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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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