Advertise on podcast: 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.

2025 Team Roping World Champion Jake Long joins NFR Extra for an honest conversation about the journey to his first gold buckle. Jake shares how experience, family, and a new perspective have changed the way he approaches competition, from choosing the right partner and trusting his horses to finding the balance between practice and staying fresh throughout the season. He also takes listeners behind the scenes of the Wrangler NFR, explaining the strategy behind competing for a world title and sharing the emotional story of the moment he officially became a World Champion. Filled with insight, humility, and a few unforgettable stories, including the legend of his lucky tie-dye shirt, this episode is a candid look at what it takes to finally reach the top after years of chasing the dream.

2025 World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Statler Wright joins NFR Extra for a candid conversation about the little moments that added up to his first gold buckle. From last-minute rodeo entries and competing just days after becoming a dad to winning the world title by the narrowest of margins, Statler shares the stories that shaped his championship season. He also opens up about life inside the legendary Wright family, balancing rodeo with his growing family, and why the year after winning a gold buckle may be more challenging than he ever expected. Filled with family stories, laughs, and an honest look at the highs and humbling moments of rodeo, this episode shows a different side of one of the sport's newest World Champions.

2025 World Champion Bareback Rider Rocker Steiner joins NFR Extra for an honest, entertaining, and insightful conversation about his journey to the top of rodeo. Rocker reflects on turning pro at 18, the lessons he learned from early setbacks, and how a different mindset helped him capture his first gold buckle in 2025. He shares stories from the pressure-packed final rounds in Las Vegas, his unforgettable trip to the White House, and the influence of a legendary rodeo family that pushed him to work harder, not shy away from expectations. From discussing confidence, competition, and the pursuit of greatness to laughing about family stories and life on the road, Rocker gives listeners a candid look at the person behind the world title. This episode is packed with humor, motivation, and the mindset of a champion who believes that winners find a way to win, no matter the challenge.

Three of rodeo's biggest stars—Stetson Wright, Kassie Mowry, and Riley Webb—pull up a chair for a fun, candid Round Table conversation on NFR Extra. From their journeys to becoming repeat World Champions to the legends who inspired them along the way, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes insight that fans rarely get to hear. The trio talks about life on the road, traveling habits, future goals, horses, breeding programs, and the athletes they believe are the next generation of rodeo stars. They also dive into what legacy means to them, whether they see themselves as role models, and the championships that still remain on their bucket lists. Relaxed, authentic, and full of champion-to-champion conversations, this episode gives listeners a unique glimpse into the personalities, friendships, and passion that drive some of rodeo's best competitors.

Singer/songwriter Jarrod Morris joins the show for a deep dive into music, creativity, and the western lifestyle that shaped him. Jarrod shares how his sound evolved from Texas country folk songwriting into a gritty blend of rock, blues, and country influences—drawing inspiration from punk, grunge, Texas blues, and rock 'n' roll. Describing his style as "American Pie meets Tombstone," he opens up about creating music that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. Jarrod talks about growing up surrounded by music, family jam sessions, and eccentric independent thinkers who encouraged creativity and individuality. Though he was raised around western culture in Texas, his early passions leaned more toward sports, skateboarding, and motocross before eventually finding his place in the western world through family connections and hard work alongside his brother-in-law. The conversation also explores the journey of becoming comfortable on stage, overcoming stage fright, and learning to trust himself as an artist. Jarrod reflects on playing beach bars in Florida during college, writing the song "Red Bandana" that helped launch his career, and why both lyrics and music matter equally in his songwriting process. He also shares insight into his own show, Jarrod Morris Vibe, where he hopes to spotlight overlooked voices in music while bridging the gap between the music and western industries. This episode is packed with authenticity, storytelling, and the passion of an artist carving out his own lane.

2025 PRCA Announcer of the Year and Wrangler NFR announcer Anthony Lucia joins the show to share the unforgettable experience of stepping behind the microphone at rodeo's biggest stage. Anthony reflects on the emotions of his first NFR, from spending Round 1 simply observing and taking notes to finally stepping into the arena on Night 2. He shares the powerful moment he announced "Montana" alongside legendary announcer Bob Tallman and how the crowd's reaction made the moment feel bigger than himself. Anthony opens up about the pressure, preparation, and responsibility that comes with being the voice behind some of rodeo's most historic moments. Having previously performed at the NFR as a trick roper, he explains the difference between being a rodeo performer and being the announcer guiding fans through the action. From nervous opening lines to finding peace in leading the prayer before performances, Anthony gives listeners an honest look into the mindset behind the microphone. The conversation also dives into family, faith, and humility. Anthony shares the story of meeting his wife Lisa—former Miss Rodeo America—and how their relationship helped shape him both personally and professionally. He reflects on winning PRCA Announcer of the Year for the third time, explaining why the title doesn't define him and why honoring legends like Bob Tallman and Randy Corley remains so important to him. This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, behind-the-scenes insight, and a deep appreciation for the people and moments that make rodeo special.

