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

Rodeo Now App Watch live rodeos, replays, and exclusive rodeo content 🔗 https://www.rodeonow.com

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.

Technology threw a curveball this week — but the show goes on. In today's episode, Doug breaks down what's coming at this year's NFR, shares updates on the Champion Living × Hooey Fit App, and walks you through every new feature, track, and program inside the platform. From roughstock and timed-event training to beyond-the-arena fitness, Doug lays out exactly how rodeo athletes can finally train with purpose instead of guessing in the gym.

We're also gearing up for nine straight days of live podcast episodes at the NFR, hosted from the Fenoglio Boot Booth inside Cowboy Christmas. Athletes, stock contractors, PRCA leaders, and industry voices — Doug previews the full lineup and what fans can expect.

If you've been curious about the new Hooey Fit App or want a deeper look at what's inside each track, this walkthrough is for you.

This episode is brought to you by Rodeo Now, the performance-tracking app built for rodeo athletes. Record your rides and runs, break them down in slow motion, and search any animal by name to get the information you need before you nod your head. Download Rodeo Now for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

0:00 – Rodeo Now App Partnership

Doug kicks off with exciting news about partnering with the Rodeo Now app, a tool built for recording, logging, and breaking down your runs and rides in slow motion — including intel on your stock draw. The perfect pairing for athletes who want to study and improve their performance.

1:00 – What Happened to Today's Planned Episode

Originally, this episode was meant to feature Kate Jackson, a sports mechanic who uses elite movement-testing technology to break down athletic patterns. Technical issues = episode lost. Don't worry — it's being re-recorded.

1:45 – NFR Week: The Chaos + The Magic

Doug shares how the timing couldn't be worse — the NFR starts in just four days. He talks through:

• Why the NFR is the "Super Bowl" of the western lifestyle

• Energy and anticipation around Vegas

• The curveball of EHV restrictions canceling major side-events

• How athletes can reframe setbacks into preparation opportunities

2:45 – Live Podcast Schedule at the NFR

Champion Living will host nine straight days of live shows at 10 AM (two at 11 AM) from the Olio Boot Booth inside the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Expect episodes with:

• NFR athletes

• Retired champions

• PRCA leadership

• Stock contractors

• Country music artists

• Western industry voices

The goal: real stories, not highlight reels. Fans are invited to attend, meet guests, and hang out.

4:45 – Deep Dive: The New Hooey Fit App (Formerly Champion Living Fitness)

Doug breaks down why the app was rebranded and how the collaboration with Hooey Brands happened.

Joey (Hooey CEO) believes in:

• Investing in rodeo athletes

• Developing the next generation

• Making high-performance training accessible

• Elevating the entire sport

This partnership makes it possible to offer ALL programs + mobility + Bulletproof Shoulders + communities for just $19/month.

6:00 – What's Inside the App? (Guided Walkthrough) Roughstock Blueprint

For:

• Bareback Riders

• Saddle Bronc Riders

• Bull Riders

• Bullfighters

Includes:

• Every roughstock-specific plan

• 2 mobility programs

• Bulletproof Shoulders

• Varied training + progression

• Ability to mix across events for balanced development

Timed-Event Athlete Track

For:

• Ropers

• Barrel Racers

• Dismount Athletes (tie-down, calf ropers, goat tiers)

Includes:

• Intro & progression paths

• Shoulder prehab (critical for ropers)

• Mobility

• Access to ALL timed-event programs

Doug emphasizes treating your body like a business — don't keep paying entry fees without improving your chances of winning.

Beyond the Arena (General Fitness Track)

For:

• Hunters

• Ranchers

• Everyday athletes

• Anyone who wants to get stronger

Includes:

• Backcountry plan

• Women's Built Strong program

• Mobility + Bulletproof Shoulders

• Only $9.99/month

Free Resources Inside the App

Doug highlights the free section every user gets:

• 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started in Pro Rodeo

• Rodeo Parent Guide

• Pre-Ride Warm-Up Guide (the #1 requested resource)

These are free PDF downloads for every user.

Built-In Podcast Links + YouTube Channel

One centralized place to watch, listen, and learn.

Community Features (Paid Users)

Doug breaks down the Q&A and coaching support inside the paid community:

• Post your rides for critique

• Get direct feedback from Doug

• Tips & tricks weekly

• Conversations with other athletes

• Progress tracking for weights, reps, time, lessons completed

14:45 – When You Need More Than Just the App

Doug explains the difference between:

App-Based Training

Great for:

• Self-motivated athletes

• New riders

• Responsibility-driven athletes

• Anyone who needs structure

Individualized Coaching

Built for:

• Specific goals

• Injury management

• Accountability

• Personalized programming

• Schedule-based training

• Direct coach communication

Every individualized coaching relationship starts with a full evaluation and custom program build-out.

16:45 – Why the App Exists

Doug closes the walkthrough by sharing the mission: When he started rodeoing, there were zero training resources for rodeo athletes. The Hooey Fit App removes that barrier forever by giving athletes real training systems at an accessible price.

17:15 – Quick NFR Preview + New Programs Dropping

Doug teases:

• Fresh timed-event programs

• Power-focused plans for roughstock athletes

• Daily NFR content

• Live episodes dropping throughout the week

If you're at the NFR, stop by and say hello at the Fenoglio Boot booth. Doug, Logan, Paul, and the team will be there every day at 10 AM.

Download the Hooey Fit App powered by Champion Living — free to download, loaded with free resources, and only $19/month for full access to every program we've ever built.