On this episode, we sit down with Chris Dawson, a $2 million rider in the National Reined Cow Horse Association and champion at events like the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, NRCHA Derby, and World's Greatest Horseman reserve champion.

Chris shares about competing at the highest level, his involvement with War Horses for Veterans and the War Horse Challenge, and how horsemanship can help veterans rediscover purpose and confidence. He also talks about building Dawson Performance Horses with his wife, Sarah Dawson, and balancing family, faith, and legacy along the way.

On this episode, Brad sits down with Kordale DeSpain — originally from Holbrook, Arizona, and now based in Tishomingo, Oklahoma — whose journey has taken him from working full-time as a farrier to producing video at some of the biggest rodeos in the country with Real Screen Video.

Kordale shares what really goes into running video boards and production systems at major events like the WNFR, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Dixie National, and the Governor’s Cup. From staying on top of constant rule changes to adapting to ever-evolving technology, he gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how the rodeo moments fans see on screens and television are captured in real time.

Along the way, Kordale also talks about his life in the Western industry, the transition from being a farrier to life on the road traveling from rodeo to rodeo, and the path that led him to where he is today.

Brad sits down with Emily Konkel, Executive Director of the National Reined Cow Horse Association, for a behind-the-scenes look at the leadership and vision guiding the organization. Emily shares her journey with the NRCHA, the challenges of her role, and how the association is balancing tradition with growth as the sport continues to evolve.

She also opens up about her family, childhood, the advice she’d give her 18-year-old self, and what grit means to her both personally and professionally. This episode offers an honest perspective on the people and purpose shaping the future of the cow horse.

In this episode, Casey Deary joins the podcast to share the journey that shaped him both inside and outside the show pen. From the horses that defined pivotal moments in his career to the values rooted in family, faith, and hard work—and the biggest challenges he has faced, including those he faces today—Casey reflects on the experiences that made him who he is today. It’s an honest conversation—filled with plenty of laughs—about staying grounded through success, honoring where you come from, and riding with purpose at every stage of the journey.

On this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Amber Crawford, a professional breakaway roper and horsewoman based in Texas. With deep roots in the Western lifestyle, Amber has spent her life around horses while building a successful career in nursing and healthcare administration.

Amber shares about her recovery from shoulder surgery, the realities of working and running a business alongside her husband, what she looks for in a young rope horse prospect, and how she balanced her career in healthcare while rodeoing full time. Her story reflects resilience, partnership, and a deep commitment to horsemanship and developing promising horses.

Christopher “Click” Thompson is a photographer known for capturing the Western world in a way that lets you feel the moment, not just see it. With East Coast roots, Click found his true passion at a local rodeo in Virginia, where he fell in love with the people, culture, and stories of the Western industry. Over the past decade, his work has taken him across the country to iconic events such as the National Finals Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Pendleton Round-Up, The American Rodeo, RodeoHouston, and the PBR World Finals, earning him PRCA Photographer of the Year honors four consecutive years. In this episode, Click shares his journey, his perspective on building a personal brand in the Western space, and his advice for the next generation, along with a deep appreciation for the community that continues to inspire his work.

In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Brianna Tucker, Marketing Manager and Photographer at Twisted X Global Brands, to talk about the creativity and strategy behind marketing Western footwear. Brianna shares her experience working across Black Star Boots, Twisted X, and Twisted X Work, and how she approaches each brand with a distinct voice while staying aligned under one umbrella. A Cowgirl 30 Under 30 and Ad 2 Dallas 32 Under 32 honoree, she opens up about the challenges of her role, what’s next in her career, the advice she’d give her 18-year-old self, and the grit it takes to keep growing both professionally and creatively.

In this short but insightful follow-up episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Ryan Motes to continue the conversation that began earlier this summer. A 5-time NFR heeler, American Rodeo and BFI Champion, and respected rope horse trainer, Ryan brings a seasoned perspective shaped by years competing at the highest level of the sport.

This time around, Ryan dives deeper into the evolving rope horse industry, from the rapid growth of futurities to the increasing demand for top prospects and the shift toward breeding specifically for rope horses. He also shares insight into what truly makes a strong team roping partnership, especially when hauling with a teammate on the road to the NFR.