The Converse Cowboy
Acclaimed photographer Beau Simmons at Kimes Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Beau, known for his evocative fine art photography capturing the soul of the American West, shares his journey from fashion photography to documenting the raw, authentic lives of cowboys and cowgirls. Inspired by the mantra "when you're green, you grow; when you're ripe, you rot," Beau discusses his relentless pursuit of growth, both as an artist and a person. From staging nostalgic Americana scenes at historic venues like Gruene Hall to producing a documentary on cutting horse legend Adan Banuelos, Beau...
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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...
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Featuring NCHA Hall of Fame legend Jesse Lennox! Gripping tale of a border crossing gone awry, where a duffel bag stuffed with questionable "Vita bars" and a shaky love story about “Shelby” nearly derail his U.S. return. With sweaty palms and a stern immigration officer breathing down his neck, Jesse’s quick thinking and cowboy charm make for a hilarious, edge-of-your-seat story. Jesse shares his cutting horse expertise, reflecting on high-stakes runs with lightning-fast horses like Boon San Baby and Cinca Im Hot. His hard-earned lesson—“just because you can, doesn’t mean you...
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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...
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President of Priefert Manufacturing; a powerhouse in rodeo and ranching equipment! Eddie spills the beans on transforming a family legacy into a global brand, from crafting iconic blue chutes to dominating the steel industry. With grit, humor, and a fearless approach to failure, Eddie shares wild tales—like building rocket-ship roping chutes that changed the game at the USTRC finals and bucking chutes that stormed the PBR. Discover how a competitor’s taunt sparked a fire, leading to innovations that made Priefert a staple at the NFR. Eddie’s philosophy? Embrace opportunities, learn from...
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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,...
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Erin Taormino, the first woman to win the 2025 World's Greatest Horseman title. Erin shares her journey from a Canadian grain farm to breaking barriers in the cow horse world, overcoming self-doubt and a late start in the sport. She reflects on training her horse, Hazardous Material, for four events despite not being a roper, and the humbling moment of her historic win. Erin’s resilience shines through stories of competing weeks after a broken leg and surviving a cow horn injury, all while balancing motherhood and a demanding career. Mentors like Jackie Crawford and Todd Bergen helped her...
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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,...
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Former bull rider turned sports agent and Vexil brand founder. In this episode, Shawn recounts his 15-year bull riding career, from head-stomping injuries to securing Monster Energy’s sponsorship for professional bull riding through his agency, XD Sports. With humor and honesty, he shares the hustle of navigating corporate deals, the emotional weight of a transformative divorce, and the creation of Vexil, a brand inspired by a Roman soldier’s banner and Joshua 1:9’s call to courage. Shawn’s tales of outsmarting rodeo sponsorship rules and building a purpose-driven brand resonate beyond...
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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
info_outlineCas Haley is a talented singer-songwriter with a soulful voice and a gift for creating music that combines different genres and influences. Born and raised in Texas, Cas was exposed to a wide range of musical styles from a young age, including country, rock, blues, and reggae. He began playing music at an early age and quickly discovered that he had a natural talent for singing and playing guitar.
In 2007, Cas Haley gained national attention on NBC's America's Got Talent, where he wowed audiences with his acoustic reggae cover of The Police's 'Walking On the Moon'. His performance was an instant viral hit and helped him secure a spot as a finalist on the show. Since then, Cas has released seven albums of original music, showcasing his unique blend of Southern soul roots and reggae-inspired rhythms.
Cas has toured extensively throughout the United States, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and creative blend of musical styles, and has played at numerous venues and festivals. His live performances are known for their energy and passion, and he has a devoted fan base that appreciates his authenticity and musical creativity.
With his latest project, "Boots, Rock, Reggae Vol 1," Cas is pushing the boundaries of his musical style even further. He has taken some of America's favorite country and rock songs and arranged them in his signature Southern soul reggae style, creating something entirely new and exciting. The album is a testament to Cas's talent as a musician and his ability to blend different genres and styles in a way that is both fresh and familiar.
Overall, Cas Haley is an artist who is constantly evolving and exploring new musical territory. His music is a reflection of his personal journey and his love for different cultures and styles. Whether he is performing on stage or recording in the studio, Cas always brings his authentic voice and soulful energy to everything he does. Enjoy the show!!
The Converse Cowboy