Beyond the Chutes

“People don’t realize it, but a rodeo family is totally different than anything else.”This episode of Beyond the Chutes takes you to Mountain Cove Farms in North Georgia for Reunion XI—a gathering where the mountains wrap around you like a horseshoe and the rodeo roots run deep. Doug and Sam are back together on location at the Show Barn, catching up on the road, the season, and why places like this still matter.You’ll hear from Marlon Harris, the heart and organizer behind Mountain Cove, as the reunion continues in a year marked by both celebration and remembrance. Bill Harris serves as MC for the Legends Awards, honoring the people who built the sport and the community—those in the arena, behind the chutes, and in the background keeping traditions alive.And you’ll meet Rusty Hayes—local legend, Legends Award recipient, and the man known as “Rescue Rusty”—with stories that prove what rodeo family really means: showing up, helping out, and doing it with respect.From prayers and the pledge, to the National Anthem, to laughter in the Liar’s Cabin—this one is about heritage, tradition, and real people.Beyond the Chutes — from the road, from the arena, from the people who live this life. These stories matter.#BeyondTheChutes #MountainCove #MountainCoveReunion #RodeoReunion #RodeoFamily #RodeoLife #RodeoRoots #CowboyTradition #LegendsAward #RodeoHistory #NorthGeorgia #ChickamaugaGA #WesternHeritage #CowboyCulture #LiarCabin #RescueRusty #MarlonHarris #BillHarris #IPRA #PRCA

From a small-town kid in Greencastle, Pennsylvania… to Major League Baseball clubhouses with Ted Williams… to rodeo arenas across America with the Justin Sports Medicine team — Bill Zeigler has lived a life most of us only read about.In this episode of Beyond the Chutes, presented by ParaSight Systems, Bill shares how a handwritten letter and a little help from Nelly Fox led him to the Washington Senators and 22 years in Major League Baseball. He talks about working alongside larger-than-life figures like Ted Williams, Nolan Ryan, and George Bush — and then stepping into the rodeo world at a time when cowboys had little to no medical support on the road.You’ll hear the story behind the early days of the Justin Sports Medicine program, the resistance they faced, and how the mindset of rodeo athletes changed as concussion protocols and injury care evolved. Bill reflects on legends like Keith Isley, Lecile Harris, Harry Vold, and Red Steagall — and why, after all these miles, what he misses most is the people.This is a conversation about toughness, timing, relationships, and recognizing when you’re standing in a blessed moment.These stories matter.

Phil Broome grew up in northwest Georgia with a wrestling coach who taught him one thing: “This is your Opportunity Period.”That mindset carried him from high school state championships to the bareback riding chutes — but the road wasn’t straight, and it wasn’t easy.In this episode of Beyond the Chutes, Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen sit down with Phil to talk about:• Winning a Georgia state wrestling championship in 1981 • Learning bareback riding the hard way at open rodeos across the Southeast • The influence of mentors like Lyle Sankey and John Luthi • The technical rebuild that changed his riding career • Making the leap to rodeo full time in his 30s • Competing in the PRCA and qualifying for multiple circuit finals • Major injuries, including shoulder surgery and the wreck that ended his career • And the brotherhood that helped fill the gap after losing his younger brother in 1986Phil doesn’t present himself as a legend. He presents himself as a competitor who loved the sport, learned from mistakes, and kept showing up.This episode is about mindset, persistence, grief, growth, and the relationships that make rodeo more than a paycheck.Because in the end, it isn’t just about buckles.It’s about the people you share the road with.This is Beyond the Chutes, presented by ParaSight System.#BeyondTheChutes #PhilBroome #BarebackRiding #RodeoLife #PRCA #IPRA #WrestlingMindset #CowboyBrotherhood #RodeoHistory #CircuitFinals #InOurRoots

