A metal kid grows up on thrash and stadium riffs, then finds himself writing country songs on a beat-up acoustic. That’s where our conversation with Jared Graham begins—somewhere between distortion and dust, showmanship and bare-boned truth—and it doesn’t let up until the last chord rings.

We trade stories about the albums that rewired our ears—early Metallica, the maligned but meaningful Saint Anger, and the Red Dirt records that sneak up on you with brutal honesty. Jared opens up about bombing out of a formal music track, switching majors, and refusing to quit the guitar. The pandemic pause gave him space to write; the return to stages—from winery barns to Montana saloons—taught him how to read a room, shift gears mid-set, and end with a song that matters to his family. If you’ve ever fought for a booking by sheer persistence, or felt that jolt when a crowd locks in and the set starts feeding on itself, you’ll recognize his path.

We tour the Northwest circuit—Long Branch’s songwriter rounds, Ellensburg’s WinterHop, Tri-Cities breweries that turn taps into stages—and swap notes on live presence from Slayer’s velocity to Demon Hunter’s surprise catharsis to Sturgill Simpson’s relentless focus. Along the way, we dig into why rock-to-country isn’t a sellout move but a search for a fuller language: metal names the rage, country names the ache, and together they feel like real life.

If you love genre-bending artists, gritty lyrics, and the DIY hustle behind every “yes,” this one’s for you. Hit play, then tell us the show that changed you—and where Jared should play next. Subscribe, share with a friend who lives for live music, and leave a review so more listeners can find the pod.

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Jared Graham

The Graham Family 

Music that shaped us. 

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What does it take to aim your life at 89 mph and keep your head still while the world blurs? We sit with Andy Whittier, a Team USA skeleton hopeful on the cusp of Cortina 2026 and pull back the curtain on a sport that pairs sprint speed with steel nerves and brutal precision. From a small Idaho town and Division I football to a niche winter discipline, he explains why size and weight caps push some athletes toward skeleton, how a 70-pound sled changes sprint mechanics, and why no two 50-second runs on the same track ever feel the same.

The journey isn’t glamorous. He left a secure marketing career, lived on sponsors and side gigs before a stipend finally kicked in, and accepted that holidays would happen without him. Training is a study in extremes: two to three runs a day, 4–6 G’s testing neck strength, and hours of film, sanding runners, mobility, and “mind runs” to map every curve. We trace the selection process from Park City to Europe—how circuits are assigned, how points stack from November to late January, and why only two men and two women will ultimately earn their Olympic start numbers.

What stands out is the mindset. He talks about crashing early and getting back on the sled 15 minutes later, about reducing life to the work in front of him, and about the electric weight of the anthem after a win. The culture is both cutthroat and generous—teammates push each other hard and celebrate each other’s breakthroughs—because the flag deserves the best-prepared athlete on race day. If you’ve ever wondered how visualization, relentless discipline, and community support can carry someone from a local track to the world stage, this conversation delivers an unfiltered look at the process and the price.

Subscribe, share with a friend who loves winter sports, and leave a review with your favorite moment. Then set a reminder to watch the Utah Olympic Park selection races on YouTube and tell us: would you go headfirst even once?

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Andy Whittier 

The Whittier Family 

US Skeleton Team 

US Winter Olympic Team 

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A headlamp slicing the dark. A kid who’d rather be grinding levels than hiking switchbacks. A flash of fear on the roadside that turns into something like courage. Eliot Peper joins us to share Ensorcelled, his compact 90-minute novel about a boy named Tim whose attention is split between the glowing pull of video games and the raw, unscripted wonder of the Sierra backcountry.

We dig into why this story works so well in a short form and how a tight arc can carry more voltage than a sprawling series. Eliot talks about writing in first person to capture a mind that hops from action to reflection to speculation, and how the book intentionally blurs that line where imagination colors reality without erasing it. He opens up about the moment that inspired the “rewild your attention” theme: seeing himself through his newborn’s eyes, staring at a small rectangle while the world dazzled right beside it. From there, we trace the trail—parents, friction, friends, and a mysterious light that readers can’t stop talking about.

