#115 - Travis Thorne - Cowboy, Banker & Leader

In this episode Neil talks to Will Hale, who grew up in Guthrie, Texas, in a cowboy community. Will shares how early work experiences on a ranch, including being treated like adults and learning through real-life tasks, shaped their work ethic and perspective. These lessons translated into a successful career in the financial sector, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and relatability. Will highlights how the principles of the cowboy way are universally applicable across various professions. Visit us at www.thecowboyperspective.com Topics 00:41 Growing Up in a Cowboy Community 01:13 Learning Through Experience 01:45 Lessons in Responsibility and Respect 02:12 The Value of Hard Work 03:31 Mentorship and Development 04:12 Applying Cowboy Principles in Business 04:33 Work Ethic and Career Success 05:20 Relating to Others Through Shared Backgrounds 05:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

Neil interviews Jimmy Wilson from Paradise, Texas. Jimmy shares his unique journey of building Concord stagecoaches, a trade he learned from his father-in-law, JW Brown, who constructed 60 stagecoaches during his career. Jimmy discusses the craftsmanship involved, including his enjoyment of ironwork, and narrates the fascinating story of building a custom stagecoach for the Dallas Cowboys. He also reflects on the heritage of Western traditions and the influence of mentors.  Links Visit us at www.thecowboyperspective.com Jimmy Wilson: https://jwilsonstagecoaches.com/ Topics 00:00 Introduction to the Cowboy Perspective 00:25 Meet Jimmy Wilson: The Stagecoach Builder 01:10 The Art of Building Stagecoaches 01:33 The Cowboy Way: Horses and Stagecoaches 01:53 Crafting the Concord Stagecoach 03:47 Challenges and Joys of Stagecoach Building 05:58 The Dallas Cowboys Stagecoach 07:43 Conclusion and Contact Information  

Mike Turner shares valuable insights on the importance of managing emotions in the field of agriculture. He emphasizes teaching his son, Ethan, that letting feelings control decisions can lead to trouble, and underscores the necessity of thinking before acting. Mike's experiences, shaped by his Marine Corps upbringing, highlight the significance of maintaining a cool head and the challenges of controlling emotions. The conversation discusses the belief that life's difficulties contribute to its greatest achievements and the impact of controlled emotions on creating a productive environment in both professional and personal settings. Find us online at www.thecowboyperspective.com Topics 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:32 Teaching Emotional Control 01:04 Practical Advice for Managing Emotions 01:43 Challenges and Real-Life Examples 02:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

In this episode of The Cowboy Perspective, Neil converses with Dr. Charles Long from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension and Officer Eddie Moon, a police K-9 handler. They discuss the roles dogs play in various fields, from replacing cowboys and horses on ranches to serving as police officers. Officer Moon shares insights on training police dogs, including the bonding period and real-life scenarios they train for. Dr. Long talks about the utility of cattle dogs on ranches, highlighting different breeds for various tasks. The episode emphasizes the importance of proper training and care for working dogs, mirroring the methods used in raising children.  Find us online at www.thecowboyperspective.com  Topics  00:57 The Role of Dogs in Operations 01:50 Training Police Dogs 04:39 Cattle Dogs and Their Breeds 12:23 Parallels Between Training Dogs and Raising Kids 13:15 Stories and Experiences with Working Dogs 17:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

In this episode of The Cowboy Perspective, Neil has an engaging conversation with rancher DA Harral. The discussion covers his extensive family history dating back to 1650 in the U.S. and their agricultural legacy in Texas since 1859. They delve into the challenges faced over the years, including devastating fires in 2008, and DA’s adaptive switch from sheep to cattle. Topics include successful beef sales to Whole Foods, the GAP certification process, and operational challenges like droughts and staffing dynamics, including the involvement of family members and international workers. The conversation also explores intriguing aspects such as hunting and wind energy ventures, the use of AI in cattle management, and personal anecdotes that highlight the significance of perseverance, risk-taking, and the power of prayer. The episode concludes with mutual appreciation, networking tips, and a call to share the inspiring story. Topics 00:13 Meeting DA Harral 01:48 DA's Family History and Ranching Background 03:38 The 2008 Fire and Its Aftermath 06:10 Transition to Cattle and Whole Foods Partnership 07:29 GAP Certification and Its Benefits 10:23 Family Involvement and Ranch Expansion 15:27 Life on the Ranch: Horses vs. Cattle 16:03 The Value of Being Multilingual 16:14 Adapting to Life in West Texas 17:03 Family Background and Ranch Life 17:29 Hunting and Wind Business Ventures 18:29 Integrating Technology and AI in Ranching 19:42 Family Dynamics and Business Operations 21:01 Cash Flow and Business Philosophy 21:50 College Days and Lifelong Friendships 22:35 Raising Kids and Beauty Pageants 23:48 Strong Family Values and Gender Roles 25:07 The Power of Prayer: A Personal Story 26:28 Final Thoughts and Farewell  

