Leaders Of The West
Episodes
155. What It Takes to Be a Superior Rep with Sidney Schmidt
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Sidney Schmidt, a Superior Livestock Auction representative, to talk about what it really looks like...
154. Sewn in the USA: The Ida Mae Home Story with Kristin Kiseljack
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kristin Kiseljack, founder of Ida Mae Home, to talk about her journey from corporate retail buyer to...
153. Verification, Value, and the Future of Beef Production, with Leann Saunders
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Leann Saunders, president of Where Food Comes From. We talk about something that impacts every singl...
152. From Self-Taught to Stardom with Shannon "Mud" Lowery
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m sitting down with Shannon “Mud” Lowery, the artist and founder behind Mud Lowery jewelry. We talk about how he built his business...
151. Finding Your God-Given Purpose in Life and Business with Shelby Clement
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m sitting down with Shelby Clement, and I think this conversation will resonate with so many of you. Shelby built a social media agency...
150. How Ranchbot Is Transforming Livestock Water Monitoring with Andrew Coppin
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week I’m sitting down with Andrew Coppin, co-founder and CEO of Ranchbot, to talk about how technology is transforming one of the most fundamen...
149. How to Find a Mentor!
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this final episode of Mentor March, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of bringing on another guest, I’m diving into a topic that ...
148. Mentor March: Lessons in Life and Business with Ashley Alderson
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Mentor March episode, I’m sitting down with someone who has had a massive impact on my life and career, my longtime friend and ment...
147. Mentorship and Leadership in Agriculture with Laurie Lickley
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Leaders of the West, Mentor March continues with Laurie Lickley, a rancher from Jerome, Idaho, a former member of the Idaho State House o...
146. Building Brands That Last with Jillian Murphy
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Leaders of the West, Mentor March continues with Jillian Murphy, a sales strategist and former food and beverage distribution executive w...
145. Why You Need a Board of Directors (Introducing Mentor March)
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I am so excited for this episode and an announcement! This week, we are kicking off something new called Mentor March. Over the next four weeks, I’l...
144. Paving the Way and Choosing Joy with Pam Minick
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Pam Minick, cowgirl, competitor, broadcaster, history-maker, and one of the most respected wo...
143. The Leadership Decisions Behind a $600M Economic Impact Event with Chris Boleman
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I’m so excited for this week’s guest, Chris Boleman, the President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We’re just weeks away from t...
142. Holding On, Too Tightly
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful solo episode, I’m sharing a message that’s been sitting on my heart: how our tightest grips on people, businesses, and outcomes c...
141. Building Experiences That Connect Farmers and Consumers, with Brian Moates of Our Farms
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Brian Moates, Chief Experience Officer at Our Farms, a growing marketplace and movement reshaping how we shop for food and ...
140. Stop Waffling, Start Deciding: Decision-Making with Kacee Bohle
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Kacee Bohle, founder of AgriMinds and one of my favorite people to talk real-life leadership with. Kacee is a certified exe...
139. Girl Talk (with Jena Oschner): Rethinking “Healthy,” Part 2
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back for Part 2 with Jena Oschner, and this one goes deep. In this week’s episode, we talk about detoxing your home, ditching everyday toxin...
138. Girl Talk (with Jena Oschner): Rethinking “Healthy,” Part 1
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I’m so excited to be sitting down again with my good friend Jena Oschner for a raw, relatable conversation about health, healing, and doing better f...
137. Someone Copied You, Now What? With Attorney at Law, Andrea Sager
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Andrea Sager, founder of The Legalpreneur, podcast host, mom of two, and one of the most candid, insightful voices in the s...
136. Lessons from Leading 36,000 Volunteers with Melinda Underhill
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Melinda Underhill, the powerhouse VP of Human Resources at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, aka the largest event of i...
135. Girl Talk: My Decision to Get a Blepharoplasty
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this honest solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a personal decision I wrestled with for months: getting an upper blepharoplasty. If you...
134. When Goals Shift with Shada Brazile
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Shada Brazile, barrel racer, horsewoman, business owner, mom, and someone I deeply admire. From growing up in a rodeo famil...
133. Keeping Rodeo Relevant with Tiah DeGrofft
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Tiah DeGrofft, the first-ever female president of the iconic Pendleton Round-Up. Tiah has lived nearly every chapter of Rou...
132. When Is It Okay to Quit?
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I’m talking about something most of us wrestle with at some point: when is it okay to quit? Whether it’s a book, a job, a go...
131. “Strive to Do Something Nobody Else Is” with Karoline Rose Bohannan
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Karoline Rose Bohannan, founder of KRose Company, Cattleman U, The Rancher’s Daughter, North Fork Fizz, and co-owner of B...
