The Cowboy Perspective an exploration of grit, servant leadership, and business philosophy with high performers!

The Cowboy Perspective
  • 4.8 (32)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to a place where we will talk all things Natural and Organic meat business, Ranching, American Quarter Horses, Family, and God! Pull up a seat grab your favorite beverage and lets chew the fat! How to build a team? What is a Cowboy? How to survive change? Why do entrepreneurs win? What is the truth about farming and ranching? Visit www.thecowboyperspective.com for transcriptions and more!

  1. Tucker Hatch: Dogs, Wild Country & Building a Life

    6H AGO

    Tucker Hatch: Dogs, Wild Country & Building a Life

    Neil and co-host Kyle Johnson interview Tucker Hatch, a young cowboy and friend of Kyle's, about his background, mindset, and experience in big country. Tucker recounts first meeting Kyle in Nevada and discusses overcoming nerves by being proud of who he is and willing to approach strangers. The conversation focuses heavily on working cow dogs—Border Collies and Kelpies—contrasting practical ranch dogs with trial dogs, and explaining how dogs extend a crew's effectiveness when gathering and trailing cattle. Tucker describes leading a crew at age 22 on the 450,000-acre, unfenced Arapaho Ranch, dealing with extremely wild, feral cattle and dangerous bulls, sorting and shipping slick bulls and old steers, and the challenges of management from the office. He explains how cattle are "trained" through regular handling and trailing, then shares his approach to making money riding outside horses while saving, staying debt-free, and aiming to eventually own land.   Topics 01:45 Meeting Kyle First Time 03:29 Making Friends Fast 05:42 Kelpie Power Talk 08:45 Favorite Dogs And Tools 12:08 Dogs On The Job 16:31 Using Dogs With Crews 19:34 Cowboy As Storyteller 22:19 Cow Boss At 22 23:49 Wild Arapaho Ranch 31:46 Culling Feral Bulls 34:45 Training Cattle Year Round 39:52 Better Handling Cattle 41:25 Range Roping Wreck Story 46:48 Horsemanship Life Focus 48:00 Making Money Riding 48:42 Saving and Self Reliance 52:32 Work Ethic and Growth 54:21 Animals Over Drama 56:40 Stay Green Stay Humble 01:00:24 Family Roots and Mom 01:06:50 Five Year Cowboy Plan 01:11:31 Favorite Horse Loss 01:14:46 Getting Horses to Tucker 01:16:56 Closing Reflections

    1h 19m
  2. Travis Dickinson on Cow Horse Training, Gratitude & Sobriety

    MAR 25

    Travis Dickinson on Cow Horse Training, Gratitude & Sobriety

    Neil, with co-host Kyle Johnson, welcome trainer Travis Dickinson, who starts each day in the gym and has 12–15 horses in training, mainly reined cow horses. Travis explains the three events—herd work, reining pattern, and fence work—and he and Kyle recount how they met when Kyle sought help learning reined cow horse after moving to California. Travis describes his background from construction and a strict, successful father to pursuing horse training, defines a "bridle horse" progression, and shares key training lessons about focus, circles, and knowing when to push or quit. The talk shifts to Travis's addiction history, 12-step recovery, two years of sobriety, faith, gratitude-list routine, and the importance of supportive partners, patience, and maintaining success.   Links Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/ Travis Dickinson on social media: @travisdickinson   Topics 02:23 Travis Daily Routine 03:10 What Is Reined Cow Horse 04:31 Kyle Finds a Mentor 06:28 First Impressions and Intensity 09:07 Training Mindset and Progress 11:14 Horses and Dogs Talk 13:38 Slow Down in the Arena 15:56 Construction Roots and Lessons 19:31 Cowboy Lifestyle Philosophy 21:33 Early Showing and College Detour 24:51 Dad Relationship and Sensitivity 26:23 Back to Horses for Real 27:55 Bridle Horse Explained 29:47 Apprenticeship and Getting Broke 31:45 Fixing Circles and Fundamentals 34:03 Applying Concepts Across Disciplines 35:36 How Trainers Keep Learning 36:53 Chasing Big Events 37:53 Favorite Mare Story 39:20 Training Breakthroughs 41:19 Snaffle Bit Costs 42:45 Hardest Colt Lessons 44:53 When to Push or Quit 48:33 Going Off the Rails 49:38 Family Roots and Shame 52:02 Treatment and Genetics 55:35 Sobriety and Boundaries 01:02:48 Self Worth and Success 01:09:12 Gratitude and Growth 01:10:40 Daily Gratitude Routine 01:12:00 Humility In Sobriety 01:14:07 Gratitude After Success 01:16:23 God Moments And Purpose 01:19:43 Manifestation And Mindset 01:27:24 Patience In The Process 01:32:56 Partnership And Support 01:40:38 Choosing The Right Partner 01:42:27 Final Thanks And Wrap

