Saddle Up Salinas brings you inside the world of the California Rodeo Salinas like never before. Hosted by Mandy & Amanda, this podcast features conversations with guests from across the Western industry—sharing stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and the people who make the Rodeo what it is. From traditions and history to the action in the arena, it’s all here—real, unfiltered, and maybe with a few bloopers along the way.
So… saddle up and join the ride. 🤠🎧
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to follow along (@CaliforniaRodeo)
Hall of Fame Team Roper Jake Barnes | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 12
Hall of Fame Team Roper Jake Barnes joins us for Ep.12 of Saddle Up Salinas!
11 Sept 2026
Pierce Wold | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 11
We caught up with Pierce Wold at the California Rodeo Salinas!
24 Jul 2026
Monty “Hurricane” Lewis | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 10
In this episode hosts Mandy Lindquist and Amanda Gianolini catch tie-down roper Monty Lewis warming up his horse before Second Day of Slack at the 116th California Rodeo Salinas, and talk him into an unplanned sit-down on the spot.Monty’s no stranger to the win column here, taking the Salinas title in 2005 and again in 2018, and first roping this arena all the way back in 2002.
A six-time Wrangler NFR qualifier out of Amarillo, Texas, Monty breaks down what makes Salinas’ head box setup so unique, names his top rodeos on the circuit (Salinas, Reno, Ellensburg, and Sisters all make the cut), and talks life back home running a ranch with his wife’s cutting horse rehab business.
Plus: the best advice for first-timers roping at Salinas, why the World Cup hits different in Spanish, and a shoutout to fellow Amarillo native Ed Montana, the voice behind the song that gave this podcast its name.
#CaliforniaRodeoSalinas #BigWeek
18 Jul 2026
Podcast #8 Live from CA Rodeo Salinas
Lets goo!
8 Jul 2026
Saddle Up Salinas | Episode 8 | Meet Your Hosts: Mandy & Amanda
Meet your hosts — Mandy & Amanda are bringing you inside the California Rodeo Salinas like never before. 🤠
Saddle Up Salinas is the official podcast of the California Rodeo Salinas — and in Episode 8, it's all about getting to know the women behind the mic and the rodeo they love.
From the year-round community impact to the charitable work that makes this event so much more than a rodeo — this is your backstage pass to one of California's greatest traditions.
Like, Comment, Subscribe & Share!
▶️ Watch now on YouTube @CaliforniaRodeo
🎧 Also streaming on Apple & Spotify — search Saddle Up Salinas
California Rodeo Salinas | July 16–19, 2026 | Salinas Sports Complex
#SaddleUpSalinas #CARodeoSalinas #BigWeek #Podcast #Salinas #RodeoLife
20 Jun 2026
Through the Lens of Rodeo | Fernando Sam-Sin | Saddle Up Salinas Ep. 7
In Episode 7 of Saddle Up Salinas, we sit down with Fernando Sam-Sin — a man whose journey to rodeo is unlike anything you've ever heard.Born and raised in The Hague, Netherlands, Fernando came up as a boxer who nearly made the 1972 Olympics, transitioned into professional bodybuilding, opened two gyms in the Netherlands, and built a friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger that ultimately led to his move to California.
A self-described city slicker who never owned a pair of jeans, Fernando never imagined he'd set foot at a rodeo — let alone become one of the most beloved PRCA photographers in the country.
It started with his daughter's riding lessons and a Gymkhana he couldn't get out of photographing.
This year marks his 10th National Finals Rodeo.
In this conversation, Fernando opens up about his relationships with some of rodeo's biggest names including the Wright Brothers, Tilden Hooper, and Rocker Steiner, his volunteer work with the Golden Circle of Champions photographing children with pediatric cancer, and a deeply personal moment where he shares his own journey with depression — and why he believes it's important to talk about it.This one will make you laugh, make you think, and remind you why rodeo is unlike any other sport in the world.
Follow Fernando's photography on Instagram: @fsamsinSubscribe 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.
Saddle Up Salinas merch is available exclusively at the California Rodeo Salinas — pick yours up July 16-19 at Salinas Sports Complex. Only at the rodeo.
California Rodeo Salinas | July 16-19, 2026 | Salinas Sports Complex
#SaddleUpSalinas #CARodeoSalinas #BigWeek #FernandoSamsin #Podcast #RodeoLife
6 Jun 2026
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
21 May 2026
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
7 May 2026
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
23 Apr 2026
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
9 Apr 2026
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)
26 Mar 2026
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!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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