The Cattle Coach Show

Kolten Thigpen

Everything show cattle! We will talk about everything we love from management in the show ring to the pasture, but most importantly how to make money doing it! Hear from industry leaders who have broke through the impossible financial barriers to live the dream as full time stockman. Learn more at www.cattle-coach.com. Resources: www.bullnanza.com www.expresslivestockgenomics.com

  1. 4 days ago

    Why Hard Work Is Destroying Your Family

    Most people spend their lives asking, “What’s the next step?”But what if that’s the wrong question?In this episode, Kolten sits down with John and Sarah Hudgins for a powerful conversation about vision, purpose, family, leadership, and what it really means to build a life worth living.John shares the lessons he's learned through ranching, entrepreneurship, coaching, marriage, and raising a family—including how discovering a clear vision transformed the way he approached business, relationships, and personal growth. From chasing NFL dreams and building a world-renowned Brahman cattle operation to helping families navigate difficult transitions, John explains why most people are focused on the wrong things and how purpose can change everything.Sarah brings a unique perspective as a former ICU nurse, wife, mother, and partner in a family built on faith, sacrifice, and intentional living. Together, they discuss the realities of balancing ambition with family, overcoming burnout, strengthening a marriage through life's challenges, and why success means very little if it costs you the people you love most.Whether you're a rancher, entrepreneur, parent, or someone simply trying to figure out your next chapter, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about where you're headed—and why.In this episode:• Why having a clear vision changes every decision you make• The difference between vision and purpose• How John transformed his leadership and management style• Building teams by leveraging strengths instead of fixing weaknesses• The challenges of balancing work, marriage, and family• What success really looks like after achieving your biggest goals• Why fulfillment only comes through serving others• Lessons learned from 20 years of marriage• Raising children with intention and strong values• The future of the family ranch and legacy planningIf you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what comes next, this conversation is for you.🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, ranchers, and people building meaningful lives.#Purpose #Leadership #Marriage #Family #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #Vision #Faith #Ranching #Success

    1hr 14min

  2. 27 May

    The Family Ranch Crisis That Changed His Entire Life

    What happens when the family ranch you thought would last forever suddenly starts falling apart?In this episode, Kolten sits down with John and Salina Locke for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet about family, legacy, ranching, identity, and personal transformation.John opens up about the painful season when his family’s multi-generational ranch operation nearly split apart — forcing him to rebuild not only the business, but himself. What followed was years of growth, hard conversations, mindset shifts, and discovering a completely new purpose.This episode goes far beyond cattle.It’s about:• Family business struggles• Learning how to change and grow• Breaking old patterns• Leadership under pressure• Building a shared vision for your future• Purpose, identity, and legacyWhether you ranch, run a business, lead a family, or simply feel stuck in life, this conversation will challenge the way you think about change.“You can’t change people… but people CAN change.”CHAPTERS:00:00 – Why people resist change03:15 – The family ranch crisis begins07:50 – Starting over with almost nothing10:40 – How Ranching For Profit changed everything15:00 – Helping families navigate conflict & vision22:00 – Why most people never truly change27:30 – Finding purpose through Vision Flight37:45 – Building a shared vision for your familyIf this episode encouraged you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it.#Ranching #FamilyBusiness #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Legacy #CattleRanching

    40 min

  3. 19 May

    Why Most Show Steer Families Lose Money

    🔗 Bullnanza Stud Services: https://bullnanza.com/🎓 Cattle Coach Academy: https://cattlecoachacademy.com/🔥 Why do so many show steer families lose money?Is raising a show steer a business… or just the most expensive hobby in agriculture?In this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, Kolten gets brutally honest about the financial reality of the show steer industry. From jackpot shows and major wins to feed bills, hotel costs, and expensive expectations, this conversation breaks down why so many families struggle financially — and how to think about your operation differently.Here’s the truth: if you’re treating your show steer project like a business, you can’t run it like a hobby. But if it is a hobby for your family, that’s okay too — as long as you’re honest about what lane you’re in.This episode is for parents, juniors, breeders, traders, and anyone trying to figure out if showing steers can actually make money… or if the cost is simply part of the experience.🎙️ In This Episode:• Why most show steer families lose money• The difference between a hobby and a business• Why expensive cattle don’t guarantee banners• The hard truth about winning in the show ring• Expectations, risk, and the cost of competition• How to think smarter about your show steer operation⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Is showing steers a business or hobby?01:20 Know your lane: hobby vs business03:10 Why expensive steers don’t guarantee wins04:25 The hardest part about the show steer business06:20 Why families spend so much money showing cattle07:05 How to stop losing money in show steers08:45 Final thoughts👇 We want to hear from you:Who in the show cattle industry do you think runs a truly successful business? Drop a name in the comments. We may bring them on the podcast.#ShowSteers #CattleCoach #ShowCattle #StockShow #Steers #Livestock #Agriculture #CattleIndustry

