Beyond the Rodeo – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 rodeo athletes, Will shares how mental toughness, hard work, and long-term perspective fuel both his own and his team's success.

• How Will battled through injury to finish the season ranked #1 in the world

• The mindset shift that helped him stop "backing off"

• Why mental strength matters just as much as physical skill in rodeo and in life

• Balancing the demands of competition and college coaching

• How he's preparing for another shot at a world title in Las Vegas

• Advice for young athletes on building resilience, focus, and financial stability

Beyond the Rodeo is presented by Western Sports Foundation, supporting the health and well-being of rodeo athletes on and off the dirt. Learn more at wsf.org.

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
• Mentorship and being a positive representative of the sport
• How discipline and work ethic translate to life beyond rodeo

"Live in the moment. Love what you're doing. Take it all in—and be a good representative of what we're doing. It'll come back to you on the other side." — Cody Custer

Plus: WSF Interim Executive Director Mai-Brit Harvey shares updates on upcoming events, including Peyton's Project Runway, the Las Vegas Charity Golf Tournament, and Rodeo's Next Up, presented in partnership with Las Vegas Events.

👉 Learn more about WSF's upcoming events at wsf.org/events-list-FuDSU 

🎧 Listen to Beyond the Rodeo wherever you get your podcasts.
Learn more about Western Sports Foundation at wsf.org

Producer's note: This episode of Beyond the Rodeo includes open and honest conversations about mental health, including topics like depression and suicide.

As always, your WSF family is here to offer support through the highs and the lows. If you're interested in learning more about WSF's mental health resources, please visit wsf.org/mental-health. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please dial 988 or text 'HOME' to 741741 to reach the National Suicide Hotline. 

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Join us on Episode 27 of Beyond the Rodeo as Nick Luciano shares his journey from the East Coast to the heart of Texas, where he turned his love for Western culture into an online community that now includes 7 million followers. Discover how a pivotal moment at a Young Life camp helped Nick find his faith and shaped his future endeavors, including his passion for mental health in the Western community. Nick's story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of a "bulletproof mindset."

Nick takes listeners through a raw and honest exploration of mental health as he opens up about his personal battles with depression and the transformative power of physical health, community, and faith. We dive into the essence of Nick's community, Club Bulletproof, which fosters mental resilience and encourages men to speak up about their struggles, and explore Nick's work with Tratter Foundation, which supports rural communities and the Western lifestyle. 

Nick's collaborations with notable Western figures and his advocacy for a lifestyle rooted in faith and resilience offer a fresh perspective on achieving mental wellness. Whether you're drawn to the cowboy life or a longtime member of the Western community, Nick Luciano's story promises to leave a lasting impact.

In this episode of Beyond the Rodeo, guest host Kaycie Timm is joined by World Champion Calf Roper Shane Hanchey, who recently won the 2025 American Rodeo Tie Down Roping. 

Join us as we dive into Shane's journey from his early aspirations of becoming a pro baseball player to his current status as a tie-down roping legend. Shane takes us through his impressive career by highlighting the milestones that have shaped his path, including a world title, 15 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifications, and nearly $3,000,000 in PRCA earnings to date.

Gain valuable insights from Shane on the rising competitiveness in rodeo, driven by an influx of youth events, and learn how he's adapted to stay at the forefront of the sport.

Next, Shane gives listeners a peek behind the curtain into the life of a rodeo athlete, where the stakes are high and the challenges are many. Shane opens up about the physical and mental demands of rodeo, sharing personal stories of resilience and the emotional tug-of-war between career and family, especially during the hectic summer season. Discover his unique perspective on maintaining focus amidst these pressures, and his hopes of a different—and perhaps less chaotic—future for his son, Stran.

Finally, Shane shares about his Louisiana-inspired food trailer, where he offers a taste of Louisiana home cooking to folks all over Texas.

With anecdotes of memorable calves, cherished horses, and his favorite rodeos, Shane paints a vivid picture of the dedication and zeal needed to excel in the sport of rodeo throughout this riveting episode. 

Tina Battock holds many titles—General Manager of the Nashville Stampede, President of Morris Media Group, WSF Board Member, mom, and wife, just to name a few. In this episode of Beyond the Rodeo, Tina joins us to share how her career has led her forefront of media and into the heart of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Series, where she serves as the first-ever female general manager. Her story shows how passion and drive can be shaped by strategic decisions and serendipitous moments. Tina reveals how her unexpected foray into the male-dominated world of professional bull riding led her to develop her skills and earn the honor of being named 2023 PBR Teams General Manager of the Year.

We dive into Tina's achievements, showcasing how her leadership and business acumen have shattered glass ceilings and inpsired young women everywhere. Tina's career is a testament to the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and embracing new challenges with confidence and determination. 

The episode also delves into Western Sports Foundation's crucial role in supporting athletes beyond their competitive years. We explore how PBR teams like the Nashville Stampede foster environments that respect and nurture athletes as they transition to life after sports. The stories of figures such as Silvano Alves and Ryan Dirteater reflect the deep emotional ties within this community, demonstrating how mentorship can drive success. As we celebrate the inspiring stories of women and their allies in the Western sports industry, Tina underscores the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and building a supportive network that inspires future generations.

Name a more iconic rodeo duo than Hailey Kinsel and Sister, we'll wait. That's right—Hailey Kinsel herself joins us on this epsiode of Beyond the Rodeo to share all about how her passion for horses has become a career beyond her wildest dreams.