The outdoors isn’t just scenery here. Eliot draws from real trips to a hidden Sierra lake and a life lived near the Pacific, where surfing teaches timing, patience, and commitment. We talk about creativity as a way to love nature more—write a page, sketch a shoreline, record a wave—and why that practice makes the next ride richer. We also widen the lens: genre as a toolbox rather than a box, how to market work that refuses neat labels, and why he thinks writer’s block is a myth for long-form storytellers. Plus, a candid take on AI as both promise and upheaval, closer to the printing press than a passing fad.

If you’re hungry for a fast, moving read that blends fantasy’s wonder with the grit of real trails, you’ll find a lot to love here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge outdoors, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the show.

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Website:

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Shoutout to :

Eliot Peper

The Peper Family 

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Step into the world of rodeo media with Clay Noel Harper, the 26-year-old Editor-in-Chief of Rodeo Life magazine who's reshaping how Western stories are told. Born into what many consider "rodeo royalty," Clay Noel shares her unique journey from college rodeo competitor to becoming a respected voice in rodeo journalism.

With remarkable humility, Clay Noel opens up about growing up in a family deeply rooted in the Western way of life. Her father, a retired bullfighter turned renowned Western artist with a secret passion for Sasquatch hunting, instilled in her the importance of giving back to the industry that gave her so much. This mission has guided her career from New Mexico State University through positions at Cowboy Channel and now as an independent media professional balancing editorial leadership with sideline reporting at major rodeos across the country.

What makes Clay Noel’s perspective particularly valuable is her insider-outsider position in the industry. Married to professional saddle bronc rider Joe Harper, she provides intimate glimpses into the challenges rodeo athletes face—from judging inconsistencies to the physical toll of competition. Yet as a media professional, she maintains the analytical eye needed to tell these stories authentically. Her passion for showcasing the human element of rodeo shines through as she discusses memorable interviews, including her final conversation with bareback rider Trenton Montero before his tragic passing.

Clay Noel’s insights about rodeo's evolution are particularly fascinating. She discusses how modern competitors approach their sport with professional athlete mindsets while maintaining rodeo's gritty spirit. She celebrates the industry's growing inclusivity while emphasizing what makes rodeo unique—particularly its recognition of animals as athletes in their own right.

Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or just curious about Western culture, Clay Noel’s story offers a compelling look at an industry balancing tradition with innovation. Subscribe now to hear how faith, family, and flying hooves have shaped one of rodeo media's rising stars, and discover why her voice is helping preserve the authentic stories of the American West.

Instagram:

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Shoutout to :

Mrs. Clay Noel Harper

Joe Harper

Rodeo Life Magazine 

The Barry Family 

The Manning Family 

Miles Barry

Wiley Coyote Karas 

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What drives someone to run 200 miles through rugged mountain terrain? Just three years after her first ultra marathon, Michaela Trenidad conquered the infamous Bigfoot 200, completing the punishing course around Mount St. Helens in 74 hours. 

Michaela pulls back the curtain on what she calls "the stretch of carnage" - a seven-mile section where exhausted runners collapsed alongside the trail every mile. She reveals the surreal experience of hallucinations after days without proper sleep, describing how the mind struggles to process reality when pushed to extreme limits. "I'm convinced you can sleep while walking," she shares, explaining how she navigated through nighttime sections with her eyes closed, trusting her trekking poles to keep her upright.

The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about training, as Michaela reveals she typically ran just 40-60 miles weekly while preparing for this enormous challenge. This speaks to a central theme that emerges throughout: ultrarunning success stems more from mental fortitude than physical preparation. "I had no other options," she explains about her mindset approaching the race. "I had thought about it so much leading into it... it was almost like life or death in a way."

Beyond the physical journey, Michaela shares touching insights about the ultrarunning community, the spiritual dimensions of seeking solitude in nature, and finding purpose in extreme challenges. Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner, a curious newcomer, or simply fascinated by what drives humans to test their limits, this conversation offers a window into the transformative power of embracing seemingly impossible challenges.

