Tanner Bryson and Christa reveal how B Cross Performance Horses, Horse Around Adventures, and Tanner Bryson Art Studio are built around more than horses. In this episode of Living The Red Life, they share how trust, reputation, horse training, social media, and authentic Western experiences shape a brand people remember. From matching the right horse with the right buyer to creating corporate cattle drives near Sedona, they show what it takes to stand out in the Western industry without compromising quality, honesty, or legacy.

Key Takeaways

• A strong brand only works when the product can back it up.
• Trust is built through honesty, not hype.
• Social media works best when it reflects real authenticity.
• Great businesses know who they should not sell to.
• Legacy means passing rare skills to the next generation.

Notable Quotes

• “If you don’t have what you can back up, you really don’t have a product at all.”
• “I really believe in developing trust.”
• “We’re not out there sticking our iron on every horse.”
• “The horse is making us and we don’t realize it along the way.”
• “There’s a legacy in the industry that we want to pass on.”

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Austin St. John is an iconic actor and martial artist celebrated for his role as the original Red Power Ranger, Jason Lee Scott, in the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers series.. The episode delves into Austin's transformation from a young martial artist to an international superhero icon. The candid conversation reveals behind-the-scenes stories from the Power Rangers era, Austin's unique experiences with global fame, and his transition into a versatile entrepreneur. Rudy and Austin discuss overcoming the paralysis of analysis and perfectionism, reminding listeners that starting is crucial to success.

The episode provides a rich narrative about Austin's life lessons, particularly how he leveraged the Power Rangers' success to fuel his entrepreneurial spirit. They discuss the critical aspects of business like timing, perseverance, and learning from failure. Austin emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to victim mentality, consistently surrounding oneself with positive influences, and championing patience and time as heroes in achieving one's goals. From recounting the crazy story of securing his role as Jason to highlighting the impact of the Power Rangers franchise, the discussion offers valuable insights into mindset and resilience.

• The path to success often requires embracing imperfection and starting with what you have.
• Perfectionism and over-analysis can stall progress; taking action is vital.
• Recognizing and learning from missteps can unlock immense opportunities.
• Patience and time are two crucial elements that contribute to lasting success.
• Surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals is key to driving personal and professional growth.

1. "You're never supposed to wear red on camera." – Austin St. John
2. "How do you defeat a man who never stops getting up?" – Austin St. John
3. "Luck is preparation meeting opportunity." – Austin St. John
4. "The two greatest heroes in existence…are time and patience." – Austin St. John
5. "You have not failed until you choose not to get back up." – Austin St. John

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Mark Esper is a seasoned national security leader who served as the 27th United States Secretary of Defense. With a foundation built on decades of military service, Esper's career spans pivotal roles in both government and corporate sectors.The conversation kicks off with Esper sharing his memorable journey—from a small coal mining town near Pittsburgh to leading the U.S. Department of Defense. Underlining his story are themes of service, public duty, and the rigorous training that shaped his leadership style.

The episode delves deep into what makes an effective leader, particularly under high-pressure scenarios. Esper emphasizes the importance of integrity, discipline, and accountability—traits he honed throughout his military career and now applies in the business world. As Esper reflects on his time as Secretary of Defense, the discussion shifts to the challenges of political navigation and maintaining authenticity amidst public scrutiny. Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, listeners are offered a rare glimpse into Esper’s ethos and strategic thinking, both in the field and in corporate boardrooms.

• Leadership and Integrity: Effective leadership begins with authenticity and a strong moral grounding, as conveyed through actions and communication.
• Discipline in All Aspects: Whether in military training or business environments, consistent discipline forms the backbone of success.
• Lessons from Team Sports: Experiences in team sports or military units teach grit, resilience, and the importance of teamwork, all valuable in business settings.
• Navigating Politics in Leadership: Balancing integrity with political savvy is crucial in high-stakes roles, ensuring that core values remain intact against external pressures.
• Accountability and Responsibility: Accepting full responsibility for actions and decisions is a foundational principle, mirrored in both military and business leadership.

• "The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war."
• "Leadership always begins with integrity."
• "Accountability and responsibility are very big things."
• "To me, that is the mindset you have to take into it—to think every day you're training.”
• "Nothing wins like success."