    1h 44m
  3. Reed Sykes on Learning Horsemanship, Patience, and the Pressure of Training in Public

    MAR 18

    Reed Sykes on Learning Horsemanship, Patience, and the Pressure of Training in Public

    Neil welcomes Reed Sykes with co-host Kyle Johnson to The Cowboy Perspective for a conversation about horsemanship and animal training, focusing on building confidence rather than stripping it away. Reed shares his background growing up in Midland with a ranch near San Angelo, graduating from Sam Houston State after attending several universities, working in the oil field, then leaving in 2015 to train horses and dogs for the public despite initially feeling unprepared. He avoids labels like "cowboy" or "buckaroo," emphasizing daily improvement and teaching horses to "try," rewarding small efforts even when imperfect. The discussion covers patience as a learned skill, how experience changes expectations, pressure on trainers working under deadlines and public scrutiny, and how social media acts as a curated "commercial" that can both connect people and create problems. They describe how social media is a "commercial," how honest bluntness can attract better clients, and how public scrutiny and deadlines affect trainers. Kyle and Reed compare cowboy and dressage/eventing perspectives, discuss being humbled by new environments, and argue that excessive groundwork can be a disservice if it replaces riding. Reed explains "school halt," its classical dressage roots, its use for strengthening and demonstrating true engagement, and why he avoids making it a default response.   Topics 01:49 Reed's Background Story 02:57 Leaving Oilfield for Horses 05:27 What Kind of Horseman 07:35 Reward the Small Try 10:31 Teaching Movement and Feel 13:24 Learning Patience Over Time 16:25 Clients Pressure and Public Eye 23:25 How Reed and Kyle Met 24:49 Social Media as a Highlight Reel 29:40 Dressage Exposes Weaknesses 33:50 Mirrors and Learning Feel 36:20 Knowing Terms vs Getting It Done 37:30 Green vs Polished Horses 38:55 Kids and Real World Prep 40:56 Anxiety Vessel Concept 43:02 Wickenburg Culture Shock 47:56 Expectations and Rolling Punches 50:27 Why Colts Buck First Ride 52:52 What Kind of Trainer 53:28 Eventing Explained 56:00 Breeds and No Ribbons 01:00:19 Competing to Stay Humble 01:03:16 Groundwork vs Getting On 01:07:08 When Groundwork Matters 01:08:23 Origins of School Halt 01:09:29 From Halt to Airs 01:11:06 Why Train It 01:12:08 Proving True Collection 01:16:44 Deep Dive Into Dressage 01:19:32 Warhorse Mindset 01:22:59 Feel and Athleticism 01:26:00 Finding the Right Mentors 01:27:05 Books and Translation 01:31:01 Share the Knowledge 01:35:33 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

    1h 39m
  4. Introducing the Kyle Johnson Series

    MAR 4

    Introducing the Kyle Johnson Series

    Neil debuts a new series of episodes co-hosted with Kyle Johnson, recorded in person around a table to highlight friends and horsemen and to help listeners connect with guests. They discuss filming Tucker Hatch putting the first ride on a colt named Wild Thang and share how to contact Tucker (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok under Tucker Hatch) and Travis Dickinson/TC Performance Horses in Red Bluff (Facebook; TikTok under Travis Dickinson), who specializes in cow horses, lessons, clinics, and plans to post more videos. They mention other guests—Isaac Diaz, Josh Beavers, and Reed Sykes/Devout Horsemanship—and lessons about not assuming others' intent, continuing to learn, and marketing skills. The group emphasizes the value of in-person conversation, friendship, support systems, and the experience being worthwhile regardless of audience size.   Tucker Hatch on social media: @tuckerhatch Travis Dickinson on social media: @travisdickinson   Topics 00:54 First Ride Wild Thang 01:45 How to Reach Tucker 02:51 Meet Travis Dickinson 04:33 Lessons and Video Plans 05:38 Never Stop Learning 07:40 Other Guests Highlights 10:59 Reed Sykes Storytime 13:37 Why This Matters 17:49 Friendship and Showing Up 19:38 Weekend Wins and Training Video 24:06 Thanks and Wrap Up

