Modern Cowboy

Cowboy, Bowhunter, Adventure Photographer & Award Winning Filmmaker, Tim Endsley has lived a life of a free spirited adventure junkie almost since birth! The son of a Hall of Fame cowboy Tim spent his live chasing the gold buckle dreams of a professional cowboy, with the occasional ranch and horse training jobs to keep the truck headed down the road. Tim had a 27 year career as professional calf roper, traveling from coast to coast and across Canada. During this time Tim’s father Hall of Fame inductee and NFR announcer Don Endsley and Tim’s mother Sharon started the Great American Wild West show and needed a production manager.  Tim and Wife Mandy came on board to help produce the largest traveling Wild West show since Buffalo Bill. Tim was always an avid bowhunter that in the off season led to him producing and self filming his first documentary short film called “21 days in November”.  Tim had no idea that this film would launch his new career after rodeo as a adventure photographer and videographer. The film won critical acclaim at the Prestigious Badlands Film Festival and from that point on it’s been non stop filming and hunting all over the United States. During the off season you can find Tim and his Wife Mandy along with 2 long retired calf roping horses Doc and Uno at their home in Little Rock  Arkansas. Tim’s new company “Wild Horse Motion” creates digital content for several of the biggest names in the outdoor world. A life lived truly, Livin the Brand!
Resources:
Follow Tim
https://www.instagram.com/tim_endsley/
Show Music: “The Ropin Pen” (Live) by: Trent Willmon
https://www.trentwillmon.com/
Production & Editing:  Matt Kirschner
https://www.righttracmedia.com/

Join me as I talk with Pete Wagner a singer songwriter who has overcome incredible odds. Pete’s character and journey exemplify Cowboy grit, determination & perseverance. A paraplegic, amputee and 4 organ transplant recipient, Pete is a proud and loving single father who is looking to the future with excitement. Everyone of us has challenges and obstacles in life and Pete will inspire you to keep pushing and never give up.Resources:Follow Pete on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/wagonwheel71/Show Music: “The Ropin Pen” (Live) by: Trent Willmonhttps://www.trentwillmon.com/Production & Editing: Matt Kirschnerhttps://www.righttracmedia.com/

Mike Gibson is the owner and craftsman behind 9 Lazy 3 Knives & Leather. Join me as we talk about every Cowboy & Cowgirls love of handmade knives and leather products. Home of the original Pistol Cutter and the Original One Handed Folding Bull Cutter..”The One Arm Bandit” Folding knives, fixed blade knives & the Amazing “Pistol Cutter Knife. Cowboys & Celebrities everywhere are rushing to get theirs….
Resources:
https://www.9lazy3leather.com/
https://www.instagram.com/9lazy3_knives/?hl=en
Show Music: “The Ropin Pen” (Live) by: Trent Willmon
https://www.trentwillmon.com/
Production & Editing:  Matt Kirschner
https://www.righttracmedia.com/

Chelsey Stimson is the artist and owner of American Feathers. She is a Navy Veteran and surviving spouse of SO1 Tyler Stimson, a Navy SEAL and former Marine.
The Story Behind the Feather…
Tyler was killed in 2010 in an accident at home after several deployments and years of service. The life we built together centered around that service, ended unexpectedly that day.
The care and thoughtfulness I received in the days following his passing not only helped me get through each day, but they changed my heart. I was so grateful to have the support of friends and strangers. It helped immensely to be surrounded by love at time where I felt so lost and alone. The smallest acts, a smile from a stranger or a call from a friend, meant the most to me at a time when I felt so empty. I knew somehow I would find a way to forward that kindness on into the world and honor Tyler in my own way. I also learned to never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness.
The day I painted the first American Flag Feather I was just expressing myself. I’ve always found peace and healing in various forms of art and American Flags have become a focus for me over the years after Tyler’s passing. Receiving the flag at his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery I remember it felt like it was the last bit I was given of him that I could hold onto and I held on to it desperately that day. Perhaps it really all started there.
When I look at these feathers, I see a culmination of memories and emotions beginning with the day I decided to join the Navy, to September 11th, to the first day of boot camp when I first met Tyler, not knowing he would be my future husband. They are infused with my memories of his days during BUD/S, to our first duty stations, to our wedding, to the many deployments and months, likely years in total, of long distance separation.
They represent the service and sacrifice of those that are close to me. They also represent the stories of service and sacrifice of those I don’t know. Lastly, American Feathers represent my appreciation and gratitude for all of the above.
When you see an American Feather, please know they mean all these things and more to me. I am sure many see their own stories, loved ones and memories, which I love to hear. That is what sharing art is all about.
These Feathers have made their way across the country before ever being discovered recently on a larger scale. They have landed in the homes of Veterans, Gold Star Families and Patriots. They are each as unique as each story of service and sacrifice.
So you see, I didn’t just sit down one day and paint a feather. American Feathers had been in the process of creation over many years before they were fully expressed as they are today.
Thank you all for your support and interest in American Feathers. I look forward to sharing them and more of their story with you all.
Never Give Up and Never Forget,
Chelsey Stimson”
Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/americanfeathers/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmericanFeathersShop?ref=l2-shop-info-name&from_reg=2&joined=favorite-shop&box=1
Show Music: “The Ropin Pen” (Live) by: Trent Willmon
https://www.trentwillmon.com/
Production & Editing:  Matt Kirschner
https://www.righttracmedia.com/

Kyle Monger, 5th Generation Cattle Rancher, is the epitome of a Modern Cowboy living in both the new and old world. I had a great time talking with Kyle about his life and all things Cowboy…. “We became best friends and plan on doing karate in the garage”…hope you enjoy listening.
Resources:
Episode Photo by: Marie Commiskey
http://avalonphotography.com/
Follow Kyle:
https://www.instagram.com/routtcountycowboy/
https://www.facebook.com/kyle.monger
Show Music: “The Ropin Pen” (Live) by: Trent Willmon
https://www.trentwillmon.com/

TRIBE SK8Z is made up of three (Dj,Joey,Cole)partners that come from very diverse backgrounds. Two of the partners are military vets and the other is a renowned tattoo artist and graphic designer.
TRIBE SK8Z started from a birthday gift about 6 years ago. Cole was in San Diego and stumbled on a company doing Laser Engraving on skateboards. It was right around Djs birthday so he had them make a board with his Teams Symbol, he’s had it hanging in his office ever since. With Dj’s military career coming to an end, searching for an outlet and trying to figure out what he was going to do with his next chapter in life, the hanging Skateboard in his office shined brighter than ever. In that instance TRIBE SK8Z was born. With no outside capital and an idea, Dj reached out to Joey and they started collaborating on Dj’s vision of skateboards and skateboard wall hanging art. Like many of the greats, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, Bill Bowerman, Phil Knight, Paul Allen, and Bill Gates, TRIBE SK8Z started June 2018 in Djs garage.
Two boards were completed in early June for a fundraiser in Texas, shortly after the board images flew across multiple social media platforms gaining a lot of traction and momentum. Joey and Cole ran into each other a week later at a retirement ceremony and said Cole really needed to talk to Dj about getting TRIBE SK8Z going. With Coles background of starting companies and having great mentors they all sat down and went over the infrastructure that needed to be created to make this a functional, successful, legal company. Over the next week they filed with the IRS, Virginia for Articles of Incorporation, formed an operating agreement, bank accounts, PayPal, quickbooks, delegated duties, and started a game plan for weekly, quarterly, seasonal, fiscal goals and need to haves. They developed pricing structures, terms and conditions, explored in-house and contracted production options, time tables on product production to customer, and how to cut current production costs and time while maintaining quality products made in the USA.
TRIBE SK8Z Currently:
Roughly two months into it their products have reached California, Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia. They have donated products for auctions and fundraisers. They have done custom pieces for Gold Star Families, different military/ Government units, breweries, and other companies.
Dj is the CEO/President of the company but has taken on Product Production and RDTE with the boards (coating, finishing, aging, branding, or inlays he exploring all options). Joey is the VP of product design, he continuously puts in the hours for new stock images, custom one offs, and anniversary designs. Cole is the COO/CFO/VP of Product Launch and Company Growth. They’ve had great mentoring from some of Nikes top Vice Presidents, Apples VP of Product Launch, and VP of Marketing for BuzzFeed. None of the owners have the formal education that most have in these positions but no one can compete with their work ethic, worldly experiences/travels, networks, and morals.
They are currently working with multiple customers on licensing and with an American music band for their tour next year.
Sincerely,
TRIBESK8Z
Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/tribesk8z/
https://www.facebook.com/tribesk8z/
Show Music:
“The Ropin Pen” (Live) by: Trent Willmon
https://www.trentwillmon.com/

The Rodeo Wrecks Story
5 years ago, I was taking pictures at several bar bull ridings in Arizona while pursuing my Journalism degree at ASU for extra money when I had a crazy idea. Everyone loved to see the wreck pictures I took, but nobody ever bought them.
​That night, I started a Bull Riding Wrecks Instagram page, which later turned into Rodeo Wrecks. What began as a page to showcase my own photography has since grown to a following of more than 270,000 people.
​Wrecks are sent in from all over the world and include all the events in rodeo. I drew the logo myself and have developed the #WreckedGear clothing line as a way to #RepTheBrand.
​Thanks for being a part of the #RodeoWrecksNation and Keep On Wreckin’!
​All our love and gratitude,
Gabi & Wrecks
Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/rodeowrecks/?hl=en
http://rodeo-wrecks.com
Show Music: “The Ropin Pen” (Live) by: Trent Willmon
https://www.trentwillmon.com/

Haley begin trick riding at the age of 4 after begging her uncle NFR Contract Act Sean Bracket to teach her the trade. A passion for trick riding and the performing lifestyle developed at a young age for Hayley when she had the opportunity to travel with the Great American Wild West show to some of the greatest rodeo venues in the country.
She was blessed with the opportunity to work with legendary trick riders at a young age, where she was able to learn and hone her craft. Haley was crowned the 2007 World Champion Trick Rider, competed in the 2016 North America Trick Riding Championships in Las Vegas and played a role and performed stunt work in the films is Cowgirls and Angels and Cowgirls and Angels 2 “Dakota Summer.”
Haley not only truck rides but also Roman rides and works for dancing horse “Crazy Cloud” where she is proud to display her Cherokee heritage. Haley is always expanding her talents and consistently keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. She would like to thank the Cherokee nation and Cherokee businesses for their sponsorship and continual support.
Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/haley_trickrides/?hl=en
Show Music: “The Ropin Pen” (Live)
Song by: https://www.trentwillmon.com/

Cody Harrison from Longview Alberta has a passion for making Cowboy Hats that and his enthusiasm and love of what he does shines through in this episode. Cody is a “Hatter” at Smithbilt Hats a company with a long history and tradition in Canada. Smithbilt has made hats for some of the most epic western films, music artists and dignitaries.
 Initially Smithbilt produced mostly dress hats with small brims, styles that flourished in the East and in Europe. In 1926, however Morris began a co-operative effort with local businessmen and the Stampede Board to promote western wear for spectators as well as partisans in the Calgary Stampede. The Stampede was providing a focus for local manufacturers who responded by developing products of western style.
Increasingly, Smithbilt made Western hats a specialty, and in 1946 Morris created the first white cowboy hat. He was very proud of the White Smithbilt, and indeed this small contribution to the Canadian identity became a symbol of the Stampede and of Calgary. The White Smithbilt, proudly worn by local officials, was traditionally presented to visiting dignitaries and Royal guests. It is now known throughout North America and the rest of the world.
As the years passed, the company continued to improve its products and reputation. The company’s ownership passed to Morris’s son Judah and then on to the long-term employee Marshall Harvey. In 2003, the Harvey family passed the Smithbilt torch to a family friend.
Today, the company is owned & operated by Cam Clark; a proud supporter of the Calgary Stampede. Dedicated to the preservation of western heritage values and traditions, he is committed to moving the legendary Smithbilt name forward with an emphasis on quality and service.
Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/codyrharrison/?hl=en
https://smithbilthats.com/
Show Music:
Song “The Ropin Pen” (Live) by Trent Willmon
https://www.trentwillmon.com/index.php?pg=home

Join me as I talk with Cade Swor one of the most respected Cowboys in Professional Rodeo, living his dream and doing it by example. See Cades Bio in the link below at Pro Rodeo.com
Resources:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000841108558
http://www.prorodeo.com/prorodeo/cowboys/cowboy-biographies?id=960
https://www.instagram.com/cadeswor/
Photo Credit JkW Photo   https://www.instagram.com/jkwphoto.ca/