Episode 072 - We Didn’t Know What We Were Doing, But We Did It Anyway

Megan Ray: There's always going to be that little part of you that's like, do I belong in this room? Do I belong in this table? And you really just kind of have to push through it. And it's really, is just believing in yourself at the end of the day, believing in your skill set. Something I always say to myself is like, I always deliver, hey

Taylor McAdams: everybody, and thanks for joining on. Kick your boots up. I'm your host, Taylor McAdams, and this week's episode is gonna be unhinged, low key. I have one of my closest friends in studio, Megan ray from Washington. She traveled all the way here from Ellensburg. I'm so excited for you guys to meet her. There's a lot in store to talk about, so we're gonna jump right on in. Megan, thanks for being here. First of all. Well, thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here. I think you kind of mentioned we're really good friends. We've met, oh my gosh, several years ago now, five years ago, and you've been stuck with me ever since,

Megan Ray: but it's been great. You know, I'm just really thankful to be here and be able to chat with you, and it's gonna be a good time. There's only been one other time in our professional lives that our work or lives have brought us together. So, yeah, I'm, like, super, super excited that we're gonna get to have some girl time. But also work. We're working right now. We are. I mean, this is probably the best way you can work for real. Okay, so I know you so well, but everyone out there, tell us a little bit about yourself, how you got your start in the industry, how you found it, and then, of course, tell us about your horse too. Yeah. So I guess let's start off with that. You know, I grew up in Ellensburg, Washington. It's a very rural rodeo town. We have the Ellensburg rodeo. So I grew up riding horses and going to the rodeo and everything like that. And that's kind of how I got my start in the industry. I started at the Ellensburg rodeo office, just working in the ticket office, helping.

Taylor McAdams: Oh, I was 1920 like I I had went to school on the west side for a year in Seattle, and decided I hated it, and it was just like the city life wasn't for me. I was missing my horses. I was missing my family, so I moved back home, and in Ellensburg, we have Central Washington University, and I decided to just go there. And I got a job at the rodeo office, and I was just working in there, and one of the directors was like, Hey, do you know how to work Facebook? And I was like, yeah. Like, I know my way around. I have one, so I was starting to help him with that. And he was like, Do you want to, like, do the rodeo socials? I was like, Sure. Like, I can try it at least. Like, let's just see how it goes. So I did it for just like fun the first year, just working in the office and stuff like that. And then he was like, Okay, so we're gonna hire you to do this. So, like, whatever you want to do with it, just kind of like, run with it again. That was, like, my first like, Oh, I like social media. I like the rodeo industry, like working at it in a capacity like this, and I just kind of ran with the channels. And I was going through college at the time, and I was working at a radio station too, so I got some social media work there, which is a little bit different. And, yeah, you know, that's when I landed the cowboy channel internship where we met for NFR that year when I was here in Texas, and that kind of jump started my career. After that, when I graduated, I got a job with the PBR, and it was a dream job of a social media coordinator for such a big brand. I mean, bull riding is probably my favorite event out of everything, so being able to work for them was huge. But yeah, I it kind of all snowballed from there. And it was something that was like, Hey, do you want to do something like this? And I was like, Sure, I'll try it. Like, I wasn't really sure at the time what I wanted to do anymore.

Megan Ray: And then it just kind of all worked out in a weird way. I do think things just kind of work out in that capacity. Oh my gosh, yeah, do they ever I mean, we would not be sitting here today and talking as like, truly as we are, if they wouldn't have worked out. And I kind of want to go back, there was a lot to uncover there. Yes, sorry, I rambled. No, I'm actually really glad, because there's so many different layers to a person, and that shows like, who you are, too. But I You mentioned our internship, and I have to just talk about that, because there it was kind of a crazy time, COVID. COVID Shut the world down. It was 2020, and it was already it was already, it was like, December, 2020 So, like everyone knows, the world was actually really already shut down, and rodeo, the show must go on. So NFR came to Fort Worth. It was iconic. I guess it was not really Fort Worth. It was like, Arlington, yeah. But anyways, it was in the area, and the cowboy channel's offices were in Fort Worth. So we figured it out. There was, like maybe eight of us, I think not very many, honestly, if you think about things that needed to happen,

Taylor McAdams: but very quickly someone. I've got to give Jenna Cargile, it was daily at the time, a shout out, because she saw something in us from the very beginning that kind of helped and hurt us. Thank you, Jenna. No, I'm just kidding. No, it was, we love Jenna. We love Jenna so much, and we were able to trauma bond because of the things that she put us up to. But one of the things was, it was the first night, opening night of the NFR. I think we had only been there, like maybe two nights before or something. So, like, we're still trying to paint all the pieces together. We're interns. We had no idea what we were doing. I don't.

