What if your performance issues aren't mental weakness… but brain function?

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug sits down with neurofeedback specialist Becky Lauridsen to break down how brain mapping is changing the way we understand focus, self-talk, concussions, and athlete development—especially in the sport of rodeo.

They dive into:

• Why many athletes have frontal lobes stuck in "delta" (a suppressed brain state)

• The difference between motivation and discipline from a neurological perspective

• How upbringing and self-talk create real neural pathways

• What actually happens after a concussion—and what's missing from traditional protocol

• How neurofeedback works to ignite suppressed areas of the brain

• Why alpha waves are the key to calm, locked-in focus

This conversation bridges performance, brain health, and long-term athlete development in a way most rodeo athletes have never heard before.

If you're serious about competing at a high level—and protecting your brain while you do it—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast.

A big thank you to our sponsors:

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In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug sits down with his co-hosts for an honest conversation about what's happening behind the scenes at Champion Living Fitness and the Optimal Performance Academy (OPA)—one of the most elite development programs for rodeo athletes and roughstock competitors.

From surviving the "great freeze of 2026" to opening OPA registration and watching spots fill up almost instantly, this episode is a real look at momentum, athlete buy-in, and why the right culture, standards, and strength & conditioning environment attract the right people.

They break down why returning OPA athletes are the strongest signal of success, what it means when athletes are beating down the door to come back, and why OPA is expanding to include bullfighting and protection athletes for the first time ever. Doug also explains how combining roughstock athletes raises the energy and performance standard across the entire program—and why investing in long-term athlete development matters when the stakes are high.

This episode isn't about hype. It's about proof of concept, building elite performers, and creating a program athletes believe in enough to come back for round two.

If you're a rodeo athlete, coach, or competitor serious about performance, longevity, and doing things the right way, this conversation will hit home.

👉 Listen now, subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast, and share this episode with someone who's ready to level up.

Why are rodeo athletes tougher than ever — yet breaking down sooner?

In this roundtable episode, Doug sits down with the Champion Living coaching staff to unpack the real reasons behind the rodeo athlete development gap. The conversation explores why many athletes work hard but still struggle to stay healthy, consistent, and competitive over long seasons.

We talk about the difference between toughness and preparation, why being busy doesn't equal being ready, and how common development paths like rodeo schools often fail to provide lasting structure or accountability. The coaches also share what athletes should actually be focusing on right now, and what long-term athlete development needs to look like if rodeo is going to evolve.

This is an honest, practical discussion aimed at helping athletes think differently about training, recovery, and longevity.

In this solo episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion breaks down a problem that's quietly costing rodeo athletes careers, consistency, and longevity — the rodeo athlete development gap.

Rodeo has never lacked tough athletes. What it lacks is structured development that prepares athletes to last.

Drawing from his experience as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and years of coaching rodeo athletes at every level — from high school competitors to NFR qualifiers and world champions — Doug explains why toughness alone is no longer enough in modern rodeo.

This episode covers:

• What the "rodeo athlete development gap" actually is

• Why rodeo has professionalized financially but not developmentally

• How load vs capacity explains most common rodeo injuries

• Why being "gym strong" doesn't always transfer to rodeo performance

• The role of nervous system fatigue, recovery, and travel stress

• Why random workouts and grinding harder often backfire

• How poor preparation shortens careers and limits earning potential

• What real athlete development should look like in rodeo

Doug challenges long-held assumptions in rodeo culture while respecting the grit and toughness the sport was built on — making the case that better preparation, not more suffering, is the future of rodeo performance.

If you're a rodeo athlete, parent, or coach who wants to:

• Stay healthier through long seasons

• Improve consistency

• Extend competitive longevity

• Understand how to train smarter, not just harder

this episode will change how you think about rodeo training and athlete development.

Because talent gets you noticed — preparation keeps you in the game.

This episode of the Champion Living Podcast is supported by:

Hooey Official partner supporting rodeo athletes and western culture 🔗 https://www.hooeybrands.com

Discount Code: Championliving

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In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Kincade Henry, one of the most thoughtful young athletes in rodeo today.

At just 23 years old, Kincade brings a level of perspective, maturity, and self-awareness that's rare at any age. We talk about competing at a high level early in your career, handling pressure, learning from experience, and why mindset and discipline matter just as much as talent.

This conversation goes deeper than results. It's about growth, decision-making, and building a foundation that allows you to last — not just show up.

Whether you're a young athlete finding your way, or a veteran looking to sharpen your approach, there's a lot to take away from this one.

In this episode, we cover:

• Competing at a high level at a young age

• Developing maturity and perspective early

• Mindset, discipline, and consistency

• Lessons learned from the road and the arena

• What Kincade is focused on next

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Champion Living Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. 📲 Download the Rodeo Now App for everything happening in the rodeo world. 🤠 Powered by Hooey.

