Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Fair Game with Robert Smith

David Grindle, the new CEO of IAFE joins me today. We talk convention, his background, and goals for the future of IAFE. Plus - what's the hill he's willing to die on? All that and more.

Charlie Kirk was an American icon who engaged with college students in civil discourse on college campuses across the United States. He was assassinated in front of his two children and the world on September 10th, 2025.

To support Charlie’s message to the world, please visit Turning Point USA www.tpusa.com

This week I’m joined by outgoing IAFE CEO, Marla Calico. After nearly 5 decades serving our fair industry in various capacities, Marla retires effective December 31, 2024.

We talk about the upcoming IAFE Convention in Phoenix, her thought process when deciding to retire, what she’s looking forward to in her retirement as well as the folks who mentored her along the way.

Robert Nash is an accomplished entertainer, prop designer and actor. He also the creator of The Living Zultar fortune machine. Yes, that make him a direct competitor to my company’s Conjurer Fortune Machine. We talk about the origin story of his fortune machine as well as our highs and lows of performing a unique character. You’ll be amazed at how similar some of these experiences are.

This week we check in with a young man who is making a name for himself in the fair industry. Cody Rosenbalm is the fair manager for the East Texas State Fair in Tyler, TX. We talk about the fairs move to their new grounds in Tyler, the impact of YP on our industry, plus Cody talks about some of his mentors in the industry.

This week I’m at the Hillsborough County Fair in Florida. I got to hang out with Danny & Lindsay Grant for a bit before the fair opened. The two entertainers bring the Cowboy Circus and Cowgirl Circus to fairs across the midwest and mid-Atlantic regions of America. The show creates incredible memories for the kids and has been dubbed, “The World’s Smallest Rodeo.” On the show we talked about Lindsay’s transition into the fair industry, how the two met and the influence of podcasts & social media in culture.

The IAFE Trade Show can be overwhelming. There’s hundreds of booths, everyone is vying for your attention and it can feel like you’re being pulled in every direction. On this week’s show I’ve got 7 tips & tricks for fairs buyers to help streamline the IAFE Trade Show experience.

In today’s episode we’re talking 7 tips and tricks for the IAFE Trade Show. This episode is geared toward the tips that associates might need to help make their IAFE Trade Show more successful. We’ll talk about getting involved, booth design and connecting with new people. PLUS! Check out Tip #6 for one of the cardinal sins committed at the trade show.

In today’s episode we take a look at major headlines from around the fair and agricultural industries including: Texas Supreme Court says State Fair of Texas gun rule stands, New Mexico State Fair sets record attendance, IAFE updates PLUS, Hurricane Helene devastates the ag sector across multiple states.

Buford Bear and His Tiny House along with Alford E. Gator and his Tiny Swamp House have become two in-demand characters in our fair industry. Driving around in an old truck, these two greet fair goers and make wonderful new friends at every fair they attend.

Rachel Lisk is the fair manager in the Lewis County Fair in Lowville, NY. She had quit the adventure this year at her fair and she shares it with us today. All that and more on Fair Game 347.

On today’s episode I welcome Theresa Agricola, Sponsorship Director for the South Florida Fair. We discuss bringing value to corporate partners, plus, Theresa reminisces about her friend and former CEO, Vicki Chouris who retired this year. All that and more!

In today’s episode Kate Turner, Director of Meetings for the IAFE joins me to discuss all things IAFE 2024. We’re talking ed sessions, trade and oh yeah, did we mention installing a Ferris Wheel in downtown Phoenix just for our convention? All that and more!Episode Note: Out of respect for the CEO search process, we made the decision not to discuss any details relating to hiring a new CEO to replace outgoing CEO Marla Calico. To get the most up-to-date information please visit the IAFE website, www.fairsandexpos.com and click on the ABOUT tab.

This week I welcome Courtny Conkle back to the show. Courtny first appeared on Fair Game #206 in November of 2020. We’ve come a long way since the depths of the Covid pandemic. We talk about how she navigated the Wyoming State Fair through tumultuous times, an amazing grant that she qualified her fair to receive. All that and more on this week’s show.

On today’s episode I sit down with Jeremy D’Angelo from the Maryland State Fair. We discuss his rise in the industry along with the importance of YPI. Oh, and did I mention he’s technically “Employee #1” for Play with Giants? We discuss all of that and more.