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Jeremy Berg, John Crawford, and Candace Crawford are the co-owners of the Bunker Performance Lounge and Cafe located in Stratford. This discussion delves into their collective journey and passion for creating a unique space for artists and musicians. The episode explores the evolution of the Bunker, a venue designed by musicians for musicians, and highlights how the owners have continually overcome challenges to keep the performances fresh and captivating.

Listeners will gain insights into the operational aspects of running a music venue, the emphasis on live music, and the role of community in the Bunker's success. The episode's exploration of brand identity, audience engagement, and innovative programming strategies provides a roadmap for those interested in the entertainment industry. Key topics include the importance of offering a stage where musicians take center stage, and the trio's innovative programming that keeps patrons engaged—from open mic nights to specialized performances that highlight original music.

• The Bunker Performance Lounge emphasizes creating a space where the performance takes precedence over other activities, focusing on musicianship.
• The success of the Bunker lies in its ability to adapt, taking community feedback to heart and evolving its offerings, such as obtaining a liquor license to increase patronage.
• Running a music venue involves finding a balance between catering to audience preferences and promoting original music and talent.
• Effective programming that evolves throughout the week—from karaoke to the signature weekend live sessions—helps maintain engagement and consistency.
• The Bunker's success story is about transformation, adapting to post-COVID realities, and the trio's dedication to providing outstanding live entertainment.

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Victoria Toplansky, aka Holly Treats, is a multi-talented artist and AI enthusiast. The conversation traverses through their experiences in content creation, the evolution of artistry in the digital age, and how these elements shape their professional identities. With extensive experience in modeling, content creation, and exploring the intersection of technology and art, Victoria brings a unique lens to the realms of cosplay, streaming, and AI-driven storytelling. She holds a significant following across her social media platforms, where she engages with millions of followers. Victoria delves into her journey as a multi-faceted content creator, exploring the usage of AI in storytelling and the nuances of maintaining a strong digital presence. From her perspective on femininity to insights on managing diverse social media accounts, Victoria shares the triumphs and challenges of a creative career.

• Authentic engagement and audience interaction are crucial for building a genuine online following; do not rely on bots to inflate follower numbers.
• Embracing creativity and artistry requires overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence in one's unique style and identity.
• AI can be a powerful tool in content creation and storytelling, offering efficiency and new avenues for artistic expression.
• Maintaining mental health and managing digital presence is essential for long-term success in content creation and online engagement.
• Understanding and respecting cultural differences and taboos can enhance the effectiveness of content creation in diverse global contexts.

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Kristen Abelon, an author, chemist, coach, and entrepreneur, shares her intriguing journey from the retail world to pioneering in the cannabis industry. With candid recollections of her early career decisions and the mindset shifts that guided her towards success, Kristen underscores the transformative power of aligning one's career path with personal values and entrepreneurial spirit.

In this enriching dialogue, key themes include overcoming invisible chains like societal expectations and family beliefs to pursue genuine ambitions. Kristen delves into her experiences in the cannabis business, offering thoughtful insights on its evolution and challenges in regulation. The discussion also touches on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, her personal journey with CBD products, and the transition from building to divesting a company. Furthermore, Kristen presents her literary work and life coaching philosophy, emphasizing empowerment and choice as fundamental to personal and professional growth.

• Overcoming Invisible Chains: Break free from societal norms and familial expectations to pursue your true passions and professional dreams.
• Cannabis Industry Insights: Understanding the cannabis business's evolving landscape and its interaction with culture, regulation, and potency of medicine.
• Entrepreneurial Growth: Importance of organic growth and resilience for start-ups in highly regulated industries.
• Stepmom Journey: Kristen’s unique insights from her book, offering a heartfelt perspective on step-parenting and the trials and tribulations therein.
• Manifestation Through Mindfulness: Leveraging cannabis and mindset shifts to enhance mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being.