    27 min
  5. Darin Deaton: Businessman, Physical Therapist, Christian, Cowboy

    FEB 18

    Darin Deaton: Businessman, Physical Therapist, Christian, Cowboy

    Neil interviews Darin Deaton, a physical therapist, entrepreneur, and rancher. Darin shares his shift from pre-med toward PT after observing an independent practice owner's lifestyle, his education at Texas Woman's University, and juggling full-time work with graduate school. He describes learning business through an early partnership, then launching his own clinic using SBA financing and a $60,000 investor check that enabled a 1998 seven-figure exit. Darin later built and sold a seven-location Fort Worth PT group (sold in 2024) and runs DPT Therapy. They discuss Deaton Ranch Beef, regenerative ranching, raising Achi/Red Wagyu over Angus, local food systems, health pillars, aging and muscle loss, faith, integrity, and "Make America Grit Again." Links Visit us at www.thecowboyperspective.com More on Darin: deatonranchbeef.com dpttherapy.com   Topics 00:00 Meet Darin Deaton: PT, rancher, and entrepreneur 02:20 From pre-med to PT: choosing a life with family balance 06:34 PT school hustle & how the profession evolved (BS → MS → DPT) 11:34 First clinics & learning business the hard way 14:23 Getting funded: the $60K check that launched the practice 19:05 Debt, integrity, and having your spouse's backing 22:12 First big exit: selling the clinic & discovering equity 25:58 Building a multi-location PT group + becoming the landlord 27:14 Food, fitness, and the origin story of Deaton Ranch beef 35:29 Local food systems, small producers vs big supply chains 38:52 Cattle economics: herd size, restaurant demand, and market cycles 41:39 Wagyu curiosity & the "better-for-you" meat business angle 42:19 Wagyu Experiment Gone Wrong: Chasing Pounds vs. Premium 43:23 Learning the Cattle Game: Associations, Webinars & Old Cowmen 43:50 One-Man Ranch Ops: Working Cattle Solo with Border Collies 44:34 PT vs. Gym: The Full Health Stack (Sleep, Diet, Stress & Genetics) 45:23 Maximum Genetic Potential: The Animal Analogy for Human Performance 46:47 Muscle Mass After 40: Protein, Strength Training & Aging Reality 49:26 Backflips at 59: Athletic Roots, Training Smart & Avoiding Injury 51:53 Mortality, Meaning & Faith: Making the Time Count 56:20 Grit, Failure & Raising Tough Kids in a Softer Culture 01:00:48 Immigration & Opportunity: Lawful Grit, Hard Work, and 'Luck' Excuses 01:03:47 Earning Credibility: Humility, Ranch Hierarchy & Learning to Lose 01:10:38 Integrity When Nobody's Watching: Pride in Craft & Old-School Values 01:14:37 Building Better Horses: Breeding, Cow Horse Prospects & Ranch Standards 01:17:18 Be the Dumbest in the Room: Getting Coached, Taking Ribbons & Growing 01:20:01 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Darin (Deaton Ranch Beef + DPT Therapy)

    1h 22m
  6. Kevin Mock: Father, Businessman, Christian

    FEB 4

    Kevin Mock: Father, Businessman, Christian

    Neil reunites with entrepreneur Kevin Mock to discuss his career changes, return to podcasting in 2026, and life experiences influenced by the 'Cowboy Perspective'. Kevin dives into his multifaceted roles as a businessman and father, sharing insights from his various endeavors in the livestock industry, including Mock Livestock and Livestock Marketing Group. The conversation touches on the intersections of faith, success, and the challenges of balancing personal ambitions with Christian values. Kevin recounts his passion for high-end show animals, balancing family life, and the importance of maintaining authenticity and dedication in both business and personal ventures. The episode also explores the dynamic within his family, his upbringing, and his philosophy towards parenting, making for a comprehensive and engaging discussion.   Links Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/ More on Kevin at https://www.mocklivestock.com/ and https://sales.thelivestockmarketinggroup.com/home   Topics 01:13 Kevin Mock's Background and Career 05:49 Faith and Business Philosophy 10:24 Family and Personal Life 17:10 Journey into Livestock and Agriculture 25:16 The High Stakes of Competitive Sports 25:51 Navigating Success and Perception 28:32 Faith and Competitiveness 33:35 Parenting and Priorities 38:52 Hunting and Family Time 44:14 Business Stories and Lessons

