Evan Felker of 'Turnpike Troubadours' has earned his reputation as one of the most respected songwriters in American music, but this conversation reveals what sits beneath the songs. Rather than focusing on highlights or history, this episode explores how great writing is built—through attention, discipline, and a deep respect for ordinary moments. Evan reflects on why the most lasting songs don't come from chasing significance, but from noticing what others overlook and shaping it with care.

Our discussion moves beyond songwriting into the larger work of living well. We discuss finding balance as a daily practice, intention as something that must be revisited constantly, and reflection as a discipline that keeps both the work and the person aligned. Whether describing his writing process, the value of being present, or why certain experiences quiet the noise of the world, his perspective is measured, thoughtful, and quietly compelling.

This episode isn't about image or mythology. It's about craft, clarity, and choosing a way of working—and living—that holds up over time. For anyone interested in meaningful work done with purpose, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Be sure to check out Turnpike Troubadours' latest record, "The Price of Admission": https://open.spotify.com/album/0lMU9le9QkLUKR0VFBwxSq

Sponsors:

Kimes Ranch: https://kimesranch.com

Bluebonnet Feeds: https://bluebonnetfeeds.com

Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs: https://kerrykelleyspurs.com

Foundations of Greatness – Training Young Horses Roundtable with some of the best in the business. Dive deep into the world of starting cutting horse prospects with three of the industry's most respected horse trainers: Wes Ashlock (Abilene, TX), Richard Jordan (Idaho), Gregg Garvie (Canada). In this candid roundtable recorded live at the NCHA Futurity, Fort Worth, Texas, these unsung heroes of the cutting horse world pull back the curtain on the often-overlooked art of building foundations for future champions. From day-one colt starting and teaching horses to "reach for an answer," to sourcing yearlings, navigating sales pressure, and the emotional highs and lows of seeing "your" horse succeed under another trainer—these guys hold nothing back. With humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, they discuss:

*wildly different training styles that all produce winners *spotting "the freak" early (and knowing when greatness is already inside the horse) *evolving beliefs, favorite failures, and the worst advice they've ignored *the thrill (and terror) of million-dollar sales *why the best horses teach the trainer more than the other way around

Whether you're a trainer, breeder, owner, or just love great horses and real talk, this episode reminds us there's no single path to excellence—just relentless pursuit, gratitude, and a deep respect for the animal. Enjoy the show!

Brought to you by Kimes Ranch, Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs, Bluebonnet Feeds, and Brumbaugh's Furniture and Design.

What happens when a breakout college breakaway roper can't turn pro and has to get a "big girl job"? She accidentally becomes one of the country's leading equine nutritionists. Dr. Jyme Nichols (Bluebonnet Feeds) pulls back the curtain on her unlikely journey from the Sandhills of Nebraska and Montana State rodeo to earning a PhD and revolutionizing performance horse feeding. In this myth-busting conversation with The Converse Cowboy, she explains why protein percentage is the LAST thing she looks at on a feed tag, how horses can get type-2 diabetes just like humans, why supplements aren't always the enemy (and when they definitely are), and the real reason 3-year-old futurity horses fall apart under stress. From leaky gut and the gut-brain axis to why forage testing is "insurance" and how plasma actually works, Dr. Jyme delivers science in plain English for every horse owner tired of fads and old wives' tales. If you've ever wondered what actually moves the needle for your horse's health and performance, this episode is feed-room gold. Enjoy the show!

This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch, Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs along with Bluebonnet Feeds.

Professional tie down roper, Shane Hanchey – 16x NFR Qualifier & World Champion. This Louisiana cowboy will be heading back to Las Vegas in December to compete at the National Finals Rodeo for the 16th consecutive time since 2010.

Join host Mike Roberts as he sits down with tie-down roping legend Shane Hanchey, 2013 world champion, and American Rodeo winner. From ditching his baseball bag at 16 for a once-in-a-lifetime horse named Riata—who carried him from youth rodeos to six NFRs and a gold buckle.

Hanchey breaks down the mental game—"Adversity breaks some men; it makes others break records"—daily routines, live cattle runs), horse selection nuances. Plus, his entrepreneurial side: producing futurities, owning and operating a food truck, and lessons from launching The Cowboy Journal media platform.

