Experience the powerful stories of community and tradition through the eyes of Governor Polis and notable guests at the 150th anniversary of Colorado. The National Stock Show Rodeo isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of history, future, and the boundless dreams God imparts on us. From the aspiring cowboys to industry leaders, discover how the West inspires us all to dream, dare, and do more.
00:00:21 Introduction and Purpose of The Calling Radio Show
Welcome, everyone, to The Calling’s radio show to all the dreamers. I’m your radio host, Dr. Chrysandra Brunson, founder and CEO of The Calling. It is such an honor to be with all of you today. You know, at The Calling, we have realized that so many people are afraid to go after the dreams that God has put inside each one of our hearts because they are afraid to fail and And that is just plain wrong because if God has given us a dream and we’re not living it out, we are wasting it. And we do not want you or anyone else to die with regret. That’s why at The Calling, we love to inspire, empower, and equip people to, after God’s calling on their lives, treat the best kind of eternal legacy possible to have immediate impact on ourselves and our families. And we love to do this through so many different avenues, through custom tools, programs, workshops, seminars. but especially through this radio show where we bring on world renowned guests to share how they’re going after their God given dreams and how you can do the same. Today is no exception. We are so honored to be live at the National Stock Show Rodeo in Denver, Colorado, and we have the most remarkable guests that we are thrilled to be able to introduce to each one of you. That includes the chairman of the board, the CEO, and the governor of Colorado. You want to stay tuned. We’ll meet our first guests. You guys, we are live here at the one and only Legacy with two of the giants of the making. It’s called the Legacy. Doug and Wes, can you just introduce yourselves and to be able to share where we’re standing at in this moment in history?
DOUG JONES :
My name is Doug Jones, and I’m the chairman of the board of the Western Stock Show Association. We are standing right here in the National Western Club.
CHRYSANDRA :
How long in the making has this been?
DOUG JONES :
Well, this building itself, it’s been about a six-year process. We have been designed for probably two or three years, and the construction for three years. And the whole idea from square one was we needed a home. As we started to build this new campus, we didn’t have a new place to call our home. And we needed also a place to kind of celebrate the West, educating people on what the West is about, the Western heritage. But having a home was the number one goal in trying to build this new building.
CHRYSANDRA :
Well, we’re so honored to be standing in this dream. And the show is all about people going after their dreams and calling. So we just applaud you so much, Doug. And Wes, you are the CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. What does it feel like being here today?
WES ALLISON :
Yeah, it’s a great, humbling experience, right? And ultimately, it’s a big responsibility. So the things that we have built in this building and all of the advances that we’ve made, it’s about my responsibility to make sure that we carry on that tradition. and we impact our community, and that we are the tip of the sphere for agriculture, and we showcase all those great genetics, and all those great competitors and things that we can, and really create a space for entertainment, and as Doug said, a space to learn about Western heritage. So it’s a great opportunity, a great plan to move forward.
CHRYSANDRA :
We love that. And what would you say, so our theme question is, what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you say that for this space, for this year, and this season, as we launch into the National Western Stock Show Rodeo for 2026?
DOUG JONES :
What I’d do, I’d probably spend every waking hour down here. But I don’t think we have to worry about that because I think people are so curious about this building and what it’s all about. And we hopefully have talked to enough people. We’ve promoted enough people. We are the West, and this is the place to identify with that Western heritage, that Western experience, that Western values.
CHRYSANDRA :
We love it. Thank you, Doug.
WES ALLISON :
Yeah, I think for me, the fact that we can’t fail is because we have such a long tradition in history. And ultimately, that is our anchor. And so we have that ability to move forward with great new opportunities and things that we can invite everybody to be a part of, right? Because everybody wants to be a Cowboy at some point, right? That’s something we can all connect with, no matter where we come from. So we’ll never fail because of that opportunity.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yes. Well, you gentlemen are the epiphany of going after your God-given dreams, and we applaud you in doing that. And what would you say, real quick, the favorite room in this building at the Legacy, which room?
DOUG JONES :
special with murals on the walls like you’ve never seen before. But a close second is this, the National Western Club. This is pretty spectacular. So I don’t know, I’m pretty much right now enamored with the entire building. But those are a couple areas, yes. Love it.
