The latest episode of The Breakdown Podcast takes listeners inside the most talked-about finishes of the 2025 Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, featuring on-the-ground interviews with all three event champions—Hali Williams, Josie Conner and Maddy Deerman.
Conner and Williams elected to become co-champions after tying as the event’s highest money earners, each earning $115,000. Their candid, post-event interviews hear Conner reflect on early momentum and a few barrier penalties while Williams rose throughout the event. They also reflected on what it meant to share the milestone win with someone who’s been both a longtime competitor and friend.
The episode also features an interview with Deerman‑Jacobs, who quietly delivered one of the most impressive performances of the week. Deerman-Jacobs roped all 10 head clean to win the average in 23.58 seconds, a feat she now calls the biggest victory of her career. Walking back to the trailer, she opens up about overcoming self-doubt, balancing speed and consistency on a “short” horse, and the emotional weight of winning a title she never expected to be hers.
Hear from the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway Champions
Recorded in real time amid the sounds and movement of the Million Dollar Breakaway arena, the episode offers an unfiltered look at how elite breakaway ropers process pressure, success, and what comes next—just days before heading to the National Finals Breakaway Roping in Fort Worth.
Listen now for a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway—and the competitors who defined it.
This episode is brought to you by FastBack Ropes
Fastback Ropes was created in 1995 with a single mission in mind—create the best rope on the market. And they have two ropes we know breakaway ropers are going to love; The Edge and The Athena. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged uses The Edge, which is a four-strand calf rope made of texturized poly for a tough and durable finish to help you outlast the competition. The Athena is a pink breakaway rope with a purple core. The core gives the Athena enhanced tip weight and will deliver a snappy finish and close. Check out Fastbackropes.com for more information and to purchase your FastBack Ropes today.
