Explore every episode of the podcast Wisdom by WESA
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| Claire Porter’s Artistic Evolution | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:25:22 | |
Today, we chat with Claire Porter about the emotional storytelling behind her equine photography, the design process of Art~Scarves, and how art becomes a companion. From limited-edition prints to limited-edition scarves, Claire shares the evolution of her creative process and the new ways audiences connect with her art.
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| Retail Roundup: Easy Video Ideas for Busy Retailers | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:32:27 | |
Join us for a practical and inspiring Retail Roundup session with western fashion influencer and content creator Kyli Hibbard (@shopwithmecowgirl). Fresh off the WESA Trade Show floor, Kyli will share quick, creative content ideas that retailers can use right away to boost engagement and showcase their products on Reels, TikTok, and Shorts even with a busy schedule. Listen in... WESA Retail Roundup September 8, 2025:
Chapters: 00:47 - The Power of Short Form Video in Retail 11:11 - The Importance of Hooks and Consistency in Video Marketing 19:22 - The Shift Towards Authenticity in Content Creation 23:22 - Navigating Short Form Video Strategies 27:25 - The Rise of YouTube and Its Impact on Content Creation Takeaways:
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| How Kultured Rider Is Inspiring Confidence in the Show Ring and Beyond | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:23:35 | |
What do bold patterns, arena lights, and a mid-life “why not?” have in common? Yuki Khona. She ditched tech, found her love for rhinestones, and built Kultured Rider. Tune in to learn about the western show brand that’s as fierce as it is fabulous.
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| Wisdom by WESA 88: What Does 9 Grey Horses Do? | 15 May 2022 | 00:23:47 | |
Taylor McCann and her mother Carolin Lyon chat about how their retail clothing business got started and how social media drives sales. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 88:
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| Wisdom by WESA 87: LAMO Footwear Enters the Western Market | 30 Apr 2022 | 00:15:18 | |
LAMO VP Sales, John Pierce talks about the evolution of the LAMO brand. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 87:
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| Wisdom by WESA 86: The Story Behind AH Performance Stall Mats | 15 Apr 2022 | 00:20:46 | |
Ashley Heflin talks about the booming popularity of her firm's unique stall mats. Listen In...
Guests and Links Episode 86:
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| Wisdom by WESA 85: Welcome C-A-L Ranch Stores | 30 Mar 2022 | 00:21:55 | |
Jason Miller, director of marketing for C-A-L Ranch Stores talks about its growth from one store in Idaho to 30 throughout four states. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 85:
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| Wisdom by WESA 84: Texas based western jewelry company Bijoux Fab | 15 Mar 2022 | 00:18:23 | |
French Canadian Western jewelry designer Pascale Sylvain talks about how her love of the American west and of jewelry prompted her to move from Canada to Texas to set up shop and the success the company has had. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 84:
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| Wisdom by WESA 83: WESA Chats With Western Boot Content Producer Jeremiah Craig | 01 Mar 2022 | 00:27:56 | |
Jeremiah Craig, Cowboy boot content creator discusses how he works with boot brands and retailers to incorporate modern social media techniques into their marketing programs.
