Description: Step into the rugged world of Tom Oar, the History Channel's Mountain Man, in this BTC episode. Join us as we explore Tom's extraordinary life, from his childhood days performing in the Wild West Show at the tender age of seven to his thrilling adventures in the International Rodeo Association, including his qualification for the first International Finals Rodeo. Listen as Tom shares tales of encounters with country music icon Loretta Lynn, memorable moments at the Grand Ole Opry, and the wild beauty of Montana that he calls home. Through his vivid storytelling and passion for the ..read more

Join us as New York native Russ Romano takes us on a whirlwind journey from his childhood in Rochester to the adrenaline-fueled world of rodeo. Growing up alongside neighbor Gary Cicoria, Russ spent his days playing football on the neighborhood "lot," a passion that would propel him to a career as an offensive center in the Canadian Football League. After hanging up his cleats, he embraced a new adventure as a "cowboy contractor," building homes and employing some of New York's finest professional cowboys. Under their guidance, Russ learned the art of steer wrestling and embarked on a journey ..read more

Step into the fascinating world of rodeo with Ed Prozer, a true veteran of the arena. From his humble beginnings in New Jersey to mastering the saddle bronc at iconic rodeo venues like the Calgary Stampede, Ed's journey is one of grit and determination. Join us as we hear Ed's captivating stories of triumph and hardship, from his early days as a bullfighter to his love for fishing in his later years. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with adventure, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the cowboy way of life. We hope that you enjoy. American Professional Rodeo Association https ..read more

Dan Stoneham, Benton Area Rodeo Association committee member, talks about 39 years of award-winning rodeo history. How they started this great Pennsylvania rodeo, of the American Professional Rodeo Association in 1985 and how they raised money for the Benton Community. How a farmer, eager to support the cause, donated his land, how the Golf Course provided spectator parking and how the committee sold tickets from the trunk of a car. Dan talks about relocating the rodeo to its current location, building the rodeo grounds, starting the Special Kids Roundup, the rodeo committee structure, the vol ..read more

Tom grew up a city kid in Chicago, a camera always in his hand. He studied the art of photography and in his words, he loved being a “photographer of people”. As a favor, Tom was asked to go to a local rodeo to photograph by a friend-of-a-friend. Thyrl Latting, an Illinois stock contractor, heard about Tom and asked him to photograph his rodeos in 1976. Tom often shot 20 rolls of film a weekend, sleeping in the backseat of his car, looking for that perfect shot. In 1977, Tom arrived at the famed Pontiac Silverdome to shoot the Longhorn Rodeo. Tom describes this great arena as his favorite plac ..read more

Mike Fletcher, an ordained minister with a church in Texas, was the 1983 IPRA All Around World Champion. Mike talks about growing up in Louisiana, buying his first Jim Houston bareback rigging, winning the National High School Bareback Riding Championship in 1972 & 73, hitting the road when he was 18, travelling with IPRA cowboys Mike Duplissey, Rob McDonald and Jack Wiesman. Mike was on the Tulsa Twister Rodeo Team in 1980 and rode broncs until he was 44. Mike shares his memories of Jeff Altmeyer and Lecile Harris. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: Mike Fletcher FB Page IPRA World Champi ..read more

Sam and Doug catch up and discuss the IRA Project, talk with Daylon Swearingen, talk about last week’s American, talk about the Kid Rock’s Rockin’ Rodeo, the PBR Expansion Teams, the PBR Standings, historic Team Rodeo held in the 1980’s, the IPRA Standings and we get the IPRA Canadian update from BJ Prince of Rawhide Rodeo.  We hope that you enjoy. Resources: Daylon Swearingen Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/daylonswearingenbullrider Dayon Swearingen Instagram The IRA Project https://www.facebook.com/groups/681292165259783 Rawhide Rodeo Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/rawhid ..read more

Four New York Rodeo Cowboy Greats gathered around the kitchen table at the Rawhide Ranch in early December.  These are their conversations.  Gary talks about finding rodeo in Rochester at an early age, Dave talks about starting the Lima, NY Rodeo and spending his honeymoon at the Gerry Rodeo and Darrel talks about his battles with cancer.  Pull up a chair and take a listen. We hope that you enjoy. Resources: Longhorn Professional Rodeo https://www.outsider.com/news/loretta-lynn-story-country-singers-longhorn-rodeo-company/ J Bar J Rodeo https://westernhorseman.com/culture/flashb ..read more

Mike talks about filling a PRCA Permit, determining the rodeos that he would compete at, and the logistics of getting to the rodeos, typically, from one rodeo to the next.  He talks about “2 headers”, the winter, indoor arena, Longhorn Rodeos, World’s Toughest Rodeo, and the level of competition that would compete.   He talks about travelling to Australia to represent the USA with the North American Rodeo Commission competing against Australia at the Royal Easter Show.       We hope that you enjoy. Resources: Longhorn Professional Rodeo https://www.outsider.c ..read more

This year, 2024, Attica will celebrate its 66th year in Professional Rodeo & Dave Wheeler was one of the founding members. Dave talks about growing up in the Attica area and learning to ride properly at a very early age at Gene Redding’s arena.  Dave showed horses, learned to rope, and played “chase” on horseback in the woods by the Tonawanda  Creek. In 1957, when Dave was 17, the Attica Rodeo was organized, the arena was built and the first event was held.  We hope that you enjoy. Resources: Attica Rodeo https://www.atticarodeo.com/ Attica Rodeo Facebook Page https://www.fa ..read more