Final Approach With Chris Gregory

Bud and Hannah met when they attended Heartland Horseshoeing School, where they return every year to play a part in the lives of the incoming new students.  I sat them down to discuss their paths to becoming farriers, challenges faced, and their future aspirations. Hannah details her transition from a medical secretary in Alaska to becoming a farrier, while Bud shares his experience working on a dairy farm and as an arborist before deciding to pursue farriery. They emphasize the importance of hard work, passion, and good client communication. We talk about their business, injury experiences, and the importance of horsemanship and practical skills in their profession. They also touch on their goals of expanding their practice to include more farriers and reflect on the various aspects of farriery, including shoeing techniques and the industry's future.

Renowned farrier Jace Ellis shares decades of experiences from his life and career.  He attended horseshoeing school in 1984 and has been shoeing horses ever since. Farriery has allowed Jace to do anything he has ever wanted to do in this life.  Jace recounts various aspects of his career including his first marriage, his son following in his footsteps, and the challenges of maintaining both personal relationships and business standards over the decades. His insights delve into the technical and business sides of being a farrier, alongside memorable stories of dealing with bad horses and complex shoeing techniques. Besides farriery, Jace has a rich life filled with cowboy activities, competitive coyote hunting, and an affinity for camp cooking. He also shares pearls of wisdom and reveals personal interests, emphasizing the importance of doing what you love, regardless of the challenges.

I get the honor or introducing you to expert farrier, horseman, pickup-man, and longtime friend, Robert McClaran.  This episode is filled with personal stories, professional insights, and a deep appreciation for the craft and community of farriery.  We talk about the cold plunge routine and its benefits, Robert's experiences with picking up broncs at rodeos, and the profound impact of community and mentorship in his life. The best seat in the house at a rodeo is on a horse in the middle of the arena, but right now, it is wherever you are sitting to enjoy our little visit.  We are cleared for take off.    

This episode is about Shearer Wludyka, a Heartlander from Anderson, South Carolina, who attended Heartland Horseshoeing School in 2013. Shearer reflects on her journey, detailing her challenging childhood in foster care and how she pursued higher education, eventually earning a degree in graphic design. Despite working corporate jobs, she found her passion in horseshoeing. Shearer shares her experiences building a successful farrier business, her approach to therapeutic shoeing, and her aspirations to start a horseshoeing school. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, people skills, and ongoing learning in her career. You are going to get a lot out of this conversation.  We are cleared for takeoff.

Chris Gregory sits down with his son Cody Gregory, FWCF with honors, to discuss Cody's journey in the industry, their shared history, and insights into successful parenting and goal-setting. They talk about how Cody started as a young farrier, his experiences growing up around horseshoeing, and his journey to achieving his Fellowship with honors from the Worshipful Company of Farriers. The discussion also covers Cody's experiences starting a tool company, improving manufacturing processes, and his approach to homeschooling and raising children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of perseverance, goal-setting, and continuous learning, whether in their craft, personal development, or parenting.

In this episode of 'Final Approach with Chris Gregory,' Chris interviews Ross Zeiger, a technically skilled and knowledgeable guest discovered through YouTube. Ross shares his background, growing up in Washington State, attending the University of Washington, and joining the Marine Corps. He discusses his experiences in flight school, a stint as an Air Support Control Officer, and deployments in Okinawa, Thailand, Philippines, and Korea, where he met his wife. The discussion covers a variety of topics including their stay in Mexico City, his adventurous eating habits, and travel experiences in Nepal. He now runs https://www.descriptmastery.com, a website focused on teaching Descript, an AI-powered video and podcast editing software. The conversation delves into the benefits and challenges of using Descript, the learning curve associated with mastering new tech, and future aspirations for his business and personal life. We are cleared for takeoff.