This episode of the Cowboy Perspective podcast, recorded live at the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, features a conversation with Sterling Green. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Sterling discusses his unique upbringing with one foot in the city and the other in the rural ranching world. He shares personal stories about his family, including lessons learned from his hard-driving father and the impact of mentors in his life. Sterling emphasizes embracing one's background and discusses the challenges of finding one's place between contrasting worlds. The dialogue highlights the significance of hard work, camaraderie, and cultivating a cowboy perspective. Sterling also reflects on fatherhood and the importance of instilling values of exploration and resilience in his daughter. Throughout, the conversation offers insights into personal growth and navigating life's challenges from a cowboy's standpoint. Topics 00:14 Meet Sterling Green 00:54 Straddling Two Worlds 02:16 Embracing the Cowboy Perspective 04:39 Childhood Memories and Influences 06:54 Mentors and Hard Work 09:22 Lessons from the Ranch 14:52 Father-Son Dynamics 17:49 The Importance of Parenthood 19:17 Closing Thoughts

In this live-recorded episode at the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, Neil reconnects with college friend Travis Thorne. They delve into memories from their Texas Tech days, discussing the long-lasting bonds formed and the value of these relationships. Travis shares his cowboy perspective, emphasizing the importance of being prompt, building a trustworthy character, and showing integrity. He recounts influential lessons from key figures in his life—his father and father-in-law—highlighting their willingness to sacrifice time for others. The conversation touches on the significance of presence and the impact of genuine human connections, whether in business, family, or community.   Links Visit us at www.thecowboyperspective.com   Topics 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:14 Reconnecting with College Friends 01:05 The Value of College Experiences 05:39 The Importance of Presence 09:10 Leadership and Work Ethic 13:08 Stories of Sacrifice and Trust 19:00 Acts of Kindness and Community 22:57 Conclusion and Gratitude  

In this episode, we join Cody and Erika Archie at Bar 7 Ranch to discuss their journey as social media influencers, sharing insights about ranch life, family, and faith. The Archies explore the benefits and challenges of their carnivore diet, the importance of documenting life for future generations, and the impact of faith on their daily lives. They also touch on the realities of being public figures, including dealing with negative comments and death threats, and the importance of authenticity in their content. Along the way, they provide valuable life lessons and reflections on the evolving digital landscape and its influence on younger generations.   Links  Find Cody & Erika on TT, YT & FB @bar7ranch Please visit us at www.thecowboyperspective.com   Topics 01:47 The Importance of Documenting Life 03:22 Exploring the Carnivore Diet 04:33 Challenges and Benefits of Carnivore 08:11 Personal Motivations and Health 13:40 Food Addiction and Lifestyle Changes 18:15 The Reality of Being Social Media Influencers 22:42 The Appeal of Becoming a YouTuber 27:51 The Value of Content Creation 28:40 Encouraging New Ventures 29:16 Overcoming Criticism and Self-Doubt 31:16 The Blue Check Mark Obsession 34:10 Navigating Social Media Risks 34:41 The Long Road to Success 37:00 Balancing Real Life and Social Media 38:55 Handling Negative Feedback 49:52 The Reality of Death Threats 59:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections  

In this live-recorded episode from the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, Neil Dudley hosts Sarah Fulton-Smith, Texas Director for American Farmland Trust, and Jacob Gilley, a Senior Technical Livestock and Grazing Specialist. Together, they delve into the pressing issue of protecting American farmland, the challenges and solutions in sustainable and regenerative grazing, and the critical role of engaging the next generation in agriculture. The conversation also touches upon the impact of urban sprawl, financial assistance for farmers, and the importance of grassroots connections in the community. Both Sarah and Jacob share personal stories and perspectives shaped by their deep ties to the land and commitment to agricultural sustainability.   Links Visit us online at www.thecowboyperspective.com American Farmland Trust https://farmland.org/   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:40 Meet Sarah Fulton-Smith 02:15 Meet Jacob and His Farming Journey 04:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Farmland Protection 08:12 American Farmland Trust Initiatives 11:40 Regenerative Grazing Explained 17:24 Sustaining Agriculture and Legacy 22:20 Farmers' Deep Connection to the Land 23:54 Challenges of Implementing Agricultural Policies 25:34 Training Horses and Grass Farming 26:07 Cowboy Perspective on Life and Hard Work 27:15 First Generation Producer's Journey 30:02 Serving Others and Raising Kids with Grit 32:26 Veteran Perspective in Agriculture 37:42 Understanding Land Trusts and Easements 40:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

This episode of the Cowboy Perspective, recorded live at the Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, features an engaging discussion with Emily Lochner and Jaclyn Roberts Parrish. Emily, the Executive Director of Education and Engagement, and Jacqueline, the Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, share their personal journeys in agriculture, backgrounds, and roles within the association. They discuss the upcoming Leadership Development Foundation and the new Working Grant Program aimed at supporting individuals entering or staying in the beef industry. The conversation highlights their experiences, challenges, and the importance of telling the story of agriculture to future generations. Links TSCRA: https://tscra.org/Visit us online at www.thecowboyperspective.com Topics 01:10 Meet Emily Lochner: A Legacy in Ranching 02:15 The Cowgirl Perspective: Balancing Ranch and Work 04:16 Jaclyn Roberts Parrish: From Policy to Peanuts 06:26 The Dairy-Beef Connection 09:51 Challenges and Future of Agriculture 14:38 Leadership Development Foundation: Supporting New Entrants 17:05 Challenges of Ranching in Rural Communities 17:23 Innovative Solutions for Land Equity 18:17 Supporting the Future of the Beef Industry 19:36 Personal Stories of Hard Work and Resilience 24:07 The Role of Women in Agriculture 28:43 The Gamble of Agriculture 31:27 Conclusion and Call to Action