Beyond the Chutes

In this exciting episode of Beyond the Chutes , host Doug Simcox catches up with Team Australia at the 33rd Annual International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Oklahoma. With nearly 1,000 competitors and $250,000 in cash and prizes on the line, Team Australia made the 30-hour journey from Down Under to compete against the best young rodeo athletes in the world. You’ll meet team members Holly Bryan...

Step into the heart of rodeo history with this second episode from the 2nd Annual King Brothers Rodeo Reunion in Lewisburg, Ohio. Host Doug Simcox brings you personal, funny, and powerful conversations with the cowboys, cowgirls, secretaries, stock contractors, and trick riders who helped shape rodeo in the Midwest. Meet Debbie Tatkowski—married her husband Jim on horseback in front of a live rode...

In this episode of Beyond the Chutes , host Doug Simcox sits down with Rick Bevington—roughstock cowboy turned respected pro rodeo judge—at the 2nd Annual King Brothers Rodeo Reunion in Lewisburg, Ohio. Rick shares his unforgettable journey from riding bareback horses, saddle broncs, and bulls across the Midwest in the late '70s to becoming a seasoned rodeo official with over 40 years of judging e...

Saddle up for a ride through the adventures of the RV lifestyle—where every road leads to a new story and the journey is half the thrill. Stan and Doug meet in Billings, Montana. In this heartwarming episode of The Wandering Gypsy RV Life , host Stan Cromlish welcomes special guest Doug Simcox—rodeo storyteller and host of Beyond the Chutes Rodeo Podcast —for a deeply personal, funny, and wide-ran...

Bullfighter Sid McKissick shares how “cow sense,” grit, and a Southern drawl took him from Wetumpka to the Bud Light Cup Tour—only on Beyond the Chutes. In this down-to-earth episode of Beyond the Chutes , host Doug Simcox sits down at the Kickback Ranch with Alabama native Sid McKissick , a former bullfighter whose career began not with a plan—but with pure “want to.” From a stockyard in Wetumpka...

Discover the untold story of rodeo legend Sid McFarland—55 years of bullfighting, clowning, and cowboy grit in this unforgettable Beyond the Chutes Rodeo podcast episode. In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Chutes , host Doug Simcox sits down at the Kickback Ranch in Raymer, Alabama, with legendary rodeo clown and bullfighter Sid McFarland . A city-raised kid turned rodeo lifer, Sid shares his...

True grit, busted limbs, longhorns worth six figures—and one horse who checked into the Holiday Inn. Only at Kickback Ranch. In this unforgettable episode of Beyond the Chutes , host Doug Simcox heads to Jerry and Mindy’s Kickback Ranch in Raymer, Alabama, for one of the most heartfelt and hilarious rodeo reunions in the South. Listen in as rodeo legends, livestock pros, and cowboy storytellers sh...

Welcome to the launch of BTC Classics Throwback Thursday —where we bring back some of our most inspiring and memorable episodes from the past! To kick off the series, we’re revisiting a conversation with Betty Johnson , the driving force behind the New York State Rodeo Museum Facebook page . Betty shares her passion for preserving rodeo history, her vision for a rodeo museum in upstate New York ,...

BTC host Doug Simcox travels to Ramer, Alabama and sits down with legendary pro-rodeo announcer Jerry Todd . From riding bareback horses to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in rodeo, Jerry shares his incredible journey. We discuss his start in announcing, being discovered by Preston Fowlkes , meeting his mentor Clem McSpadden, and working with several of the top stock contractors like...

In this episode of Beyond the Chutes: Quiet Enough to Ride , host Doug Simcox dives deep into The Empowerment Dynamic (TED) and the critical shift from the Victim Mindset to the Creator Mindset . We break down the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT) —how blame, shame, and guilt fuel the roles of Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer—and explore the path to reclaiming personal power. Doug unpacks the three key...

Join host Doug Simcox as he sits down with Windy Ratchford Lattin , a trick riding sensation who grew up in the heart of rodeo. Raised in the legendary Wild Horse Rodeo Company , Windy shares her earliest memories on the road, her secret practice sessions, and her rise to the premier Longhorn Rodeo stage . Windy reflects on the mentors and legends who shaped her journey, including Lenore Rowe, Nan...

In Episode 10 of our special series, Quiet Enough to Ride , host Doug Simcox dives into The Empowerment Dynamic (TED)—a powerful mindset framework created by David Emerald that teaches us that there are 2 orientations to life that we can take: victim or creator. Doug shares a personal story about his friend and mentor David G., whose lessons in leadership, resilience, and self-awareness shaped Dou...

