Grit Branded

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with KC Jones to talk about his journey from growing up on a farm and getting his start in rodeo to building a career beyond the arena. KC shares stories from his time as a competitor, the experiences that shaped him, and how his passion for rodeo led him to create Pro Rodeo Fantasy. He and Brad also discuss his latest venture, Rodeo Bonus, and his vision for creating a stronger connection between fans and the athletes they follow. For KC, Rodeo Bonus is about more than engaging fans. It is about giving them a way to feel invested in the sport while supporting rodeo athletes at the grassroots level.

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Bo Gardner, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and General Manager of the Junior National Finals Rodeo. Bo shares about his career in the rodeo industry and the work that goes into bringing major events like the National Finals Rodeo, Cowboy Christmas, and the Junior National Finals Rodeo to life.

From managing corporate partnerships and sponsorships to overseeing event operations and entertainment, Bo offers a look at the people, planning, and behind-the-scenes work that make these events possible. He also shares insight into the opportunities that come with being part of the rodeo industry and the importance of continuing to build on the sport’s future.

This week on the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Jett McCoy, a highly respected pick-up man and horseman whose life has been shaped by rodeo, horses, and family.

Jett shares stories of growing up with his dad, as well as memories of rodeoing with his younger brother Cord. From the arena to the horses that have been a part of his life, Jett offers a look at the experiences and knowledge he has acquired along the way that have shaped him as a horseman and pick-up man.

It’s a conversation about family, rodeo, horsemanship, and the people who make the Western way of life what it is.

Tyler Tayler has spent years in the arena as a bull rider, but his passion for rodeo has always extended beyond the eight-second ride. As the physical demands of being an athlete begin to change what the next chapter looks like, Tyler is pursuing a career behind the microphone as a rodeo announcer.

In this episode, Tyler shares what drew him to announcing, why staying connected to the western industry matters to him, and how he is building a career that allows him to continue doing what he loves in a different way. From competing as an athlete to finding his voice as an announcer, Tyler talks about embracing change, recognizing when it's time for a new direction, and finding a way to build a life around the industry that has always been his passion.

Young PBR bull rider Jaden Hays joined Brad in Montana during Big Sky PBR to talk about the sport from a perspective shaped by more than what happens at the rodeo. Jaden’s experience caring for livestock has given him a deep appreciation for the animals he rides, from understanding their body language and individual personalities to learning how to read and work with them. That connection to stock has become an important part of his passion for bull riding.

Jaden also shares the impact being part of the Texas Rattlers is having on his career and what it means to be surrounded by some of the best riders in the sport. They discuss the mindset, training and nutrition that go into performing at the highest level, and how the people around Jaden are shaping him as he builds his own career.

In this episode of The Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Sten Anderson, co-founder and CEO of WildRye Distilling, to talk about grit, perseverance, and building a life and business the right way.

Raised in Bozeman, Montana, Sten grew up immersed in the outdoors and continues to pursue challenging adventures, from backcountry elk hunts to ultra-marathon trail racing. With more than 20 years of experience in finance, management, and entrepreneurship, he founded WildRye Distilling in 2013 and helped build it into Montana's most awarded distillery.

From building a distillery to pushing himself in the backcountry, Sten's story is a powerful reminder that patience, passion, precision, and perseverance are often what turn a dream into something real.

In this episode of The Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with rodeo cowboy, stock contractor, and entrepreneur Cord McCoy for a conversation about the bucking bull business, family legacy, and the experiences that shaped his career. Cord shares stories about his dad, the values passed down through generations, and how those lessons continue to influence both his family and McCoy Rodeo today.

Whether you're passionate about rodeo, livestock, or the Western way of life, this episode offers an inside look at one of the industry's most respected families and the legacy they're building for the future.

In this episode of The Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with master bit and spur maker Wilson Capron to discuss the mentors and experiences that shaped his career and artistic style. From learning under Greg Darnall to growing up with renowned cowboy artist Mike Capron as his father, Wilson shares how tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity influenced his journey.

The conversation also explores his passion for the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA), preserving cowboy craftsmanship, and the importance of carrying these traditions into the next generation.

As the Big Sky PBR kicks off this week, we're excited to share this episode with a essential person behind it all. Josh Timon, Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners, the company behind some of the Mountain West's most recognizable brands and experiences. From producing the award-winning Big Sky PBR and Wildlands Festival to building businesses rooted in community, Outlaw Partners has become a leader in creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Josh shares what it takes to lead an organization with so many moving pieces while staying focused on culture, relationships, and long-term vision. The conversation dives into leadership, event production, business strategy, and why building strong communities is at the heart of everything Outlaw Partners does.

Whether you're following the action in Big Sky this week, interested in the business behind premier events, or looking for practical leadership insights, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build something people want to be a part of.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Becky Speelman, an educator, leader, and the founder of Code West Scholars, an organization dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in the Western industry. Driven by a passion for education, mentorship, and character development, Becky has devoted her career to equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and values they need to succeed both inside and outside the arena.

Becky shares her upbringing, her journey through education, and why investing in the next generation is one of the greatest responsibilities facing the Western industry today. Together, Brad and Becky explore the importance of leadership, mentorship, and intentional development, discussing the lasting impact these investments can have on the future of Western agriculture, equine sports, and the communities that support them.