Grit Built the Life She Lives
Brandy Von Holten is not easy to summarize, and that is exactly the point.
In this episode, we sit down with a Missouri rancher, entrepreneur, former international heavyweight fighter, and mounted archery instructor who has built a life defined by resilience, reinvention, and community. From the very first minutes, the conversation moves from spring planting updates into a story that is equal parts grit and growth.
Brandy shares how a difficult upbringing led her to martial arts and a pursuit of the Olympics, a journey that carried her across countries and ultimately to Missouri, where she built her life with her husband on a ranch that now serves people from all over the country. Horses were always part of her story, but her deeper connection to them and the industry came later in life, proving it is never too late to step into something new.
What stands out most is the way Brandy has turned experience into impact. Through mounted archery, clinics, competitions, and women focused events, she creates space for people to try something different, often for the first time. Many who come to her are looking to reconnect with themselves, and she meets them exactly where they are.
She is also honest about the realities behind the scenes. Running a rural business means constant problem solving, managing risk, and wearing every hat. Social media has become a key part of her work, not just for marketing, but for building a community rooted in authenticity. She speaks openly about handling criticism, setting boundaries, and protecting a space where others feel safe to show up.
Health and strength are another major thread. Brandy talks about her own fitness journey, injury recovery, and why staying strong matters, especially as we age. Her perspective is simple and direct. Pay attention to your body, do the work, and keep moving forward even when it is not perfect.
There is humor throughout the episode, but also a steady undercurrent of purpose. Brandy is writing children’s books, growing new opportunities in the horse industry, and continuing to share her story in a way that encourages others to turn the page on their own challenges.
This conversation is a reminder that grit does not have to be quiet and growth does not have to be polished. Sometimes it looks like trying, failing, adjusting, and showing up again anyway.
Listen in for a story that is bold, honest, and deeply rooted in the heartland.