130. Building Loyalty That Lasts with Kelli Leclair
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kelli LeClair, founder of Heritage Style, ranch wife, mom, and the queen of building a loyal community throu...
129. The Scariest Moment of My Life, and What It Taught Me
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I'm sharing a story I've never told publicly before. It's about a terrifying experience that pushed me to the edge, changed how ...
128. Redefining Western Art with Gina Teichert
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to be joined by Western artist Gina Teichert, a Nevada-born, California-based painter whose work blends tradition, fashion, and a little...
127. Capturing the Action: Wyatt Wentz on Storytelling in Western Sports
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by Wyatt Wentz, rodeo videographer, storyteller, and lifelong stock contractor’s son whose passion for Western sports runs d...
126. It Pays to Be Loyal
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I’m talking about something that feels a little old-school these days: loyalty. We live in a world of next-day shipping, barga...
125. Building Bold Community in Agriculture with Kylie Epperson
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm so excited for this week's episode! I'm joined by Kylie Epperson: entrepreneur, speaker, coach, founder of Farmwives Club, and host of the Boldly ...
124. The Next Era of Rodeo with Linsay Rosser Sumpter
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, I'm joined by one of the most respected leaders in Western sports, Linsay Rosser Sumpter, Commissioner of the Women's Rodeo ...
123. Don't Just Talk About It, Be About It
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I'm talking about something I know many of us have experienced: analysis paralysis. You know the feeling: you want to make the r...
122. Winning the Mental Game with Katie Hollingsworth
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m so excited to be joined by Katie Hollingsworth, ICF-certified professional coach, mental performance expert, and founder of Krave Coa...
121. Creating CITY Boots: Blending Luxury, Heritage, and Perseverance with Lizzy Bentley
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week I’m joined by Lizzy Bentley, founder of City Boots and one of the coolest women in the Western fashion industry. From her early days in Am...
120. Doing the Job vs. Owning the Outcome
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I’m telling a story about watering my neighbor’s flowers and how it taught me one of the clearest lessons I’ve had lately ...
119. Part 2: Virtual Fencing in Action: Real-World Results with Dr. Miranda Meehan
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to part two of our two-part series about Vence. This week I’m joined by Dr. Miranda Meehan, Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Sp...
118. Part 1: Virtual Fencing for Ranchers: Inside the Vence System with Grace Inglee
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week I’m joined by Grace Inglee, my Rancher Success Rep from Vence, the virtual fencing company we’ve been using on our own operation since l...
117. How to Build Loyalty One Detail at a Time
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I’m sharing a surprising business lesson that started in a less-than-stellar wash bay and ended in a car wash that felt more l...
116. Hardcore Carnivore: Jess Pryles on Barbecue Innovation, Meat Science, and Her Signature Brand
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to be joined by Jess Pryles, meat expert, live fire cook, author, TV personality, and founder of the iconic Hardcore Carnivore brand. Or...
115. Turning Byproducts Into Heirlooms: The Story of Cate Havstad-Casad
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m joined by Cate Havstad-Casad, hat maker, leather goods founder, regenerative rancher, and all-around creative force. Cate’s story weaves...
114. How to Ask Better Questions, and Give Better Feedback
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this solo episode, I’m diving into something we all run into: how to ask for help or feedback in a way that actually gets you what you need, and ...
113. How Ambrook Is Modernizing Money Management in Agriculture
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I sit down with Mackenzie Burnett, co-founder and CEO of Ambrook, for a conversation that blends tech, ag, leadership, and the courage to j...
112. Ty deCordova on Reinventing Livestock Marketing with Live Ag
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m joined by Ty deCordova, seasoned cattleman, entrepreneur, and COO of Live Ag. Ty brings over 25 years of experience in livestock marketing...
111. Dignity in the Details: How We Show Up Matters
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m sharing a topic that’s been on my heart: why taking pride in our appearance still matters. This isn’t about vanity or having the ...
110. How to Be Passionately Obsessed with Click Thompson
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m joined by the one and only Click Thompson, three-time PRCA Photographer of the Year, creative powerhouse, and someone who’s helping shap...
109. Blooming in West Texas: The SkyGardens Story
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by the vibrant and faith-filled Skylar Richardson, founder of SkyGardens in West Texas. Raised on a cotton farm, Skyler’s jo...
108. What I've Been Listening To Lately
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m behind the mic solo sharing two podcast episodes that really challenged and inspired me, and I think they’ll do the same for you. B...
107. The Power of Forward Thinking with Terrell Miller, of CattleMax
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to be joined by Terrell Miller, co-founder of Cattlesoft and the force behind CattleMax, one of the most trusted software platforms in t...