Megan Ray: Don't think it was paid, but like, it was one of those things. We were just happy to be breathing out. We were like, wow, we need to be here, I think, yeah. And it was like, wow, we get to be at the NFR, like, they're paying us to do this. And like, none of us knew each other either. Like, I think, like, we knew of each other from social but like, I've never met Taylor before, and then I met her, I was like, Oh my gosh, I love you instant soul sisters, yes. And that was like the whole crew, like, I'm so really close with a lot for sure, too, for sure. And that was actually really cool too, because when you get a group together, it's always hard with, like, stress and emotions. And we're all interns. We're all getting pushed down to the worst jobs, but we still have managed to stay friends. And yeah, and that speaks highly of of us as women, but also like the industry. But what? Okay, one moment that when I say we're trauma bonded. It was the first night of the NFR and the cowboy channel Plus app had crashed. And it was like, no fault of its own. Honestly, I think, truly, the internet crashed like, I think it just, there were so many people, what was the first time they were doing it? It was their, like, first time with their app and the NFR, and so many people streaming, since it's such a big deal that it just, you know what, hey, and honestly, that's actually a good point. We were there in the history making, like, the first performance ever that the app was streamed, and I want to say their first year as officially taking over the streaming rights. Yeah, it was like learning curve all the way around. Okay, so the app crashes. People paid lots of money separate from their cowboy channel, Plus subscription. So because it was so new, it was really hard to come hard to communicate everything. So people had to get a monthly subscription just to see the COVID channel plus but then they also had to pay for the NFR. So we had every Karen that you can imagine calling because they paid for the monthly subscription. They paid $125

Megan Ray: or something to watch the NFR and what the NFR, yeah, just the and tell them, Megan, what was our job to do? Oh, we got the lovely task of becoming customer service for the cowboy channel app. And we had no idea. Like, they gave us a script, and they're like, Hey, here's your phone calls. Make these calls. And I just remember, I think we did it like all day long the next day, but we went home that night, and we were sitting there calling people, apologizing, offering them the free subscription, working through their problems, trying to help them reboot their app. And I just remember I was literally laying in bed, like, at the place I was staying, and just like, calling these people, and I was eating some popcorn, like, that's serious, like, it was so, like, out of a movie, like, how does that happen? Kind of deal, but, you know, it was a really good experience at the end of the day. Like, yes, it was a lot for interns to kind of jump in and become customer service. But, you know, like, I think it, I mean, it bonded us, and it really, you know, it's a good learning experience. I think everybody should do customers like once in their lives. And so for us, that was ours, and we got thrown into the deep end. But I think, you know, we tackled it. We got everybody called. I think some people were happy, but, you know, yeah, they were just good to have, like they were just enlightened that somebody cared enough to call Yes, even when. Okay, I'm not gonna lie. I died one time because your your customers, everyone has their customer service phone. So yes, tell it. Tell the story, because it was like the old men that you had to talk to for hours, and you're just like, yeah, so well, so I worked at a ticket office before, so I had a lot of phone calls coming in, and you kind of get a routine of, how do you speak so that way, you know, you get your information out that you need. How do you move them along? How do you when they're going on and on and on about stuff like, how do you how do you keep them going? How do you make sure they feel like they're being heard? So I would always, you know, put on this nice little customer service voice, hi. My name is Megan Ray. What can I help you with, Oh, yep, that, yep, understand. Oh, that's so frustrating over and over. I am so sorry that you're struggling with this here. I can offer you this subscription. Let's try some things here. How to, like, reroute you. But yes, it's that high

Taylor McAdams: pitch. There was like, I really felt bad for you, because there was one point in time when, yeah, during the day, when, when, like, Okay, now it's like, round two day, and they like, shoved you in an office, because they're like, Oh, we really need you know, because there was other people. You weren't the we weren't the only ones, like taking care of it, but like, you were the one that was like, the best at it. And so they like, shoved in an office. I remember one time coming in to sit down just for a second, like, breathe, and you had the guy on mute. So, like, he would talk, and he was talking so slow and telling you his whole life story, oh yeah. And then occasionally you'd be like, unmute, and then you mute back. And I was dying. That was the first time I had seen that in person. It felt like a movie, almost. I mean, yeah, it was a lot luckily, I guess that's one of my special skills, is being able to turn on the customer service, but yeah, that was a time. And then who would have thought in that moment, and also like the tickets, the ticket box and ticket booth moment that you would then turn around, turn right around, and then be like a glorified customer service, because on one hand, of social media, and I guess shame on me for not telling you guys who Megan is. Megan is a baddie. Can I say a customer.

Taylor McAdams: The podcast, I don't know, but she's a baddie when it comes to social media, one of my favorite social media. I almost said social media influencers, but you're even cooler than an influencer manager as well. But truly, she just studies it, loves it, has a passion for it. And who would have thought that at that day, when you were in an office as an intern getting paid way less to be a customer service that you would now, then get to a be the cool part, and do the content, build the content, do the scheduling strategy, all that, but then also be glorified customer service. Like,

Megan Ray: oh yeah. I mean, it's a shock to kind of look back, but it does kind of play into all of it. Like, I really think if I didn't step up in that role, like, I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to come back for the American and serve in a different role. So they brought me back to do social media for the American and that was kind of like in the big leagues kind of deal for me. Yeah, that I remember they're like, You were so great, and you're so wonderful, just kind of jumping in and, you know, doing the grunt work and doing it with a smile, and, like, getting people to, you know, at least at the end of the day say thank you, that we called them, and stuff like that. So I think that kind of just tells people, like, you have to do, not like the dirty jobs, but like, you have to do the jobs that people don't want to do. You have to really like put in the work at the end of the day. And it gets you places and like, I mean, it helps me now when I have to answer people on social like that. Customer Service voice is coming through in the typing, just because, yeah, professional with everything. So I think at the end of the day, it all comes together. But yeah, a wild, wild ride at the cowboy channel. Wow, yeah.