Raised on a working cattle ranch, Hailey's journey to the professional rodeo circuit has included countless lifechanging moments. As she reflects on her career thus far, the four-time world champ doesn't just focus on victories; she emphasizes the importance of savoring the ride. From sharing about the horses who helped her grow as a horsewoman to discussing future plans and goals, Hailey gives listeners an inside view of her life in and out of the arena.

Hailey also opens up about sharing the intertwining of her faith and personal growth through her blog. She speaks candidly about the lessons learned from life's challenges and how sharing these stories fosters resilience and connection with her fans. 

This episode is packed with can't-miss stories, tales of rodeo victories, broadcasting adventures, and even a behind-the-scenes look at last year's Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars. Listen now!

Join us on episode 23 of Beyond the Rodeo as we unveil the highly anticipated second annual Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars event, which will take place April 10, 2025 in Fort Worth. WSF Director of Fund Development Mai-Brit Harvey joins us to share the excitement of this unique event where rodeo personalities and athletes step into the spotlight to perform dance routines. During the conversation, Mai-Brit and Aubrey reminisce about last year's vibrant inaugural event and share an exclusive sneak preview of what's in store for this year's event.

Our journey continues as we explore the success of first-time dancers in competition, featuring an engaging discussion with last year's co-champion, Callie Adams of Montana Silversmiths. Despite having no formal dance background, Callie and her partner, Kaleb Barrett, captivated audiences with their daring routine—with a little help from a professional dance coach. The camaraderie and supportive atmosphere among participants at the inaugural event created lasting friendships and a shared sense of accomplishment. 

Looking ahead, Aubrey and Mai-Brit reveal exciting updates on upcoming WSF events and gatherings, highlighting the support from partners like Montana Silversmiths, Pendleton Whiskey, and Boot Barn. Tune in to learn more about the innovative collaborations and the vibrant Western community that supports WSF's mission. 

Find all the details about Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars at https://givebutter.com/DWTRS25 and be sure to follow WSF on social media to be among the first to hear exciting announcements about future events and so much more. 

Two-time BFO World Champion Tyler Mansell brings an electrifying energy to the latest episode of Beyond the Rodeo as he shares his remarkable journey from young rodeo athlete to world champion bullfighter. Tyler's story is one of grit and determination, from teaching himself the ropes to honing his skills with some of the best bullfighters in the business. He offers an inside look at the intricacies of freestyle bullfighting and cowboy protection as well as the mental and physical hurdles he's overcome, including two significant knee injuries.

Tyler opens up about the trials of returning to the ring post-injury, where fear meets passion head-on. He reveals the signature moves and split-second decisions that mark his bullfighting style, sharing heart-pounding tales of near-misses and close calls. We delve into the wisdom gained from seasoned professionals and Western Sports Foundation clinics, which have been pivotal in shaping his mental toughness and financial acumen. Tyler's tale is not just about physical prowess but also about smart choices that ensure longevity beyond the adrenaline rush of the arena.

Tyler's anecdotes of competing through injuries demonstrate the formidable resilience required in bullfighting and professional rodeo. Through tales of determination and the calculated risks of facing renowned bulls, Tyler embodies the spirit of adaptability and strength, proving that the true fight is as much within as it is in the ring.

Wondering how to achieve financial success as a rodeo athlete? Join us on Beyond the Rodeo for an enlightening conversation with Justin Bates, WSF provider and rodeo athlete turned financial planner. Justin's unique journey from bull riding in the heart of northwest Arkansas to advising athletes on financial acumen provides rare insights into the world of Western sports financial management. Through his work with Western Sports Foundation, Justin is dedicated to elevating financial literacy among rodeo athletes, especially in communities where financial resources are scarce.

In this episode, Justin shares practical strategies that rodeo athletes can use to keep their finances in check. Learn about the crucial distinction between personal and business expenses and how simple actions like setting up separate checking accounts can streamline financial management. Justin provides expert advice on leveraging credit cards for travel expenses without falling into common traps, and we discuss the importance of organized record-keeping to maximize tax deductions. 

Finally, Justin explores how rodeo athletes can secure their financial futures beyond their careers in the arena. From saving a portion of their winnings for retirement to investing in low-risk growth options, the episode is packed with actionable advice. We cover essential topics like tax management, budgeting, and the significant impact of financial literacy on future success. With guidance from mentors and the use of simple tools, athletes can prepare for life after rodeo, ensuring they not only compete with confidence but also thrive financially in the long run.

Kick off your New Year right by revitalizing your dietary goals!

WSF Provider April Dirteater, a registered dietitian and professional bodybuilder, joins us on Beyond the Rodeo to reveal her secrets for building a healthier lifestyle. April shares her refreshing philosophy on moving away from restrictive diets and honing in on sustainable, personalized nutrition habits. Whether you're a busy mom or a pro rodeo athlete, April's insights on flexibility and enjoyment in eating can help pave the way to long-lasting health improvements and prevent burnout.

We tackle common mindset challenges that come with adopting healthy eating habits, offering practical strategies to celebrate small victories and shift focus from self-criticism to self-improvement. April introduces techniques like food habituation to make nutritious choices more enjoyable and manageable. Challenging traditional views, we question breakfast's status as the "most important meal" and provide solutions for those who struggle to fit it into their mornings, with special attention to the nutritional needs of athletes.

The conversation also touches on practical tips for maintaining a nutritious diet on the road, emphasizing the importance of planning and whole foods. From exploring the role of GMOs in modern nutrition to offering balanced snacking advice, April provides valuable insights for athletes and non-athletes alike. Join us as we step into 2025 with informed dietary choices and a positive mindset.