This episode is a re-release of episode #4 of The Sort podcast, originally released on December 2nd, 2024.

The Sort is excited to welcome Shane Bedwell into the studio this week. Mr. Bedwell is the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement for the American Hereford Association.

In this episode of The Sort Podcast, host Brett Kaysen sits down with guest Brandon Callis—a respected livestock judging coach—to discuss Brandon’s journey from his Texas upbringing to a successful career in livestock judging and coaching. Brandon shares insights on the value of focusing on the process over results, the importance of mentorship, and how to balance professional ambition with personal values. He emphasizes starting small, continual self-improvement, and maintaining integrity both in and out of the ring. The episode offers practical advice and inspiration for livestock judges, students, and industry professionals, highlighting the deeper purpose and lifelong impact of livestock evaluation.

This episode features two interviews previously released on the podcast with students who took part in the Top Judge program. The interview with Ashlyn O'Brien first released on February 17th, 2025 and the interview with Gunner Coburn first aired on April 21st, 2025.

Ashlyn attended Butler Community College as a member of the livestock judging team. Upon graduation, she continued her judging career at Oklahoma State University while working towards a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science. Along with being honored as an Academic All-American, she was named the High Individual Overall at the Cattlemen's Congress, San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the National Western.

Gunner began his collegiate livestock judging career at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. He was a part of a successful livestock judging team while studying animal science. He is currently a student at Texas A&M University, where he is finishing up a degree in animal science. While at TAMU, he was a member of the highly competitive livestock judging team. He plans to pursue a master's degree in animal science with a focus on beef cattle production.