Taylor McAdams: And it was one fun memory. I actually am just remembering we talked about it before, but I have to tell everyone out there listening. I remember Jenna felt so bad for us that we, like, actually had to do that as interns, but also was pretty proud of how we were doing. So she said, Hey, do you guys want a sweatshirt? Do you want? Like, and we were like,

Megan Ray: yeah, it's the coolest thing. We were like, we get to go shopping in here. Okay. Like,

Taylor McAdams: yeah, that was fun, so fun. And I'm honestly so glad we could spend a whole podcast talking about how important getting the groundwork is before you run. But like, I'm so glad that we got to do the internship opportunities, because, like, holy cow, we learned so much, baptism by fire style, yes, that, like, I don't know what we would have done if we didn't have that experience. 

Megan Ray: Honestly, no, not at all. Like, I look back on it, and yes, it was a long experience of, like, grueling days, like we were running around, we had no clue what we were doing half the time, but we were just, you know, having fun, making a good time of it. And I think, like, the most important thing that came out of it was the people that we met. Yeah, like, I cherish our friendship so much. And like, we've been able to lean on each other over the years of you know, how do you navigate this? Hey, like, we're celebrating each other and stuff like that. And I'm really close with a lot of girls still, Shelby and rebel and Lexi and Gracie. And it's just, you know, it's really become such a like fun group to like, celebrate each other when we see each other. Because I traveled around for PBR and stuff like that, I would see people in the different cities. And I kind of think that's what it's all about, is making those connections so you're able to, you know, celebrate and really help each other out

Taylor McAdams: there, and feel like you have a family and a friend group, no matter how far away. And that's actually something that I really commend all the friends in my life and probably yours would say that, like, your friendship is so much better if you're the type of person that can just pick up right where you left off, yes, and and that's what I love about you, because, like, you made you were so intentional when you came to Fort Worth for all the PBR, PBR events. And we would always make a point that even if we didn't have time, we would at least get a drink. Yeah, if we didn't have time for dinner, we'd at least get a drink. But we did. We were able to do dinner once or twice, I think, and moments like that are like, You came to me. You reached out to me in a moment when I was, like, so discouraged in life and, like, going through a harder time and, well, I don't think we were married, Tyler and I were married yet it was just like, a weird growing situation, which, like, we all know, our 20s are like, the hardest, I swear they are, but kudos to you for being intentional and shouting out. You're, like, trying to reach out to all your friends. Yeah, I think it's  

Megan Ray: really important in the industry that we're in that, you know, especially women, we stick together. We really cheer each other on. And I think for me, like I'm an only child, so like, I you don't have siblings that kind of, like, celebrate you in that aspect, or like people to lean on there. So my friendships are really important to me, and I don't think I would be where I am today without the people in my life. And, you know, I really do think it's about who you know in the industry at the end of the day and stuff like that, but hard work gets you there, and then the people that you're able to connect with help get that next step and everything. So I really think, like, friendships are really important to have and to cherish and to really take care of, like, even if it's just sending a text or, you know, a short phone call, like we talked for like 30 minutes on your lunch break and just caught up and got to debrief. And you know, I felt way better after that, like you really just kind of need to connect with people and really have people in your corner. I

Taylor McAdams: couldn't agree more. I'm so thankful that you were like, Hey, can we make time to talk? And I was like, Absolutely, because I would love to get out of the office go for a drive. The only thing about. That is like anyone that knows me knows I'm not good with directions. And so I'm talking to Megan. I'm driving down the one of the highways in Texas, trying to go to a sonic of all places. And I'm like, oh, Megan, I just missed my turn. That's okay. And we're like, going, I'm like, Oh, I just missed my next week, Megan, that's okay.

Megan Ray: That happened like five times the phone

Taylor McAdams: Good, yeah, that's when I know, like, like, you're one of my people. You're like, one of the coolest people that I can trust to. So Okay, speaking of reaching out and traveling and all the things, what was your coolest place that you traveled to while you're with PBR? Because you were literally, honestly, and you, you know it better than I do, but I feel like you were gone more than you were home. Yes,  

Megan Ray: with PBR, I was traveling pretty much like every other weekend, wow. And then, like, our World Finals was, like three weeks long, so I'd spent a long time here in Fort Worth. But I think the coolest place, honestly, was New York City bringing cowboys, bulls and all the action to the Big Apple, oh my gosh, the people would go nuts for it. And, like, they don't see it every day, and that's really refreshing to see of like them actually getting excited. And, you know, they wear their hats that are a little bit funky, and they wear their, like, short shorts in the winter, their jean shorts and their jeans and their boots. And they come on down, and they're probably the loudest crowd out of everybody. And they just, they're just cheering, and they're having a good time. And for them to experience the lifestyle is something else, like, it's just, it's a different world there. And to bring cowboys in the western lifestyle there is just, it's huge. So I think that one is a really big one. It's, you know, there's a lot of different places that we get to travel and stuff like that. We went to Pittsburgh this last year, and that was the first time we were there too. And so that was like, the crowd getting to see bull riding for the first time. And they were a rowdy bunch.