WES ALLISON :
Yeah, I think for me, highlighting the great themes we have in all of our bars, and especially the Saloon, the Legacy Saloon downstairs, right next to the World Heritage Center where it tells our story, and that’s really what we’re here to do is tell our story.
CHRYSANDRA :
We love it. Well, you guys, you have to come check out the Legacy. Come to the rodeo and stock show every single day. You have the next 16 days to do so. You don’t want to miss this historic event. Until next time, dreamers, keep dreaming big. that was the chairman of the board doug and wes the ceo they are phenomenal leaders we are so thankful for them and we are so honored that we were also able to get an inside look and hear from the colorado governor and to hear his historic thoughts on this movement being the 150th birthday of the state of Colorado. Thank you so much. Governor Polis, we’re so honored that you’re here today at the National Soccer Rodeo. What does it feel like to be behind this mural and to be in this moment in history on the 150th birthday of Colorado?
GOV. JARED POLIS :
Well, it’s kind of fun to be behind the scenes in a way because as a kid, I always would come down here before I was governor, bringing our kids here. but this is you know now as governor we’re kind of part of the official opening and the failing of things and then you know obviously all the guests will come so it’s just a different perspective this is really about uh we’re telling their story with this mural it’s 120th anniversary of the stock show also the 150th anniversary of the state of colorado we became the state in 1876. i mean
CHRYSANDRA :
You can’t make this up. It’s pretty historic. And what would you say for everyone that’s thinking about coming to the National Stop Shell Rodeo? Why should they come, especially this year, in the next 16 days?
GOV. JARED POLIS :
Yeah, come on down wherever you live. You know, across Colorado, people can come from all other states. It’s really fun. I mean, whether you have young kids or grandkids, great way to spend a day if you’re on your own. Great way to spend a day. Not just, you know, we have so many rodeos, we have performances, we have exhibits. I mean, there’s just a lot for everything here, fun and games.
CHRYSANDRA :
Yes, and we have to know, we know you need to go, and there’s so much to see today, but what are you looking forward to the most? What’s your favorite part about the National Stock Show Rodeo?
GOV. JARED POLIS :
I mean, I would just say all the people. I mean, it pulls in the most amazing people from across the state, across the country, and There’s many different showcases of their talents and skills. It’s just going to be a fucking action-packed week and a half.
CHRYSANDRA :
And Governor Polis, one more question real quick. What would you say if someone’s afraid to go after their dream and calling in life, one phrase that comes to mind, what would you tell them?
GOV. JARED POLIS :
Well, I have a little bit of a motto. It’s on my challenge points. It’s dream, dare, do. Dream, dare, and do. That’s my advice.
CHRYSANDRA :
We love it. Thank you. We were thrilled just to be able to hear the governor of Colorado’s heart and his experience of growing up and attending the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo and bringing his family also to do so, knowing that There was a historic mural that was debuted and it was something to be able to represent the agriculture of Colorado. You know, I can definitely relate in attending since I really was in the womb. Yeah. You know, my family brought me and the values that are instilled inside of hearts young and old. They are priceless and realizing where our food comes from, the processing of it, the way to be able to take care of animals, livestock and what we don’t really often get to see in the city. and really appreciate all of that’s within us and around us, just loving the country values. My nana actually, I would say on my mom’s side was a big piece of it and both grandparents were, but her family background was from faith south dakota and yes dakota a little bit drawn out there but grew up it’s a 35 000 cattle ranch uh 35 000 acre cattle ranch out in faith and they just were able to really grow up they grew up through the great depression and you know they Had sugar maybe once a year that would be on Christmas and they were so excited for it, but worked so hard on that ranch out there and they still have it going. My uncle Irving is out there. He’s actually been a guest here on the show, being able to share his heartbeat on what’s going on. out in South Dakota. But those values, my Nana knew that when moving to Colorado, she wanted to find somewhere that was still practicing, still living it out. And that was at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo. And it really has been a forever memory in my heart, my family, the dearest of friends. And We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to have Colleen Orr, owner of Cowboy Up Hatters, that was just on yesterday to share about the legacy building and her extraordinary restaurant that is on the top fourth floor with the best views in all of Colorado. You guys, you don’t want to miss a second of the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. Here’s a little bit more from Colleen. Colleen, we’re so honored to have you here. Can you just share with our listeners what room we’re sitting in and what makes this moment historic?
