Ol' Boy Podcast

Welcome back to the Ol' Boy Podcast, folks! Today, we've got an electrifying episode lined up for you, featuring none other than the barbecue legend himself, Kosmo from Kosmos Q. In Episode 21, host Chad Ward dives deep into Kosmo's inspirational journey from a determined competitor using store-bought rubs to crafting his own successful barbecue empire. Kosmo opens up about his early struggles, the game-changing moment when he decided to quit his day job, and the invaluable advice from a friend that fueled his passion.Together, Chad and Kosmo explore the heart and soul of the barbecue industry—from the importance of stellar customer service and the art of personalizing customer experiences, to the fierce competition and evolving landscape shaped by social media. They also share tips on mastering fire management, discuss their admiration for top-notch barbecue pits, and emphasize the significance of nurturing genuine, loyal followings rather than chasing fleeting online fame.You'll hear about Kosmo's strategic moves, like his pivot from a time-consuming food truck to scaling his product line, and the critical role of data in making business decisions. Plus, they reflect on the rich tapestry of barbecue traditions across different regions and the influential figures who've shaped the competition scene.This episode is filled with captivating stories, valuable insights, and a sprinkle of humor that highlights the camaraderie within the barbecue community. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Kosmo's incredible journey and passion for all things barbecue. And don't forget, this episode is brought to you by our friends at Five Nine Whiskey—cheers to great barbecue and even better stories!

Welcome back, listeners, to the Ol' Boy Podcast! I'm your host Chad Ward, and today's episode is overflowing with grit, determination, and a one-of-a-kind journey. We're thrilled to be joined by none other than Rocker Steiner – a powerhouse in both wakeboarding and bareback riding. From breaking records and enduring injuries to dropping out of school in fourth grade to chase his dreams, Rocker's story is all about defying expectations and embracing his unique path.We'll dive into his unconventional rise in the rodeo world, including learning from legends like Ty Murray and receiving spurs from Larry Mahan. Rocker opens up about the physical demands of bareback riding and the five years of grueling practice he undertook before even competing. We'll also touch on his wild adventures, from facing multiple injuries to a memorable incident in St. Paul, all while maintaining his authenticity and building connections with recognized figures like Kid Rock.Whether it's his insights on the importance of practical experience, the emotional challenges he faced, or his bold personal style, Rocker's experiences provide inspiring lessons on commitment, passion, and staying true to oneself. Get ready for an episode that's as raw and real as it gets – tune in to hear the fascinating journey of Rocker Steiner.

Welcome to Episode 19 of the Ol' Boy Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have the incredibly talented and inspiring Jen Phillips, owner of Metal Monkey Designs, as our guest. Jen is a master metal sculptor and welder who has navigated an impressive career path filled with unique commissions, like crafting a fish replica for a friend's wedding and a chimpanzee sculpture set for sale soon. Jen takes us through her journey, from tackling the challenges of TIG welding to using basic tools like a welder and angle grinder, and how her persistence and passion opened up unexpected opportunities, including a commissioned project for 20th Century Studios.Jen doesn't just create art; she uses her craft to support charitable causes, notably with her acclaimed doll sheep sculpture and headdress piece. We’ll dive deep into her experiences—balancing career and family, her innovative work in the male-dominated welding industry, and her thoughts on the value of the trades. Plus, she shares gripping stories, like delivering a custom-made alien artwork to Joe Rogan and participating in her first archery hunt. Jen also recommends some incredible potential guests for the podcast. Don’t miss this episode filled with inspiration, artistry, and a celebration of following one's passion.Make sure to subscribe and check out past episodes on your favorite platforms. And follow Jen's incredible work on her website, Metal Monkey Design Co., and Instagram @officialjenphillips.

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Ol' Boy Podcast, where Chad sits down with UFC bantamweight fighter Cody Stamann. In this episode, Cody shares the story behind his significant arm injury and the road to recovery, expressing his gratitude for the support and resources in Michigan. He discusses his strategic approach towards upcoming fights, including rigorous training in Las Vegas and honing his wrestling skills. Cody also reflects on his admiration for fighters like Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, and highlights his outdoor passions of hunting and fishing.From his humble beginnings working in his parents' restoration business to his challenges adapting to social media and the evolving fight scene amidst COVID-19, Cody opens up about the trials and triumphs throughout his career. Listen as he talks candidly about the sacrifices fighters make, the international competition, and his faith in Jesus Christ. Cody doesn't shy away from discussing the pressure, the physical toll of fighting, and his move to Vegas for better training opportunities. Join us for a deep dive into the life of a fighter who embodies grit, determination, and the spirit of a true warrior.