I call this episode The Hoofsmith's Path.  From losing his dad as a toddler and being raised in the city by a single mom to becoming a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers Examiner, Mark Trussler's life reads like a classic heroes journey to get where he is now.  His is an inspirational story of grit and I had a great time getting to know him.  You will too.  We are cleared for takeoff.     Brought to you by:  Heartland Horseshoeing School I can't believe it's been thirty years.  As a young man, I used to hear the old timers talk about how fast it goes.  As an old man now, I can confirm the validity of their claim.  Well, we are going to make a big celebration of Heartland Horseshoeing School turning thirty, and you are all invited to join us.  There will be a forging contest on May 9th and 10th with buckles, added money and prizes in every division.  Saturday afternoon will finish with a barbecue as we thank every Heartlander that has left some sweat and blood in this place, and every customer and friend that has been a part of it.  We would love to see you.  May 9th and 10th at Heartland Horseshoeing School.

There are few things better than seeing your kids grow and succeed in life, and Kelly and I are proud of what ours have accomplished.  It is such an honor to sit down with Jacquelyn and talk about where she is in life and her passion of raising good protein to keep her family healthy and help other people who want to eat superior and nutritious food.  Raising kids, cattle, pigs and chickens while taking care of several hundred acres, a farrier practice, and staying in front of the marketing that goes with being an entrepreneur in this day and age takes a lot of time, smarts and motivation as you are going to see from this interview.  We are cleared for takeoff.     Brought to you by:  CJW Pino Ranch Well, you've heard me mention CJW Pino Ranch before, but now you've had a little more insight into just what goes into bringing you such tasty and high-quality meat.  If you want to help keep the awesome machine that is your body running right, you need to fuel it with the right stuff, and CJW Pino Ranch can be a major part of that, no matter where you live in the lower 48.  Contact Jacquelyn if you want to get to know your personal rancher.  Check out CJWPinoranch.net to start down the road to some high-octane protein.

The title of this episode is Foot Soldier to Foot Fixer where I have the privilege of sitting down with combat Vietnam Veteran and Certified Journeyman Farrier Jerry Franklin.  Jerry has over 70 years of horse experience, coming from a Texas farm and ranch background.  He is still an active farrier and enjoys sharing his knowledge with the young farriers that come through Five Star Horseshoeing School, his son Dusty's business in Oklahoma.  Jerry served in the thick of the fighting in Vietnam, seeing and surviving the horrors of war.  I get him to tell a few of those stories, how he got past it, and how farriery played its part.  We are cleared for takeoff.

I call this one: A Tale of Two Farriers.  I sit down with farrier, father, husband, creator and fellow podcaster, Caleb Erickson.  We just happen to share a multitude of beliefs, as I discovered through our conversation, and I get to reflect a little on this trade of farriery that I love.  Caleb produces The Dying Breed podcast and has a very active YouTube channel with lots of content for those that like horses and their hooves.  I really enjoyed being a part of this one.  We are cleared for takeoff.

The Heart of a Farrier.  In this podcast I have the pleasure of interviewing Eric Nygaard.  Eric started shoeing in the early 80s, and he became a mainstay in the industry, especially in the American Farrier's Association.  Playing pivotal leadership roles throughout the decades, Eric hasn't missed a convention since he started, despite devastating health problems that would have sidelined most.  The heart of a farrier is the perfect name for this episode, and you are going to like getting to see another side of Eric Nygaard.  We are cleared for takeoff.

  Stunt rider, racehorse trainer, farrier apprentice and son of a true Bedouin, Sultan Al Ameri has quite a trail behind him for such a young man.  Sultan works for Alex Mercer in the UK, and Cody and I were doing a little forging alongside Sultan.  Between heats I got the chance to visit with Sultan and knew that you would all love to hear his story.  So here it is.  We are cleared for takeoff.

In this interview I get the priveledge of sitting down with Shannon Rollins, the creator of the YouTube channel, Cowboy Kent Rollins.  At over 3 million subscribers, Shannon is The Genius Behind the Legend.  I hired her to do a little clinic in the Heartland, and it was a wonderful opportunity to get some first-hand direct education on doing what I'm trying to learn how to do better.  You are really going to enjoy getting to know Shannon, so sit back and enjoy this inspiring epidsode.  We are cleared for takeoff.  