    9 min

  4. 12 May

    This Is Why Your Cattle Program Isn’t Improving

    🐂 Bullnanza Stud Services: https://bullnanza.com🎓 Cattle Coach Academy: https://cattlecoachacademy.com Are you doing things with intention… or just because that’s how they’ve always been done? In this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, Kolten dives into one of the most important mindset shifts in the cattle business: questioning everything. From feeding routines and show cattle prep to commercial cattle management, breeding decisions, and even faith, this conversation challenges the idea of blindly following tradition without understanding the why behind it. Because here’s the truth: success doesn’t happen on accident. Whether you're trying to win in the show ring, improve your operation, or simply become better at what you do, being intentional matters. 🎙️ In This Episode:• Why “we’ve always done it this way” can hold you back• The mindset shift that separates intentional cattlemen from reactive ones• Why questioning things is not disrespectful — it’s humility• Show cattle feeding strategies and preparing for change at shows• Commercial cattle examples that challenge conventional thinking• How intention compounds success over time• Why knowing your why matters more than copying someone else ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Why you should question everything02:00 Intentional feeding and show cattle prep04:10 “You can’t climb a mountain on accident”06:15 Questioning faith, tradition, and truth08:10 The real reason for changing feeding routines13:00 Commercial cattle examples and challenging habits15:00 The power of intentional repetition18:00 Final encouragement 👇 Question of the Day:What’s one thing in your cattle operation that you’ve never questioned… but probably should? Like, subscribe, and share if this episode challenged the way you think. We’re all trying to get better — and sometimes growth starts with asking better questions.

    19 min

  5. 28 Apr

    Show Cattle vs Commercial… The Truth Nobody Agrees On

    Are show cattle actually hurting the real-world cattle industry… or is that just noise?This episode breaks down one of the most argued topics in the cattle world — show vs commercial.You’ve heard it before: “that show stuff is backwards.” But is it really?We get into what each side actually values, where the disconnect comes from, and why both worlds might be right… depending on how you define a “good cow.”If you’ve ever questioned fertility, function, flush vs breed back, or how money really gets made in this industry — this one’s for you.🎯 In This Episode:The real difference between show, commercial, and seedstock cattleWhy some cattle work in one world… and completely fail in anotherThe fertility debate: flush vs breed backWhy “good” cattle isn’t as simple as people make itHow $10,000 calves change the entire conversationThe role of embryo transfer in bridging the gapWhy the commercial side sees things completely differentlyThe biggest misconception judges and producers make💡 The Bottom Line:A “good cow” isn’t universal.It’s defined by what works in your operation — and what makes you money.🤝 Connect & Learn More:Cattle Coach Academy: https://www.cattlecoachacademy.comBullnanza Stud Services: https://www.bullnanza.com💬 Let’s Talk:Do you think show cattle are helping or hurting the industry?Or are they just two completely different games?Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇#CattleCoach #ShowCattle #CommercialCattle #CattleIndustry #StockShow #LivestockMarketing

    18 min

  6. 14 Apr

    Your Cattle Might Be a Hobby, Not a Business| The Wealthy Cowboy

    What happens when a cowboy works his tail off, hits his income goal… and is still broke? In this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, Kolten sits down with Crockett Carruthers, host of The Wealthy Cowboy, for a conversation that every cattleman, rancher, and ag entrepreneur needs to hear. Crockett opens up about the moment he realized hard work alone wasn’t creating wealth, even after grinding through long days, sale barns, day work, hauling cattle, and riding colts. What followed was a complete shift in mindset around money, business, ownership, and building a life with real freedom. This episode goes beyond cattle and gets into the real questions:What’s actually making money in your operation?What’s just tradition?And are you building a business… or funding a hobby? If you’ve ever felt like you’re working harder every year but not breaking through financially, this conversation will challenge the way you think. Why hard work alone can keep cowboys brokeThe mindset shift that changed Crockett’s lifeBuilding wealth without leaving the ranch lifestyleWhen cattle become a hobby instead of a businessOpportunity cost in herd decisionsWhy outside coaching can uncover six figures in missed profitHow to define your dream life and build backward from itThe difference between passion, profit, and purpose👍 If you enjoy practical cattle business conversations, hit like. 💬 Drop a comment: Is your cattle operation a business, a lifestyle, or both? 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on cattle, mindset, business, and building a better life in agriculture. Bullnanza Stud Services: https://bullnanza.comCattle Coach Academy: https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-l... #CattleCoachShow #TheWealthyCowboy #RanchingBusiness #CowboyMindset #CattleBusiness #AgEntrepreneur #ShowCattle #Seedstock #RanchLife Topics Covered in This Episode

    1 hr

  7. 7 Apr

    The Difference Between a 5k Steer & a 15k Steer (What Are You REALLY Paying For?)

