Podcasts about prca

For decades, PR professionals have tried to influence what people think or how they think it. AI may be changing something even more fundamental: whether people do much of that thinking themselves. Researchers call it “Cognitive Surrender.” The tendency to accept an AI-generated answer without really scrutinizing it. And if AI increasingly sits between your message and your audience, or starts doing the thinking for communicators themselves, the implications for trust, persuasion and professional judgment could be enormous. Listen For4:30 What Is Cognitive Surrender and How Did Researchers Test It?7:44 Why Did People Accept Wrong AI Answers 80% of the Time?9:53 Can Cognitive Surrender Weaken Critical Thinking Skills?12:47 What Happens When AI Sits Between PR Pros and the Public?15:14 Why Should Communicators Think First and Prompt Second?Guest: Dr Steven Shaw, PhD, King's College London and Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaWebsite | LinkedIn | Google Scholar pageDougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stories and Strategies PR podcast newsletterAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

What does it take to turn a passion for country music into a professional career?On this episode of The Travel Wins Podcast, I sit down with country singer, songwriter, guitarist and PRCA cowboy Brian Gaylord to talk about his rapidly growing music career, performing throughout California, recording in Nashville and taking the next step onto stages in Las Vegas.What impressed me about Brian isn't simply his voice or guitar playing.It's his professional approach to the music business.Brian is applying the same discipline, work ethic and attention to detail that have helped him throughout his life to the challenge of building a career as an independent country artist. And he's putting in the miles.From wineries, rodeos and country venues throughout California to upcoming performances at Ole Red Las Vegas and Category 10, Brian is building his audience the old-fashioned way: One show. One song. One fan at a time. We also talk about his PRCA rodeo background, traveling to Nashville to record original music, building a professional band, developing relationships with venues and understanding that today's independent musician also needs to think like an entrepreneur. In this episode:• Brian Gaylord's journey into country music• Bringing a professional mindset to the music business• Performing throughout Southern California• Taking his music from California to Las Vegas• Performing at Ole Red Las Vegas• Singing and playing guitar professionally• His background as a PRCA cowboy• Recording original music in Nashville• Building a catalog as an independent artist• The business behind live music• Building relationships with venues and audiences• Balancing travel, performances and recording• Why professionalism creates opportunities• What's next for Brian GaylordBrian's story is especially interesting because we're watching his career develop right now.The shows are getting bigger.The travel is expanding.The music is growing.And the opportunities are following.Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, salesperson or someone trying to turn a passion into a profession, there is a valuable lesson in Brian's approach:Don't wait until you're successful to act like a professional.

The 2026 Wrangler NFR race is coming down to the wire, and this week on Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae break down the latest action from the Northwest run.We recap the Ellensburg Rodeo and the performances that mattered as ProRodeo contestants make their final September push toward Las Vegas.Then we continue following one of the biggest comeback stories of the season: Shad Mayfield's remarkable charge toward the Top 15. After returning from double hip surgery earlier this summer, the former World Champion has continued climbing the PRCA tie-down roping standings and has turned what once looked like a long shot into a legitimate NFR chase.At the top of the tie-down standings, Riley Webb has built a commanding lead as he looks to put himself in prime position for another run at the PRCA World Championship gold buckle.With Puyallup, Pendleton and the Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls still ahead, there is major money left on the table—and for the cowboys sitting around the NFR bubble, every run and every dollar matters.Who gets to Las Vegas? Can Shad Mayfield complete one of the great comebacks of 2026? And can anyone close the gap on Riley Webb?

Every PR person knows the moment: you're holding a coffee or a glass of wine at a networking event, the small talk has dried up, and the person standing next to you outranks you by a lot. Shawn Spitaleri has spent years collecting the kind of beverage trivia that fixes exactly that problem, real, verifiable stories about why your coffee tastes the way it does, why tea sparked a geopolitical crisis, and why every champagne bottle opens with the same number of twists no matter who made it.This episode is a toolkit, not a lecture. Shawn walks through coffee, tea, champagne, wine, and beer, pulling out the one fact from each that's actually worth repeating out loud, the kind that gets a genuine reaction instead of a polite nod. If you've ever needed something better than "so, how about this weather" to say to a stranger holding the same drink as you, this one's for you. Listen For4:17 Why Did Governments Try to Ban Coffee?6:08 How Did Britain's Love of Tea Fuel the Opium Trade and Corporate Espionage?9:41 Did Dom Pérignon Really Invent Champagne?12:16 What Does the World's Oldest Beer Recipe Reveal About Ancient Drinking Culture?17:29 How Did Franklin Roosevelt Help Popularize the Dirty Martini? Guest: Shawn Spitaleri, The Architect, Obscura Meridian CoDistillate Podcast | WebsiteDougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stories and Strategies PR podcast newsletter Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

We sit down with PRCA contestants, Saddle bronc rider Zane Howe and Steer Wrestler Brayden Mahon and talk about rodeoing in the Northeast. From the crowds to the competition and even the nightlife, the boys indulge on all of it.

The final month of the 2026 PRCA regular season is officially here, and there is still plenty left to decide in the team roping world standings.On this episode of The Short Score, Calli Montague breaks down where the NFR bubble stands entering September, with Ketch Kelton holding the No. 15 spot among headers and Wyatt Cox sitting 15th among heelers. The episode also looks at which teams have invites to the remaining big-money opportunities—and which will have to fight to Las Vegas the long way.The Cinch Playoffs field for Puyallup, Washington, is set for Sept. 10-13, but the Playoff Series race is not over. Puyallup's top four will advance directly to the Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls, while eight more teams will qualify through the Playoff Series points standings before the Sept. 21 cutoff. Outside of the Playoffs, there are numerous key stops on the ProRodeo trail for teams to have chances to make up ground, hold their spot in line, or extend their lead over the teams behind them.And the season could literally come down to the final steer on the final day. On Sept. 30, 377 Arena in Stephenville, Texas, will host a standalone PRCA-approved four-header with $75,000 added. There is potentially for a team that wins enough throughout the day to have a chance at money that could punch their ticket to the Finals.---This episode is brought to you by SmartEquine and ColiCare—an innovative approach to hindgut health and colic prevention. Designed with research-backed ingredients and a unique support program, when your horse is counting on you, you can count on ColiCare.ColiCare combines targeted digestive support with a program designed to help you stay ahead of potential issues—not just react to them. It's built on research, formulated to support a healthy gut environment, and backed by a unique benefit: eligible horses enrolled in the program may receive up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement.Whether you're hauling, training hard, or just managing day-to-day stressors, your horse's digestive system is constantly under pressure. ColiCare is designed to help you manage those risks with confidence.Visit SmartEquine.com to learn more about how ColiCare can support your horse's long-term health.