BTC is on the road at the First Frontier Circuit Finals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sitting down with Larry Frost — a rodeo producer from Levant, Maine whose story proves rodeo doesn’t always start with a business plan.It starts with a dream, a family willing to do the work, and a commitment to community.In this Friday night bonus episode, Larry shares how a phone call turned into a charity rodeo that feeds cowboys lobster and steak, supports causes like Shriners and Make-A-Wish, and brings people together rain or shine. You’ll hear about perseverance, small-town rodeo roots, and why memories — not money — are the real payoff.Recorded live at the First Frontier Circuit Finals. Unscripted. Honest. Full of heart.Beyond the Chutes — because these stories matter.#BeyondTheChutes #RodeoPodcast #FirstFrontierCircuit #FFCF #RodeoLife #RodeoHistory #RodeoCommunity #WesternLifestyle #SmallTownRodeo #CharityRodeo #RodeoProducers #BehindTheScenesRodeo #TheseStoriesMatter

Recorded on the Texas Swing, host Doug Simcox steps inside The Buckhorn—Kelly Clark’s one-of-a-kind “man cave” that turned into a full-blown rodeo museum. Walls covered in championship saddles, a U.S. map marked with the places Kelly’s competed, and artifacts that stretch back to the early days of organized rodeo… it’s overwhelming in the best way.In this first conversation with Kelly, we start at the beginning: the Clark family story, the 1955 moment that lit the fuse, and the grit it took to build a life in rodeo. Kelly shares the remarkable legacy of his dad, John Clark—an IRA great with the Hall of Fame résumé—and the reality behind chasing world titles when rodeo isn’t a hobby… it’s a lifestyle.You’ll also hear Kelly’s perspective as a true rodeo historian: how the IRA/IPRA evolved, why “cards in your pocket” never mattered as much as talent, and how rodeo got better (and why it still needs people who care enough to leave it better than they found it).And then—right at the end—Kelly lands an unforgettable story that ties champions, family, and legacy into one word Doug can’t help but say out loud: “Wow.”📍 Bonus: You can see The Buckhorn in our Buckhorn Reels on the Behind the Chutes Facebook page.#BeyondTheChutes #BehindTheChutes #KellyClark #TheBuckhorn #RodeoHistory #RodeoLife #BullRiding #TexasSwing #RodeoPodcast #WesternHeritage #CowboyCulture #ProRodeo #IPRA #IRA #IFR #RodeoNews #JohnClark #HallOfFame #BuckingBulls #CowboyStories #RodeoLegacy #RanchLife #Chute2Productions #StockContractor #WesternLifestyle #CowboyUp #AmericanWest #RodeoFamily #BehindTheScenesRodeo

BTC On the Road AgainThis Bonus Episode of Beyond the Chutes was recorded on the road at the First Frontier Circuit Finals, inside the Penn Harris Hotel, while the competition was still unfolding.Sam Swearingen and Doug Simcox sit down with Raymond Hostetler and Tyler Waltz in the middle of the Finals, with rounds already completed and one more to go. The conversation captures real-time decision-making, Finals pressure, injuries, fitness, equipment changes, and what it takes to stay competitive in roughstock rodeo.After this conversation was recorded, Raymond Hostetler went on to win two rounds, the average, and the year-ending saddle bronc riding championship at the First Frontier Circuit Finals — a result that underscored everything discussed in this episode: preparation, patience, and trusting the process.There’s no polish and no hindsight here — just rodeo, recorded as it happened.BTC was on the road again, capturing the stories that matter, right where rodeo happens.🎙️ This is Beyond the Chutes.

Rodeo is won long before the gate opens.Recorded at the First Frontier Circuit Finals, this episode of Beyond the Chutes dives deep into the mental side of competition with bareback rider Tyler, saddle bronc rider Raymond, and rodeo cowboy, stock contractor, mentor and coach, Sam Swearingen.This conversation is part of our Quiet Enough to Ride series—where we explore why elite competitors agree that rodeo is 90% mental at the highest level.Inside this episode:Why visualization works (and how it replaces bad reps)The difference between conscious thought and flow state“See it. Feel it. Trust it.” — and why it mattersHow purpose (“your why”) fuels longevity in rodeoWhy “just making the finals” is a losing goalHow mental reps fire the same muscles as physical repsBuilding confidence without egoFixing mistakes without stepping into the practice penIf you’ve ever wondered why some competitors shine under pressure while others fade, this episode explains it—clearly, honestly, and from lived experience.Because great rides don’t start in the arena. They start between your ears.#BeyondTheChutes, #RodeoMindset, #QuietEnoughToRide, #RodeoLife, #BarebackRiding, #SteerWrestling, #RodeoTraining, #MentalGame, #WesternHeritage, #CowboyCulture