    👇 LINKSBullnanza Stud Services: https://bullnanza.comCattle Coach Academy: https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-landing-pageThis episode hits on one of the biggest mindset traps in the show steer world: believing the price tag determines the outcome.A $5,000 steer and a $15,000 steer can absolutely be the same kind of calf.In this episode, Kolten breaks down why the sale price only determines ownership, not quality, potential, or banners a year from now. He dives into how buyers should really evaluate cattle, the hidden value of post-sale service, how expectations can quietly create pressure on kids and families, and why chasing a return can quickly turn this game into something unhealthy.If you’ve ever wondered whether a more expensive steer actually gives your family a better shot at winning, this episode is for you.👇 LINKSBullnanza Stud Services: https://bullnanza.comCattle Coach Academy: https://cattlecoachacademy.com🔥 IN THIS EPISODEWhy a $5k and $15k steer can truly be the same calfWhat the sale price actually representsWhy price does not influence the judge’s decisionThe hidden value of post-sale service after the purchaseHow expectations create unhealthy pressure on familiesThe danger of treating steer buying like gamblingHow to confidently buy the right steer for your budgetWhy fit, confidence, and family health matter more than hype🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYThe price of the calf only decides ownership. It does not decide quality, potential, or where that steer will end up a year from now.Your confidence in the animal, your team, your budget, and your family’s mental approach to the game matter far more than the number on the invoice.If the calf checks the boxes for your part of the world, your goals, and your budget, pull the trigger with confidence.🎙️ ABOUT THE CATTLE COACH SHOWThe Cattle Coach Show is built to help stock show families, breeders, and fitters navigate the cattle industry with more clarity, confidence, and purpose. From practical steer-buying strategy to mindset, feeding, fitting, and family perspective, each episode is designed to help you get better.👍 If this episode helped you, like, subscribe, and share it with another stock show family.What’s your take — does the price of a steer change expectations in your barn? Drop it in the comments.#ShowSteers #StockShow #CattleCoach #SteerBuying #ShowCattle #LivestockJudging #SteerTips #StockShowFamilies

    16 min

  8. 24 Mar

    Expectations Are the Devil (Stop Competing In Steer Shows Like This)

    Bullnanza Stud Services:https://bullnanza.comCattle Coach Academy:https://www.cattle-coach.com/kolten-l...What if the thing holding you back from winning… is your expectations?In the stock show world, we’re taught to expect success. If you buy the right calf, put in the work, and do everything “right,” you should win.But what if that mindset is actually hurting you?In this episode of The Cattle Coach Show, Kolten breaks down why expectations can be one of the most dangerous mindsets a competitor can have. From the Houston Livestock Show to everyday moments in the barn, he shares how expectations create anxiety, resentment, and ultimately rob people of the joy that brought them into this industry in the first place.Instead, he challenges competitors, parents, and breeders to shift from expectations to actionable goals — focusing on what’s actually within your control.We dive into what it really means to compete at a high level, how to handle outcomes you can’t control, and why “winning owes you nothing” might be the most important lesson in the show cattle world.Topics Covered in This Episode• Why expectations can be more harmful than helpful• The difference between goals and expectations• How lack of control in the show ring affects outcomes• Why blaming judges creates a toxic mindset• How expectations create anxiety and resentment• The role of work ethic vs entitlement in competition• Why focusing on process leads to better long-term successIf you’re involved in show cattle, raising competitive steers, or helping kids navigate the ups and downs of the industry, this episode offers a powerful perspective shift that can change how you approach competition.Because in this business… even when you do everything right, you’re not owed a win.👍 Like the video if you enjoy practical cattle knowledge💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — have expectations ever cost you in the ring?🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of The Cattle Coach Show#ShowCattle #CattleCoachShow #LivestockCompetition #ShowSteers #CattleIndustry #Mindset #LivestockEducation #BeefCattle #CattleBusiness

    28 min
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About

Everything show cattle! We will talk about everything we love from management in the show ring to the pasture, but most importantly how to make money doing it! Hear from industry leaders who have broke through the impossible financial barriers to live the dream as full time stockman. Learn more at www.cattle-coach.com. Resources: www.bullnanza.com www.expresslivestockgenomics.com

Information

  • Creator
    Kolten Thigpen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kolten Thigpen
  • Show Website
    The Cattle Coach Show

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