Cowboy Up / Basecamp For Veterans

In this episode of The Cowboy Up Podcast, hosts Steven Clauson and Deborah Plum are joined by Sonny Hardy, a dedicated advocate for veterans navigating trauma and PTSD.Sonny opens up about his personal journey and shares his crucial work in guiding struggling veterans toward life-changing retreat programs like Basecamp for Veterans. Together, they explore how connecting veterans with the right support systems, nature, and community can pave the way toward long-term recovery and hope.In this episode, we cover:Getting to Know Sonny Shardy: His personal story, background, and what drives his passion for serving those who served.Navigating PTSD & Trauma: The hidden challenges military veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life.The Mission of Basecamp: How targeted retreats and specialized programs provide veterans with a safe space to reset, heal, and rebuild.Finding the Right Support: Practical ways friends, family, and communities can help struggling veterans take that critical first step toward help.

Healing Outside Four Walls: Equine-Assisted Therapy for Veterans & First RespondersIn this episode of The Cowboy Up Podcast, hosts Russell True and Steven Clauson sit down with Sierra, therapist and founder of the mental health program at Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT). Raised in a multi-generational ranching family, Sierra blends deep clinical expertise with raw ranch wisdom to help veterans and first responders process trauma beyond conventional talk therapy.In this episode, we cover:Horse-Sense as Healing: How 1,100-pound biofeedback monitors teach humans to slow down, regulate their nervous system, and come into "horse time."Bypassing the Tactical Armor: Why horses bypass hyperarousal and moral injury, shifting dynamics from "power over" to "power with."Post-Traumatic Growth: Integrating EMDR, somatic movement, and groundwork to cultivate real growth, connection, and joy.Overcoming Isolation: Moving past duty-bound emotional suppression and recognizing that accepting help is an act of strength.

Here is a punchy, episode-ready podcast description formatted for Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.9/11 Through the Lens of True West: Myth, Reality & The Western IdentityIn this episode of The Cowboy Up Podcast, hosts Russell True and Steven Clauson sit down with legendary author, artist, and True West Magazine Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell.When the planes hit on September 11, 2001, Bob was stranded in Minnesota researching the 1876 Northfield Bank Raid. What followed was a profound moment of reflection: How does a publication dedicated to 19th-century history make sense of a modern national tragedy?In this episode, we unpack:Frontier Precedents: How 19th-century communities processed sudden, catastrophic violence—and how real history mirrors the quiet resolve of 9/11 first responders.The Cowboy Archetype: Why America turned to the grit, humility, and stoicism of the Western icon during national trauma.Stripping Away the Myth: Differentiating between cheap Hollywood bravado and authentic frontier toughness.Old West Survival Rules: Practical principles for keeping your boots planted in reality when the world turns upside down.

In Episode #24 of Cowboy Up, hosts Russell True and Steven Clauson sit down with Terence "Terry" McDonald, the Head Wrangler at White Stallion Ranch. Terry shares his inspiring, unconventional journey from being terrified of horses to leading the entire riding program at one of the country's most renowned guest ranches. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation on taking leaps of faith, overcoming fears, the power of mentorship, and what it truly means to turn ranch guests into family.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:From Fear to Focus: How Terry overcame a deep-seated fear of horses to pursue his passion for working with animals and people.The Leap of Faith: The story behind Terry moving from Arkansas to Arizona with zero equestrian experience and earning a chance at White Stallion Ranch.Rising through the Ranks: How relentless work ethic and mentorship helped Terry rise from a novice to Head Wrangler in under three years."Created, Not Hired": Host Russell True unpacks his famous philosophy on developing talent from within, referencing his reality show The Wranglers.Guest Hospitality: Why Terry’s unique talent for connecting with returning guests defines the spirit of Western hospitality.

In Episode #23 of Cowboy Up, hosts Russell True and Steven Clauson welcome Sarah King—Executive Director of the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance and co-manager of the historic 55,000-acre King’s Anvil Ranch. Sarah shares her journey from East Coast native and backcountry horseback guide to leading progressive conservation and collaborative watershed stewardship in Southern Arizona. Tune in to explore how modern cattle ranching, prescribed fire, erosion control, and community-wide partnerships work together to protect the ecological health and working landscapes of the Sonoran Desert.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Life on King’s Anvil Ranch: What it takes to manage a 55,000-acre cattle operation stewarded by five generations of the King family.Progressive Desert Ecology: How targeted water catchment, erosion control, and prescribed burns restore soil and native vegetation.Collaborative Conservation: How the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance bridges gaps between private landowners, government agencies, and environmental groups across 600,000 acres.Advocacy & Stewardship: Sarah’s work across regional boards to preserve Western heritage, rangeland health, and drought resilience.Guest Spotlight:Sarah King: Executive Director, Altar Valley Conservation Alliance | Cattle Rancher, King’s Anvil RanchRecognition: Awarded for Outstanding Service by the Society for Range Management (Arizona Section, 2021)Connect & Listen: Subscribe to Cowboy Up for weekly episodes on ranching, Western culture, and life in the saddle. Don't forget to like, comment, and turn on notifications!