Libsyn Directory

260. This Changes Everything for Rodeo Athletes | OPA Testing, Injury Recovery, and the Future of Performance

Release Date: 06/02/2025

Why Rodeo Is Producing Tough Athletes — But Not Prepared Ones

Champion Living with Doug Champion

Why are rodeo athletes tougher than ever — yet breaking down sooner? In this roundtable episode, Doug sits down with the Champion Living coaching staff to unpack the real reasons behind the rodeo athlete development gap. The conversation explores why many athletes work hard but still struggle to stay healthy, consistent, and competitive over long seasons. We talk about the difference between toughness and preparation, why being busy doesn’t equal being ready, and how common development paths like rodeo schools often fail to provide lasting structure or accountability. The coaches also...

The Rodeo Athlete Development Gap (Why Tough Isn’t Enough Anymore)

Champion Living with Doug Champion

In this solo episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion breaks down a problem that’s quietly costing rodeo athletes careers, consistency, and longevity — the rodeo athlete development gap. Rodeo has never lacked tough athletes. What it lacks is structured development that prepares athletes to last. Drawing from his experience as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and years of coaching rodeo athletes at every level — from high school competitors to NFR qualifiers and world champions — Doug explains why toughness alone is no longer enough in modern rodeo....

Wisdom Beyond His Years | Kincade Henry | Calf Roping, Pro Rodeo,and Life

Champion Living with Doug Champion

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Kincade Henry, one of the most thoughtful young athletes in rodeo today. At just 23 years old, Kincade brings a level of perspective, maturity, and self-awareness that’s rare at any age. We talk about competing at a high level early in your career, handling pressure, learning from experience, and why mindset and discipline matter just as much as talent. This conversation goes deeper than results. It’s about growth, decision-making, and building a foundation that allows you to last — not just show up. Whether you’re a...

Chancey Williams & Wade Sankey: What Most People Don’t Understand About Rodeo, Music & the Western World

Champion Living with Doug Champion

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Chancey Williams and Wade Sankey for a conversation that’s equal parts fun, honest, and deeply rooted in western culture. These two grew up together, took different paths — one into music, one into stock contracting — and both went on to leave a real mark on the rodeo world. We talk about where they came from, how growing up together shaped their mindset, and what it takes to build something that lasts in an industry that doesn’t hand anything out. This episode covers the realities behind the scenes — the grind, the...

Jake Lees | NFR Round 6 2025 | Choosing the Right Path in Pro Rodeo

Champion Living with Doug Champion

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Jake Lees to talk about the realities of building a career in professional rodeo — from choosing the right path early on to staying competitive as the level keeps rising. Jake breaks down how today’s athletes don’t all follow the same roadmap anymore. We talk high school rodeo, college rodeo, going straight to the pros, and how intentional decisions early in your career can set you up for long-term success. He also shares what it takes to keep improving year after year, why fundamentals matter more than chasing wins, and...

What It Takes to Last in Pro Rodeo | Caleb Bennett & Sam Peterson

Champion Living with Doug Champion

Live from the National Finals Rodeo, this episode of The Champion Living Podcast features a powerful conversation with Caleb Bennett and Sam Peterson. Two athletes. Two different chapters. One shared pursuit of excellence. Caleb reflects on the lessons that come with years in the sport — leadership, resilience, and perspective. Sam opens up about his rise, the pressure of competing at a high level, and what he’s learning as his career continues to grow. Together, they give listeners an inside look at what it really takes to survive — and thrive — in professional rodeo. This episode is...

The Next Generation & The Man You Become After Rodeo | Jerrod Johnston

Champion Living with Doug Champion

What happens after rodeo—and who do you become when the arena lights turn off? In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion sits down live at the NFR with Jerrod Johnston, former pro rodeo athlete and current lead contact for PRCA Youth Camps, to talk about the evolution of rodeo, developing the next generation of athletes, and the identity shift that every competitor eventually faces. Jerrod shares powerful stories from the road, lessons learned the hard way, and why today’s athletes need a different approach than generations before them. From youth camps and athlete...

