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.
Garrett Yerigan is a two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year and one of the most recognizable voices in rodeo today, known for bringing energy, insight, and storytelling to some of the sport’s biggest stages, including Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and the IFR. Raised in a rodeo family and announcing since childhood, Garrett shares how that foundation shaped his career, along with the behind-the-scenes process of earning a PRCA contractors card and what it really takes to build a long-term career in the industry. He offers practical advice for young adults finding their path, reflects on grit as a defining trait of rodeo athletes, and explains why rodeo stands apart as the only sport that is truly a way of life, not just a competition.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad talks with Tod Bergen, a respected horseman, trainer, and coach with over $2.5 million in lifetime NRCHA earnings, now based in Texas, whose influence reaches far beyond the show pen. Tod shares what it has been like to raise a family while training and showing on the road, reflects on the impact of his father, a self-made man whose strength and resilience shaped his values, and dives into his approach to training horses and mentoring young professionals. His commitment to developing the next generation is evident, with five of his former assistant trainers making the Open Finals at this year’s NRCHA Futurity on at least one horse, highlighting the lasting legacy of his program and leadership.
In this episode, Brad sits down with saddle bronc rider Ben Andersen for a conversation filled with stories from the rodeo trail, reflections on his faith, and insight into the technical side of the sport — from equipment and preparation to what he loves most about riding broncs. Ben also offers meaningful advice to young athletes: slow down, stay present, and don’t rush through the moments that shape your journey.
Then the script flips as Ben turns the questions around on Brad, digging into life, work, and what keeps him driven. It’s an honest, grounded, and uplifting conversation with one of rodeo’s standout young talents.
In this episode, Wesley Thorp opens up about the foundations of his success, from his family upbringing to the mindset and perspective that have shaped him into one of the top professional rodeo athletes. He shares the lessons he learned from the professionals who guided him, the work he put into improving his roping, and the pivotal moments that built his career. Wesley also talks about his passion for giving back to the next generation, including his role in producing the Junior World Team Roping Championship, teaching lessons, and helping young ropers develop the skills and confidence to chase their own goals.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad welcomes Jenna Morr, Director of Content Marketing & Athlete Relations at Teton Ridge Sports. Jenna dives into her passion for Western sports and media, her dream of raising rodeo’s profile to match mainstream athletics, and how she uses storytelling to build bridges for athletes and fans. She also opens up about her evolving career path and shares advice for young professionals: sometimes the biggest dreams change—and pivoting is part of the journey.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Chelsea Shaffer — the editorial director of the Team Roping Journal and content director for Roping.com. Chelsea opens up about her journey in Western performance media and how her team has transformed the Team Roping Journal into a leading source of news, education, and storytelling for nearly every corner of the team roping community. Chelsea also offers valuable advice for young professionals breaking into the industry, reminding them that you don’t have to be the best, you just have to be the last one in the room.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Miguel Guerrero Elías — a visionary businessman, accomplished horseman, and proud Chihuahuan whose life’s work bridges industry, family, and tradition. Miguel shares his inspiring journey from his early ventures to leading Grupo Acermex, a company that spans multiple sectors across Mexico. He also discusses founding Las Tunas Ranch, where he raises and trains elite equine athletes, with a special focus on world-class rope horses. Throughout the conversation, Miguel opens up about his deep passion for the western lifestyle, his dedication to excellence in horse breeding, and the values that guide both his business and personal life. Through it all, his love for his family legacy and his home state of Chihuahua shines brightly, offering listeners an authentic look at the heart behind his success.
In this episode, Brad sits down with breakaway roper Kinlie Brennise, a 2025 NFBR qualifier, business owner, and fourth-generation Colorado rancher. Kinlie shares her journey to reaching the NFBR, the mindset and goal-setting habits that helped her get there, and how she balances life between the rodeo road and running her spa, Luxury Aesthetics, in Stephenville, Texas. She also talks about her passion for training young breakaway horses and offers advice for up-and-coming athletes chasing their own rodeo dreams. To wrap up, Kinlie discusses her mom’s innovative new app, TAC, The App for Cowboys, and how technology is helping connect the western industry in a new way.
In this episode of Grit Branded Brad talks with Garrison Panzer. Garrison talks about his path to becoming a Rodeo Announcer, Music Director and Rodeo producer, the craft and preparation that go into each of his roles, a bit of advice to young professionals regardless of their career goals. At just 27, Garrison has already built a name across the rodeo world as one of the sport’s most versatile talents. Originally from Lakin, Kansas and now based in Brock, Texas, Garrison grew up in the arena, following his dad and granddad, both respected rodeo judges, since the day he was born. What started as a childhood passion turned into a professional calling in 2015, leading him to roles as a rodeo announcer, music director, and production manager at some of the sport’s top events, including the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo, National Jr High Finals Rodeo, and Cinch Playoffs: The Governor’s Cup.