Today I’m joined by Scott Kozelka, fair manager for the Steele County Fair in Minnesota. Scott shares his longtime insights as a fair manager, plus he shares some great memories of industry mentor, Elmer Reseland. Join us for all that and more!

In this episode, we are joined by Jacki Stough, the Livestock and Education Manager at the Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Florida. Jacki shares insights into her history in the fair industry and provides a glimpse into running the livestock program at the Central Florida Fair. Additionally, we delve into Jacki's reaction surrounding her recognition with the Florida Federation of Fairs YPI Award.

Country music artist Johnnie Bubar joins us on the show today. We talk about his history in the industry, how he balances his life and work, plus, which country music artist does he think was most influential on country music? All that and more on today’s show.

Today I’ve got one of my absolute favorite people on the show this week. Tasha Hyder is the manager of the Clay County Fair. No ma’am. Not that Clay County Fair. That one is in Spencer, Iowa. Tasha is at the Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Tasha is one of those young professionals who is an asset in every way to our industry. Spunky, quirky and never afraid to try a new idea out, Tasha’s absolutely fearless attitude has helped set numerous records at the Clay County Fair while taking home numerous awards for her efforts.

I hope today’s episode reflects on the friendship I’ve developed with someone I deeply respect and admire.

Learn more about the Clay County Fair here:

https://www.claycountyfair.org/

Country music artist Jess Kellie Adams joins me this week. We discuss her new single, “I Was,” featuring Cam Payne as well as what inspires her to write music. Later in the episode Jess recounts the thrill of a lifetime - getting to open for the legendary Martina McBride. All that and more!

Download "I Was" on iTunes:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-was/1744443688?i=1744443689

Jess Kellie Adams social networks:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JessKellieAdams

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jesskellieadams/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jesskellieadams

Andrea Peachey is the assistant manager of the Buffalo County Fair in Kearney, Nebraska. Andrea is an avid fitness fanatic with a taste for great fair food and a desire to provide leadership to the teams she works with.

Madison Brooks is the Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. We talk about what it takes to maintain strong partnerships at one of the largest shows in the nation and how she came to land this role. Plus, if she had to relive one day over and over, which day would it be? Find out on today’s episode.

This week I’m joined by AJ & Carolyn Ross, independent concessionaires from Ross Concessions. We discuss the joys and challenges concessionaires face, PLUS, we talk about the upcoming arrival of Baby Ross!

Bryan Schulz from the Kansas State Fair joins me to discuss the state of the fair industry, how he landed in New Mexico during the pandemic and what brought him to Kansas. Plus! We talk about how entertainers and fairs can strengthen their partnerships with each other. If you’re an entertainer you do not want to miss this episode.

Sarah Jean from the Wayne County Fair in New York joins us on today’s show. We have a great discussion about fairs, how she balances her career and her volunteer fair life and what to expect from the 2024 Wayne County Fair.

This week the Fair Game Podcast welcomes Jenni Axelson to the show. Jenni is the president of the board for the Sherburne County Fair in Minnesota. We discuss her plans for the upcoming Sherburne County Fair plus we delve into what it is she loves about what she does. Oh! And the red hair? There’s a story there too. All that and more on this week’s episode.

On Fair Game 331 we welcome Hypnotist Benjamin Jackson. Jackson specializes in comedy hypnosis that is a smash hit at fairs across the country. We talk about his entry into the industry and history in the entertainment industry.

Website: https://www.hypnotistbenjamin.com/

On today’s episode we welcome Jodi Buresh from Saffire. As an event industry leader, Saffire provides digital services to fairs and events including web design and online ticketing. We discuss the state of event technology and how fairs and events can stay on top of the rapidly changing tech environment.

Web: www.saffire.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamSaffire

On this episode we are joined by Jerry Ross, CEO of Harmony Artists, an esteemed entertainment agency that has been instrumental in providing exceptional shows for fairs, festivals, corporate partners, and performing arts events for nearly 50 years.

Jerry Ross takes us through the exciting history of Harmony Artists and shares some of the most quirky and delightful stories encountered along the agency's remarkable journey. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of the entertainment industry and gain insight into the evolution of fair entertainment. From the highs to the unexpected twists, tune in to better understand the past, present, and potential future of the fair industry.

