In this podcast, Nikki Nelson leaves no rodeo topic left untouched. As a competing rodeo mom with children who also compete, Nikki explores the unique challenges that rodeo moms face. From late nights, stale truck stop dinners, the financial struggle and the insane travel schedule-no part of rodeo will not be explored. Nikki dives deeper and talks about what others won't-the losses, the mom guilt, the health issues, the injuries, the arguments with her children, and peeing your pants while riding.
This podcast is about creating a community for rodeo mamas to feel heard, be seen and relate to each other. We all need a village, and Nikki is gathering the rodeo mamas into one giant corral filled with real, raw, imperfect moms who are just trying to make it one day at a time.
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/episode-1-nikki-nelson/voicemail)
Episode 14 | Marni Porath | Riding Together with Special Needs
In this episode, Marni tells us her story of raising a child with special needs. After finding out she was pregnant with twins, Marni and her husband were ecstatic. However, things quickly changed when the twins were born 14 weeks early and their daughter had complications resulting in cerebral palsy and blindness. The world Marni was used to was changed in a moment, but she didn't let that stop her from creating an incredibly beautiful life-for her, her children, and her community as she used her experience to start a therapeutic riding program-Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center. Marni and her team have now helped hundreds of children, their families, and remains a beacon of light to her community.
*If you'd like to learn more about Rising Stars Therapeutic Center, donate, volunteer, or learn how you can help please visit their website: Therapeutic Horseback Riding Programs | Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center, Twin Falls, ID. (https://www.risingstarsriding.com/)
We also encourage you to check out this video of Hannah, one of their program participants: Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center: Meet Hannah (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJuFuO1-lzU&t=94s)
3 Nov 2026
Nikki Nelson | Kegels No More for a Stronger Pelvic Floor
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/episode-1-nikki-nelson/voicemail)
Episode 13 | Nikki Nelson | Kegels No More for a Stronger Pelvic Floor
In this episode, Nikki walks us through her story of pelvic floor dysfunction; specifically pelvic organ prolapse. In it, she tells us about the devastating news she received from her Obgyn, how it impacted her mental health, her riding, and what she did about it. After several years of research and experience, Nikki not only learned how to handle her own pelvic floor dysfunction issues, but also became certified to help others. And well-she ditched the kegels too, because it turns out-they aren't all that helpful for most-even though they are prescribed by almost every women's health professional. This is a story of trial, error, and hope.
16 Oct 2026
Kitanna Barnes | Gone but Always Remembered
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/episode-1-nikki-nelson/voicemail)
Episode 12 | Kitanna Barnes | Gone but Always Remembered
Grab the tissues. In this episode, Kitanna Barnes shares her tragic story of losing her mom at just 15 years old. She shares her experience with all of the challenges that came with caring for a sick parent, growing up too fast, saying goodbye far too soon, moving in with her grandma, and battling with her own mental health through it all. In this episode, Kitanna graciously shares her story and how she's kept going, so that her mom, Kandise, will never be forgotten.
11 Oct 2026
LaDonna Pierce | Leave It At the Door
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Episode 11 | LaDonna Pierce | Leave It At the Door
In the last episode LaDonna Pierce, shared an amazing story of her young mare that she trained and became the Reserve World Champion Barrel Racer and Pole Bender. In this short episode, she tells us what happened after her year of rodeo. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but if LaDonna has learned to "leave it at the door" when challenges come her way.
9 Oct 2026
LaDonna Pierce | Divided but United in Purpose
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Episode 10 | LaDonna Pierce | Divided but United in Purpose
From a harrowing success story about her start to rodeo on a cool little mare that she trained herself, to an unexpected divorce when her son was young-there’s a lot to learn from LaDonna Pierce in our short time together. She not only proves that you can do anything that you put your mind to, but she also shows that happy coparenting is possible-even in a crazy rodeo world where things get expensive, jumbled on the calendar, and lots of travel exists.
25 Sept 2026
Nanci Carlton | The Dream and a White Picket Fence
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Episode 9 | Nanci Carlton | The Dream and a White Picket Fence
This episode is with none other than Nanci Carlton. From a rodeo act to motherhood- her story is unique, complete with a divorce, 3 older children, a new thriving marriage and 2 younger kids who have taken the rodeo world by storm. Like everyone, she’s faced heartbreak, setbacks and had an unimaginable work ethic that’s given her their current life. Which is, of course, filled with daily rodeo practice, roping hundreds of steers, and chasing her kids' dreams. If you ask her-she’s literally living her dream, complete with a white picket fence.
