This one was a damn good conversation.

We finally linked up with the JR Vezain, and in person, and it went exactly where it needed to... talking about the stuff most guys avoid.

Why they're not winning.
Why they stay stuck.
And what it actually takes to change that.

We got into mindset, preparation, and the reality that just "working hard" isn't enough if you're not honest about where you're at.

There's a difference between guys who rodeo… and guys who are trying to become elite.
This episode lives right in that gap.

If you've been showing up, putting in the work, and still not getting the results you want—this is one you need to listen to.

Rodeo Now App is what makes this whole thing even more real.
Track your rides, break down your film, actually learn from what you're doing instead of guessing.

Go download it.

If this hits, send it to somebody who needs to hear it.

This week we are cross-posting with our good buddies at Squatch Juice! In this episode, we sit down with Doug Champion, founder of Champion Living, to talk about the critical role of mental and physical health in the professional rodeo world. Doug shares how he became the first to develop a program specifically designed for rodeo athletes; especially those competing at the NFR level. From performance optimization to mental resilience, this conversation dives into what it truly takes to stay at the top in one of the toughest sports on earth.

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, we dive into the role that discipline and the right equipment play in rodeo performance and why both matter more than most athletes realize. From behind-the-chutes conversations to real-world insight, we break down how your approach to training, preparation, and gear can directly impact how you show up when it's time to compete. We also introduce one of our newest partners, Barstow Pro Rodeo Equipment, the original one-stop shop for roughstock gear. For over 40 years, Barstow has been building handmade equipment trusted by bull riders and bronc riders across the country.

If you're serious about improving your performance in and out of the arena, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Topics Covered:

• Rodeo discipline and consistency

• The importance of quality gear

• Behind-the-scenes insight from the chutes

• How preparation impacts performance

Check out Barstow Pro Rodeo Equipment:
BarstowProRodeo.com and use our dicsount code Barstowchamp26 to save at check out!

And, make sure to download the Rodeo Now App today in the app store, its totally free and incredible tool for athletes and fans.

🎙️ Follow & Subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast for more episodes on performance, mindset, and what it takes to become a champion — in rodeo and in life.

Your biggest opponent isn't the competition… it's the story in your head.

In this episode of The Champion Living Podcast, Doug Champion sits down with cohost Paul Lloyd to talk about the Mental Rewrite... which is the process of identifying the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that hold athletes back and learning how to replace them with a champion's mindset.

Every competitor faces mental blocks. The difference is learning how to recognize them, reset, and rewrite the script.

In this episode Doug & Paul cover:

• Why your mind can become your biggest enemy
• How negative self-talk destroys performance
• The simple mindset shift champions use under pressure
• How to reset when things start going wrong

If you've ever felt like you're capable of more but something keeps holding you back, this episode will help you take control of the voice in your head.

Watch the full episode and start your Mental Rewrite today.

This episode is brought to you by RodeoNow.
Stay up to date with rodeo athletes, rankings, and the latest rodeo news all in one place.
Learn more at RodeoNow.com

This episode isn't about workouts or programming. It's about ownership.

If you're a rodeo athlete, competitor, entrepreneur, coach, or high achiever chasing excellence — this conversation will hit home.

Doug opens up about:

• Why physical discipline doesn't always translate to emotional or spiritual discipline

• The "loud" version of strength vs. the rooted version

• How high performers often build their identity around pushing — and why that can backfire

• The danger of being reactive instead of grounded

• Why slowing down may be the most elite skill you can develop

• Early morning routines, stillness, and building internal resilience

• Owning the lies we've believed about toughness

This episode challenges the traditional cowboy mindset of "just grind harder" and replaces it with something deeper — sustainable strength.

Because real strength isn't just built under a barbell.
It's built in the quiet work no one sees.

• Rodeo athletes wanting to improve mental toughness

• Bull riders, ropers, and competitors chasing longevity

• Christian athletes navigating faith and performance

• High achievers feeling burned out despite "doing all the right things"

• Coaches and leaders who want to build strength beyond the physical

Where in your life are you disciplined…
And where are you just reacting?

There's another level available to you — but it won't come from pushing harder.

It'll come from getting rooted.

If this episode resonates, share it with a teammate or someone in the rodeo world who needs to hear it.

And as always — if you want to become stronger, more resilient, and built for longevity in and out of the arena…

Train like a champion.
Live like a champion.

What does it actually take to build a great athlete?

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug sits down with JC Bird to talk about athlete development, coaching philosophy, and why playing the long game matters more than chasing hype.

JC shares his perspective on raising the standard in coaching and athletics, from building grit and work ethic to developing athletes the right way instead of rushing the process. They dive into what separates long-term success from short-term flashes and why doing things differently is sometimes exactly what the sport needs.

This conversation isn't about shortcuts. It's about foundation, discipline, and creating athletes who can sustain success at the highest level.

If you care about the future of athletes, rodeo and developing the next generation the right way, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast.

What if your performance issues aren't mental weakness… but brain function?

In this episode of the Champion Living Podcast, Doug sits down with neurofeedback specialist Becky Lauridsen to break down how brain mapping is changing the way we understand focus, self-talk, concussions, and athlete development—especially in the sport of rodeo.

They dive into:

• Why many athletes have frontal lobes stuck in "delta" (a suppressed brain state)

• The difference between motivation and discipline from a neurological perspective

• How upbringing and self-talk create real neural pathways

• What actually happens after a concussion—and what's missing from traditional protocol

• How neurofeedback works to ignite suppressed areas of the brain

• Why alpha waves are the key to calm, locked-in focus

This conversation bridges performance, brain health, and long-term athlete development in a way most rodeo athletes have never heard before.

If you're serious about competing at a high level—and protecting your brain while you do it—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Champion Living Podcast.

A big thank you to our sponsors:

Rodeo Now App – Stay up to date with everything happening in the rodeo world.

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