NFR Extra

© 2019 NFR Extra and Las Vegas Events - All rights reserved.

NFR Extra is a limited-run weekly podcast that focuses on the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and features personal conversations with champions and icons that embody the rodeo and Western lifestyle. Hosted by Andy Seiler, Steve Goedert and Brilynn Bentley, NFR Extra delivers in-depth conversations with Wrangler NFR contestants, as well as additional special guests.

 

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Posted: Friday, November 29, 2024

#189 NFR General Manager Allen Rheinheimer

NFR General Manager Allen Rheinheimer brings a lifetime of experience in the equine world. From growing up on the road with his father, to building a remarkable career, his knowledge runs deep. As December approaches, Allen shares exciting plans for the 2024 Wrangler NFR, including the Review System which will shape the future of the sport.

Posted: Friday, November 29, 2024

#188 2024 NFR Qualifier Cash Robb

This rising star in the rodeo world is no stranger to Las Vegas, but 2024 marks his highly anticipated debut at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Cash shares his inspiring journey into Steer Wrestling, from his early beginnings to dominating the YETI Junior World Finals in Las Vegas. As he gears up for his first NFR appearance, Cash opens up about the excitement, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead. With his sights set high, he’s ready to make his mark on the biggest stage in rodeo.

Posted: Friday, November 29, 2024

#187 Senior VP of Entertainment of Fountainebleau Las Vegas Fedor Banuchi

The Fontainebleau Las Vegas is rolling out the blue carpet for rodeo fans! Fedor takes us inside the newest luxury destination on the Strip, showcasing its stunning casino, world-class dining, vibrant nightlife, and more. With exciting events like viewing parties and concerts, he shares all the details on what guests can look forward to this December.

Posted: Thursday, November 21, 2024

#186 President and CEO of Rio Las Vegas Patrick Miller

With over 28 years of experience, Patrick Miller brings unparalleled insight into the ever-evolving heartbeat of Las Vegas. He dives into the transformative project of revitalizing the iconic Rio Las Vegas, sharing the vision behind its exciting rebirth. Patrick highlights the thrilling events lined up for December while also showcasing the property’s exceptional dining experiences, vibrant bars and lounges, exciting table games, and so much more. Tune in to discover how the Rio is redefining entertainment and raising the bar for Las Vegas!

Posted: Friday, November 15, 2024

#185 American Outlaw Country Singer/Songwriter Cody Jinks

Cody Jinks is a trailblazing independent artist, celebrated for his raw outlaw country sound and powerful, soul-stirring songwriting. Once a metal musician, Jinks defied the odds to become a country icon, carving his own path and thriving on his terms. He opens up about the bold decision to launch his label, Late August Records, and the challenges of transitioning between rock and country. With stories of resilience, unrelenting passion, and a steadfast commitment to artistic freedom, Jinks continues to redefine what it means to be an independent artist in the modern music scene.

Cody Jinks will perform at Dolby Live on December 6-7, 2024.

Posted: Wednesday, November 06, 2024

#184 Entrepreneur and PRCA World Champion Stran Smith

Stran Smith is an accomplished author-in-the-making, a powerhouse entrepreneur, a proud 4th-generation rancher, a PRCA World Champion, and a man of unwavering faith. With resilience forged through trials both in and out of the arena, Stran shares his journey as a passionate cowboy who overcame every obstacle. His story is one of grit, determination, and an unshakeable belief that has fueled his success and inspired countless others.

Posted: Monday, October 28, 2024

#183 Vegas NFR Icon Joe Beaver

Joe Beaver’s dream of becoming a cowboy began early, roping from the age of five. At just 20, he made his NFR debut as the youngest tie-down roper, claiming his first world title and turning the Thomas & Mack Center into “the house that Joe built.” He recounts his relentless journey to Las Vegas, where he went on to capture four additional world tie-down titles and three all-around championships. Though injuries took him out of the arena, Joe remained a presence at the NFR as a commentator, sharing his expertise. Now celebrated as a Vegas NFR Icon, he reflects on a career that continues to inspire young ropers and solidify his legacy as a true rodeo icon.

Posted: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

#182 Vegas NFR Icons Speed Williams & Rich Skelton

Williams and Skelton put on a team roping performance as partners from 1997 until 2004 that may never be matched again in Las Vegas. During that time, the duo racked up eight straight World Championships and also won the average in 2001. Their extraordinary journey to the top is filled with unforgettable moments and hard-earned victories, and now, they're being celebrated as the 2024 Vegas NFR Icons. This legendary duo shares the comical stories behind their remarkable achievements, offering a glimpse into the grit and determination that defined their career.

Posted: Friday, August 30, 2024

#181 4X PRCA World Champion Zeke Thurston

Zeke Thurston's goal goes beyond being recognized as a decorated cowboy—he wants to be known as a genuinely good guy. He reflects on the unique meaning behind each gold buckle and shares his thoughts on what his future holds in the sport of rodeo. Zeke also talks about his partnership with MeatEater, recounting some of the memorable but comical hunts he's had with them. Finally, he opens up about the incredible experience of being in Vegas during the Wrangler NFR, how it has changed for him over the years with having kids and just how truly special it is.

Posted: Thursday, August 22, 2024

#180 Rodeo Roundtable

The Rodeo Roundtable is a high-energy conversation featuring Tyler Waguespack, Zeke Thurston, Wesley Thorp and Tyler Wade. These four rodeo stars dive into everything rodeo, sharing their greatest triumphs and most hilarious mishaps. They break down each event, discuss the camaraderie amongst athletes, compare their favorite rodeos, and share their visions for the future of the sport they love.