Megan Ray: And so it was fun to kind of hear them cheer when they don't really know what's going on either, and they're just, like, really enthralled with it. So it's more like the bigger cities where you get to bring, like, the Western culture there that I really enjoyed, because, like, I grew up watching it all the time. And when you go to some of the smaller ones, you kind of get the vibe of, like, Oh, they've been here before. So when you get to kind of open someone's eyes to bull riding and all the craziness that it comes with it, it's it's really cool to see. Did you

Taylor McAdams: ever take a moment to stop and realize, Oh my gosh, I'm in Madison, Madison Square Garden, yes, in New York, and I get to be a part of this. Did you ever have that

Megan Ray: moment? Yes, actually, every time we would like start the show. So for my job, I was lucky enough that I was like, in the action of it all. So I'd stand on the sidelines when we're doing intros and the guys are coming out and fireworks are going off, and, you know, they go, we're ready to unleash the beast, and you hear, boom, and it just all like it takes off. And for me, every time that would happen, I would get goose bumps. And that's when I realized, like, Okay, I'm a part of something special. I really like the Western industry and Western sports in general. And like, this is where I'm supposed to be, like, I'm supposed to be telling these stories, doing all of this. And so it was pretty much every time. Like, it never got old. I mean, it's the same kind of, like, intro and fireworks and stuff like that. But it was magical every single time that it would happen. And I love

Taylor McAdams: hearing you talk about it too, because you can tell your passion. Your passion is just like, I want everyone to experience that, everyone to be there. And one thing that's important to talk about too is, like, I mentioned how our 20s are hard, and it's like a growing time, and there's career changes. And everyone knows I've talked about my career change on here too. Now you kind of got to go be a freelancer, out on your own things like that. Talk about the transition there and, like, how you've grown, you've learned a little bit about life and social media and and all that. Because I know that our audience out there is in the same boat.

Megan Ray: Yeah, I think, you know, everybody wants to just kind of, like, climb the ladder, have it all figured out. And the real thing is, no one knows what they're doing. Everybody out there is faking it till they make it. And you should, too. And so that's kind of what I figured out during this transition period. You really just have to believe in yourself. One I think, like, imposter syndrome is such a big thing, especially in your 20s. Like, for me, it's more of like, I walk into a room and I go, who's gonna know me? Like, are they going to remember me? Are they going to remember my name? Am I going to walk up and know them and they're not going to remember me back? And it's kind of like that, like, oh, how am I going to do this? How am I going to navigate this? And, you know, other people struggle with more of like, Am I good enough? Am I able to do the job and stuff like that. So everybody struggles with something, and you just kind of have to figure out, like, how do you basically fake it till you make it? And for me, it was like really pushing myself to reach out to people, to talk to people more in rooms and stuff like that. I think, you know, there's always going to be that little part of you that's like, do I belong in this room? Do I belong in this table? And you really just kind of. Have to push through it. And it's really is just believing in yourself at the end of the day, believing in your skill set. Something I always say to myself is like, I always deliver like, no matter what, like at the end of the day. You know, some people might not know me. I might walk into a room and feel like the smallest fish in the pond, but like I at the end of the day, I get my stuff done. I do well, and that's what I can stand on. So you just kind of have to find that thing that you can stand on, and really, you know, get behind.

Taylor McAdams: And honestly, it's so crazy to me that you didn't exactly, in the beginning, start as a cowgirl, because you truly have fully submerged into the cowgirl way. Because, like you very much of all people, you're gonna be the CEO one day, I know it, and you're still gonna take out the trash, you're still gonna run the reports. You're not gonna make people do things that you wouldn't do. And I think the world needs more people like that. I think, like, your way of of looking at things is exactly how I look at things too, which is probably why we bought it. Align, yeah, but like you very much, operate in like a Respect is earned, not given. But I want to be kind to everyone, but, like, still cut your teeth. And I'm the same way too. I'm like, you didn't do an internship. What are you doing? You didn't, yeah, you didn't get a coordinator position. What are you doing? You didn't, you know, really hard on yourself, yeah. And with that, it's, I totally agree. Like, networking is huge. And then, like, imposter syndrome, we could probably have a whole podcast.

Megan Ray: Oh, about that? Yeah. I mean, you touched on cowgirl. So, like, for me, I grew up in a rural town where, like, we grow hay. Like, that's our big thing in Ellensburg. The Ellensburg rodeo is there, but I never called myself a cowgirl. I rode horses, I showed horses for 10 years. Like, I would be considered a cowgirl, but I had a fear of, like, claiming that word, I guess, as you would say, like, Yeah, especially when I entered into like the PBR of, like, these guys are cowboys. Like, cowboy cowboys. Like they're riding with broken feet, broken arms, you know, like, it's insane. And I felt so intimidated to even put myself in a category like that. Like, wow. It felt like I didn't have like, the years of, like, I wasn't a roper and I didn't do like, I didn't grow up around cattle and stuff like that. So if my dad isn't a flag generation rancher, the last name that was a part of the valley, like, that's a really big thing where I'm from, of like, these generations of ranchers and just people there. So it was really hard to kind of call myself that. And cowgirl 30 under 30 was, like, actually the time that I was like, Okay, I think I can call myself a cowgirl. So it's hard. Like, you kind of the industry is so small, and, you know, everybody and stuff like that, but it's still, like, very intimidating to kind of call yourself a part of it at the end of the day, just because it's so prestigious. And, like, I really hold it to a high standard. And so I think you kind of have to, like, work through it and stuff like that. But like, cowgirl was really what helped me at the 30 under 30 program to be like, I am a cowgirl. I am a part of this industry.