The final month of the 2026 PRCA regular season is officially here, and there is still plenty left to decide in the team roping world standings.On this episode of The Short Score, Calli Montague breaks down where the NFR bubble stands entering September, with Ketch Kelton holding the No. 15 spot among headers and Wyatt Cox sitting 15th among heelers. The episode also looks at which teams have invites to the remaining big-money opportunities—and which will have to fight to Las Vegas the long way.The Cinch Playoffs field for Puyallup, Washington, is set for Sept. 10-13, but the Playoff Series race is not over. Puyallup's top four will advance directly to the Governor's Cup in Sioux Falls, while eight more teams will qualify through the Playoff Series points standings before the Sept. 21 cutoff. Outside of the Playoffs, there are numerous key stops on the ProRodeo trail for teams to have chances to make up ground, hold their spot in line, or extend their lead over the teams behind them.And the season could literally come down to the final steer on the final day. On Sept. 30, 377 Arena in Stephenville, Texas, will host a standalone PRCA-approved four-header with $75,000 added. There is potentially for a team that wins enough throughout the day to have a chance at money that could punch their ticket to the Finals.---This episode is brought to you by SmartEquine and ColiCare—an innovative approach to hindgut health and colic prevention. Designed with research-backed ingredients and a unique support program, when your horse is counting on you, you can count on ColiCare.ColiCare combines targeted digestive support with a program designed to help you stay ahead of potential issues—not just react to them. It's built on research, formulated to support a healthy gut environment, and backed by a unique benefit: eligible horses enrolled in the program may receive up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement.Whether you're hauling, training hard, or just managing day-to-day stressors, your horse's digestive system is constantly under pressure. ColiCare is designed to help you manage those risks with confidence.Visit SmartEquine.com to learn more about how ColiCare can support your horse's long-term health.

Most people don't experience a country… they experience its reputation. Long before a flight is booked or a business deal is considered, a story has already landed in your mind. A headline. A search result. A clip that went viral. A warning someone repeated with total confidence. And once that story sticks, it starts to feel like the place itself.So, let's test it. When you picture Egypt, what shows up first? Pyramids. Pharaohs. Ancient tombs. Maybe a biblical story, or maybe a recent news headline? Egypt is one of the most famous places on earth, but that fame can flatten it into a single image, a single idea, a single shadow. In this episode, nation branding and strategic communications leader Lamia Kamel unpacks how reputations are formed and how they can be changed, especially now that discovery runs through search, social, and AI. If you've ever realized you “knew” a place before you actually understood it, this conversation might rewire the way you think about perception.Listen For:04:28 What Misconceptions Do Travelers Have About Egypt?05:37 What Is the Real Egypt Beyond Pyramids and Stereotypes?08:10 How Should Egypt Use Digital Marketing to Attract Travelers?11:43 Which Social Media Platforms Are Most Popular in Egypt?17:49 How Is PR in Egypt Different From Western PR? Guest: Lamia Kamel, Managing Director of CC PlusWebsite | Email | LinkedIn DougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

Most of us are waiting for mentorship to look a certain way. A senior person who takes us under their wing. A scheduled coffee every two weeks. A defined relationship with a clear beginning and a clear end. And while we are waiting for that version of mentorship to show up, the real thing is happening all around us and we're missing it entirely. But the way mentorship actually works in the public relations profession is different to almost everything you would naturally believe.  Listen For3:35 What Are the Five Biggest Myths About Mentorship?5:35 Why Should Mentorship Work Both Ways?7:36 Can ChatGPT or AI Replace a Human Mentor?13:42 What Mentorship Advice Can Stay With You for Life?16:36 How Do You Find the Right Mentor in Public Relations?Guests:Amy ThurlowWebsite | LinkedInColleen Killingsworth LinkedInBook Rethinking the Table on Amazon DougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

We sit down with PRCA Bullfighter Judd Napier and discuss how the Hawaiian born cowboy came to the mainland, and what struggles he faced in his move, and discuss life outside of the arena.

At 18, Dalton Allred is already sitting No. 1 on his PRCA permit, has joined the PBR team league with the New York Mavericks, and is chasing a rookie season that could launch him all the way to the NFR. If you want to understand what it really takes to ride bulls at a high level, this conversation goes far beyond the highlight reel. Billy Peterson sits down with Dalton to unpack the mindset, mechanics, and pressure of one of rodeo's most dangerous sports. Dalton breaks down how he started on calves, sheep, and mini bulls, how he prepares for a bull he's drawn, and why staying calm in the chute matters more than fearlessness. He also shares the difference between PRCA and PBR, what team rodeo looks like behind the scenes, and how an 18-year-old balances travel, recovery, and a packed schedule of 21 bulls in 25 days.

As a communications professional you've used ChatGPT, Claude, or Copilot in the last 30 days. Probably in the last week. Probably earlier today. And at some point you've had the same experience: you put in a prompt, you get back something that's technically competent and completely generic. You spend the next 20 minutes re-prompting, editing, wrestling it into something that actually sounds like your organization, your voice, your situation. A Workday study found that 40% of the time saved by using generative AI tools is immediately lost reworking the outputs. You traded one kind of work for another.The reason is simple and almost nobody is saying it out loud. Those tools were built for everyone. Which in communications terms means they were built for no one in particular. They don't think like a communicator. They don't have access to what a communicator needs. They don't know what's being said about your organization right now across 4,000 TikTok videos, each with modest view counts, each repeating the same damaging narrative, each flying completely below the radar of your existing monitoring tools. Stratum is the tool that needed to be built three years ago.Watch the YouTube Video of this episode to see Stratum demonstration Listen For3:29 Why do communications teams need AI built around use cases instead of tools?6:30 What is Stratum and how is it different from ChatGPT or Copilot?12:18 What is the difference between an AI agent and an agentic workflow?17:29 Can AI detect a reputation crisis before it goes viral?19:45 How can AI identify the right influencers for a campaign? Guest: Matt Collette, Sequencr.AIWebsite | LinkedIn | Stratum Platform DougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stories and Strategies PR podcast newsletter Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

Ken sits down one-on-one with rising bareback rider Kash Loyd, one of the young cowboys quickly making a name for himself in professional rodeo.The 2024 National High School Finals Rodeo Bareback Riding Champion has made an impressive transition into the PRCA ranks. Still competing on his permit, Loyd currently sits No. 1 in the PRCA permit standings with approximately $46,000 won—and his official rookie season doesn't begin until 2027.Kash talks about his journey into bareback riding, overcoming the injury that ended his 2023 NHSFR, returning a year later to win a national championship, and what he's learning while competing against some of the best bareback riders in ProRodeo.We also talk about his 2026 summer run, including his success at Coleman, Lawton and the 90th XIT Rodeo in Dalhart, and what he's building toward when his official PRCA rookie campaign begins.Is Kash Loyd one of the next young names to watch in bareback riding? Get to know him now, before the 2027 rookie race begins.Keywords: Kash Loyd, bareback riding, PRCA permit standings, NHSFR champion, National High School Finals Rodeo, PRCA rookie, ProRodeo, XIT Rodeo, Lawton Rodeo, bareback rider, Wrangler NFR, rodeo podcast, Where Rodeo Meets the Road

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae break down the latest headlines from across professional rodeo.We start with the injury report, including Cooper Filipek's recent back injury in Utah, then look at the return of some of the sport's biggest names, including Stetson Wright, Dean Thompson, Wacey Schalla, and Rocker Steiner.The show also recaps the action from the XIT Rodeo in Dalhart and Lawton Rangers Rodeo, highlighting standout performances and the athletes building momentum during the summer run.Plus, we continue following one of the biggest comeback stories in rodeo as Shad Mayfield climbs to No. 24 in the tie-down roping world standings, keeping his late-season NFR hopes alive.From injuries and comebacks to the latest rodeo results and world standings movement, this episode covers the stories shaping the road to the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.Keywords: PRCA injury report, Stetson Wright, Rocker Steiner, Shad Mayfield comeback, Dean Thompson, Wacey Schalla, Cooper Filipek, XIT Rodeo, Lawton Rodeo, PRCA standings, NFR race, rodeo podcast, Where Rodeo Meets the Road.

