Episode 27: Nick Luciano — Breaking the Mental Health Stigma in Western Sports

Producer's note: This episode of Beyond the Rodeo includes open and honest conversations about mental health, including topics like depression and suicide.

As always, your WSF family is here to offer support through the highs and the lows. If you're interested in learning more about WSF's mental health resources, please visit wsf.org/mental-health. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 or text 'HOME' to 741741 to reach the National Suicide Hotline.

--

Join us on Episode 27 of Beyond the Rodeo as Nick Luciano shares his journey from the East Coast to the heart of Texas, where he turned his love for Western culture into an online community that now includes 7 million followers. Discover how a pivotal moment at a Young Life camp helped Nick find his faith and shaped his future endeavors, including his passion for mental health in the Western community. Nick's story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of a "bulletproof mindset."

Nick takes listeners through a raw and honest exploration of mental health as he opens up about his personal battles with depression and the transformative power of physical health, community, and faith. We dive into the essence of Nick's community, Club Bulletproof, which fosters mental resilience and encourages men to speak up about their struggles, and explore Nick's work with Tratter Foundation, which supports rural communities and the Western lifestyle.

Nick's collaborations with notable Western figures and his advocacy for a lifestyle rooted in faith and resilience offer a fresh perspective on achieving mental wellness. Whether you're drawn to the cowboy life or a longtime member of the Western community, Nick Luciano's story promises to leave a lasting impact.

Wondering what happens when the lights go dark after a rodeo? Looking for tips to thrive in the sport of rodeo both in and out of the arena? Searching for how to not only level-up your rodeo game, but also your health and personal life? You’re in the right place.

Welcome to Beyond the Rodeo, a podcast brought to you by Western Sports Foundation that explores the ups and downs of rodeo life, discusses options for providing high-quality, low-cost care for Western sports athletes, and reveals ways to help the sport of rodeo reach new heights.

Join host Kaycie Timm as she takes you behind the scenes with stories from rodeo athletes, insight from industry greats, plus tips and encouragement on how to thrive as a rodeo athlete.

Learn more about Western Sports Foundation at westernsportsfoundation.org or follow along on Facebook and Instagram by searching @WesternSportsFoundation.

• No. of episodes: 28
• Latest episode: 2025-06-25
• Business Sports Non-Profit

Where can you listen?