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Chancey Williams and Wade Sankey for a conversation that's equal parts fun, honest, and deeply rooted in western culture.

These two grew up together, took different paths — one into music, one into stock contracting — and both went on to leave a real mark on the rodeo world. We talk about where they came from, how growing up together shaped their mindset, and what it takes to build something that lasts in an industry that doesn't hand anything out.

This episode covers the realities behind the scenes — the grind, the business side, the responsibility that comes with success, and the importance of staying true to who you are as the sport and the world around it continue to change.

Plenty of laughs, plenty of stories, and a lot of perspective from two guys who've lived it.

In this episode, we cover:

• Growing up together and choosing different paths

• Music, rodeo, and the culture that connects them

• The business side of western industries

• Longevity, legacy, and staying relevant

• Advice for young people coming up in rodeo and western culture.

Listen to the full episode of The Champion Living Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Download the Rodeo Now App for real-time rodeo news and updates. Powered by Hooey — built for the western way of life.

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Jake Lees to talk about the realities of building a career in professional rodeo — from choosing the right path early on to staying competitive as the level keeps rising.

Jake breaks down how today's athletes don't all follow the same roadmap anymore. We talk high school rodeo, college rodeo, going straight to the pros, and how intentional decisions early in your career can set you up for long-term success. He also shares what it takes to keep improving year after year, why fundamentals matter more than chasing wins, and how mindset, preparation, and accountability separate those who last from those who fade out.

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of lessons for young athletes trying to figure out their next move — and veterans looking to stay sharp in a constantly evolving sport.

In this episode, we cover:

• Different paths to the professional level in rodeo

• The role of college rodeo and long-term planning

• Why fundamentals matter more than focusing on wins

• Staying competitive as the talent pool gets deeper

• Advice for young athletes entering the pro ranks

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Champion Living Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. 📲 Download the HooeyFit app and train with a plan built specifically for rodeo athletes.

Live from the National Finals Rodeo, this episode of The Champion Living Podcast features a powerful conversation with Caleb Bennett and Sam Peterson.

Two athletes. Two different chapters. One shared pursuit of excellence.

Caleb reflects on the lessons that come with years in the sport — leadership, resilience, and perspective. Sam opens up about his rise, the pressure of competing at a high level, and what he's learning as his career continues to grow.

Together, they give listeners an inside look at what it really takes to survive — and thrive — in professional rodeo.

This episode is about more than riding. It's about growth, discipline, and becoming the kind of competitor who lasts.

Listen to the full episode of The Champion Living Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Download the Rodeo Now App for real-time rodeo updates, scores, and news from inside the sport. Check out Hooey — official partner powering the Champion Living Fitness app and a brand that lives the western lifestyle.

What happens after rodeo—and who do you become when the arena lights turn off?

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion sits down live at the NFR with Jerrod Johnston, former pro rodeo athlete and current lead contact for PRCA Youth Camps, to talk about the evolution of rodeo, developing the next generation of athletes, and the identity shift that every competitor eventually faces.

Jerrod shares powerful stories from the road, lessons learned the hard way, and why today's athletes need a different approach than generations before them. From youth camps and athlete development to mindset, mentorship, and life beyond competition, this conversation goes far beyond wins and losses.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why rodeo is more than a sport—it's a lifelong identity

• The responsibility of mentoring the next generation

• How PRCA Youth Camps are shaping the future of rodeo

• Mental toughness, short-term memory, and confidence in competition

• Preparing athletes physically and mentally

• Finding purpose and fulfillment after rodeo ends

This episode is a must-watch for rodeo athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone invested in the future of the western way of life.

Train with the same system trusted by elite rodeo athletes: 📲 Download the HooeyFit App and pick your track to start training with a plan built for performance, longevity, and life beyond the arena.

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring champions inside and outside the arena. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Jo Hollobaugh — professional breakaway roper, entrepreneur, and one of the most driven athletes in the sport.

Jordan Jo opens up about her journey through rodeo, the sacrifices it's taken to compete at a high level, and what it really means to build a career inside and outside the arena. We talk mindset, discipline, confidence, and how she's learned to navigate pressure, expectations, and growth as both an athlete and a businesswoman.

This conversation goes beyond wins and losses. It's about identity, longevity, and becoming a complete athlete — physically, mentally, and professionally.

Whether you're a rodeo athlete, competitor in any sport, or someone chasing excellence in your own lane, there are powerful takeaways in this episode.

In this episode, we cover:

• Jordan Jo's path through rodeo and breakaway roping

• The mental side of competition and confidence

• Balancing performance, business, and personal growth

• Lessons learned along the way and advice for young athletes

• What's next for her career moving forward

🎧 Subscribe to The Champion Living Podcast for weekly conversations with athletes, coaches, and leaders who are champions at what they do.