In this episode of NFR Extra, we sit down with 2024 PRCA Sound Director of the Year & 2025 Wrangler NFR Music Director Brad Narducci for one of the funniest and most entertaining conversations yet. Raised around rodeo with a bull-riding father and bronc-riding grandfather, Brad shares how he unexpectedly found his path in the sport—not as a cowboy, but behind the music. What started as a dare to announce a tourist bull riding event in West Glacier, Montana—with nothing but a Jimmy Buffett CD and pure chaos—turned into the beginning of an unforgettable career. Brad tells the story of learning how to DJ, mastering the art of reading a crowd, and eventually making the jump from announcing to becoming one of rodeo's top music directors. From weddings and small-town events to major PBR productions and ultimately the Wrangler NFR, he reflects on the journey, the pressure, and the moments that made it all feel real. He also shares behind-the-scenes insight into his first year as NFR Music Director, including the unforgettable moment he hit play on opening night and the electric atmosphere surrounding Stetson Wright's iconic 90-point ride. Filled with jokes, laughter, and nonstop storytelling, this episode perfectly captures Brad's personality and passion for entertaining fans on rodeo's biggest stage.

In this episode of NFR Extra, we sit down with 8-time Wrangler NFR Steer Wrestling qualifier Will Lummus for a candid conversation about longevity, consistency, and evolving with the sport. With nearly $2 million in career earnings, Will shares how he originally got into rodeo simply to make some money and enjoy the ride—not necessarily chase gold buckles or milestones. Now, heading into another season, he talks about creating a smarter hybrid schedule of around 50 rodeos to stay healthy while still competing at a high level. Will also opens up about his role as Head Coach at Northwest Mississippi and how coaching has sharpened his own game. By teaching younger athletes, he's found himself re-learning fundamentals, placing a greater emphasis on the mental side of competition, and seeing firsthand which college athletes have what it takes to reach the next level. He explains why the College National Finals Rodeo is the biggest stage many will ever see—and how a select few are preparing for something even bigger. The conversation also dives into life at the NFR, where Will says he's more confident now than ever before. From sponsor obligations during the day to trading late-night Vegas after parties for dinner with his wife Jenna and an early bedtime, he shares how priorities have changed over the years. Add in funny stories, favorite Vegas restaurants, routines that keep him performing, and his honest thoughts on the next generation of competitors, and this episode is full of insight, humor, and veteran perspective from one of steer wrestling's best.

In this episode of NFR Extra, we sit down with Wrangler NFR qualifier and 2025 Top Gun winner T.J. Gray fresh off a career-defining season. T.J. reflects on his second trip to the Wrangler NFR, crossing the million-dollar mark in earnings, and winning over $300,000 in Las Vegas after entering the Finals with $180,000 already won. He talks about how dramatically the money in rodeo has changed over the years—and jokes that there's still somehow a hole in his wallet. T.J. shares how he's kept life grounded since Vegas, putting most of his winnings into a new home with his fiancée while taking some time to heal up and recharge for the 2026 season. He opens up about his simple approach to competition: no scoreboard watching, no standings obsession—just one bull at a time. From daily recovery routines to joking that his spirit animal is a sloth because he likes to move slow and stay relaxed, T.J. gives listeners an honest look at what keeps him ready to perform. He also tells stories about advice from Sage Kimzey, learning the ropes from his older brother, growing up watching bull riding legends like J.W. Harris on VHS tapes, and why mastering the little bulls helps make the big ones easier. With insight, humor, and the mindset of a champion, this episode is a must-listen for rodeo fans everywhere.

In this episode of NFR Extra, we sit down with rodeo wife, entrepreneur, and creative spirit Hailey Holman. From growing up in Hawaii to heading to Cal Poly on a rodeo scholarship, Hailey shares the journey that led her to meeting her husband, Lefty Holman—and how a challenging rookie-year injury ultimately brought them closer together. She opens up about navigating life during COVID, long-distance between Hawaii and the rodeo road, and how their relationship grew into a true partnership—balancing rodeo, business ventures, and now parenthood. From building rental properties in Hawaii and California to launching Buckem Co., Hailey gives a behind-the-scenes look at creating a life rooted in passion and purpose. Hailey also shares the joy (and reality) of raising their daughter Viva, whose big personality is already stealing the show, along with how their priorities are shifting toward more time at home. Plus, she dives into her love for chain stitching—bringing new life to old pieces through a hands-on craft that reflects her appreciation for authenticity and storytelling. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about love, growth, creativity, and choosing to live with gratitude and passion every step of the way.