Cowboys not Eggheads

Sam Fischer
  • 4.8 (24)
  • LEISURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

I visit with guests about topics like loyalty, honesty, authenticity, courage, integrity and resilience.  I come from a cowboy raised and egghead educated background. I’ve saddled and rode a horse, been on multiple cattle drives, fed cattle in 40 below temperatures, worked cattle in a corral, put up hay in 100 degree temperatures, fixed fence …. you name it … I attended high school at a prestigious private school. I got a College degree. I spent 31 years as a national politic operative, owned my own business and spent 13 years as a police officer.  My interesting life has lead me to the conclusion that the world is made up of cowboys and eggheads. I believe that we should have a few more cowboys than eggheads. Get ready, because you’re about to be pulled into the story of my life…… 

  1. 14H AGO

    **SPECIAL REPEAT ** I Would have Never Believed My Story if I didn't go Through It - with Special Guest Tiffani Zeleny

    Send us Fan Mail This special repeat episode from 2023 is about resilience, faith, and an unbelievable medical battle that turned a mother's life upside down.  One of our longest and most popular episodes, you won't want to miss it!  Sam sits down with Tiffani Zeleni, a fellow gym member whose story sounds almost impossible—except she lived every minute of it. What started as what seemed like a simple case of pink eye quickly turned into a rare and devastating diagnosis: Acanthamoeba keratitis, a parasitic infection that attacked her cornea and threatened to take her eye—and possibly her life.  Over the course of months, Tiffani endured relentless pain, hourly medicated eye drops around the clock, multiple infections, repeated trips to specialists, and the real possibility that her eye would have to be removed. At one point she lost vision, lived in darkness for weeks, and traveled back and forth to Iowa City for aggressive treatment while battling exhaustion and fear.  Against overwhelming odds, Tiffani eventually underwent a full cornea transplant made possible by an organ donor. The surgery saved her eye and changed her life. Through it all, she leaned on faith, family, community, and an unbreakable mindset—continuing to show up at the gym even when she could barely see.  In one of the most remarkable twists of the story, just months after this ordeal, Tiffany returned to competition and finished in the top 10% worldwide in the CrossFit Open for her age group—a testament to perseverance, mindset, and the power of community.  This episode is about courage, gratitude, organ donation, and what happens when an ordinary person faces an extraordinary challenge—and refuses to quit. Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    1h 43m

  2. MAR 18

    Even Strong People Wonder if They Belong - with Special Guests Charlie Sattler and Liz Malmberg

    Send a text  In this episode, we explore imposter syndrome, its impact on capable individuals, and strategies to overcome self-doubt. Guests share personal stories, insights on humility, and practical advice for embracing authenticity and growth. Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    55 min

  3. MAR 11

    Beginnings and Transitions - with Special Guest Scott Anderson

    Send us Fan Mail In 2012, before he did CrossFit and long before this podcast existed, Sam Fischer walked into a gym weighing 282 pounds looking for direction. The trainer who approached him that day, Scott Anderson, helped lay the foundation for a journey that would change Sam’s life. In this episode of Cowboys Not Eggheads, Sam sits down with Scott to revisit those early days at the gym, the role discipline and belief play in personal transformation, and how the lessons learned in fitness carry over into other areas of life. Scott shares how he transitioned from personal training into sales and eventually into a successful career in real estate, and why consistency, relationships, and showing up every day still matter more than shortcuts. This conversation is about more than fitness or business. It’s about beginnings, transitions, mentorship, and the people who show up in our lives at exactly the right time. Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    1h 1m

  4. MAR 4

    March or Die - with Special Guest Jeremy Stalnecker

    Send us Fan Mail In this compelling interview, Jeremy Stalnecker, a former Marine and Iraq combat veteran, shares profound insights on leadership, resilience, faith, and the true meaning of courage. Discover how military principles translate into everyday life and how to keep moving forward despite life's challenges.   Topics:  Leadership, Resilience, Faith, Military, Veterans, Courage, Personal Development, Spiritual Warfare, March or Die, Mental Toughness CHAPTERS:  Courage that costs Authority vs leadership Resilience isn’t toughness Faith without band-aids Trauma vs excuse “I’m fine” and the tells March or Die origin story Can grit become avoidance? Marching without motivation Advice to 22-year-old Jeremy How to get help (Mighty Oaks) ****************************************************** Find more information about our guest here:  https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/ https://www.marchordie.com/ Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    56 min

  5. FEB 25

    Running Naked - with Special Guest Colby Coash

    Send us Fan Mail In this engaging interview, former Nebraska state senator and author Colby Coash shares his journey from small-town roots in Bassett, Nebraska, to political leadership and authorship. Discover insights on family legacy, rural life, leadership, and the transformative power of storytelling and travel. Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    56 min

  6. FEB 18

    The Harder it Gets, the Better it Gets - with Special Guest Josiah Keane

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Sam welcomes Josiah Keane, a seasoned Creative and Messaging Director with extensive experience in political campaigns. The conversation delves into the high-pressure environment of political work, the importance of deadlines, and how Josiah thrives under pressure. They discuss the challenges of client expectations, the impact of long hours on personal life, and the role of humor in stressful situations. Josiah shares insights on work ethic, influences from his upbringing, and the importance of staying calm in emergencies. The episode concludes with advice for young professionals in the industry. Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    54 min

  7. FEB 11

    I Want to Win - with Special Guest Tanner Spencer

    Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Tanner Spencer shares his inspiring journey of transformation, detailing his weight loss of 100 pounds in 10 months and his rise as a CrossFit athlete. He discusses the importance of faith, community, and resilience in overcoming challenges, as well as his aspirations to create a legacy for his family. Tanner emphasizes the mental shift required for lasting change and the role of grit and determination in achieving excellence. His story serves as a testament to the power of purpose and the impact of a supportive community. Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    1h 11m

  8. FEB 4

    You Can Be Tough and Kind - with Special Guests Cam Mead, Kim Mead, and Cory Mead

    Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, the Mead family shares their unique experiences with CrossFit, cancer, and coaching. Cory discusses his battle with cancer and how fitness played a crucial role in his recovery. Cam reflects on her journey in coaching and the challenges of leading older athletes. Kim provides insights into the differences between coaching kids and adults, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience. The family highlights the significance of community in fitness and the mental toughness required to succeed.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Mead Family and Their Journey 07:00 Cory's Battle with Cancer and Fitness 18:42 Cam's Experience as a Young Coach 25:47 Kim's Insights on Coaching Kids vs. Adults 28:19 Mental Resilience in Fitness and Life 49:42 Community and Connection in CrossFit 55:12 The Importance of Toughness and Mental Strength 01:03:07 Nostalgia and Reflection on Lost Treasures Support the show Thanks for listening!  SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share.  Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com     Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt ($30), coffee cup ($25), or window decal for your truck. ($30)

    1h 12m
See All (126)

4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

I visit with guests about topics like loyalty, honesty, authenticity, courage, integrity and resilience.  I come from a cowboy raised and egghead educated background. I’ve saddled and rode a horse, been on multiple cattle drives, fed cattle in 40 below temperatures, worked cattle in a corral, put up hay in 100 degree temperatures, fixed fence …. you name it … I attended high school at a prestigious private school. I got a College degree. I spent 31 years as a national politic operative, owned my own business and spent 13 years as a police officer.  My interesting life has lead me to the conclusion that the world is made up of cowboys and eggheads. I believe that we should have a few more cowboys than eggheads. Get ready, because you’re about to be pulled into the story of my life…… 

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Fischer
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cowboys not Eggheads
  • Show Website
    Cowboys not Eggheads