Taylor McAdams: I can do this. And I like to say, and this is probably a hot take, there's probably some rodeo Cairns or barrel buddies out there that would disagree. And no offense to you guys, but I always like to say cowgirl is subjective, because, like the cowgirl spirit and the cowgirl way, can live in anyone, and if you dive head first, you're just as much of a cowgirl as the one that's ranching every day. We all have our different struggles. We all have our different ways of making our own self worth happen in the industry that's predominantly men, you know. So that's so big. I'm so glad you mentioned that cowgirl magazine is what they do with the third under 30 program is so good. And I'm so glad that you have joined the sisterhood. I remember last year being so stoked for you, if we're being honest, like you were one of the reasons why I went because I am not, if you know me, I'm an extrovert on the podcast, but, like, really, an introvert, yeah, and like, socializing and small talk has never been my thing, nor yours. Really. I either want to really know you or, like, barely, not at all. You know, I'm working on it. Don't worry. It happens. But I remember, like, Tyler was like, Okay, do you want to go? Do you want to go? And I was like, No, we are waiting for Megan. We are waiting and I'm gonna scream, and I don't care if she hears me, but we're gonna wait for Megan and then we'll leave, you know, but yeah, I'm just so proud of you as a thing, person, and like, your outlook and everything is and thank you

Megan Ray: for coming and supporting. I think that's kind of like what we talked about is like, you really need people in your corner. You need to be in people's corner to really, you know, make a difference. And I do think it's kind of like our generation of cowgirls are doing it kind of differently, I guess. And maybe social media has a little bit to play into it, because people can tell their different stories of how they fit into the role of cowgirl. But I agree with you. I think it's subjective, and at the end of the day, it's what you want to call yourself true and like no one can really take that away from you ever. And it's just important to you know, hold those values of the Western industry, and being a cowgirl really near and dear to your heart. And that's at the end of the day, all you can do. And call yourself a cowgirl,

Taylor McAdams: for sure. And okay, another pillar of being a cowgirl can be fashion. Oh yes. And you are big on fashion. Like, I don't know what I would call yourself, probably, like, effortlessly flawless is probably what I call your style. So kind. Because. Like, truly, you're like, Oh, I just, I live in a suitcase, so, like, I just put on what I have. But I'm like, every time I see you, you're so put together. Everything just goes naturally. Like, I have to, like, stress and figure it out, and maybe you do talk about you.

Megan Ray: Thank you for that very kind compliment. I would call my fashion very simple. Like, for me, it's more of, like, I always one, want to feel comfortable. I also think it's really important to dress for your body type. Like, I have really long legs. Like I say I'm two thirds legs, 1/3 torso, yes. So like, I always, you know, try to make sure that I feel comfortable in what I'm wearing. I go to a lot of basic colors too, like black. I wear a lot of black. You look good around blonde hair, blue eyes, yeah. And I think it's just important to, you know, kind of claim your style, like I do my makeup the same. I do my hair the same. You change out the outfits and stuff like that. But I really feel like myself every time I get dressed up, no matter what. So that way, when I walk into a room, I am confident, and yeah, I do live out of a suitcase. So I've learned how to like pack very minimal. You know, the interchangeable wardrobe is a really big thing, making sure you have pieces that match. But yeah, I think it's just really important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing and feel good about it, like whenever you put on a good outfit, you feel good to walk into a room and feel confident to speak and to meet people and stuff like that. So I think an outfit is really important in the industry. I

Taylor McAdams: couldn't agree more. And since you're into fashion and you're into studying, you do a lot of studying, studying for work, analytics and all that stuff. But I've got to ask you, what are your current things that you like right now? Like, what are your faves? Skincare, it could be anything, makeup, skincare, books, movies, whatever.

Megan Ray: Okay, coffee, whatever. Um, well, I think right now still happening is like the bit for bit trends. So like you see, like the horse bits on everything. I partake last year with a belt that I wore to the American and I had, like an actual horse bit that I wrote in my trailer, and I hooked it up to my belt. And West esperado actually started that trend, Shaylee ham, and it just took off and, like, now you see necklaces and it's on, like, shoes and it's on purses. And I'm all about it, because, like, at the end of the day, I am a horse girl. I will always claim to be a horse girl. I have five horses still, so like, that trend being out there and so cool is something that I'm like, Oh, I can really get behind. I also think leather is still, like, a huge, big thing as I wear a leather jacket. Usually, one piece of my clothing is leather pants, jacket, shirt, just because I think it's a cool texture to add to things. And, you know, it adds just kind of like a little pop, where it makes it feel a little bit more elevated. So I love that.