Beyond the Chutes — BTC Short Go (Presented by ParaSight System) brings you a quick, share-size “M&M” bite of rodeo life from the PRCA First Frontier Circuit.In this Short Go, Jamie Myers (wife of tie-down roper JR Myers) shares what happens behind the scenes at the Circuit Finals — including the real work of pulling together awards and competitor goodies for the Top 12 headed to Harrisburg. Jamie also talks about their family, including their son Gater Myers (7), and their horse training operation, Myers Performance Horses / JR & Jamie Myers Performance Horses.You’ll hear about:How the First Frontier Circuit Finals awards come togetherThe sponsors and support that keep Western heritage strongTheir horse training facility near Harrisburg and the daily grind behind the winsMentoring youth rodeo and helping young athletes move toward college rodeoStaying positive, trusting the process, and keeping faith at the center of it allShort. Quick. Made to pass along.Beyond the Chutes — as presented by ParaSight System.#BeyondTheChutes, #PRCA, #FirstFrontierCircuit, #FirstFrontierFinals, #TieDownRoping, #CalfRoping, #ProRodeo, #RodeoLife, #RodeoFamily, #MeetTheCompetitor

This is Beyond the Chutes, and this special Bonus Episode was recorded on the road at the First Frontier Circuit Finals.In this episode, Sam Swearingen sits down with bullfighter Riggin Dailey for a candid, in-the-moment conversation about one of the most dangerous and least understood jobs in rodeo — helping keep the cowboys safe.Recorded during the Finals, this conversation goes beyond the action in the arena and into the preparation behind it. Riggin talks about staying fit, staying alert, reading animals, and approaching bullfighting as professional work — not bravado.They discuss coming back from injury, earning trust, learning the game the right way, and soaking in every opportunity, knowing that nothing in this line of work is guaranteed.There’s no polish and no hindsight here — just real rodeo, real responsibility, and the mindset required to step into danger for others.BTC was on the road again, capturing the stories that matter — right where rodeo happens.🎙️ This is Beyond the Chutes.

This episode of Beyond the Chutes, as presented by ParaSight Systems — helping vets help pets, was recorded Friday morning at the First Frontier Circuit Finals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.In this conversation, Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen sit down with Tom Glause, CEO of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, for an honest, people-first discussion about leadership, relationships, and the realities of managing a sport built on trust.Tom shares life lessons from growing up in rodeo, insights from circuit management, and what it means to lead a people-based organization where hard decisions are unavoidable and balance matters. They talk openly about the current state of the PRCA, the challenges that still exist, and why ingenuity and strong relationships are required to keep rodeo moving forward.During the conversation, Tom praised the First Frontier Circuit and Brock Hower’s leadership, pointing to a season that added a fourth performance and raised the $85,000 required to fund it — a clear example of leadership, collaboration, and commitment behind the scenes.This isn’t a press conference. It’s a conversation about people, responsibility, and the work it takes to sustain the sport.🎙️ This is Beyond the Chutes.

BTC On the Road Again | First Frontier Circuit FinalsThis is Beyond the Chutes, and this special Bonus Episode takes you inside the First Frontier Circuit Finals — not from the stands, but from the quiet moments just before it all happens.Recorded on the road at the Penn Harris Hotel, just hours before the final performance, this episode features a real-time conversation with Brianna Waltz — IPRA World Champion breakaway roper, registered nurse, wife, and mom — as she prepares for the biggest runs of the weekend.Brianna shares what preparation really looks like when the draw is posted and the pressure is real. From trusting a quirky but honest horse, to simplifying the barrier, managing mindset, and balancing rodeo with work and family life, this conversation captures rodeo as it unfolds, not years later.There’s no polish. No hindsight. Just mindset, preparation, and trust — told in the calm before the gate swings open.BTC was on the road again, recording the stories that matter — right where rodeo happens.🎙️ This is Beyond the Chutes.#BeyondTheChutes #BTCOnTheRoad #RodeoPodcast #FirstFrontierCircuit #BreakawayRoping #IPRARodeo #ProfessionalRodeo #RodeoMindset #CowboyCulture #CowgirlStrong #WesternHeritage #RodeoLife #WomenInRodeo #BehindTheScenes #OnTheRodeoRoad

