Mrs. Janie Johnson was on the opposite side of the mic this time and was still just a joy! She shared her history and her family's history in the Western industry but dove deeper into her film industry background and how that transpired into her career today. She talks about how the rodeo industry's television presence has significantly grown and what it was like to grow with it. And lastly, she shares more about married life and what her inside perspective is of Australians.
May 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 169
Life doesn't always go as planned, but you make the best of it, and that is exactly what Tim O'Connell is doing! Tim talks us through the full story of his injury that will take him out for the rest of 2024. However, Tim also shares the beauty in his story and how this year will be one of many first for himself and his family.
May 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 168
You can certainly hear the laid back but energetic attitude of this cowboy. Lefty shares a whole lot about his life on the road, his life back home with family, and what it is like to be in Las Vegas. He explains the reason behind the gold lions, the white boots and the more recent cornrows.
May 07, 2024•29 min•Ep. 167
It is all things business with the Frontier Rodeo Company. Heath Stewart talks about the company's background, how he started in the business, and how they have progressed to 9X Stock Contractor of the Year. Even with many accolades, the goal is to provide great bucking stock for years to come.
Apr 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 166
Not only is Josh Frost a 4X NFR Qualifier but he has also won four straight Linderman awards! He talks through his story of how competing in every event as a kid has brought him to those accomplishments while working hard to have a structured routine throughout the year to find his path to success.
Apr 12, 2024•32 min•Ep. 165
Tom Glause has served as the CEO of the PRCA since Oct. 8, 2021. During his career, his commitment to the sport of rodeo has been unwavering. He is a current PRCA Gold Card Member and was previously a PRCA contestant. Under his direction, PRCA-sanctioned rodeos have experienced record attendance and growth.
Apr 05, 2024•24 min•Ep. 164
It’s time to fire up the NFR Extra Podcast for 2024. Our first guest is NFR General Manager Allen Rheinheimer. Allen has been involved in the NFR for more than 20 years and has even more experience in equine events. Take a listen to the guy that makes sure everything on the dirt of the Thomas & Mack Center runs smoothly and efficiently.
Mar 27, 2024•26 min•Ep. 163
Ohl put his stamp on ProRodeo in 1994 by winning Rookie of the Year and earning his first trip to the NFR. It would take Ohl a few years to win his first gold buckle. He edged out Fred Whitfield to capture the 1997 tie-down world title and roared through the 1998 season, capturing his second title. He had another record-setting year in 2001 as he added steer roping and team roping in order to compete for the All-Around title. In the ninth round of the NFR, Ohl missed his calf on the first loop. ...
Dec 04, 2023•33 min•Ep. 162
One of the most popular cowboys of his generation, Etbauer won five saddle bronc world titles (1992, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2004) and garners respect for both his go-for-broke style and his humility during his career that covered parts of four decades. A native of Huron, South Dakota, he was the middle brother of three world-class bronc riders. Etbauer qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in his second year as a professional in 1989. He went on to make the field a record 21 consecutiv...
Dec 04, 2023•26 min•Ep. 161
Ian Munsick is taking the music industry by storm as he paints his portrait of the American West. Ian shares how important it is to him to show the authentic side of Western culture through his music. He explains how he truly got started in the industry and what memorable moments he has had since then. He also shares about his visits to Las Vegas for the Wrangler NFR and what this year's NFR will look like with his special event, opening performance, and concerts.
Nov 30, 2023•30 min•Ep. 160
Hooey Brands started in 2009 as just two different hat designs, Joey Austin dives into how and why the brand started. He shares unique stories about how it has grown into its current company and what is most important to the brand overall. Joey also gives insight into BFO and the Hooey Party that happens in December during the Wrangler NFR.
Nov 07, 2023•39 min•Ep. 159
A country music singer, a songwriter, an anthem singer, a barrel racer, a flag girl but ultimately a cowgirl. Kylie Frey has worked hard to do it all and has made a name for herself in the most authentic way. She explains how she has stayed true to herself as she continues to work through the music industry.
Oct 31, 2023•28 min•Ep. 158
There is a lot of history in Las Vegas and particularly in Downtown Las Vegas. CEO Jonathan Jossel was able to give us an inside look plus more. He shares about how he personally got to Las Vegas from Europe, how important it is to keep the history alive and what they are trying to do to make Plaza and Downtown Las Vegas unique from the rest of the city.
Oct 20, 2023•42 min•Ep. 157
A cowboy and a carpenter, Dalton Massey keep himself busy all year long. Dalton shares a bit about his history, how he got into rodeo and doesn't shy away from talking about traveling amongst the rest of the steer wrestlers. Dalton qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this year so we got him to open up about coming to Las Vegas for the first time.
