Podcast Summary: Cleared Hot | Episode 398 - Beau Simmons - Bear Attacks, The 20 Year War, Photography of the Great American West

Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 398 of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf engages in a profound and multifaceted conversation with Beau Simmons. Beau, a seasoned photographer with a rich military background, delves into his personal experiences, including a harrowing bear attack, his work documenting the Great American West, and his impactful book, The 20 Year War, which explores the transition of veterans into civilian life. Throughout the episode, Beau shares insightful reflections on photography, mental health, and the societal impacts of social media.

1. Beau's Personal Life and Family Challenges

The episode opens with Beau discussing his father's recent health challenges. Beau's father, who has been misdiagnosed for decades, is now facing serious health decisions.

[05:05] Beau Simmons: "My dad was, for 63 years, under the belief that he had cerebral palsy when he was born because his hands have tremors... Now he's considering brain surgery to eliminate the shakes."

Beau recounts how his father’s chronic tremors were mistakenly attributed to a minor form of cerebral palsy, leading to years of unnecessary distress. A recent neurologist confirmed that Beau's father does not have cerebral palsy but suffers from chronic tremors that could be treated with a relatively simple surgical procedure. This revelation has prompted Beau and his family to consider the surgery, highlighting the emotional and psychological burdens his father has carried.

2. The Bear Attack: A Harrowing Experience

One of the most gripping segments of the episode is Beau's recounting of a bear attack he endured while working as a photographer on a Montana ranch. This incident underscores the unpredictable dangers of working closely with wildlife.

[18:48] Beau Simmons: "I was on the ground, trying to help free the bear, and before I knew it, he attacked me. It happened so fast—a matter of two seconds."

Beau describes how, while assisting ranchers in roping a bear to protect their livestock, he intervened by removing the bear's rope, believing it would free the animal safely. Instead, the bear turned aggressive, resulting in Beau being swiped and injured. Despite the danger, Beau emphasizes his respect for the ranchers' methods and the necessity of their work in managing wildlife.

3. Transition to Photography of the Great American West

Beau shares his journey from fashion photography to documenting the rugged life of cowboys and the Western lifestyle. This transition was fueled by a desire to tell authentic stories and preserve the essence of a disappearing culture.

[124:03] Beau Simmons: "I want to photograph everyday people. I want to do something that's going to be bigger than myself."

He explains how building relationships with ranchers allowed him to capture the true spirit of the West. Beau's work emphasizes the hard work, resilience, and deep-rooted traditions of the cowboy community, moving away from the romanticized images often portrayed in media.

4. The 20 Year War: Honoring Veterans

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Beau's book, The 20 Year War, which documents the lives of 71 veterans transitioning to civilian life after 9/11. Beau collaborates with his childhood friend Dan Blakely and writer Tom to bring these stories to the forefront.

[31:07] Beau Simmons: "Our goal was to honor those people. Every one of the 71 veterans is in the book. There wasn't one story or one photograph that we ditched."

Beau highlights the diverse experiences of veterans from all four branches of the military, emphasizing that each story is unique. The book aims to shed light on the personal battles veterans face when reintegrating into society, offering a positive narrative of resilience and adaptation.

5. Reflections on Social Media and Mental Health

Both Andy and Beau delve into the pervasive influence of social media on mental health and societal divisions. They discuss the negativity bias inherent in online interactions and the challenges of maintaining genuine connections in a digital age.

[45:34] Beau Simmons: "The second we can free ourselves a little bit from that torment and understand that there's enough to go around, there's enough for all of us to win."

Beau shares his personal struggles with comparison and envy fueled by social media, especially in his photographic career. He advocates for celebrating others' successes and fostering a mindset of abundance rather than competition.

6. Future Projects and Aspirations

Beau outlines his plans for future projects, including expanding his photography work globally and continuing to honor veterans through additional volumes of The 20 Year War.

[55:14] Beau Simmons: "If we can turn this into an exhibition, I would love to do a volume two of this book... 'Our Next Greatest Generation' could be a cool title."

He expresses a desire to travel internationally to document cowboys from different cultures, such as the gauchos of Argentina and vaqueros in Mexico, further enriching his portrayal of Western lifestyles.

7. Closing Thoughts: Preservation and Authentic Storytelling

As the episode concludes, Beau emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and respectful documentation. He reflects on his own growth as a photographer and the fulfillment he derives from capturing genuine human experiences.

[126:56] Beau Simmons: "Photography is kind of one of those things where you're pushing a button. I don't want to just be a photographer that takes photos that live on a screen. I want to blow them up and put them in museums and have them become archival."

Beau's commitment to preserving the stories of cowboys and veterans underscores his dedication to meaningful art that resonates beyond the digital realm.

Notable Quotes

• Beau Simmons [05:05]: "My dad was... considering brain surgery to eliminate the shakes."

• Beau Simmons [18:48]: "It happened so fast—a matter of two seconds."

• Beau Simmons [31:07]: "Every one of the 71 veterans is in the book. There wasn't one story or one photograph that we ditched."

• Beau Simmons [45:34]: "There's enough to go around, there's enough for all of us to win."

• Beau Simmons [55:14]: "If we can turn this into an exhibition, I would love to do a volume two of this book... 'Our Next Greatest Generation' could be a cool title."

Conclusion

Episode 398 of Cleared Hot offers a deep dive into Beau Simmons' life and work, highlighting his resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges. Through his photography, Beau not only captures the rugged beauty of the American West but also honors the profound stories of veterans adjusting to civilian life. His reflections on social media's impact and his aspirations for future projects provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the intersections between art, mental health, and societal change.

For those interested in Beau Simmons' work, visit his website BoSimmonsPhotography.com to explore his galleries and learn more about his upcoming projects.