With Hat and Cattle

Dani Raschel Chou

With Hat and Cattle is built on stories that are earned, not borrowed. We sit down with people who’ve put in the miles, learned the hard lessons, and kept showing up when it would’ve been easier to quit. This is a place for straight talk and quiet wisdom. You know, qualities that many Texans hold dear.  These are stories meant to be listened to slow, turned over, and carried with you. Because when you hear from people who truly walk the walk, you don’t just feel inspired. You leave better for it.

  1. 1D AGO

    Lessons in Hiring and Humility with Heath Hilliard (Replay)

    Send a text Some leadership lessons don’t come from textbooks. They come from moments that stick with you for years, sometimes decades. In this episode of With Hat and Cattle, we pulled a previous conversation from the archives that deserves a repeat listen. Heath Hilliard shares the stories that shaped how he leads today. From showing up to a major sales meeting dressed completely wrong, to reconnecting years later with the mentors who challenged him the most, Heath reflects on the hard-earned lessons that changed how he thinks about leadership, business, and personal growth. Those experiences eventually led him to launch EQHR and become a facilitator of the ZeroRisk hiring system, which helps companies avoid costly hiring mistakes and place the right people in the right roles. In this conversation we talk about the following:  • Why culture fit matters more than raw performance  • The role emotional intelligence plays in leadership  • How great mentors shape the leaders we become Remember, leadership isn’t built overnight. It’s built through stories, mistakes, and the people who challenge us to grow. Thanks for joining us on With Hat and Cattle, where we bring you stories from people who walk the walk and leave you better off for listening. People like Heath, who you can connect with on LinkedIn. And learn more about EQHR Consultants here. Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    57 min

  2. FEB 26

    Enneagram for Leadership & Life: Discover Your Type, Your Purpose & Your Patterns with Darin K. Newbold

    Send a text What if the patterns shaping your leadership, relationships, and life decisions started long before you realized it? In this episode of With Hat and Cattle, Dani sits down with executive leadership coach and Certified Enneagram Coach Darin K. Newbold to explore how the Enneagram can help you understand your core motivations, fears, blind spots, and purpose. This is not surface-level personality talk. This is about the real work. Darin breaks down: What the Enneagram actually is (and what it’s not)How childhood coping strategies become adult leadership patternsWhy understanding your Enneagram type improves communication and relationshipsHow stress and growth paths show up in real lifeHow the Enneagram integrates with purpose discovery through his Bold GPS frameworkDani shares her experience as an Enneagram 4 and how self-awareness transformed the way she navigates shame, creativity, and relationships. Darin unpacks life as an Enneagram 7 and what it means to chase joy without running from discomfort. If you’re interested in any of the following, this episode has your name written all over it and gives you language for the story you've been living: Personal developmentExecutive coaching insightsLeadership growthSelf-awareness toolsRelationship dynamicsFinding your purposeBe sure to connect with Darin K. Newbold on LinkedIn, and learn more about Your Bold Solutions here. Start your Enneagram journey with these books Dani and Darin discussed:  The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne StabileThe Purpose Factor by Brian Bosche and Gabrielle BoschePersonality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso and Russ HudsonThe Path Between Us: An Enneagram Journey to Healthy Relationships by Suzanne StabileIf this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s walking their own growth journey. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us as we continue sharing stories from people who walk the walk, and leave you better off for listening. Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    55 min
  3. From Bull Riding to Executive Coaching: How CEOs Build Real Leadership Grit with Brandon Denmon

    FEB 12

    From Bull Riding to Executive Coaching: How CEOs Build Real Leadership Grit with Brandon Denmon