Welcome back to the Ol' Boy Podcast! In this thrilling Episode 17, Chad and Street Bike Tommy, delve into a wide array of fascinating topics and electrifying personal stories. We kick things off with a taste of adventure, exploring the Maryland orange crush-flavored vodka created by his buddy Travis Pastrana, and dive into Tommy's unique background as a second-generation commercial contractor. From fine carpentry to the exhilarating world of heavy timber framing, Tommy recounts his daring career journey across the country.But that's just the beginning! Tommy opens up about his childhood dreams, wild car accidents, and unforgettable victories in unexpected races. Settle in to hear about his friendships with the Jackass crew and Vanilla Ice, his days in the Nitro Circus, and his relentless pursuit of spreading happiness through stunts and giving back to hardworking families.Plus, we get a sneak peek into his sporting adventures, the challenges of the entertainment industry, and why he dreams of retiring in peaceful Wyoming. Whether it's discussing future plans or reminiscing about past glories, Street Bike Tommy brings an unmatched energy and authenticity to this episode. You won't want to miss it!

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Ol' Boy Podcast! In this episode, our host Chad Ward sits down with the phenomenal rodeo star, Zeke Thurston. Raised in a ranching family, Zeke's journey from junior steer riding to becoming a top-tier bronc rider is nothing short of extraordinary. He shares invaluable insights into the rodeo world, discussing everything from the physical demands of the sport to his experiences competing across North America. We'll hear about his family's deep roots in ranching, the thrill of competing at the Calgary Stampede, and the growing popularity of rodeo thanks to platforms like the Cowboy Channel and the Yellowstone movement. Plus, Zeke sheds light on his passion for hunting, sponsorship with MeatEater, and his inspiring mentorship for younger riders. Tune in for an engaging conversation that captures the essence of rodeo life and the relentless spirit behind it!

Welcome back to another sizzling episode of the Ol' Boy Podcast, where today your hosts Chad Ward and Rub Bagby dive deep into the smoky world of competition barbecue. In Episode 15, we're turning up the heat as Rub shares his journey from a high school teacher using barbecue contest earnings to fund his competitive passion, to becoming a seasoned pitmaster with a nationwide brand of sauces and rubs. We'll grill Rub on his secret to creating balanced, award-winning flavors, the challenges of maintaining a barbecue trailer, and his dedication to the craft, even in face of injuries and accidents. Plus, we'll discuss the changing dynamics of barbecue competitions, their favorite breweries in Polk County, and of course, some behind-the-scenes stories from their wildest contests. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or just love a good tale of perseverance and ribs, this episode has something for everyone. So, fire up your smokers and let's get cooking with Episode 15 of the Ol' Boy Podcast, featuring the godfather of Florida barbecue, Rub Bagby.

Welcome back to the Ol' Boy Podcast! Today, in this episode, we're diving into the world of commercial fishing with our guest, Luke McFadden. Luke is a first-generation fisherman, known not just for his crabbing skills but also for his innovative approach to the business. In this episode, Luke talks about the challenges of upholding tradition while embracing change in an industry deeply rooted in generational practices.With a focus on adapting to changing ecological and market conditions, Luke discusses the importance of evolving business strategies, including utilizing social media like TikTok to engage directly with consumers and streamline his operations from crabbing to customer sales. Despite the industry’s resistance to change and revealing its secrets, he believes in the power of sharing knowledge and engaging with a broader audience to sustain the industry’s future.Join us as Luke shares his experiences from the water, discussing everything from the high costs and logistics of shipping live crabs nationwide, to partnerships that have extended his brand beyond fishing. He’s candid about the highs and lows of his journey, emphasizing authenticity and the hard-earned lessons that have shaped his business savvy. Whether it’s facing the intricacies of license regulations or the satisfaction of connecting with fellow water enthusiasts, Luke’s story is as deep and unpredictable as the waters he navigates.Don’t miss this insightful journey through the world of commercial fishing with Luke McFadden, a true testament to hard work, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of the waterman. Tune in now to Episode 14 of the Ol' Boy Podcast!

Hey everyone, on today's episode of the Ol' Boy Podcast, we sat down with the inspiring Joey Shuman to dive into his journey from overcoming personal struggles to building a thriving business in a challenging industry. Joey shared how significant life changes, a strong work ethic, and the crucial support of key relationships enabled him to break the cycle of addiction and launch his own successful company. His heartfelt story highlights the power of transformation and the importance of resilience and hands-on skills in achieving the American dream. Tune into this compelling episode to learn how Joey Shuman turned hard times into a foundation for success. Don't miss out on this profound conversation!