Taylor McAdams: Yeah, and I can't help, since we're friends, I'll ask you this, and please tell me to be like, Taylor, why'd you ask that? Yeah, we can maybe cut it out too. If you don't hear it, you'll know why. Okay, so are you dating anyone right now, at the time of recording, are you dating single?

Megan Ray: No, actually. So for me, I am very career focused, and I think I think it's an okay question to ask people, but also, like, I think, you know, everybody has their own path in life. For me, like, I really focus on, like, my career at the end of the day. And I think it's funny that you're like, I could see you being a CEO one day. Like, that's like, I very much am like, I gotta climb the ladder, I gotta put in the work and stuff like that. So for me, dating, and that isn't something that's really, I think it's gonna happen when it happens, and it's not a big thing for me right now. Like, it's very much like, career focused, whatever

Taylor McAdams: I love that. Are you on the apps, though? Like, do you do any of the

Megan Ray: apps? I don't, only because, like, I'm out there in, like, the industry, and I feel like, if someone saw me on nothing wrong with the apps, like they're cool and stuff like that. But like, also, I'm so busy, like, I don't know when I would have free time, like

Taylor McAdams: that. Even is your location, because you're in Washington, that's where you, like, live and have things and horses. But like, you could literally put your location anywhere,  

Megan Ray: oh yes. And like, when you're from a small town, too, I think it's hard to kind of get out there and date because you've grown up with the people. You've gone to high school with them, and they date your friend, and they know all about them? Oh, yes. And then they have a kid with someone, you're just like, it's a lot, especially in your 20s, like, trying to navigate all that. So I was like, Yeah, I don't really think I want to date local. It's hard with, like, going around and having all the different locations too, because, like, I'm in a city for like, the weekend, and then probably don't come back for a year. So wow, definitely different. So career focus. And, you know, I think that's okay. I think for sure, people put a lot of pressure on themselves to like, I have to date, I have to check this thing off. And for me, it's like, I want to check off all these things of like travel and career. And, you know, my love life will come together when it comes together. And that's fine with me.

Taylor McAdams: And honestly, like the guy that is made for you to keep up with you is also trying to figure out life right now too. I firmly believe, yeah, things happen for a reason. That's kind of a common theme. Oh, 100% like Taylor and I talk about all the time, like, if we would have dated earlier, or because, like, we've known each other for a while, I think we we have memories from like 2013 like meeting each other at his rodeo and stuff. But if we would have dated younger, I feel like it would have. Never worked out. Oh yeah, we were just too young and immature. And anyway, so kudos to you taking time, like, letting it all happen. You're a different person

Megan Ray: as you go through the years. Like, I look back at my 18 year old self, and I'm like, Whoa. Like, I was very, like, school focused then too, and like, I had a lot of stuff on my plate of just like, different clubs I was in and I was a rodeo Princess at that time. Princess at that time for Ellensburg and stuff like that. And I look back and like, that girl had no idea what she was doing at the end of the day, like, for she, you know, knew a little bit about the industry and stuff like that. But like, I was a deer in headlights when I, like, came into PBR and was, like, having to figure it all out. And like, now, like, when I enter rooms and I'm taking on jobs and stuff like that. Like, I feel a lot more confident. So I think you just change over the years, and you kind of have to find the person that fits. I think you and Taylor are a testament to that of, like, you guys found each other at the right point, and you're able to, you know, help each other grow now in this stage in your life. Sure,

Taylor McAdams: that's so big, too. And like, I've always said this about you, that you're so mature and, like, well beyond your ears, but like, truly you are, yeah, and that has also helped you go far too and to kind of switch gears just a little Okay, I'm gonna, we're gonna have a little bit of fun, but I one thing on the podcast, I always do is ask for your best advice. And normally it's like, what is your best advice for, like, your your position now, like, if somebody wanted to get to be a social media manager or something, but I'm gonna back it up a little bit. Okay, what is your best advice for someone that isn't graduated from college yet? We'll start there to then make the leap. To

Megan Ray: make the leap, I think college is a different time in your life. Of like, you're trying to figure out what you want to do, and then you're supposed to, like, walk out of there and be like, Oh, this is my career. You probably won't know what you actually want to do with your life when you walk out of college. I think college. I think my story, I kind of glazed over it, but I was going in for aerospace engineering at the University of Washington. Yeah, I

Taylor McAdams: forgot about that, me too at the end of the day.

Megan Ray: Yeah. So I really liked math and science, and I was always told like, Oh, you're really smart. You should be an engineer. And so I went, Okay, I'll be an engineer. And I went to the big school. You're told to get out of your town and do all of that. I went there for a year. I drove home every single weekend. It was a two hour drive so I could ride my horse. And I was like, I can't do this anymore. Like I did not want to live there. I did not want to go for that degree. Like it was just not me. And I came home and I have no idea what I wanted to do, honestly, like I enrolled a week before the new year started at Central. Like I was like, I don't really know what I want to do, so I guess I'll just enroll again, and, you know, take the basic classes and all of that, and I ended up going into marketing. But I think that just kind of shows like, It's okay at the end of the day not to know what you want, and you can change your mind, and it's no one's business why, or you know why you want to do something. Like, you can make the decision for yourself, and it's okay. And like, when you're coming out of your like, for your first career too, you're going to not know anything. You're going to be a deer in headlights. It's really hard that, like, first career out of college, of like, finding your ground, finding how things work, it's way different. You're on a different schedule than you were in college. Like, there's just a lot things that change, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. I think that's something I would tell someone is, like, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. It's okay not to know what you're doing, and you're gonna figure it out. Like that's at the end of the day, you're gonna figure it out, and you're gonna be where you need to be, and you just need to be confident. In that you will take yourself the places you need to