    Send a text What does bull riding have to do with executive leadership? More than you think. In the very first episode under the With Hat and Cattle rebrand, Dani sits down with Brandon Denmon, former COO, endurance athlete, and newly appointed Vistage Chair, to talk about courage, community, and what it really takes to be a leader at the highest level. Before he was coaching CEOs, Brandon was riding 2,000-pound bulls at 13 years old. That early exposure to risk, resilience, and responsibility shaped the way he approaches business, leadership development, and high-performance teams today. Now the founder of Peak Executive Solutions and a Vistage Chair serving middle-market CEOs, Brandon helps leaders grow their companies with less stress, more clarity, and stronger community. In this episode, we cover allllll of the following: • Why CEOs and high performers still need coaches • How executive peer groups like Vistage reduce leadership isolation • The power of vulnerability in business leadership • Building high-performance teams rooted in trust • The “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” in real-world application • Why leaders with ranching or blue-collar backgrounds often excel • Margin vs. burnout (and how to engineer culture intentionally) • Entrepreneurship after corporate life • The Go-Giver mindset in business networking • How endurance sports shape mental resilience and business growth See, With Hat and Cattle is about leaders who are walking the walk they're talking. 📚 Books on Brandon's shelf: – The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni – The Go-Giver by Bob Burg – The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz – The 10X Mentor by Grant Cardone – The Triathlete’s Training Bible by Joe Friel Be sure you're subscribed for more conversations with people who walk the walk, from Texas boardrooms to endurance finish lines. And you can find Brandon here on LinkedIn. Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    44 min

  4. JAN 29

    Perpetual Students Win: Learning, Leading, and Leaving People Better with Amir Khawaja

    Send a text What if the most effective leaders aren’t the loudest in the room, but the most committed to learning? In this episode of Suite Mornings, Dani sits down with Amir Khawaja, Senior Director, technology leader, and co-host of Black Belts and Boardrooms, to explore what it really means to lead with presence, discipline, and care. Amir shares how being a perpetual student has shaped his approach to executive decision-making, team development, and personal growth. From earning his black belt in Taekwondo after 40 to leading teams of hundreds, Amir reframes leadership as a daily practice. Together, they unpack why grace, accountability, and perspective matter more than ego in the boardroom.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leadership is not a title but a responsibilityHow discipline and practice translate from martial arts to the boardroomThe role of journaling, reflection, and active listening in executive presenceHow confidence grows from courage and continuous learningWhat it means to truly leave people better than you found themListen now and discover why perpetual students win, not just in leadership and business, but in life, too. And you can learn more about the Black Belts & Boardrooms podcast on LinkedIn, and listen on YouTube or wherever else you get your podcasts. Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    49 min

  5. JAN 15

    Using What’s in Front of You: Sarah Vander Neut on Starting a Fashion Brand Without Waiting

    Send a text In this episode of Suite Mornings, we sit down with Sarah Vander Neut, founder of Vanderjacket, to talk about what it's like to start before you feel ready, and to create using only what’s available to you. Sarah shares how her fashion and running brand began with deadstock fabric not as a mission-driven statement, but out of necessity. She opens up about the early fear of using materials that couldn’t be reproduced, the pressure of making irreversible decisions, and how those moments forced her to trust her instincts and learn fast. Throughout the conversation, Sarah reflects on failure as a teacher, the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship, and the importance of listening to the people around you, because often, the best ideas don’t come from doing it alone. As she puts it, “I started from ‘I didn’t know’ to ‘now I know,’” a quote that left our host speechless because this is a mindset that truly captures the heart of growth through experience. This episode is for founders, creatives, and professionals who are waiting for the right time. Sarah’s story is a reminder that clarity can come from action, and that confidence really does come from learning.  Sarah also teaches us that resilience is built by surrounding yourself with people who can pull you through the hard seasons. In this episode, we cover: Starting a business with limited resourcesLearning from mistakes and early failuresMaking decisions when there’s no do-overWhy listening to others can accelerate growthBuilding confidence through experience, not perfectionThe power of surrounding yourself with the right peopleAre you learning as you go? Good. You're in the right place. And if you've been waiting, take this as a sign: Start. Sarah can be found on Instagram here, and you can check out what's in stock on Vanderjacket.com. Sarah's currently reading Good is the New Cool Guide to Meaningful Marketing: Guide to Meaningful Marketing by Afdhel Aziz and Bobby Jones, and a theological book written by Katherine Parr, King Henry VIII's sixth wife. Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    43 min

