Episodes

Send us a text In this conversation, Sam Fischer interviews John Thayer, a seasoned guitar tech who has worked with iconic guitarists like Warren Demartini, George Lynch, and Nuno Bettencourt. They delve into the intricacies of live performances, the challenges of quick guitar changes, and the unique experiences of touring with rock bands. John shares insights on the pressures of live sound, adapting to different venues, and the essential tools he carries as a guitar tech. The discussion is f...

Send us a text In this conversation, retired police officer Mark Langan shares gripping stories from his 26-year career with the Omaha Police Department. He discusses the challenges of balancing personal life with the traumatic experiences of police work, including a shocking discovery during a drug raid. Langan reflects on the evolution of drug dealing, the impact of family dynamics on crime, and the importance of humor as a coping mechanism in law enforcement. He also addresses the complexi...

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Sam Fischer and Steve King delve into the experience of branding cattle, exploring the cultural significance, emotional impact, and humane practices involved in ranching. Steve shares his journey from being a city dweller from London, England to embracing the ranch lifestyle in Nebraska, highlighting the importance of family and community in the branding process. The discussion also touches on the humorous aspects of ranch life, including the prepara...

Send us a textIn this conversation, Sam Fischer and Mike Oppenheim delve into the profound themes surrounding death, generational perspectives, and cultural influences. They explore how personal experiences shape our understanding of death and the importance of discussing it openly. Mike shares insights from his podcast Coffin Talk, which focuses on people's views on death and how it affects their lives. The discussion also touches on the emotional aspects of communication and the significance ...

Send us a textIn this conversation, Vicki Paris Goodman shares her profound journey of grief and transformation following the death of her husband, Sam. Initially overwhelmed by sadness, Vicki unexpectedly found herself flooded with optimism and new possibilities. This shift led her to explore spirituality, ultimately transforming her understanding of death and the afterlife. Vicki discusses how her experiences during the pandemic challenged her coping mechanisms and the importance of balancing...

Send us a textIn this conversation, Sam Fischer catches up with Emily Brummond, who shares her harrowing experience of a health scare involving a dissected aortic aneurysm. The discussion covers her journey from a seemingly normal vacation to a life-threatening medical emergency, the challenges faced in the emergency room, and the emotional and physical toll of her condition. Emily reflects on the limitations imposed by her health, the support of her husband, and the struggle to adapt to a new ...

Send us a textIn this conversation, Sam Fischer interviews Dr. Drew Miller, a retired Air Force Colonel and survivalist, about the concept of survival in the face of potential societal collapse. They discuss the formation of Fortitude Ranch, a survival community designed to prepare for various threats, including pandemics and grid failures. Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of community, training, and resource management in ensuring survival during crises. The conversation also touches on fo...

Send us a textIn this episode of Cowboys Not Eggheads, Sam celebrates his 100th episode by discussing the theme of victimization and personal growth. The guests explore how individuals can shift their mindset from feeling like victims to taking ownership of their lives. Through personal stories and reflections, they emphasize the importance of self-awareness, discipline, and making conscious choices to overcome adversity. The conversation highlights the power of words, the significance of commu...

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Sam Fischer interviews Curt Hermesch, an ultra marathon runner, exploring the mental aspects of endurance running and the personal journey that led Curt to take on such challenges. They discuss Curt's stealthy approach to life, the importance of family support, and the mental game involved in ultra running. Curt shares his experiences from various races, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of p...

Send us a textIn this conversation, the Sam Fischer and guests (past guest Ben Collins and Natasha Tupper) explore the rapid development of AI technology and its implications for society. They discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI, including its impact on work, creativity, and human interaction. The conversation delves into philosophical questions about authenticity in art and the balance between technology and humanity, ultimately emphasizing the need for preparedness in an AI-dri...

Send us a textIn this conversation, Bernie Minarik shares his extensive experience as a DEA agent, discussing his motivations for joining law enforcement, the challenges faced in combating drug trafficking, and the evolution of the drug trade over the years. He provides insights into undercover operations, the psychological toll of the job, and the importance of training and preparation for aspiring agents. He also addresses the current landscape of drug enforcement, including the fentanyl cris...

Send us a textIn this episode of Cowboys Not Eggheads, host Sam Fischer reunites with former colleagues from the Bush Cheney 2004 campaign in Nevada. The conversation explores their roles during the campaign, personal journeys since then, and memorable experiences that shaped their careers. The group reflects on the unique challenges and camaraderie of working on a presidential campaign, sharing stories that highlight the impact of their experiences on their professional lives. The conversation...