Guests and Links Episode 83:
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| Wisdom by WESA 82: A Family of Brands with Southern Roots | 15 Feb 2022 | 00:24:39 | |
We discuss the unique family history and bold marketing strategies that have led to Southern Grace's success. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 82:
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| Wisdom by WESA 81: A Discussion with Rebecca Lopez of The Wranglin’ Mama to Kick Off Our 2022 Season | 30 Jan 2022 | 00:20:55 | |
Rebecca Lopez brought her The Wranglin' Mama jewelry line to the WESA Trade Show for the first time this year and captured lots of attention. We chat with her about her business. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 81:
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| Wisdom by WESA 80: Catching Up on Big News from Montana Silversmiths | 30 Dec 2021 | 00:22:08 | |
Judy Wagner, Montana Silversmiths’ Vice President of Marketing joins the show to talk about exciting news from the company. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 80:
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| Wisdom by WESA 79: A Discussion with David Baker, the 2022 Bill Shackelford Salesperson of The Year | 15 Dec 2021 | 00:27:28 | |
David Baker was named the 2022 Bill Shackelford Salesperson of the Year and is in his 50th year as a western wear salesman. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 79:
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| Retail Roundup - Importance of Inventory Management | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:27:48 | |
In today’s Retail Roundup we discuss the importance of inventory management with Danielle Malconian of Plus by Design. We all know that managing your inventory is one of the most important things you do. If not done well it gets costly, very quickly. Listen in... WESA Retail Roundup July 7, 2025:
Takeaways:
Chapters 00:04 - Introduction to the Horse Radio Network 04:06 - Inventory Management Strategies 13:12 - Navigating Inventory Decisions 17:31 - Managing Inventory and Customer Demands 22:38 - Navigating Trends and Inventory Management | |||
| Wisdom by WESA 78: The 130 year history and the future of Wolverine Worldwide | 30 Nov 2021 | 00:23:49 | |
A look at Yesterday’s history and Tomorrow’s future for a company with some of the best known brand of footwear in the world. Listen In… Guests and Links Episode 78:
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| Wisdom by WESA 77: Outfittin‘ the West for Over 100 Years | 15 Nov 2021 | 00:25:35 | |
Lindsey Dillenbeck, Frank M Light’s great great granddaughter who owns F.M. Light & Sons with her husband joins the show to talk about the storied past and bright future for this legendary western retailer and the slight change she wants to make to the name... Guests and Links Episode 77:
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| Wisdom by WESA 76: M.L. Leddy‘s: 1922 to 2022 | 30 Oct 2021 | 00:29:51 | |
Founded in 1922 by M.L. Leddy to produce custom made boots and saddles, this retailer approaches it's 100th anniversary... Guests and Links Episode 76:
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| Wisdom by WESA 75: Haegels West, One of the Nation‘s Oldest Western Wear and Tack Retailers | 15 Oct 2021 | 00:24:40 | |
Patrick Jackson discusses the history of and the future Haegels West, one of the oldest western wear and tack stores in the nation. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 75:
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| Wisdom by WESA 74: Catching Up With Michael Baca At Justin Brands | 30 Sep 2021 | 00:20:00 | |
Michael Baca talks about the boot business from his perspective of managing three brands. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 74:
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| Wisdom by WESA 73: Toby Lewis chats about his 25 years on the WESA board and a lot more | 15 Sep 2021 | 00:27:16 | |
Toby Lewis looks back on his WESA experience which began at the Albany Hotel and included 25 years on the Association's Board and talks about his new interests... bicycle racing and sky diving. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 73:
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| Wisdom by WESA 72: Meet Bob Davidson, President of WESA predecessor The Men's Apparel Club | 30 Aug 2021 | 00:27:11 | |
Bob Davidson Tells Stories of the industry back when The Men's Apparel Club of Colorado produced the big Trade Show, now called WESA
Guests and Links Episode 72:
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| Wisdom by WESA 71 Special: WESA's 100th Anniversary | 15 Aug 2021 | 00:37:36 | |
The first WESA Trade Show took place in 1922 in Denver, CO and next January in Dallas, TX we’ll celebrate the 100th anniversary of the WESA Trade Show. Tune in to a special Wisdom by WESA episode featuring featuring past guests and their experiences and memories as part of the Association. Guests and Links Episode 71:
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| Wisdom by WESA 70: Scott Piper: WESA President by way of the NFL. | 30 Jul 2021 | 00:27:34 | |
Scott Piper chats about his NFL career and his transition into the western industry when his playing days were over. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 70:
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| Wisdom by WESA 69: Mark Broughton: From Teenage Surfer to WESA President | 15 Jul 2021 | 00:24:08 | |
Mark Broughton recounts his journey from a teenage surfer with a love of horses to his presidency of WESA Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 69:
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| Retail Roundup: Shipping Smarter, Not Harder | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:19:14 | |
Whether you’re managing shipments for a boutique storefront, online shop, or both, we know that shipping can be one of your biggest pain points. We’ll explore how retailers save money, simplify shipping, and access expert support when they need it most. Listen in... WESA Retail Roundup June 30, 2025
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| Wisdom by WESA 68: Gene House Looks Back on his WESA Experiences | 30 Jun 2021 | 00:24:27 | |
As WESA President in 2011 and 2012, Gene House and the Board of Directors faced some challenges and changes.
