Sarah is joined by Christian author, literary scholar, philosopher, pastor, and longtime professor Donald T. Williams about a dangerous shift in how people are taught to read today: from seeking authorial intention (originalism) to the reader-response view that readers create meaning, a stance he calls self-refuting and morally inconsistent with a “hermeneutical golden rule” of giving authors the same good-faith interpretive courtesy we expect for ourselves. 

Some practical issues with this approach is that it: 

• Undermines truth 
• Fuels social-media chaos 
• Affects interpretations of foundational texts like the Constitution and the Bible by transferring authority from text to reader. 

This post-truth environment leads to other issues like media manipulation and reactivity against views we disagree with or find uncomfortable (Huck Finn as a racist book is discussed as an example). But Dr. Williams ultimately proposes better reading and understanding skills by caring about truth, close textual analysis rather than superficial reactivity, discipleship, and prayer for revival.

You can get more on Dr. Williams' views on this topic in his book 95 Theses For A New Reformation (Amazon link here: https://a.co/d/01xXRmEK). 

To check out the rest of Dr. William's work, check out his website at https://donaldtwilliams.com/

And his blog at https://thefivepilgrims.com/

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Why does a good God allow suffering?
It’s one of the oldest—and hardest—questions we can ask.

In this episode of The Philosophical Cowgirl, I sit down with philosopher and apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis to explore the problem of evil from both an intellectual, deeply personal, and Christian perspective.

Dr. Groothuis doesn’t just approach this topic academically—he has lived it. He shares reflections from his journey walking alongside his wife through early onset dementia, offering a perspective that is both philosophically rich and profoundly human.

We discuss:

Why the problem of evil is such a serious challenge

Common responses (and where they fall short)

The role of suffering in a Christian worldview

How to think clearly—and honestly—about pain, loss, and faith

Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation invites you to wrestle with one of life’s deepest questions.

Dr. Groothuis is the Distinguished Researxh Professor of Applogetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University. 

Check out his website for more resources: www.douglasgroothuis.com

Books by Dr. Groothuis mentioned in the show:

📘 Christian Apologetics
A comprehensive and accessible guide to defending the Christian faith
👉 https://a.co/d/07D5bXPy

📘 Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament
A powerful, personal reflection on love, loss, and enduring faith
👉 https://a.co/d/01zz0zuS

📗 Coming Soon: What If Jesus Was Right? (with Lindsey Medenwaldt)
A fresh exploration of Jesus’ teachings and their implications for truth and reality

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might be wrestling with these questions.

Chapters: 

00:00 Wrestling With Suffering

00:45 Meet Dr Groothuis

03:14 Defining The Problem

05:47 Worldviews Under Pressure

10:34 Creation Fall Redemption

13:40 Personal Suffering And Trust

17:36 Where Evil Comes From

18:40 Greater Good Defense

20:20 Inscrutable Not Meaningless

23:18 Augustine On Privation

26:24 Hope In New Creation

29:28 Desire For Heaven

31:52 Good Needs God

33:58 Atheism And Meaning

35:20 Best Explanation Standard

36:34 God Who Suffers

38:28 Toxic Positivity Myths

39:55 What To Say Instead

42:39 Grief Has No Timer

44:30 Purpose Without Platitudes

49:35 Lament And Real Hope

53:41 Anger With God

55:38 Staying Engaged

56:47 Books And Writing Life

#PhilosophicalCowgirl #ProblemOfEvil #FaithAndReason #ChristianApologetics #Suffering #Philosophy

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

 We live in a culture that treats opinions like they’re facts and feelings like they’re evidence. But truth doesn’t bend for us—and ignoring that has consequences.
 In this episode, we’ll explore what truth is, what it isn’t, how it differs from opinion, and why getting this distinction right matters for our lives, our relationships, and our communities. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Manda McCarthy is a reined cowhorse trainer based in Conifer, CO. She’s got a compelling story, a deep sense of perspective, and plenty of horsemanship wisdom to share. Plus, we’ll discuss her recent NRCHA Premier Event win in the Limited Open Hackamore class at the Derby in Scottsdale! You don’t want to miss this conversation. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this episode, I sit down with Rodney Yost—4th-generation rancher, founder of Rodney Yost Horsemanship (also the guy who started barrel horse extraordinaire, Adios Pantalones), and part of the family behind South Dakota’s Broadaxe Ranch.

