What do a rodeo arena and a therapy office have in common?

More than you think.

In this episode of the Quest for Success podcast, Dr. Jerry Cunningham sits down with Tex Holiday, a man who lives in two high-stakes worlds as both a mental health professional and a rodeo bullfighting clown. One role helps people manage fear, trauma, and pressure from the inside out. The other requires stepping directly into chaos to protect others, using timing, awareness, and even humor as tools for safety.

This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay calm under pressure, build trust when the stakes are high, and read people and situations before things go sideways. You'll hear how courage is built, why authenticity matters more than image, and how facing fear, rather than avoiding it, can unlock growth in leadership, work, and life.

If you want practical insight on managing stress, making better decisions under pressure, and pursuing meaningful work without burning out, this episode is for you.

Takeaways

• Healing occurs in both therapy and rodeo performances.
• Trust is essential in high-stakes environments.
• Rodeo clowns must balance humor with responsibility.
• Mental health stigma in law enforcement is a significant barrier.
• Adrenaline rushes are a part of both rodeo and therapy work.
• Reading people and situations is crucial in both roles.
• Bucket lists can inspire personal growth and adventure.
• Authenticity is key in connecting with others.
• Community support is vital for rodeo events.
• Life is too short not to pursue your passions.

Learn more about leadership, mindset, and success at www.Quest-Success.com.

Want to Go Deeper?

Here are a few resources related to this episode's themes:

• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

• Research on stress and performance (Yerkes–Dodson Law)

• Literature on crisis intervention and situational awareness