Brad sits down with Emily Konkel, Executive Director of the National Reined Cow Horse Association, for a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership and vision guiding the organization. Emily shares her journey with the NRCHA, the challenges of her role, and how the association is balancing tradition with growth as the sport continues to evolve.

She also opens up about her family, childhood, the advice she’d give her 18-year-old self, and what grit means to her both personally and professionally. This episode offers an honest perspective on the people and purpose shaping the future of the cow horse.

In this episode, Casey Deary joins the podcast to share the journey that shaped him both inside and outside the show pen. From the horses that defined pivotal moments in his career to the values rooted in family, faith, and hard work—and the biggest challenges he has faced, including those he faces today—Casey reflects on the experiences that made him who he is today. It’s an honest conversation—filled with plenty of laughs—about staying grounded through success, honoring where you come from, and riding with purpose at every stage of the journey.

On this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Amber Crawford, a professional breakaway roper and horsewoman based in Texas. With deep roots in the Western lifestyle, Amber has spent her life around horses while building a successful career in nursing and healthcare administration.

Amber shares about her recovery from shoulder surgery, the realities of working and running a business alongside her husband, what she looks for in a young rope horse prospect, and how she balanced her career in healthcare while rodeoing full time. Her story reflects resilience, partnership, and a deep commitment to horsemanship and developing promising horses.

Christopher “Click” Thompson is a photographer known for capturing the Western world in a way that lets you feel the moment, not just see it. With East Coast roots, Click found his true passion at a local rodeo in Virginia, where he fell in love with the people, culture, and stories of the Western industry. Over the past decade, his work has taken him across the country to iconic events such as the National Finals Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Pendleton Round-Up, The American Rodeo, RodeoHouston, and the PBR World Finals, earning him PRCA Photographer of the Year honors four consecutive years. In this episode, Click shares his journey, his perspective on building a personal brand in the Western space, and his advice for the next generation, along with a deep appreciation for the community that continues to inspire his work.

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Brianna Tucker, Marketing Manager and Photographer at Twisted X Global Brands, to talk about the creativity and strategy behind marketing Western footwear. Brianna shares her experience working across Black Star Boots, Twisted X, and Twisted X Work, and how she approaches each brand with a distinct voice while staying aligned under one umbrella. A Cowgirl 30 Under 30 and Ad 2 Dallas 32 Under 32 honoree, she opens up about the challenges of her role, what’s next in her career, the advice she’d give her 18-year-old self, and the grit it takes to keep growing both professionally and creatively.

In this short but insightful follow-up episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Ryan Motes to continue the conversation that began earlier this summer. A 5-time NFR heeler, American Rodeo and BFI Champion, and respected rope horse trainer, Ryan brings a seasoned perspective shaped by years competing at the highest level of the sport.

This time around, Ryan dives deeper into the evolving rope horse industry, from the rapid growth of futurities to the increasing demand for top prospects and the shift toward breeding specifically for rope horses. He also shares insight into what truly makes a strong team roping partnership, especially when hauling with a teammate on the road to the NFR.

Garrett Yerigan is a two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year and one of the most recognizable voices in rodeo today, known for bringing energy, insight, and storytelling to some of the sport’s biggest stages, including Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and the IFR. Raised in a rodeo family and announcing since childhood, Garrett shares how that foundation shaped his career, along with the behind-the-scenes process of earning a PRCA contractors card and what it really takes to build a long-term career in the industry. He offers practical advice for young adults finding their path, reflects on grit as a defining trait of rodeo athletes, and explains why rodeo stands apart as the only sport that is truly a way of life, not just a competition.

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad talks with Tod Bergen, a respected horseman, trainer, and coach with over $2.5 million in lifetime NRCHA earnings, now based in Texas, whose influence reaches far beyond the show pen. Tod shares what it has been like to raise a family while training and showing on the road, reflects on the impact of his father, a self-made man whose strength and resilience shaped his values, and dives into his approach to training horses and mentoring young professionals. His commitment to developing the next generation is evident, with five of his former assistant trainers making the Open Finals at this year’s NRCHA Futurity on at least one horse, highlighting the lasting legacy of his program and leadership.

In this episode, Brad sits down with saddle bronc rider Ben Andersen for a conversation filled with stories from the rodeo trail, reflections on his faith, and insight into the technical side of the sport — from equipment and preparation to what he loves most about riding broncs. Ben also offers meaningful advice to young athletes: slow down, stay present, and don’t rush through the moments that shape your journey.

Then the script flips as Ben turns the questions around on Brad, digging into life, work, and what keeps him driven. It’s an honest, grounded, and uplifting conversation with one of rodeo’s standout young talents.

In this episode, Wesley Thorp opens up about the foundations of his success, from his family upbringing to the mindset and perspective that have shaped him into one of the top professional rodeo athletes. He shares the lessons he learned from the professionals who guided him, the work he put into improving his roping, and the pivotal moments that built his career. Wesley also talks about his passion for giving back to the next generation, including his role in producing the Junior World Team Roping Championship, teaching lessons, and helping young ropers develop the skills and confidence to chase their own goals.