NFR Extra

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.  

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. A second loop caught the calf by the hind legs. As Ohl dismounted, he twisted his knee, tearing two major ligaments. He had to be carried out of the arena by the Justin Sportsmedicine Team. However, he had amassed enough money earlier in the week to secure both the tie-down title and the All-Around title. He accepted both buckles from crutches on the 10th night. He went on to capture his fifth and sixth tie-down roping titles in 2003 and 2006. He still owns the record for the most NFR rounds won with 52.

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 consecutive years, win 51 NFR rounds and surpass $3 million in career earnings. He still shares the NFR record with his 93-point ride on Kesler Championship Rodeo's Cool Alley in 2003. He tied the record a year later on a 10th-round ride that clinched the last of his five gold buckles.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 rodeo. Her passion and faith-driven personality shines throughout the episode. 

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.

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.

You are going to hear a little bit of everything from Zeke Thurston. He talks about Canadian food, living in both Texas and Canadian, rodeo travel, cattle business, the new baby on the way, Vegas, and of course the Wrangler NFR.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

The 2022 rodeo season was quite the year for Bayleigh Choate. Listen to her tell her story about how she become Resistol Rookie of the Year and an NFR Qualifier during a year she didn't anticipate to rodeo full-time.

John Harrison is quite the character! He shares all sorts of stories about his time traveling around the country with his family. He also explains his childhood and how he got into the business of entertaining on this episode of NFR Extra. 

R.C. Landingham has embodied the cowboy spirit even if he doesn't look like the traditional bareback rider. He talks about becoming a million-dollar cowboy but also gets a little deeper into his life story from being a young cowboy to losing someone so special to him. 

Murray's childhood goal was to become the best cowboy ever and to be the first to beat the record of six world all-around titles set by Larry Mahan and matched by Tom Ferguson. He tells us all about his journey from joining the PRCA at the age of 18 and never looked back. He went on to win the World All-Around Title seven times (1989-94, 1998). Ty Murray is being honored at the 2022 Wrangler NFR and he shares how much it all means to him.

Charmayne James had a very historic career. She is a well-known world champion and now will be known as a Vegas NFR Icon. She reshares some of the most iconic stories from her rodeo days and just how important her horses were to those championships. Charmayne James is being honored at the 2022 Wrangler NFR and she shares how much it all means to her.

Trevor Brazile is simply one of the greatest cowboys in ProRodeo history and now he will be known as a Vegas NFR Icon. He gets to talk about the drive that got him to 26 world championships, how his brand Relentless started, and some great stories from over the years. Trevor Brazile is being honored at the 2022 Wrangler NFR and he shared about how much it all means to him.

Andy, Brilynn, and Steve take a different approach to this podcast and bring you an NFR preview. They look over all 7 events, talk about contestant stats, and ultimately give their predictions as to what will happen during the 2022 Wrangler NFR. 

Brendan Gaughan shares a little bit about everything! Being born and raised in Las Vegas, Brendan talks about his childhood and how he got into sports, racing, and becoming a Nascar Driver. He shares about the hotel-casino business and how that transpired into creating City Lights Shine, known as 'The Spirit of Las Vegas.'

Award-Winning singer and songwriter Shane Minor shares the inspiration behind Cowboy Revival and what it means to country music. He gives us a little insight as to who will be performing this year, what it is like to be a songwriter, and what it is like to be Father with a daughter looking to break into the music industry.

Tristan Martin shares an exciting story of how his baby was born the day after the 2021 Wrangler NFR. He also talks about how his big family and the camaraderie of the steer wrestlers shaped his rodeo season. Lastly, Martin gives up his favorite way to drink Community Coffee since it has been a staple all his life.

This man is a legend inside and outside of the arena. Dusty Tuckness explains how his strong faith and determination have gotten him through this comeback journey after his injury at the 2021 Wrangler NFR. 

Joel Cowley of Calgary Stampede gives a recap of what their 10 day event up in Canada typically looks like and what changes can be expected in 2023.

Chad Brown explains how the remodel of Hard Rock Las Vegas turned into the brand of Virgin Hotel Las Vegas today. Chad gives an inside look of what can be expected at the property this Decmeber. He also shares about the passion he has for professional sports but more importantly rodeo and the NFR. 

Sherry Cervi shares about her many different connections to the western, livestock and agricultural world. She also talks about being a  member of the Teton Ridge Team and what exciting things are to come from it.

Jess Pope is well on his way to his third straight NFR. He shares how this rodeo season has gone for him and what it was like winning a rodeo like Rodeo Houston.

American actor and singer Drake Milligan tells his story of where his dreams started and where those dreams have gotten him to today. He shares how Elvis Presley has impacted his life, gives an inside peak prior to finishing third on America's Got Talent and talks about his newest album Dallas/Fort Worth.

Tyler won his third gold buckle at this last NFR and it is one he is most proud of. He explains why, shares his backstory of becoming a rodeo athlete, talks about the team he runs with and so much more.

His third world title in the ropes, Caleb Smidt sits down to talk about what it took to sharpen the skills of a multiple time champion while also buiding a family through the years. 

With one saddle bronc, one bull riding and three all-around titles under his belt, Stetson Wright is focused on becoming legendary. Stetson shares the back stories that have gotten him to this point in his career and where he plans to be in the next 10 years.

Junior Nogueira shares his back story about where his passion for roping came from growing up in a small town in Brazil. He gives insight on how he end up competing in the US and what it has taken to make his dream of winning a world title come true.

Back for his seventh title in 2021, Sage Kimzey talks about the mental challenges he overcame to get his latest gold buckle. He also shares about what life has looked like as a new father and what he sees for his future beyond being a professional athlete.

Scott Sibella may be the President & COO of Resorts World Las Vegas today, but his history in Vegas goes back to the start of the NFR in Las Vegas. Scott shares his history and the vision of the NFR in Las Vegas over the years. 

2022 Miss Rodeo America Hailey Frederiksen shares about her long awaited journey to compete for Miss Rodeo America. She also tells stories about her past and what her passions look like for her personal future after she finishes her reign this December.

Kaleb Driggers is enjoying his first world championship title for all its worth after nine qualifications in the past. Driggers talks about his partnership with Junior Nogueria, the importance of mental focus, accountabilty, and how he prepares for each rodeo including the Wrangler NFR.

After winning her first world champion title and the NFR Average in 2021, the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas really feels like home. Jordon talks about breaking the arena record, her multiple family businesses, and how important raising her daughter around rodeo is to her.

Winning his sixth title in 2021 made him the most decorated bareback rider in history. Kaycee talks about his father's legacy, stories from the road and his mindset as he continues to chase world titles.

We're going gold with Montana Silversmiths Master Engravers Justin and Travis Deacon on this episode. The Deacons share their father and son relationship working together and the artistry that sets them apart from all the other manufacturers.