I am honored to bring a small part of Paul Jones's story to you through this podcast.  Soldier warrior, soldier farrier, natural born leader, entrepreneur, and family man, Paul rings the bell in every aspect of his life.  Patriotism brought him to the military and a wartime injury in Afghanistan brought him to farriery.  Even though this one is super short, you will be inspired by Paul's determination and ability to rise above it all.  We are cleared for takeoff.

I would love to introduce you all to an amazingly generous and talented farrier from the UK named Alex Mercer.  Alex has extended the use of his shop to numerous farriers from around the world that come to the UK to advance their skills.  We got to visiting, and I found out that this man has a great story to tell.  Sit back and enjoy getting to know my friend, Alex Mercer.  We are cleared for takeoff.

I am thrilled to get a chance to introduce all of you to Simon Kalas. Simon is the owner of Almat Flying Academy at the Coventry Airport in Coventry, England. I had some time to kill at Stoneleigh in 2023 and decided to rent a plane and get a different view of the beautiful English countryside. That led me to Simon. Simon had a plane to rent and an instructor I could hire to go up with me.  As I got to know this mechanic turned pilot turned flight school owner, I found another interesting story to tell. We are cleared for takeoff. https://almat.co.uk/about/team/simon-kalas/ For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 49 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 48 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Dusty Franklin. Well, he's back. I'm so happy to be sitting here with my friend of almost 30 years, famous farrier and school owner, Dusty Franklin.  Dusty has had a life-changing year, and he is back out in the world for one of his first times in six months to work a certification in the Heartland.  The Heartland is almost home for Dusty, and it made me smile to see his incredible smile as he walked around today and shared his wisdom and insights with dozens of farriers on their journey through the certification process.  I asked Dusty to sit down with me and give us an update.  You'll be moved to hear his continuing saga.  You'll be moved and inspired to hear his continuing  You will be moved and inspired to hear his continuing saga.   We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisGregoryFarrier 

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 47 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 46 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 45 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 44 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 43 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 42 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 41 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

JT Timmons is the owner of Palmetto Forge Farrier from Abbeville, South Carolina.  He came to the Heartland to work toward some higher level goals in farriery, and as I got to know him, I discovered a couple of things.  Those things were that JT is a natural born storyteller, and… he has quite the story to tell.  You are going to be amazed as you get to know a little more about JT through this interview, so sit back and enjoy.  We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 40 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 39 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 38 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 37 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 36 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 35 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 34 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Segev Lazarovitz, Israeli soldier and farrier, with his Canadian wife Julia Lazarovitz, are a couple of Heartlanders who found each other here when they attended school in 2021. Their world has seen some drastic changes as they took their newlywed lives to Israel, just a couple of weeks before Hamas attacked on October 7th, 2023. They are back in the Heartland for a week as they work on some advanced skills, and I talked them into sitting down with me for this interview. Segev is a man of few words, but hearing it straight from an Israeli soldier who is still putting on his uniform every day, gives us a little insight into what is happening in the Promise Land. It is also a story of the way that humans adapt to living wherever they may be. We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 33 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

 If you are in any part of the farrier industry, you know John Hershbarger, of Well-Shod in Amarillo, Texas. He is a problem solver like few others, and this has led to a successful marriage, a successful business partnership, and a thriving farrier supply. You won't find a more likable man who has time for everyone. He puts people first and it shows in the success that is Well-Shod.  He has grown more than one business and even found time in there to learn how to forge at a level where he can compete in farrier contests. Even though his schedule is constantly busy, he was willing to sit down with me as I got to know more about John and his vision for our beloved trade. We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 32 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