Originally from Ashland, Kansas, Garth Gardiner has spent decades building a legacy in the reined cow horse world. Alongside his wife, Amanda, the Gardiners have bred NRCHA progeny earning over $2.8 million and were recently inducted into the NRCHA Million Dollar Breeder Club. In this episode, Garth shares insights from a lifetime spent breeding, showing, and now judging some of the sport’s top horses. He also reflects on his family’s journey, from raising future champions to watching his children carve their own paths.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with Brock Malson of Oswood Stallion Station, one of the premier stallion stations in the western performance horse industry. Brock shares what goes into selecting the right stallion for a mare, and the three key areas where Oswood strives to be the best, stallion management, mare management, and foaling. He also opens up about his own journey from riding reining horses to managing some of the industry’s top stallions, and offers practical advice for young professionals carving their path in the western world.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Elise Southerland’s path has been guided by storytelling, hard work, and the western way of life. From her start as the Bullfighters Only Sideline Reporter in college to her current role as On-Air Host of Western Sports Roundup on The Cowboy Channel, Elise’s career has come full circle.
In this episode, she shares how building connections and saying “yes” to every opportunity helped shape her journey—from working in college athletics and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame to finding her dream role in western media. Elise also reflects on the family members who inspired her and offers heartfelt advice to young adults on pursuing growth and building their careers.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with Devin Marcum, President of Resistol, to talk about what it takes to lead one of the most iconic brands in the western world. Devin shares how his upbringing on a feed yard shaped his work ethic, his responsibility to care for Resistol employees like family, and his advice for young adults building their careers. He also gives an inside look at creating product collections with George Strait, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson, plus a sneak peek at the new gold hat patch debuting at the NFR—honoring Resistol endorsees who’ve earned world titles.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor visits with Logan Lynch — a Louisiana native turned Texan whose passion for horses and communication has led her to a career with the National Cutting Horse Association.
Now serving as NCHA’s Communications Manager, Logan shares her path to this role and how her experiences along the way equipped her to succeed. Her passion for her career and love for performance horses is evident throughout the conversation as she dives into how her role allows her to give back to the trainers and athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport, and the western industry.
From her personal journey to her professional purpose, Logan offers listeners an inspiring look at the western industry and the people who keep it moving forward.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor talks with Mary Jane Carpenter, a marketing leader with more than 30 years of experience shaping western and outdoor brands. From Mossy Oak and BowTech to Stetson, Resistol, and Charlie1Horse, Mary Jane has left her mark through innovative brand building, sponsorships, and event strategy.
A lifelong horsewoman and founder of Ride West Marketing, she continues to lead Resistol’s marketing while championing the western lifestyle. Brad and Mary Jane dive into her work with Resistol, the growth of the Resistol Rookie Roundup, and what’s ahead for the PRCA as it approaches its 40th anniversary.
With more than 30 years of experience in the westernperformance horse industry, Patty Tiberg has dedicated her career to celebrating the horses, the people, and the culture that make it so special. She currently serves as the Director of Incentive & Sponsorships for the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), where she plays a pivotal role in developing programs and partnerships that fuel the growth of both the sport and the community that supports it.
Patty’s career includes influential leadership roles with Cowboy Publishing Group and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), where she oversaw partnerships, marketing, and communications to elevate the industry’sreach and visibility. At NRCHA, she has been instrumental in shaping the Stallion Stakes program, guiding it through a successful first year and building momentum for its future.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Patty is deeplycommitted to family, crediting their support as the fire that fuels her passion every day. She is devoted to honoring tradition while creating opportunities for growth, ensuring the western performance horse industry continues to thrive and leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
This week’s episode features Jake Bloomer, who is preparing to step into a leadership role at his family’s iconic company, Bloomer Trailers. Known for setting the standard in quality and innovation, Bloomer Trailers has become a household name in the western industry.
Jake shares his journey of growing up around the business, the lessons he’s learned from his family, and the values that drive his work ethic. From honoring tradition to looking toward the future, Jake talks about what it means to carry on the legacy while also making his own mark.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to balance family, passion, and business in a way that leaves a lasting impact, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
This week’s episode Lauren LaFleur talks with Dustin Rogers, a performance horse trainer based in Poolville, Texas. Dustin focuses on training rope horses and reined cow horses. Dustin shares knowledge and experiences from working for two industry legends—Todd Crawford and JD Yates. He shares how the foundation he gained under Todd’s program allows him to create rope horses that are more broke, and ultimately easier to rope on. Beyond training methods, Dustin dives into the values that guide his career—work ethic, building lasting relationships, and what it truly takes to succeed in the horse training business.