Behind the Mic: My Favorite Interviews as Barn Banter Podcast Co-Host

Once a month, I hunker down in my office with what looks like a Mr. Microphone mic on a tiny tripod and chat with Holly, my Barn Banter podcast co-host (she’s the editor of Horse Illustrated and Young Rider). We get to chat with some truly inspiring horse folks and then feature an adoptable horse with a unique story. When asked to be part of the podcast, I was game, but not sure what to expect. I thought I’d give it a go, and I’m so glad I have.

Barn Banter by Horse Illustrated History + Favorite Episodes

In the early days, my co-host was Raquel Lynn from Stable Style. We launched Episode 1 with equestrian photographer extraordinaire Shelley Paulson, and Amy Summer Ellison of Hunt Seat Paper Co. Shelley shared photography tips and told us about her winter riding skirt. Amy enlightened us about her fresh line of equestrian home goods and greeting cards.

Our format changed over time, and then Raquel transitioned out of co-host role as she had a baby. Holly joined me. Instead of two short interviews with two guests and feeling rushed, we switched to one guest digging in deeper to their story. Barn Banter has enriched my life as an equestrian and horse lover. I can proudly say I don’t believe we’ve had one dull episode.

In this blog post I will share some of the interviews I enjoyed immensely. Honestly, I have loved every chance to talk horse with fellow fans, so I would recommend you listen to all episodes, but if you desire just a smattering, here are the must-listen Barn Banter episodes for your audio pleasure.

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Amelia Newcomb: Dressage is For Everyone, Episode 28

If you’re on social media, you might have come across Grand Prix dressage rider Amelia Newcomb who regularly serves up helpful content for riders who want to ride their horses well. From hosting an annual challenge on how to get your horse round to sharing drone videos of dressage test movements and more, Amelia encourages a vast global community of dressage devotees.

In this episode Amelia gave us the skinny on what it’s like horse shopping in Europe, offered tips to stay motivated (even in bad weather) and told the story of her first horse—a difficult gelding that was not a match made in heaven. Amelia spoke from the heart and her passion for horses and helping people partner better with their horses was sincere and inspiring.

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Captivating Stories with Monty Roberts, Episode 27

The cowboy who rose to prominence through both his book The Man Who Listens to Horses and meeting the Queen of England, which turned into a life-long friendship, has been sharing the message of non-violent horse training around the globe for decades. Monty will turn 90 soon, and I realize what a privilege it was to speak with him, gaining insights into his work.

I regret we didn’t continue recording after the Barn Banter interview was over. Our conversation continued to flow, and I wanted to hang on to every word. Discover the joy of Join-Up in this episode.

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Paralympic Dressage Rider Sydney Collier, Episode 23

Sydney is a ray of sunshine. She and Heather Wallace, her co-author for her book, Beyond Expectations, were both were fun and funny. I have so much respect for Sydney’s pursuit of her horse dreams, even though her passion was disrupted because of a rare disease. The Paralympic dressage rider who represented Team USA at the Rio Olympics has enthusiasm and energy that will electrify you in the best way possible when you listen to this Barn Banter podcast episode.

 

Click here to read my review of Sydney and Heather’s book Beyond Expectations.

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Athenian Lady and Amanda Delgado, Episode 21

If you’re looking for one of the most heart-warming stories you’ll ever hear, stop everything and listen to the story of Amanda and Athenian Lady. The champion Western Dressage mare was commemorated as the 2024 Breyer Celebration horse. From abandoned and neglected to loved and cherished, Athenian Lady’s tale is so powerful–the love and persistence Amanda displayed–I had tears in my eyes during this interview (and I’m not really a crier).

I was thrilled to get to meet Amanda and take a selfie with her and Athenian Lady last July at BreyerFest.

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Meet Certified Fitness Performance Coach Ifa Simmonds, Episode 16

Ifa Simmonds aka The “Equestrian Fitness (and Wellness) Guy,” helps riders create better habits on the ground, so when they’re in the saddle it makes everything easier. Ifa coaches clients to enhance their stability, stamina, suppleness and strength through movement and exercises. He has an online fitness academy and is a sought after speaker at events such as Equine Affaire.

If you’re a rider who wants to minimize back pain, canter without getting winded, improve lower leg stability or learn how to open your hip angle, Ifa would be your guy. Most of his clients come to him to work on a specific issue they want to address. He believes strength training is the number one gym activity that would benefit riders across the board (find out why in this Barn Banter podcast episode).

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Is Your Horse Feeling Good? Episode 15 with Dr. Paige Billek

Okay, I’m a little biased because Dr. Paige is Knight’s veterinarian. She practices a blend of equine medicine that is traditional and holistic, with acupuncture and bodywork thrown in. Thanks to her, my horse Knight is happy and healthy despite having an ugly spine because of kissing spine.

Listen to Dr. Paige’s hilarious story of getting her first horse (which was NOT a good match), and you’ll likely crack up and shake your head and potentially relate.

Speaking of Knight, this blog post details all the pre- and post-ride stretches and such that I do per Dr. Paige’s recommendation. You might enjoy reading Pre- and Post-Ride Routine for My Horse with Kissing Spine.

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BreyerFest and Chincoteague Pony Swim, Episode 9

This was a special episode as we spoke to Stephanie Macejko, VP of Marketing and Product Development at Breyer, all about BreyerFest. She filled us in on her first Breyer model horse (her dad bought at a flea market), explains model horse showing and gave us the rundown of what to expect as a first-time BreyerFest attendee (hint: it’s not just about plastic horses).

I’m super pumped to let you know I’ll be speaking at BreyerFest 2025 about Misty of Chincoteague and the 100th annual pony swim.

Amanda Geci, a Chincoteague Pony owner and VP of the International Chincoteague Pony Association and Registry, share the inside scoop on how to enjoy Pony Penning Week on Chincoteague Island. Amanda also runs the Chincoteague Pony Database and can cite bloodlines and identify all the wild ponies on Assateague today (and ponies that were sold at auction).

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Thanks for perusing my blog post and I hope you’ll become a Barn Banter podcast listener. It’s a great podcast!

And when you’re done listening to all these awesome Barn Banter podcast episodes, I’ve got just the thing for your reading pleasure, click here for a FREE horse book sampler and receive excerpts from

• Marguerite, Misty and Me: a Horse Lover’s Hunt for the Hidden History of Marguerite Henry and Her Chincoteague Pony;
• Horses Adored and Men Endured;
• Strands of Hope: How to Grieve the Loss of a Horse and
• Unbridled Creativity. 

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