Beyond the Chutes

Doug Simcox
  • 4.3 (6)
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Welcome to Beyond the Chutes, a Rodeo podcast where hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen dive deep into the heart of the Western and Rodeo culture. Join us as we explore the full spectrum of rodeo life, from the adrenaline-pumping action at the bucking chutes to the precision and skill of the timed event chute. Our conversations extend to those who make the rodeo world turn: competitors, committee members, stock contractors, judges, secretaries, and the vibrant personalities of contract acts, entertainers, and announcers. Together, we uncover their unique stories, experiences, and the unforgettable places their rodeo journeys have taken them.

  1. Episode #165 - Ronnie Williams Part 2:  Pals of Tales on the Rodeo Trail

    4D AGO

    Episode #165 - Ronnie Williams Part 2:  Pals of Tales on the Rodeo Trail

    In Episode 2 of Beyond the Chutes, recorded on the Texas Swing 2025, Doug and Sam continue their conversation with rodeo legend Ronnie Williams — a man who didn’t just ride through rodeo history, he helped build it. Ronnie reflects on the hard miles of the old rodeo road, hauling coast to coast with Glen Bird, riding more than 160 rodeos a year, and learning the business of rodeo the hard way — by doing it. The conversation moves beyond the arena to the business and production side of rodeo, where Ronnie discusses the influence of Bruce Lehrke, the impact of rodeo management schools, and the rise of major building rodeos promoted by Lehrke and Steve Gander. Ronnie reflects on legendary productions, including competing in front of massive crowds at the Pontiac Silverdome, and what those events meant for the growth and visibility of rodeo. Ronnie also shares his transition from competitor to leadership, detailing his work as an IRA/IPRA executive, field representative, and advocate for affiliations that helped grow rodeo participation across the country. Along the way, he pays tribute to the entertainers and personalities who defined the era, including Lecile Harris, whose live, unscripted arena performances set a standard that has never been matched. This episode wraps up our visit with Ronnie Williams. If you missed it, be sure to listen to Episode #164 — Ronnie Williams Part 1: “I Didn’t Think You Could Get Hurt Riding a Bucking Horse.” Beyond the Chutes is presented by ParaSight Systems.

    1h 1m
  2. #164 Ronnie Williams Part 1 - I Didn’t Think You Could Get Hurt Riding a Bucking Horse

    12/23/2025

    #164 Ronnie Williams Part 1 - I Didn’t Think You Could Get Hurt Riding a Bucking Horse

    In this Part One episode of Beyond the Chutes, Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen sit down in Mineral Wells, Texas with Ronnie Williams, an eight-time IPRA Bareback Riding World Champion, as part of the Texas Swing 2025, recorded in October. Ronnie takes us back to where it all began—growing up on the east side of Fort Worth, buying his first rigging with no guidance, and learning the hard way what it meant to ride bareback horses in the 1960s and ’70s. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories of legendary horses, early IRA rodeos, traveling with Glen Bird, and riding through one of the toughest eras the sport has ever known. The conversation also turns timely and relevant as Ronnie weighs in on the IPRA’s decision to eliminate the mark-out rule in bareback and saddle bronc riding. Released just one week after the NFR—and amid controversy surrounding Stetson Wright’s missed mark-out—this episode offers hard-earned perspective on rules, judging consistency, and how the sport continues to evolve. With the PRCA now using replay review, and major events like the Calgary Stampede and The American no longer requiring a mark-out, the debate is far from over. This is Part One of Two with Ronnie Williams. Part Two is coming soon. 🎄 Released December 23. From all of us at Beyond the Chutes—Merry Christmas, and thanks for riding along.