Taylor McAdams: go. And I remember you said earlier, I don't remember what part of the interview you did, but like, you looked back at your 18 year old self, and you're like, Whoa, yeah, it's so crazy. I was just talking to rebel about it yesterday, like we haven't Rebel, and I hadn't seen each other truly in person. We've kept in touch, and I felt like we've seen each other, but like since the American when everyone came back in 2021 and so so much has changed since then. And I was like, rebel, wow, I am a much nicer person. I and I didn't, I wasn't even that mean then. But you don't like as a young person, you don't realize, like, when you're under stress, yeah, when you're under stress, and when there's, like, so many things, I'm like problem, and so much like, I'm a freer person now I'm a nicer person. Now I know who I am. I'm on track, and that has been a journey, too. And so it definitely your like college experience. You don't even have to go to college. Honestly, nowadays, there's so many things that are available, especially in the creative world, like social media, and let's

Megan Ray: be real, my degree does not help me now, like at all, everything that I do in my career, I learned from just doing it, YouTubing it, or asking people, yeah, like, my degree is just a piece of paper that I got and it hangs really pretty in my office like that at the end of the day. Like, yeah, you probably need to hang it up somewhere. But like, for me, it's not like, it's okay to not have a degree at the end of the day. Or if you get one, and then you switch and you're like, my degree has nothing to do with my job. Now, like, that's okay, that was just a different time in your life. Like, you go through so many different cycles, and  

Taylor McAdams: you're a decent person now at 2726 Yeah, six, okay, yeah, you're you're even different than you were when you graduated college. Oh, then when you first started your social media career. Oh, yes. You just grow and learn and Okay, so that's kind of my next thing. Since you're in the nitty gritty of social and you are super big on strategy and analytics and all of that, what's your best advice for someone out there that is a freelancer trying to balance their own schedule, trying to balance their own different brands? One could be a super fun brand, and then one could be like a more serious brand, whatever. How do you what I don't know? Just tell us about that. I want to pick your brain a little bit there. Yeah. How do you manage do you manage it all? How do you keep it all straight and then trying to meet the expectations of these goals here and these goals here?

Megan Ray: Yeah, I think at the end of the day, social media is kind of the same across the board. No matter what brand you're working for, there's still the standard things that you have to do of making sure each platform it the content is curated for it. So Instagram, your reels are real size. You're using the proper photos. We just switched to four by fives. Everybody out there, if you're not done that yet, do that now. So no more squares on Instagram. So just making sure you're doing the proper things for each channel, yeah, will really help you. And then, you know, playing into the trends, a trends not gonna fit every single brand, but it will fit most. And also, I always say, you can put your own spin on it and make the trend fit you. I think, like, right now we're seeing that, like, fun action

Taylor McAdams: figure trend. Yes, I'm almost over it. So many, so many,  

Megan Ray: so many. But like, it was cool to see how people took different things and made it their own, like we saw, like the PRCA did, each of the actual athletes and stuff like that, which was cool. I worked for Ellensburg rodeo, so I did like our announcer and our rodeo clown, because people love them, JJ and Justin, and people really took off with that. So I think it's finding those trends that really you know you could take and mold and really fit your brand. That kind of helps you stay in the game on social, and it gives each brand to their own kind of fingerprint on it, because you're catering to what you know, really speaks to that audience on there, but you're still, you know, playing into the algorithm, the trends and all of that stuff,

Taylor McAdams: absolutely and I loved that, by the way, I love yours too, and I love seeing. I don't know if this was yours or someone else's, but people even started making the different backgrounds they like, told chatgpt to, like, change the background or add personal items to themselves, which like, Yeah, that's so fun. And that's like, a perfect example of how a brand can have fun. Yeah, it is the PRCA, super serious, super prestigious Ellensburg rodeo. Same thing you guys could get a little bit more fun. That was very strategic on your part, picking the two people that you did,

Megan Ray: by the way, thank you. Yeah, you know, I know they're Beloved. For one also, I was like, Oh, the caption has to be dynamic duo. Like they're a pair when you hear him over the microphone in Ellensburg. And I think that's really is the key is, like, you have to know your brand at the end of the day, and the brand you're representing, and be able to create stuff that really speaks to that audience. And that's kind of the key to social, like you have to just kind of know the brand, know your audience, and you know you can test stuff out, but at the end of the day, like you're the holder of what the brand identifies for the world. And that's a really important thing with social is like everybody's on social. Everybody looks at everything on social. So your social media needs to represent what you represent at the end of the day, and that's for brands and for yourself.