106. The Cattle Industry on a Global Scale: A Conversation with PJ Budler
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m joined by PJ Budler—cattleman, international livestock judge, and passionate advocate for balance in the cattle industry. PJ brings...
105. From Apple Seed to Slice: Kait Thornton’s Story
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s episode features Apple Girl Kait, also known as Kaitlyn Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist who’s using her voice to bridge the g...
104. Burnout, Boundaries & Becoming a Better Leader: A Conversation with Sammie McCracken
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s episode is a deep and honest conversation with Sammie McCracken, founder of Buckskin Rowe, equine sports marketing expert, and all-aroun...
103. The Power of Vertical Integration & Regenerative Farming with Ladd + Zoey Wahlen
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s conversation is with guests Ladd and Zoey Wahlen, the husband-and-wife duo behind Roots Chips! This is the first time we’ve had a couple ...
102. Embracing Creativity & Brand Identity with Torie Egger
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm so excited for you to hear today’s conversation with Torie Egger! Torie is a wildly talented western lifestyle photographer with a gift not jus...
101. From Entry Level to Executive with Emily Konkel
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm excited to have Emily Konkel on the show today! Emily is the Executive Director of the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA). In today's ...
100. Betting on Yourself with Elizabeth Thomas
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm excited to have Elizabeth Thomas on the 100th episode today! Elizabeth shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate career to running T...
99. Lessons I've Learned from my Parents
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm excited for the 99th episode today! Thank you to all the listeners for making this possible. Today I reflect on many different lessons I've learn...
98. How to Thrive as a Board Member with Mark Stewart
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Stewart is sitting down with me. He shares his background and journey to Agriculture Future of America (AFA), explaining ho...
97. Raising Resilient Kids with Sara Burks
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode I’m excited to have Sara Burks join us. I admire the parents that Sara and her husband are to their two girls and I wanted to h...
96. How Feedback Fuels Success with Jessie Jarvis
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode I dive deep into the importance of giving and receiving constructive criticism. I share my experience raising my two kids and the ...
95. Earn While You Learn with Phyllis Higgins
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are sitting down with Phyllis Higgins, an Apprenticeship Talent Navigator with Zurich North America. Phyllis shares in-depth details on an in...
94. Business, Influence, and Consistency with Shaley Ham
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You all are in for a treat today! We are sitting down with Shaley Ham, maybe better known to you as West Desperado. In this episode we’ll dive into ...
93. Lessons from a Bald Eagle with Jessie Jarvis
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m sharing lessons I learned while observing a bald eagle in my parent’s horse pasture yesterday. I watched little birds antagonize the eag...
92. A Story of Finding Your Place & Building Community with Lexi Hoagland
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’m thrilled to have Lexi Hoagland on the podcast today! Lexi is the founder of Cowgirls & Cocktails and works in sales and partnerships for Lane Bo...
91. Making Every Trip Count with Jessie Jarvis
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share my strategy for making the most of trips when I am traveling. I first learned this from my mother when we went on ski trips w...
90. Leadership in Western Fashion: LIVE from Dallas Market Center
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was recorded live at Dallas Market Center! I have four incredible women in the western lifestyle realm sitting down with me in front of a...
BONUS: A Guide to Succession Planning with Justin Bates
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You asked the questions and Justin Bates is here to answer them! Justin Bates of Strategic Financial is joining me to answer your questions about farm...
89. Ralph Lauren, Ranching & Regeneration: The Jeanne Carver Story, Part 2
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back this week with part two of our discussion with Jeanne Carver! If you didn’t have a chance to listen to last week’s episode, take a pa...
88. Ralph Lauren, Ranching & Regeneration: The Jeanne Carver Story, Part 1
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to this week's episode of Leaders of the West. Let me tell you guys, you are in for a treat today! We’re sitting down with Jeanne Carver. Sh...
87. Getting Back on Track
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first solo episode of 2025! In today’s episode I want to talk about goals. Did you know most people don’t make it past January 14...
86. From Oklahoma to Hollywood and Back Home with Gatlin Didier
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode we have Gatlin Didier sitting down with us. Some of you might recognize him as Darrel Bibbins, a character he created and plays t...
85. Journey to Wellness with Jena Ochsner
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’m so excited to have Jena Ochsner on the show today! Jena shares her backstory on growing up, graduating with two degrees (one being in nursing), ...
BONUS: Stock Market Insights with Justin Bates
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are kicking off 2025 with another bonus episode! Justin Bates of Strategic Financial is back with us to talk all about the stock market and investi...
84. Goal Setting with Jessie Jarvis
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard to believe that this is the last episode of 2024! It has been such a great year both personally and professionally. I have so much gratitu...
83. Similarities Between Horses and Leadership with Grant Golliher
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You are in for a treat on today’s episode of Leaders of the West. We are sitting down with Grant Golliher. Grant is well-known as a horse trainer an...