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Sheila Barden shares her experiences and insights from her travels, particularly her recent trip to India. She discusses the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty in the country, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from those living in challenging conditions. Sheila emphasizes the value of perspective and personal growth through travel, highlighting how these experiences shape her understanding of happiness and fulfillment. In t...

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Sam Fischer interviews Dorinda Verhoff, a seasoned political operative, about her career journey, challenges faced, and insights gained along the way. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the impact of generational differences in the workplace, and the sacrifices made for career advancement. Dorinda shares her experiences in fundraising, transitioning to business development, and the realities of motherhood, all while reflecting on the lessons ...

Send us a textThe conversation explores the themes of leadership, the importance of character, and the role of friction in facilitating change. Former Congressman Hal Daub reflects on his experiences in politics, emphasizing the need for patience and persistence in navigating diverse opinions and fostering engagement among younger generations. The discussion also highlights foundational experiences that shaped his leadership style and the impact of local governance in addressing community needs...

Send us a textSpecial guests Jeff Nemecek, Rod Edwards, and Barry Rubin join Sam for a discussion of the one year anniversary of his sobriety.The panel has a deep discussion of alcoholism and how to get out of it.If you are struggling with alcohol and want to talk to any of the guests please contact cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.comSupport the showThanks for listening! SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share. Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shirt...

Send us a textIn this episode Lisa Rogers-Mathis describes her memories of being a witness to the deadliest shooting in U.S. history at the the Route 91 Harvest Music festival in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017.She recalls the chaos in great detail and talks about the relationships that she developed in the the years after the incident.Support the showThanks for listening! SUBSCRIBE, Review, Rate, and Share. Contact us: cowboysnoteggheads@gmail.com Let us know if you want a hat ($20), tee shi...

Send us a textAl & Millie's in Valentine, Nebraska was a beloved institution in the community. The restaurant, bar, and cafe was known for its delicious food, including T-bone steaks, cheeseburgers, and chicken fried steak. Al & Millie's was also the first place in Valentine to serve liquor by the drink. The restaurant was a gathering place for locals, ranchers, and high school kids. Al & Millie were known for their hospitality and their genuine personalities. The restaurant closed in 1986, but...

Send us a textIn this episode, Sam Fischer reflects on the wisdom and wit of his late father, J.B. Fischer. He shares various quotes and anecdotes that showcase his father's unique perspective on life. From humorous observations to profound insights, J.B. Fischer's words offer valuable lessons and a glimpse into his character. The conversation highlights the importance of cherishing loved ones and embracing a cowboy mentality.TakeawaysCherish the wisdom and wit of loved onesEmbrace a cowbo...

Send us a textIn this episode, Sam Fischer interviews Jordan Hopper, a CrossFit athlete from CrossFit Kinesis. They discuss Jordan's background in CrossFit, his motivation for joining, and his experience with the CrossFit Open 2024 workout 24.3. They also share their strategies and reflections on the Open and encourage listeners to try CrossFit.TakeawaysCrossFit is for everyone, regardless of fitness level or age.The CrossFit Open is an opportunity to test yourself and identify areas for i...

Send us a textIn this episode, Sam Fischer and Matt Cross discuss their experience with workout 24.2 in the CrossFit Open. They talk about the movements involved in the workout, including rowing, deadlifts, and double unders. Matt shares his competitive nature and the motivation to improve his performance each year. They discuss the challenges of double unders and the importance of scaling and doing unbroken sets. They compare their performance to elite athletes and discuss their favorite Cross...

Send us a textIn this episode, Sam Fischer and Jeff Nemecek discuss their experience with the CrossFit Open and the challenges they faced during the workouts. They talk about the announcement of the workouts by Dave Castro and share their thoughts on his presentation style. They also discuss their preparation for the workouts and the mental battle they go through during the workouts. They reflect on their performance and share their satisfaction with their efforts. They also talk about differen...

Send us a textIn this episode, the guests discuss their memories of 9/11 and how they help people in their respective fields. They share their feelings when helping others and reflect on why they were called to help. They also open up about personal experiences with loss and how it has shaped their desire to make a difference. The conversation highlights the importance of finding purpose in helping others and the impact it can have on both the giver and the recipient. The conversation explores ...

Send us a textBrad Bonar, a comedian and former gym owner, discusses his experiences owning a kickboxing fitness gym and surviving the challenges of COVID-19. He shares stories about the community he built at the gym and the impact of inflation on his business. Brad also talks about his comedic influences and his style of storytelling comedy. He discusses the connection between comedy and depression and how he uses comedy as a form of therapy. Brad shares memories of his father and the lessons...