In Canada, women make up roughly two thirds of the public relations profession. They are the majority in the classrooms, the majority in the entry level roles, and the majority climbing through the middle ranks. And then somewhere around the senior level, the numbers flip. The leadership tables in PR firms and communications departments across the country look nothing like the profession they are supposed to represent. This is not a new observation. The data has been there for years.Here's what's new. Two researchers decided to stop describing the problem and start asking a harder question. Not how do we get more women to the table? But why does the table keep failing the women who get there. Because what the data also shows, and what too many PR women know personally, is that the exit is often quiet and deliberate. Not a firing. Not a failure. A decision. A moment where a woman who is absolutely capable of leading looks at what it costs and says this is not worth it. This episode is about what is driving that decision, and what it is going to take to change it.Listen For4:15 Why Do Women Hold Fewer Than 30% of Senior PR Leadership Roles?7:11 What Does It Mean to Rethink the Leadership Table?9:15 How Can PR Organizations Create Sustainable Leadership Careers?15:06 What Can Women and Men Do to Change PR Leadership?17:03 Why Won't Teaching Women to Play Golf Solve Workplace Exclusion? Guests: Amy ThurlowWebsite | LinkedInColleen Killingsworth LinkedIn Book Rethinking the Table on Amazon DougSubstack | Website | LinkedInWatch this episode on YouTube Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

The 90th Annual XIT Rodeo & Reunion is here, and Where Rodeo Meets the Road is bringing you a special preview before the action begins in Dalhart, Texas.Join Ken and Ellie Clift, 2025 Miss Rodeo XIT, as they take you inside one of Texas' most historic rodeos, celebrating nine decades of western heritage and championship rodeo.The duo previews the next three days of competition, highlights the top storylines, and discusses many of the biggest names expected to compete, including Kaleb Driggers, Junior Nogueira, John Douch, Kade Sonnier, Kash Loyd, and many more as they continue their chase toward the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.Whether you're attending the XIT Rodeo or following the PRCA season from home, this episode gets you ready for one of the premier rodeos of the summer.

Johnny "Backflip" Dudley is a Marine-turned-rodeo-clown and the 2019 Coors "Man in the Can" the PRCA's top honor for a barrelman, awarded at the National Finals Rodeo. A Texas native who served eight years in the Corps, Dudley works around 250 rodeos a year from Florida to Alaska, famous for backflipping off his barrel with a bull in the arena and for a mouth that's even faster than his feet.98th Annual North Texas Fair & Rodeo is here! August 21 – 30, 2026 in Denton, Texas featuring over 40+ musical acts including Braxton Keith, Aaron Watson, Kody West, Jarrod Morris and more! Tickets on sale now: https://ntfair.comSmith Pro Rodeo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠l ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠ lEnjoy The Jarrod Morris Vibe? Please leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Jarrod Morris Vibe Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Most women don't lose their voice all at once. It happens slowly, quietly, and with the best of intentions. They soften their tone here. They hold back an opinion there. They make themselves a little smaller, a little easier, a little less. Until one day they can't quite remember what they actually sound like.This episode is about that. Where the muting comes from, what it costs, and what it takes to find your voice at midlife.Listen For3:30 What Does It Really Mean to Find Your Voice at Midlife?5:03 Why Do So Many Women Feel Ready to Explode in Midlife?7:13 Why Are Assertive Women Judged Differently From Assertive Men?12:19 How Can Women Process the Unspoken Grief of Not Having Children?16:19 When Should You Speak Up, and When Should You Protect Your Peace? Guest: Priya Sudarsanam, Speech PathologistLinkedIn |  Website | Instagram | Podcast | Facebook | YouTubeDoug DownsSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Watch this episode on YouTubeSubscribe to the Stories and Strategies PR podcast newsletterAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

We sit down with many times PRCA Southeastern Circuit Finals bullfighter Mike Driver. From learning the ropes of fighting bulls, to getting his PRCA Card and all the highs and lows of the industry.

The 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo delivered championship performances, dramatic tiebreakers, breakout victories, and major movement in the ProRodeo world standings.On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae recap the biggest moments from the Daddy of 'em All, including Jayco Roper's 93-point bareback ride, Ryder Wright's first Cheyenne saddle bronc championship, Luke Mackey's bull riding victory, and the next generation of rodeo stars making their mark.The show also covers the championship runs of Cheyanne McCartney, Tayla Moeykens, Cole Pugh, Britt Bedke, Slade Wood, Tyler Tryan and Nicky Northcott, along with the debate surrounding Cheyenne's limited-field format and what the results mean for the race to the 2026 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.Plus, we follow one of the biggest comeback stories in ProRodeo as Shad Mayfield continues climbing the tie-down roping world standings. After returning at the Reno Rodeo, Mayfield has built momentum through major checks and victories, moving to No. 25 in the world with $65,239.71 and keeping his late-season NFR hopes alive.2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days championsRyder Wright's first Cheyenne victoryJayco Roper's career-best 93-point rideCheyanne McCartney's breakaway roping winTayla Moeykens and Yeti win the barrel racingTyler Tryan and Nicky Northcott defeat the world championsLuke Mackey wins Cheyenne bull ridingCole Pugh's breakout steer wrestling championshipCheyenne's new limited-field formatShad Mayfield's comeback and NFR standings climbThe latest PRCA and WPRA world standingsKeywords: Cheyenne Frontier Days 2026, Cheyenne rodeo results, Ryder Topics Covered

There's a booming business in divisiveness. And PR is caught right in the thick of it.Recorded at the June 2026 IABC conference in Toronto, Doug Downs speaks with Fred Cook about A Quiet Shift, a report exploring how polarization is reshaping public relations. Cook explains why division is damaging society, mental health, and business while making thoughtful communications counsel more valuable. They examine echo chambers, outrage as a political and media strategy, the possibility that AI reinforces existing beliefs, and the disappearance of productive dialogue. Cook also outlines how PR education must evolve, emphasizing crisis management, finance, government relations, public affairs, ethics, and responsible technology use. Ultimately, the conversation challenges communicators to adapt without contributing to the very divisions that create demand for their expertise.Listen For2:33 How Is Polarization Changing Public Relations?5:38 Why Can Polarization Make PR More Valuable—and More Vulnerable?6:25 Is AI Reinforcing Bias and Deepening Polarization?9:01 Which Skills Will Future PR Professionals Need Most?12:00 Why Does Calling the Other Side “Stupid” Destroy Dialogue?Guest: Fred Cook, Director USC USC Annenberg Center for Public RelationsFred bioDoug DownsSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stories and Strategies PR podcast newsletter Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

Stetson Wright is sidelined after suffering a separated shoulder at the Calgary Stampede and undergoing surgery for knee injuries, including a torn meniscus and PCL. We break down when and where he was injured, what his recovery timeline may look like, and how the setback could affect the remainder of his 2026 season.We also provide the latest update on reigning PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion Rocker Steiner following successful neck surgery for two herniated cervical discs.Plus, we examine the controversy surrounding the new 2026 Cheyenne Frontier Days format, including the elimination of traditional slack, reduced timed-event entries, and the debate over whether the “Daddy of 'em All” is moving away from the open-entry traditions that helped build its legacy.Topics include: Stetson Wright injury update, Shad Mayfield's return, Calgary Stampede, PRCA rodeo injuries, Cheyenne Frontier Days controversy, elimination of slack, timed-event limits, barrel racing and the future of professional rodeo.

We sit down with 3X National Finals Steer Roping Announcer Scott Grover. From his childhood days of reading the Pro Rodeo Sports News, to calling the action at some of the biggest rodeos in the world, Scott talks all things rodeo, as well as his willingness to give back to the industry.

