Westward Episode 19: Talking the Rodeo Road and Cowboy Life With Mo Forbes

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

This episode brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works. Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I chat with rancher, cowboy, and former professional PRCA Saddle Bronc rider Mo Forbes.

Mo discusses his upbringing in Kaycee, Wyoming, surrounded by legendary cowboys, and the influence of his father and brother on his career.

He shares insights from his rodeo journey, including the challenges he faced, his notable accomplishments, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Mo also talks about transitioning from rodeo to training horses and raising cows, as well as the importance of community, mentorship, and humility in pursuing one's goals. Give it a listen to hear Mo's story, and his advice for those who want to take the same journey.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:46 Mo Forbes' Early Life and Family Background

03:28 Starting in Rodeo and Early Achievements

08:53 Rodeo Life and Mentorship

13:41 Challenges and Injuries in Rodeo

19:23 Transition to Horse Training and Reflections

22:52 Overcoming Fear of Flying

24:05 Reflecting on Rodeo Finals

25:33 Starting a Family Business

29:17 Mentorship and Community

32:27 Raising Kids in Cowboy Culture

38:25 Advice for Aspiring Cowboys

40:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Westward Episode 18: The Indisputable Connection Between Human and Horse With Dr. Cliff Robertson

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

Equine Therapy: The Healing Power of Horses with Dr. Cliff Robertson

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, join me, your host Devin Conley, as I welcome back Dr. Cliff Robertson of Warrior Counseling Works. We catch up on the incredible work they are doing with at-risk youth and veterans, and discuss the progression of their programs. We provide an update on Caesar Cantu's health, and Dr. Robertson shares profound insights into the science and effectiveness of equine therapy. Learn about the new initiatives, including leadership training and therapeutic models, and hear inspiring success stories of transformation through the healing power of horses.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

01:42 Update on Caesar Cantu's Health

03:14 Opening Prayer for Caesar

04:56 Recap and Transition to Equine Therapy

05:28 The Science Behind Equine Therapy

13:17 Personal Experiences and Success Stories

16:54 Equine Therapy for At-Risk Youth

20:44 Challenges and Successes in Foster Care

22:04 Men and Therapy: The Role of Equine Therapy

23:42 Transformation Through Horsemanship

25:10 The Power of Experiential Therapy

26:07 Youth Engagement and Equine Therapy

27:06 The Science and Spirituality Behind Equine Therapy

30:46 Equine-Assisted Leadership Development

33:13 Training Programs and Expanding Reach

39:51 Contact Information and Support

41:57 Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Westward Podcast: Episode 17:

Bucking the Stigma with Devin Bang

This episode brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I chat with Devin Bang, the founder of Buck The Stigma.

Founded in 2023, Buck The Stigma aims to create awareness around mental health within the western horse industry.

Devin Bang shares her journey from growing up in a non-horse background, to becoming involved in the rodeo scene, and the struggles she faced with performance anxiety.

We dive deep into the importance of addressing mental health, the impact of anxiety on performance, and the power of community.

Devin emphasizes the importance of recognizing and normalizing mental health struggles, sharing personal stories, and providing resources.

We also discuss the future of Buck The Stigma, including new merchandise and potential resources for individuals struggling with similar issues.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:46 Devin Bang's Background in the Horse Industry

04:20 Transition to Breakaway Roping

06:23 Founding Buck The Stigma

07:03 Addressing Performance Anxiety

10:40 Imposter Syndrome in the Horse Industry

13:07 The Importance of Mental Health in the Western Industry

19:10 Starting the Buck The Stigma Brand

28:04 Facing Anxiety and Social Situations

28:16 Books and Podcasts for Self-Help

28:48 Understanding Root Causes of Anxiety

29:23 Perfectionism and Its Impact

30:32 Feeling Like an Outsider

32:40 The Importance of Human Connection

34:07 Balancing Alone Time and Socializing

38:30 Overcoming Fear and Embarrassment

39:59 Growth and Learning from Mistakes

45:20 Buck the Stigma: Future Plans

50:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Westward Podcast Episode 16:

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

Episode 15: A Marine Veteran's Journey with Equine Therapy

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

Welcome to this episode of the Westward Podcast, where we're talking about the art of balancing living in the moment with building a solid future.

This episode brought to you by ⁠Warrior Counseling Works⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

We'll talk about the importance of daily habits, and how your choices today are the vote you cast for who you will be in the future.