In this episode of Behind the Chutes , host Doug Simcox sits down with Wendell Ratchford , the 1976 IPRA World Champion Bull Rider and owner of Wild Horse Rodeo Productions . Wendell shares his journey from riding bulls at 14 to building a legendary career in rodeo production and stock contracting . From hauling bucking stock for Longhorn Rodeo Company to developing top-tier bareback and saddle br...

Join host Doug Simcox as he takes you Beyond the Chutes , the podcast that dives deep into all things Western — rodeo, cutting horses, reining, ranching traditions, and more . From legendary competitors to rising stars , from historic rodeo moments to the behind-the-scenes heroes , this show gives you an all-access pass to the world of Western sports and culture. In this episode, we welcome Michae...

Step into the boots of Marty Martins, a rodeo cowboy turned prosecutor, in this captivating episode of Beyond the Chutes . Host Doug Simcox delves into Marty’s extraordinary life—from riding bareback broncs and announcing rodeos to putting criminals behind bars. Marty shares thrilling stories from the rodeo circuit, including near-death experiences, legendary bull rides, and the camaraderie of the...

This week, Doug and Sam attended the American Rodeo Eastern Region Qualifier at the AllTech Arena in the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. They recap the event, which began on Thursday and culminated in an exciting championship round on Saturday night. Highlights include Colton Swearingen qualifying for the steer wrestling championship round and showcasing incredible talent in a fiercely compe...

In this episode of Beyond the Chutes , brought to you by Parasite Systems, host Doug Simcox welcomes a true rodeo legend—Ron Martin, the 1977 IPRA Southern Regional Bareback Bronc Riding Champion and a nine-time IFR qualifier, including a dual-event qualification at IFR 1. Ron shares captivating stories from his rodeo career, Ron talks about rodeo injuries, working with Rodeo Legends Bruce Lehrke...

In Episode 9 of Quiet Enough to Ride , hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen explore the transformative power of the phrase It Is As It Is —a mindset rooted in accepting reality and focusing on what you can control. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How letting go of resistance can reduce stress and improve clarity Practical strategies to stay focused and resilient in the face of challenges Insights from Doug...

Welcome to Quiet Enough to Ride , part of the Beyond the Chutes podcast, hosted by Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen. In Episode 8, Doug and Sam delve into the transformative power of being present and fully engaging in the moment. 💡 What You’ll Learn: What it means to truly be present in the arena and in life How mindfulness can enhance focus, calm nerves, and boost performance Practical tools like...

In Episode 7, hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen explore the transformative power of mindful breathing as a cornerstone of the rodeo mindset. Breathing isn’t just about staying alive—it’s a tool for staying calm under pressure, sharpening focus, and performing at your best in the arena, at work, or in everyday life. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How techniques like box breathing and the 4-7-8 method can...

In Episode 6 Host Doug Simcox and co-host Sam Swearingen, a two-time IFR average winner, dive into the Five Levels of Learning —a roadmap for progressing from inexperience to mastery. 💡 Key Insights from This Episode: The journey of growth and the importance of teaching others How setbacks create opportunities for resilience and motivation The critical roles of belief, perseverance, and celebrati...

Join host Doug Simcox as he sits down with Ron Martin, a bareback bronc rider who shares his thrilling experiences with J Bar J Rodeo's legendary Nightmare. This three-time IRA Bareback Horse of the Year (1972–1974) helped put J Bar J on the map, and her legacy lives on through her Hall of Fame grandson, Night Jacket. Nightmare holds the IFR Arena Record at IFR 5 – 90 points. Hear Ron recount his...

In Episode 5 of Quiet Enough to Ride , BTC hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen dive into the balance between the Learner Mindset and the Knower Mindset —a crucial dynamic for success in the 3R’s: Rodeo, Racing, and Wrestling. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How a Learner Mindset fosters curiosity, growth, and adaptability Why a Knower Mindset is essential for confidence during competition Practical strateg...

In Episode 4 of Quiet Enough to Ride , Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen dive deep into the mental game every cowboy and cowgirl must master: Resilience, Focus, and Determination —the three essential pillars of the rodeo mindset. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Strategies to overcome setbacks and thrive both in the arena and on the road Tools to sharpen focus and stay determined during the grind of competition...

In this special edition of Beyond the Chutes , host Doug Simcox reads the March 1980 Rodeo News article, From Parachutes to Bucking Chutes: Tom Wodrich is the Photographer of the Decade. Doug is joined by Tom Wodrich, aka Tom Woods, to reflect on his journey—from growing up in Chicago to becoming a rodeo photography legend. Together, they discuss the striking that decorate Doug's office walls and...