Fair Game with Robert Smith

Today on the Voice of the Fair Podcast, the two Troys. Troy Beise and Troy Lindenfelser from the Wright County Fair in Minnesota share their fair experience, a friendly competition with Michaela Liebl, PLUS, their fairground was a POW camp? All that and more!

Today we catch up with Shane & Danielle Hansen. Shane is 7 years sober on Friday, June 12the and we could not be more happy for him. He and Danielle talk about his sobriety, Danielle’s new Bonnie West show and we talk about the challenge of running multiple units within the industry. All that and more! Rock-N-Circus: https://www.rockncircus.com/ Bonnie West & Her Farm Friends: https://www....

It’s been over 5 years since I first sat down with Josh & Lea Knotts during the pandemic. In this episode we talk about Lea becoming a single mom while Josh travels for work plus we talk about this year’s Florida Fairs convention and the challenges entertainment managers and fair buyers face in booking entertainment. All that and more on Voice of the Fair episode 359. LINKS: Extreme Illusions...

David Grindle, the new CEO of IAFE joins me today. We talk convention, his background, and goals for the future of IAFE. Plus - what's the hill he's willing to die on? All that and more.

Charlie Kirk was an American icon who engaged with college students in civil discourse on college campuses across the United States. He was assassinated in front of his two children and the world on September 10th, 2025. To support Charlie’s message to the world, please visit Turning Point USA www.tpusa.com

This week I’m joined by outgoing IAFE CEO, Marla Calico. After nearly 5 decades serving our fair industry in various capacities, Marla retires effective December 31, 2024. We talk about the upcoming IAFE Convention in Phoenix, her thought process when deciding to retire, what she’s looking forward to in her retirement as well as the folks who mentored her along the way.

Robert Nash is an accomplished entertainer, prop designer and actor. He also the creator of The Living Zultar fortune machine. Yes, that make him a direct competitor to my company’s Conjurer Fortune Machine. We talk about the origin story of his fortune machine as well as our highs and lows of performing a unique character. You’ll be amazed at how similar some of these experiences are.

This week we check in with a young man who is making a name for himself in the fair industry. Cody Rosenbalm is the fair manager for the East Texas State Fair in Tyler, TX. We talk about the fairs move to their new grounds in Tyler, the impact of YP on our industry, plus Cody talks about some of his mentors in the industry.

This week I’m at the Hillsborough County Fair in Florida. I got to hang out with Danny & Lindsay Grant for a bit before the fair opened. The two entertainers bring the Cowboy Circus and Cowgirl Circus to fairs across the midwest and mid-Atlantic regions of America. The show creates incredible memories for the kids and has been dubbed, “The World’s Smallest Rodeo.” On the show we talked about L...

The IAFE Trade Show can be overwhelming. There’s hundreds of booths, everyone is vying for your attention and it can feel like you’re being pulled in every direction. On this week’s show I’ve got 7 tips & tricks for fairs buyers to help streamline the IAFE Trade Show experience.

In today’s episode we’re talking 7 tips and tricks for the IAFE Trade Show. This episode is geared toward the tips that associates might need to help make their IAFE Trade Show more successful. We’ll talk about getting involved, booth design and connecting with new people. PLUS! Check out Tip #6 for one of the cardinal sins committed at the trade show.

In today’s episode we take a look at major headlines from around the fair and agricultural industries including: Texas Supreme Court says State Fair of Texas gun rule stands, New Mexico State Fair sets record attendance, IAFE updates PLUS, Hurricane Helene devastates the ag sector across multiple states.

Buford Bear and His Tiny House along with Alford E. Gator and his Tiny Swamp House have become two in-demand characters in our fair industry. Driving around in an old truck, these two greet fair goers and make wonderful new friends at every fair they attend.

Rachel Lisk is the fair manager in the Lewis County Fair in Lowville, NY. She had quit the adventure this year at her fair and she shares it with us today. All that and more on Fair Game 347.

On today’s episode I welcome Theresa Agricola, Sponsorship Director for the South Florida Fair. We discuss bringing value to corporate partners, plus, Theresa reminisces about her friend and former CEO, Vicki Chouris who retired this year. All that and more!

In today’s episode Kate Turner, Director of Meetings for the IAFE joins me to discuss all things IAFE 2024. We’re talking ed sessions, trade and oh yeah, did we mention installing a Ferris Wheel in downtown Phoenix just for our convention? All that and more! Episode Note: Out of respect for the CEO search process, we made the decision not to discuss any details relating to hiring a new CEO to repl...

This week I welcome Courtny Conkle back to the show. Courtny first appeared on Fair Game #206 in November of 2020. We’ve come a long way since the depths of the Covid pandemic. We talk about how she navigated the Wyoming State Fair through tumultuous times, an amazing grant that she qualified her fair to receive. All that and more on this week’s show.

On today’s episode I sit down with Jeremy D’Angelo from the Maryland State Fair. We discuss his rise in the industry along with the importance of YPI. Oh, and did I mention he’s technically “Employee #1” for Play with Giants? We discuss all of that and more.

Today I’m joined by Scott Kozelka, fair manager for the Steele County Fair in Minnesota. Scott shares his longtime insights as a fair manager, plus he shares some great memories of industry mentor, Elmer Reseland. Join us for all that and more!

In this episode, we are joined by Jacki Stough, the Livestock and Education Manager at the Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Florida. Jacki shares insights into her history in the fair industry and provides a glimpse into running the livestock program at the Central Florida Fair. Additionally, we delve into Jacki's reaction surrounding her recognition with the Florida Federation of Fairs YPI Award.

Country music artist Johnnie Bubar joins us on the show today. We talk about his history in the industry, how he balances his life and work, plus, which country music artist does he think was most influential on country music? All that and more on today’s show.

Today I’ve got one of my absolute favorite people on the show this week. Tasha Hyder is the manager of the Clay County Fair. No ma’am. Not that Clay County Fair. That one is in Spencer, Iowa. Tasha is at the Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Tasha is one of those young professionals who is an asset in every way to our industry. Spunky, quirky and never afraid to try a new idea out,...

Country music artist Jess Kellie Adams joins me this week. We discuss her new single, “I Was,” featuring Cam Payne as well as what inspires her to write music. Later in the episode Jess recounts the thrill of a lifetime - getting to open for the legendary Martina McBride. All that and more! Download "I Was" on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-was/1744443688?i=1744443689 Jess Kellie Adams...

Andrea Peachey is the assistant manager of the Buffalo County Fair in Kearney, Nebraska. Andrea is an avid fitness fanatic with a taste for great fair food and a desire to provide leadership to the teams she works with.

Madison Brooks is the Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. We talk about what it takes to maintain strong partnerships at one of the largest shows in the nation and how she came to land this role. Plus, if she had to relive one day over and over, which day would it be? Find out on today’s episode.