Jen & Jeana Show

Inside the Rodeo Mom Blueprint: Lessons From the Practice Pen & Beyond

In this episode of the Jen and Jeana Show dive into the biggest themes we’ve learned from interviewing rodeo moms so far: community in the practice pen, money and responsibility, seasoned horses, and the family routines that shape a lifelong blueprint. We share our weekly Grit, Grace & Gratitude check-in and explore how every rodeo family builds their own structure, values, and rhythm behind the scenes. Saddle up, rodeo mamas—this one’s for you.  Link to Brain + Body Method -- Brain + Body (jenniferlcasey.com) [https://www.jenniferlcasey.com/] Link to Contestant Center App -- Contestant Center [https://contestantcenter.com/]

Rodeo Mom Blueprint: Mary Minor -- Grace, Grit and Grandkids

In this episode of Rodeo Mom Blueprint series on The Jen & Jeana Show, Jennifer and Jeana sit down with longtime rodeo mom, grandmother, educator, and ranch wife Mary Minor of Ellensburg, Washington. Mary shares the behind-the-scenes truth of raising two world-class team ropers—Brady and Riley Minor—while balancing ranch life, teaching, family, and the realities of rodeo culture. Together, they talk through: * What the “Rodeo Mom Blueprint” really means * The quiet strength and constant giving rodeo moms carry * Mary’s family’s multi-generation arena roots * Raising competitive kids while fostering independence, character, and gratitude * The grace it takes to keep a rodeo family moving forward With humor, honesty, and the classic Minor grit, Mary brings listeners into her world—where the arena is the family table, the Cowboy Channel is always on, and the love of the sport connects generations. This episode is a celebration of the unseen glue that rodeo moms provide and the reminder that, in this wild and beautiful lifestyle, grace for ourselves matters just as much as the grit we show every day. Saddle up, Rodeo Mamas—this episode is the perfect blend of heart, heritage, and hometown grit. Link to Brain + Body Method -- Brain + Body (jenniferlcasey.com) [https://www.jenniferlcasey.com/] Link to Contestant Center App -- Contestant Center [https://contestantcenter.com/]

Ep #66 -- Rodeo Mom Blueprint: Inside Rodeo Life with Karen Fuller

Welcome to the Rodeo Mom Blueprint—a series designed to honor the women who load the trailer, pack the snacks, calm the nerves, and hold everything together with grace. In this rich and insightful episode, Jennifer and Jeana sit down with longtime rodeo mom Karen Fuller to explore the behind-the-scenes reality of raising a rodeo athlete, running a commercial team roping arena in Arizona, and navigating the ever-changing world of breakaway roping. You'll hear Karen’s take on:  • The importance of intentional parenting and the “blueprint” behind it  • How to pick the right horse for your kid  • Why older, soundness-questionable horses may be the best teachers • Managing practice, burnout, logistics, and mental toughness • The breakaway finals shake-up, trades, jackpot strategy & entering tips • Supporting your child’s passion—without losing your own sanity • Being a rodeo mom, a grandma, and a behind-the-scenes backbone Whether you’re hauling every weekend or just stepping into this world, this episode gives you tools, stories, and hard-earned wisdom to thrive—not just survive. Link to Brain + Body Method -- Brain + Body (jenniferlcasey.com) [https://www.jenniferlcasey.com/] Link to Contestant Center App -- Contestant Center [https://contestantcenter.com/]

Ep 65 – Rodeo Mom Blueprint: Building a Rodeo Family from the Ground Up with Lynette McMillan

In this episode of The Jen & Jeana Show, we continue our Rodeo Mom Blueprint series with a powerhouse guest: Lynette McMillan of Aces Wild Rodeo Company. Lynette and her husband Mark have been putting on rodeos for decades – from junior and high school rodeos to PRCA performances – all while raising a big, blended family of biological, adopted, and foster kids who live and breathe the western lifestyle. Together we dive into what it really looks like when your family isn’t just competing at the rodeo… you’re the ones putting the whole thing on. Lynette shares how her kids have grown up working in every role, from bullfighting and pickup men to music, timed events, and roughstock – and how that responsibility shaped their confidence, independence, and work ethic. She talks about integrating foster and adopted kids into a ranch + rodeo lifestyle, the reality of being gone every weekend from April through October, and what it means to be the “grateful ground crew” while still loving the chaos. We also talk about the blueprint behind it all:  how their family culture, expectations, and everyday habits create a structure where kids can thrive, learn, and keep coming back to the arena as adults. In this episode, we cover: * What a “Rodeo Mom Blueprint” really is and why every family’s looks different * How the McMillans evolved from amateur rodeos to a full PRCA stock contracting business * Raising kids who are independent, capable, and willing to work (even when it’s hard) * The reality of practicing when your “practice pen” is also your business * Balancing timed events and roughstock and why both sides of the arena matter * Horsepower, kid horses, and finding (or making) the right match for each rider * Handling big emotions, bad attitudes, and mental slumps in the practice pen * How their kids learned to win, lose, and keep entering with grit and grace * Gratitude for the rodeo lifestyle, community, and “rodeo family” that forms along the way If you’re a rodeo mom, a stock contractor’s wife, or a parent trying to raise gritty, grounded kids in this wild and beautiful sport, Lynette’s story will give you perspective, encouragement, and a reminder that your blueprint doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be powerful. 🤠 If this episode made you think of a rodeo mom in your life, share it with her. And don’t forget: get a little gritty, give yourself some grace, and lean into gratitude. 💛 Link to Brain + Body Method -- Brain + Body (jenniferlcasey.com) [https://www.jenniferlcasey.com/] Link to Contestant Center App -- Contestant Center [https://contestantcenter.com/]

Ep 64 – Meet a Champion Mom: Raising Rodeo Kids with Katie McFarland

Welcome to the first episode in our Rodeo Mom Series. In this conversation, Jennifer Casey and Jeana Goodwin sit down with Idaho rodeo mom Katie McFarland, whose family live and breathe the rodeo lifestyle. From hauling to jackpots and high school rodeos to watching her son become the National High School Saddle Bronc Champion, Katie shares what it’s really like behind the scenes as the “grateful ground crew.” We talk about the unseen grit of rodeo moms: long days, early mornings, making breakfast in the trailer, juggling three kids and multiple events, and learning to support big dreams while managing very real fears around injury and risk. Katie opens up about the emotions of national finals, raising twins who often hit highs and lows at different times, and how her family culture has built unshakable confidence in the arena. You’ll also hear how the McFarlands weave horsemanship into daily ranch life (not just “practice time”), how their kids learned to love the work, why horsepower matter, and the way their family handles finances, entries, and expectations as the kids step into their own independence. Katie shares simple, powerful advice for new rodeo moms and reflects on what’s next for her as the kids move up into college and pro ranks. In this episode, we cover: * What it means to be the unseen “grit + grace” behind a champion * The emotional roller coaster of watching your kid win a national title * How the McFarlands built confidence and a winning mindset at home * Balancing pushing vs. letting it be fun as kids grow into competitors * Handling injuries, soreness, and the mom-anxiety that never really goes away * Horses, breeding, and building the kind of horsepower their kids can win on * Practical wisdom for new rodeo moms just starting the journey If you’re a rodeo mom, a competitor who was raised by one, or you just love stories of family, grit, grace, and big dreams in the arena, this episode will give you chills and a whole lot of encouragement. 💛🤠 Link to Brain + Body Method -- Brain + Body (jenniferlcasey.com) [https://www.jenniferlcasey.com/] Link to Contestant Center App -- Contestant Center [https://contestantcenter.com/]