We had a great conversation, in which Rodney shared wisdom from a life spent training horses, insights on building and marketing a business, and how being a part of a ranching family’s legacy drives him to succeed.

Follow the social media pages of both the Broadaxe Ranch and Rodney Yost Horsemanship to keep tabs on what’s going on with them in the future!

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Ever wonder what your equine vet is really thinking? In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Maria Brock joins me to talk about the emotional toll of veterinary work, common client misconceptions, and the reality behind why most horse vets aren’t in it for the money. We discuss the impact of abusive clients, burnout, and what your vet wishes you understood—both about them and the horses they care for. Whether you’re a horse owner, trainer, or just curious about the human side of veterinary medicine, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the horse world’s most important but misunderstood roles.

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Emotions aren’t just human terrain—our horses feel them too. In this episode of The Philosophical Cowgirl, we explore the five key elements of emotional intelligence and how they shape our horsemanship. From self-awareness to social skill, we unpack what it means to be the emotional anchor in a relationship with a prey animal that lives in the moment. If you’ve ever reacted too fast, felt misunderstood, or wondered how to become a leader worth following, this episode is for you!

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this solo episode, we wade into the stormy waters of online outrage, public perception, and the horse world’s increasingly fragile relationship with the outside eye. We'll talk about the tragic case of Dr. Shawn Frehner, a veterinarian caught in the viral crosshairs of condemnation before his side was widely heard. 

How should the horse industry respond to rising criticism—from animal rights activists to uninformed social media voices? And what role do we play in shaping that response? 

I'll unpack the importance of withholding judgment until we know more, why education must replace reactivity, and how humility might just be our strongest tool in an increasingly outrage-addicted world. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

 In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Winn—expert saddle fitter, lifelong horsewoman, and representative for Burns Saddlery. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of how saddle fit impacts both horse and rider, Wendy shares insights that blend tradition, craftsmanship, and practicality. We talk about common saddle fit issues, the difference a well-fitted saddle makes, and tips for riders choosing tack. Whether you’re riding the range or the arena, this conversation will give you a deeper understanding of and  appreciation for the art and science of saddle fitting.

Wendy's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/winnhorses.org

Burns Saddlery: https://burns1876.com/brand/SADDLERY

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into the ongoing “war” between three major horsemanship styles: Natural Horsemanship, Cowboy/performance training, and what I lovingly call Hippie Horsemanship. 

We’ll talk about where each style shines, where they fall short, and why so many horse owners feel pressure to pick a side. (Spoiler alert: You don’t have to.) 

If you’ve ever wondered where you fit in — or if you should fit in at all — this one’s for you. 

🎧 Hit play, and let’s get honest about what really matters in your horse training journey. 

www.thephilosophicalcowgirl.com 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this episode, we examine the historical and cultural significance of cowboys, their romanticized, mythological version that took on a life of its own, and how they got turned into cultural heroes. Through the lens of virtue ethics, we'll discuss the essential traits that define heroism, like the pursuit of excellence and controlled dangerousness, and how these principles can be applied to modern life. Discover how cowboy codes from figures like Gene Autry and the Lone Ranger, as well as contemporary interpretations, offer valuable insights into leading a virtuous life.

00:00 Welcome to the Philosophical Cowgirl

00:50 The Cowboy as a Moral Hero

01:50 The Concept of Heroes and Virtues

04:09 Cowboy Skills and Controlled Dangerousness

07:35 Virtue Ethics and Human Flourishing

14:12 Cowboy Codes and Modern Interpretations

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this episode of the Philosophical Cowgirl, you'll meet the couple behind Perry Quarter Horses in Leoti, KS: Jason Perry and CJ Garland. We'll discuss their unique paths in the horse industry. Jason, a rancher and self-made horse trainer, and CJ, with a background in business and marketing, have combined their skills to create a thriving horse program emphasizing ranch versatility and reined cowhorse. They share insights into their diverse experiences and the philosophy behind their business, horse training, challenges in the horse industry, their efforts to provide diverse learning opportunities through clinics and events like the Extreme Cowgirl Challenge, and more. They embody the virtues of staying true to oneself and never stopping the learning process, aiming to leave a legacy of perseverance and adaptability.