COLEEN ORR :
wow it’s gonna be a great big year for stock show this year with 120th anniversary and the opening of the legacy building which we are in a very special spot maybe my favorite room and the legacy building is called the reflections room. As the hustle and bustle is going on out there, and all the cattle shows starting that need to happen, this is a lovely place to sit and be grateful.
CHRYSANDRA :
we’re having this interview at the headquarters for the National Stock Show and Rodeo. We need to know real quick, how did they come up to have your own restaurant here within the headquarters? It takes a lot.
COLEEN ORR :
So many people have given. yeah we are just we are a small part of a huge group that is helping to fund and allow all of this building it just takes millions and millions and millions of dollars yeah and figure small parts so many people can get involved yeah and be part of it and so i i encourage people to come and enjoy and then you know what step out and be part of something bigger than you
CHRYSANDRA :
Can’t wait to share more about it. We are going to take a short break, but you are listening to All The Dreamers radio show where we are talking about the National Western Stock Show Rodeo. We’ll be right back.
ADVERTISER :
The Calling is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Chrysandra Brunson to help empower more individuals to discover, define, and pursue their dreams and God-given callings. To all the dreamers, the Callings radio program aims to spread this message across Colorado and beyond and impact those that are afraid to go after the dreams God has given them. The humanitarian efforts of The Calling and the impactful message of To All the Dreamers rely on partnerships and contributions from listeners to continue on their God-given paths and journeys. A donation to The Calling is tax-deductible and will help others discover all the things they can do when they know they cannot fail. The Calling is also available to help you find ways to follow your dreams and live the life God has planned for you. To donate to The Calling or to inquire about the educational tools and resources The Calling can offer, find them at The Calling nonprofit on Facebook and Instagram and continue listening to To All the Dreamers every weekday.
CHRYSANDRA :
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COLEEN ORR :
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CHRYSANDRA :
At Ignite Brilliance Coaching, you will get 34 years of science teaching, a decade of university-level instruction, and over 10 years of instructional coaching to empower educators with the tools, mindset, and confidence to thrive. Contact Ignite Brilliance Coaching on Facebook. This is The Calling on Crawford Broadcasting, the show where marketplace leaders share their stories of faith, bridging the gap between your career and your God-given calling. Listen every weekday or become a sponsor and help other people live out their God-given calling. We are back. Thank you for listening to all the dreamers radio show. I’m your host, Dr. Chrysandra Brunson. And it’s such an honor to be with all of you today. You know, in the first half of our show, we are so honored to be able to have the chairman of the board as well as the CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. be able to come on and share what was going on. They shared about the new building that had just been opened, the legacy building. We’re going to talk more about that here in the second segment, as well as having the governor of Colorado share his heartbeat on what it was like to be in attendance this weekend as they open up for the 2026 season, which happens to be the 150th birthday of Colorado. And the 120th anniversary of the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. So we were just thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to be on site. We were able to see this new building. It’s called the Legacy Building. And you guys, this is the headquarters for the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. They had had a space, but it was broken down. They needed a new one. And it was years in the making. so to be able to experience it highly recommend everyone to go it is free to go in with an admission of a stock show pass to be able to go in and you’ll experience first off just looking from afar you see the most beautiful horses and flagpole that are out there the flag is massive representing just you know the nature of america and knowing that we are so proud to be americans You walk in and there are several, there’s a few different art galleries that one will experience. There’s one that’s on the main level and there’s also a restaurant that’s down there. They have live music. It’s just a really fun space to be able to go. You might get some dancing in there as well. And then as you go up to the second level, One of the most favorite rooms that I was able to see was the boardroom. Well, it looks like it’s just a mural on each side of this boardroom that depicts the mountains, the beauty of Colorado, but it’s actually made of glass. cowhide, not paint. So you get really close. And for me, it was pretty shocking to see the beauty of it. And it is cattle from all around the world. They included France in there and some other European countries. And it was just, it’s marvelous. They have, you know, just many slogans that the past leaders have been able to share with their board members and to even have Doug, who is the chairman of the board, show this room to me and to us as the calling, it was priceless. And they have so many different decisions that they have to make. And it takes so much to be able to have a space, to have an event, to have this movement to carry on throughout all the decades. You know, it was shared that COVID was really hard