  6. JAN 2

    Framing the Future: Jeffery Mercier’s Blueprint for a Purpose-Driven Life

    Send a text In this powerful follow-up episode, host Dani Raschel Chou reconnects with Jeffery Mercier, who returns with major updates since his first appearance. Jeffery, a construction consultant, bodybuilder, and motivational speaker, has made huge strides in just six months. What's he been up to? Oh, you know: Competing in his first bodybuilding competitionEarning the elite title of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), andStepping into a new leadership role in the construction industry.We dive into what it takes to stay consistent and keep moving forward, even when the spotlight isn’t on you yet. In this episode, Jeffery shares: How Toastmasters continues to help him master storytelling and public speakingThe discipline and mindset needed for bodybuilding and professional growthWhat it means to build a life that aligns with your callingTips for stepping into your next chapterThis episode is packed with motivation and practical takeaways for anyone on a personal or professional growth journey, so give the conversation a listen now! You can find Jeffery on LinkedIn, and on Instagram. He's also on YouTube. The books he's been reading include: The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Blake EricksonRich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. KiyosakiStart With Why by Simon SinekSuite Mornings is about real people doing remarkable things, and Jeffery reminds us all: Your voice, and your actions, are your power. Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    49 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Authenticity on the Court and in Life: How Dallas Cothrum Navigates High-Pressure Leadership

    Send a text In this week’s episode, host Dani Raschel Chou sits down with Dr. Dallas Cothrum—CEO, former referee, and Dallas Morning News op/ed columnist—to explore what authentic leadership really looks like when pressure, people, and public opinion collide. Raised inside a growing family business, Dallas learned early on what it means to nurture something bigger than yourself. Those experiences shaped not only his work ethic, but his belief that leaders must genuinely know and invest in their people if they want to build anything that lasts. We dive into: • Authenticity in leadership  • The lessons learned from growing up in a family-run business  • How refereeing prepared him for emotionally charged land-use projects and public scrutiny • Understanding people’s emotions, especially when his columns or projects hit sensitive community issues • Why a leader must know their people, and why employees thrive when they know each other • Dallas’s commitment to an employee-first mindset, and how it shapes culture from the inside out Whether you are an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or someone navigating complex conversations at work, this episode offers grounded wisdom on leading with integrity, humanity, and courage. If you’re ready to learn from one of DFW’s most respected voices in land use and leadership, this conversation is a must-listen. Read Dallas's columns here. Be advised a subscription to DMN is required. Connect with Dallas on LinkedIn. Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    53 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    Inked with Intention: How Sharon Flatte Built a Thriving Tattoo Studio Through Love and Vision

    Send a text Dallas tattoo artist and studio owner/entrepreneur Sharon Flatte's story is as bold and beautiful as the art she creates, and if you've ever dreamed of turning passion into purpose, this episode is for you. Sharon opens up about building a business in an industry that hasn’t always made space for women. From the early challenges of running a tattoo studio in a changing Dallas neighborhood to establishing herself as a respected artist and mentor, Sharon’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and deep partnership. She shares how love became the foundation of her business, what it takes to stay grounded while creating art that lives forever, and how she’s leaving her mark, literally and figuratively, on her community. Tune in for insights that will inspire you to take charge and embrace growth! Here at Suite Mornings, we take you from your seat to the C-Suite. Remember to subscribe to level up your leadership journey and/or personal growth one today! Connect with Dani Raschel Chou on Instagram @withhatandcattle. And find us on YouTube: With Hat and Cattle I Hosted by Dani Raschel Chou - YouTube! Be sure you like and subscribe. Go to www.suitemornings.com (rebrand coming) to sign up for our mailing list so you won't miss an episode.

    49 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

With Hat and Cattle is built on stories that are earned, not borrowed. We sit down with people who’ve put in the miles, learned the hard lessons, and kept showing up when it would’ve been easier to quit. This is a place for straight talk and quiet wisdom. You know, qualities that many Texans hold dear.  These are stories meant to be listened to slow, turned over, and carried with you. Because when you hear from people who truly walk the walk, you don’t just feel inspired. You leave better for it.

Information

  • Creator
    Dani Raschel Chou
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 With Hat and Cattle
  • Show Website
    With Hat and Cattle