Instagram: emmakarndt

Nebraska native Jake Jacobson is currently one of roughly 180 music directors approved by the PRCA to work professional rodeos across the country. His current career path found him by chance while at a bull riding in Arizona.

“I was helping in the back pens and some guy came up to me with a microphone. He said “We don’t have an announcer, and you’re it. There’s a CD with four songs on it. Let’s buck some bulls.” Jacobson recalls.

Twenty years later, Jacobson is still spinning the tunes for rodeo fans.

It is not uncommon for him to play a 1950s tune followed by 80s rock or a brand new trending song. When it comes to the fan experience, Jacobson says good music can take the rodeo to the next level.

“It keeps the crowd engaged. If you have a great announcer and good clowns, you can all work together as a team,” said Jacobson.

While some may think only are cowboys and livestock are needed to put on a successful rodeo, the music director is one of many personnel behind the scenes who works to enhance the fan experience.

“The sound guy is the first guy and the last guy out,” said Jacobson. “It is organized chaos.”

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Instagram: @BreakingtheBarrierPod

The words “I can’t” are simply not part of Dusti Dickerson’s vocabulary. The renowned trick and roman rider has been pushing the envelope since she was ten years old. After seeing a roman rider as a young girl, Dickerson wasted no time combining her gymnastics background with her horsemanship skills, and even stole her Dad’s pickup horses to do so.

These days she is one of the most talented and well respected performers in professional rodeo. Learn more about her illustrious career and the hard work it has taken to make it happen in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier.

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Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod

Host Instagram: @rebelsjek

Find more podcasts produced by the Rural Radio Network: https://ruralradio.com/podcasts/

Brooke Wallace Terrapin has leveraged her knowledge and love of the western industry with her passion for sewing and design to create one-of-a-kind pieces for rodeo queens and brides alike. Learn how Brooke uses her gifts in business and relationships in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier.

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Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod

Connect with Brooke: @midwest_twist

Alex Parsaye knew from a young age that she belonged on the back of a horse. Growing up, she felt drawn to horses in such a powerful way that her parents got her in riding lessons at the age of five. Parsaye explored multiple events and disciplines, but ultimately fell in love with the pursuit of true horsemanship.

These days, Parsaye is the instructor for the Legends of Ranching Program at Colorado State University. This unique program allows students to start a horse from the ground up with oversight from Parsaye and the team at CSU. Students are provided horses from legendary ranches with top notch breeding programs and are entrusted with their care and training for a period of nine months. At the conclusion of this nine-month period, students then sell these horses on behalf of the consigning ranches at the Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale.

Learn more about Parsaye and this transformative program in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

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Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpodcast

Host Instagram: @rebelsjek

Follow Legends of Ranching on Instagram: @legendsofranching

Learn more about the Legends of Ranching program: https://agsci.colostate.edu/ansci/outreach-and-engagement/legends-of-ranching-performance-horse-sale/

Find more podcasts produced by the Rural Radio Network: https://ruralradio.com/podcasts/

How did Alicia Erickson turn a conversation at an airport into a full-fledged business? Find out in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier!

Erickson's airport conversation lead her to pursue her own enterprise. Known as @sociallyalicia online, Erickson is a former Miss Rodeo Canada, a sideline reporter, a social media manager, an entrepreneur, and so much more.

These days, Erickson consults with people and brands to help tell their stories thoughtfully, while continuing to grow her capabilities and career. She also works extensively as a commentator and sideline reporter for PBR Canada and Ponoka Stampede. Her persistence and work ethic have propelled her to new heights of success, and has made her a true asset to the western world.

Listen as Erickson speaks candidly, shares advice, and reflects on her accomplishments thus far in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

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Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpodcast

Host Instagram: @rebelsjek

Connect with Alicia: @sociallyalicia

Find more podcasts produced by the Rural Radio Network: https://ruralradio.com/podcasts/