The Converse Cowboy

New season, new format! Between episodes I'll be sharing what's on my mind and things I've learned and am practicing. The conversations we have with ourselves never end. Our brain is constantly trying to guide us consciously or unconsciously. This is something that took me a long time to understand so I wanted to share what's been on my mind most recently. Let me know if this resonates with you in some way or if you completely disagree. Would love to hear your feedback. Stay Grateful!!

Sat down with Katie Weaver owner and artist at Western Dove. Katie designs and makes western horse tack with Turquoise handmade in Texas! From the rodeo arena to the barrel racing pen to the honky tonk we talk about all things life and business. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Having a winning mindset is a big part of Jay McLaughlin's success. With over $1.6 Million LTE and 14 World Championships under his belt, he is no stranger to the winner's circle. Jay began his career at Carol Rose Quarter Horses, from there he went on to the Aaron Ranch for several years and is now on his own at Salt Fork Cattle Co. He discusses the changes in the Cowhorse Industry throughout his career and what it takes to to be at the top consistently. "If you take one day off someone will pass you up". Jay McLaughlin

With close to $2 Million in LTE and a World Championship under his belt Tyson Durfey has the knowledge and experience to know what it takes to compete at an elite level consistently. Although his journey hasn't been easy, his drive and motivation to succeed has enabled him to overcome challenges that have built the character he embodies today. Along with being a household name in rodeo, he is a husband, father, businessman, and mentor to many. As with any elite athlete he is constantly looking for ways to improve his game; mentally, physically, and spiritually. In this episode he shares some of the challenges he's faced coming up and gives advice on how to overcome these bumps in the road, not only for those in rodeo, but they apply to overcoming challenges in everyday life as well. "Sweat Equity = Confidence" Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy

Had the pleasure of sitting down with Bob Tewksbury, Mental Skills Coach for the Chicago Cubs. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 19th round of the 1981 MLB draft, Tewks would have a very successful career in the bigs for 18 years. Throughout this episode Tewks gives some sage advice on how to overcome challenges that are sure to come up throughout ones career and also shares some cool stories along the way. Be sure to check out his book 'Ninety Percent Mental' "If you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it"

Had the pleasure of sitting down with Bob Tewksbury, Mental Skills Coach for the Chicago Cubs. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 19th round of the 1981 MLB draft, Tewks would have a very successful career in the bigs for 18 years. Throughout this episode Tewks gives some sage advice on how to overcome challenges that are sure to come up throughout ones career and also shares some cool stories along the way. Be sure to check out his book 'Ninety Percent Mental' "If you can see it and believe it, you can achieve it"

Adam Trenk is the new owner of Billy Cook Saddle Shop. On this Episode we have a conversation about Adam's passion for horses from an early age, including visits to the home of Zane Davis (NRCHA $1.5M rider) in Montana during his summers as a teenager. We talk about overcoming challenges as a new business owner during covid-19. Motivated and driven, he shares his vision for Billy Cook Saddlery in the years to come. "Billy Cook's saddles have always been intended to be an icon of affordable quality craftsmanship and functionality desired by the majority of horsemen and women"

Cara Brewer has dedicated her entire life to the cutting horse industry. As a breeder, trainer, mom and wife she balances things very well. Over the years she has built quite a resume. With LTE: over $1.2M, she kick-started her career as a professional trainer by winning the 2004 Super Stakes at the age of 22 aboard Playin Tag (by Playgun), having multiple NCHA Futurity Finalist and Semi-Finalist over the years, and most recently showing Taggline as an Open Futurity Finalist at the 2019 NCHA Futurity. She talks about the importance of consistent hard work everyday and the value of quality over quantity. "I'd rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies" - Cara Brewer

Matt Koch is a household name in the reined cow horse industry and has had relatively quick success in the show pen. He's a 4x AQHA World Champion, 4th at 2016 World's Greatest Horseman, 5th & 6th at 2019 Snaffle Bit Futurity, as well as being a top ten money earner in the NRCHA for the last 3 years, are among the many accolades that make up Matt's impressive resume. Unknowingly, Matt has been preparing his entire life to train/show performance horses, from growing up on a farm in Kansas, to being the "2yr old guy" at Lloyd Cox Cutting Horses, to the ranches he worked at (Haythorn Land & Cattle & Wagonhound) and now beginning his journey on his own by starting Koch Cowhorses in Elizabeth, CO. Take a listen as Matt shares his mindset and what it takes to compete at the highest level in the performance horse industry today.

On this episode we visit Weatherford, TX and the shop of Ft. Worth native Joey Jemison. He's a saddle maker who designs and creates leather products for all walks of life. He shares his journey from an apprentice in the stockyards to where he is today. He talks about the challenges he faced as an up and comer starting a new business and the determination and hard work ethic it takes to consistently overcome obstacles. Joey Jemison is a household name in the performance horse world and has built an exceptional reputation by consistently creating a top quality products that are certain to last and that will set you apart from the crowd. "There is no substitution for quality" Joey Jemison

Take a listen as we tour through Texas & Oklahoma interviewing some of the best in the performance horse industry today. On this episode we stop in Overbrook, OK at The House of Payne and visit with NCHA $3.5M rider James Payne. His dedication to his craft, his extreme work ethic, and his ability to get into a horse's mind are just a few things that have enabled him to build an impressive resume. There was a consistent theme throughout this episode as he talks about 'the grind' and shares stories of the early days as an up and comer in the NCHA and what it takes to stay competitive today. James talks about the importance of horse power/horse flesh and mentions a few that have had the biggest impact on him throughout his career, i.e. Once in a Blu Boon, LTE: $318,012 and PG Heavily Armed LTE: $265,100. "Be there every day and grind with a lot of repetition" - James Payne You can follow the Converse Cowboy here: Website: http://conversecowboy.libsyn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconversecowboy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconversecowboy13 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGZt_NUB0IAE__s-EwVLtVQ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5jGAM0RerGkOmItumWES6C iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-converse-cowboy-podcast/id1503780783

Sat down with Dick Pieper, renowned horse trainer and owner of Playgun, to talk about what it takes to be successful in the performance horse industry, what makes a great horse trainer, how to maintain a positive mindset over a long career, and much more!