Discover why "winners win," the power of short-term memory for losses, and Hanchey's billboard mantra: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." Raw, inspiring, and packed with actionable wisdom for chasing flow in any pursuit. Hanchey reveals the grit behind his unbreakable streak. Enjoy the show!

This episode is brought to you by, Kimes Ranch, Kerry Kelly Bits & Spurs, Blue Bonnet Feeds.

Acclaimed photographer Beau Simmons at Kimes Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Beau, known for his evocative fine art photography capturing the soul of the American West, shares his journey from fashion photography to documenting the raw, authentic lives of cowboys and cowgirls. Inspired by the mantra "when you're green, you grow; when you're ripe, you rot," Beau discusses his relentless pursuit of growth, both as an artist and a person. From staging nostalgic Americana scenes at historic venues like Gruene Hall to producing a documentary on cutting horse legend Adan Banuelos, Beau reveals the creative process behind his work, emphasizing authenticity over trends. He opens up about his transition from a troubled youth to a purpose-driven artist, the challenges of shooting on film, and the importance of building trust with the ranching community. With stories of roping horses in Palm Springs pools and capturing gritty, soulful portraits, this episode is a deep dive into the heart of Western culture, creativity, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelly Bits and Spurs. Enjoy the show!

NCHA Hall of Famer and co-host Jesse Lennox, aka "The Louis Vuitton Vaquero" is back on the show with cutting horse legend Kenny Platt. With over $4 million in lifetime earnings and an NCHA Futurity win under his belt, Kenny shares the highs and lows of his career, from his mental toughness in the show pen to the life-changing advice that shaped his journey.

Dive into raw, unfiltered stories of overcoming setbacks, the art of training great horses, and the importance of gratitude in sustaining success. Kenny reflects on his breakthrough moments, the horses that defined his career, and his vision for the future of cutting as a spectator sport. Recorded at Kimes Ranch in Fort Worth during the Summer Spectacular, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart for horse enthusiasts and anyone chasing their passion.

Sponsored by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelly Bits and Spurs.

00:00 The Best Career Advice 03:58 Consistency in Winning 09:58 The Importance of Family and Roots 15:48 Business and Financial Management 20:02 Gratitude in Winning 26:11 Preparing for Competition 29:09 Mindset on Show Day 30:26 Navigating Challenges in Cutting Competitions 33:02 Understanding Cow Selection and Strategy 34:59 The Art of Coaching and Developing Feel 37:09 Learning Through Experience and Practice 39:52 Breakthrough Moments in Training and Showing 46:07 The Journey to Becoming a Professional Trainer 50:14 Finding Confidence in Cutting Competitions 58:06 Reflections on Winning and Expectations 01:03:32 The Importance of Showing and Timing 01:05:05 Advice: The Good and the Bad 01:06:48 Lessons from Failure and Success 01:08:43 First Fraternity Experience and Its Impact 01:14:38 Favorite Failures and Learning from Mistakes 01:16:31 What Separates Great Horses from Good Ones 01:19:05 The Nature of Horses: Personality and Drive 01:20:00 Preparing for The American Performance Horseman 01:25:40 Goals for the Derby and Competitive Mindset 01:27:34 Future of the NCHA and Potential Improvements 01:28:23 Opportunities for Young Trainers 01:29:20 Enhancing Event Prestige 01:30:46 Making Cutting More Spectator-Friendly 01:31:54 The Role of Jay and Industry Improvements 01:33:32 The Future of Cutting Competitions 01:35:16 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 01:46:09 Gratitude and Perspective on Life

Featuring NCHA Hall of Fame legend Jesse Lennox! Gripping tale of a border crossing gone awry, where a duffel bag stuffed with questionable "Vita bars" and a shaky love story about "Shelby" nearly derail his U.S. return. With sweaty palms and a stern immigration officer breathing down his neck, Jesse's quick thinking and cowboy charm make for a hilarious, edge-of-your-seat story.