• "You can be what you want to be no matter what. Like, change your mindset."
• "Cannabis industry was on that path but has sort of fallen short because people forgot where we came from."
• "My life, everybody's like, this is kind of cool. You get to grow cannabis, you get to smoke it, you get to enjoy those properties."
• "Parents teach you the American dream, you know. The goal is to be successful and to have your own business."

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Melissa C. Butterworth, a powerhouse in the world of entrepreneurship and personal development, is also known as 'Mel B, the warrior for women'. Melissa shares her journey from competitive tennis player to the owner of a $2.4 billion company. Through storytelling and real-life experiences, Melissa opens up about her transformative journey, emphasizing the power of consistency and purpose-driven living.

Throughout the conversation, Melissa and Ray discuss the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Florida, particularly in the thriving milieus of Miami and West Palm Beach. Melissa delves into her book "Clues," where she offers guidance on turning pain into purpose—an essential message for women seeking to find their true calling. Other key topics include the importance of grit, resilience, and the role of spirituality in business. With an insightful take on aligning personal values with professional ambitions, Melissa's narrative encourages listeners to wake up with intent and pursue their passions consistently.

• The Power of Purpose: Melissa highlights the importance of understanding one's purpose and passion, which can drive daily consistency and long-term achievements.
• Consistency in Entrepreneurship: Success is rooted in everyday consistency and resilience—a message that reinforces Melissa's approach to building a billion-dollar company.
• Transforming Pain into Purpose: Sharing insights from her book "Clues," Melissa encourages individuals to find purpose through their pain and life experiences.
• Spiritual Influence: Spirituality and faith are central to Melissa's journey, influencing her success and approach to life and business.
• Thriving in Florida's Dynamic Environment: Melissa discusses the energetic environment of Florida as a hub for innovation and opportunities in entrepreneurship.

• "It's one thing to have grit and resilience, but you have to combine it with day in and day out consistency." - Melissa C. Butterworth
• "It's all about taking what's been painful in your life and turning that into your purpose." - Melissa C. Butterworth
• "I talk to my audience about how they can turn their pain into their purpose." - Melissa C. Butterworth
• "Big wins don't happen overnight." - Melissa C. Butterworth.

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Ahlaianne Garfinkel, a knowledgeable advocate against domestic violence and author of "The Unspoken Word", draws parallels between her work with domestic violence victims and her own experiences of being silenced. She opens up about narrowly avoiding the tragedy due to a twist of fate and how her life’s mission has become preventing the silencing of victims.

Ahlaianne shares the development and impact of her 'unspoken word' concept and how it stems from her personal journey as both a victim and advocate. She outlines the resources available to empower those who may feel voiceless, focusing on her valuable toolbox—the comprehensive, state-specific resource database created to guide victims in knowing their rights. Ahlaianne delves into the prevention of domestic violence, advocating for better initial guidance to avoid escalating to dire legal scenarios. Throughout, Ahlaianne emphasizes the importance of empowerment and awareness as vital tools in combating systemic challenges within the legal landscape.

• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Ahlaianne Garfinkel's toolbox offers victims vital resources to understand and exercise their rights within the legal system.
• The Importance of Being Heard: Ahlaianne stresses breaking the cycle of silence often used to victimize individuals, advocating for constitutional and spiritual rights to be respected and upheld.
• Prevention Over Cure: Her mission revolves around preventing domestic violence from escalating by increasing awareness and providing early intervention tools to victims.
• Crossroad of Personal and Professional: Ahlaianne’s intersecting experiences as a victim and advocate provide a unique perspective on systemic issues in the judicial system.
• Continual Advocacy: By engaging in media like podcasts and collaborations with entities like PreviewModels, Ahlaianne seeks to spread her message of empowerment and resilience.

• "Silencing someone is not in their best interest and allows some of the underhanded, nefarious events to go forward."
• "We all have the right constitutionally, but as well as spiritually, to speak, to be heard, to be understood, to be respected."
• "There's always an opportunity, and there's always someone there that can listen... If one door closes, there is another opportunity."
• "My mission is prevention. So it doesn't get to the point of, okay, now someone's lost their life, let's do a memory on them. No, we could have prevented this."
• "With every traumatic event, there are seeds of change, seeds of growth, opportunity for a new and impactful opportunity to persevere, to survive."

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