18 Sept 2026
Kayla Merritt- Working Through the Hard
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Episode 8 | Kayla Merritt | Working Through the Hard
Kayla Merritt is no stranger to hard things. She grew up in a small town in a blended family, and has always run full speed ahead despite the challenges of life. But last year she lost her youngest brother, which was like a punch to the heart that nothing could have ever prepared her for. In that same time frame, she also became the primary caretaker for her dad when he started having health issues. All of it was hard-really hard. Kayla isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and that’s one of the things I love about her. She lives life fiercely, but recognizes that it's not all sunshine and rainbows, and won't try to tell you otherwise. From the heaviness of losing her brother, to caring for her dad-rodeo is what brings her family back together and gives them some joy amongst the hard.
11 Sept 2026
Roanie Kasel- Finding Gratitude for the Little Things
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Episode 7 | Roanie Kasel | Finding Gratitude for the Little Things
In this episode, all-around cowgirl, Roanie Kasel, tells us her life story as she begins to tackle her second year of college. Her story is one of grit, determination and a whole lot of support from her parents with a special appreciation for her mom who has always been by her side. She's faced injuries in huge moments, horse emergencies when she needed them most, and everything else that comes with living the rodeo lifestyle. From junior rodeos to college rodeos, Roanie's biggest piece of advice is to never give up and always find the joy in the little things; because one day, it'll all be nothing but a memory.
4 Sept 2026
Whitney Whiting- No Room for Negativity
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Episode 6 | Whitney Whiting | No Room for Negativity
In this episode, Whitney Whiting-a southern Idaho rodeo mom who always wears a smile- tells us how she finds the beauty in every aspect of our sport. Whether her kids, or your kids, are competing, Whitney will always find something to celebrate. Her positivity shines bright in her willingness to help at the rodeo through setting barrels, holding gates, announcing and cheering for every single competitor that rides into the arena. In this episode, Whitney reminds us that there is always something to be proud of, and there's no room for negativity in the sport we love.
28 Aug 2026
Katie Rogers- Hard Work and Respect
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Episode 5 | Katie Rogers | Hard Work and Respect
In this episode, Katie Rogers-a local mentor, volleyball coach and recently made volleyball referee- tells us what it's like to rodeo with her two small children and her husband-who is a rodeo judge and regionally known bull dogging mentor. She tells us all about getting a late start to roping and how she's pushed to be the best she can be, despite the disadvantages of not roping as a child and the chaos that children have brought to the table. While it's challenging, she wouldn't trade it for anything else, as it's teaching her children the values of hard work and respect.
14 Aug 2026
Tiffany Schieck - Drawing the Line
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Episode 4 | Tiffany Schieck | Drawing the Line
In this Episode, Tiffany Schieck talks about her journey into motherhood as one of the top breakaway ropers in the country. She has won rodeos on every level, and is seemingly unstoppable in the arena, but her most important role? It's motherhood. One of her recent social media posts proved this point, as she posted about drawing out of Deadwood to spend time with her family, and I just knew I wanted to have her on. In this episode, Tiffany tells us all about drawing the line between pushing through and taking a step back-something we don’t talk about very often.
29 Jul 2026
Laura Porath - More than Rodeo
Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/episode-1-nikki-nelson/voicemail)
Episode 3 | Laura Porath | More than Rodeo
In this episode, Laura Porath, shares with us her journey of becoming a rodeo mama. From a small town in Oregon, to traveling the world, and finally settling down in a little town in Idaho-she's seen it all and being a rodeo parent is not where she expected her life to lead. She shares the highs and lows of raising a fierce competitor, along with the challenges that having such a determined cowgirl brings. Laura also gives us insight into how she balances the disappointments and emotions that so often come with our sport.
13 Jul 2026
Afton and Charly - Kids Know Best
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Episode 2 | Afton and Charly- Kids Know Best
In this episode, Nikki talks to some of her best friends, but also her biggest critiques- these guests aren't afraid to tell her when her hair looks bad, when she's failing at something, or when she's gained a little weight. We all know that kids can be brutal, and in this episode, Afton and Charly, Nikki's own children, don't hold back. They tell us what they love about rodeo, what they think parents can do better, how certain feedback makes them feel, and their biggest worries in the arena.
This episode may or may not surprise you, but keeping the communication open with the next generation of rodeo stars is key to keeping our rodeo traditions alive; even if what they have to say is hard to hear.
7 Jul 2026
Nikki Nelson-How?
Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note. (https://rss.com/podcasts/episode-1-nikki-nelson/voicemail)
Rodeo Mamas Corral | Episode 1 | Nikki Nelson
In this episode of Rodeo Mamas Corral, Nikki Nelson, the show's host, tells her story and why she started the podcast. She talks about the challenges of motherhood, the heartbreak of losing a friend, and finding her place within the rodeo community. Nothing is left off the table, as she talks about life, death, postpartum depression, and mom guilt. In the end, Nikki extends her hand to other moms who live the rodeo lifestyle to join her on a journey of finding a village and finding the support that they all need.
No feelings are left unfelt in this raw and vulnerable episode.
Bring the tissues, because not much makes Nikki crack, but talking about her early life and feelings of inadequacy in motherhood does.
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