In this inspiring episode of Built in the Bush, host Tanya Atkinson speaks with Glen Young, General Manager of PBR Australia, about his incredible journey from a small-town Queensland boy with big dreams to a key figure in the world of professional bull riding. Glen shares his experiences growing up in Ayr, discovering his passion for rodeo and the cowboy way, and how his time abroad shaped his career and personal philosophy. Through tales of hard work, resilience, and the lessons learned from failure, Glen offers insights into creating opportunities, building communities, and leaving a meaningful legacy.

This episode is packed with wisdom about perseverance, building authentic relationships, and balancing professional ambition with a love for the bush lifestyle. It’s a must-listen for anyone chasing their dreams, navigating career transitions, or seeking inspiration to leave a positive impact on the world.

Episode Breakdown

0:00 – 3:30:

• Introduction by Tanya Atkinson: the podcast’s mission to share stories of success, failure, and growth.
• Introduction of Glen Young and an overview of his role as General Manager of PBR Australia.

3:31 – 10:25:

• Glen’s early life in Ayr, Queensland: his childhood fascination with cowboys, John Wayne, and horses.
• First jobs as a child cleaning stables, learning resilience, and developing a love for the rural lifestyle.

10:26 – 19:10:

• The pivotal role of international experiences: moving to the U.S. and Canada for rodeo and ranching.
• Lessons learned from mentors and working on ranches abroad.
• Building a network of lifelong friendships and connections.

19:11 – 30:05:

• Glen’s return to Australia: navigating career uncertainty and creating opportunities in bull riding.
• The inception of PBR Australia and the challenges of growing the sport domestically.
• Stories of setbacks, including event scheduling failures and business partnerships gone wrong.

30:06 – 40:30:

• Creating sustainable events that benefit local communities and foster economic growth.
• Reflections on how bull riding has evolved into a professional sport with real financial opportunities for athletes.
• Glen’s philosophy on leaving a positive legacy and giving back to the bush.

40:31 – 51:15:

• Balancing work, family, and farm life: Glen’s reflections on burnout and the importance of self-care.
• Lessons from a young Brazilian guest living with Glen about discipline, gratitude, and daily routines.

51:16 – 58:00:

• Reflections on success, happiness, and the value of pursuing your dreams.
• Glen’s goals for the future, including more time fishing and creating deeper connections with communities across Australia.
• Final words of wisdom about embracing challenges, building relationships, and living without regret.

Duration: 58 minutes

Perfect for listeners looking for inspiration, real-world wisdom, and a deep dive into how rural values and resilience can drive success on both personal and professional levels. Tune in and be inspired by Glen’s incredible story!