to move through. And it takes a lot of perseverance and teamwork to be able to see the vision continue on year after year. So we’re just… So grateful for that opportunity to see that. And then Doug was able to share a secret room that most people, especially the public, wouldn’t know. But the leadership and… You know, those that are participating, maybe as a bull rider or as a cowboy, that there is, they call the reflection room, a.k.a. the chapel. And they have a beautiful cross that’s in there and an opportunity for people just to really sit before the Lord and just ask him to be the center of their hearts, their lives and everything. I just love this. I’m often finding, and you may relate, that these large organizations, even the US Capitol, they have a chapel. And what comes down to several organizations lasting or not are these decisions made by the leaders. And let me tell you, friends, time and time again, leaning on God’s wisdom, direction, provision, and not trying to carry it out on our own, wanting our own pride to get in the way, it wins every single time. God’s way always wins. And that was something that was truly phenomenal and a stamp on my heart to see that that was something that they instilled within their headquarters. And it’s connected to the… That room is connected to the arena that they built as well. A new arena for the livestock. So that was really beautiful. The third floor is filled with offices. And then the fourth room is an event space that people can rent out for future events. As well as a beautiful restaurant. We will be having… You might be familiar with her already, but phenomenal philanthropist, Colleen Orr, that she has a restaurant inside of there. And there is just the most beautiful ballroom. the most beautiful fireplaces and event to be able to really cast vision for nonprofits, for businesses around the globe. And so highly recommend if you’re looking for a space to be able to rent out, that would be a perfect one for all scenarios, whether it was a black tie affair, or if it’s just a gathering, wanting to be casual, they have the lighting, the table settings, the ability to really transform the room into anything that people are desiring and looking for. And during that time, you know, and experiencing that room and just this really special weekend where they were released, you know, allowing the public to come into the Legacy Building, the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo Headquarters, There was the women, they have this women’s group of leaders that have put this on, and their husbands, and that was really special to attend. They did a press release for this mural, the agricultural mural that would be released to the public, which was really neat to attend. They had all the press that was there, as well as the leaders within the organization and family members celebrating such a great time. And this had just been such a huge God-given dream on their hearts for so many years. So to see this side of it, they were able to just truly breathe in ease and excitement and, you you know, just momentum for this growing. And it was shared that they had sold the most tickets. It was the most well-attended year in all of its history, which was very historic as well. And was able to go in. I’m grateful that I was able to experience it also with my family. And have to give a huge shout out to both my mom’s side as well as my dad’s side. My dad loves celebrating his birthday every year. He gets us tickets to attend the rodeo and stock show. which has been a really fun legacy throughout the years, as well as my mom’s side too. So we just have these Western hearts and country souls where you’ll see a common thread for loving Jesus, loving our families while working hard and just having that American spirit and love. for our country for our people for fighting for the least of these and so we’re just it was very special to be able to encounter such a great community and To see that there were little cowgirls and cowboys as well as very old. I believe that there was someone that was 105 that had attended since they were little as well. So the legacy continues on and on. And just challenge everyone. You know, those values that are in your heart. Find events. Find people that are good. just common spirited that would be able to come alongside to spur on your God-given dreams and especially through nature, through agriculture. The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo can’t share enough that it is such a spectacular tradition and highly recommend you attending either again or for your very first time. This is the season to do so and you will not regret it. they do have a lot of different events that will be coming up you can go on their website to be able to find out all the details but you were able to hear from the chairman of the board as well as the ceo of this incredible organization and the governor of colorado that allows you know uh This momentum to continue to grow throughout the country. It’s not just for Colorado, but for states that are surrounding us as well as near and far to experience the West. And their slogan is we are the West. I want you to think about that, that we really are. the west and spirit and soul and challenge all of you to ask yourself what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail whether that’s starting a small family tradition uh within uh you know just a weekly schedule or a fun event that matches your values but to see that this dream uh of the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo started in someone’s heart and it carried on. How can you carry on these traditions within your family, within your organization, today’s the day to be able to jump fearlessly into what Jesus is calling you to? Till next time dreamer, keep dreaming big.
