Idaho Press Greg Kreller/IPT 2014
Be Smart, Don’t Start
An Interview with Oral Cancer Advocate, Cody Kiser
As a strong advocate for oral cancer awareness, Cody Kiser is dedicated to influencing the next generation to abstain from tobacco use. Providing a personal example, guided by his own positive lifestyle choices, Cody encourages young individuals to "Be Smart and Don't Start."
You may already know Cody or have seen him around, as he is a Nevada native from Carson City, and a civil engineering graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno. As a bareback rider, you may have seen him fly out of the chute competing at the Reno Rodeo, or maybe you cheered extra loud when you heard his name as the rodeo announcers would proudly call him "Nevada's own, Cody Kiser." If you have seen the movie, American Sniper you saw him as a stunt double for Bradley Cooper. Cool, right? Better yet, Cody shares a constant drive and humble personality.
In addition to promoting oral cancer awareness, Cody has a consistent passion for personal growth and self-improvement. In this question and answer interview, we get a glance at Cody’s motivation and his genuine nature.
1. What made you want to partner with the Oral Cancer foundation?
I was contacted by the founder right away and really liked him. We had similar views and goals and I really wanted to help see those become a reality.
2. If you could tell our younger population one thing about tobacco use, what would it be?
That you do NOT have to use tobacco to be cool, accepted or successful.
3. What is a personal strength you have?
Communication. I like to pride myself on my communication. I‘m not great but I’m constantly working on it.
4. What is a personal weakness you have?
I can get into something and let it consume me.
5. What has been your hardest struggle in life, and how has it benefited you now?
I believe everyone has been through “some shit”. It’s just relative. Some is WAY worse than others but it seems like the worst time of your life and you just want it to end. I went through a hard time and it really changed me. I became much more self-aware and knew what I wanted out of life and what I really did NOT want. I will always be grateful for the hard times in my life.
6. How would your Mother describe you? – in ONE word.
I guessed “stubborn” but she said “tenacious”…
7. Who in your life has had the most significant influence on you and why?
This is really hard for me to answer, I just absorb as much as I can from so many people. My family and friends have had the biggest impact on me. I come from a very close family and was lucky enough to have met some amazing friends, that are family now.
8. What motivates you presently?
Happiness. I’m motivated by just wanting to be successful in anything I do. There is just this wild, crazy animal thing inside me that wants to do everything and be the best at it. Having as many “experiences” as possible just excites me and makes me happy.
9. What does it feel like to ride bucking horses?
When it goes well…the high you get from it, it’s unreal. It’s being on an animal that could potentially kill you, or worse and conquering the beast. The exhilarating feeling sets you off and you just crave more and more of it.
10. As a fitness enthusiast and CrossFit athlete, we know you love to exercise –and we won’t forget a local gym, Upstate Nevada, is dear to your heart - can you tell us what your favorite routine is?
Well, I love Crossfit and training like that so it’s always different. But I would say my favorite workout is either heavy clean and jerks or “Murph”…
1 mile run
100 pull ups
200 push ups
300 air squats
1 mile run
*with a 20lb vest on
Bonus Question – Because we need to stretch out after that round of Murph…
11. What is your most important takeaway from your experience in Rodeo?
Overcoming failure. You have to be able to take a bad ride and throw it away to focus on the next one. Sometimes within minutes of each other, and you could be sore, hurt, angry, anything
Without a doubt, Cody represents someone who will give their best, every single time.
If you have one takeaway from this post, it's that I hope you are inspired to give your personal best while overcoming potential challenges in your life. If something fails, and it will, keep your focus on the "next one." Life is full of chances, choices and opportunities. How we respond to them is on us. So whatever the "next one" symbolizes for you, go for it. Make that "No Score," a victory next time, because we know your hard work will pay off.
Thank you, Cody Kiser , for the inspiration, there is no doubt that you are an incredible human.
Cody continues to advocate for oral cancer. Reach out to us if you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Oral Cancer. If you are interested in donating to help support Oral Cancer Awareness, please visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org
Be Smart, Don’t Start.