    1h 3m
  3. #163 Ryan King - Handcrafted in Sheridan: The Story Behind King Saddlery & King Ropes

    12/02/2025

    #163 Ryan King - Handcrafted in Sheridan: The Story Behind King Saddlery & King Ropes

    BTC hits Sheridan, Wyoming for a special conversation with Ryan King of the legendary King Saddlery, King Ropes, and the Don King Museum. Doug interviews Ryan King who walks us through the family’s three-generation history — from Don King’s pioneering Sheridan-style tooling to 4,000-rope trips to the NFR, stretching fields, saddle-making lore, museum treasures, and the roots of one of rodeo’s most iconic brands. A heartfelt, humorous look inside the craft, culture, and community that built an American cowboy institution. #BeyondTheChutes #SheridanWyoming #KingRopes #RodeoHistory

    1h 4m
  4. Episode #162 – Glen Bird Part 2: I Hope Everybody Keeps Making Eight

    11/25/2025

    Episode #162 – Glen Bird Part 2: I Hope Everybody Keeps Making Eight

    In Part 2 of our Weatherford, Texas conversation, six-time IRA/IPRA world champion Glen Bird dives deeper into the wild, gritty, laugh-till-you-cry heart of rodeo life. Glen shares priceless stories of the early Longhorn Rodeo days with Loretta Lynn, Mooney Lynn, and Bruce Lehrke, but two characters absolutely steal the show: the legendary Lecile Harris and George “Nocona George” Taylor. Glen paints the picture of Lecile as the funniest man who ever stepped in an arena—quick-witted, fearless, and capable of wearing a bull plumb out. And he remembers Lecile and Nocona George rolling a barrel into a Loretta Lynn rodeo and bringing the house down without even saying a word. Just pure arena magic. Glen also revisits the miles he hauled with Ronnie Williams, Hewlin, Bernis Johnson and his brother, Arnold—225+ rodeos a year—sleeping in cars, napping in movie theaters, and entering anything with horns. He opens up about the 1976 Ardmore tragedy that took his younger brother Arnold, the concussion streak where he won four rodeos he doesn’t remember entering, and the challenge of serving as Bull Riding Director during the first IFR in Tulsa. We close with ranch life, Hall of Fame honors, his take on today’s bull riders, and Glen’s wish for anyone sliding down on the rope: “I hope everybody keeps making eight.” #BeyondTheChutes #RodeoHistory #GlenBird #LecileHarris #NoconaGeorge #GeorgeTaylor #BullRiding #IPRA #IRA #LonghornRodeo #LorettaLynnRodeo #WesternHeritage #BullRidingHallOfFame #MakeEight #BeyondTheChutesPodcast #inourroots

    1h 6m
  5. #161 — Glen Bird Part 1: But Look at All the Fun We’re Having

    11/18/2025

    #161 — Glen Bird Part 1: But Look at All the Fun We’re Having

    In their first conversation - Part 1 - Doug and Sam sit down with four-time bull-riding world champion and two-time All-Around (IRA/IPRA) Glen Bird in Weatherford, Texas. From a ranch kid in Matador, TX to one of the sport’s most technically precise riders, Glen shares the road that shaped his perfect style — square shoulders, toes out, and calm breathing even on the rankest bulls. He talks about the man who changed his life: Ag Teacher W.T. “Mr. Woody,” who taught him not just how to ride, but how to learn. We trace Glen’s story through Sunday buck-outs, the cast-and-spur saga, and winter runs in Florida with Johnny Clark, Hal Pilgrim, Red Duffin, and later Ronnie Williams, whose memory for bulls was legendary. Along the way, Glen tips his hat to Ben Jordan, explaining how Jordan’s sense of balance and calm inspired his own technique. It’s rodeo history told straight from the man who lived it — part grit, part grin, and all heart. #BeyondTheChutes #GlenBird #BenJordan #RonnieWilliams #MrWoody #BullRiding #IPRA #IRA #RodeoHistory #TexasRodeo #WeatherfordTX #MatadorTX #PerfectStyle #CowboyLogic #RodeoPodcast #OnTheRoadAgain #TheseStoriesMatter

    1 hr
  6. #160 Inside The American Rodeo with Lane Peterson: Regionals, Million-Dollar Bonus & IPRA Tie-In

    11/11/2025

    #160 Inside The American Rodeo with Lane Peterson: Regionals, Million-Dollar Bonus & IPRA Tie-In