Guests and Links Episode 68:
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| Wisdom by WESA 67: A conversation with Jack Tait who led WESA at the beginning of the 2000's | 15 May 2021 | 00:20:55 | |
WESA entered the 21st Century under the leadership of Jack Tait who joins us today to talk about the business and the association back then. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 67:
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| Wisdom by WESA 66: A Step Back In WESA's History With Buck Anderson | 30 Apr 2021 | 00:20:03 | |
Wisdom By WESA steps back in time to chat with past president Buck Anderson, who led the association from 1991 to 1992. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 66:
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| Wisdom by WESA 65: Sixty Years of Saddle Making at Circle Y | 15 Apr 2021 | 00:31:55 | |
Jill Holloman Discusses Circle Y's dedication to customer service and craftsmanship in building its saddle business. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 65:
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| Wisdom by WESA 64: HiEnd Accents Describes its Place in WESA's World. | 30 Mar 2021 | 00:18:19 | |
HiEnd Accents Offers Retailers Serving The Western and English Markets With High Quality Home Products For Their Customers. Listen in...
Guests and Links Episode 64:
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| Wisdom by WESA 63: Catching Up With Twisted X | 15 Mar 2021 | 00:30:05 | |
The Leadership Team from Twisted X joins Wisdom By WESA to discuss the company's dedication to new products, new technology, and social responsibility. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 63:
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| Wisdom by WESA 62: Rio Mercedes' Ryan Vaughn Returns To Our Show | 28 Feb 2021 | 00:19:25 | |
Rio Mercedes' Ryan Vaughn joins us to chat about the company's performance last year and its presence at the Dallas Show. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 62:
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| Wisdom by WESA 61: Past Present and Future with Patrick Powers | 15 Feb 2021 | 00:14:13 | |
WESA incoming President Patrick Powers discusses WESA’s past achievements and future potential. Listen in… Guests and Links Episode 61:
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| Wisdom by WESA 60: The Interesting story behind Bear Knuckles Gloves | 15 Jan 2021 | 00:23:44 | |
They say necessity is the mother of invention. That was clearly the case 20 years ago when bareback rider Shawn Schild decided he needed a riding glove that gave him a better grip -- so he invented one which became a staple on the rodeo scene. Later Shawn connected with a high school friend, Kendall Matson and together they started Bear Knuckle Gloves producing a wide variety of gloves based on Shawn's initial design. Kendall Joins us today to tell that story. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 60:
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| Wisdom by WESA 59: Coy Upchurch Talks About the Past, Present and Future of Fast Back Ropes | 30 Dec 2020 | 00:22:59 | |
Fast Back Ropes is having one of its best years ever thanks to team ropers practicing at home and working cowboys using ropes on the ranch. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 59:
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| The Secrets Behind Cowboy Hat Shaping with Glenn Orms | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:15:15 | |
Third-generation hat shaper Glenn Orms shares the legacy, craft, and passion behind Hat Masters and the timeless art of cowboy hat shaping. Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole Zipperlen Contact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing Specialist Guest: Glenn Orms
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| Wisdom by WESA 58: The Story The Penelope Chilvers Footwear Brand in Europe and the U.S. | 15 Dec 2020 | 00:20:11 | |
While Penelope Chilvers has enjoyed success in the U.S. the brand sees its debut at the upcoming WESA show as a coming out event to much of the retail community. Blair Lowman, who directs the brand's sale initiative in the U.S. chats with us about its past and plans for the future. Listen In... Guests and Links Episode 58:
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| Wisdom by WESA 57: Vintage Collection Design Let's Women Everywhere Be Western | 30 Nov 2020 | 00:20:38 | |
People might not think of New York as the home of a highly successful western fashion company but then, they probably don't know about Vintage Collection Design. Women throughout the country from big cities to small towns are wearing the firm's embroidered clothes because they like the colorful yet western feel. Stacy Collins joins us today to tell this unique story. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 57:
