NFR Extra

2024 World Champion Bareback Rider Dean Thompson returns to NFR Extra to share the remarkable story of the six months that changed his life. What began as a rodeo injury led to an unexpected cancer diagnosis, four months of treatment, and ultimately the news that he was cancer-free. Dean opens up about the physical and mental road back, the role faith played throughout his journey, and the perspective he gained along the way. Now back in the arena, he says he feels like he's rodeoing on his permit again, free from the pressure of the standings and simply grateful to compete. It's a powerful conversation about resilience, gratitude, and learning to relish the life you've been given.

2025 World Champions Rocker Steiner, Statler Wright, and Tucker Allen take over the NFR Extra Round Table for a conversation that goes just about everywhere. From gold buckles, dream rodeo teams, and their Mount Rushmore picks to guitar collections, favorite comedy movies, and what life might look like after rodeo, the three champions trade stories and plenty of laughs. They also reflect on some of the unforgettable experiences that came with becoming World Champions—from visiting the White House to the surreal moment of walking on stage after accomplishing a dream they had chased their entire lives. Candid, unpredictable, and definitely unfiltered, this Round Table gives fans a chance to get to know the personalities behind the gold buckles. Listener Advisory: This episode contains colorful language, adult humor, and mature conversation.

2026 Miss Rodeo America Olivia Favero joins NFR Extra for a candid look at life behind the crown. Olivia shares how a childhood introduction to rodeo queen pageantry turned into a 15-year journey to Miss Rodeo America and takes listeners behind the scenes of the intense eight-day competition that got her there. From life on the road and representing rodeo across the country to her platform, "Enjoy the Ride," Olivia opens up about staying grounded, chasing what fills your cup, and discovering a new passion for the production side of rodeo. She also reflects on the full-circle moment of answering her final question about welcoming new fans to the sport, a perspective that hits close to home for someone who once entered the rodeo world as a new fan herself.

2025 World Champion Steer Wrestler Tucker Allen joins NFR Extra for a conversation that goes far beyond the rodeo arena. Before diving into his championship season, Tucker shares the unlikely story of his "side job" as a Hollywood stuntman, working on productions like 1883, American Primeval, and Station 19. The conversation then shifts to the journey that led him to his first gold buckle—from learning under World Champion Luke Branquinho to developing the mindset that helped him conquer the Wrangler NFR. Tucker reflects on trusting the process, tuning out the standings, and the emotional moment he realized he had become a World Champion. Filled with great stories, humor, and perspective, this episode offers an inside look at one of rodeo's most unique champions. Editor's Note: This interview was recorded in May 2026. Since this conversation was recorded, Tucker Allen suffered a season-ending injury. We wish Tucker a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the arena.

2025 Team Roping World Champion Andrew Ward joins NFR Extra to share the journey that led to his first gold buckle. From learning the sport alongside his brother to finding championship chemistry with partner Jake Long, Andrew reflects on the importance of trust, confidence, and the mental game that separates good teams from great ones. He takes listeners behind the scenes of the Wrangler NFR, recounting the emotional highs and lows of championship week—including the unforgettable moment he discovered he had won the World Championship. Andrew also shares why family, faith, and a genuine passion for the sport continue to guide his career. Honest, humble, and full of perspective, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of rodeo's newest World Champions.