    Recorded onsite at Festival Western de St-Tite, this episode goes inside The American Rodeo with Competition Manager Lane Peterson (Teton Ridge)—from breeding buckers and judging worldwide to building a modern, TV-ready tournament that truly opens doors for athletes. Lane explains the pathway: super qualifiers (St-Tite, Denver, San Francisco, Liberty College Shootout, Brazil) → local qualifier side-pots → three regionals (Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Lexington, KY) → Friday at Globe Life Field (top 15) → Saturday versus the top five in the world for big money, a $100K event win, and that iconic million-dollar bonus round. IPRA General Manager Dale Yerigan joins to detail how the IPRA–American collaboration helps contestants in the East, why complete results matter for qualifiers, and what to expect at Lexington’s fan-favorite stop. We also swap stories on historic bucking horses (hello, High Chaparral), production value, and how the American has evolved into a fast-moving, underdog-friendly show built for live crowds and network TV. If you’ve ever wondered how do I get from my local rodeo to The American?—this is your roadmap. Presented by ParaSight System. Subscribe & stream: BeyondTheChutes.show Follow us on Facebook: Beyond the Chutes #BeyondTheChutes #InOurRoots #TheAmericanRodeo #TetonRidge #IPRA #FestivalWesternSaintTite #StTite #LexingtonKY #GlobeLifeField #RodeoLife #RodeoFamily #WesternWayOfLife #CowboyCulture #RodeoNation #ProRodeo #BehindTheChutes #AmericanQualifier #SuperQualifier #MillionDollarRodeo #ParaSightSystems

    54 min
  7. #159 The State of Rodeo 2025 with IPRA President Dale Yerigan

    11/04/2025

    #159 The State of Rodeo 2025 with IPRA President Dale Yerigan

    We’re in St-Tite, Quebec — home of the legendary Festival Western de St-Tite — sitting down once again with Dale Yerigan, President and General Manager of the International Professional Rodeo Association and IPRA Canada. From the rise of breakaway roping to new rule changes shaking up the rodeo world, Dale shares how the IPRA continues to lead the charge in innovation while protecting the heart of the sport. We talk about youth rodeo, replay technology, the IFR, IFYR, and the explosive growth of rodeo across North America. It’s tradition, leadership, and the future of rodeo — all from the 57th Annual Festival Western de St-Tite. 🎧 Presented by ParaSight Systems — advancing veterinary diagnostics for performance animals. #BeyondTheChutes #Rodeo #IPRA #IFR #IFYR #FestivalWesterndeStTite #DaleYerigan #BreakawayRoping #CowgirlStrong #WesternLifestyle #LazyE #CanadianRodeo #RodeoFamily #RodeoTradition #RodeoHistory #BTCOnTheRoadAgain #ParaSightSystems

    58 min
  8. #158 - Daylon Swearingen - on recovery, ranch life, and what’s next

    10/28/2025

    #158 - Daylon Swearingen - on recovery, ranch life, and what’s next

    We roll tape from Daylon Swearingen’s ranch bunkhouse—formerly a dairy milking parlor turned cowboy crash pad. Daylon opens up about taking three months off to heal from a concussion, the training protocol he’s following, and why strong necks, helmets, and mouth guards matter. We break down the business of bull teams (scoring, riders, payouts, and why “Gucci Time” is a dream draw), futurity bulls and dummies, partnerships, and what it takes to build bulletproof infrastructure for bucking stock. He also shares how the Carolina Cowboys’ mix of veterans and hungry young riders fuels him, why he still loves welding and working cattle sun-up to sun-down, and the story behind Cross 33 Cattle (plus a sneak preview of his Swearingen 8 Second Jerky).

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Beyond the Chutes, a Rodeo podcast where hosts Doug Simcox and Sam Swearingen dive deep into the heart of the Western and Rodeo culture. Join us as we explore the full spectrum of rodeo life, from the adrenaline-pumping action at the bucking chutes to the precision and skill of the timed event chute. Our conversations extend to those who make the rodeo world turn: competitors, committee members, stock contractors, judges, secretaries, and the vibrant personalities of contract acts, entertainers, and announcers. Together, we uncover their unique stories, experiences, and the unforgettable places their rodeo journeys have taken them.

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Simcox
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Doug Simcox 2023
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Chutes

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