This is a good one! 

00:00 Introduction to Perry Quarter Horses

00:44 Backgrounds and Beginnings

04:08 Breeding Program Insights

08:20 Training Philosophy and Techniques

14:45 Ray Hunt and Mentorship

39:05 Business Challenges and Strategies

45:40 Embracing Social Media and Outreach

47:54 Navigating Social Media and Public Perception

49:20 Expanding Reach Beyond Local Markets

49:55 Overcoming Distance in the Horse Industry

51:12 Balancing Tradition and Modern Communication

53:04 The Importance of Continuous Learning

54:43 Dealing with Negativity and Burnout

01:00:31 Challenges and Trends in the Horse Industry

01:12:26 Building a Legacy and Encouraging Participation

01:15:01 The Extreme Cowgirl Challenge

01:22:53 Advice for Aspiring Horse Trainers

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Disclaimer! Philosophy heavy episode! 

This one may not be as directly horse-oriented, but it's still fascinating stuff (at least I think so!) because it's so crucial to how and why we think what we do.

People have all sorts of different beliefs. But the most fundamental of those beliefs, the ones about ultimate reality, color everything else we think, acting like the lenses through which we see the world. Those fundamental beliefs, like physicalism, theism, postmodernism, and more are called our worldview. Which worldview lenses are you looking through? Listen and you might find out! 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Mentorship is an important ingredient for growth—both in the saddle and in life. In this episode, we dive into the art of mentorship from both sides of the fence. What makes a great mentor? How do you find one? And just as importantly, how do you become one? Whether you're looking for guidance in your horsemanship, career, or personal development, we’ll explore the responsibilities, mindset, and mutual benefits of these vital relationships. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this episode, a couple of my closest friends, Brenna DeGeer, Colorado Brand Inspector and long time horse trainer, and Brittnee Woodward, also a long time Colorado horse trainer, continue our talk through a highly controversial list of commonly held beliefs in the horse world. You may or may not agree with everything you hear, but that’s part of the fun.

Part 1 is in Episode 3.

Note: Not all of these are technically myths, but if they aren’t, they’re certainly more complicated than a lot of people think.

Here's this episode's list:

1.       Natural horsemanship is the ideal way of training horses

2.       Rope halters and bareback riding are better and more natural

3.       Trail horses don’t need arena work

4.       Anyone calling themselves a trainer knows what they are doing 

5.       Liberty training makes excellent horses

6.       Small horses can’t carry big riders

7.       Your horse is there to be your best friend and therapy session.

8.       There are no bad horses, only bad riders

Here’s Part 1's list: 
1. Draw Reins and other “headset” training devices are bad
2. Horses shouldn’t be blanketed in winter
3. Big bits are harsh 
4. Rescue horses are just as good as any horse
5. Mustangs are just as good as any horse
6. You can’t ride papers
7. 30 day colt starting is enough time

If you need a horse trained, both of these ladies are good ones to talk to. You can look them both up on Facebook.
Brittnee’s info can be found at Old Glory Performance Horses. She also makes some amazing cowhide flowers and horseshoe art at Wild Hides on Etsy.

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Gil Friedman is the founder and head coach of Mental Athletics, a performance mindset coaching program for riders. As an NRHA professional trainer and lifelong competitor, Gil has a unique perspective on the mental needs of equestrian competitors. He was featured on Taylor Sheridan’s show The Last Cowboy, coaching one of his NRHA professional clients. Check out Mental Athletics at the links below.

Mental Athletics Website
Mental Athletics Online Courses

Follow Mental Athletics on Social Media:
Instagram
Facebook

If you like the show, please be sure to subscribe/follow/rate and review! It helps get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

We all are reality avoiders in one way or another. In this episode, we'll cover 10 ways we do this and what to do about it.

Here's the list: 

1.  Loving horses to death 

2.  Overestimating  a horse’s skill set or value

3.  Underestimating what progress takes 

4.  Thinking that talent alone can bring us success 

5.  Failing to recognize how our attitude affects others 

6.  Believing that it's always someone else's fault

7.  Not recognizing that you need help

8.  Under or overconfidence 

9.  Entitlement       

10: Assuming you know more than people more experienced than you

If you like the show, please be sure to subscribe/follow/rate and review! It helps get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

It's time to talk horse care! In this episode, we have a wonderful opportunity to hear from a veterinarian- a terrific one at that-  about two closely related subjects: colic and ulcers. This issue affects nearly every horse owner in one way or another, so it will be hugely beneficial information!

