Grit Branded

This week on the podcast, we sit down with four-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Leighton Berry for a conversation that goes far beyond rodeo.Leighton shares how becoming a father to his son, Ledger, has changed his perspective on life, competition, and success. Throughout the conversation, he continually points back to his faith, discipline, and the importance of being a strong role model for his family and the next generation.The episode also dives into bucking horses, what separates great saddle bronc and bareback horses, supporting his wife Kodi’s personal training business, future goals, and advice for young cowboys chasing their own dreams.

In this episode, we sit down with Carley Montemuro Myers, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Four Sixes Ranch, to talk about what it means to grow a brand rooted in 150 years of history. She shares how she balances legacy with innovation, approaches her role as a steward of the brand, and builds partnerships that look to the future.Carley also offers honest insight for young professionals—speaking to mentorship, finding your path, and investing in the next generation.

John Dowdy, entrepreneur and President of Equinety Horse Supplements, joins the Grit Branded Podcast to share the story behind Equinety. He dives into the experiences, relationships, and pivotal moments that led him to build a product now recognized across the equine industry.In this episode, John unpacks lessons learned through business, the realities of entrepreneurship, and offers grounded insight for those looking to carve their own path. It’s a conversation rooted in grit, innovation, and the discipline it takes to build something that lasts.

Lorinda Van Newkirk—entrepreneur, founder, and a true force in the western industry—joins the podcast to share what it really looks like to build a business, a family, and a life rooted in faith.Grounded in her upbringing in the western world and shaped by early exposure to entrepreneurship and FFA, Lorinda speaks to her deep passion for business and the mindset required to continue growing, both personally and professionally.

On this episode, we sit down with Andrew Waters, stallion manager at Valley Equine, to talk about his journey through the horse industry. Originally from Australia, Andrew grew up involved in Pony Club and campdrafting before making his way into the Thoroughbred industry, where he worked as a stallion manager. He later transitioned into the performance horse world, spending time working for cutting horse trainers and starting colts.Andrew also shares the daily routine and process of managing stallions at Valley Equine, including the technology and systems used to keep the stallions safe while providing both mare and stallion owners with the highest level of service, resulting in strong conception rates. Throughout the conversation, Andrew reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his goal to be known as a good horseman who does things the right way.

On this episode of the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Winston Hansma, a National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame trainer. Raised on a ranch in Canada, Hansma made his way to Texas and quickly became one of the sport’s most respected horsemen. His career-defining moment came in 1994 when he won the NCHA Futurity aboard the legendary CD Olena.In this conversation, Hansma reflects on the evolution of the sport from the early 1980s to today—how breeding programs have elevated the quality of horses with every generation, the horsemanship behind training great cutters, and the strategy inside the show pen. From choosing the right help in the herd to understanding the cattle that give you the best chance to win, Hansma shares insights drawn from decades of experience in the cutting horse industry.

One year after making history, Erin Taormino returns to the conversation as the reigning champion of the World's Greatest Horseman.In 2025, Erin became the first woman to win the prestigious title. Now, she’s back in the arena in 2026, competing once again aboard Hazardous Material, the same horse that carried her to that historic victory.Erin sits down with Brad to talk about her background, how she found her way to the cow horse, and the evolution of her training program. She shares how her husband’s management of their two-year-old program creates a strong foundation, giving her confidence when she takes the reins and develops them toward the show pen.They also dive into her mental preparation, and what it takes to stay mentally sharp while competing on the biggest stage in reined cow horse.

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.

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.

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 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.

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, 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.