In this episode, I sit down with JB Mauney to unpack the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to become one of the greatest bull riders in the world. We talk through the realities of competing at the highest level while constantly dealing with injuries, and how mental toughness separates the best from the rest. JB shares how he approached his career with a singular focus, what it meant to fully commit without a backup plan, and how he navigated the abrupt transition out of the sport. This conversation offers a raw look at what it takes to pursue excellence in one of the most physically and mentally demanding professions.
We discuss:
- The role of mental toughness in separating elite performers from the rest
- Why riding through pain was a necessity, not a choice
- The philosophy of “make plan A work” and going all in on one path
- How injuries and setbacks compound over a long career
- Transitioning out of a career with no clear backup plan
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:27 - What does it mean to “work bulls”?
06:23 - How can you tell if a bull is good?
11:35 - JB’s approach to bull riding
16:39 - JB’s early life and bull riding
23:07 - Being in control of a bull
28:00 - How bulls differ
32:07 - What’s happening in the chute?
40:44 - JB’s injury list
43:10 - What makes the difference between the top bull rider and the 50th best bull rider?
51:22 - mental vs. physical technique
55:02 - How much do the bull fighters matter?
57:28 - Why causes a rider to be thrown off?
01:01:14 - Riding Bushwhacker and what makes the perfect bull
01:14:35 - When bulls die & retire
01:18:55 - BuckTown
01:22:12 - A typical week for a professional bull rider
01:23:37 - The lacerated liver story
01:30:58 - Why BuckTown is a bull rider’s paradise
01:36:24 - How riding is scored
01:43:43 - How do you “practice” bull riding?
01:51:16 - The cowboy code of riding
01:55:48 - Giving a bull a brand of honor
01:57:55 - How they move bulls around the country for rodeos
02:10:05 - raising bulls in BuckTown
02:12:46 - JB’s routine
02:16:05 - The ABBI
02:20:37 - The buzz around BuckTown
02:30:20 - When a bull knows who their rider was
02:33:43 - Is there one ride over your career that sticks with you?
02:39:10 - Can a bull get a 50 score?
02:46:55 - Wrapping up
Links:
BuckTown on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BuckTown-XV
BuckTown on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bucktown_xv/
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