Posted: Friday, August 16, 2024

#179 2X WPRA World Champion Barrel Racer Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi's passion for horses shines through when she speaks. She shares her extensive knowledge of breeding, training, hauling, rodeos, futurity and everything horse-related. Brittany also discusses the growth and changes in the industry over the years. She offers insights into how she and her husband, Garret, manage their many horses, with their daughter Tinlee now joining in.

Posted: Friday, August 09, 2024

#178 5X PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler Tyler Waguespack

Tyler Waguespack is undoubtedly a professional. He shares what it was like coming down to the final round to win his 5th gold buckle. He talks about his horse power, what it is like being on the road and how connected the steer wrestling community is. Tyler shares about his connection with rookie Cash Robb similar to his time as a rookie with Ote Berry. There is no doubt that he is shooting for another championship but he is also rooting for the guys next to him.

Posted: Thursday, August 01, 2024

#177 2023 PRCA World Champion Tie-Down Roper Riley Webb

Riley Webb has been hungry since the start. He shares his story about growing up with parents who produced roping and how he was attending rodeos from the time he was born. He talks a lot about his experience in youth rodeo and how much it has changed just in the last few years. Webb also shared about the significance of this gold buckle and how he is itching for another.

Posted: Thursday, August 01, 2024

#176 2023 PRCA World Champion Team Ropers

Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp make a great team! They sit down and share what makes their pairing work and how having like-minded goals got them to win this world title. They talk about the business of rodeo and that it is important to see it all the way through rather than just living month to month.

Posted: Friday, July 19, 2024

#175 2023 PRCA Word Champion Bareback Rider Keenan Hayes

Keenan Hayes became the first PRCA Bareback Rider Rookie of the Year to win a world title and the average in his first NFR appearance. Keenan tells us all about his first time in Vegas for the NFR. He shares his story about how he began his rodeo career, what his regimen looks like, or doesn't, and what keeps him busy outside rodeo.
 

 

Posted: Friday, July 12, 2024

#174 Miss Rodeo America 2024 Emma Cameron

Miss Rodeo America Emma Cameron is just a down-to-earth gal! She shares her story about how she was once a shy girl who didn't like talking to people and has become a humble gal who wants to be herself on and off the stage. We hear about her time in New York studying at Cornell, what life is like on the rodeo for queens and ultimately what she plans on doing when her reign is complete.

Posted: Friday, July 05, 2024

#173 Roughstock Roundtable

The Roughstock Roundtable features Ky Hamilton, Keenan Hayes and Stetson Wright. These three champions talk about what it is like being the young guns coming up and who they look up to in the sport. They talk about their individual events, routines, mindsets and what superstitions they may or may not have.

Posted: Friday, June 28, 2024

#172 2023 World Champion Bull Rider Ky Hamilton

The 2023 Wrangler NFR was a roller coaster ride for Ky Hamilton but he came out on top. Ky shares his story about winning his first world title and what it has meant to him. He also talks about what it is like traveling but also being best friends with Stetson Wright. We get to find out how that relationship began, how it has evolved, and how well Ky real knows the Wrights.

Posted: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

#171 8X PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright

Stetson Wright surprises us again and again! He shared the complete story of his injury and how his perspective changed after Round 2 of the 2023 NFR. He talks about the different dynamics of the Wright Family and how being the son of a champion has only pushed him to be better. He also shares a little bit about his daughter Kingsley, his thoughts on social media and what his hopes are for 2024.

Posted: Friday, May 31, 2024

#170 NFR Director of In-Arena Video Production Brian Williams

Brian Williams has served as the NFR Director of In-Arena Video Production for three general managers – Shawn Davis, Boyd Polhamus and Allen Rheinheimer. He shares his story of moving to Las Vegas, how he got into this career and what it was like attending a rodeo for the very first time. After being around the NFR for over 20 years, he shares thoughts on what makes the in-arena experience so important to the NFR and its loyal fans.

Posted: Friday, May 17, 2024

#169 Television Host Janie Johnson

Mrs. Janie Johnson was on the opposite side of the mic this time and was still just a joy! She shared her history and her family's history in the Western industry but dove deeper into her film industry background and how that transpired into her career today. She talks about how the rodeo industry's television presence has significantly grown and what it was like to grow with it. And lastly, she shares more about married life and what her inside perspective is of Australians. 

Posted: Friday, May 10, 2024

#168 3X PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider Tim O'Connell

Life doesn't always go as planned, but you make the best of it, and that is exactly what Tim O'Connell is doing! Tim talks us through the full story of his injury that will take him out for the rest of 2024. However, Tim also shares the beauty in his story and how this year will be one of many first for himself and his family.

Posted: Tuesday, May 07, 2024

#167 3X NFR Qualifier Lefty Holman

You can certainly hear the laid back but energetic attitude of this cowboy. Lefty shares a whole lot about his life on the road, his life back home with family, and what it is like to be in Las Vegas. He explains the reason behind the gold lions, the white boots and the more recent cornrows.

Posted: Friday, April 19, 2024

#166 Frontier Rodeo Company Heath Stewart

It is all things business with the Frontier Rodeo Company. Heath Stewart talks about the company's background, how he started in the business, and how they have progressed to 9X Stock Contractor of the Year.  Even with many accolades, the goal is to provide great bucking stock for years to come. 

Posted: Friday, April 12, 2024

#165 4X NFR Qualifier Josh Frost

Not only is Josh Frost a 4X NFR Qualifier but he has also won four straight Linderman awards! He talks through his story of how competing in every event as a kid has brought him to those accomplishments while working hard to have a structured routine throughout the year to find his path to success.