Beyond the Chutes

In this episode, Sam and Doug traveled to the Hinton City Park in Collierville, Tennessee, to record with Matt Harris. Matt is a musician and worked as a bullfighting barrel man, part of the Wrangler Bullfighting Tour for 17 years. Matt shares his experiences of the rodeo life, recounting injuries, quick flights to Colorado Springs, and memorable traveling stories. He also discusses attending the...

BTC is on the road again! Hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen travel to Scottsboro, Alabama to talk with International Professional Rodeo Cowboy Marlon Harris. Marlon shares his journey of growing up and finding his passion for rodeo, competing in bareback bronc riding and bull riding. He discusses joining the "Blue Van" - the Rob McDonald Crew, and his extensive traveling experiences. As a histo...

In this special episode, host Doug Simcox continues BTC's coverage of the 32nd annual International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) 2024 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This rodeo is not just about the fast runs, great rides, and high scores; it's also about the community, family, relationships, and the behind-the-scenes hustle of these rodeo families. Doug sits down with Scott Broussard, a dedicated rodeo parent...

In this special episode, host Doug Simcox continues his conversations with the incredible student directors volunteering at the 2024 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR). These young leaders, aged 15 to 19, not only compete in the rodeo but also take on crucial arena duties. With 11 performances over six days, they face high heat, mud, and the challenge of managing upwards of 1,000 contestants....

In this exciting episode of Beyond the Chutes, host Doug Simcox welcomes Kylee Ferguson from the Youth Rodeo Organization, along with her stellar Team Australia members: Molly Harper, Olivia Priester, Cade Ferguson, Hope Doyle, Ameilia Knowles and Ruby Ruckwood. Tune in as they dive into their intense preparation for the International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), held this week in Shawnee, Oklahoma,...

Welcome to the "Beyond the Chutes Rodeo Podcast," where we bring you all the action, insights, and stories from the world of rodeo. In this episode, host Doug Simcox recaps Round 1 of the 2024 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR) held at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center from July 7 to July 12. Join Doug as he talks with Rene Underwood, Co-Director of the Youth Directors, and Youth/Arena Direct...

Host Doug Simcox takes you inside the 2024 International Finals Youth Rodeo (IFYR), held from July 7 to July 12 at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. This renowned event draws top young rodeo talent from around the world, including competitors from Australia. Contestants compete for over $250,000 in prize money, scholarships, and championship awards. Doug sits down with Rene Underwood, Co-Director...

BTC is on the road again, heading to Scottsboro, Alabama for some riveting conversations. Join hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen as they sit down with Bishop Arnold, the longtime traveling companion and funny man, working with the legendary rodeo clown Lecile Harris. In this episode, we delve into the heart of rodeo entertainment, uncovering the secrets behind Lecile's unforgettable acts and ho...

In this special Short Go episode, BTC shifts gears to interview the parents of PBR bull rider Tyler Manor. Join host Doug Simcox he welcomes Adam and Jamy Manor to the show, broadcasting from the King Brothers Rodeo Reunion in New Paris, Ohio. Adam and Jamy share their journey of supporting Tyler, from his early days in junior rodeos to his rise in the PBR circuit. Hear about Tyler's dedication, r...

Join hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen as the BTC bus hits the road, traveling to Springfield, Tennessee, for an exclusive interview with Dennis Morris – Mr. 4-Time, the legendary Four Time International Professional Rodeo Association Bull Riding Champion. In this episode, Dennis shares his journey into the world of rodeo, his remarkable championship wins in 1990, 1992, 1993, and 1994, and his...

BTC is on the road again! Join us on the big red bus as we travel to iconic rodeos and reunions, including this stop in New Paris Ohio, at the legendary King Brothers Rodeo Reunion. Whether you're a seasoned cowboy, cowgirl, or just someone with a love for the wild and rugged life, this podcast is your front-row seat to the most captivating stories from the rodeo arena. Host Doug Simcox captures t...

Welcome to "Beyond the Chutes," your go-to source for unfiltered stories and insights straight from the heart of the rodeo circuit. Hosted by Doug and Sam, this podcast dives deep into the lives of those who live and breathe rodeo. From the thrill of victory to the camaraderie around the campfire, hear firsthand from cowboys, cowgirls, and a myriad of characters in between. In our special "Short G...