Smith Pro Rodeo "The Greatest Show on Dirt" is a PRCA livestock contracting and rodeo production company based in Henderson County, Texas (Malakoff/Athens area), led by owner Stace Smith and son Riggin. Before becoming a contractor, Smith worked as a rodeo contestant, chute boss, and pickup man and was selected as a pickup man for the 2005 Texas Circuit Finals before building the company into one of the most prolific rodeo production outfits in the country.The company's headline achievement is being named PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year 11 times 11 consecutive years, tying the record held by rodeo legend Harry Vold. Smith Pro Rodeos produces more PRCA rodeos than any other stock contractor in the association, with an operation spanning 7+ states, 15 separate rodeos, and more than 80 performances annually. Notable events they've supplied stock for or produced include Cheyenne Frontier Days, Ogden Pioneer Days, the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo in Amarillo, the Texas Circuit Finals, and the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo in South Texas.Smith Pro Rodeo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠l ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ l ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook l TikTokEnjoy The Jarrod Morris Vibe? Please leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Jarrod Morris Vibe Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

Generic messaging fails for a simple reason. It speaks to everyone, which means it actually speaks to no one. The messages that stick, the ones people repeat, forward, and act on, are never written for "employees" or "stakeholders" or "our valued customers." They are written for one person, with one specific frustration, in one specific moment. That's not a nice idea about storytelling. It's a framework, and once you see it, you can't unsee it in every all-staff email that gets ignored and every campaign that gets remembered. In this episode we get the five tip framework behind stories that actually stick, from a communicator who has spent her career studying why some messages disappear the moment they're sent while others get repeated for years.Listen for:3:17 The Five-Step Framework for Sticky Stories7:12 Finding the Frustration: Real Communication Examples10:34 Break the Fourth Wall to Make Messages Memorable13:54 The Recipe for Stories People RememberGuest: Eduvie Martin, FCIPR, Past President of IABC UK and IrelandLinkedIn | Comic Republic Doug DownsSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stories and Strategies PR podcast newsletter Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

A PRCA bullfighter isn't there to look fearless, he's there to be trustworthy when everything goes wrong in a split second. We talk with Colt Steggell about what bullfighting really is: reading cattle, attacking the bull's line at the right moment, and taking responsibility for a rider's safe exit. If you've ever wondered how rodeo athletes protect each other while still competing, his answer lands hard and clear. Colt breaks down the realities people never see on camera: broken ribs, cracked sternums, and how a bullfighting vest helps but doesn't save you from bad decisions. He also walks us through the PRCA pro card process step by step, from getting NFR level signatures, to paying for evaluations, to fighting pro rodeos on a permit while you're still being scored. Failing twice nearly crushed him until blunt feedback forced a reset: be more aggressive, and stop doing it like you're not having fun. Then the conversation turns to the topic he most wants in the open: veteran suicide and mental health. Colt shares losing a fellow soldier, surviving two suicide attempts, and why dissociation and depression can hit even if you never deployed. We also talk about community-driven support through WarriorsnRodeo and Operation VetNow, and how brotherhood can be a real lifeline, not a slogan. If this hit home, share it with a friend, subscribe for more real stories from the rodeo and military worlds, and leave a review so more people who need these conversations can find them. What part of Colt's story stayed with you?Instagram: @the_stegg45https://www.instagram.com/the_stegg45?igsh=MXhlbXpydzA4NjRjNA==Shoutout to:Colton SteggellThe Steggell Family Rodeo CommunityJace Angus Riley Riddle Operation VetNowWarriors and Rodeo Ag-Gear Store https://www.aggearstore.com/Use Code: Milesmountains For 15% Off Raising Awareness:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Mental Health Send us Fan Mail

Kensie Darst Todd has never been afraid to chase a dream — even when it meant stepping outside of her comfort zone and creating a path all her own. Two generations removed from the ranching lifestyle, Kensie followed every opportunity that came her way and built a career rooted in storytelling, western culture and agriculture.Today, Kensie works in marketing for the American Paint Horse Association while also freelancing as a writer for PRCA and Western Horseman, blending her passion for the western industry with her gift for communication. Her journey to Texas started long before she officially called it home. From honeymooning in Texas while interning with the WRCA to eventually moving to Lubbock to pursue her master's degree, every step helped shape the life and career she has today.Through every season — building a career, raising her son and navigating life's changes — Kensie has continued to bet on herself and pursue the things that inspire her. This week, she shares her story of resilience, motherhood, career growth and what it looks like to build a life fueled by passion, purpose and the courage to say yes to new opportunities.This is my personal podcast and reflects my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This show is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or representative of any organization, employer, or entity.

Reputation isn't your shadow anymore. It's your operating system. It's no longer something you manage. It has already been decided, by AI, based on patterns inside your organization you may not even know exist. Most leaders still think about reputation the old way: crisis plans, issue management, damage control after the fact. But AI now reads every signal a company puts out and connects them across every location and every stakeholder, drawing its own conclusion about who you really are. A bad manager in one city used to stay local. Now it can become your global reputation by tomorrow morning.There is a scale that runs from head in the sand to full reputation architect, and most organizations are stuck somewhere in the middle, reacting instead of designing. This episode gets into why reputation now functions like a credit score, why one recent report put a seven trillion dollar number on it globally, and why the real work ahead is not protecting your brand but architecting the patterns underneath it, before AI does that job for you. Listen For3:35 Why should organizations stop managing reputation and start architecting it?5:13 How does reputation become operational currency across an organization?7:48 Why is brand more than a logo or a “cowboy hat”?10:45 How is AI becoming a stakeholder in your reputation?16:35 How can leaders tell if they are reacting, managing, or architecting reputation?Guest: Bonnie Caver, Reputation LighthouseLinkedIn | Website | Company LinkedInDoug DownsSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Subscribe to the Stories and Strategies PR podcast newsletter Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

This one matters.The latest episode of PRCA Fuse looks at a report that could change how PR and public affairs are understood,valued and invested in.Beyond Communications: Understanding the economic contribution of the PR & PA sector is the first independent economic study of the UK PR and PA sector, produced by CBI Economics for the PRCA.It finds that PR and PA contribute around £7.1 billion in gross value added to the UK economy and support morethan 95,000 jobs.But the bigger point is not just the size of the sector. It's the role PR and PA have to play now.At a time when trust is in short supply, the people whose job it is to build trust, broker understanding and help organisations navigate complexity have never been more important.In this episode, Adrian Ma speaks to Sarah Waddington, CEO of the PRCA, about why the report matters and what itcould mean for the future of the industry.

The end of June and Cowboy Christmas saw momentum build for numerous teams, especially ones who were in need.Lightning Aguilera and Kaden Profili kicked off a three-week span of huge ProRodeo team roping storylines, winning $30,740 over a two-week period at the end of June. Aguilera and Profili took home $20,868 a man the week of June 16-21, highlighted by wins at the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, and the Silver State Stampede in Elko, Nevada. They rolled into another strong week June 24-28, pocketing $9,872 apiece with checks at the Reno Rodeo, West Of The Pecos Rodeo and Greeley Stampede.James Arviso and Levi Lord also got on a heater, winning the prestigious Reno Rodeo for $15,705 apiece. Their momentum rolled right into the Greeley Stampede where they won the average for $10,192 a man. That kicked off their Cowboy Christmas, and they ended up third in The Team Roping Journal's high-money earners calculations with $22,395 a man. Perhaps no bigger storyline came from Cody Snow and Lane Mitchell, however. Snow and Mitchell were the top earners over Cowboy Christmas, winning $30,192 a man. Their biggest hits came from the St. Paul Rodeo where they won $9,116 apiece and Greeley, winning $7,410 a man. The huge Fourth run moved them from outside the top 30 in the 2026 PRCA team roping world standings to right around the Top 15.On this episode of The Short Score, some of the biggest winners talk about their big weeks.____This episode is brought to you by SmartEquine and ColiCare—an innovative approach to hindgut health and colic prevention. Designed with research-backed ingredients and a unique support program, when your horse is counting on you, you can count on ColiCare.ColiCare combines targeted digestive support with a program designed to help you stay ahead of potential issues—not just react to them. It's built on research, formulated to support a healthy gut environment, and backed by a unique benefit: eligible horses enrolled in the program may receive up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement.Whether you're hauling, training hard, or just managing day-to-day stressors, your horse's digestive system is constantly under pressure. ColiCare is designed to help you manage those risks with confidence.Visit SmartEquine.com to learn more about how ColiCare can support your horse's long-term

