The Converse Cowboy

In this episode of The Converse Cowboy, Chad Bushaw takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in rural Oregon to becoming a top wealth manager and a dominant force in the cutting horse world. He shares how a childhood field trip to Oxbow Ranch sparked his passion for horses and set him on a path that intertwined business and the equine industry. Chad opens up about the mindset of the ultra-wealthy, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how he leveraged his love for cutting horses to build valuable relationships in the...

In this episode of The Converse Cowboy, I sit down with country artist Ned LeDoux for an in-depth conversation about his career, the profound influence of his father, the legendary Chris LeDoux, and how that legacy continues to shape his life and music. Ned shares stories of growing up in a rodeo and music-filled world, the lessons he's carried forward, and the creative process behind his newest album, "Safe Haven". Tune in to this epsiode for a candid and insightful discussion about music, family, and the journey of a true cowboy artist. Enjoy the show! This episode...

Gratitude is the best fallback plan!!  This exclusive bonus episode (subscribe to listen)—just over five minutes long—is packed full of in the moment insights designed to shift your perspective, spark inspiration, and infuse your day with Gratitude. Whether you need a mindset reset or just a moment to reflect, this short but powerful episode will leave you feeling uplifted and more present. Enjoy the show!! Support The Converse Cowboy and head over to https://www.conversecowboy.com/shop for the latest Converse Cowboy swag! Stay Grateful!!

In 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 an...

Tim O'Keefe is a professional photographer with many interests, including guitar, performance horses, motorcycles, owner and founder of the magazine, 'The Few'.       IG: @tim.okeefe This episode is brought to you by Kimes Ranch, (kimesranch.com) and Kerry Kelley Bits & Spurs, (kerrykelleyspurs.com) Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Jesse Lennox is a Hall of Fame cutting horse trainer with over $3 Million in Lifetime earnings. He's also one of the most positive horse trainers in the game today with a passion for winning. Enjoy the show! IG: @jl.performancehorses This episode is sponsored by: Kimes Ranch: https://kimesranch.com Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs: https://kerrykelleyspurs.com Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy conversecowboy.com

Truly a pleasure to have singer songwriter, Kenny Feidler on the show.  Kenny Feidler's sound is dark, gritty, western rock n roll filled with thoughtful, honest songwriting. Feidler's path to the stage started on the rodeo circuit, writing songs about the life and selling his music from the trunk of an old Cadillac. Now he racks up the miles with his band, traveling from his home on the plains of Western South Dakota, to fill up bars and dance halls across America's Heartland.  In 2024 Feidler has already shared the stage with Colter Wall, Josh Meloy, an...

What does colt starting have to do with the conscious and unconscious..? Tune in to find out.  Stay Grateful!! The Converse Cowboy

First ever, "Converse Cowboy Interlude". A brief bio about The Converse Cowboy, and where my mind is today. This short 12 minute episode was uncomfortable for me and at the same time fun to record.  Let me know your thoughts and/or questions for the next episode. IG: @theconversecowboy or feel free to email me at mike@conversecowboy.com Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Truly a pleasure to have 10x NFR Team Roper, Charly Crawford join me on this episode. I walked out of the studio after this interview feeling inspired and motivated.  We discuss Charly's career as a team roper in the arena and his life outside of the arena. The mindset of an elite rodeo athlete to have sustainable success requires discipline and consistency. Charly shares his lessons learned and earned secrets that can only be attained through dedication and a focused intent.  Be sure to check out his most recent endeavor, Liberty & Loyalty Foundation (formerly American Mil...

