Cheat Codes- Show Stock Edition

Tom Gourley
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Cheat Codes — Show Stock Edition is for parents trying to figure out the show cattle and show lamb world without feeling lost, rushed, or intimidated. Hosted by a parent learning in real time, this podcast breaks down how the show stock ecosystem really works — from buying animals and understanding breeders, to navigating judges, feeding decisions, and expectations. Through real stories, honest conversations, and clear explanations, Cheat Codes helps parents think clearly, move forward confidently, and support their kids without burning out or overspending. This isn’t expert talk. It’s a learning conversation — and you’re invited.

Episodes

  1. 6D AGO

    Built in the Barn: A Show Stock Family Story-John & Kaytlynn Lemley

    Send a text What happens when a kid doesn’t start showing livestock at five years old? In this episode of Cheat Codes: Show Stock Edition, Tom sits down with father–daughter duo John Lemley and Kaytlynn Lemley to talk about late starts, family pressure, entrepreneurship, and what the barn really builds in kids. Kaytlynn didn’t grow up in the show ring. She tried dance, volleyball, band, and color guard before stepping into livestock in high school. What began with one Southdown sheep turned into a State Fair class win, years of hard lessons, and eventually the launch of her own business — Farm Fierce, a lamb leg wrap company now shipping across the country. Now pursuing her Master’s in Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University, Kaytlynn reflects on: Starting “late” in the industryLearning resilience through losingNavigating pressure from a competitive dadDiscovering that parents aren’t meant to be friends first — they’re meant to prepare youTurning a side idea during COVID into a real businessJohn shares the parent side of the journey — the balance between pushing and pulling back, the reality of breeding sheep (and losing them), and the hard-earned wisdom that success in this industry requires finding the right people and sticking with them. This conversation isn’t about banners.  It’s about identity shifts, work ethic, entrepreneurship, and raising kids who can handle pressure long after the show season ends. If you’re a parent with a kid just starting — or a family trying to figure out how hard to push — this one’s for you.

    59 min

  2. FEB 7

    Debrief 3

    Send us a text In this Weekly Debrief episode of Cheat Codes — Show Stock Edition, Tom shares another real-time update from the barn — the wins, setbacks, and lessons that come with learning livestock management alongside family. This episode revisits a previous situation involving a ewe with a prolapse, walking through the treatment decisions, a follow-up vet visit, and the outcome after getting the issue corrected. It’s a practical look at navigating unfamiliar territory, learning as you go, and adjusting when things don’t go perfectly the first time. Tom also discusses the unexpected loss of Sterling, the Highland steer that was being fed out for the freezer. What began as a routine feeding plan turned into a veterinary investigation, an early trip to the locker, and ultimately the discovery of a ruptured kidney that made the meat unusable. The conversation reflects on risk, emotional reality, financial decisions, and the unpredictable nature of working with animals. As always, this debrief isn’t about presenting expertise — it’s about documenting the journey, sharing honest experiences, and letting others follow along as lessons unfold in real time.

    9 min

  3. JAN 30

    Understanding Online Livestock Sales & Auctions

    Send us a text In this episode of Cheat Codes: Show Stock Edition, Tom sits down with Becky Drlik and Sadie McClung to break down the world of online livestock sales and auctions. Together, they walk through how online sales actually work, what buyers should expect, and where families often get tripped up. From bidding and payment processes to understanding sale terms like flush rights, shared ownership, and leases, this conversation is designed to remove confusion and help parents make more informed decisions. This episode is purely educational — not sponsored and not tied to any single platform. Whether you’re brand new to buying show stock or just trying to avoid costly mistakes, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what really matters when buying animals online.

    56 min

  4. JAN 19

    Weekly Debrief Episode 2

    Send us a text Cheat Codes: Weekly Debrief is a short, weekly mini-podcast documenting real-time lessons from the barn — the wins, the setbacks, and the decisions in between. This isn’t a clinic or expert advice. It’s documentation.  We share what we tried, why we tried it, what worked, and what didn’t as we learn in real time. Each week we break down: What went wellWhat didn’tWhat we learnedHow we’re adjusting going forwardFrom animal health and feeding to facilities, weather, mindset, and problem-solving — this is real life, not polished theory. No gurus. No shortcuts.  Just a guy with a microphone, failing forward in public.

    4 min

  5. JAN 9

    Weekly Debrief Episode 1

    Send us a text Cheat Codes: Weekly Debrief is a short, weekly mini-podcast documenting real-time lessons from the barn — the wins, the setbacks, and the decisions in between. This isn’t a clinic or expert advice. It’s documentation.  We share what we tried, why we tried it, what worked, and what didn’t as we learn in real time. Each week we break down: What went wellWhat didn’tWhat we learnedHow we’re adjusting going forwardFrom animal health and feeding to facilities, weather, mindset, and problem-solving — this is real life, not polished theory. No gurus. No shortcuts.  Just a guy with a microphone, failing forward in public.

    13 min

  6. JAN 8

    Buying Your First Show Animal: A Breeder Explains What Parents Should Know-Philip Doty

    Send us a text Buying your first show calf or show lamb can be the most intimidating part of the entire show stock journey — especially for parents who didn’t grow up in the industry or who feel overwhelmed by how much has changed. In this episode of Cheat Codes — Show Stock Edition, I sit down with Philip Doty, a breeder to talk honestly about the buying process from the breeder’s side. We break down how private treaty and auction sales actually work, what breeders notice about first-time buyers, and which questions parents shouldn’t be afraid to ask. We discuss: Why breeders choose private treaty vs auction salesWhat good buyers do differently than first-time buyersHow parents should think about budgets and expectationsThe difference between price and fit — especially in year oneWhat matters most for families just getting startedThis isn’t a promotional conversation.  It’s a parent-focused discussion designed to reduce intimidation, clarify the process, and help families move forward with confidence when buying their first show animal.

    36 min

  7. JAN 2

    The Show Stock World Explained for Parents (What No One Tells You)

    Send us a text Episode 1: Feeling Behind in the Show World? You’re Not Alone. If you’re a parent stepping into show cattle or show lambs and thinking, “Everyone else seems to know what they’re doing but me,” this episode is for you. In this first episode of Cheat Codes: Show Stock Edition, I share why the show stock world feels so confusing for parents — even those with past livestock experience — and how much the game has changed over time. You’ll hear: How my own background (and my wife’s) shaped our expectationsWhy buying the animal is often more stressful than feeding or showingWhat it’s really like navigating breeders, online sales, and uncertaintyWhy overwhelm isn’t a failure — it’s a signal that the system isn’t explainedThis podcast exists to help parents gain clarity, not perfection — and to make sure confusion doesn’t cost kids opportunities.

    10 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Cheat Codes — Show Stock Edition is for parents trying to figure out the show cattle and show lamb world without feeling lost, rushed, or intimidated. Hosted by a parent learning in real time, this podcast breaks down how the show stock ecosystem really works — from buying animals and understanding breeders, to navigating judges, feeding decisions, and expectations. Through real stories, honest conversations, and clear explanations, Cheat Codes helps parents think clearly, move forward confidently, and support their kids without burning out or overspending. This isn’t expert talk. It’s a learning conversation — and you’re invited.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Gourley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cheat Codes- Show Stock Edition
  • Show Website
    Cheat Codes- Show Stock Edition

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