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| Wisdom by WESA 56: The History of The American Hatmaker Company | 15 Nov 2020 | 00:24:05 | |
Recounting the history and viewing the future of one of the world's most unique hat companies. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 56:
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| Wisdom by WESA 55: The Story Behind the Best Ever Pads and the White Family | 30 Oct 2020 | 00:26:41 | |
Ryan White discusses the story behind the success of his American Made, Custom Made saddle pad company. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 55:
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| Wisdom by WESA 54: Sierra Rae Lewis Western Fashion Influencer and Social Media Manager | 15 Oct 2020 | 00:23:47 | |
Seirra Rae Lewis shares her young professional's perspective as a social media manager and western fashion influencer. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 54:
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| Wisdom by WESA 53: High School Employee Returns to Run Kleinschmidt's | 30 Sep 2020 | 00:24:46 | |
Sarah Montgomery talks about working at Kleinschmidt's western store in high school, her career as a commodities trader and her return to Kleinschmidt's as the owner. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 53:
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| Wisdom by WESA 52: James Thompson - 2020 Bill Shackelford Salesperson of the Year | 15 Sep 2020 | 00:25:38 | |
James Thompson discusses his extensive experience selling to the western market and his particular love of public service marketing. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 52:
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| Wisdom by WESA 51: The History And Growth of Flair Strips | 30 Aug 2020 | 00:24:59 | |
First developed by two equine veterinarians in the 1990s and debuted at the 1999 Breeders Cup and the 2000 Olympics, FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips are now used to help the breathing of competition horses in virtually every equine sport. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 51:
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| Wisdom by WESA 50: The Story About Laura Ingalls Design | 15 Aug 2020 | 00:22:37 | |
Laura Ingalls reviews her career path from fashion merchandising to jewellery design. Listen in...
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| Wisdom by WESA 49: The Story Behind The Success Of Benita Ceceille | 30 Jul 2020 | 00:23:01 | |
Retailers look to Oklahoma for Authentic, High Style Western Fashions. Listen in...
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| Smart Incentives to Inspire and Retain Your Retail Team | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:30:31 | |
Retailers know that hiring is only half the battle. Keeping great employees engaged and motivated is what truly drives success. In today’s session, we’ll explore smart, practical strategies for incentivizing your team beyond just a paycheck. Whether you run a boutique, a tack store, or a multi-location shop, you’ll walk away with ideas you can implement immediately. Listen in... WESA Retail Roundup June 23, 2025
Time Stamps: 07:33 - Flexibility in Business Scheduling 10:18 - Innovative Perks for Small Businesses 18:55 - The Importance of Employee Responsibility 27:01 - Creating a Positive Workplace Environment Takeaways:
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| Wisdom by WESA 48: Deborah DuPont Tells the Agave Sky Story | 15 Jul 2020 | 00:21:36 | |
Artist Deborah DuPont asked a boot maker to create a custom boot just for her. This led to the development of Agave Sky as a marketer of custom cowhide boots and a wide range of other products. Listen in... | |||
| Wisdom by WESA 47: Amanda Kimes Discusses The Success of the Kimes Ranch Brands | 30 Jun 2020 | 00:21:36 | |
Kimes Ranch is a western clothing line founded in 2009 by Matt and Amanda Kimes who have built the business by combining high quality western wear with a wide range of attention-getting marketing programs that includes naming products after their farm animals, holding photo contests to find new models during the Covid-19 pandemic, posting recipes on the company’s web site and having their products worn by rock groups and the cast of one of the most successful TV series currently on the air. Amanda joins us today to talk about how it all ties together. Listen in... | |||
| Wisdom by WESA 46: The Unique History of Outback Trading Company | 15 Jun 2020 | 00:18:56 | |
Alexandra King discusses the history of this unique oil cloth clothing line. Listen in... | |||