    51 min
  7. Jason Davis: Businessman, Mentor, Rancher and Dad

    JAN 20

    Jason Davis: Businessman, Mentor, Rancher and Dad

    Neil welcomes Jason Davis to discuss the 'Cowboy Perspective' and various life insights. They explore the importance of experience and learning from mistakes, foundational lessons from grandparents, and the value of real-world application over theoretical knowledge. Jason shares his personal journey from corporate life to ranching, emphasizing the significance of true wealth and life experiences. They also touch on the impact of significant personal events like the loss of a spouse, raising children, and teaching valuable life lessons. The conversation dives into concepts such as the difference between wealth accumulation and preservation, how societal perceptions vary, and the importance of maintaining a purpose throughout life. This engaging dialogue provides a range of thought-provoking insights into business, personal development, and living a fulfilling life.   Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/ More on Jason at https://crosswindranch.com/   Topics 03:03 Meet Jason Davis 04:35 Lessons from Grandfather 09:17 Real-World Business Ethics 19:35 Balancing Work and Life 33:23 The Perot Experience 42:48 Reflecting on a Billion Dollars 43:37 Discovering a Talent for Numbers 44:25 Understanding Geometric Progression 45:40 The Value of Time and Money 47:48 Generational Perspectives and Work Ethic 50:27 Balancing Work and Retirement 54:14 The Importance of Responsibility 55:53 Classy vs. Trashy: A Game of Perception 01:00:45 Middle Class and Government Handouts 01:07:12 Memorable Moments with Ross Perot 01:13:19 The Never-Ending Chores 01:15:18 Books and Lifelong Learning 01:21:06 Biblical Lessons and Final Thoughts

    1h 25m
  8. Kyle Johnson: Buckaroo, Creator, Horseman, Believer

    JAN 7

    Kyle Johnson: Buckaroo, Creator, Horseman, Believer

    Neil welcomes Kyle Johnson from Wickenburg, Arizona, a fascinating cowboy known for his unique style and diverse experiences. They discuss Kyle's interesting journey from bareback riding to ranch work, his distinctive facial hair, and his rise in social media through 6/S Horsemanship. Kyle opens up about his background, including formative influences, challenges in his rodeo career, and how he overcame them. He also touches on deeper topics like personal identity, success, and the importance of self-respect. The episode includes anecdotes about his time in Canada, his unexpected entry into modeling, and a life-changing car accident that reaffirmed his faith. Throughout, Kyle offers candid insights and motivational thoughts for aspiring cowboys and anyone pursuing their own path. The conversation encapsulates the essence of the cowboy perspective, emphasizing authenticity, resilience, and personal growth.   Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/ Kyle Johnson: 6sequinellc@gmail.com  FB: 6/S Equine TikTok: @6shorsemanship   Topics 00:17 Meeting Kyle and Initial Impressions 01:29 The Story Behind the Mustache 04:23 Kyle's Unique Style and Personal Growth 06:44 Defining Success and Personal Philosophy 10:40 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence 19:16 Kyle's Rodeo Journey and Family Support 33:12 Modeling Career and Business Ventures 42:12 Reflecting on Relationships and Life Lessons 45:03 The Rodeo Journey: From Bareback Rider to Buckaroo 45:34 Rodeoing in Canada: A Different Experience 51:09 Transitioning to Cowboying and Buckarooing 01:07:01 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose 01:13:56 Faith, Resilience, and Future Plans

    1h 24m
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4.8
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Welcome to a place where we will talk all things Natural and Organic meat business, Ranching, American Quarter Horses, Family, and God! Pull up a seat grab your favorite beverage and lets chew the fat! How to build a team? What is a Cowboy? How to survive change? Why do entrepreneurs win? What is the truth about farming and ranching? Visit www.thecowboyperspective.com for transcriptions and more!

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