The Converse Cowboy
Clinton Anderson built an empire training horses — but in this clip, he reveals the real skill that made him rich: managing people, not animals. Nine years of therapy later, he's finally saying out loud what he was really thinking for two decades while smiling at customers and biting his tongue. In this episode, Clinton opens up about: 🔹 The "pool boy" era of his career — and why biting his tongue for 20 years nearly broke him 🔹 Why 80% of his customers are women, and what that taught him about who's actually willing to learn 🔹 The math behind Down Under Horsemanship: $40 from...
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He grew up eating squirrel and rabbit, didn't taste his first steak until he was 22, and was once told that betting his future on horses was the dumbest thing he'd ever do. He went anyway. Today, Michael Cooper is an NCHA Hall of Famer, with more than six and a half million in lifetime earnings, and he's become one of the most respected cutting horse trainers in the industry. But this conversation is about far more than the wins. It's about the mindset, the mentors, and the hard-earned principles that built a champion, a businessman, and a family man who never forgot where he came from. He...
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What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances—but the story you keep telling yourself? In a unique role reversal, The Converse Cowboy steps into the guest seat, interviewed my none other that the Louis Vuitton Vaquero himself, to unpack the ideas behind his new book, "Perspective Is a Verb". What starts as a conversation about writing a book quickly becomes a deeper exploration of mindset, resilience, gratitude, manifestation, and the power of intentional thinking. Mike shares the personal experiences that shaped his philosophy—from navigating divorce and rebuilding...
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The NCHA Super Stakes delivered unforgettable runs, breakout performances, and plenty of chaos inside the cowbox — I am joined by my good pal, 'The Louis Vuitton Vaquero' aka NCHA Hall of Famer, Jesse Lennox to break it all down. From Kenny Platt’s historic dominance in the 5/6 Open to Michael Cooper’s clutch performances under pressure, this episode dives deep into the horses, the strategy, and the personalities shaping the future of cutting. Jesse gives a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens in the cowbox, how elite trainers read cattle, and why the next generation of riders...
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Aaron Watson turned down Nashville at 22 — and spent the next 25 years proving he was right. In this deeply honest conversation, Aaron opens up about building one of country music’s most successful independent careers without compromising his identity, his songwriting, or his family. He shares the real cost of chasing music for a living, surviving two vocal cord surgeries that nearly ended his career, and why becoming a father changed the way he measures success forever. This episode goes far beyond country music. It’s about resilience, reinvention, creative obsession, faith, and...
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In this episode of The Converse Cowboy, NFL veteran Davon Godchaux breaks down the uncomfortable truth behind success, discipline, and identity — after 10 years in a league where most careers barely last three. “You’ve got athletes… and then you’ve got professional athletes.” From LSU to the NFL, Davon shares the small, unglamorous habits that define longevity — the things no one sees, but everyone feels on game day. But this isn’t just about football. It’s about what happens when the dream becomes reality… and still isn’t enough. We talk about:...
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Most people don’t accidentally find their calling. Scott Slusher did. With no formal training, he borrowed a horse, a truck, and a saddle—and stepped into a world that would eventually define his life’s work. In this episode, we go beyond photography into purpose, identity, and the tension between making money and making a life. Scott shares why chasing fulfillment looks nothing like chasing success—and why uncertainty might be the clearest sign you’re on the right path. If you’ve ever questioned where you’re headed, this conversation will stay with you. This episode is brought...
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Evan Felker of ‘Turnpike Troubadours’ has earned his reputation as one of the most respected songwriters in American music, but this conversation reveals what sits beneath the songs. Rather than focusing on highlights or history, this episode explores how great writing is built—through attention, discipline, and a deep respect for ordinary moments. Evan reflects on why the most lasting songs don’t come from chasing significance, but from noticing what others overlook and shaping it with care. Our discussion moves beyond songwriting into the larger work of living well. We discuss...
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Foundations of Greatness – Training Young Horses Roundtable with some of the best in the business. Dive deep into the world of starting cutting horse prospects with three of the industry's most respected horse trainers: Wes Ashlock (Abilene, TX), Richard Jordan (Idaho), Gregg Garvie (Canada). In this candid roundtable recorded live at the NCHA Futurity, Fort Worth, Texas, these unsung heroes of the cutting horse world pull back the curtain on the often-overlooked art of building foundations for future champions. From day-one colt starting and teaching horses to "reach for an answer," to...
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What happens when a breakout college breakaway roper can’t turn pro and has to get a “big girl job”? She accidentally becomes one of the country’s leading equine nutritionists. Dr. Jyme Nichols (Bluebonnet Feeds) pulls back the curtain on her unlikely journey from the Sandhills of Nebraska and Montana State rodeo to earning a PhD and revolutionizing performance horse feeding. In this myth-busting conversation with The Converse Cowboy, she explains why protein percentage is the LAST thing she looks at on a feed tag, how horses can get type-2 diabetes just like humans, why supplements...
info_outlineIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tyler Troop of Performance Equine Associates for a down-to-earth conversation about life as a performance horse veterinarian. Dr. Troop shares his journey—from tackling the challenges of vet school to working with some of the top equine athletes in the industry.
We dive into the realities of equine sports medicine, the latest advancements in keeping horses performing at their peak, and the dedication it takes to care for these incredible athletes. Dr. Troop’s passion for his work is clear, and his practical, no-nonsense approach makes this a must-listen for anyone in the horse world.
Whether you're in the industry or just love a good horse story, this episode is packed with insight, and real-world experience.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Passion for Guitars and Collecting
03:45 Transitioning to Veterinary Medicine
09:41 The Challenges of Vet School
19:05 Overcoming Struggles and Finding Purpose
28:39 Becoming a Veterinarian and Clinic Ownership
30:20 Choosing the Path of Equine Veterinary Medicine
39:05 The Challenges of Diagnosing Non-Verbal Patients
44:35 The High Stakes of Veterinary Medicine
51:00 The Emotional Rewards of Equine Care
57:48 Lessons Learned and Misconceptions in Veterinary Practice
01:02:20 Navigating Bad Advice and Personal Relationships
01:04:14 Evolution of Equine Care: Past vs Present
01:09:22 The Role of Technology in Equine Medicine
01:11:31 Therapies and Supplements: What Works?
01:13:52 The Comparison Game: A Personal Journey
01:15:45 Advice for Aspiring Veterinarians
01:19:28 Finding Your Why in Veterinary Medicine
Enjoy the show!!
This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch: https://kimesranch.com
and Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs: https://kerrykelleyspurs.com