The end of June and Cowboy Christmas saw momentum build for numerous teams, especially ones who were in need.Lightning Aguilera and Kaden Profili kicked off a three-week span of huge ProRodeo team roping storylines, winning $30,740 over a two-week period at the end of June. Aguilera and Profili took home $20,868 a man the week of June 16-21, highlighted by wins at the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, and the Silver State Stampede in Elko, Nevada. They rolled into another strong week June 24-28, pocketing $9,872 apiece with checks at the Reno Rodeo, West Of The Pecos Rodeo and Greeley Stampede.James Arviso and Levi Lord also got on a heater, winning the prestigious Reno Rodeo for $15,705 apiece. Their momentum rolled right into the Greeley Stampede where they won the average for $10,192 a man. That kicked off their Cowboy Christmas, and they ended up third in The Team Roping Journal's high-money earners calculations with $22,395 a man. Perhaps no bigger storyline came from Cody Snow and Lane Mitchell, however. Snow and Mitchell were the top earners over Cowboy Christmas, winning $30,192 a man. Their biggest hits came from the St. Paul Rodeo where they won $9,116 apiece and Greeley, winning $7,410 a man. The huge Fourth run moved them from outside the top 30 in the 2026 PRCA team roping world standings to right around the Top 15.On this episode of The Short Score, some of the biggest winners talk about their big weeks.____This episode is brought to you by SmartEquine and ColiCare—an innovative approach to hindgut health and colic prevention. Designed with research-backed ingredients and a unique support program, when your horse is counting on you, you can count on ColiCare.ColiCare combines targeted digestive support with a program designed to help you stay ahead of potential issues—not just react to them. It's built on research, formulated to support a healthy gut environment, and backed by a unique benefit: eligible horses enrolled in the program may receive up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement.Whether you're hauling, training hard, or just managing day-to-day stressors, your horse's digestive system is constantly under pressure. ColiCare is designed to help you manage those risks with confidence.Visit SmartEquine.com to learn more about how ColiCare can support your horse's long-term

He's not trying to look perfect online. He's trying to tell the truth about the road.We sit down with Andrew, a traveling rodeo photographer and videographer who's built a reputation for showing the whole story. That means early mornings, midnight edits, flat tires, long drives, and the unglamorous reality behind the “one great shot.” We talk about what the job actually demands, why communication earns patience, and how his background in fashion photography helped him create better rodeo storytelling for brands, sponsors, and rodeo organization's.Then the conversation turns personal. Andrew explains the meaning behind “Howdy Friend,” the phrase that became his mission and merch line, and why it's rooted in inclusion, kindness, and mental health awareness. He shares how heartbreak and loneliness spiraled into depression and suicidal thoughts, and how small, ordinary moments in rodeo community became the turning points that saved his life. If you've ever wondered how community shows up when you don't ask for help, this will hit home.We also dig into the practical side of building a creative career in the Western industry: chasing a PRCA pro card, networking, earning trust, learning horses to be safer and more useful around the chutes, and defining success as respect rather than hype. If you care about rodeo photography, Western lifestyle media, travel photography, or honest conversations about mental health on the road, you'll get real takeaways here.Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with someone who needs a “Howdy Friend” moment, and leave a review telling us what part of Andrew's story stayed with you.Instagram: @avaranch_rodeohttps://www.instagram.com/avaranch_rodeo?igsh=Y2c4czZzZHduZG9kShoutout to:Andrew Van Asselt aka AVA Howdy Friend Emma FolzRodeo CommunityAg-Gear Store https://www.aggearstore.com/Use Code: Milesmountains For 15% Off Raising Awareness:Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)Mental Health Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a conference has no keynote, no formal agenda, and no single expert at the front of the room?  The new IABC International Chair calls this an “unconference” model. And it's one glimpse of how professional associations can evolve: by creating space for communicators to learn directly from one another. Also in this episode – why community, credibility, and connection matter more than ever in a profession being reshaped by AI, shrinking budgets, and rising expectation, the changing role of communicators in the age of AI, and why earned media, credible third-party sources, FAQs, and even the press release may be gaining new relevance in AI search.  Listen For4:13 Why was the ABC Designation Considered Tougher than the SCMP?5:34 How is AI Making Earned Media and Press Releases Valuable Again?8:09 Why Should Communicators Bring FAQ Pages Back for AI Search?9:56 Why are Chief Communications Officers Gaining a Stronger Seat at the C-Suite Table?17:11 How Is IABC Rethinking Chapters With Community Models and Unconferences?Guest: Richard Kies, Incoming IABC International ChairLinkedIn | Bio PageDoug DownsSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

On this episode of Where Rodeo Meets the Road, Ken and Janae recap the biggest stories from June as the rodeo season heads into one of its busiest stretches of the year.We review the latest PRCA and WPRA world standings, discuss the action from the Reno Rodeo, preview the upcoming Calgary Stampede, and talk about the return of Shad Mayfield just in time for Cowboy Christmas.The conversation also reflects on the retirement of Richie Champion, breaks down what Cowboy Christmas means for contestants chasing the National Finals Rodeo, and looks ahead to the athletes and storylines to watch throughout the summer run.If you want to stay up to date on the latest rodeo news, world standings, and the road to the NFR, this episode has everything you need before the summer run kicks into high gear.

As a communications professional you're operating in the most complex information environment in history. Misinformation. Disinformation. AI generated deepfakes of executives saying things they never said. Audiences who have stopped trusting what organizations tell them. Employees who can't tell what's real. And somewhere in the middle of all of that noise you're still expected to move people. To make them understand something, feel something, and do something. With the same frameworks you have always used.Dianne Chase has written a book that argues the profession needs a North Star more than it needs another tactical playbook. She's the past International Chair of IABC, past Chair of the IABC Southern Region, and current president of IABC Charlotte. Her book is called The Seven C's of the New Communications Compass. And the argument she makes is both simple and urgent: in an era of collapsing trust, the communicators who will matter most are not the ones with the best tools. They're the ones who remembered to be human.This episode was recorded on location in Toronto in June 2026 at IABC World Conference Listen For3:16 What Are the Seven Cs of the New Communications Compass?6:16 Why Should Organizations Build Relationships Instead of Transactions?8:19 How Does Compassion Become Empathy in Action?13:09 Why Does Community Matter to Purpose-Driven Brands?17:10 How Should Communicators Measure What Really Matters?Guest: Dianne Chase, President IABC Charlotte, past International Chair IABC, past Chair IABC Southern RegionWebsite | LinkedInDoug DownsSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSend us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeSupport the show