One of you listening right now needs to hear this podcast. It was a god thing. The plane had a mechanical problem in Dumas, Texas, so Kelly and I got it fixed and then flew within sight of our destination, Las Vegas, New Mexico.  Right before we got there, we were tossed around in the air like we were on a stormy sea, so we had to turn back and go back to Dumas.  Then the weather in West Texas did something it never does, rain moved in and a fog that would rival any that San Francisco has ever seen.  It was incredible all the things that came together to get me to meet Don Willingham and bring you this story.  Within minutes of meeting Don, I knew I had to get him to sit down with me for this visit. From a preacher's kid, to disc jockey, to musician, to pilot, to preacher, to AT&T technician, to author and multiple plane owner Don has seen a lot of this world and knows how to spin a tail. I wish I had more time to get the half dozen episodes that he deserves, so let me know if you want more from this gifted and colorful storyteller, and I will go wheels up back to Texas and bring it to you.   We are cleared for takeoff. See Don's book here: https://a.co/d/e1asF3D For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 31 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Jonathan Nunn, FWCF, has been a good friend for a good long time. We competed against each other in farrier contests many times over the years and shared some great times in different parts of the world as we both pursued our dreams of becoming a better farrier.  When Cody was 17 years old and chasing his associateship with the Worshipful Company of Farriers, he spent quite a bit of time with Jon in England. John is now an examiner for the Worship Company of Ferriers and was in the Heartland for a few days doing a high level clinic for my son Cody, Emilio Giannotti, Brian Mullins, and several others as they pursue their fellowship or associateship exams. I was able to get Jon to sit down with me for a short time, so welcome to our conversation.   We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/ The premium subscription for the Mullins Farrier podcast can be found here: https://mullinsfarrier.supercast.com/ 

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 30 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

 Mark Lyon is a renowned horseman, trainer, entertainer, creator, and clinician. I met Mark while shoeing horses at the school at Chad Kelly's farm and we instantly hit it off. Mark has a great story to tell in an easy manner. You can find hours and hours of help with your horses on his YouTube channel, Lyonshare, spelled L Y O N. Sit back and get to know Mark Lyon with me. We are cleared for takeoff.  For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 29 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Calgary was a special place in the careers of many farriers in the last part of the 20th century and into the 21st. It hosted the World Championship Blacksmiths competition where the best of the best would convene. It was a virtual who's who of the farrier world.  In the midst of it all was Canadian farrier Marshall Iles. Greeter, head steward, ambassador, coordinator, policeman, even competitor.  Marshall wore every hat there was to wear.  He has a great story to tell you and I think you're going to enjoy this podcast. We're cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 28 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Chad Kelly has been a good friend of myself and the Heartland for a long time. I can always call Chad if I need a good group of horses for the students to work on and he'll deliver. He knows everyone. Having started a career in the corporate world, Chad found his way back to making a living with the noble animals that we all love. He has a very interesting history that you'll like as you listen in on our conversation. We are cleared for takeoff.  For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 27 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

David Sierra and I go back several decades, having been friends since the start. He has a farrier business in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has become an examiner for the American Furriers Association.  We have had him as our examiner in the Heartland a couple of times, and I got to catch up with him in Reno at the 2023 AFA convention. We had a great talk, and you're going to like hearing David's story. We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/

Please enjoy an excerpt from the book written by Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF. Here is Chapter 26 from For the Want of a Shoe the Horse Was Lost. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/  

You know how you sometimes meet a person and are instant friends? Well, Joe was like that for me. Joe is a farrier who came to the Heartland for some tuning up in the forge, and as the days rolled on, we had one thing after another in common.  As I got to hear more of Joe's story, I realized that you needed to hear it too, so I talked him into sitting down for an interview. He has some great stories and some really good information if you are suffering with a hernia or high blood pressure.  Sit back, have a good time listening to Joe tell you about his world. We are cleared for takeoff. For more information about Chris Gregory CJF ASF FWCF: https://chrisgregoryauthor.com/ https://www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com/