The Converse Cowboy

What does colt starting have to do with the conscious and unconscious..? Tune in to find out.  Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy

First ever, "Converse Cowboy Interlude". A brief bio about The Converse Cowboy, and where my mind is today. This short 12 minute episode was uncomfortable for me and at the same time fun to record.  Let me know your thoughts and/or questions for the next episode. IG: @theconversecowboy or feel free to email me at mike@conversecowboy.com Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Truly a pleasure to have 10x NFR Team Roper, Charly Crawford join me on this episode. I walked out of the studio after this interview feeling inspired and motivated.  We discuss Charly's career as a team roper in the arena and his life outside of the arena. The mindset of an elite rodeo athlete to have sustainable success requires discipline and consistency. Charly shares his lessons learned and earned secrets that can only be attained through dedication and a focused intent.  Be sure to check out his most recent endeavor, Liberty & Loyalty Foundation (formerly American Military Celebration) is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Liberty & Loyalty Foundation produces Western lifestyle events for veterans, retired and active service personnel, and first responders. Events promote leadership and teamwork while encouraging camaraderie, forming support systems and making memories. Through these events, opportunities for fund raising are utilized for charities that support the needs of our heroes. (libertyandloyaltyfoundation.com) Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

Truly a pleasure to visit with Texas singer-songwriter, Mike Harmeier. We discuss the band's recent decision to make a name change from "Mike and the Moonpies" to "Silverada". Mike shares his songwriting process in detail. One of the main takeaways from this interview is to unapologetically be you, something Mike Harmeier is known for throughout the industry. Be sure to check out the bonus content (for Subscribers only) at the end. Enjoy the show!! "Dream beyond your means".  The Converse Cowboy

Texas singer-songwriter, Hayes Carll joins me at the Kimes Ranch Studio in the Ft Worth Stockyards for this episode. We discuss his humble beginnings, his writing process and influences that had an impact on his style of writing along the way. Hayes shares stories about co-writing a song with the legendary, Guy Clark and lessons he learned from that experience.  Whether you're already a Hayes Carll fan or just a fan of great singer-songwriters, you'll want to hear insights from one of the best in the business today. I'm Grateful for this pure and meaningful conversation with Hayes Carll and excited for you all to hear it. Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy 

"Dale Brisby", a pioneer in the western industry, leading the way in the field of content creation. Also the self proclaimed, greatest bull rider of all time. Dale pulls the curtain back during this interview and shares insights into how the "Dale Brisby/Rodeo Time" brand was built over the past eleven years.  Dale Brisby is the real deal and undoubtedly one of the most humble humans I have ever met, contrary to what you might see on his social media content. He has built a platform that the entire family can enjoy; shining a positive light on the cowboy way of life. His apparel brand "Rodeo Time", is a name that is well known throughout the industry. Go to any western event, whether it be performance horses or rodeo and you'll see kids and adults alike wearing Rodeo Time/Dale Brisby gear. We discuss all this and more throughout this interview. "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted". (Matthew 23:12) Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Warning! This episode contains extremely foul language! The 1st Amendment protects the freedom of speech here in the United States of America and Clinton Anderson fully exercises that right throughout this episode. Clinton simply says out loud what most people are thinking and although he wraps those verbal thoughts in a blanket of curse words, there is a sense of authenticity that comes with them that you can't help but respect.  He pulls the curtain back on the Downunder Horsemanship Empire. Three and a half hours of unfiltered and raw conversation. We talk business, horses, marketing, successes, failures and lessons he's learned along the way.  Behind the profanity and foul language is a man that has mastered his craft as a clinician and horseman. Clinton Anderson has kept tens of thousands of people safe as they followed his method pursuing a journey with their horse and a better understanding of basic horsemanship. Warning: last chance, if you click play then you're giving consent to have your hearing violated and your mind altered. I'm sorry and you're welcome... Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy PS: be sure to stick around til the end to hear about one of Clinton's most embarrassing moments in the arena. 

Jim Kiser is the mastermind behind the legendary Kiser arena drags that you'll see today at most every big performance horse event. Tune in to this episode to hear how an idea for a piece of equipment to groom the footing for horse events in the late 80' turned into a business that has revolutionized the performance horse industry that we know today.  Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Melanie Smith is the owner and founder of Solo Select Horses, the full-service operation at the forefront of the performance horse industry with a focus on disciplines ranging from cutting to roping to racing. More than 15 years ago, Melanie started on a path that would eventually lead her to incredible success in the performance horse industry. Over the years, she has sold thousands of horses all over the world, creating great connections with buyers and sellers alike. The slogan for Solo Select Horses is "The VERY Best", and Melanie stands firmly behind those words. She is well known for her honesty, integrity, passion and quality stock in the world of Western performance horses. Tune in to this episode to find out how she has continued to innovate in a world that is rooted in tradition and at the same time maintained respect for the western way of life.  "It's either going to work or it isn't". #keepbuilding (Melanie Smith) Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy ​

Austin Shepard, NCHA Hall of Fame Rider, two time NCHA Futurity winner, and NCHA Open World Champion with over $10 Million in LTE. Austin has trained some of the most elite cutting horses in the industry today, including: Highbrow CD, Bet Hesa Cat, Bamacat, Bama Jelly, Dual Reyish, Wood She B Magic, Kittenish, Kinky Bootz, Fancy Deville, Countess Catrina and dozens more.   Topics we discuss: •Buster Welch •The evolution of the performance horse •Pregame rituals and mindfulness practice •Show shirts •The American Performance Horseman •Lessons learned the hard way •Top horses in the industry today Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