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laura Jaye, the star of the one-woman Strong & Amazing Show. With incredible demonstrations of strength and power, Laura Jaye has captivated audiences and carved out a unique niche in the fair industry.

We delve into Laura's foray into the fair industry, exploring her early experiences and the challenges she faced. From her first convention to gaining traction, Laura shares the trials and triumphs of her journey.

We discuss the breakout success of the Strong & Amazing Show, exploring the key moments and strategies that propelled it to widespread acclaim. Laura provides insightful perspectives on the dynamics of captivating an audience and building a successful one-woman show.
Join us for a fascinating conversation as Laura Jaye takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable career and shares valuable insights into the world of strength exhibitions and one-person performances.

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laura Jaye, the star of the one-woman Strong & Amazing Show. With incredible demonstrations of strength and power, Laura Jaye has captivated audiences and carved out a unique niche in the fair industry.

We delve into Laura's foray into the fair industry, exploring her early experiences and the challenges she faced. From her first convention to gaining traction, Laura shares the trials and triumphs of her journey.

We discuss the breakout success of the Strong & Amazing Show, exploring the key moments and strategies that propelled it to widespread acclaim. Laura provides insightful perspectives on the dynamics of captivating an audience and building a successful one-woman show.
Join us for a fascinating conversation as Laura Jaye takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable career and shares valuable insights into the world of strength exhibitions and one-person performances.

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laura Jaye, the star of the one-woman Strong & Amazing Show. With incredible demonstrations of strength and power, Laura Jaye has captivated audiences and carved out a unique niche in the fair industry.

We delve into Laura's foray into the fair industry, exploring her early experiences and the challenges she faced. From her first convention to gaining traction, Laura shares the trials and triumphs of her journey.

We discuss the breakout success of the Strong & Amazing Show, exploring the key moments and strategies that propelled it to widespread acclaim. Laura provides insightful perspectives on the dynamics of captivating an audience and building a successful one-woman show.
Join us for a fascinating conversation as Laura Jaye takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable career and shares valuable insights into the world of strength exhibitions and one-person performances.

In this episode of Fair Game, Robert sits down with Bill Olson, CEO of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. We discuss his approach to leadership and his vision for the 2024 fair. As the head of one of the Jacksonville’s largest events, Bill shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of organizing the fair in downtown Jacksonville, FL.

During the conversation Bill discusses the fair's upcoming relocation out of downtown Jacksonville and the strategic considerations behind this decision. Gain valuable perspectives on how the fair plans to maintain its traditions while embracing change and expanding its reach to new audiences.

Serenade Spectacle - A Conversation with Marc Dobson
Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with an incredibly talented performer, Marc Dobson, known as the One Man Band. This remarkable entertainer captivates audiences by simultaneously playing a staggering 9.5 instruments, creating a true spectacle. Marc shares insights into the inspiration and creativity that drive his captivating show. Additionally, we delve into the impressive feat of Marc walking across the state of Florida while serenading his way to the Florida State Fair. Tune in to today’s episode for this and more captivating stories from Marc Dobson.

Celebrating the Nebraska State Fair with Karli Schulz
Join us as Karli Schulz, the entertainment and events director of the Nebraska State Fair, shares her journey in the fair industry, from pivotal moments to creating memorable experiences. Get an insider's look at how she curates entertainment for the annual fair, delivering a world-class event for all ages. This is a can’t miss episode.

Competitive Advantage: How FFA is Building America’s Future Leaders.
In this episode of the Fair Game Podcast, we have the pleasure of welcoming a very special guest, Ella Underberg, who serves as the State President of the New York FFA. In this thought-provoking interview, Ella generously shares her valuable insights on a wide range of topics including FFA, leadership, and the numerous competitive advantages that can be gained through agricultural education.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we delve into the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the hardworking farmers and ranchers of America. Be sure to tune in and join us as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture and engage in a compelling discussion about the future of AI in this pivotal industry.

On today's episode of Robert Smith Presents, we are excited to bring you an exclusive interview with Robert Holmes, the esteemed owner of Spectrum Weather Insurance. In this captivating discussion, Robert will delve into the crucial role his company plays in safeguarding events throughout the nation from unforeseen weather-related setbacks.