Beyond the Chutes | First Frontier Circuit Finals SeriesBefore the gate opens and the clock starts, there’s a moment when it’s just a rider, a horse, and everything you’ve worked on to that moment.In Episode 1 of our special First Frontier Circuit Finals series, we sit down with Karissa Landis, a barrel racer from Middleburg, Pennsylvania, whose journey to success has been shaped as much by trust and patience as by speed.Recorded on site at the First Frontier Circuit Finals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this conversation goes far beyond the arena dirt. Karissa shares the deeply personal story of Old Man Cash — the horse who carried her through her youth, her grief, and her growth as a competitor.In a meaningful full-circle moment, Karissa purchased Cash from my daughter Kathleen Simcox, who took a soured barrel racing horse out of the arena for nearly two years and made riding fun again. By stepping away from competition, riding with a partner, and allowing a horse to simply be a horse, Cash found his way back — not just as a competitor, but as a true teacher.Karissa opens up about:Growing up in rodeo and starting young in barrel racingLearning hard lessons from difficult horses and tougher seasonsLosing a close friend and finding comfort in the stall, not the spotlightDeveloping the mental game required to compete at the highest levelAnd learning when to stop saying “if I win” and start saying “when I do”The results followed.At the 2026 First Frontier Circuit Finals, Karissa:Won the first roundPlaced in every roundFinished second in the averageAnd earned an invitation to the NFR Open in Colorado Springs this JulyBut this episode isn’t about stats on a scoreboard.It’s about what happens when riders show up for their horses, honor the process, and refuse to settle for anything less than their best.This is the story that sets the tone for the entire series.🎧 Beyond the Chutes — where the real rodeo stories live.#BeyondTheChutes #BarrelRacing #WomenInRodeo #RodeoLife#HorseAndRider #RodeoMindset #FirstFrontierCircuit #NFRopen

In Part 2 of our conversation with Wes Ward, recorded during the Beyond the Chutes Texas Swing 2025 inside the BTC Bus at a Chute 2 Productions bull riding, Wes opens up about the long road that follows a lifetime in the saddle.After riding bareback horses for more than two decades, Wes faced the question every cowboy eventually must answer: What do you do when you can’t get on anymore? From transitioning into rodeo production and announcing, to building a life beyond competition, Wes reflects on the decisions, detours, and mentors that shaped him along the way.This episode dives deep into rodeo’s business realities — moving between the IPRA and PRCA, navigating permits and rookie seasons, college rodeo, hauling with the right people, and learning how to make a living without breaking yourself in the process. Wes also shares candid insight into equipment changes, judging rules, the evolution of bareback riding, and why production and presentation matter just as much as the riding itself.Along the way, Wes honors the people who influenced him most — mentors like Jack Wiseman, friendships formed on the road, lessons learned from rodeo legends, and the quiet guidance that came later in life through faith, service, and teaching the next generation.This is not a highlight-reel episode. It’s a reflection on longevity, purpose, and the responsibility to pass things on better than you found them.This is Beyond the Chutes, presented by ParaSight. Hosted by Doug Simcox. These stories matter.#BeyondTheChutes #WesWard #TexasSwing2025 #RodeoPodcast#BarebackRiding #RodeoHistory #CowboyLife #RodeoAnnouncer#IPRARodeo #PRCARodeo #Chute2Productions #ParaSight#TheseStoriesMatter