In this episode, hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen dive deep with Lenore Calzavera of the legendary Big Hat Rodeo Company, celebrating an astonishing 104 years in professional rodeo. Lenore delivers captivating tales of the company's origins in 1920, the incredible journey of her Italian immigrant family, and the fascinating evolution of rodeo through the decades. Get ready for a thrilling disc...

In this unforgettable episode of "Beyond the Chutes," host Doug Simcox sits down with rodeo legend Jerry Bellis for an in-depth conversation that spans decades of rodeo history and personal triumphs. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected announcers and competitors in the sport, Jerry shares his incredible journey with candor and humor. Join us as we delve into Jerry's ea...

Welcome to the second episode of our podcast exploring the life and career of Jerry Bellis, a legendary pro rodeo announcer who spent over 30 years announcing for the Longhorn Rodeo Company. Recorded on Jerry's front porch in McEwen, Tennessee, this series offers a unique glimpse into his experiences and the world of professional rodeo. Join us as Jerry shares his stories, insights, and the challe...

Join Sam and Doug on their Tennessee BTC recording tour as they bring you captivating stories from the heart of the rodeo world. In this episode, they stop in McEwen, Tennessee, to visit the legendary Pro Rodeo Announcer, Jerry Belles. Sam and Jerry reminisce about their days in South Florida, sharing tales of working cattle and the unique challenges of life on the rodeo road. Tune in for an engag...

Step back into the world of 1960s rodeo with Alan Coleman. From his early days learning calf roping with a simple Western Horseman book to becoming a respected figure in the rodeo community, Alan's journey is nothing short of legendary. In this episode, Alan recounts his rigorous training regimen of roping 100 calves per day, purchasing his renowned horse, Lester, in 1973, and qualifying for the I...

Join us in a conversation with the Goodrich family—Julie, Cliff, and Chism—as they share insights from the rodeo trail. We meet Julie Goodrich, a four-time IFR qualifier in barrel racing, who discusses her psychological approach to competing, including the importance of visualizing her runs for enhanced performance. Cliff Goodrich, a veteran cowboy and five-time IFR average winner, reflects on his...

Take a ride back in time with Mike Fletcher, the 1983 IPRA Saddle Bronc Riding Champion, as he shares his experiences with the Tulsa Twisters in the world of Team Rodeo. From the excitement of competing for the Twisters in the Major Rodeo League and Pro Team Rodeo to the challenges of traveling and the camaraderie among teammates, Mike provides a firsthand account of this exhilarating chapter in r...

Description: Step into the rugged world of Tom Oar, the History Channel's Mountain Man, in this BTC episode. Join us as we explore Tom's extraordinary life, from his childhood days performing in the Wild West Show at the tender age of seven to his thrilling adventures in the International Rodeo Association, including his qualification for the first International Finals Rodeo. Listen as Tom shares...

Join us as New York native Russ Romano takes us on a whirlwind journey from his childhood in Rochester to the adrenaline-fueled world of rodeo. Growing up alongside neighbor Gary Cicoria, Russ spent his days playing football on the neighborhood "lot," a passion that would propel him to a career as an offensive center in the Canadian Football League. After hanging up his cleats, he embraced a new a...

Step into the fascinating world of rodeo with Ed Prozer, a true veteran of the arena. From his humble beginnings in New Jersey to mastering the saddle bronc at iconic rodeo venues like the Calgary Stampede, Ed's journey is one of grit and determination. Join us as we hear Ed's captivating stories of triumph and hardship, from his early days as a bullfighter to his love for fishing in his later yea...

Dan Stoneham, Benton Area Rodeo Association committee member, talks about 39 years of award-winning rodeo history. How they started this great Pennsylvania rodeo, of the American Professional Rodeo Association in 1985 and how they raised money for the Benton Community. How a farmer, eager to support the cause, donated his land, how the Golf Course provided spectator parking and how the committee s...

Uncover the captivating world of rodeo culture in this episode of Beyond The Chute, as we journey through the lens of acclaimed photographer Tom Wood. From his upbringing in the bustling city of Chicago to his immersion in the heart of Illinois' rodeo scene, Tom's passion for capturing the essence of people shines through in every frame. Join us as we hear firsthand accounts of Tom's dedication, f...

World Champion Saddle Bronc rider Mike Fletcher shares a powerful story about the day he rode the legendary J Bar J bareback bronc Nightmare on a cold and blustery day in northern Michigan. In his ministry, Mike shares this inspiring story from the pulpit, to describe his personal relationship with God. Nightmare was a great bucking horse and an even more incredible broodmare, with over 60 of her...