Taylor McAdams: Yeah, no, that's so good. Actually, talk about the importance of having a good yeah, like LinkedIn profile and, like all the prowess profiles, wow, yeah, yourself, because you do a really good job at branding yourself. But honestly, you're not one of those people that shoves your face in front of everyone. You're You're very subtle. It's like you're one of those people that lives it and then maybe sprinkles a story, versus, like, not really doing much, but telling everyone what you're doing or something. Yeah, I

Megan Ray: think it's really important to have a personal brand. And I think it's really hard to build one too, because you're like, Oh, should I post this? Do I look like I'm a poser? Do I look like I'm trying too hard, like, all those things, yeah, they run through your head. And I even struggle with that now, and I do it for a living, like for other people, and I can easily press posts on my own, I still sit there and go, Oh, okay, what am I putting out there to the world? But for me, something strange is I like to post after something happens. So, like, I don't really do too much in the moment, because I do a lot of that for my job of like, live event posting and stuff like that. But for me, it's very much like I want to take in what I'm experiencing for myself first and then share with the world, and then I feel like I can kind of curate and fix it to how I want it to kind of look and show like, oh, the funny parts, the really cool parts, oh, the not so cool parts and stuff like that. Like, I like to wrap it all together and really look at it after the fact. And I think too. Like, for me, I'm not an influencer or anything like that. Like, I don't have to post the same amount of that they're doing. But like, for me, it's more of, like, I'm proud of what I do. I'm proud of the industry. I have a lot of people outside of the industry that follow me too, of just like meeting people over the years, and so to be able to share that part of my life too, has been really cool. And you know, when you work remote too, it's kind of that's the way to connect with people too, is to kind of share the things going on. And I think that all plays into networking too. You should have a really good LinkedIn profile. You should use. Your LinkedIn. Like, it's a Facebook for most people of like, hey, look, here's what I did here. Or here, I went to this cool conference, or here's some cool photos from this shoot and stuff like that. Like, you should really keep your LinkedIn very professional. But, like, share everything that's going on. That's where I shared the action figure with my monster, white monster addiction, because I do have that

Taylor McAdams: reel. Or if it just pulled that from? No, it's, it's real and  

Megan Ray: funny enough. They, like, messaged me. We're like, hey, send us your address and we'll send you some products. So, like, No way, yeah? So like being real and transparent on social can get you free monsters, but that's awesome, yeah? But I think it's more like showing yourself to the world, and you can make it the way you want to make it to, especially with your LinkedIn, like, keeping it very professional. I feel like my Instagram is a little bit more like fun. Like, I share a lot more to my stories of just like, random things that are happening. I don't really use Facebook as much. I share kind of the same thing from Facebook to LinkedIn and then tick tocks, really fun to just kind of try out some of the trends and stuff like that. Yeah. But I think it's important to just, like, have a presence out there. And I think nowadays, everybody searches everybody on social media, so when you're going for a job, I always recommend, you know, like, keep your social media as professional as possible, yeah. And you know, that's how you should always represent yourself out there in the world. But it's really important to

Taylor McAdams: have it at the end of the day. Oh, without a doubt. And I cannot thank you enough for dropping your wisdom here, because I know I learned so much from you every time we talk, but I know that our listeners did too, and there's probably a lot of people out there that are super curious to follow along with you and see how you do things. And I know you can't tell us all the brands you work with and work for, so we won't have you do that, but tell the world where they can find you specifically and plug yourself. We never get a chance in like this industry to, like, plug ourselves. So shine baby. Shine away.  

Megan Ray: You can find me at Megan Ray, underscore, 17 on pretty much every single platform. On LinkedIn, it's just Megan Ray. And yeah, I share a lot of just like behind the scenes of what I'm doing in the industry, fun things I like to, you know, connect and share things that my friends are doing too. So yeah, if you want to follow me on there and kind of see all the different activities I'm up to, you  

Taylor McAdams: should you should go follow her right now. Thank you, Megan, thank you so much for being on I Love You, adore you, and I'm so excited to see where your future goes. And you'll have to refer back to this interview one day when you're CEO,  

Megan Ray: I'm gonna clip that, and that will be on my social Taylor called it, well, thank you so much for having me. It was really great to talk to you, and you know, I hope some bit of wisdom came out of this. Sometimes I feel like I rambled just a little bit, but at the end of the day, I hope it's all like good for people to hear so but this was so fun. I adore you. You're such a powerhouse in this industry, too, and thank you. What you're doing with this podcast is just fantastic, and I'm just so happy to see you shine. Thank you.  

Taylor McAdams: That is so nice. Oh my gosh. And I'm a hugger, so we'll definitely give a hug, yes, yes, after the cameras are off. But anyways, guys, if you loved what you hear, please give her a follow, and as always, make sure and like and subscribe and tell all your friends about this episode. If you have a nugget or something that you want to send, feel free to share that snippet via Spotify even. And the one thing that I'm going to ask you to do right now is head on over to Apple and give us a review. I'm on a mission. You've seen me ask this before. I would really love it if you gave us a review on Apple and tell all your friends about this wonderful content. And as always, I'm happy to give you 15% off on the Justin website. You can go to www.justinboots.com and enter the code K y b u 15. That's K y b u 15 at checkout to get 15% off. And I just am so thankful that you guys are continuing to watch, and we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up. Thanks for joining us on kick your boots up. I'm your host, Taylor McAdams, and we can't wait to share the next story of the West. Until then, feel free to like, subscribe and leave us a review. Follow us on social media at Justin boots to keep up with our next episode, and we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up.