Breaking the Barrier

Breakaway roping is the fastest growing event in rodeo, with many talented cowgirls "setting the stage" for generations of competitors to come. With many professional rodeos adding the event to their lineups, the sport is growing at an exponential rate. Rickie Fanning of South Dakota has not only qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping, but she has a front row seat to the growth of the sport all year long. Listen as she visits with host Rebel Sjeklocha about her rodeo career and the sport of breakaway roping at large.

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Connect with us!

Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod

Host IG: @rebelsjek

YouTube: @breakingthebarrierpodcast

Australian steer wrestler Travis Munro moved continents to follow his dream of making the NFR and becoming a World Champion. Learn more about this high level athlete and his dedication to his dream in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier.

BJ Jamison grew up in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Though he comes from a family with deep rodeo roots, BJ always knew his passion was music. Listen as BJ sits down with Rebel Sjeklocha to share about his rural roots and journey as a recording artist.

Follow along with BJ!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjjamisonmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjjamison_music/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ezERRujIypyYnuNPO3w0S?si=uPYy4DEkTFGFyGpUJyCWtA

Gabriel Connealy shares about his family business, Connealy Angus, and how they ranch with purpose in the Nebraska Sandhills. Listen as we get back to our ranching roots on this episode of Breaking the Barrier.

After hearing countless stories of bull fighters battling injury from traditional metal bells used by bull riders, 19-year bull riding veteran Nic Lica decided to do something about it.

Nic used his expertise to craft the Licabell, a first of its kind bell substitute. It is “like a bell,” in its appearance and purpose on the bull rope and is sure to change bull riding for the better.

Learn how Nic made his way from the city to his true calling as a cowboy and entrepreneur in this week’s episode of Breaking the Barrier.

Follow Nic and Licabell Brand on Instagram!

@niclica14 @licabrand_official

Jacey Hupp has worn many hats. She is a fierce competitor, a thoughtful mentor, and has shown resilience and grace in life's high and low moments. In college, she qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo five times, consistently leading the pack in the goat tying. These days, you can find her putting on goat tying clinics with her sister, or helping college rodeo athletes at the University of Wyoming take their abilities to the next level. After battling back from injury and through serious personal loss, Jacey has continued to use her gifts to make rodeo and the world better. Get to know how this kind soul uses her gifts and remains grounded in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Professional calf roper and NFR qualifier Macon Murphy is no stranger to the rodeo scene. However, rodeo was not always his #1 priority. Learn about this 3rd generation cowboy in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Competitor, coach, and contractor are just a few hats third-generation cowgirl Micah Barnes wears. From qualifying for the American in the breakaway roping, to serving as an assistant coach for the storied Cal Poly rodeo team, to carrying on her family's legacy through Barnes PRCA Rodeo, Micah Barnes has truly been in every corner of the arena. She is a tireless advocate for rodeo, even serving as Miss Rodeo Iowa 2023.

Learn more about the cowgirl who can go from flanking bucking horses to competing at Miss Rodeo America without batting an eye in this episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Ty Ferrell is one of the eligible bachelor's on Season 2 of Farmer Wants A Wife. He is also a team roper, a rodeo photographer, and a proud dad to his daughter, Lennon. Listen as he shares about his passion for the western world and gives us a glimpse into the behind the scenes happenings of Farmer Wants A Wife!

Ashley Baller is no stranger to the western world. A connection forged during her year as Miss Rodeo Colorado 2022 lead her to creating dynamic experiences for rodeo newbies and dedicated fans alike.

From games like ProFantasy Rodeo and Inside Rodeo, to grand events like Rodeo Vegas, Baller stays busy pushing the envelope and making things happen for Teton Ridge Gaming.

Learn more about Ashley's story and current role with Teton Ridge in this episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.