Truly a pleasure to visit with Texas singer-songwriter, Mike Harmeier. We discuss the band's recent decision to make a name change from "Mike and the Moonpies" to "Silverada". Mike shares his songwriting process in detail. One of the main takeaways from this interview is to unapologetically be you, something Mike Harmeier is known for throughout the industry. Be sure to check out the bonus content (for Subscribers only) at the end. Enjoy the show!! "Dream beyond your means".  The Converse Cowboy

Texas singer-songwriter, Hayes Carll joins me at the Kimes Ranch Studio in the Ft Worth Stockyards for this episode. We discuss his humble beginnings, his writing process and influences that had an impact on his style of writing along the way. Hayes shares stories about co-writing a song with the legendary, Guy Clark and lessons he learned from that experience.  Whether you're already a Hayes Carll fan or just a fan of great singer-songwriters, you'll want to hear insights from one of the best in the business today. I'm Grateful for this pure and meaningful c...

"Dale Brisby", a pioneer in the western industry, leading the way in the field of content creation. Also the self proclaimed, greatest bull rider of all time. Dale pulls the curtain back during this interview and shares insights into how the "Dale Brisby/Rodeo Time" brand was built over the past eleven years.  Dale Brisby is the real deal and undoubtedly one of the most humble humans I have ever met, contrary to what you might see on his social media content. He has built a platform that the entire family can enjoy; shining a positive light o...

Warning! This episode contains extremely foul language! The 1st Amendment protects the freedom of speech here in the United States of America and Clinton Anderson fully exercises that right throughout this episode. Clinton simply says out loud what most people are thinking and although he wraps those verbal thoughts in a blanket of curse words, there is a sense of authenticity that comes with them that you can't help but respect.  He pulls the curtain back on the Downunder Horsemanship Empire. Three and a half hours of unfiltered and raw conversation. We talk b...

Jim Kiser is the mastermind behind the legendary Kiser arena drags that you'll see today at most every big performance horse event. Tune in to this episode to hear how an idea for a piece of equipment to groom the footing for horse events in the late 80' turned into a business that has revolutionized the performance horse industry that we know today.  Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy

Melanie Smith is the owner and founder of Solo Select Horses, the full-service operation at the forefront of the performance horse industry with a focus on disciplines ranging from cutting to roping to racing. More than 15 years ago, Melanie started on a path that would eventually lead her to incredible success in the performance horse industry. Over the years, she has sold thousands of horses all over the world, creating great connections with buyers and sellers alike. The slogan for Solo Select Horses is "The VERY Best", and Melanie stands firmly behind those words. She is well...

Austin Shepard, NCHA Hall of Fame Rider, two time NCHA Futurity winner, and NCHA Open World Champion with over $10 Million in LTE. Austin has trained some of the most elite cutting horses in the industry today, including: Highbrow CD, Bet Hesa Cat, Bamacat, Bama Jelly, Dual Reyish, Wood She B Magic, Kittenish, Kinky Bootz, Fancy Deville, Countess Catrina and dozens more.   Topics we discuss: •Buster Welch •The evolution of the performance horse •Pregame rituals and mindfulness practice •Show shirts •The American Performance Horseman •Lessons learned the hard way •Top horses in the industry...

Mark Michels, owner and founder of 'Performance Horse Central' visits me on the show at the Teton Ridge booth during the '2023 Metallic Cat NCHA Futurity'.  'Performance Horse Central' has revolutionized how spectators and competitors stay in tune with the performance horse industry today.   Mark is the mastermind behind PHC and the primary reason that it has become a staple for the performance horse industry.   Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

Cade Shepard sets the tone for the 2023 NCHA Futurity, marking a 225 in the 1st go.  He visits the show at the Teton Ridge booth to discuss his run.  We talk about what makes this horse special and his strategy for events like the Futurity.  Enjoy the show! The Converse Cowboy

Luca Fappani, professional Reining Horse Trainer, $625K LTE, has a bright future ahead of him.  With some of the best to ever play the game in his corner, we discuss the role that his father and NRHA legend, Andrea Fappani, ($8 Million LTE) has played in shaping his mindset in the show pen.  We discuss what shows like 'The Run For A Million' and Teton Ridge's 'American Performance Horse' are doing for the performance horse industry.  Enjoy the show!! The Converse Cowboy