In Part 1 of this Texas Swing episode of Beyond the Chutes, host Doug Simcox sits down with legendary rodeo cowboy and announcer Wes Ward for a powerful, story-driven conversation recorded on the road in October 2025.This episode centers on Wes Ward’s early rodeo journey and his deep, personal friendship with Lane Frost — how they first met, traveled together, competed together, and forged a bond that shaped both of their lives. Wes shares rare, firsthand stories of Lane long before fame, revealing the character, humility, and work ethic that made Lane more than just a champion — it made him unforgettable.Wes also reflects on the mentors who shaped him, including the defining moment when Jack Wiseman “taught him how to win,” and how those lessons carried through his bareback riding career, rodeo announcing, and life beyond the arena.This episode explores rodeo heritage, cowboy values, faith, perseverance, and the unseen moments that shape champions. Recorded during the Beyond the Chutes Texas Swing and proudly supported by Parasight Systems, Part 1 sets the foundation for a deeper continuation of Wes Ward’s story in Part 2.

In Episode 2 of Beyond the Chutes, recorded on the Texas Swing 2025, Doug and Sam continue their conversation with rodeo legend Ronnie Williams — a man who didn’t just ride through rodeo history, he helped build it. Ronnie reflects on the hard miles of the old rodeo road, hauling coast to coast with Glen Bird, riding more than 160 rodeos a year, and learning the business of rodeo the hard way — by doing it.The conversation moves beyond the arena to the business and production side of rodeo, where Ronnie discusses the influence of Bruce Lehrke, the impact of rodeo management schools, and the rise of major building rodeos promoted by Lehrke and Steve Gander. Ronnie reflects on legendary productions, including competing in front of massive crowds at the Pontiac Silverdome, and what those events meant for the growth and visibility of rodeo.Ronnie also shares his transition from competitor to leadership, detailing his work as an IRA/IPRA executive, field representative, and advocate for affiliations that helped grow rodeo participation across the country. Along the way, he pays tribute to the entertainers and personalities who defined the era, including Lecile Harris, whose live, unscripted arena performances set a standard that has never been matched.This episode wraps up our visit with Ronnie Williams. If you missed it, be sure to listen to Episode #164 — Ronnie Williams Part 1: “I Didn’t Think You Could Get Hurt Riding a Bucking Horse.” Beyond the Chutes is presented by ParaSight Systems.

In this Part One episode of Beyond the Chutes, Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen sit down in Mineral Wells, Texas with Ronnie Williams, an eight-time IPRA Bareback Riding World Champion, as part of the Texas Swing 2025, recorded in October.Ronnie takes us back to where it all began—growing up on the east side of Fort Worth, buying his first rigging with no guidance, and learning the hard way what it meant to ride bareback horses in the 1960s and ’70s. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories of legendary horses, early IRA rodeos, traveling with Glen Bird, and riding through one of the toughest eras the sport has ever known.The conversation also turns timely and relevant as Ronnie weighs in on the IPRA’s decision to eliminate the mark-out rule in bareback and saddle bronc riding. Released just one week after the NFR—and amid controversy surrounding Stetson Wright’s missed mark-out—this episode offers hard-earned perspective on rules, judging consistency, and how the sport continues to evolve. With the PRCA now using replay review, and major events like the Calgary Stampede and The American no longer requiring a mark-out, the debate is far from over.This is Part One of Two with Ronnie Williams. Part Two is coming soon.🎄 Released December 23. From all of us at Beyond the Chutes—Merry Christmas, and thanks for riding along.

BTC hits Sheridan, Wyoming for a special conversation with Ryan King of the legendary King Saddlery, King Ropes, and the Don King Museum. Doug interviews Ryan King who walks us through the family’s three-generation history — from Don King’s pioneering Sheridan-style tooling to 4,000-rope trips to the NFR, stretching fields, saddle-making lore, museum treasures, and the roots of one of rodeo’s most iconic brands. A heartfelt, humorous look inside the craft, culture, and community that built an American cowboy institution.#BeyondTheChutes #SheridanWyoming #KingRopes #RodeoHistory

