Episodes
Joe Beaver’s dream of becoming a cowboy began early, roping from the age of five. At just 20, he made his NFR debut as the youngest tie-down roper, claiming his first world title and turning the Thomas & Mack Center into “the house that Joe built.” He recounts his relentless journey to Las Vegas, where he went on to capture four additional world tie-down titles and three all-around championships. Though injuries took him out of the arena, Joe remained a presence at the NFR as a...
Published 10/28/24
Williams and Skelton put on a team roping performance as partners from 1997 until 2004 that may never be matched again in Las Vegas. During that time, the duo racked up eight straight World Championships and also won the average in 2001. Their extraordinary journey to the top is filled with unforgettable moments and hard-earned victories, and now, they're being celebrated as the 2024 Vegas NFR Icons. This legendary duo shares the comical stories behind their remarkable achievements, offering...
Published 10/22/24
Zeke Thurston's goal goes beyond being recognized as a decorated cowboy—he wants to be known as a genuinely good guy. He reflects on the unique meaning behind each gold buckle and shares his thoughts on what his future holds in the sport of rodeo. Zeke also talks about his partnership with MeatEater, recounting some of the memorable but comical hunts he's had with them. Finally, he opens up about the incredible experience of being in Vegas during the Wrangler NFR, how it has changed for him...
Published 08/30/24
The Rodeo Roundtable is a high-energy conversation featuring Tyler Waguespack, Zeke Thurston, Wesley Thorp and Tyler Wade. These four rodeo stars dive into everything rodeo, sharing their greatest triumphs and most hilarious mishaps. They break down each event, discuss the camaraderie amongst athletes, compare their favorite rodeos, and share their visions for the future of the sport they love.
Published 08/23/24
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi's passion for horses shines through when she speaks. She shares her extensive knowledge of breeding, training, hauling, rodeos, futurity and everything horse-related. Brittany also discusses the growth and changes in the industry over the years. She offers insights into how she and her husband, Garret, manage their many horses, with their daughter Tinlee now joining in.
Published 08/16/24
Tyler Waguespack is undoubtedly a professional. He shares what it was like coming down to the final round to win his 5th gold buckle. He talks about his horse power, what it is like being on the road and how connected the steer wrestling community is. Tyler shares about his connection with rookie Cash Robb similar to his time as a rookie with Ote Berry. There is no doubt that he is shooting for another championship but he is also rooting for the guys next to him.
Published 08/09/24
Riley Webb has been hungry since the start. He shares his story about growing up with parents who produced roping and how he was attending rodeos from the time he was born. He talks a lot about his experience in youth rodeo and how much it has changed just in the last few years. Webb also shared about the significance of this gold buckle and how he is itching for another.
Published 08/01/24
Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp make a great team! They sit down and share what makes their pairing work and how having like-minded goals got them to win this world title. They talk about the business of rodeo and that it is important to see it all the way through rather than just living month to month.
Published 08/01/24
Keenan Hayes became the first PRCA Bareback Rider Rookie of the Year to win a world title and the average in his first NFR appearance. Keenan tells us all about his first time in Vegas for the NFR. He shares his story about how he began his rodeo career, what his regimen looks like, or doesn't, and what keeps him busy outside rodeo.
Published 07/19/24
Miss Rodeo America Emma Cameron is just a down-to-earth gal! She shares her story about how she was once a shy girl who didn't like talking to people and has become a humble gal who wants to be herself on and off the stage. We hear about her time in New York studying at Cornell, what life is like on the rodeo for queens and ultimately what she plans on doing when her reign is complete.
Published 07/12/24
The Roughstock Roundtable features Ky Hamilton, Keenan Hayes and Stetson Wright. These three champions talk about what it is like being the young guns coming up and who they look up to in the sport. They talk about their individual events, routines, mindsets and what superstitions they may or may not have.
Published 07/05/24
The 2023 Wrangler NFR was a roller coaster ride for Ky Hamilton but he came out on top. Ky shares his story about winning his first world title and what it has meant to him. He also talks about what it is like traveling but also being best friends with Stetson Wright. We get to find out how that relationship began, how it has evolved, and how well Ky real knows the Wrights.
Published 06/28/24
Stetson Wright surprises us again and again! He shared the complete story of his injury and how his perspective changed after Round 2 of the 2023 NFR. He talks about the different dynamics of the Wright Family and how being the son of a champion has only pushed him to be better. He also shares a little bit about his daughter Kingsley, his thoughts on social media and what his hopes are for 2024.
Published 06/18/24
Brian Williams has served as the NFR Director of In-Arena Video Production for three general managers – Shawn Davis, Boyd Polhamus and Allen Rheinheimer. He shares his story of moving to Las Vegas, how he got into this career and what it was like attending a rodeo for the very first time. After being around the NFR for over 20 years, he shares thoughts on what makes the in-arena experience so important to the NFR and its loyal fans.
Published 05/31/24
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.
Published 05/17/24
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.
Published 05/10/24
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.
Published 05/07/24
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.
Published 04/19/24
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.
Published 04/12/24
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.
Published 04/05/24
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.
Published 03/27/24
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...
Published 12/04/23
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...
Published 12/04/23
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.
Published 11/30/23