Modern Cowboy
The Cowboy is an iconic figure that represents a culture of freedom, courage, toughness, & individualism. Join Dan Hillenbrand as he explores why we are so captivated by the Cowboy in everything from folklore, movies, ranching, music, and rodeo to business & fashion.
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Episodes

May 28, 2020
May 28, 2020
1hr 4 min
Randy Bloomer is one very cool Modern Cowboy. An entrepreneur he founded & built the "Bloomer Trailers" empire, survived a plane crash and hunted dangerous game in Africa. Really enjoyed talking with Randy a very down to earth and humble man.We started Bloomer Trailers in 1998 in the middle of chemical alley on the LaMarque/Texas City line. By hiring the best and most experienced key people in the industry it allowed us to hit the ground running and start on the path of achieving the goals that have been our benchmark. Our goals were to build every trailer with the best components money could buy and build the components that we could do better than what was available. The key word we used was every component. By 2000 we had hit our stride and already had introduced many new components the horse trailer industry had never done. We have never stopped challenging ourselves to find a better or safer way to protect our customers and their livestock. That is where our slogan of the “blinders are off” came from.When we named our newest model The Evolution it was to remind ourselves that we have yet to build the perfect trailer, so keep working on ideas.In 2002 Bloomer Trailers started building a state of the art production facility in Central Texas to serve as a convenient location for dealers, customers and our vendors. Upon completion in 2003 Bloomer moved over forty employees and their families to Central Texas to continue the craftsmanship that was expected and desired by the Bloomer Trailers customers.We feel to describe Bloomer Trailers is by photo collections through the years… and we would like to say to our customers, dealers and employees… you are the best!The Bloomer Lifestyle!In 2003 Bloomer Trailers built a state of the art production facility in Salado, Texas to serve as a convenient location for dealers, customers and their vendors. Upon completion Bloomer moved over forty employees and their families to Central Texas to continue the craftsmanship that was expected and desired by the Bloomer Trailers customers. Bloomer Trailers is the Official Trailer of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, National Reined Cowhorse Association, World Series of Team Roping, Texas High School Rodeo Association, Pendleton Roundup and Best of the Best Rodeo.Resources:https://www.instagram.com/officialrandybloomer/https://bloomertrailers.com/https://www.instagram.com/bloomertrailers/https://www.facebook.com/bloomertrailers/Show Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

May 14, 2020
May 14, 2020
48 min
Ben Christensen is a western lifestyle photographer. In his work, Ben aims to capture the simplicity of the American West and everything that comes with it. This often means drawing on the sentiment depicted in the classic 60s and 70s western films Ben grew up with. He says that living his own western, and doing so as authentically as possible, is both the personal and professional goal.“I woke up one morning and thought, why wait for Hollywood to make a western like they used to when I know exactly what needs to be done?” So, with a decade of production experience under his belt, Ben started in on his first western film endeavor. Christensen’s The Valley is a short that introduces the classic western to the modern world, and places it front and center for an impending revival of the American West.Resources:https://www.instagram.com/_benchristensen/https://benchristensenphoto.format.com/Show Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
1hr 6 min
Alan's Lids and the hat shaping business was never in the plans for Alan. He thought his calling was working in the medical field as a doctor. However, a passion to creasing hats began when he worked in a local western wear creasing pre-shaped hats. After being introduced into shaping open crowns Alan began to experiment with different styles and designs on hats. Day after day he bettered the trade and has now been recognized for the work he has done. Since then, Alan's been hosted and sponsored by big name brands in the hat making business and has been invited to Las Vegas, Nevada to crease hats at the National Finals Rodeo a couple of years in a row now. Alan's Lids has also grown enough recognition locally, nationally, and internationally and has been given the honor to sponsor many local upcoming talents as well as some big name people in the rodeo and bull riding industry!With the growing amount of support he's gained over the years, Alan continues to do what he loves and vows to continue doing so until God allows him. He appreciates the continuous flow of love and support from all of the Alan's Lids family and hopes to always be able to provide one-on-one and unique experience in each hat shaping opportunity he gets!Resources:https://www.instagram.com/alanslids/https://www.alanslids.com/https://www.facebook.com/alanslids/Show Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

May 1, 2020
May 1, 2020
55 min
For more than a decade, Curt Pate has been conducting demonstrations and clinics on stockmanship, colt starting, horsemanship and safety. His abilities conducting both horsemanship and stockmanship demonstrations along with his ability as an effective communicator have made him a sought after clinician both on the national and international scene.His personal experience incorporating effective stockmanship principles supports a “for profit” mindset and focuses on highlighting the increased economic benefits of handling stock correctly. In addition, Curt recognizes the growing public scrutiny surrounding livestock production and the impact that improved livestock handling practices create for the sustainability of the cattle industry.Curt brings great value to the livestock industry. He spends his time conducting stockmanship demonstrations and trainings and also manages a small grazing operation in Ryegate, Montana. With his ability to think outside the box, his ability to challenge others to do the same, and a willingness to share his skills, Curt has set himself apart in conducting stockmanship clinics. His lifelong experience in ranching adds credibility and enables him to communicate his methods effectively to cattle ranchers throughout the country. In addition, Curt continues to seek out new learning opportunities to increase and hone his knowledge and skills and enjoys sharing this knowledge with others.Resources:https://curtpatestockmanship.com/https://www.facebook.com/curtpatestockmanship/https://www.facebook.com/NationalBQA/Show Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

Apr 28, 2020
Apr 28, 2020
38 min
Michael Shannon announce's his candidacy for Texas County Commissioner District 2. "I will work hard towards bringing accountability and transparency to this office."Please feel free to contact me at 580-651-5990 or by email electmshannondistrict2@gmail.com.Elect leaders not to rule but to serve.(Dwight D Eisenhower)Resources:https://www.facebook.com/micheal.w.shannonShow Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

Apr 17, 2020
Apr 17, 2020
1hr 9 min
Join me as I visit with my great friend Randy Riedinger a leader and innovator in the world of Equine Dentistry.Randy Riedinger has worked on more than 40,000 horses. Some of Randy’s long-time customers include celebrities such as 11-time World Champion Barrel Racer Charmayne James, Phil Rapp, Bob Avila, Fred Tabor and John Ward Racing Stables, as well as several top teams in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.He lives in Weatherford, just west of Fort Worth, and from 1996 to 2001 studied and taught at the Academy of Equine Dentistry in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. He was one of the original members of the committee that helped to establish and design the certification programs at the Academy of Equine Dentistry. He was also chairman of the committee from 1999 until 2001.In 2002, Randy established the Texas Institute of Equine Dentistry in Weatherford, where he teaches both veterinarians and non-veterinarians how to care for horses’ teeth.Resources:https://www.facebook.com/randy.riedingerhttps://www.trainingbarrelhorses.com/tag/randy-reidingerShow Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

Apr 12, 2020
Apr 12, 2020
46 min
Todd Bimat Cutting Horses is currently located in Queen Creek, AZ but will be on the move traveling as needed to hit the upcoming show Circuits.Todd Bimat is a member if the NCHA riders Hall of Fame with earnings of 3.3 million plus. Todd has rode cutting horses most his life. He has trained out of California, Texas and Arizona. Todd has won every PCCHA event at least once and has had success in the Triple Crown Events being Crowned the Classic Challenge champion twice and Superstakes gelding Champion with multiple finalist throughout all triple crown events. He has won world titles in the Ncha and also top 15 Qualifier, he is currently sitting in the top 10 world standings in the Open, 25 novice, and 5 nov. Todd has had multiple Amateur and non pro champions. Aged events and world champions. He has played a major part in starting and teaching beginner riders and improving experience riders to excel to be the best they can. He is very experienced and knowledgeable about the Show pen. Ready to show, win and help any chance he gets !Resources:https://www.facebook.com/todd.bimatPhoto Credit:https://www.facebook.com/cuttinghorsecentral/Show Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

Mar 13, 2020
Mar 13, 2020
1hr 7 min
Chris chooses to live the western lifestyle in Pray Montana with his Wife & Children. A devoted husband & Father, he has lived and is living a life many people dream of. Chris was on the Podcast previously and I was so surprised by his story I just had to invite him back.Follow Chris to see his amazing work:https://chrisdouglas.photographyhttps://www.instagram.com/chrisdouglasphoto/Photo Credit:Paul King Diamond Cross Ranchhttps://paulkingphoto.com/Show Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

Mar 2, 2020
Mar 2, 2020
32 min
Join me for an inside look at Elva Steinmetz's life as a Modern Cowgirl, Barrel Racer, Model, Country Girl and Social Media Influencer...Resources:https://www.instagram.com/elvamsteinmetz/https://www.facebook.com/elva.steinmetz.5Show Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/

Feb 20, 2020
Feb 20, 2020
58 min
Join me in a fascinating conversation with Ben Masters, the catalyst behind the critically acclaimed documentary UNBranded. Ben Masters is a filmmaker, writer, and photographer currently living in Austin, TX. Masters studied wildlife biology at Texas A&M University and is most known for producing Unbranded and for directing The River and The Wall. He has written for National Geographic, Western Horseman, and has two books published by Texas A&M University Press. Masters is an award winning filmmaker with Audience Awards at Telluride Mountainfilm, Banff International Film Festival, Hot Docs International Film Festival, and recipient of the SXSW Louis Black Lone Star Award. He makes character driven movies about wildlife and wildlife habitat.Ben is a champion for sensible wildlife & range land management, an advocate for our wild horse population and a daring adventurer..."Unbranded is a journey with heart and soul." -Examiner.com"You'll undoubtedly channel your inner cowboy..." -Hollywood Reporter"Unbranded is a Kit Carson-esque tour through the mountains and deserts of the west with no shortage of drama." -Outside Magazine"Unbranded is a compelling - and often comedic - story about friendship, adventure and our interdependence with nature." - Reel Screen"Unbranded is a soaring tale of resilience and adventure that will make you laugh, cry, and develop a newfound deference for these emblematic Western creatures." - Sedona Red Rock News"Unbranded will make you want to quit your job and ride a mustang from Mexico to Canada." -Mother Jones"Unbranded is brimming with drama in the midst of jaw-dropping landscapes." -Los Angeles Times"Visually Stunning." -Toronto Star"A horse-lover's must-see." -Columbus Alive"A Gripping Story of Bold Adventure." -Western Horseman"The screen is filled with verdant landscapes and a contemplative appreciation of their untrammeled majesty."-Film Journal International"You would freak out too if you got a cactus stuck in your lip." -Indiewire "Most importantly, we learn about the problem of land and wildlife management – a problem that is vital for us to solve if we want to leave a proper legacy for our children." -Reel Life with JaneResources:https://www.instagram.com/bencmasters/https://www.facebook.com/unbrandedthefilm/https://www.instagram.com/unbrandedthefilm/www.unbrandedthefilm.comShow Music:“The Ropin Pen” By: Trent Willmonhttps://trentwillmon.com/“Cowboy” By: Kolt Barberhttps://www.koltbarber.com/MC Podcast Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.instagram.com/mattjkirschner/
