Breaking the Barrier

Tyler Schuster is nothing short of a trailblazer.

A Texas native, multi-generation rancher, and graduate of Tarleton State University and Texas A&M, Schuster is leveraging her talents as a storyteller, professional, and advocate to create opportunities for others while building a life uniquely her own.

Since completing her education, Schuster has worked with the Texas Cattle Raisers Association and currently serves as the assistant director of development at Texas Tech University. Beyond her formal employment, she is often found speaking at various events, connecting with others online, or hosting her podcast, Basically Famous. In 2024, Schuster was honored as one of Cowgirl Magazine's "30 Under 30" award recipients.

Recently, Schuster launched a consulting business aimed at helping individuals enhance their professional skills. She specializes in job applications, resumes, and interview preparation.

Discover more about her journey, tips for mastering the job interview process, and much more in the latest episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

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For 46 weeks of the year, the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center is abuzz with excitement. The venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is home to some of the western world's largest events- including the World Series of Team Roping Finale, The Run for a Million, the National Finals Breakaway Roping, and more!

Making sure these events run smoothly is Rachel Kokernak, Event Coordinator for the facility. The Arizona native and Colorado State University graduate originally planned on attending veterinary school, but changed course when opportunity arose. These days, she has a hand in producing some of the fastest growing events in the western world.

In this episode of Breaking the Barrier, Kokernak shares about her dynamic job, the courage it takes to change course, and the art of acclimating yourself to a new place.

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Kaitlynn Hayes of Hayden, Colorado grew up immersed in rodeo and the western way of life. As a kid, she had a bet with her brother and cousin to see who could become a stock contractor first. Hayes won the bet when her father helped her purchase a pony.

These days, she is still in the stock contracting business, providing opportunities for young rodeo athletes to learn the rodeo ropes. Through her entities Rocky Mountain Mini Broncs & Bulls and KH Bucking Horses, Hayes helps prospective rodeo athletes safely develop their skills.

Hayes says the impact of miniature programs on the professional ranks is undeniable.

"Of the 15 bareback riders at the NFR last year, six of them rode pony broncs at some point," she said.

Her brother, World Champion Bareback Rider Keenan Hayes, illustrates the effectiveness of getting started at an early age. Hayes says it was especially rewarding to watch her brother transition from riding sheep and ponies to winning a gold buckle.

"I knew he could do it," she said.

Learn all about Kaitlynn Hayes, Rocky Mountain Mini Broncs & Bulls, KH Bucking Horses, and more in the latest episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

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Shelby Shank grew up in the suburbs on Cincinnati, Ohio. Through her local 4-H program, she found her passion for agriculture.

"I always admired the rural way of life," she said.

While obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in animal science from Murray State University and her Master's Degree from Texas Tech University, Shank dove head first into various internship opportunities that helped her forge her own path.

Since then, she has not only involved herself in the industry, but but has become an emerging leader and trailblazer, telling meaningful stories as a Field Editor for Texas Farm Bureau. She works in tandem with their in house video team to produce media and articles to be released in both online and print publications, as well as on social media.

"I was the first one in my family to attend collage and set a goal to get an internship every summer," Shank said. "It was honestly a God moment how all of those experiences lead me to Farm Bureau."

Her fresh perspective and interpersonal skills have allowed her to fully immerse herself in each story, and helps her craft thoughtful questions.

"I want to know everything," she noted.

In addition to traveling the state engaging with producers of all kinds, Shelby was named to Cowgirl Magazine's 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.

Learn all about Shelby's journey from the suburbs to Texas Farm Bureau in the latest episode of Breaking the Barrier!

Breaking the Barrier is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and is produced by the Rural Radio Network.

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In this episode, Alexa Wilcox, head women's rodeo coach at New Mexico Junior College shares about her journey in the western world. From growing up in the industry to forging her own path, Wilcox's story is a testament to living her values.

Wilcox grew up on a ranch in Colorado and went on to pursue her education and rodeo career at Texas Tech University. After graduation, she began her master's program at Oklahoma State University where she helped coach the rodeo team and got involved with Field of Hope, a nonprofit in Uganda. Wilcox ended up writing her masters thesis about the organization, and went on to spend five years as staff of the program.

Wilcox played an integral role in getting the open breakaway class added to the AQHA World Show. After observing so many talented cowgirls firsthand, she saw it a disservice to not allow athletes of that caliber compete. After submitting a rule change and seeing it through, Wilcox went on to become the inaugural open breakaway champion in 2022.

Learn all about Wilcox and her story of integrity and persistence in the latest episode of Breaking the Barrier!

Lindsey Miller wears many hats. (Literally and figuratively.) The North Dakota cowgirl served as Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2023, is the author of a successful children's book, and is KMOT TV in Minot's most recent hire.

In this episode of Breaking the Barrier, Miller shares her experience authoring, publishing, and promoting her children's book, The Girl in the Lime Green Jeans. She also details her passion for rodeo, being patient (and persistent!) when it comes to major life changes, and her career in broadcasting.

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As a young girl, Kendra Elder won the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo with her prized heifer, Pearl. These days, she can be found shuffling around the Will Rogers Memorial Center's 120 acre expanse putting on hundreds of events throughout the year, including the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

A driven career woman and agricultural advocate, Elder has deeply immersed herself in Fort Worth's western ecosystem. Learn about her career journey, life ambitions, and passionate outlook in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier!

Dona Kay Rule is as gritty and competitive as they come. The 66-year-old will be in the mix this December at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Learn more about her story and the horses that have made it happen in this re-released episode from January of 2022. The episode may be a few years old, but Dona Kay's wisdom is timeless.

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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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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.

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