We'll explore how every small choice made today impacts not just your future, but the legacy we leave behind. Join me as we navigate this intricate journey together.

00:00 Welcome and Gratitude

03:09 Balancing the Present and Future

06:26 Living in the Moment

09:55 Daily Choices and Their Impact

17:21 Practice and Habits

20:41 Understanding Burnout and Self-Forgiveness

21:23 The Impact of Daily Choices

22:23 Balancing Present and Future

24:16 Living in the Moment vs. Planning Ahead

26:08 Checking in with Your Values

27:48 Acting Like Your Future Self

35:09 Building Your Legacy Today

40:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Westward Podcast Episode 13:

Seth Stern: Through the Lens of the Cowboy Photographer

Learn more about Seth

This episode brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I sit down with Seth Stern, also known as the Cowboy Photographer.

We discuss Seth's incredible journey from homelessness after leaving Hollywood to becoming a sought-after Western photographer.

Seth shares the challenges he faced, his divine calling to photograph cowboys, and how his unique perspective has allowed him to capture the genuine spirit of the West.

We also explore his big breaks with major brands like Boot Barn and Warner Brothers, the importance of kindness and empathy, and his plans for the future.

This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the Western community's welcoming spirit.

00:00 Introduction to the Cowboy Photographer

02:58 Seth's Hollywood Beginnings

05:45 The Call to Photograph Cowboys

12:32 The Iconic Rodeo Rhapsody Photo

16:58 Capturing the Western Lifestyle

27:41 Challenges and Perseverance

31:53 Getting Started in Rodeo Photography

32:33 The Importance of Kindness and Networking

36:04 Experiences and Lessons from the Western Community

41:20 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Faith

45:41 Breakthrough Moments and Career Growth

50:19 Big Clients and New Opportunities

56:30 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Westward Podcast Episode 12:

Healing on Horseback with Cesar Cantu

Donate, support, and learn more about Boots on the Ground and Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠

https://www.facebook.com/BootsontheGroundCorp

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I sit down with Cesar Cantu from Boots on the Ground, a nonprofit equine therapy program.

We discuss his journey from growing up as a Mexican immigrant and his transformative experience with horses at a young age, to his later life involvement with equine therapy for at-risk youth and veterans.

Cesar shares poignant stories of his time in prison, his miraculous pardon, and the challenges and triumphs of working with horses to heal trauma. We also delve into the practicalities and emotional impacts of the therapy, including real-time breakthroughs with veterans.

Cesar emphasizes the powerful bond between humans and horses and the importance of balance in both riding and life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:52 Caesar's Early Life and First Encounter with Horses

03:06 Rediscovering Horses and Starting the Program

03:57 The Healing Power of Horses

06:22 Personal Stories and Lessons from Horses

11:12 Family Background and Upbringing

15:18 Struggles and Redemption

17:59 Faith and Learning to Read in Prison

19:18 Teaching and Helping Others in Prison

24:05 Balancing Life and Equine Therapy

29:30 Challenges Veterans Face and Personal Experiences

32:21 Legal Battles and Divine Guidance

34:27 A Tough Decision and Faith

35:22 A Message from the Lord

36:05 A Miraculous Clemency

38:21 Fulfilling the Vision

40:41 Challenges and Perseverance

49:21 Equine Therapy for Veterans

54:15 The Healing Power of Horses

01:04:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I chat with Vanessa Ould, known on social media as @wifeofacowboy.

Vanessa shares her journey from growing up in the city to becoming a cowboy's wife in rural Canada.

She talks about her faith, which was solidified during a transformative mission trip to Africa, and how it guides her daily life.

We dive into her family's life on a community pasture in Saskatchewan, the joy and challenges of homeschooling their children, and the balance of ranching life with their business, Forty Seven Ranch Co. Vanessa also discusses her love for writing and how she uses social media to share her life and faith. Despite audio issues on my end, Vanessa's inspiring story and authentic voice shine through. Join us for an uplifting conversation about faith, family, and the rugged, rewarding life of ranching.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:30 Vanessa's Background and Journey to Faith

06:42 Life on the Ranch and Family Dynamics

10:16 Social Media and Sharing Her Story

16:19 Balancing Ranch Life and Business

21:38 Challenges and Community

24:16 The 47 Ranch Business

30:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode is brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works.

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!