Oct 18, 2023•24 min•Ep. 156
We dove into something customary in the Western Lifestyle but it is such a large operation that not everyone fully understands. Steve Decker with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation explains who and what the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is but also why it exists and how it operates. Steve also talks about their deep-rooted investment in rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Oct 06, 2023•21 min•Ep. 155
Rodeo and hockey are pretty big in the Hay Family. Dawson talks about growing up in Canada, playing hockey, and watching his father become a well-known professional saddle bronc rider. He shares stories about how attending rodeos with his father and watching him in Las Vegas truly inspired him to become the bronc rider that he is today. Dawson also gives us a sneak peek into his life now with his wife Lily and baby girl Honey.
Sep 29, 2023•28 min
Jenna Paulette is a cowgirl at heart. She tells us all about growing up in Lewisville, Texas and how she spent lots of time in Thackerville, Oklahoma helping with the family ranch. She talks about how she found her voice and her journey into country music.
Sep 22, 2023•29 min
The Roundtable features Jess Pope, Caleb Smidt, Zeke Thurston and Tyler Waguespack. These four champions talk about how they got started in rodeo, what motivates them now, the toll rodeo takes on their bodies and what else keeps them busy throughout the year.
Aug 11, 2023•35 min•Ep. 152
What a joy Miss Rodeo America Kennadee Riggs is! Kennadee shares many stories from what it was like growing up with 5 siblings, serving a mission in Brazil, her experience taking on the Miss Rodeo America Pagent, and what it is like now on the road. Her passion and faith-driven personality shines throughout the episode.
Aug 07, 2023•26 min•Ep. 151
The accolades for this world champion cowboy continue. Stetson Wright explains why he is more dedicated than ever, how his mindset on winning has changed and what keeps him going. He also opens up and shares fun stories about his daughter playing t-ball, buying his mom a Jeep and life on the road with Ky Hamilton.
Jul 28, 2023•35 min•Ep. 150
Caleb Smidt opened up and had a candid conversation. He talked a lot about his star horse Pockets and walked through their career together. Then he shared stories about the family and what is to come in the future for this world champion tie-down roper.
Jul 20, 2023•28 min
You are going to hear a little bit of everything from Zeke Thurston. He talks about Canadian food, living in both Texas and Canada, rodeo travel, cattle business, the new baby on the way, Vegas, and of course the Wrangler NFR.
Jul 13, 2023•26 min•Ep. 148
This is a powerful duo and talking to them together you see how much knowledge is between the two ropers. Kaleb and Junior share a lot about the individual nuances that make this team sport work. But they share about their own individual journeys through rodeo and how they ultimately lean on each other to win a gold buckle.
Jul 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 147
Tyler Waguespack is a strong athlete with 3 world titles in steer wrestling but there is definitely a business side to this cowboy. Tyler shares all about the business, the dynamics, the camaraderie amongst the steer wrestlers, and ultimately what his goals are with his rodeo career.
Jun 29, 2023•28 min•Ep. 146
Weddings, Missouri, Elfs, and a whole lot more conversation with this first-time world champion bareback rider! Jess Pope also shares about the start of his passion for rodeo and how that has developed into him becoming the champion rider that he is today.
Jun 23, 2023•25 min•Ep. 145
Back with her 4th WPRCA world title, Hailey Kinsel walks through the challenges she experienced at this last NFR and what little moments made this one unique. She talks about the championship mentality she has built over the years. And she also shares a whole lot about Sister and a few other horses that are now on the road with her.
Jun 16, 2023•26 min•Ep. 144
Butch Knowles is quite familiar with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in more ways than most. Listen to his stories from qualifying for the NFR in Bronc riding to becoming an NFR broadcaster to being inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. He has made quite the impact on the rodeo industry and he shares how impactful it has been on his own life.
May 12, 2023•26 min
Growing up in Australia, Ky Hamilton's story is unique compared to most. He began rodeoing in Australia and then made a move to America to start his ProRodeo journey. He talks about his big wins, qualifying for the NFR, and what it's like to travel with Stetson Wright all year.
May 05, 2023•22 min
Riley Webb is an experienced roper even at the age of 19. Listen to him tell his story about growing up around rodeo, competing at the junior level, qualifying for the NFR, and winning the Resistol Rookie of the Year Award in tie-down roping and all-around. Riley still has some big dreams but is humble about them all.
Apr 28, 2023•23 min
Inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame this year, Luke Branquinho is a cowboy dedicated to Western life. Listen to him share stories about his rodeo career, what he is up to today, and what will keep him busy in this next season of life.
Apr 21, 2023•29 min
