This week, we’re bringing you our sit-down with Dean Serratelli, owner of the Serratelli Hat Company in Newark, New Jersey.

Dean gave us full access to the factory and sat down for an honest conversation about what it really takes to survive in the hat business—from navigating supplier relationships and protecting family legacy to how Serratelli builds hats from raw material to finished product.

We talk history, quality, and the current state of the western wear industry. No fluff—just real answers from a fifth-generation hatmaker still doing it the right way.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what separates a real cowboy hat from the rest, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Biltonen—best known as the bass player for multi-platinum rock band 3 Doors Down. But that’s just part of the story. Justin has carved out a successful solo career in country music and built a reputation as a skilled silversmith with his western jewelry brand, Sacred West Vintage.

We talk about life on the road with 3 Doors Down, the transition into country songwriting, and what it means to handcraft pieces of silver that carry meaning and tradition. From the stage to the silver bench, Justin shares the highs, the grind, and the inspiration behind it all.

 Join us as we journey with J.B. Zielke, the cowboy who has explored six continents and authored "The Lost Cowboy." In this episode, Zielke shares captivating tales from his global cowboy life, from Argentina to Mongolia, and discusses the challenges and discoveries that inspired his book. Tune in to hear about the diverse experiences that define cowboying today.  Available anywhere you get your podcasts or see the full video on our YouTube channel. 

Link To JB's Book The Lost Cowboy
Paperback
https://amzn.to/3Du2vHD
Audio Book
https://amzn.to/41PRKZv

In this episode of the Cowboy Cartel Podcast, we sit down with Keith Mundee, President of American Hat Company and a true icon in the western industry. From his early days with Miller International and the evolution of the iconic Cinch brand, to taking the helm at American Hat alongside his unique connection with the late Keith Maddox, Keith shares his remarkable journey.

Discover the secrets behind cowboy hat design, the challenges of meeting surging demand, and the passion that drives American Hat’s commitment to quality and community. Whether you're a longtime fan of cowboy culture or new to the scene, Keith's behind-the-scenes stories and valuable business insights will inspire and inform.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with industry secrets, personal anecdotes, and a deep dive into the world of western heritage. Join us and get inspired by one of the most respected voices in the business!

In this episode of the Cowboy Cartel Podcast, we sit down with three-time PRCA Photographer of the Year, Click Thompson, a renowned name in rodeo photography. Click shares his journey from Virginia to becoming one of the most respected photographers in the rodeo, PBR, and bull riding worlds.

We dive deep into Click’s passion for cowboy fashion, including his impressive cowboy hat collection, and discuss the unique styles he’s built over the years. Whether it's the gear or the artistry behind his work, Click talks about how he transitioned from film to digital photography, and how tools like Photoshop and Lightroom shape his images.

As the official photographer for major rodeo events, Click reveals what it takes to capture the essence of bull riding and Western culture through the lens. He also shares tips for aspiring photographers looking to break into the rodeo photography scene.

With insights on American Hat Company, cowboy hats, and the business of capturing rodeo action, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge for fans of rodeo, Western fashion, and professional photography. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the best in the business!

In this episode of Cowboy Cartel The Podcast, we sit down with Jorden Halvorsen, a fearless bull rider and key member of Dale Brisby’s Rodeo Time crew. As seen on Netflix’s How to Be a Cowboy, Jorden shares her incredible journey from English riding in North Carolina to making her mark in the world of bull riding and western culture.

We dive into:

• Jorden’s transition from Hunter Jumper competitions to bull riding.
• Life at Radiator Ranch and working with Dale Brisby.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from filming How to Be a Cowboy.
• Overcoming challenges, including injuries like her broken leg and a life-saving liver transplant.
• What it’s like being the only female ranch hand on Dale’s team.

Jorden opens up about her experiences, her resilience, and her passion for rodeo, giving fans of Rodeo Time and Netflix’s How to Be a Cowboy an inside look at her unique life.

Join Joe and Conor for a special Cowboy Cartel Live episode with legendary hat shaper Danny Adams, manager of The Best Hat Store in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Danny has crafted custom hat shapes for thousands, including icons like JB Mauney, Vice President Mike Pence, and top rodeo stars.

We’ll dive into his incredible journey in the world of hat shaping, hear stories of his famous clientele, and get his insights on what it takes to become a master in the craft. Don’t miss this chance to meet a true western industry legend!

Tune in LIVE on Sunday at 8:30 PM Central on Facebook and YouTube.


Tune in every Sunday at 8:30 PM Central for our latest episode of the Cowboy Cartel Podcast! 

Check out our newest partner AG-Gear for some of the coolest pearl snaps and button up tech shirts on the market. 
https://ag-gear.rfrl.co/9y5xo and use code CCG15 for 15% off your order. 


Join this channel to get our hat shaping school and much more. School membership are only the two highest levels. 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGts0O5-yVcLtdwOmMBEDLA/join

Join us for an exciting episode recorded at the Fenoglio Boot Company in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards! We dive into the rich history of this iconic brand, known for its commitment to American-made boots and timeless craftsmanship. From classic boot styles to the artistry behind each pair, we explore what makes Fenoglio a standout name in the industry.

Watch as Conor gets fitted for his very own pair of Fenoglio boots, and hear insights from Stockyards store manager Justin about the legacy and dedication behind the brand. Whether you're a boot enthusiast or just curious about western culture, this episode has something for everyone!

Don't miss it—hit play and step into the world of Fenoglio boots with Cowboy Cartel!
Join this channel to get our hat shaping school and much more. School membership are only the two highest levels. 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGts0O5-yVcLtdwOmMBEDLA/join

Catch this exciting Cowboy Cartel Live interview (now available on-demand) with Jobe Sanchez, the founder of Jobes Hats! Originally streamed live, this episode dives into the latest updates from Jobes Hats and gives you all the details about their huge Black Friday sale this week.

Highlights include:
🎩 The launch of Jobe's 10-X hat line and the growing product lineup over the past year.
🎩 Updates on their new store and a third location coming to the Fort Worth Stockyards in November 2025.
🎩 A look at how they’re preparing for the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
🎩 Behind-the-scenes insights into shaping open crown hats for online and phone orders during the holiday rush.
🎩 The arrival of American Hats and Stetson pre-shaped hats just in time for the season.

We also touch on Jobe’s journey in the western hat industry, his passion for craftsmanship, and he answered live viewer questions during the original stream.

Whether you're a die-hard western enthusiast or just curious about the art of hat shaping, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.  

#JobesHats #CowboyCartel #HatShaping #BlackFridaySales #WesternCulture #AmericanHats #StetsonHats #FortWorthStockyards #OpenCrownHats #WesternLifestyle

Join us as we welcome special guest Joao, a talented hat shaper all the way from São Paulo, Brazil! Joao traveled here to attend our in-person Hat Shaping School this week, and we’re thrilled to have him on the podcast.

We’ll be chatting about his journey in hat shaping, what brought him to Texas, and the unique styles and techniques he’s learned. Don’t miss this exciting chance to hear his story and get a global perspective on western hat culture!

Catch us LIVE at 8:30 PM Central on Facebook and YouTube!

Tune in every Sunday at 8:30 PM Central for our latest episode of the Cowboy Cartel Podcast! 

Check out our newest partner AG-Gear for some of the coolest pearl snaps and button up tech shirts on the market. 
https://ag-gear.rfrl.co/9y5xo and use code CCG15 for 15% off your order.