Jordan Jo Hollobaugh: Mindset, Pressure & Building a Career Beyond the Arena

Champion Living with Doug Champion

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Jo Hollobaugh — professional breakaway roper, entrepreneur, and one of the most driven athletes in the sport. Jordan Jo opens up about her journey through rodeo, the sacrifices it’s taken to compete at a high level, and what it really means to build a career inside and outside the arena. We talk mindset, discipline, confidence, and how she’s learned to navigate pressure, expectations, and growth as both an athlete and a businesswoman. This conversation goes beyond wins and losses. It’s about identity, longevity,...

Inside the New Hooey Fit App + NFR Week Preview

Champion Living with Doug Champion

Technology threw a curveball this week — but the show goes on. In today’s episode, Doug breaks down what’s coming at this year’s NFR, shares updates on the Champion Living × Hooey Fit App, and walks you through every new feature, track, and program inside the platform. From roughstock and timed-event training to beyond-the-arena fitness, Doug lays out exactly how rodeo athletes can finally train with purpose instead of guessing in the gym. We’re also gearing up for nine straight days of live podcast episodes at the NFR, hosted from the Fenoglio Boot Booth inside Cowboy...

Peptides, NAD & LactiGo for Real-World Recovery (w/ Dr. Willie Villarreal)

Champion Living with Doug Champion

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug sits down with Dr. Willie Villarreal to unpack what’s real and what’s hype around peptides, NAD, hormone therapy, and a breakthrough recovery gel called LactiGo. They dive deep into real-world recovery for rodeo athletes, ranchers, and outdoorsmen — breaking down what actually works to heal faster, move better, and perform longer. You’ll learn: Peptides 101 — BPC-157 & TB-500 explained (when to use, oral vs injection). NAD for energy & longevity — how delivery method impacts results. LactiGo — the patented...

More Episodes

The Champion Living Crew dives deep into the future of rodeo athlete performance.

We’re bringing you inside the upcoming OPA Bull Riding event, where the PBR’s top athlete development team will be testing mobility, strength, and power like never before—giving rodeo athletes hard data on what it takes to compete at the highest level.

We also talk:

· Eccentric vs concentric training (and why eccentric is king)

· Isometrics and how to train strength without weights

· Testing ideas that could shape the future of rodeo prep

· BP-157 peptides and what’s really helping athletes recover fast

· Driving while doing neck isometrics (yep, it’s a thing)

· Why training with data is the new standard for elite rodeo performance

PLUS: You’ll hear the hilarious story of Logan getting wrecked by a bucking machine, and what it means to quiet that inner voice and go again.

This episode is packed with stories, science, and strategies that will help you stay in the game longer and perform when it counts.

Show Notes:

0:00 Intro & The Mustache Energy
2:10 OPA Bull Riding Athlete Testing Preview
9:45 Why Rodeo Training Needs More Data
15:20 Eccentric vs. Concentric Strength
22:30 Spur Board Testing Concepts
30:15 Overcoming Isometrics (and How to Use Them Anywhere)
41:50 BP-157 Peptide for Pain Relief & Recovery
54:15 Whoop Longevity Tracking (Tyler’s Shocking Results)
1:10:05 New Functional Medicine Partnership
1:17:20 The Truth About Rest, Rehab & Real Training

🎯 Join the Movement:
Instagram: @champion.living
Coaching & Programs: https://championlivingfitness.com/pages/athlete-form-sign-up

Learn More:

We’d like to give a huge thanks to our partners! Please show them your support:

Beastmaster Rodeo Gear

Visit: https://beastmasterrodeo.com/?rfsn=7833357.e68191

Discount Code: championliving

HOOEY caps, shirts, jeans and more:

https://getyourhooey.com/?platform=grin&link_id=1393041&token=iAPfHJOC50rnzOonDjd6bbklg33ffAEQ&contact_id=fc9076d1-df17-439e-8fcf-386bacf6aa7d&attribution_window=45

code: CHAMPIONLIVING

Rodeo Now App

Instagram: @rodeonowapp

Apple App Store