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That Western Life Podcast

The That Western Life podcast is hosted by Katie Schrock, Rachel Owens-Sarno, Katie Surritt, and Joe Harper! Join us weekly for great conversations about rodeo and the western lifestyle.

Posts in National Finals Rodeo
Ep. 124 - Season 6: A 2023 Recap & A 2024 Preview

Season 6 is gearing up for the Top 5 Rodeo Sports Podcast That Western Life with co-hosts Katie Schrock, Rachel Owens-Sarno, Katie Surritt, and Joe Harper. Join us as we recap the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo & Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Annual Convention and dive into our predictions for 2024 with a preview of the 2024 podcasting season.

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Advocacy, National Finals Rodeo, Media, Rodeo, Western History, Western LifestyleKatie SchrockThomas & MackPRCA, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, PRCA Convention, State of the PRCA, Tom Glause, Rachel Owens-Sarno, Katie Surritt, Katie Schrock, Statisics, membership, rookies, permits, nfr, National Finals Rodeo, team roping, The Cowboy Channel, Ransomware, Cybersecurity, Secretary, Cowboy Christmas, ProCom, Sponsorship, Steve Rempelos, Matt Cohen, Wrangler, Justin Boots, Resistol, Ram Rodeo, RAM Truck, Coors, Sports Business Journal, Sports Illustrated, Jeff Medders, Jordan Weaver, Flatbed Podcast, Bosque Ranch Productions, Taylor Sheridan, PRCA Media Awards, Media, Karlee Peterson, 100 Rodeos in 100 Days, Carrie Ann Statler, Reno Rodeo, Animal Welfare, LA County, Cow Palace, San Francisco, Tie Down Roping, Cindy Schonholtz, NFR Shooting, NFR Slack, UNLV, NFR Moments, Ky Hamilton, Bull Riding, Josh Frost, Stetson Wright, Rodeo Romeo, Steer Roping, Cole Patterson, Kansas, Breakaway Roping, Shelby Boisjoli, Shelby Bosilji-Meged, Shelby Meged, All Around Cowboy, Stetson Wight, Barbeack Riding, Bareback, Keenan Hayes, Saddle Bronc, Zeke Turston, Zeke Thurston, Australia, Australian Rodeo Romeo, Steer Wrestling, Tyler Waguespack, Tyler Wad, Wesley Thorp, Riley Webb, Barrel Racing, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Thomas & Mack, Arena Size, Arena Record, Fan Experience, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, Rodeo Vegas, Roper Country Christmas, Amazon, Resorts World, Teton Ridge, Formula 1 Race, Rocker STeiner, Rocker Steiner, Breakaway Roping Journal, Rodeo History, Western News, Western HistoryComment
Ep. 122 - Rookie Saddle Bronc Rider Q Taylor

Rookie Saddle Bronc Rider Q Taylor is on the hunt for his first National Finals Rodeo - no small feat for a first year professional rodeo cowboy! The 21 year-old Casper, Wyoming, native had a stellar permit year in 2022, and is one of the great young guns that the That Western Life podcast team is following through the 2023 season. 

Currently sitting #2 in the Resistol Rookie Standings, Q dives into his upbringing, his rodeo strategy, and his hobbies/interests out side of the rodeo arena. 

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Ep. 121 - Wrangler Western's Vice President & General Manager Allen Montgomery

To sit down with the iconic brand of Wrangler has been on our podcast bucket list for quite some time and we were fortunate enough to have the Vice President and General Manager of Wrangler Western Wear on the podcast for a unique insight into rodeo’s largest apparel brand. Not only do we discuss the history of Wrangler, who they build their products after, but also their upcoming tends with Yellowstone and Coconut Cowboys. Additionally, we talk to them about the marketing behind the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and what that week is like for them as a team to prepare for the biggest stage in the western world.

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Ep. 118 - Breeding Barn Conversations with Rachel Pozzi

While this title may allude to all things breeding barns on our current trend of breeding season and derby/futurity horse preparation, this episode is so much more than this. Co-Host Katie Schrock first met Rachel Pozzi through online Facebook Group resources regarding sprint horses, Appaloosa's, and rodeo horses.

Rachel jumps on the show with Katie and TWL co-host Rachel Owens-Sarno to chat all things breeding, how to manage it, tips for the industry, how to price your foals, and Rachel (Pozzi's) thoughts on improving the horse industry as a whole. 

As Rachel Pozzi says, "Your kids are fine, but your egos might not be!" 

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Ep. 115 - Barrel Statistics Like You've Never Seen Them with Amber Case

If you know us, you know that we are obsessed with anything related to stats with rodeo and, thanks to the Facebook algorithm, we found a like-minded individual in Amber Case during the 2022 National Finals Rodeo. We dive into the statistics of racehorses barrel racing as a second career, the best stock in the barrel pens today, and some of the work it takes to be a producer.

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Ep. 113 - NFR 2022 Recap & Conclusion of Season 4

It’s been a wild 2022 and we are so grateful for everyone that has joined our show as a guest, field reporter or an avid listener! Thank you to all of you and we look forward to an exciting 2023! We break down the 2022 NFR, the year end results, and some of our thoughts on predictions for rodeo and world title winners for 2023!

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Ep. 111 - NFR 2022 Recaps: Round 2

Joe Harper & Katie Schrock break down the first two rounds of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and place their Round 3 predictions. When it comes to rodeo, Stetson Jorgensen is doing exactly what he said he would do: be consistent. Caleb Smidt is putting on a CLINIC despite the fact he only practiced once before the NFR. Additionally, Joe breaks down the bronc matchups we will see in Round 3.

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Ep. 110 - NFR Saddle Bronc Rider Kade Bruno of Idaho

We don’t talk about Bruno? You might not, but we definitely do here on the That Western Life podcast when it comes to first time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Kade Bruno. Raised by a bull riding father, Kade switched to the sport of saddle bronc and it has paid off well for him. After an explosive 2022 season, Kade takes the time to talk with us on the show with his travel partner and TWL co-host, Joe Harper, about strategy, mentality and future plans.

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Ep. 109 - NFR Steer Wrestler Stetson Jorgensen of Idaho

Heading towards his fourth consecutive National Finals Rodeo sitting number one in the world, Idaho’s own Stetson Jorgensen didn’t always steer wrestle. In fact, he beat out fellow NFR bull riding qualifier Garrett Smith for the Idaho High School Rodeo bull riding title when they were first getting their careers started. Mounted on the #3 Nutrena Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year Mable, we dive deep into Mable’s history, what makes steer wrestling horses, and NFR strategy for Stetson.

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Ep. 108 - Understanding How A Contestant Qualifies for the National Finals Rodeo

When it comes to making the National Finals Rodeo in December in Las Vegas, Nevada, there is a lot more strategy that goes into play than most people would ever realize - even those that may consider themselves high level rodeo fans. Diving deep into the impacts of rodeo counts, rodeo rule changes, rodeo administration and more, saddle bronc rider Joe Harper and steer wrestler Cody Cabral share with us what it takes strategy wise to get down the road on the hunt for a gold buckle.

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Ep. 107 - The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund with Special Guest Author Shanna Hatfield

The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund will always hold a special place in our hearts for its impact on the professionalism of pro rodeo, as well as the work Justin Boots does to take care of our contestants and athletes not only in the arena, but outside of the arena walls as well. We dive into the history of the JCCF, the brand that is Justin Boots, and the founding people of the Justin Sports Medicine Team. Additionally, we chat with Cowboy Romance Author Shanna Hatfield regarding her writing career and how a percentage of her book sale proceeds every October 1st through Christmas Eve goes directly to the JCCF.

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Ep. 103 - Round 9 Recap, National Finals Rodeo 2021

After 100's of rodeos competed in from October 2020 to September 2021, after horse changes, injuries and unforeseen obstacles have forced flexibility and perseverance, and after nine grueling rounds of the Super Bowl of Rodeo - the National Finals Rodeo Round 10 kicks off TONIGHT.

And it's going to be one to remember. Nearly every event comes down to a coin flip over who could win and, if those top two contestants have a bobble in the average or in the day money, there's another two right behind them - hungry for the chance. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN in Round 10 and it'll prove to create some of the most exciting rodeo drama since couch jockeys wanted to yell at the way people dressed in Las Vegas for the NFR (if you know, you know).