In Part 2 of our Weatherford, Texas conversation, six-time IRA/IPRA world champion Glen Bird dives deeper into the wild, gritty, laugh-till-you-cry heart of rodeo life.Glen shares priceless stories of the early Longhorn Rodeo days with Loretta Lynn, Mooney Lynn, and Bruce Lehrke, but two characters absolutely steal the show: the legendary Lecile Harris and George “Nocona George” Taylor. Glen paints the picture of Lecile as the funniest man who ever stepped in an arena—quick-witted, fearless, and capable of wearing a bull plumb out. And he remembers Lecile and Nocona George rolling a barrel into a Loretta Lynn rodeo and bringing the house down without even saying a word. Just pure arena magic.Glen also revisits the miles he hauled with Ronnie Williams, Hewlin, Bernis Johnson and his brother, Arnold—225+ rodeos a year—sleeping in cars, napping in movie theaters, and entering anything with horns. He opens up about the 1976 Ardmore tragedy that took his younger brother Arnold, the concussion streak where he won four rodeos he doesn’t remember entering, and the challenge of serving as Bull Riding Director during the first IFR in Tulsa.We close with ranch life, Hall of Fame honors, his take on today’s bull riders, and Glen’s wish for anyone sliding down on the rope: “I hope everybody keeps making eight.”#BeyondTheChutes #RodeoHistory #GlenBird #LecileHarris #NoconaGeorge #GeorgeTaylor #BullRiding #IPRA #IRA #LonghornRodeo #LorettaLynnRodeo #WesternHeritage #BullRidingHallOfFame #MakeEight #BeyondTheChutesPodcast #inourroots

In their first conversation - Part 1 - Doug and Sam sit down with four-time bull-riding world champion and two-time All-Around (IRA/IPRA) Glen Bird in Weatherford, Texas. From a ranch kid in Matador, TX to one of the sport’s most technically precise riders, Glen shares the road that shaped his perfect style — square shoulders, toes out, and calm breathing even on the rankest bulls.He talks about the man who changed his life: Ag Teacher W.T. “Mr. Woody,” who taught him not just how to ride, but how to learn. We trace Glen’s story through Sunday buck-outs, the cast-and-spur saga, and winter runs in Florida with Johnny Clark, Hal Pilgrim, Red Duffin, and later Ronnie Williams, whose memory for bulls was legendary.Along the way, Glen tips his hat to Ben Jordan, explaining how Jordan’s sense of balance and calm inspired his own technique. It’s rodeo history told straight from the man who lived it — part grit, part grin, and all heart.#BeyondTheChutes #GlenBird #BenJordan #RonnieWilliams #MrWoody #BullRiding #IPRA #IRA #RodeoHistory #TexasRodeo #WeatherfordTX #MatadorTX #PerfectStyle #CowboyLogic #RodeoPodcast #OnTheRoadAgain #TheseStoriesMatter

Recorded onsite at Festival Western de St-Tite, this episode goes inside The American Rodeo with Competition Manager Lane Peterson (Teton Ridge)—from breeding buckers and judging worldwide to building a modern, TV-ready tournament that truly opens doors for athletes. Lane explains the pathway: super qualifiers (St-Tite, Denver, San Francisco, Liberty College Shootout, Brazil) → local qualifier side-pots → three regionals (Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Lexington, KY) → Friday at Globe Life Field (top 15) → Saturday versus the top five in the world for big money, a $100K event win, and that iconic million-dollar bonus round.IPRA General Manager Dale Yerigan joins to detail how the IPRA–American collaboration helps contestants in the East, why complete results matter for qualifiers, and what to expect at Lexington’s fan-favorite stop. We also swap stories on historic bucking horses (hello, High Chaparral), production value, and how the American has evolved into a fast-moving, underdog-friendly show built for live crowds and network TV.If you’ve ever wondered how do I get from my local rodeo to The American?—this is your roadmap.Presented by ParaSight System. Subscribe & stream: BeyondTheChutes.show Follow us on Facebook: Beyond the Chutes#BeyondTheChutes #InOurRoots #TheAmericanRodeo #TetonRidge #IPRA #FestivalWesternSaintTite #StTite #LexingtonKY #GlobeLifeField #RodeoLife #RodeoFamily #WesternWayOfLife #CowboyCulture #RodeoNation #ProRodeo #BehindTheChutes #AmericanQualifier #SuperQualifier #MillionDollarRodeo #ParaSightSystems