82. It Takes a Village with Brooke Yates
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m so excited to have Brooke Yates joining us today! She is one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever been lucky enough to know. Brooke ha...
81. The Final Holiday Push with Jessie Jarvis
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re in that final push before Christmas and the new year! In today’s episode, I share a few holiday tips. I talk about how Christmas is not abou...
BONUS: From Anti-Life Insurance to Becoming a Policy Holder with Justin Bates
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back for another bonus episode with Justin Bates of Strategic Financial to chat all about the importance of life insurance. Justin was once a ...
80. Behind the Scenes with RanchHer Host, Janie Johnson
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to share this unique episode with you! Today we are sitting down with Janie Johnson. She is a western sports broadcaster for RFDTV and T...
79. The Woman Behind the Brand: Jodi Hendrickson of Fringe Scarves
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m so excited to have one of the women I would call a role model in my life. Jodi Hendrickson is an incredible businesswoman, human, and all-around...
78. Introducing Schools Of The West
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard to believe 2025 is almost here. I have been looking back at this year as well as what’s on the horizon. That’s what I’m talking abou...
77. A New Chapter for Mesa Pate and Art of the Cowgirl
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m honored to have Mesa Pate with us today. Mesa is a true cowgirl in every sense of the word. In today’s episode we talk about Mesa’s uniqu...
BONUS: Managing Debt and Understanding Financial Leverage with Justin Bates
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Bates of Strategic Financial is joining me once again for another bonus episode! We are covering the highly requested topics of financial debt ...
76. Life Beyond Barrel Racing with Hailey Kinsel
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m so excited to have one of the most decorated rodeo athletes in barrel racing on today’s episode! Hailey Kinsel is here to share a behind-the-s...
75. Empowering Beef Advocates Through the Trailblazer Program with Chandler
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited for today’s unique episode! I’m sitting down with Chandler Mulvaney, the Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Spokesperson Developmen...
74. 2 Quick, Professional Tips from Jessie Jarvis
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode I’m recapping some of the time-sensitive highlights of the past several podcast episodes of Leaders of the West. These epis...
73. Why You NEED to Submit a BOI Report Before December 31
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is a little different. Lisa Whitman is joining us to help shed light on the Beneficial Ownership Information Report. You may not kno...
72. Life Lessons from Western Icon Judy Wagner
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have the one and only Judy Wagner joining us! Judy is highly decorated in the western industry and I consider her a personal mentor. In this ...
BONUS: Tips to Avoid Tax Season Stress with Justin Bates
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with another bonus episode! Justin Bates of Strategic Financial is joining me to cover essential year-end finance tips for individuals and...
71. Shoot What You Want to be Hired For with Nicole Poyo Brennan
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to have my friend, Nicole Poyo Brennan on today’s episode. Nicole is an incredibly talented equine and western photographer. In this e...
70. Scaling a Handmade Business with Nevada Miller
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am truly grateful to have Nevada Miller on today’s episode to share her insights on scaling a handmade business. In this episode Nevada gives tips...
69. Having the Courage to Create Something New with Melissa Grimmel Schaake
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to have Melissa Grimmel Schaake on this week’s episode! Originally from Maryland, she was raised on a multi-generational grain operati...
68. Are You Having Fun?
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I want to talk about the importance of having fun. I share my son’s journey in rodeoing and going from the top in his age bracket, where he wa...
BONUS: Retirement Planning Essentials with Justin Bates
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are kicking off our bonus episode series about what you need to know about finance to set you, your family, and your business up for success! Justi...
67. What's Healthy? with Registered Dietitian, Hope Brandt
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I have Hope Brandt, owner of Hopewell Health on the show. Hope and I met at an event sponsored by the Beef Checkoff in Denver and we discovered ...
BONUS: LIVE from Dallas Market Center
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I am so excited to share our first bonus episode recorded live at Dallas Market Center! In this episode, I have three incredible guests joining me to ...
66. Welcome to Your Financial Future with Justin Bates of Boots Financial
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m excited to have Justin Bates from Boots Financial with us today! In this episode, Justin shares his background of growing up in a small town in ...
65. Putting in the Work When No One is Watching
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m talking about something I feel really passionate about: the idea that from the outside looking in, we make assumptions abo...
64. Building the Pendleton Whisky Brand with Tia Bledsoe
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I am so excited to have Tia Bledsoe joining us. Tia is the Brand Heritage Director for Pendleton Whisky and she’s watched the ...
63. Keeping it Simple and Repeating it Often with Tom Brink
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, joining me is Tom Brink, a legend in the cattle industry. Tom is the current CEO of the Red Angus Association and founder of Top...