On this episode, we sit down with Michael Tipton, the CEO of Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Florida. Michael shares insights from his first year at the Central Florida Fair, highlights from the Florida Federation of Fairs convention, and offers a preview of what guests can expect from the 2024 Central Florida Fair. Join us as we delve into the world of fairs, entertainment, and community experiences with a leader shaping the Central Florida fairgrounds.

Delighting Audiences: A Conversation with Magician Henry Rivera
Join us for an episode with Florida-based magician, Henry Rivera. Discover his journey through magic, from early fascination to career-defining moments. Hear about his approach to captivating audiences and the psychology of magic. Uncover the the sheer artistry and charisma of this renowned magician.

The High-Flying Life of Shane Hansen
In this gripping episode, we dive into the exhilarating world of Shane Hansen, the charismatic star of the renowned Rock-N-Circu show that has been captivating audiences all over America. Shane takes us behind the scenes of his adrenaline-pumping stunt show, offering an exclusive peek into the heart-stopping details and intricate preparation that goes into each hair-raising performance.
As the conversation unfolds, Shane opens up about a deeply personal battle with alcohol addiction that threatened to derail his career and personal life. With unflinching honesty, he shares the harrowing journey of how he confronted his demons and ultimately found redemption through sobriety. Shane's candid account of his struggles and triumphs serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of resilience and the unwavering human spirit.
Tune in to this episode for an enthralling blend of high-octane tales from the Rock-N-Circus world and an inspiring narrative of Shane's journey to sobriety.

Cheryl Flood knows she’s one of the lucky ones. As executive director of the Florida State Fair, she is one of the few fair managers who actually had a fair back in 2020 just prior to the Covid pandemic being declared. While her 2020 fair was a success, she did not escape the pandemic unscathed. As the vaccine began to be distributed the decision had to be made to delay the 2021 Florida State Fair by several months. We talk about that decision and more on today’s episode.

Gene Cassidy is the President of the Eastern States Exposition, affectionately known as The Big E! He’s also the current chair of the IAFE Executive Committee. He joins us today from The Big E! to talk about how they’ve navigated the Covid pandemic and what he’s most looking forward to when the fair opens its gates this fall.

Samantha Fairlie is the owner at, “The Pretzel Lady,” a hand-rolled pretzel business based out of St. Augustine, Florida. Not only are her pretzels delicious, she’s the proud owner of one of the most amazing food trailers in the entire industry. When I first saw it my first thought was, “this is the kind of set up you’d see at EPCOT in Disney World during Food & Wine Fest.” We talk about that amazing display and more on today’s episode.

Carey Harveycutter faced the challenges of 2020 with patience, making decisions focused on the health of his staff and community. It’s 2021 now and the folks at the Salem Fair are ready to open. With their dates fast approaching the pandemic is waning just in time for the 2021 Salem Fair.

Producer’s Note: This episode was pre-recorded on Wednesday, June 9th, 3 weeks prior to the fair’s opening night on Wednesday, June 30th.

If you’ve ever met Cale Moon you know he’s not only an incredibly talented country artist but also one of the kindest men you’d ever meet. We sit down to talk about how he handled pandemic life and the joy of knowing our industry is coming back.

When Adam the Great is performing his magic will amaze, amuse, daze & confuse. It’s a family friendly show that delights all ages at fairs across the country - except for in 2020. On today’s show Adam and I talk about his approach to performing as well as his 2020 story.

Danny Aguilar is the Assistant GM & Director of Marketing for the Delaware State Fair. After the pandemic shut our industry down in March of 2020, Danny and the team in Delaware worked hard to find a way to open safely. In July of 2020 they were first in the nation to open after the pandemic shut us down. Danny joined me to talk about that and their plans for 2021 on today’s show.

Dennis Friebe is an experienced magician having performed at fairs across America and some of America’s largest theme parks including Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. He takes a deliberate and thoughtful approach to magic which leaves his audiences in awe. He joins us today to share his story from 2020. PLUS - did you spot him in a hit Netflix series? Find out on today’s show.

Scooter Korek has been in the carnival industry for 43 years. He’s the Vice President for Client Relations for the largest carnival provider in the business, North American Midway Entertainment. With 5 units running simultaneously, N.A.M.E., is responsible for over 120 shows annually. Scooter joins me from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to talk about the challenges of the Covid pandemic and how he reacted to being shut down along with the Miami-Dade County Fair in march of 2020.