Jesse shares his cutting horse expertise, reflecting on high-stakes runs with lightning-fast horses like Boon San Baby and Cinca Im Hot. His hard-earned lesson—"just because you can, doesn't mean you should"—reveals the art of balancing speed, skill, and restraint in the NCHA world. Packed with humor, heart, and wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in overcoming adversity and chasing passion.

Sponsored by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelly Bits and Spurs, The Converse Cowboy delivers raw, inspiring stories from top performers. Jesse's journey from border troubles to cutting horse glory will leave you laughing, inspired, and ready to tackle your own challenges. Don't miss this unforgettable episode that's captivated listeners everywhere. Enjoy the show!

Five-time world champion steer wrestler Luke Branquinho! Ever wondered what drives a rodeo legend to risk it all to be their best? Luke reveals the raw nerves and adrenaline rush of competing at the 2025 American Rodeo after a three-year hiatus, proving he's still got it. From his iconic "shake" that lit up arenas to hilarious behind-the-scenes carpool karaoke with rodeo stars, Luke's stories will hook you.

Discover how he battled injuries, balanced family sacrifices, and found purpose after retiring from the arena. His candid take on mental toughness will inspire you to chase your own dreams. Plus, hear about his new ventures, from podcasting to custom boots, and why he's riding the wave of rodeo's booming popularity.

Tune in for unfiltered wisdom, laugh-out-loud moments, and a glimpse into the heart of a cowboy who lives to love what he does. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of rodeo's elite. Enjoy the show!

This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs.

00:00 The Journey Begins: A Rodeo Dream 11:01 Finding Your Path: The Pursuit of Passion 21:49 The Pressure of Competition: Mental Strategies for Success 33:05 Life After Rodeo: Transitioning to New Adventures 39:32 The Origin of the Shake 40:35 Rodeo's Growing Popularity 42:39 The Future of Rodeo and Music Collaborations 43:44 The Nashville Rodeo Experience 46:51 Lessons from Early Career Failures 49:29 Advice to My Younger Self 50:10 Understanding Steer Wrestling Techniques 52:54 The Importance of Horsemanship 53:35 Raising the Next Generation of Rodeo Athletes 55:44 Insights from Podcasting 58:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Reflections

President of Priefert Manufacturing; a powerhouse in rodeo and ranching equipment! Eddie spills the beans on transforming a family legacy into a global brand, from crafting iconic blue chutes to dominating the steel industry. With grit, humor, and a fearless approach to failure, Eddie shares wild tales—like building rocket-ship roping chutes that changed the game at the USTRC finals and bucking chutes that stormed the PBR.

Discover how a competitor's taunt sparked a fire, leading to innovations that made Priefert a staple at the NFR. Eddie's philosophy? Embrace opportunities, learn from nine-out-of-ten failures, and always put people first. From his grandfather's $60 headgate to modern AI-driven automation, Eddie's story is a masterclass in tenacity and vision. Tune in for a front-row seat to the heart-pounding world of rodeo innovation, where every chute, gate, and dream is built to last. Enjoy the show!

This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch (kimesranch.com) and Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs (kerrykelleyspurs.com)

Recorded at Kimes Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards, this episode features Gerry Gesell, a ranch manager, leather craftsman, polo player, cow horse competitor, podcast host, and actor. Gerry's brand, "Many Irons", born from the mantra "many irons in the fire," connects cowboys, surfers, and firefighters through shared stories and wearable art.

Gerry discusses transitioning from high-speed polo pony training to cow horse showing, reflecting on humbling lessons from recent competitions. He delves into his creative process behind "Laundromat Texas", a short film premiering July 27, 2025, at Dallas's Texas Theater, capturing Far West Texas's misfit spirit. From racing a train on a three-year-old colt for a Tecovas commercial to crafting artistic chaps for Teskey's, Gerry's passion for creation shines. He shares the vulnerability of writing on Instagram, the authenticity of his podcast "There's Always Something to Chase", and the horseman's paradox—asking horses to risk all while keeping us safe. With humor, heart, and rapid-fire revelations—like his love for Rancho Deluxe, fear of heights, and a gum-in-hair middle-school kiss fail—this episode celebrates chasing dreams and embracing failure. Enjoy the show!

This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs.