In this episode, Brad sits down with breakaway roper Kinlie Brennise, a 2025 NFBR qualifier, business owner, and fourth-generation Colorado rancher. Kinlie shares her journey to reaching the NFBR, the mindset and goal-setting habits that helped her get there, and how she balances life between the rodeo road and running her spa, Luxury Aesthetics, in Stephenville, Texas. She also talks about her passion for training young breakaway horses and offers advice for up-and-coming athletes chasing their own rodeo dreams. To wrap up, Kinlie discusses her mom’s innovative new app, TAC, The App for Cowboys, and how technology is helping connect the western industry in a new way.
In this episode of Grit Branded Brad talks with Garrison Panzer. Garrison talks about his path to becoming a Rodeo Announcer, Music Director and Rodeo producer, the craft and preparation that go into each of his roles, a bit of advice to young professionals regardless of their career goals. At just 27, Garrison has already built a name across the rodeo world as one of the sport’s most versatile talents. Originally from Lakin, Kansas and now based in Brock, Texas, Garrison grew up in the arena, following his dad and granddad, both respected rodeo judges, since the day he was born. What started as a childhood passion turned into a professional calling in 2015, leading him to roles as a rodeo announcer, music director, and production manager at some of the sport’s top events, including the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo, National Jr High Finals Rodeo, and Cinch Playoffs: The Governor’s Cup.
Originally from Ashland, Kansas, Garth Gardiner has spent decades building a legacy in the reined cow horse world. Alongside his wife, Amanda, the Gardiners have bred NRCHA progeny earning over $2.8 million and were recently inducted into the NRCHA Million Dollar Breeder Club. In this episode, Garth shares insights from a lifetime spent breeding, showing, and now judging some of the sport’s top horses. He also reflects on his family’s journey, from raising future champions to watching his children carve their own paths.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with Brock Malson of Oswood Stallion Station, one of the premier stallion stations in the western performance horse industry. Brock shares what goes into selecting the right stallion for a mare, and the three key areas where Oswood strives to be the best, stallion management, mare management, and foaling. He also opens up about his own journey from riding reining horses to managing some of the industry’s top stallions, and offers practical advice for young professionals carving their path in the western world.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Elise Southerland’s path has been guided by storytelling, hard work, and the western way of life. From her start as the Bullfighters Only Sideline Reporter in college to her current role as On-Air Host of Western Sports Roundup on The Cowboy Channel, Elise’s career has come full circle.
In this episode, she shares how building connections and saying “yes” to every opportunity helped shape her journey—from working in college athletics and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame to finding her dream role in western media. Elise also reflects on the family members who inspired her and offers heartfelt advice to young adults on pursuing growth and building their careers.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with Devin Marcum, President of Resistol, to talk about what it takes to lead one of the most iconic brands in the western world. Devin shares how his upbringing on a feed yard shaped his work ethic, his responsibility to care for Resistol employees like family, and his advice for young adults building their careers. He also gives an inside look at creating product collections with George Strait, Lainey Wilson, and Cody Johnson, plus a sneak peek at the new gold hat patch debuting at the NFR—honoring Resistol endorsees who’ve earned world titles.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor visits with Logan Lynch — a Louisiana native turned Texan whose passion for horses and communication has led her to a career with the National Cutting Horse Association.
Now serving as NCHA’s Communications Manager, Logan shares her path to this role and how her experiences along the way equipped her to succeed. Her passion for her career and love for performance horses is evident throughout the conversation as she dives into how her role allows her to give back to the trainers and athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport, and the western industry.
From her personal journey to her professional purpose, Logan offers listeners an inspiring look at the western industry and the people who keep it moving forward.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor talks with Mary Jane Carpenter, a marketing leader with more than 30 years of experience shaping western and outdoor brands. From Mossy Oak and BowTech to Stetson, Resistol, and Charlie1Horse, Mary Jane has left her mark through innovative brand building, sponsorships, and event strategy.
A lifelong horsewoman and founder of Ride West Marketing, she continues to lead Resistol’s marketing while championing the western lifestyle. Brad and Mary Jane dive into her work with Resistol, the growth of the Resistol Rookie Roundup, and what’s ahead for the PRCA as it approaches its 40th anniversary.
With more than 30 years of experience in the westernperformance horse industry, Patty Tiberg has dedicated her career to celebrating the horses, the people, and the culture that make it so special. She currently serves as the Director of Incentive & Sponsorships for the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), where she plays a pivotal role in developing programs and partnerships that fuel the growth of both the sport and the community that supports it.
Patty’s career includes influential leadership roles with Cowboy Publishing Group and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), where she oversaw partnerships, marketing, and communications to elevate the industry’sreach and visibility. At NRCHA, she has been instrumental in shaping the Stallion Stakes program, guiding it through a successful first year and building momentum for its future.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Patty is deeplycommitted to family, crediting their support as the fire that fuels her passion every day. She is devoted to honoring tradition while creating opportunities for growth, ensuring the western performance horse industry continues to thrive and leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
This week’s episode features Jake Bloomer, who is preparing to step into a leadership role at his family’s iconic company, Bloomer Trailers. Known for setting the standard in quality and innovation, Bloomer Trailers has become a household name in the western industry.
Jake shares his journey of growing up around the business, the lessons he’s learned from his family, and the values that drive his work ethic. From honoring tradition to looking toward the future, Jake talks about what it means to carry on the legacy while also making his own mark.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to balance family, passion, and business in a way that leaves a lasting impact, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
This week’s episode Lauren LaFleur talks with Dustin Rogers, a performance horse trainer based in Poolville, Texas. Dustin focuses on training rope horses and reined cow horses. Dustin shares knowledge and experiences from working for two industry legends—Todd Crawford and JD Yates. He shares how the foundation he gained under Todd’s program allows him to create rope horses that are more broke, and ultimately easier to rope on. Beyond training methods, Dustin dives into the values that guide his career—work ethic, building lasting relationships, and what it truly takes to succeed in the horse training business.
This week on Grit Branded, Lauren Lafleur sits down with Ryan Motes — a 5-time NFR heeler, American Rodeo and BFI Champion, and respected rope horse trainer. No stranger to the winner’s circle, Ryan has experienced every angle of the sport, from hauling down the rodeo trail to building a business training futurity horses and coaching the next generation.
In this conversation, Ryan shares his passion for giving back through roping schools and youth involvement, the lessons learned from a lifetime in rodeo, and valuable advice for young adults starting their careers. Whether you’re an aspiring roper, a young professional chasing big dreams, or simply a fan of the western lifestyle, this episode offers both inspiration and perspective.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Lauren LaFleur, Marketing Director of Rafter P Construction, sits down with videographer and storyteller JD Tollefson. Though he never competed in rodeo himself, JD grew up surrounded by it through his family and friends, a lifelong connection that drives his passion for capturing authentic western stories on film.
Since picking up a camera in 2022, he’s made his mark producing short films and social media content for the PBR’s Carolina Cowboys, and recently expanded into the hunting world, filming an entire season of 8 Second Outdoors alongside world champion bull rider Cooper Davis. Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, JD now calls Brock, Texas home, where he runs his own production company, 8 Second Takes.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Lauren LaFleur, Marketing Director at Rafter P Construction, sits down with Jessica Wahlert — Marketing Director at Cinch Jeans and Shirts. Jessica grew up on a cow-calf operation in eastern Colorado, and her journey from ranch life to leading a major western brand is a testament to grit, relationships, and seizing opportunity. She shares insights on staying grounded, the importance of youth programs in the western industry, and offers practical advice for young professionals forging their own path.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with master craftsman and Western industry staple, Kerry Kelley. From launching Kerry Kelley Bits & Spurs in 1995 to building a full-time team and acquiring an East Texas foundry, Kerry shares how he’s built a legacy rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and family values. They dive into the evolution of his business, his deep love for the craft, and how he’s grown the operation without ever compromising on quality.
A proud Weatherford native, Kerry reflects on the vital role his entire family plays in the business—from his wife to his kids—and how staying true to the Western way of life keeps him grounded. Whether he's in the shop or team roping on the ranch, his passion for the cowboy lifestyle shines through in everything he does.
Tune in to hear how one man’s dedication to tradition, family, and community shaped a brand that continues to leave its mark on the Western world—and beyond.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad sits down with Gary Pierce, Co-Founder of Pure Funding Mortgage—a thriving mortgage company based in Weatherford, Texas, now in its third year and licensed in five states. A veteran of the consumer finance industry, Gary brings over 20 years of experience to the table, helping clients navigate the often-complicated path to homeownership.
Originally from a suburb of Detroit, Gary made his way south to the University of South Carolina–Aiken, where he earned his degree and led on the baseball field. Today, he and his wife Kelly—who runs her own ag-focused marketing business—call Parker County home.
Brad and Gary dive into the current interest rate environment and Gary’s projections for what’s ahead. They share practical insights on financing barndominiums and farm and ranch properties, and take a closer look at the explosive growth of Weatherford, the evolution of Parker County, and how the western industry is fueling growth across North Texas.
In this episode of Grit Branded, host Brad Pryor sits down with Casey Tew of Casey Tew Leather Shop. Originally from Belgrade, Montana, Casey shares the story of how he discovered leatherwork in high school and turned it into a full-time business during college.
Brad and Casey dive into the craftsmanship behind saddle making, the history of flower stamping, and how Casey found the signature style he's known for today. They also touch on his rodeo roots, his passion for team roping, and the challenge of balancing business with competition in the arena.
From artistry to grit, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a life doing what you love.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with rope horse trainer and NFR qualifier Tate Kirchenschlager.
Fresh off a win at the Old West Futurity in Utah, Tate reflects on his journey through the PRCA, his experience roping at the NFR, and the grit it takes to compete at the highest level. He also opens up about his transition to training futurity horses and offers valuable insight into the evolving rope horse industry and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with a man who truly embodies the grit and grind of the Western lifestyle—Christopher "Click" Thompson. From ranch roots to rodeo arenas and now to the heart of Western media and storytelling, Click shares the journey that shaped his path, the lessons he's learned in the saddle and behind the lens, and what it means to stay authentic in a world that's constantly changing.
Brad and Click talk shop on building legacy—whether it’s in construction, content, or character. With raw honesty and a few laughs, they dive into the mindset it takes to turn passion into purpose, and why staying rooted in your values will always be the strongest foundation.
Whether you're in the trades, the Western industry, or just chasing your own version of grit—this episode is for you.
In this episode of Grit Branded, Brad Pryor sits down with a man who truly embodies the grit and grind of the Western lifestyle—Christopher "Click" Thompson. From ranch roots to rodeo arenas and now to the heart of Western media and storytelling, Click shares the journey that shaped his path, the lessons he's learned in the saddle and behind the lens, and what it means to stay authentic in a world that's constantly changing.
Brad and Click talk shop on building legacy—whether it’s in construction, content, or character. With raw honesty and a few laughs, they dive into the mindset it takes to turn passion into purpose, and why staying rooted in your values will always be the strongest foundation.
Whether you're in the trades, the Western industry, or just chasing your own version of grit—this episode is for you.