Mark Michels, owner and founder of 'Performance Horse Central' visits me on the show at the Teton Ridge booth during the '2023 Metallic Cat NCHA Futurity'.  'Performance Horse Central' has revolutionized how spectators and competitors stay in tune with the performance horse industry today.   Mark is the mastermind behind PHC and the primary reason that it has become a staple for the performance horse industry.   Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

Cade Shepard sets the tone for the 2023 NCHA Futurity, marking a 225 in the 1st go.  He visits the show at the Teton Ridge booth to discuss his run.  We talk about what makes this horse special and his strategy for events like the Futurity.  Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

Luca Fappani, professional Reining Horse Trainer, $625K LTE, has a bright future ahead of him.  With some of the best to ever play the game in his corner, we discuss the role that his father and NRHA legend, Andrea Fappani, ($8 Million LTE) has played in shaping his mindset in the show pen.  We discuss what shows like 'The Run For A Million' and Teton Ridge's 'American Performance Horse' are doing for the performance horse industry.  Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Glad to have Matt MIlls visit the show in Las Vegas at 'The Run For A Million'.  Born and raised in Southern California, Matt began riding horses at an early age. He enjoyed a successful career as a youth rider, earning multiple championships throughout California in a variety of disciplines including western pleasure, horsemanship and trail. In 1996 he switched his focus to reining and a few years later established his own training operation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Recently he made the move to Weatherford, Texas.  Matt is consistently ranked on the NRHA Top Twenty Professionals Riders list and has NRHA lifetime earnings of over $1,000,000.00. He is regularly a finalist at major NRHA events and has received several titles including NRHA Intermediate Open Futurity Reserve Champion as well as multiple titles at the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC). He has also earned several large futurity and derby titles including RMRHA Summer Slide, High Roller Reining Classic, SWRHA Futurity and NRHA Cowtown Classic. In addition to his youth, skill and natural riding ability, he is well known for his professionalism, showmanship, and charismatic personality. Consequently, he is in high demand for clinics in the United States, Europe and Mexico.  Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Truly a pleasure to visit with Chelsea Edsall (@cheersitschelsea), this episode is entertaining and informative.  Tune into this episode to hear more about the performance horse world from a trainer's wife perspective.  We cover a number of topics throughout this interview, ie. Texas living, IG Lives, Cowhorse mental health, The Run For A Million and much more.  Enjoy the show!   Subscriber Benefits, (Subscribe only on Apple Podcast).                                                             • Early Access To All Shows  • Ad-Free Listening • Exclusive Content  • A minimum of 10% of subscription profits will be donated to charity • (New episodes released weekly) As always thank you for your support!   Stay Grateful!!   The Converse Cowboy  

Al Dunning has owned and operated the Almosta Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1970. Over the years, Al has developed his multi-faceted equine business with a focus on the development of champion horses and riders. With over 45 World and Reserve World Titles, Al and his students have dominated in AQHA, NCHA, NRCHA, and NRHA events. His love of teaching has taken Al all over the world, conducting clinics and sharing his techniques and philosophies of horsemanship.  Enjoy the show!   Subscriber Benefits, (Subscribe only on Apple Podcast).                                                             • Early Access To All Shows  • Ad-Free Listening • Exclusive Content  • A minimum of 10% of subscription profits will be donated to charity • (New episodes released weekly)   As always thank you for your support, enjoy the show!   The Converse Cowboy

NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, and 2016 Worlds Greatest Horseman Champion, Clayton Edsall joins me on the show in Las Vegas during 'The Run For A Million'.  Enjoy the show!! Subscriber Benefits:  (Subscribe only on Apple Podcast).                                                             •Early Access To All Shows  •Ad-Free Listening •Exclusive Content  •A minimum of 10% of subscription profits will be donated to charity •(New episodes released weekly) As always thank you for your support! Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy

Truly a honor to have living legend, Boyd Rice join me on the show in Las Vegas at 'The Run For A Million'.  Boyd has lifetime earnings in excess of $4 million in the Western performance horse industry. Well respected professionally as a horseman and as a human.  His successes have come from natural talent, hard work and family support. Among Boyd's many accolades are, NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship and Worlds Greatest Horseman Champion, along with multiple aged event finalist in Ft Worth.  Boyd Rice is no stranger to the winners circle.  Tune in to this episode to hear his mindset and strategy before showtime.  *Subscriber Benefits:  (Subscribe on Apple Podcast).                                                             •    Early Access To All Shows  •    Ad-Free Listening •    Exclusive Content  •    A minimum of 10% of subscription profits will be donated to charity •    (New episodes released weekly) As always thank you for your support, enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

With NCHA lifetime earnings in excess of $9 Million, professional cutting horse trainer and living legend, Matt Gaines needs no introduction.  The NCHA Hall of Famer and 2016 NCHA Futurity Champion joins me on the show at the Kimes booth in Las Vegas to talk about his strategy and mindset for events like the 'Run For A Million'.  Enjoy the show! Now Offering Subscriptions:  (Subscribe Only On Apple Podcast).                                                             Early Access To All Shows  Ad-Free Listening Exclusive Content  A minimum of 10% of subscription profits will be donated to charity (New episodes released weekly) As always thank you for your support, enjoy the show! Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy

$5 Million NCHA Hall of Famer, Wes Galyean, stopped by the Kimes Booth at 'The Run For A Million' in Las Vegas to chat about the performance horse industry, Teton Ridge's, 'Third Edge', and his strategy for events like 'The American' and 'The Run For A Million'.   Tune in to this episode for insights from one of the best to ever play the game, as he talks about his horse, 'Third Edge' aka 'Harms', which is arguably one of the most dynamic equine athletes to ever enter the show pen.  Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy