Breaking the Barrier

The PBR Velocity Tour returns to Lincoln Saturday, April 13th, for an exciting night of bull riding at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Bull rider Thor Hoefer II sat down with Rebel Sjeklocha to talk about the event.

Nebraska Volleyball coach John Cook addressed FFA members at the 96th annual Nebraska State FFA Convention. He shared his experiences from both the volleyball court and the rodeo arena to inspire students.

Kassandra Shoemaker is a multitalented rodeo athlete who recently decided to try her hand at the male dominated event of steer roping. Shoemaker broken barriers and proven that she can hang with the best of them. After being named Rookie of the Year in the Wyoming Steer Roping Association, and competing at the College National Finals, Shoemaker has proven her grit and tenacity in this highly physical event. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about her journey and goals for the future.

2023 was a stellar year for steer wrestler Cash Robb. The Utah native found himself right at home on the rodeo trail full-time with mentor Tyler Waguespack and brothers Rowdy and Ramey Parrott. Though a knee injury late in the season took Robb out of the running for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, he handily clenched the 2023 Resistol Rookie of the Year Title. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about this young talent and his lofty goals for the future.

What started as a grassroots effort to provide farmers and ranchers with vital information, has turned into a 15 station media network spanning the state of Nebraska and reaching four additional states. After devastating blizzards in 1948 and 1949, Nebraska's ag community stepped up to provide a necessary service. Learn more about the Nebraska Rural Radio Association and its ongoing mission to serve agriculture in this conversation with NRRA CEO, Tim Marshall. This episode was recorded LIVE at Husker Harvest Days on September 12, 2023.

Taylor McNair is a passionate agriculturalist, law school graduate, and Miss Rodeo America 2019. These days, she serves Mississippi's farmers and ranchers as the State Affairs Coordinator for the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. Learn more about Taylor's journey and the world of agricultural lobbying on this episode hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Caroline Lukens is breaking barriers as the first female rodeo operations coordinator at the historic National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Despite not growing up in a rodeo family, Caroline's work ethic and passion has propelled her to pulling off nearly 30 rodeo performances during the "Best 16 Days in January." Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Caroline's background and goals for the future.

Jess Cardon is the only female currently picking up in the PRCA. Her unparalleled work ethic and incredible horsemanship has earned her the respect of stock contractors, committees, and contestants alike. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about this powerhouse woman and her work as a cowboy lifesaver.

Caroline Lukens is breaking barriers as the first female rodeo operations coordinator at the historic National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Despite not growing up in a rodeo family, Caroline's work ethic and passion has propelled her to pulling off nearly 30 rodeo performances during the "Best 16 Days in January." Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Caroline's background and goals for the future.

Ivy Weirather is no stranger to the western industry. As a Western Events Representative for Montana Silversmiths, she works with committees and individuals daily to create meaningful pieces that will stand the test of time. A Cowgirl Magazine 30 Under 30 recipient and Miss Rodeo Illinois 2018, Ivy has truly channeled her love for horses and rodeo into her career. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha, Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2023, sits down with this western trailblazer!

Sadie Berger has been around bucking bulls her entire life. The Cowgirl Magazine 30 Under 30 recipient and daughter of Chad Berger, owner of Chad Berger Bucking Bulls has made a name for herself, pushing the envelope in her family business. She shares transparently what it is like to work alongside family, and her goals for bull riding and the bucking bull industry going forward. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha gets to know Sadie, the marketing powerhouse and determined professional behind the Chad Berger Bucking Bulls brand.

Kent Sturman, Director of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, shares his journey in the industry, and sheds light on the stories of Gold Buckle Greatness that reside within the Hall. Join host Rebel Sjeklocha, Miss Rodeo Nebraska 2023, as she learns more about the Hall of Fame, and what it takes to be inducted.

The Bulls win 48-26.

Alma wins a high scoring game 52-40.

Head Coach John Cook has taken the Nebraska Volleyball program to the pinnacle of success. With four national championships, three runner-up titles, and 10 national semifinal appearances, Coach Cook is no stranger to competition. These days, he can be found sporting his Wranglers with a rope in hand. That's right, the famed volleyball coach has found his way to the rodeo arena. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Coach Cook's new hobby and his two horses, Bud and Reba.

|Episode Re-release| In preparation for next week's season 2 finale, enjoy this info-packed episode from January 2021! - Robin Scherbarth is an accomplished horsewoman with extensive background knowledge and experience in both the rodeo arena and the show pen. With a fresh perspective and a real-world experience, Robin uses her knowledge and talents to help individuals find horses that meet their needs and is integral in putting on the Legend Buttes Horse Sale in Crawford, NE. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns the dos and don'ts of buying and selling a horse.

Morgan Wallace is a powerhouse woman full of grit and grace. She is the force behind powerful social media campaigns for Miss Rodeo America and the PBR, an MBA student, a former Miss Rodeo Wyoming, and a strategic advocate for your women in the western industry. The best part? She's only getting started. Learn about Morgan's journey from rodeo queen to passionate storyteller and strategist in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Gus Franzen has his eyes on the 2022 Resistol Rookie of the Year Steer Wrestling title. The central Nebraska cowboy currently rodeos at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and has big goals for the future. Learn more about Gus and the sport of steer wrestling in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Blaze Taylor is a breakaway roper, barrel racer, and western fashion influencer. Her passion for agriculture and the western way of life has provided her with a platform to share, create, and be authentically herself. Learn more about Blaze's story and her tips for honing in on your own personal brand in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Riley Pruitt is no stranger to the world of rodeo. The 2x NFR Qualifier and 2016 average champion is a veteran of the sport with deep rodeo roots. In 2022, Pruitt is roping sharp, is well mounted, and has his sights set on the bright lights of Las Vegas. Join host Rebel Sjeklocha to learn more about the Nebraska native and his true excitement for the sport of rodeo.

Holt County, Nebraska native Riley Wakefield is living his childhood dream of being a professional rodeo cowboy. These days, he makes his home in Texas and is surrounding himself with some of the best in the business. Riley is passionate about defending the western way of life and has big goals for the future. Learn more about his journey in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Sarah Brown Armstrong is a bronc rider, horse trainer, wife, mom, and western fashion enthusiast. She has blazed her own trail in the western industry by being a part of three seasons of Ride TV's show, "Cowgirls," and was named to Cowgirl Magazine's 30 Under 30 list. These days, she is training horses with her husband and raising two daughters to follow in her footsteps. Learn more about Sarah's journey from cheerleader to bronc rider in this episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Country music artist Olivia Harms grew up playing music with her mom, Western Music Hall of Fame member, Joni Harms. These days, she is creating her own sound: one with Bakersfield, Texas, and Nashville influences. Since taking music full time just over a year and a half ago, Olivia has released a Texas Red Dirt single, "Neon Blue," and was named to the Cowgirl Magazine 30 Under 30 list. Learn more about Olivia's creative edge and entrepreneurial journey in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Two trailblazing women have taken it upon themselves to create opportunities in rural places and tell the story of the western way of life. Kellie Carr Augustyn of KC Creations Photography in Burwell, Nebraska and Haley Miles of Sandhills Blue Photography of Ainsworth, Nebraska, are telling powerful stories through images and real human connections. From photographing the National Finals Rodeo to highlighting small town love, these two women have channeled their gifts into entrepreneurship and service in their hometown communities. Learn more about their journeys in this episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Chuck Schroeder has worn many hats throughout his lifetime, including serving as the inaugural CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Executive Director of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, to name a few. These days, Schroeder has honed in on his creativity through his business, Schroeder Fine Art. Gain wisdom and perspective in this insightful interview, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Garrett Yerigan announced his very first rodeo performance at the age of 12. In 2021, he was named the PRCA Rodeo Announcer of the Year. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Yerigan's career and vision for the sport.

In nearly 30 years in the hat business, Trent Johnson, Creative Vision Officer and owner of Greeley Hat Works has outfitted ranch cowboys, presidents, Miss Rodeo Americas, and even Kevin Costner on Yellowstone. Listen as Trent sits down with host Rebel Sjeklocha to talk about all things entrepreneurship, western trends, and more.

Slade Wood, the 2021 Resistol Rookie of the Year Steer Roper and All-Around Cowboy shares his mindset and goals after ending up 4th in the world in 2021. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about the young talent.

Beau Cooper, the 2021 Resistol Rookie of the Year Calf Roper, and the first Canadian to win the title, shares his story in the first part of a dual-episode Rookie of the Year feature. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Beau's upbringing, his mentors, and the paint horse that takes him to the pay window.

Gordon, Nebraska native, and PBR Bull Rider Conner Halverson shares about his rural roots and journey as a professional bull rider. Join host Rebel Sjeklocha and get an inside look at Halverson's mental game and the early success of his career.

The National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, Texas exists to preserve the physical, social, and cultural aspects of ranching. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha sits down with Executive Director Jim Bret Campbell to learn how the center honors tradition while promoting the western way of life.

As a former rodeo contestant and current stock contractor, Dillon Tiede has truly been in every corner of the rodeo arena. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Dillon's transition from contestant to contractor and his deep western roots.

One thing is certain: Sawyer Gilbert is a force to be reckoned with. The 19-year-old World Champion breakaway roper from South Dakota has already proven herself at the highest level of rodeo. The kicker? She's only getting started. Join host Rebel Sjeklocha and get to know the fierce competitor behind the gold buckle.

63-year-old NFR barrel racer Dona Kay Rule shares about her life, her horse Valor, and the people and experiences that have contributed to her success. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Dona Kay's journey as a competitor and her wisdom from years in the sport.

Nebraska cowboy Garrett Shadbolt will make his inaugural appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, Nevada this December. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Shadbolt's roots in the Nebraska Sandhills and successful 2021 season.

Walker Clampitt, owner of WCC Western Designs gives us his take on western, and how he stumbled in to making western jewelry full-time. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about Walker's journey as an artist and entrepreneur.

Ashley Alderson, CEO of The Boutique Hub, delves into what "western" means to her and the barriers she is looking to break in 2021. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha gets to know the mastermind behind The Boutique Hub and her western roots.

Jordan Tierney is no stranger to the sport of rodeo. As the daughter of World Champion cowboy Paul Tierney, and former Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Robin Bail Tierney, Jordan was fully immersed in the western way of life at a young age. Most remarkable, though, is Jordan's ability to see and create opportunities for herself. A fierce competitor and advocate for the industry, she is just getting started. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha gets to know the woman under the crown.

Robin Scherbarth is an accomplished horsewoman with extensive background knowledge and experience in both the rodeo arena and the show pen. With a fresh perspective and a real world experience, Robin uses her knowledge and talents to help individuals find horses that meet their needs and is integral in putting on the Legend Buttes Horse Sale in Crawford, NE. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns the dos and don'ts of buying and selling a horse.

The sport of breakaway roping is on the rise and so is up and coming superstar, Madison Outhier. The 18 year old sensation is setting the rodeo world on fire with her raw talent and unmatched speed. “Never before have you been able to make a great living as a female roper in the rodeo industry,” Outhier says. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha sits down to learn from this young talent.

Welcome to Breaking the Barrier - a podcast focused on western trailblazers who are breaking barriers both in and out of the arena. In the rodeo world, a broken barrier is not necessarily a good thing. It's a 10 second penalty that generally means a competitor is out of the money. However, the barriers we are breaking here are of a different kind. Breaking the Barrier is a western lifestyle podcast for those who share in the western way of life. Join host Rebel Sjeklocha and get to know those who are honoring tradition, pushing the envelope, and breaking barriers for the next generation. This podcast is presented by the Rural Radio Network.