Have you found your "why" for the mountains you're climbing? Join our community of trail runners and share your story with us on social media or leave a review with your own experiences pushing beyond comfort zones.

Shout out to:

Michaela Trenidad

The Trenidad Family

The TriCities Wolfpack 

Badger Mountain Challenge

Ben, Lance, Matt, Jason, Brandon and the rest of the Tri Cities running community. 

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Professional bullfighter Trevor Wells returns to discuss his journey through recovery after a career-threatening knee injury and his decision to retire from bullfighting after his upcoming final three rodeos.

• Suffered tears to ACL, LCL, MCL and fractured kneecap during a rodeo in May 2024
• Underwent surgery in September 2024 and has regained 85-90% mobility
• Found the mental challenge of watching others fight bulls while injured was the hardest part
• Feels called by his faith to pursue a different path including church ministry work
• Currently working as a welder and helping with church bus routes on weekends
• Planning final three rodeos including hometown show in Dothan and last ever appearance in Niceville
• Family adjusting to life off the rodeo circuit with mixed emotions
• Looking at property with space for small arena setup
• Father developing 30-acre property with plans for rodeo events and clinics
• Considering future involvement in rodeo through announcing or production


Shoutout to :

Trevor Wells and the Wells Family. 

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What drives someone to bike 631 miles across Idaho for charity, swim five miles through frigid waters with their 70-year-old grandmother, or keep pursuing extreme physical challenges after surviving a rocket attack in Syria? 

Meet Melisa Creek, an ultra-endurance athlete and military veteran whose extraordinary journey blends adventure with purpose. In this raw, captivating conversation, Melisa takes us from the grueling slopes of Mount St. Helens to the treacherous Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments, sharing what motivates her to constantly push beyond perceived limitations.

"I love feeling kind of beat down," she admits with surprising candor. "I love that feeling of doing something I didn't know if I was capable of doing." This philosophy has guided Melisa through remarkable feats, including a cross-state bicycle journey just weeks before deployment and swimming Wallowa Lake in 52-degree water only three months after giving birth.

Beyond the physical challenges, Melisa offers a powerful perspective on resilience after trauma. Her experience surviving an Iranian rocket attack while deployed fundamentally changed her relationship with everyday stress: "Being at work during a rush—I feel like I'm able to keep my composure because we're not getting blown up. It's just coffee."

Throughout our conversation, Melisa reveals how these extreme pursuits have evolved from potential escape mechanisms in her youth to becoming deliberate choices for personal growth and self-discovery. With future goals including qualifying for the prestigious Western States ultramarathon and climbing Mount Rainier, her story reminds us that the human spirit thrives not in comfort, but in challenge.

Whether you're an aspiring athlete, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone seeking inspiration to push beyond your own boundaries, Melisa’s journey demonstrates how facing our limits—both physical and mental—can lead to profound transformation and unexpected joy.

Shoutout to :

Melisa Creek 

Jose Garcia 

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What happens when you combine a 20-year passion for video editing with a deep love for rodeo and Western culture? In just eight short months, Troy and his son have created Outlaw Echos, a rodeo promotion powerhouse that's amassed over 125,000 genuine followers and is revolutionizing how rodeo content is presented to the world.

Unlike typical rodeo coverage, Outlaw Echos brings ESPN-quality production values to every ride. Using multiple camera angles in a strategic "triangle" formation, they capture moments most fans never see – from the raw emotion behind the chutes to the exhilaration of successful rides. "You're not going to see Michael Jordan pop up at the local YMCA just to get a run in," Troy explains about rodeo's unique accessibility. "But you see that in rodeo and it's amazing."

The name "Outlaw Echos" carries profound meaning beyond initial impressions. To Troy, being an "outlaw" today means living counter to modern cultural norms – embracing personal responsibility, showing respect with "yes sir" and "yes ma'am," and prioritizing family values. When lived authentically, these values echo outward and positively influence others. This philosophy forms the foundation of everything they create.