A little about my guest: 

Dr. Maria Brock is an associate veterinarian at Elite Equine Veterinary Services in Penrose, CO. She is a lifelong horsewoman and enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the mountains with her dogs, or tending to their small herd of Black Angus cattle.

If you like the show, please be sure to subscribe/follow/rate and review! It helps get the show out there and keeps it going!

For Questions, Comments, or Ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Have you encountered horse people (or anyone, really) who have ethical views you can’t believe they could possibly hold? 

In the last episode, some themes came up that are highly controversial in the horse world, but there wasn’t time to really discuss or unpack them. 

So, this episode is all about encountering different ethical ideas that may get under our skin, or even outrage us. The prime examples we’ll ultimately discuss here are why someone who loves horses would be for horse slaughter and wild horse roundups. 

There’s quite a bit of psychology at play here in how we handle disagreement, which we have to get a handle on before we can do ethics well and have productive discussions. So grab your rough stock gear and get ready to ride through some tough jumps! 

Be sure to subscribe/follow on your favorite listening app so you don’t miss anything! Following, rating and sharing the show really does help get it out in front of more listeners, so if you enjoy the show I’d appreciate either one of those! Www.thephilosophicalcowgirl.com

Here’s the schedule for the next three weeks: 
Episode 6: Equine Colic and Ulcers with Dr. Maria Brock, DVM
Episode 7: Reality Check- How Avoiding Cold, Hard, Truth Hurts Our Horsemanship 
Episode 8: Equine Mythbusters Part 2

#horseriding #horsetraining #horses #equine #horsemanship 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

Dave Duquette from Western Justice joins me to discuss some major legal battles facing the horse industry that threaten our way of life, possibly the biggest one right now being the Horse Protection Act that goes into effect this coming February. That is, unless we can block it! 

Animal rights organizations are mobilized and causing issues, and Western Justice is fighting them for us. But they need our help. More information can be found at these links: 

https://www.westernjustice.info/horseprotectionact
www.westernjustice.info
www.wjustice.org

Read up, get involved, and spread the word! 

#horsetraining #horseriding #horses #equine #legislation

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this episode, a couple of my closest friends, Brenna DeGeer, Colorado Brand Inspector and long time horse trainer, and Brittnee Woodward, also a long time Colorado horse trainer, join me to talk through part 1 of a highly controversial list of commonly held beliefs in the horse world. You may or may not agree with everything you hear, but that’s part of the fun. Part 2 will be released sometime in the near future. 

Title note: Not all of these are technically myths, but if they aren’t, they’re certainly more complicated than a lot of people think. 

Here’s this episode’s list: 
1. Draw Reins and other “headset” training devices are bad
2. Horses shouldn’t be blanketed in winter
3. Big bits are harsh 
4. Rescue horses are just as good as any horse
5. Mustangs are just as good as any horse
6. You can’t ride papers
7. 30 day colt starting is enough time

If you need a horse trained, both of these ladies are good ones to talk to. You can look them both up on Facebook.
Brittnee’s info can be found at Old Glory Performance Horses. She also makes some amazing cowhide flowers and horseshoe art at Wild Hides.

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

A life-altering horse wreck: every horse person's greatest fear. Join me as I discuss what happened to me earlier this year, lessons from it, how I moved forward, and how you can learn how to conquer your anxiety. 

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

In this episode of "The Philosophical Cowgirl," join me as I share my personal journey and how it led to the creation of this podcast. I’ll discuss what listeners can expect in future episodes, including deep dives into philosophical concepts through the lens of horse culture and the western life. We’ll explore fundamental questions and ideas that connect the world of philosophy with what it means to be a horse person, helping us to understand ourselves and our relationships with these creatures on a deeper level. Next Episode: Horse Wrecks and Reflections on Confidence and Anxiety.

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com

If you like the show, please be sure to share it or subscribe/follow/rate and review! All these things help get the show out there and keeps it going!

For questions, comments, or ideas: ThePhilosophicalCowgirl@gmail.com