Rachel and Katie jump through the NFR by the Numbers and what the stats are telling us, how your favorite contestant needs to compete and what the fates need to do for them to win.

Jump on over to our Instagram Highlights to vote for who you think will be winning their respective Gold Buckles here --> https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTk2ODc3NzYwMzcwNTEz?utm_medium=copy_link

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Ep. 101 - Round 7 Recap, National Finals Rodeo 2021

Can Stetson Wright win the PRCA World Title in the Bull Riding? How about the steer wrestling? After Round 7, there’s been a big shake up and former world champ Tyler Waguespack is in the projected lead - but there’s a number of great contestants right behind him within striking distance. The barrel racing race continues to heat up thanks to a plethora of downed Round 7 barrels but former and reigning world champ Hailey Kinsel is putting herself back in the driver seat!

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Ep. 99 - Round 6 National Finals Rodeo Recap 2021

Where the rough stock riders really shined in Round 5, our timed event contestants showed up in Round 6! The average race for the National Finals Rodeo in 2021 is starting to even out with out as many changes after each nightly performance but there is still a lot of shake up that can happen. We specifically look at the steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding and bull riding in this episode as we look to see who might just be our 2021 Rodeo World Champions and how a plethora of injuries are impacting rodeo.

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Ep. 97 - Round 4 National Finals Rodeo Recap 2021

Rounds 1 through 4 didn’t disappoint for the National Finals Rodeo and we not only crowned a new Miss Rodeo America after an unprecedented two-year reign of the state titleholders, but the bareback, steer wrestling, and bull riding races are REALLY heating up.

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Ep. 96 - National Finals Rodeo Pre-Show

It’s here! The 2021 National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge and we are excited to dive into all the facts, tips and numbers that you need to know prior to the rodeo kicking off. It should be an exciting ten days of professional rodeo, and you never know how the biggest money in rodeo will change the world title race!

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Ep. 94 - Janzen Tew, Part Tew

Janzen Tew is a self-taught photographer that has grown her marketing and digital marketing agency in the niche world of western fashion over the past half decade. As a result, she was named to the COWGIRL Magazine 30 Under 30’s inaugural class in 2020. But her story doesn’t stop there, she’s continued to be a mover and shaker in the western fashion industry and her company, Denim & Velvet Marketing, has taken over the management of the official shopping guide of the National Finals Rodeo - Western Runway. As a part of that management, they’ll be expanding to media outlets in 2022, showcasing western fashion on top news outlets at rodeos all around the country.

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Ep. 88 - Julia Ayres of Twisted X

Growing up in a military family, Julia Ayres moved every two years until she was seventeen years old. Despite all the new locations, there was something that she was passionate about from a young age - horses. Whether it was eight year old Julia demanding her dad follow a horse trailer to find where the horses were or asking to ride the trail ride horses, Julia was dedicated to learning all that she could. Her hard work paid off and she completed her degree in equine sciences at Colorado State University with an emphasis in event production. Today, she works for Twisted X in marketing and sponsorships, and continues to share her passion for horses and the western lifestyle as a COWGIRL Magazine 30 Under 30 recipient.

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Ep. 86 - Behind the Brand with Justin Brand's Taylor Morton

Taylor Morton is the marketing manager for Justin Brands, Inc., the parent company behind one of our most talked about pro rodeo sponsors: Justin Boots. Justin Boots and the subsequent heritage brands that include, but aren’t limited too, Nocona Boots and Reba by Justin, are a huge component in the western industries, sponsoring many women and men in professional rodeo, country singers, and even mainstream professional athletes. From the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, to the National Finals Rodeo, we chat all things Justin, prorodeo and marketing with COWGIRL Magazine 30 Under 30 2021 recipient, Taylor Morton!

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Ep. 85 - 2016 College Goat Tying Champion Turned Rodeo Coach, Shelby Winchell

Shelby Winchell is one of the more unique guests to come on the podcast as a combination of competitor, rodeo coach and educator. If you’re ready to dive deep into the analytics of college rodeo both as a competitor and as a coach, this episode will open your eyes to the opportunities that high school and college rodeo can provide youth competitors today.

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