Cooper Freeman grew up in Carthage, Missouri, surrounded by roping. His parents bought an indoor arena, steakhouse and western store when he was young, and Freeman grew up in the middle of jackpot team ropings, barrel races and weekend events.By 14, he was amateur rodeoing. At 19, he bought his PRCA permit and made a run through the Great Lakes Circuit. He spent two years at Cisco College, where Tyler and Brittany Worley gave him a place to live, horses to ride and the kind of help that made rodeoing for a living feel a little more possible.Now, at 23, Freeman is sitting No. 1 in the world on the heel side with Korbin Rice, with more than $112,000 won so far in 2026. They won RodeoHouston in their first trip there, after rodeoing their way in at the start of the 2026 season, and just recently added a win at the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, to their list.Freeman calls Houston the coolest rodeo he's ever been to, and months later, he still catches himself daydreaming about it. With Rice turning steers and Freeman keeping things simple on the back side, the two are living out the kind of season kids play out in the practice pen.Check out the episode to learn more about the No. 1 man on the heel side.About Fast Back RopesThis episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes. A longtime supporter of The Team Roping Journal, Fast Back takes pride in building quality ropes that offer the durability, performance, and consistency ropers can rely on. With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Fast Back continues to create products designed to bring value both in and out of the arena. Visit fastbackropes.com to shop ropes and gear, find a retailer, or download the latest catalog.

Cooper Freeman grew up in Carthage, Missouri, surrounded by roping. His parents bought an indoor arena, steakhouse and western store when he was young, and Freeman grew up in the middle of jackpot team ropings, barrel races and weekend events.By 14, he was amateur rodeoing. At 19, he bought his PRCA permit and made a run through the Great Lakes Circuit. He spent two years at Cisco College, where Tyler and Brittany Worley gave him a place to live, horses to ride and the kind of help that made rodeoing for a living feel a little more possible.Now, at 23, Freeman is sitting No. 1 in the world on the heel side with Korbin Rice, with more than $112,000 won so far in 2026. They won RodeoHouston in their first trip there, after rodeoing their way in at the start of the 2026 season, and just recently added a win at the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, to their list.Freeman calls Houston the coolest rodeo he's ever been to, and months later, he still catches himself daydreaming about it. With Rice turning steers and Freeman keeping things simple on the back side, the two are living out the kind of season kids play out in the practice pen.Check out the episode to learn more about the No. 1 man on the heel side.About Fast Back RopesThis episode is presented by Fast Back Ropes. A longtime supporter of The Team Roping Journal, Fast Back takes pride in building quality ropes that offer the durability, performance, and consistency ropers can rely on. With a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Fast Back continues to create products designed to bring value both in and out of the arena. Visit fastbackropes.com to shop ropes and gear, find a retailer, or download the latest catalog.

Full report: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/center-public-relations/global-communication-report The 2026 Global Communication Report, “A Quiet Shift”, from the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations examines how political and social polarization is reshaping the communications profession. Based on surveys of public relations professionals, interviews with Fortune 500 chief communications officers, and comparisons with U.S. public opinion, the report explores how organizations are navigating communication in an increasingly divided environment. The findings suggest that polarization has become a permanent feature of today's communication landscape rather than a temporary phase. As a result, companies are reassessing when and how they engage on controversial issues. While corporate purpose remains important, many organizations are shifting toward a more situational approach to corporate speech, carefully weighing the risks and benefits of public engagement. Despite the broader challenges associated with polarization, the research shows that it has elevated the strategic importance of the communications function within organizations. When public discourse is highly contested, communicators play a critical role in providing context, managing reputational risk and helping leaders make thoughtful decisions about when to speak and when to stay silent. The Global Communication Report is produced annually by the USC Center for Public Relations, in conjunction this year with Meltwater and IABC, and support from the following organizations: Arthur W. Page Society, Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, ICCO, Institute for Public Relations, Italian Federation of Public Relations, PRCA, PR Council, PRSA, and Worldcom Public Relations Group. Our report is designed to provide insight into the evolution of the global communication industry. For print copies of this year's edition for classroom and organization use, please contact the center at usccpr@usc.edu. Subscribe to our newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7373364855967461376 Check out our website: https://canyouhearmepod.beam.ly/ Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

The Ute Mountain Roundup returned to Cortez for its 96th year bringing thousands of visitors and top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. From the board members who organize the event year round to the stock contractor who drives twelve hours from Wyoming to bring the animals, this is a look at what it takes to put on one of the biggest events in Montezuma County.By Sadie SmithWatch this story at LNN.newsThis story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.Support the show

Send us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeCommunications has always been built around a sender mentality. We decide what people need to know, we package it, we push it out. That model came from journalism and broadcasting, three networks, eleven o'clock news, one message for everyone. It made sense then. The infrastructure has changed completely since. Audiences have become producers. People choose what they consume, when they consume it, and they unsubscribe from what no longer serves them.That transformation happened entirely in the outside world. Inside organizations, almost nothing changed. And the question this episode keeps coming back to is a simple and uncomfortable one: why are we still broadcasting when everything outside us has already moved on?This episode was recorded ON LOCATION at IABC World Conference in Toronto in June 2026.Listen For4:34 How did audiences become producers of their own news and information?6:16 Why does internal communication need to become recipient-driven?9:33 How can communicators create identity moments that cut through white noise?11:28 How did opening in Spanish create a powerful diversity and inclusion moment?16:51 How is AI changing the communicator's role from creator to prompt strategist? Guest: Brad WhitworthLinkedIn The IABC Handbook of Organizational CommunicationThe IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication: A Global Standard PrimerDougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSupport the show

Doug Mathis - is one of the most recognizable voices in professional rodeo, earning a reputation as one of the sport's premier announcers through decades of passion, authenticity, and unmatched knowledge. Known for his commanding presence behind the microphone and his ability to captivate audiences, Doug has become a staple at many of the nation's most prestigious professional rodeo events, bringing every ride, run, and roping to life with energy and precision. His dedication to preserving the traditions of the American West while embracing the excitement of modern rodeo has made him a respected figure among competitors, producers, and fans alike. Beyond the arena, Doug reached an even broader audience with his appearance in Season 4 of the hit television series Yellowstone, where his authentic announcing style helped showcase the culture and spirit of rodeo to millions of viewers around the world. In this episode of The Mountain Side, host Bobby Marshall sits down with Doug to explore the journey that led him to the announcer's stand, the evolution of professional rodeo, unforgettable moments from behind the microphone, and the values of hard work, faith, family, and Western heritage that continue to define his life and career.www.TheMountainSidePodcast.comImportant Links:https://www.eavesandco.com/doug-mathishttps://www.goetzecandy.com/cow-tales/Affiliates LinksSponsor Linkswww.Knicpouches.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE15 to receive 15% off all K-Nic products!www.ProTekt.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off all ProTekt products! Use this link to receive discount code.

Send us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeEvery communications campaign you have ever built had a choice architecture inside it. The order you sequenced your calls to action. The option you listed first in a petition. The default you set in an employee survey. The way you structured a crisis response. You made all of those decisions. Some of them deliberately. Most of them by instinct, habit, or convention. And the difference between those two things, between deliberate design and accidental design, is the difference between a campaign that moves people and one that wonders why nobody moved. This episode was recorded live on stage at the IABC World Conference in Toronto on June 14th, 2026, in front of an audience of communications professionals from around the world. Listen For4:20 What Choice Architecture Means5:52 The Default Effect6:50 Printer Defaults Example8:15 Removing Friction from Sign-Ups9:31 The EAST Framework Guest: Ann-Marie BlakeWebsite | True Website | LinkedInDougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSupport the show

We sit down and visit with Ben West and talk about his amazing 2025 Season. From being selected to the Southeast Circuit Finals to being named the IPRA Bullfighter of the Year, Ben takes us on his journey, and the hand that God played in each and every step of the way.

