Episode 38: Trey Holston
Beyond the Rodeo
In this episode of Beyond the Rodeo, host Kaycie Timm sits down with bull rider Trey Holston, an athlete who continues to make his mark in both the PRCA and the PBR Team Series. After a grueling stretch marked by a broken back, a complicated scaphoid wrist break, and months of recovery, Trey returned to competition with fresh perspective and renewed drive. This year, he played a key role in helping the Carolina Cowboys secure the title of 2025 PBR Team Series Champions. He is also represented by Tough Draw Sports, an agency that supports his career development and brand partnerships. From the...
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Episode 37: Will Lummus
Beyond the Rodeo
This week on Beyond the Rodeo, host Kaycie Timm sits down with professional steer wrestler Will Lummus. A native of Byhalia, Mississippi, Will is a two-time Reserve World Champion, the 2021 NFR Average Winner, and current world number one heading into the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. With more than $1.8 million in career earnings, Will has built his reputation on consistency and precision. Outside the arena, he’s helping shape the next generation of athletes as the head rodeo coach for Northwest Mississippi Community College. From competing through injury to mentoring young...
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Episode 36: Cody Custer
Beyond the Rodeo
PRCA World Champion and Hall of Famer Cody Custer joins Kaycie to talk about faith, mentorship, and the lessons learned through a lifetime in rodeo. From his early years as a bull rider to his work as a teacher and mentor today, Cody shares how humility, discipline, and gratitude continue to guide his life beyond the arena. This year, he was recognized as WSF’s 2025 Ted Wiese Memorial Award recipient, honoring his faith, mentorship, and dedication to the sport he loves. In this episode: • Building faith and focus through adversity • Why injury and recovery are part of the calling •...
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Episode 35: Lisa Lockhart
Beyond the Rodeo
Legendary barrel racer Lisa Lockhart joins us on Beyond the Rodeo to share stories from her incredibly successful pro rodeo career. As an 18-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, three-time NFR average champion, and the current WPRA all-time career earnings leader, Lisa's journey offers inspiration to rodeo fans and competitors of all ages. In this episode, Lisa opens up about her lifelong passion for horses and the competitive spirit she honed through sports, revealing the driving forces behind her success. With insights into her personal and professional life, Lisa recounts the...
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Episode 34: Tia Bledsoe and Pendleton Whisky
Beyond the Rodeo
Pendleton Whisky Brand Heritage Director Tia Bledsoe joins us to share her wealth of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. With a career spanning over two decades, Tia offers a unique perspective on how Pendleton has successfully stayed true to its Western roots while navigating the challenges of an ever-changing industry. Listen in as Tia recounts the brand's evolution from its origins to becoming a staple in the whisky market, thanks to its deep-rooted connections with rodeo and Western culture. We explore the vibrant intersection of spirits and Western sports, revealing the...
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Episode 33: East of Wall
Beyond the Rodeo
In this special edition of Beyond the Rodeo, director and screenwriter Kate Beecroft shares the inspiration behind her film "East of Wall," a project born from a three-year journey immersing herself in the lives of South Dakota horsewomen Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga. Kate's discovery of their genuine Western lifestyle led to a powerful narrative that blends professional acting with the true essence of ranch life. The film highlights the importance of horses in Tabitha's life, not only as a career but also as a source of therapy, while Porshia recounts the challenges and triumphs of her first...
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Episode 32: Shelby Rasmussen with Learfield College Rodeo
Beyond the Rodeo
Discover how college rodeo is being transformed in our latest episode of Beyond the Rodeo, featuring Shelby Rasmussen. Raised in the rodeo scene with her father, rodeo entertainer Flint Rasmussen, Shelby's journey from collegiate competitor to college rodeo coach to her current role as Executive Director of Sales and Operations at Learfield College Rodeo makes her an expert in all-things college rodeo. Together, Kaycie and Shelby unpack how Shelby's experiences in the rodeo world have given her the insight to help redefine the landscape of Western sports at the collegiate level. Shelby shares...
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Episode 31: Rope your Dreams with Rodeo Queen Miranda Reed
Beyond the Rodeo
Have you ever wondered if it's possible to chase rodeo dreams without having a background or family in the industry? If so, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with Miranda Reed, Miss Rodeo Sandhills title holder and 2025 Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars co-champion! In this episode, Miranda shares her journey from comeptitive dance into the heart of the rodeo world and the profound impact of her platform, "Rope Your Dreams." She opens up about how a love for team roping ignited a spark that led her to embrace the life of a cowgirl, despite her city roots. Her background has...
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Episode 30: Todd Bowman
Beyond the Rodeo
Join us on Beyond the Rodeo as Kaycie sits down with Todd Bowman, a former bullfighter turned master silverworker, to unpack Todd's transition from the adrenaline-fueled world of bull fighting to the artistry of custom bits and spurs. Listen in as he recounts his early start in bullfighting, his ascent through the ranks, and the life-changing skydiving accident in 1998 that put a halt to his rodeo career. Despite severe injuries, Todd's unwavering determination and grit led him back to the rodeo, and ultimately through his transition to a new chapter of life. Explore the thrilling...
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Episode 29: #LiveLikeTy with the Ty Pozzobon Foundation
Beyond the Rodeo
In this compelling episode, Beyond the Rodeo host Kaycie Timm and Western Sports Foundation Executive Director Aubrey O'Quin delve into the inspiring yet tragic story of Ty Pozzobon, a celebrated bull rider whose life and legacy continue to influence the rodeo community’s stance on mental health. Ty's mother, Leanne Pozzobon, and Tanner Byrne, president of the Ty Pozzobon Foundation, join us to share their story and how the tragedy of Ty’s passing has influenced mental health and safety in rodeo. Leanne and Tanner explain how Ty's story has become a catalyst for change, fostering awareness...
info_outlineJoin us for an engaging episode of Beyond the Rodeo, where we explore the rich tapestry of rodeo life and Western sports with WSF board member Jess McConnell.
Growing up in rural Wyoming and later pursuing a career in the oil and gas industry, Jess shares how his career took him around the globe and ultimate brought him back to his Western roots. He reflects on his family's passion for professional bull riding and how it evolved into a beloved hobby following his retirement.
Listen in as we discuss the profound sense of community within the rodeo and Western sports industry. Jess's personal experiences highlight the support and camaraderie that define this unique world, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community through his role on the board. The conversation also touches on the strategic advancements being made to support athletes and the critical role of board engagement in enhancing the foundation's impact, bringing new perspectives and positive changes to the forefront.
Jess also shares his take on the transformative power of education for Western athletes and his personal commitment to funding education in honor of his late wife, Fon. Through the Fon McConnell Be Cowboy scholarship, Jess and WSF provide educational opportunities that align with the values of the rodeo community.
To wrap it up, Jess shares insights into how fans and supporters can contribute meaningfully, emphasizing that small donations can collectively lead to significant support for athletes. Join us as we celebrate the legacy and growth of Western sports, ensuring a brighter future for both athletes and the community.