How did Alicia Erickson turn a conversation at an airport into a full-fledged business? Find out in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier! Erickson's airport conversation lead her to pursue her own enterprise. Known as @sociallyalicia online, Erickson is a former Miss Rodeo Canada, a sideline reporter, a social media manager, an entrepreneur, and so much more. These days, Erickson consults with people and brands to help tell their stories thoughtfully, while continuing to grow her capabilities and career. She also works extensively as a commentator and sideline reporter for PBR Canada and Ponoka Stampede. Her persistence and work ethic have propelled her to new heights of success, and has made her a true asset to the western world. Listen as Erickson speaks candidly, shares advice, and reflects on her accomplishments thus far in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha. Connect with us! Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpodcast Host Instagram: @rebelsjek Connect with Alicia: @sociallyalicia Find more podcasts produced by the Rural Radio Network: https://ruralradio.com/podcasts/

Taylor Munsell is as competitive as they come. The 2019 College National Finals Breakaway Champion and 3x National Finals Breakaway Roping qualifier lives and breathes breakaway roping. However, it was not always this way. After suffering a severe shoulder injury and undergoing surgery, Munsell shifted her focus from team roping to the breakaway. The 2022 Reserve World Champion has been blessed with incredible animal athletes and mentors who have pushed her to the next level. Learn more about Taylor Munsell and her journey as a professional athlete in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha. Listen to Breaking the Barrier on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wBhcXVMqYRUKkiaXtzP6P?si=fa6bd22057d245b5 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-the-barrier/id1549264744 Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpodcast Host Instagram: @rebelsjek Connect with Taylor: @taylor_munsell Find more podcasts produced by the Rural Radio Network: https://ruralradio.com/podcasts/

Breakaway roping is the fastest growing event in rodeo, with many talented cowgirls "setting the stage" for generations of competitors to come. With many professional rodeos adding the event to their lineups, the sport is growing at an exponential rate. Rickie Fanning of South Dakota has not only qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping, but she has a front row seat to the growth of the sport all year long. Listen as she visits with host Rebel Sjeklocha about her rodeo career and the sport of breakaway roping at large. - Connect with us! Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod Host IG: @rebelsjek YouTube: @breakingthebarrierpodcast

Australian steer wrestler Travis Munro moved continents to follow his dream of making the NFR and becoming a World Champion. Learn more about this high level athlete and his dedication to his dream in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier.

BJ Jamison grew up in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Though he comes from a family with deep rodeo roots, BJ always knew his passion was music. Listen as BJ sits down with Rebel Sjeklocha to share about his rural roots and journey as a recording artist. Follow along with BJ! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjjamisonmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjjamison_music/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ezERRujIypyYnuNPO3w0S?si=uPYy4DEkTFGFyGpUJyCWtA

Gabriel Connealy shares about his family business, Connealy Angus, and how they ranch with purpose in the Nebraska Sandhills. Listen as we get back to our ranching roots on this episode of Breaking the Barrier.

After hearing countless stories of bull fighters battling injury from traditional metal bells used by bull riders, 19-year bull riding veteran Nic Lica decided to do something about it. Nic used his expertise to craft the Licabell, a first of its kind bell substitute. It is “like a bell,” in its appearance and purpose on the bull rope and is sure to change bull riding for the better. Learn how Nic made his way from the city to his true calling as a cowboy and entrepreneur in this week’s episode of Breaking the Barrier. Follow Nic and Licabell Brand on Instagram! @niclica14 @licabrand_official

Jacey Hupp has worn many hats. She is a fierce competitor, a thoughtful mentor, and has shown resilience and grace in life's high and low moments. In college, she qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo five times, consistently leading the pack in the goat tying. These days, you can find her putting on goat tying clinics with her sister, or helping college rodeo athletes at the University of Wyoming take their abilities to the next level. After battling back from injury and through serious personal loss, Jacey has continued to use her gifts to make rodeo and the world better. Get to know how this kind soul uses her gifts and remains grounded in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Professional calf roper and NFR qualifier Macon Murphy is no stranger to the rodeo scene. However, rodeo was not always his #1 priority. Learn about this 3rd generation cowboy in this week's episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Competitor, coach, and contractor are just a few hats third-generation cowgirl Micah Barnes wears. From qualifying for the American in the breakaway roping, to serving as an assistant coach for the storied Cal Poly rodeo team, to carrying on her family's legacy through Barnes PRCA Rodeo, Micah Barnes has truly been in every corner of the arena. She is a tireless advocate for rodeo, even serving as Miss Rodeo Iowa 2023. Learn more about the cowgirl who can go from flanking bucking horses to competing at Miss Rodeo America without batting an eye in this episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

Ty Ferrell is one of the eligible bachelor's on Season 2 of Farmer Wants A Wife. He is also a team roper, a rodeo photographer, and a proud dad to his daughter, Lennon. Listen as he shares about his passion for the western world and gives us a glimpse into the behind the scenes happenings of Farmer Wants A Wife!

Ashley Baller is no stranger to the western world. A connection forged during her year as Miss Rodeo Colorado 2022 lead her to creating dynamic experiences for rodeo newbies and dedicated fans alike. From games like ProFantasy Rodeo and Inside Rodeo, to grand events like Rodeo Vegas, Baller stays busy pushing the envelope and making things happen for Teton Ridge Gaming. Learn more about Ashley's story and current role with Teton Ridge in this episode of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha.

At 15 years old, Chuck Swisher got his start fighting bulls. These days, he is one of the most sought after bull fighters in the sport of rodeo. In addition to working some of the largest rodeos in the country, Swisher has been a pioneer for bullfighting as a stand alone sport through Bull Fighters Only, and owns his own business, Swisher Beef Co. In addition to sharing his experiences in the arena and as an entrepreneur at Swisher Beef Co., Swisher shares advice for young people in rodeo. Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2jsuvksh Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3dfbwnsj Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod

Jacob Talley = Committed. The 5x National Finals Rodeo qualifier has taken the work ethic and drive he learned in football, and has applied it seamlessly to rodeo. Next stop? Gold buckle. Listen to Jacob's story and learn more about his outlook in the Season 4 premiere of Breaking the Barrier, hosted by Rebel Sjeklocha. Follow Breaking the Barrier on Instagram! @breakingthebarrierpod

Kassandra Shoemaker is a multitalented rodeo athlete who recently decided to try her hand at the male dominated event of steer roping. Shoemaker broken barriers and proven that she can hang with the best of them. After being named Rookie of the Year in the Wyoming Steer Roping Association, and competing at the College National Finals, Shoemaker has proven her grit and tenacity in this highly physical event. Listen as host Rebel Sjeklocha learns more about her journey and goals for the future.