What began as a father-son project has become something much more significant – a platform that honors rodeo's rich traditions while introducing them to new audiences through contemporary storytelling techniques. But despite their rapid growth, Troy maintains that the most valuable aspect remains the quality time spent with his children on the road, behind the camera, and editing footage together until the early morning hours. "If I'm at small-town rodeos for the next 20 years and that's all I'm doing, and it's this time I get with my kids, I'm in. Sign me up."

Ready to experience the authentic spirit of rodeo through a fresh lens? Follow Outlaw Echo and discover why this rapidly growing brand is changing how we see Western sports culture.

Instagram:

@outlawechos

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@aceswildrodeo

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Shoutout to :

Troy Chambers 

Ms. Kenzie 

The Chambers Family 

Wiley Coyote Karas 

Aces Wild ProRodeo 

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Some journeys are measured not in miles but in memories created along the way. When I invited my middle daughter Zoe Jane to accompany me on a cross-country drive to Indiana, neither of us fully understood the adventure that awaited. What began as a practical mission to collect my late father's belongings from storage transformed into a 4,500-mile expedition through America's heartland – one that would test my driving endurance while strengthening our father-daughter bond.

The road stretched endlessly before us as we traversed Montana (surprisingly vast), South Dakota (unexpectedly beautiful), Iowa, Illinois, and finally Indiana. Though we spent barely twelve hours at our destination, the journey itself became the story. Zoe Jane, my resident foodie, selected our brewery stops along the way, including an unforgettable converted church in Peoria with what might be the most beautiful bathrooms I've ever encountered. Between her phone time in the back seat and our shared meals at carefully chosen eateries, we found moments of connection that make parenting worthwhile.

Among the journey's treasures were the albums/records among other things we collected from storage – physical artifacts connecting generations as Zoe surprised me by selecting John Lennon and Yoko Ono recordings. Our pilgrimage to the Field of Dreams in Iowa carried special significance, representing both my father and my wife's father's love for baseball and the deeper father-son relationships the site symbolizes. As Zoe prepares for her high school swimming career and I ready myself to return to coaching this fall, this road trip stands as a milestone in our relationship – proof that sometimes the longest journeys yield the most meaningful connections. Join us for more adventures as the Miles and Mountains podcast continues exploring both the physical landscapes we traverse and the emotional terrain we navigate together.

Shout out: 

ZoeyJane 

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What drives a father to commit the unthinkable? When Travis Decker allegedly killed his three young daughters and disappeared into the wilderness, media coverage quickly blamed "system failures" – but is that the whole story?

Three veterans dive deep into this heartbreaking case, challenging simplified narratives that potentially harm the veteran community. They untangle the critical distinction between PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder, explaining why conflating these conditions does a disservice to everyone struggling with mental health. With raw honesty, they share personal experiences navigating VA healthcare, revealing both its flaws and its improvements over the years.

The conversation takes an unflinching look at personal responsibility in mental health treatment. While acknowledging systemic challenges, they push back against the notion that diagnoses predetermine violent behavior or that "the system" bears all responsibility when individuals choose not to engage with available resources. Their firsthand experiences illuminate the reality that seeking help requires persistence but remains possible.

Most powerfully, these veterans confront the harmful stereotype that portrays all former service members as damaged "ticking time bombs." This narrative not only stigmatizes the veteran community but obscures the complex human factors behind tragedies like the Decker case. Their perspective reminds us that mental health exists at the intersection of systems, circumstances, and individual choices.

Whether you're a veteran, someone supporting a veteran, or anyone interested in the complexities of mental healthcare, this episode offers valuable insights into how we might better support those struggling while maintaining the nuance these difficult conversations demand. Reach out if you're struggling – these veterans remind us that connection saves lives.

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Shoutout to :

Dom 

The Scuttlebutt Podcast 

Hermes and Morphius 

Military Veterans

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