NFR Extra

Hooey Brands started in 2009 as just two different hat designs, Joey Austin dives into how and why the brand started. He shares unique stories about how it has grown into its current company and what is most important to the brand overall. Joey also gives insight into BFO and the Hooey Party that happens in December during the Wrangler NFR. 

A country music singer, a songwriter, an anthem singer, a barrel racer, a flag girl but ultimately a cowgirl. Kylie Frey has worked hard to do it all and has made a name for herself in the most authentic way. She explains how she has stayed true to herself as she continues to work through the music industry.

There is a lot of history in Las Vegas and particularly in Downtown Las Vegas. CEO Jonathan Jossel was able to give us an inside look plus more. He shares about how he personally got to Las Vegas from Europe, how important it is to keep the history alive and what they are trying to do to make Plaza and Downtown Las Vegas unique from the rest of the city.

A cowboy and a carpenter, Dalton Massey keep himself busy all year long. Dalton shares a bit about his history, how he got into rodeo and doesn't shy away from talking about traveling amongst the rest of the steer wrestlers. Dalton qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this year so we got him to open up about coming to Las Vegas for the first time. 

We dove into something customary in the Western Lifestyle but it is such a large operation that not everyone fully understands. Steve Decker with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation explains who and what the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is but also why it exists and how it operates. Steve also talks about their deep-rooted investment in rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Rodeo and hockey are pretty big in the Hay Family. Dawson talks about growing up in Canada, playing hockey, and watching his father become a well-known professional saddle bronc rider. He shares stories about how attending rodeos with his father and watching him in Las Vegas truly inspired him to become the bronc rider that he is today. Dawson also gives us a sneak peek into his life now with his wife Lily and baby girl Honey.

Jenna Paulette is a cowgirl at heart. She tells us all about growing up in Lewisville, Texas and how she spent lots of time in Thackerville, Oklahoma helping with the family ranch. She talks about how she found her voice and her journey into country music. 

The Roundtable features Jess Pope, Caleb Smidt, Zeke Thurston and Tyler Waguespack. These four champions talk about how they got started in rodeo, what motivates them now, the toll rodeo takes on their bodies and what else keeps them busy throughout the year.

What a joy Miss Rodeo America Kennadee Riggs is! Kennadee shares many stories from what it was like growing up with 5 siblings, serving a mission in Brazil, her experience taking on the Miss Rodeo America Pagent, and what it is like now on the road. Her passion and faith-driven personality shines throughout the episode. 

The accolades for this world champion cowboy continue. Stetson Wright explains why he is more dedicated than ever, how his mindset on winning has changed and what keeps him going. He also opens up and shares fun stories about his daughter playing t-ball, buying his mom a Jeep and life on the road with Ky Hamilton.

Caleb Smidt opened up and had a candid conversation. He talked a lot about his star horse Pockets and walked through their career together. Then he shared stories about the family and what is to come in the future for this world champion tie-down roper.

You are going to hear a little bit of everything from Zeke Thurston. He talks about Canadian food, living in both Texas and Canada, rodeo travel, cattle business, the new baby on the way, Vegas, and of course the Wrangler NFR.

This is a powerful duo and talking to them together you see how much knowledge is between the two ropers. Kaleb and Junior share a lot about the individual nuances that make this team sport work. But they share about their own individual journeys through rodeo and how they ultimately lean on each other to win a gold buckle.

Tyler Waguespack is a strong athlete with 3 world titles in steer wrestling but there is definitely a business side to this cowboy. Tyler shares all about the business, the dynamics, the camaraderie amongst the steer wrestlers, and ultimately what his goals are with his rodeo career.

Weddings, Missouri, Elfs, and a whole lot more conversation with this first-time world champion bareback rider! Jess Pope also shares about the start of his passion for rodeo and how that has developed into him becoming the champion rider that he is today.

Back with her 4th WPRCA world title, Hailey Kinsel walks through the challenges she experienced at this last NFR and what little moments made this one unique. She talks about the championship mentality she has built over the years. And she also shares a whole lot about Sister and a few other horses that are now on the road with her.

Butch Knowles is quite familiar with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in more ways than most. Listen to his stories from qualifying for the NFR in Bronc riding to becoming an NFR broadcaster to being inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. He has made quite the impact on the rodeo industry and he shares how impactful it has been on his own life.

Growing up in Australia, Ky Hamilton's story is unique compared to most. He began rodeoing in Australia and then made a move to America to start his ProRodeo journey. He talks about his big wins, qualifying for the NFR, and what it's like to travel with Stetson Wright all year.

Riley Webb is an experienced roper even at the age of 19. Listen to him tell his story about growing up around rodeo, competing at the junior level, qualifying for the NFR, and winning the Resistol Rookie of the Year Award in tie-down roping and all-around. Riley still has some big dreams but is humble about them all.