The Converse Cowboy
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...
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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...
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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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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