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:

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:03:27) - What does it mean to “work bulls”?
(00:06:23) - How can you tell if a bull is good?
(00:11:35) - JB’s approach to bull riding
(00:16:39) - JB’s early life and bull riding
(00:23:07) - Being in control of a bull
(00:28:00) - How bulls differ
(00:32:07) - What’s happening in the chute?
(00:40:44) - JB’s injury list
(00:43:10) - What makes the difference between the top bull rider and the 50th best bull rider?
(00:51:22) - Mental vs. physical technique
(00:55:02) - How much do the bull fighters matter?
(00:57:28) - 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