Send us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episode“Journalism is dead.” You've heard it. You've probably said it. And honestly, the evidence seems pretty hard to argue with. Newsrooms gutted, trust in tatters, cable news turned into a gladiator sport.  But what if that story, the one we keep telling about journalism, is itself bad journalism? Neil Brown thinks so. He's a 40-year editor and president of the Poynter Institute, and he is, by his own admission, an optimist about the media. When he tells you why, it might genuinely change how you think about where good information comes from. Listen For:04:09 What Makes Someone a Journalist Instead of Just a Publisher?06:22 Why Does Democracy Need Real Journalism?12:24 Can Local Journalism Rebuild Public Trust?13:03 How Did the Baltimore Banner Turn Bus Data Into Accountability?17:30 What Responsibility Does the Audience Have in Fighting Misinformation?Guest: Neil Brown, Chairman of the Board and President at Poynter Institute for Media StudiesWebsite | LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | BlueSky | Threads | YouTube Doug DownsSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSupport the show

Jake Smith and Douglas Rich head into the 2026 ProRodeo summer run with plenty of momentum after winning the Music City Rodeo in Nashville. In this episode of The Short Score, Smith and Rich break down their win, which moved them to No. 2 in the PRCA world standings and talk about how building confidence before the busiest stretch of the season is so important. Smith and Rich share how their consistent approach paid off in Nashville's three-head aggregate format, plus what horses they rode.____This episode is brought to you by SmartPak and ColiCare. Colic is one of the leading causes of emergency vet visits—and it's something every horse owner worries about. That's why SmartPak developed ColiCare, a comprehensive approach to hindgut health and colic prevention.ColiCare combines targeted digestive support with a program designed to help you stay ahead of potential issues—not just react to them. It's built on research, formulated to support a healthy gut environment, and backed by a unique benefit: eligible horses enrolled in the program may receive up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement.Whether you're hauling, training hard, or just managing day-to-day stressors, your horse's digestive system is constantly under pressure. ColiCare is designed to help you manage those risks with confidence.Visit SmartPakEquine.com to learn more about how ColiCare can support your horse's long-term health.

Jake Smith and Douglas Rich head into the 2026 ProRodeo summer run with plenty of momentum after winning the Music City Rodeo in Nashville. In this episode of The Short Score, Smith and Rich break down their win, which moved them to No. 2 in the PRCA world standings and talk about how building confidence before the busiest stretch of the season is so important. Smith and Rich share how their consistent approach paid off in Nashville's three-head aggregate format, plus what horses they rode.____This episode is brought to you by SmartPak and ColiCare. Colic is one of the leading causes of emergency vet visits—and it's something every horse owner worries about. That's why SmartPak developed ColiCare, a comprehensive approach to hindgut health and colic prevention.ColiCare combines targeted digestive support with a program designed to help you stay ahead of potential issues—not just react to them. It's built on research, formulated to support a healthy gut environment, and backed by a unique benefit: eligible horses enrolled in the program may receive up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement.Whether you're hauling, training hard, or just managing day-to-day stressors, your horse's digestive system is constantly under pressure. ColiCare is designed to help you manage those risks with confidence.Visit SmartPakEquine.com to learn more about how ColiCare can support your horse's long-term health.

Send us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeEvery PR professional has sat in a meeting where leaders ask you to “show up in AI”Here's the problem. The AEO/GEO industry has built an entire measurement apparatus around citations… the moment an AI visibly names your brand. But the research shows that moment is essentially an echo of a decision that was already made, upstream, in conversations that left no trace. Brands have been optimizing for the receipt, when the purchase decision happened days ago.The deeper irony is that the work which does move the needle in those invisible conversations looks exactly like what PR teams have always done. Original research. Expert voice. Earned credibility. Third-party validation. The toolkit that has historically been the hardest to attribute is, it turns out, the one doing the most work in the AI era. The people who were always right about what good looks like just never had the data to prove it… until now.Listen For3:35 Why Does AI Influence Start Before the Conversion Stage?7:41 Is AEO Really Just Earned Media Strategy in Disguise?10:09 What Are the Three Levers That Shape AI's View of a Brand?13:13 Are “Hey AI” Pages and Schema Tricks Ethical or Effective?15:49 How Can PR Teams Prove Earned Media Builds AI Influence? Guest: Tom Rudnai, Founder and CEO Demand-GeniusWebsite | X | LinkedIn DougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestSupport the show

We sit down and visit with PRCA Music Director, Kye Todd. Form the days of following his dad around in Vegas, to the many time Southeast Circuit Finals Music Director, to talking shop, All things get covered with KT

Send us a note about this episode. We'll reply and thank you on a future episodeThere is a prayer that crisis communicators have been quoting for decades. “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”It sounds right. It feels grounding. But maybe it's been pointing us in the wrong direction the whole time. The problem is the concept of CONTROL. Because control, in a crisis, is a myth. And every strategy built on the assumption that you can control the outcome of a crisis is a strategy built on sand. Let's replace that idea with INFLUENCE. Doing that replaces an entire philosophy.Alongside that shift comes something more uncomfortable… the suggestion that when a crisis hits, the quality of your advice has almost nothing to do with your frameworks, your playbook, or your years of experience. It has to do with who you are as a human being. As a parent. As a citizen. As a person who is also living through the same world your client is trying to navigate. The professional and the person are not separate. And pretending they are, may be the most dangerous crisis communication strategy of all. Listen For3:41 Why Are Global Risks Becoming More Connected and Harder to Manage?6:09 Is Employee Mental Health a Bigger Business Risk Than AI?9:32 Why Do Companies Know the Risks but Still Fail to Prepare?11:20 What Is “Agency” in Crisis Communications and Why Does It Matter?14:29 How Can Leaders Use Empathy and Understanding to Respond to a Crisis?Guest: Rod Cartwright, Principal, Rod Cartwright ConsultingEmail | Website | LinkedIn 2026 Reputation, Risk, and Resilience Report DougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestStories and Strategies is the Official Podcast Sponsor of IABC World Conference in Toronto June 14-16, 2026Click here to check it out https://wc.iabc.com Support the showStories and Strategies is the Official Podcast Sponsor of IABC World Conference in Toronto June 14-16, 2026Click here to check it out https://wc.iabc.com Support the show

