The Benny Blaster | Benny Jefferson | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 6

The Benny Blaster | Benny Jefferson | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 6

Episode 6 of Saddle Up Salinas is here — and this one is special. We sit down with Benny Jefferson — past President of the California Rodeo Salinas, inventor of the Benny Blaster, the man behind the legendary arena dirt that cowboys compete on every July, and one of the key figures who helped bring professional bullfighters to Salinas.Benny has dedicated decades of his life to making this rodeo what it is today. From the ground up — literally — his fingerprints are all over the California Rodeo Salinas, and this conversation gives you a front row seat to the passion and hard work that goes into building one of the greatest rodeos in the country. Full video now on YouTube #SaddleUpSalinas #CARodeoSalinas #BigWeek #BennyBlaster #Podcast

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]