The Converse Cowboy

Professional tie down roper, Shane Hanchey – 16x NFR Qualifier & World Champion. This Louisiana cowboy will be heading back to Las Vegas in December to compete at the National Finals Rodeo for the 16th consecutive time since 2010. Join host Mike Roberts as he sits down with tie-down roping legend Shane Hanchey, 2013 world champion, and American Rodeo winner. From ditching his baseball bag at 16 for a once-in-a-lifetime horse named Riata—who carried him from youth rodeos to six NFRs and a gold buckle. Hanchey breaks down the mental game—"Adversity breaks some men; it makes others break records"—daily routines, live cattle runs), horse selection nuances. Plus, his entrepreneurial side: producing futurities, owning and operating a food truck, and lessons from launching The Cowboy Journal media platform. Discover why "winners win," the power of short-term memory for losses, and Hanchey's billboard mantra: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." Raw, inspiring, and packed with actionable wisdom for chasing flow in any pursuit. Hanchey reveals the grit behind his unbreakable streak. Enjoy the show! This episode is brought to you by, Kimes Ranch, Kerry Kelly Bits & Spurs, Blue Bonnet Feeds.

NCHA Hall of Famer and co-host Jesse Lennox, aka "The Louis Vuitton Vaquero" is back on the show with cutting horse legend Kenny Platt. With over $4 million in lifetime earnings and an NCHA Futurity win under his belt, Kenny shares the highs and lows of his career, from his mental toughness in the show pen to the life-changing advice that shaped his journey. Dive into raw, unfiltered stories of overcoming setbacks, the art of training great horses, and the importance of gratitude in sustaining success. Kenny reflects on his breakthrough moments, the horses that defined his career, and his vision for the future of cutting as a spectator sport. Recorded at Kimes Ranch in Fort Worth during the Summer Spectacular, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart for horse enthusiasts and anyone chasing their passion. Sponsored by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelly Bits and Spurs. 00:00 The Best Career Advice 03:58 Consistency in Winning 09:58 The Importance of Family and Roots 15:48 Business and Financial Management 20:02 Gratitude in Winning 26:11 Preparing for Competition 29:09 Mindset on Show Day 30:26 Navigating Challenges in Cutting Competitions 33:02 Understanding Cow Selection and Strategy 34:59 The Art of Coaching and Developing Feel 37:09 Learning Through Experience and Practice 39:52 Breakthrough Moments in Training and Showing 46:07 The Journey to Becoming a Professional Trainer 50:14 Finding Confidence in Cutting Competitions 58:06 Reflections on Winning and Expectations 01:03:32 The Importance of Showing and Timing 01:05:05 Advice: The Good and the Bad 01:06:48 Lessons from Failure and Success 01:08:43 First Fraternity Experience and Its Impact 01:14:38 Favorite Failures and Learning from Mistakes 01:16:31 What Separates Great Horses from Good Ones 01:19:05 The Nature of Horses: Personality and Drive 01:20:00 Preparing for The American Performance Horseman 01:25:40 Goals for the Derby and Competitive Mindset 01:27:34 Future of the NCHA and Potential Improvements 01:28:23 Opportunities for Young Trainers 01:29:20 Enhancing Event Prestige 01:30:46 Making Cutting More Spectator-Friendly 01:31:54 The Role of Jay and Industry Improvements 01:33:32 The Future of Cutting Competitions 01:35:16 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 01:46:09 Gratitude and Perspective on Life

Five-time world champion steer wrestler Luke Branquinho! Ever wondered what drives a rodeo legend to risk it all to be their best? Luke reveals the raw nerves and adrenaline rush of competing at the 2025 American Rodeo after a three-year hiatus, proving he's still got it. From his iconic "shake" that lit up arenas to hilarious behind-the-scenes carpool karaoke with rodeo stars, Luke's stories will hook you. Discover how he battled injuries, balanced family sacrifices, and found purpose after retiring from the arena. His candid take on mental toughness will inspire you to chase your own dreams. Plus, hear about his new ventures, from podcasting to custom boots, and why he's riding the wave of rodeo's booming popularity. Tune in for unfiltered wisdom, laugh-out-loud moments, and a glimpse into the heart of a cowboy who lives to love what he does. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of rodeo's elite. Enjoy the show! This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs. 00:00 The Journey Begins: A Rodeo Dream 11:01 Finding Your Path: The Pursuit of Passion 21:49 The Pressure of Competition: Mental Strategies for Success 33:05 Life After Rodeo: Transitioning to New Adventures 39:32 The Origin of the Shake 40:35 Rodeo's Growing Popularity 42:39 The Future of Rodeo and Music Collaborations 43:44 The Nashville Rodeo Experience 46:51 Lessons from Early Career Failures 49:29 Advice to My Younger Self 50:10 Understanding Steer Wrestling Techniques 52:54 The Importance of Horsemanship 53:35 Raising the Next Generation of Rodeo Athletes 55:44 Insights from Podcasting 58:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Reflections

