The Westward Podcast

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I’m digging into something I've been thinking about lately: the importance of a solid foundation in your horse, no matter what their job is. I’m sharing some of my own experiences, what I’ve learned (and am still learning), and why a responsive, well-rounded, confident horse doesn’t just happen by chance.

We’ll talk about things like sidepassing, lead changes, groundwork, and why all those “little” things actually matter in the big picture, whether you're chasing cans, dragging calves, or just trying to get your horse loaded without a fight. I’ll also touch on the patience and humility it takes to keep learning as a rider, and how foundational work really shows up in your horse’s mind, body, and attitude.

This episode brought to you by Warrior Equine.

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

Get your ⁠⁠⁠Westward Merch!⁠⁠⁠

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.

Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Westward Podcast
01:06 Why a Solid Foundation Matters
02:15 Real-Life Examples and What’s Worked for Me
10:52 How to Maintain and Reinforce Training
14:55 Why Versatility Makes a Better Horse
16:25 Quick Note on Sponsorships + Mental Health Support
17:42 Final Thoughts and Lessons I’m Still Learning
24:06 Thanks for Being Here + Ways to Get Involved

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I'm talking to Cat George, who shares her inspiring journey from the beaches of Florida to the high desert of Wyoming.

Cat talks about her experiences working on various ranches across multiple states, the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

This episode brought to you by Warrior Equine.

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

Get your ⁠⁠⁠Westward Merch!⁠⁠⁠

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 back to the Westward Podcast.

Today, I’m sharing a piece of my heart. The story of how I met my husband, how we fell in love, and what it looked like to say yes to something that felt so deeply right.

From being set up by a friend, to getting engaged on a bluff at sunset, this episode walks through the moments, big and small, that led us to the altar. I talk about trusting my gut, leaning into the Holy Spirit, and how community and prayer played a huge part in it all.

You’ll also hear about our wedding day, the wild weather, the sweet details, the good folks who helped make it all happen, and what married life’s been like since.

As always, I’m so dang grateful for this community and for everyone who tunes in each week. Thanks for being here, and for walking this westward road with me.

This episode brought to you by Warrior Equine.

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

Get your ⁠⁠Westward Merch!⁠⁠

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.

A big thanks to our friends at Warrior Counseling Works, their equine therapy program is doing powerful, healing work in the world, and we’re proud to have them as part of the Westward ride.

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

Special thanks to our co-producer, ⁠LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

Get your ⁠⁠Westward Merch!⁠

Welcome back to the Westward Podcast , I’m your host, Devin Dole (formerly Conley), and today we’re talking about what it means to tend your fire.

And I'm not referring to your to-do list, I'm talking your inner fire, the thing that keeps you warm on cold trails and rooted when life tries to pull you in a dozen directions.

This episode is inspired by the quiet grit of old Louis L’Amour cowboys and the still, slow work of real life. A reminder that your fire matters, even when it’s down to just embers. Especially then.

I’ll share some personal reflections, simple rhythms that help me stay grounded, and a few thoughts on what burnout really looks like (and what to do when you’re already there). If you’re feeling a little worn thin, this one’s for you.

00:00 – Welcome to the Westward Podcast
01:02 – Morning greetings & life lately
02:05 – Why “tending your fire” matters
02:19 – Louis L’Amour and cowboy mornings
05:14 – What tending your fire actually looks like
09:52 – Simple tips to fight burnout
16:19 – When the fire feels out: what now?
25:01 – Final thoughts & a little hope for your ride
32:19 – Closing notes & sponsor shoutout

The Westward Podcast Episode 21: Jeremiah Wilber, the Warrior Spirit, and War Party Ranch

This episode brought to you by Warrior Equine.

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

Get your ⁠Westward Merch!⁠

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 Jeremiah Wilber, a decorated Green Beret and founder of the War Party Movement and War Party Ranch. Jeremiah shares his inspiring journey from his storied military career to his efforts in combating violence against indigenous women through his nonprofit work.

He delves into his upbringing, the influence of his family, the challenges he faced, and how he transitioned back to his roots in ranching and cowboy life.

Jeremiah also discusses the importance of situational awareness, self-defense, and empowering others through warrior skills. Tune in to hear about his incredible accomplishments and the impact he continues to make in the community.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:17 Jeremiah's Background and Military Career

04:00 Growing Up: Family and Early Life

08:11 Martial Arts and Personal Development

12:36 Joining the Military and Special Forces

19:29 Transition to Civilian Life and Cowboy Culture

27:26 The Cowboy Code and Reputation

30:04 The Birth of War Party Movement

30:33 Honoring Family and Community

32:26 Empowering Women Through War Party Ranch

39:55 Situational Awareness and Safety Tips

46:05 Community Support and Outreach

49:50 Personal Reflections and Gratitude

52:05 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Westward Podcast Episode 20: When You're In a Waiting Season, You're Not Buried, You're Planted.

This episode brought to you by Warrior Equine.

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

Get your Westward Merch!

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'm discussing the concept of waiting and how periods of anticipation can shape our character and prepare us for future blessings.

We're going to emphasize the importance of patience and faith, and underscore that growth takes time. I encourage listeners to appreciate the process, focus on small daily actions, and remember that even when progress isn't visible, important foundational work is happening. You're not forgotten and your efforts will eventually bear fruit.

00:00 Welcome and Apologies

01:29 Upcoming Episodes and Wedding Details

02:57 The Struggles and Lessons of Waiting

07:20 Embracing the Process and Personal Growth

10:10 Faith and Patience in the Waiting Period

16:15 Appreciating the Little Things

20:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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.