In this compelling episode, Beyond the Rodeo host Kaycie Timm and Western Sports Foundation Executive Director Aubrey O'Quin delve into the inspiring yet tragic story of Ty Pozzobon, a celebrated bull rider whose life and legacy continue to influence the rodeo community’s stance on mental health. Ty's mother, Leanne Pozzobon, and Tanner Byrne, president of the Ty Pozzobon Foundation, join us to share their story and how the tragedy of Ty’s passing has influenced mental health and safety in rodeo.

Leanne and Tanner explain how Ty's story has become a catalyst for change, fostering awareness around mental health and safety in rodeo, and share how the Ty Pozzobon Foundation is helping lead the charge for supporting mental health among rodeo athletes.

This episode also highlights the impact Ty’s story had in developing the resources now available through Western Sports Foundation. Aubrey shares a firsthand account of WSF’s transition from Rider Relief Fund, which focused on financial support for rodeo athletes, into a broad organization that provides vital resources to ensure athletes have access to mental health care and much more.

Together, Leanne, Tanner, and the WSF team celebrate the power of community and resilience within the rodeo community, as they reflect on the profound impact of Ty's life and the inspiring movement towards mental health awareness in the rodeo community.

Join us in honoring Ty's legacy by championing mental health awareness and ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey. Listen in to understand how we can collectively work towards a safer and more supportive rodeo community.

Resources and Support:

Ty Pozzobon Foundation

Western Sports Foundation

Mental Health Resources

On episode 28 of Beyond the Rodeo, Keith Mundee of American Hat Co. shares all about the mission and history behind Positive Times, a symbol that has become synonymous with the company he leads.

As he shares about his own career progression, Keith pays tribute to the late Keith Maddox, whose leadership philosophy of doing the next right thing profoundly influenced both Keith himself and the company. Through engaging anecdotes, discover how Mr. Maddox's example of leading with integrity and allowing room for growth shaped the enduring success and community-focused culture of American Hat.

In our discussion, we also highlight the resilience and tenacity of Keith and Susan Maddox, who revitalized American Hat Company after acquiring it during a challenging period. Their journey from overcoming financial hurdles to battling natural disasters embodies the cowboy spirit and unwavering commitment to positivity and collaboration. Discover how their dedication to quality craftsmanship, exemplified by the intricate production process at American factory, has solidified the company's reputation.

Listen in as we explore how Mr. Maddox's legacy brought forth the "Positive Times" initiative. Originally the Maddox family's cattle brand, Positive Times (+x) evolved into a mission to spread positivity in the months following Mr. Maddox's death and the challenging times of COVID-19. Through this conversation, we underscore the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and its impact on business, leadership, and personal challenges. Keith also shares how these principles have touched lives, aiming for significance over mere success.

Finally, this episode unveils the Positive Times Project, a Western Sports Foundation initiative presented American Hat Company that seeks to highlight individuals who embody the spirit of Positive Times. To learn more about the Positive Times Project or nominate someone you know who lives out the Positive Times mindset, visit wsf.org/positive-times-project.

Producer's note: This episode of Beyond the Rodeo addresses some difficult topics, including mental health struggles and suicide. If you're not comfortable with these topics, we kindly suggest you tune in to another episode.

As always, your WSF family is here to offer support through the highs and the lows. If you're a Western sports athlete and you're interested in learning more about WSF's mental health resources, please visit wsf.org/mental-health. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 or National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255 or text 'HOME' to 741741.

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Join us on Episode 27 of Beyond the Rodeo as Nick Luciano shares his journey from the East Coast to the heart of Texas, where he turned his love for Western culture into an online community that now includes 7 million followers. Discover how a pivotal moment at a Young Life camp helped Nick find his faith and shaped his future endeavors, including his passion for mental health in the Western community. Nick's story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of a "bulletproof mindset."

Nick takes listeners through a raw and honest exploration of mental health as he opens up about his personal battles with depression and the transformative power of physical health, community, and faith. We dive into the essence of Nick's community, Club Bulletproof, which fosters mental resilience and encourages men to speak up about their struggles, and explore Nick's work with Tratter Foundation, which supports rural communities and the Western lifestyle.

Nick's collaborations with notable Western figures and his advocacy for a lifestyle rooted in faith and resilience offer a fresh perspective on achieving mental wellness. Whether you're drawn to the cowboy life or a longtime member of the Western community, Nick Luciano's story promises to leave a lasting impact.

In this episode of Beyond the Rodeo, guest host Kaycie Timm is joined by World Champion Calf Roper Shane Hanchey, who recently won the 2025 American Rodeo Tie Down Roping.

Join us as we dive into Shane's journey from his original aspirations of becoming a pro baseball player to his current status as a tie-down roping legend. Shane takes us through his impressive career by highlighting the milestones that have shaped his path, including a world title, 15 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifications, and nearly $3,000,000 in PRCA earnings to date.

Gain valuable insights from Shane on the rising competitiveness in rodeo, driven by an influx of youth events, and learn how he's adapted to stay at the forefront of the sport.

Next, Shane gives listeners a peek behind the curtain into the life of a rodeo athlete, where the stakes are high and the challenges are many. Shane opens up about the physical and mental demands of rodeo, sharing personal stories of resilience and the emotional tug-of-war between career and family, especially during the hectic summer season. Discover his unique perspective on maintaining focus amidst these pressures, and his hopes of a different—and perhaps less chaotic—future for his son, Stran.

Finally, Shane shares about his Louisiana-inspired food trailer, where he offers a taste of Louisiana home cooking to folks all over Texas.

With anecdotes of memorable calves, cherished horses, and his favorite rodeos, Shane paints a vivid picture of the dedication and zeal needed to excel the sport of rodeo throughout this riveting episode.

Tina Battock holds many titles—General Manager of the Nashville Stampede, President of Morris Media Group, WSF Board Member, mom, and wife, just to name a few. In this episode of Beyond the Rodeo, Tina joins us to share how her career has led her forefront of media and into the heart of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Series, where she serves as the first-ever female general manager. Her story shows how passion and drive can be shaped by strategic decisions and serendipitous moments. Tina reveals how her unexpected foray into the male-dominated world of professional bull riding led her to develop her skills and earn the honor of being named 2023 PBR Teams General Manager of the Year.

We dive into Tina's achievements, showcasing how her leadership and business acumen have shattered glass ceilings and inpsired young women everywhere. Tina's career is a testament to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and embracing new challenges with confidence and determination.

The episode also delves into Western Sports Foundation's crucial role in supporting athletes beyond their competitive years. We explore how PBR teams like the Nashville Stampede foster environments that respect and nurture athletes as they transition to life after sports. The stories of figures such as Silvano Alves and Ryan Dirteater reflect the deep emotional ties within this community, demonstrating how mentorship can drive success. As we celebrate the inspiring stories of women and their allies in the Western sports industry, Tina underscores the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and building a supportive network that inspires future generations.

Name a more iconic rodeo duo than Hailey Kinsel and Sister, we'll wait. That's right—Hailey Kinsel herself joins us on this epsiode of Beyond the Rodeo to share all about how her passion for horses has become a career beyond her wildest dreams.

Raised on a working cattle ranch, Hailey's journey to the professional rodeo circuit has included countless lifechanging moments. As she reflects on her career thus far, the four-time world champ doesn't just focus on victories; she emphasizes the importance of savoring the ride. From sharing about the horses who helped her grow as a horsewoman to discussing future plans and goals, Hailey gives listeners an inside view of her life in and out of the arena.

Hailey also opens up about sharing the intertwining of her faith and personal growth through her blog. She speaks candidly about the lessons learned from life's challenges and how sharing these stories fosters resilience and connection with her fans.

This episode is packed with can't-miss stories, tales of rodeo victories, broadcasting adventures, and even a behind-the-scenes look at last year's Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars. Listen now!

Join us on episode 23 of Beyond the Rodeo as we unveil the highly anticipated second annual Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars event, which will take place April 10, 2025 in Fort Worth. WSF Director of Fund Development Mai-Brit Harvey joins us to share the excitement of this unique event where rodeo personalities and athletes step into the spotlight to perform dance routines. During the conversation, Mai-Brit and Aubrey reminisce about last year's vibrant inaugural event and share an exclusive sneak preview of what's in store for this year's event.

Our journey continues as we explore the success of first-time dancers in competition, featuring an engaging discussion with last year's co-champion, Callie Adams of Montana Silversmiths. Despite having no formal dance background, Callie and her partner, Kaleb Barrett, captivated audiences with their daring routine—with a little help from a professional dance coach. The camaraderie and supportive atmosphere among participants at the inaugural event created lasting friendships and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Looking ahead, Aubrey and Mai-Brit reveal exciting updates on upcoming WSF events and gatherings, highlighting the support from partners like Montana Silversmiths, Pendleton Whiskey, and Boot Barn. Tune in to learn more about the innovative collaborations and the vibrant Western community that supports WSF's mission.

Find all the details about Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars at https://givebutter.com/DWTRS25 and be sure to follow WSF on social media to be among the first to hear exciting announcements about future events and so much more.

Two-time BFO World Champion Tyler Mansell brings an electrifying energy to the latest episode of Beyond the Rodeo as he shares his remarkable journey from young rodeo athlete to world champion bullfighter. Tyler's story is one of grit and determination, from teaching himself the ropes to honing his skills with some of the best bullfighters in the business. He offers an inside look at the intricacies of freestyle bullfighting and cowboy protection as well as the mental and physical hurdles he's overcome, including two significant knee injuries.

Tyler opens up about the trials of returning to the ring post-injury, where fear meets passion head-on. He reveals the signature moves and split-second decisions that mark his bullfighting style, sharing heart-pounding tales of near-misses and close calls. We delve into the wisdom gained from seasoned professionals and Western Sports Foundation clinics, which have been pivotal in shaping his mental toughness and financial acumen. Tyler’s tale is not just about physical prowess but also about smart choices that ensure longevity beyond the adrenaline rush of the arena.

Tyler's anecdotes of competing through injuries demonstrate the formidable resilience required in bullfighting and professional rodeo. Through tales of determination and the calculated risks of facing renowned bulls, Tyler embodies the spirit of adaptability and strength, proving that the true fight is as much within as it is in the ring.