J.D Crouse: From Nebraska Cowboy to California Rodeo Salinas Champion | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 4

The Man Behind the Name, Ed Montana | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 5

In Episode 5 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with the man behind the name — Ed Montana. Ed is a Salinas singer-songwriter whose music and spirit are woven into the very fabric of the California Rodeo Salinas. His song gave this podcast its name, but his story goes far deeper than that. From his cowboy roots to his years performing at one of the greatest rodeos in the country, to serving as the 2019 Grand Marshal of the Colmo del Rodeo Parade — Ed Montana is as much a part of Salinas as the rodeo itself. In this episode, we get into it all — his music, his history with the California Rodeo Salinas, what this community means to him, and the memories that have shaped a lifetime in the western tradition. If you love the California Rodeo Salinas, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. Subscribe and follow along as we bring you inside the California Rodeo Salinas — one story at a time. California Rodeo Salinas | July 16–19, 2026 | Salinas Sports Complex #SaddleUpSalinas #CARodeoSalinas #EdMontana #BigWeek #RodeoLife #Podcast #Salinas

J.D Crouse: From Nebraska Cowboy to California Rodeo Salinas Champion | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 4

Join hosts Amanda Gianolini and Mandy Lindquist on Saddle Up Salinas as they welcome two-time California Rodeo Salinas All-Around Champion, J.D Crouse.🤠 From growing up in Nebraska surrounded by horses to becoming a rodeo legend, JD shares the experiences, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped his incredible journey through the rodeo world.In this episode, JD reflects on:His childhood and early rodeo beginningsWhat it takes to become an All-Around ChampionMemorable moments from California Rodeo SalinasThe people and horses who influenced his careerWhy Salinas continues to hold a special place in his heartThis conversation is packed with authentic stories, rodeo history, and the passion that defines the western lifestyle.🎧 Watch now on YouTube (@CaliforniaRodeo)👉 Stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen👉 More episodes at carodeo.com📲 Follow along:Instagram: @carodeoFacebook: California Rodeo Salinas#SaddleUpSalinas #CaliforniaRodeoSalinas #JDCrouse #RodeoPodcast #WesternLifestyle #Rodeo #CowboyLife #AllAroundChampion

Behind the Mic | Wayne Brooks & Will Rasmussen on Calling the Greatest Rodeo in California Ep. 3

In Episode 3 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with two of the most respected voices in professional rodeo — Wayne Brooks and Will Rasmussen.Wayne is a 5-time PRCA Announcer of the Year and 9-time National Finals Rodeo announcer. Will has been calling the California Rodeo Salinas since 1999 and is one of the most trusted names behind the microphone in the business. Together, they bring decades of stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart to this conversation.We get into all of it — how they got their start in announcing, what makes the California Rodeo Salinas one of the most special stops on the circuit, the 100,000+ volunteers across the country who are the unsung heroes of rodeo, and Will takes us back to one of the wildest moments he’s ever witnessed at Salinas — what started as a horse race turned into something no one saw coming.This is the real side of rodeo. The people, the memories, and the passion that keep it alive year after year.Subscribe and follow along as we bring you inside the California Rodeo Salinas — one story at a time.Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts — search Saddle Up Salinas.California Rodeo Salinas | July 16-19, 2026 | Salinas Sports Complex#SaddleUpSalinas #CARodeoSalinas #BigWeek #RodeoLife #Podcast #WayneBrooks #WillRasmussen

John Harrison – Life in the Arena

In Episode 2 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with John Harrison, a celebrated rodeo clown, to talk about his unforgettable return to the California Rodeo Salinas after 12 years.🎤 Hosts Mandy and Amanda dive into John’s journey—from the thrill of stepping back into the arena to the deep family ties that make California Rodeo Salinas so special. He shares what it takes to keep audiences entertained, the pressure of delivering original acts, and the unique connection he has with his horse, Snoopy.This episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry, athleticism, and heart that go into rodeo clowning—along with the camaraderie and culture that make the California Rodeo Salinas unlike any other.🤠 From laughter to legacy, John reminds us why this role is so much more than entertainment.👀 Got a favorite rodeo clown or moment? Tell us who we should feature next!👉 Listen now at carodeo.com (News → Podcast)👉 Watch on YouTube (@CaliforniaRodeo)👉 Stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen📲 Follow along for more behind-the-scenes stories:Instagram: @carodeosalinasFacebook: California Rodeo Salinas#rodeo [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/rodeo] #clowning [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/clowning] #JohnHarrison [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/johnharrison] #family [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/family] #rodeoclown [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/rodeoclown]

Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 1 🔥 FREESTYLE BULLFIGHTS 🐂

In the debut episode of Saddle Up Salinas, we’re diving into one of the most iconic and adrenaline-filled traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas—freestyle bullfighting. A fan-favorite and the grand finale of every rodeo performance since 1980, this event takes center stage as we explore what makes it so special.🎤 Hosts Mandy & Amanda sit down with Andy Burelle, a former bullfighter turned barrel man and multi-time Salinas champion; Weston Rutkowski, a longtime Salinas bullfighter and 2023 buckle winner; and Matt Jenkinson, California Rodeo Association Secretary and Ground Prep Committee member who helps bring the bullfights to life.From personal stories to behind-the-scenes insight, this episode gives listeners a deeper look at the skill, grit, and teamwork it takes to step into the arena. And with more stories to tell, this may just be the first of many conversations on the legends of freestyle bullfighting. 🤠🎙️👀 And trust us… this might just be Part 1. We’ve got some OG bullfighters in mind next…Then tell us—who do YOU want to see on a future episode?👉 Episode on our website carodeo.com under News/Podcast👉 Or find it on YouTube (CaliforniaRodeo) or wherever you get your podcasts!