It's The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they head back to the rodeo arena to “Tell The Story.” Plus, Florida restricts animal imports from Texas, alternative proteins must have a new label, and lots more of the latest cattle industry news wrapped into this all-new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Rodeo & Western Lifestyle Come Together At The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale (MCBHS) is where rodeo history, cowboy culture, and thrilling equine action come together. Held annually in Miles City, Montana, this four-day event is a one-of-a-kind Western experience featuring PRCA-sanctioned bronc riding, high-energy wild horse races, and the exhilarating Derby Horse Races. Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or a first-time visitor, this is the must-attend cowboy event of the year! Miles City Bucking Horse Sale 2026: Full Event Schedule Celebrating 75 years of Rodeo, Cowboys and the Western Way of Life! Thursday, May 14 – Kick-Off Concert Live music kicks off the action with a party in the dirt! Concert Line Up! 6:00 PM – Kenny Feidler – Opening Entertainer 7:00 PM – Corb Lund – Special Guest 8:30 PM – Trace Adkins – Headliner Buy Concert Tickets here! Friday, May 15 – Permit Challenge Rodeo, Horse Racing, Western Shopping, Live Music PRCA Permit Challenge Rodeo showcasing up-and-coming cowboys. Wild Horse Races, Derby Horse Racing with pari-mutual betting is a fan-favorite adrenaline rush! Plus the Western Trade Show! Your night ends downtown with live country music at the street dance! Saturday, May 16 – The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, Parade, Horse Races, Shopping, Live Music World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale celebrates 75 years– featuring the VERY best bucking stock in the country. Derby Horse Races – Place your bets on top-tier racehorses in an electrifying competition. Trade Show & Western Shopping – Explore a massive trade show packed with authentic Western clothing, home décor, and cowboy gear. Dance the night away at the downtown street dance featuring live country music! Sunday, May 17 – PRCA Xtreme Bronc Match Rodeo, Horse Racing, Trade Show Shopping PRCA Xtreme Bronc Match Rodeo – The world's best bronc riders face off against elite roughstock horses in a high-stakes battle! Expect more Derby Horse Races and Wild Horse Racing, and enjoy western – cowboy shopping at the huge trade show! Find the FULL SCHEDULE with times of events HERE. Why You Can't Miss the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Thrilling Rodeo Action & Wild Horse Races This event isn't just a rodeo – it's an all-out cowboy celebration! Experience the thrill of top-level PRCA-sanctioned saddle bronc and bareback riding, wild horse races, and a true Western showdown. Massive Trade Show Featuring Western Lifestyle & Shopping The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale hosts one of the largest Western trade shows in the region, featuring authentic cowboy gear, Western clothing, home décor, and specialty items. Whether you're looking for handcrafted leather goods, custom cowboy hats, or unique Western art, this trade show is a shopper's paradise. Non-Stop Live Music & Entertainment From the Kick-Off Concert featuring country music stars to nightly live performances downtown, the party never stops! The event attracts some of the best country artists, keeping the Western spirit alive with live performances throughout the weekend. Cowboy Culture & The “Cowboy Mardi Gras” The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is known as the “Cowboy Mardi Gras” for a reason! Between the parade, shopping, and endless Western festivities, you'll be fully immersed in cowboy tradition and camaraderie. AND don't forget the live country music at the street dance in downtown Miles City, Montana! Derby Horse Races & Pari-Mutuel Wagering Place your bets on elite race horses competing in the Derby Horse Races – a thrilling addition to the Bucking Horse Sale weekend! With pari-mutuel wagering, fans can experience the excitement of big-time horse racing right in Montana. Plan Your Trip: Montana Bound in May! Whether you're a rodeo enthusiast, horse racing fan, or just love the Western way of life, the 74th Annual Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is an event you don't want to miss. How to Get There: By Air: Fly into Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and drive 2 hours east to Miles City. By Car: Located along Interstate 94, Miles City is easily accessible from anywhere in the Midwest. Where to Stay: Book early! Hotels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds fill up fast. Check local listings for accommodations and visit Miles City Convention & Visitors Bureau. Join the Legacy – Get Your Tickets Today! Tickets are selling fast – secure yours now and be part of Montana's greatest rodeo and horse racing tradition. Visit BuckingHorseSale.com for details. Mark your calendar for May 14-17, 2026, and we'll see you in Miles City, Montana! Cattle Industry News Florida Restricts Animal Imports From Texas A dangerous livestock pest that hasn't been seen in the United States for years is raising new concerns—this time along the southern border. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living flesh of animals, most often cattle. While infections in humans are rare, they can be serious—and in extreme cases, even fatal. Right now, there are no confirmed cases in the U.S. But Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says a case has been detected just across the border about 60 miles south of Texas. That proximity is enough to trigger action more than a thousand miles away. Florida officials are now tightening restrictions on livestock coming from six counties in South Texas: Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo, Webb, and Brooks counties. Any animals brought in from those areas must undergo additional veterinary inspections and, if needed, treatment before entering the state. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson says the state is taking no chances. He warned that if the screwworm takes hold, it could have serious economic and animal health consequences. He's also urging ranchers, veterinarians, and animal health workers to stay alert and report anything unusual right away. Here's how the pest works: adult flies lay eggs in open wounds or natural openings on an animal's body. When those eggs hatch, the larvae—commonly known as maggots—burrow into the tissue and begin feeding. According to the CDC, the infestation can worsen quickly if not treated. Texas officials say Florida's response makes sense. The state dealt with a screwworm outbreak in the past, and the memory of that damage still lingers. Meanwhile, as a precaution, the U.S. has shut down livestock trade through ports of entry along the southern border. There are also long-term plans in motion to stop the pest before it spreads. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is building a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The idea is to release sterilized male flies into the wild. Since female screwworms mate only once, this strategy helps prevent reproduction and gradually reduces the population. That facility is expected to be up and running by November of 2027. For now, officials say vigilance is key. Even without confirmed cases in the U.S., the threat is close enough to be taken seriously.  REFERENCE: https://www.ktep.org/2026-04-27/florida-is-restricting-animal-imports-from-texas-amid-screwworm-threat FAIR Labels Act Ensures Transparent Alt Protein Labeling Representatives from Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, Idaho and Wisconsin, reintroduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act in the House to add transparency in food labeling for alternative protein products.  The legislation will provide consumers with clear and accurate information about plant-based and cell-cultivated protein products when making purchasing decisions. Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) sponsored the Senate version of the bill. The FAIR Labels Act: Defines "cell-cultivated" and "plant-based alternative" protein products to help consumers easily identify these products. Provides a clear definition of cell-cultivated protein products to ensure labels accurately reflect lab-grown food sources. Requires product labels to use terms like "cell cultivated" or "plant based" and to bear a clear disclaimer if the product does not contain meat or poultry or was not derived from a live animal. Directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to oversee the labeling of these products, working alongside the Food & Drug Administration to maintain product inspection standards. Confirms the shared jurisdiction of FDA and USDA in overseeing cell-cultivated protein products, and requires the secretaries of agriculture and health and human services to jointly revise their 2019 current memorandum of understanding. NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer Gene Copenhaver said that currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace. For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like ‘meat' and ‘beef' to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing.  He went on to say that “The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen.”  REFERENCE: https://www.feedstuffs.com/policy/fair-labels-act-ensures-transparent-alt-protein-labeling Pseudorabies In Iowa & Texas For the first time since being eradicated in the U.S. Commercial swine herds in 2004, pseudorabies (PRV) have been confirmed in herds in Iowa and Texas (Shike, 2026). A small commercial swine facility in Iowa was confirmed to have positive cases of PRV by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories during routine testing. Officials at APHIS, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Texas Animal Health Commission, revealed that five affected boars in the Iowa facility originated from an outdoor production site in Texas (Shike, 2026). It is believed that the initial infection on the outdoor production site in Texas may have been a result of unintentional contact with feral swine. Pseudorabies virus was eradicated from the U.S. commercial swine herd in 2004. However, it is critically important to remember that PRV is endemic in the feral swine populations around the U.S. An APHIS release stated, “Pseudorabies is still found in wild or feral swine populations, which remain a potential threat of exposure for domestic pigs.” REFERENCE:  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-pseudorabies-swine-herds-iowa-texas https://extension.sdstate.edu/pseudorabies-detected-iowa-and-texas-swine-farms-prevention-tips-clinical-signs-and-testing Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry Steve Kenyon - The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale https://buckinghorsesale.com/ Follow On Facebook: @BuckingHorseSale Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos Contact Us with Questions or Concerns Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via: Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms. Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC. https://tiggerandbec.com/ Industry References, Partners and Resources For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources: Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/ Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/ Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/#/?ranchchannel=view Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/ RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/ Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/ Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/ Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/ Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/ Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/ Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/