Recorded at Kimes Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards, this episode features Gerry Gesell, a ranch manager, leather craftsman, polo player, cow horse competitor, podcast host, and actor. Gerry's brand, "Many Irons", born from the mantra "many irons in the fire," connects cowboys, surfers, and firefighters through shared stories and wearable art. Gerry discusses transitioning from high-speed polo pony training to cow horse showing, reflecting on humbling lessons from recent competitions. He delves into his creative process behind "Laundromat Texas", a short film premiering July 27, 2025, at Dallas's Texas Theater, capturing Far West Texas's misfit spirit. From racing a train on a three-year-old colt for a Tecovas commercial to crafting artistic chaps for Teskey's, Gerry's passion for creation shines. He shares the vulnerability of writing on Instagram, the authenticity of his podcast "There's Always Something to Chase", and the horseman's paradox—asking horses to risk all while keeping us safe. With humor, heart, and rapid-fire revelations—like his love for Rancho Deluxe, fear of heights, and a gum-in-hair middle-school kiss fail—this episode celebrates chasing dreams and embracing failure. Enjoy the show! This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch and Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs.

Drew Knowles, a modern-day steward of the historic XIT Ranch, a 3-million-acre legacy tied to the construction of Texas' State Capitol. Drew shares the ranch's storied past, from its 1885 founding to its revival under his and his wife Abby's leadership. With a philosophy degree shaping his critical thinking, Drew discusses the art of ranching, the importance of mare bands in breeding programs, and the profound responsibility of land and animal stewardship. From acquiring top-tier stud Kit Kat Sugar to navigating the challenges of ranching, Drew's journey reflects a blend of tradition, innovation, and heart. Expect engaging conversations that blend history, personal growth, and Western heritage, all underscored by The Converse Cowboy's mission to uncover the flow of pursuing what you love. Enjoy the show! This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch, (kimesranch.com) and Kerry Kelly Bits and Spurs, (kerrykelleyspurs.com).

On this episode of The Converse Cowboy, dive into the world of Nashville singer - songwriter Joshua Quimby, whose third album, 'Something Like Country', drops June 6th. From folky roots to bold, genre-blending sounds, Joshua shares his creative awakening, battles with vices, and growth through grit. With raw tales of tour life and staying true to himself, this conversation inspires resilience and authenticity. Listen now, wear Stay Grateful, and subscribe for more! conversecowboy.com This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch, kimesranch.com

Rodeo Roads: Capturing the Cowboy Spirit This episode uncovers the creative and conscious journey of professional filmmaker, Meng Lee. In this raw and heartfelt series, Meng—a Western storyteller shaped by rodeo, personal growth, and serendipitous connections—shares his path from pizza maker to capturing cowboy culture. Meng's infectious positivity and gratitude shine through. Expect deep dives into personal growth, mentors, his love for teaching, and quirky passions like training Birmingham Roller pigeons. AI's impact on videography, and living in the moment, this podcast blends Western grit with mindful awareness—offering listeners a front-row seat to a life lived authentically. Enjoy the show! 00:00 Introduction and Connection 02:54 Creative Collaboration and Energy 06:05 The Importance of Rituals in Creativity 09:06 Mentorship and Personal Development 12:00 The Journey into Rodeo Filmmaking 15:11 The Influence of Personal Development Literature 18:10 Awareness and Inner Work 20:57 The Challenge of Maintaining Positivity 24:04 Bringing Out the Best in Others 31:00 The Power of Competition vs. Creation 35:16 Desire and the Journey of Self-Discovery 39:12 The Evolution of MakeLine Productions 43:28 AI's Impact on Videography and Creativity 48:39 Advice for Aspiring Videographers 54:15 The Connection Between Rodeo and Community 01:00:27 The Fascinating World of Pigeon Training 01:03:20 Life as a Pigeon Trainer 01:09:39 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Reflections 01:12:45 Messages and Life Lessons 01:15:27 Future Aspirations and Creative Projects This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch, kimesranch.com

In this episode, 8-time World Champ Speed Williams and his daughter Hali, a breakaway roping phenom, unpack their journey to the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway in Scottsdale, Arizona. Speed's revolutionary roping legacy meets Hali's fearlessness, blending fundamentals, gratitude, and raw grit. From backyard practice to big money, this father-daughter duo shares mindset secrets that win. After 10 rounds at the first ever Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway Event, Hali Williams walked away with $115,000 in winnings. Enjoy the show! 00:00 Introduction to Breakaway Roping and Competitors 03:00 Transitioning from Team Roping to Breakaway Roping 05:59 Secrets to Speed and Consistency in Roping 09:07 Revolutionizing Team Roping Techniques 11:57 The Role of Visualization and Mental Preparation 15:07 Father-Daughter Dynamics in Roping 17:54 Preparing for Competition: Rituals and Strategies 21:12 Conclusion and Future of Breakaway Roping This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch - kimesranch.com