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!

Westward Podcast Episode 9:

A Roadmap for the First Generation Rancher with Caroline Nelson of Little Creek Montana

This episode is brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works.

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

Visit Little Creek Feed and browse Montana essentials for your pantry.

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.

Westward Podcast Episode 8:

Wait! Don't Delete Your Account. My Tips for Navigating Negativity Online

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!

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 talking to you from the heart, discussing the significance of understanding and coping with negativity on social media, particularly within the horse industry.

Negativity is a fact of life. Learning how to navigate it in the social media space will help you build resiliency and strength. As you grow and succeed, you'll face this challenge more, and more. But you can overcome.

I share some personal anecdotes, strategies for distinguishing constructive feedback from baseless negativity, and the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining a positive focus.

I encourage you to curate your online spaces, engage with supportive communities, and remember your passion for horses and life.

00:00 Welcome and Weekly Updates

01:36 Engaging with the Community

03:21 Wedding Planning Excitement

04:40 Horse Health and Spring Preparations

05:20 Introduction to Today's Topic: Negativity

06:20 Dealing with Negativity in Life

08:21 Personal Growth and Handling Criticism

11:28 The Power of Words and Social Media

19:20 Action Steps for Coping with Negativity

28:25 Navigating Online Criticism

28:53 Evaluating Anonymous Feedback

32:45 Highlight Reel vs. Reality

36:01 Understanding Critics' Motivations

39:47 Responding with Kindness

42:52 Taking Breaks and Setting Boundaries

44:18 Constructive Criticism vs. Negativity

47:32 Final Thoughts on Handling Negativity

Westward Podcast Episode 7:

Horses Healing Veterans, Warrior Counseling Works, and the Incredible Story of Dr. Cliff Robertson, Jr.

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.

In this powerful episode of the Westward Podcast, we delve into the incredible story of Dr. Cliff Robertson Jr., a Desert Storm veteran and founder of Warrior Counseling Works.

Dr. Robertson shares his harrowing childhood experiences in an alcoholic household, his military service, and the tragic loss of he has experienced. Through immense personal struggles, including imprisonment, Dr. Robertson found his path in helping veterans and at-risk youth through equine therapy.

The episode highlights the transformative power of horses in healing trauma and restoring hope, as well as the ongoing mission to support those in need.

Join me for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, faith, and the healing powers of the horse.

00:00 Introduction to the Westward Podcast

01:05 Meet Dr. Cliff Robertson Jr.

02:07 Dr. Robertson's Early Life Struggles

02:58 Finding Solace in Horses

12:41 Military Service and Its Challenges

16:27 A Life-Altering Tragedy

24:15 Turning Point and Redemption

26:41 The Power of Equine Therapy

31:09 Warrior Counseling Works

32:42 Expanding Support for Veterans

32:55 Therapeutic Riding Retreat in Jackson Hole

33:51 Challenges Faced by Veterans

35:39 Success Stories and Impact

38:03 The Healing Power of Horses

40:14 Meet the Horses

47:29 Foster Care to Success

52:24 Future Goals and Support

59:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Westward Podcast Episode 6:

How Does Anyone Afford Horses?!

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.

Hey folks, on this episode I dive into what it actually costs to own a horse these days. No sugar-coating here, just straight talk about budgets, recurring expenses, and why having an emergency fund isn't optional when you've got horses depending on you.

I share some personal stories about my own financial ups and downs with horses, plus some no-nonsense advice whether you're a longtime horse owner or looking to buy your first one. From hay prices and quality tack that won't break on you at the wrong moment to why skimping on certain things will cost you way more down the road.

Beyond just dollars and cents, we talk about what makes all the expense worth it, and how to make smart choices so you can enjoy your horses without constant money stress. Tune in for some practical wisdom from the saddle

00:00 Introduction to the Westward Podcast

01:22 Exploring the Spirit of the American West

02:01 The Economics of Horse Ownership

05:57 Historical Perspective on Equine Economics

12:04 Personal Anecdotes and Financial Strategies

20:12 Balancing Costs and Passion for Horses

24:44 Recurring Expenses of Horse Ownership

25:54 Setting Up a Separate Account for Horse Expenses

26:27 Advice for First-Time Horse Owners

27:26 Tracking and Budgeting for Horse Expenses

28:21 Avoiding Impulse Horse Purchases

36:57 Balancing Passion with Pragmatism

39:18 Final Thoughts and Personal Experiences

43:01 Engage with the Westward Podcast

Westward Podcast Episode 5:

Talking Cowboy Girl Life with Kinlee Merrick

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 Westward, I invite Kinlee Merrick, a close friend and embodiment of the cowboy girl spirit, to share her journey into the Western lifestyle. Kinlee talks about her upbringing in an outfitting business, her gradual immersion into cowboying through her husband's influence, and the challenges and rewards of adapting to this new way of life.

The discussion delves into topics like growth mindset, overcoming failure, the importance of community, and the unique experiences of women in the industry.

Kinlee emphasizes the value of persistence and a positive mindset, making the case that the effort is undoubtedly worth it. This heartwarming and insightful conversation is sure to resonate with anyone drawn to the open range and the cowboy spirit.

Westward Podcast Episode 4:

Finding Balance in the Changing of Seasons + a Quick History Lesson

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 Westward, I dive deep into the changing of seasons and how they mirror our own life experiences. From the harsh cold of winter to the warmth of spring, I discuss how life's contrasts help us appreciate the highs and lows. Join me as I reflect on the physical and emotional toll that extreme weather can have, not just on us, but on our animals and the people around us. I also explore the isolation that comes with working in agriculture and ranching during the coldest months, and how essential it is to stay connected, even when the world feels a little too frozen to reach out.

And I give ya a brief history lesson about one of the worst winters in our history!

Key Takeaways:

• The cyclical nature of the seasons reflects our own cycles of hardship and growth.
• How extreme cold impacts both the daily work of ranchers and the emotional well-being of those in the industry.
• The small joys that come from technological advances like automatic heated waterers for livestock (and how it makes life a little easier!).
• The importance of staying connected with loved ones, even when weather conditions make it hard to do so.