Fresh off a big win in Las Vegas, 2025 NFR Bull Riding Average Champion TJ Gray joins host Kaycie Timm for an honest conversation about momentum, mindset, and navigating the realities of life as a professional bull rider.

TJ reflects on what clicked during his last year's NFR, the lessons learned through injury and recovery, and how faith, planning, and perspective shape his approach to the sport. From handling pressure on the biggest stage to redefining success beyond the scoreboard, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it takes to sustain a career at the top level of rodeo.

• Growing up in bull riding and chasing a lifelong goal

• Lessons learned between TJ's first and second NFR appearances

• Managing pressure, nerves, and expectations on rodeo's biggest stage

• The importance of preparation without overthinking

• The team behind the scenes: family, support systems, and sponsors

• Winning the NFR Bull riding Average and Top Gun Award

• Riding through injury and choosing long-term health

Beyond the Rodeo is presented by Western Sports Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of Western sports athletes. Through mental health resources, educational scholarships, crisis assistance, and more, WSF helps athletes navigate life in and out of the arena. Learn more or get involved at wsf.org.

Fresh off an unforgettable run in Las Vegas at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, 2025 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Champion Tucker Allen joins Kaycie to break down his journey to the gold buckle.

Tucker shares how a late start in rodeo turned into a world title, the season-defining wins that set up his NFR run, and what it took to stay mentally sharp through highs, lows, and pressure-filled moments inside the Thomas & Mack. He also talks horsepower, hazing, camaraderie among bulldoggers, and how faith and preparation shape his approach to the sport.

In this episode:
• Tucker's unexpected path into bulldogging
• The bet that started it all
• Surviving the toughest steers at the 2025 NFR
• Banker's speed, power, and the horse-sharing teamwork behind big wins
• Mental performance, pressure, and learning to "quiet the mind"
• Season highs, mid-summer struggles, and the run that changed everything
• What's next for the reigning world champ

Learn more about WSF and our support services for rodeo athletes at wsf.org.

In this special pre-NFR episode, WSF Interim Executive Director Brit Harvey joins Kaycie to share everything Western Sports Foundation has planned for the 2025 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. From athlete meet-and-greets at the YETI booth to youth development programming through Rodeo's Next Up, this episode covers it all.

Later in the episode, WSF providers Katie Hollingsworth and Natasha McCann join the show to talk about the mental and physical foundations every athlete needs—plus what they'll be presenting to junior rodeo athletes during the Rodeo's Next Up Youth Conference.

In this episode:
• NFR Week: Happy Hours with YETI + autograph signings
• YETI Booth location & athlete schedules
• Rodeo's Next Up Youth Conference details
• Mental performance fundamentals with Katie
• Physical wellness & injury prevention with Natasha
• Where to find WSF throughout Cowboy Christmas
• How to get involved and support WSF

Event & Resource Links:
YETI Happy Hour Schedule: wsf.org/events-list-FuDSU/cocktails-for-cowboys
Rodeo's Next Up Registration: wsf.org/events-list-FuDSU/rodeos-next-up-conference
Western Sports Foundation: wsf.org
War Party Ranch: warpartymovement.org
Katie Hollingsworth / KRAVE Coaching: kravecoaching.learnworlds.com
Natasha McCann / McCann Athletic Therapy: mccannathletictherapy.com

In this episode of Beyond the Rodeo, host Kaycie Timm sits down with bull rider Trey Holston, an athlete who continues to make his mark in both the PRCA and the PBR Team Series. After a grueling stretch marked by a broken back, a complicated scaphoid wrist break, and months of recovery, Trey returned to competition with fresh perspective and renewed drive. This year, he played a key role in helping the Carolina Cowboys secure the title of 2025 PBR Team Series Champions. He is also represented by Tough Draw Sports, an agency that supports his career development and brand partnerships.

From the mental battle of injury to rediscovering confidence in the practice pen, Trey opens up about growth, gratitude, and the business side of building a modern rodeo career. His honesty, resilience, and belief in the future of Western sports make this conversation one every athlete and fan will want to hear.

About Trey:
Trey Holston is a professional bull rider competing in both the PRCA and the PBR Team Series, where he helped the Carolina Cowboys clinch the 2025 championship. A Kansas native, Trey rose through the junior and amateur ranks before qualifying for the NFR in his early twenties. Trey is represented by Tough Draw Sports and is passionate about using his platform to strengthen the Western lifestyle and the future of rodeo.

About Western Sports Foundation:
As a 501(c)3 non profit, Western Sports Foundation (WSF) is committed to providing an essential support system for Western sports athletes with health, wellness, and career resources. WSF's mission is to keep athletes safe, strong, and prepared for life during and after their competitive careers. Learn more at wsf.org.

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

Legendary barrel racer Lisa Lockhart joins us on Beyond the Rodeo to share stories from her incredibly successful pro rodeo career. As an 18-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, three-time NFR average champion, and the current WPRA all-time career earnings leader, Lisa's journey offers inspiration to rodeo fans and competitors of all ages. In this episode, Lisa opens up about her lifelong passion for horses and the competitive spirit she honed through sports, revealing the driving forces behind her success. With insights into her personal and professional life, Lisa recounts the pivotal role her husband plays in encouraging her rodeo dreams and how support from her family has been a cornerstone of her career.

The life of a rodeo athlete is not for the faint-hearted, and Lisa provides a candid look into the sacrifices and triumphs that define that lifestyle. From the intense travel schedule to the dedication required for horse care, Lisa shares the strategies that have helped her balance the rigors of competition with family commitments. Listeners get an inside look at the unique challenges athletes face, from financial pressures to the unpredictability of animal performances, shedding light on the resilience required to thrive in this sport.

Beyond the competition, Lisa reflects on the deep bonds she has formed with her horses and the rodeo community. Cherished memories of her equine partners illustrate the emotional connections that leave lasting legacies. Lisa also highlights the unwavering support of rodeo fans and the communal spirit of the Western lifestyle, where camaraderie and integrity are fundamental. This episode is a testament to the enduring spirit of the rodeo community and the inspirational stories that resonate far beyond the arena.

Pendleton Whisky Brand Heritage Director Tia Bledsoe joins us to share her wealth of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. With a career spanning over two decades, Tia offers a unique perspective on how Pendleton has successfully stayed true to its Western roots while navigating the challenges of an ever-changing industry. Listen in as Tia recounts the brand's evolution from its origins to becoming a staple in the whisky market, thanks to its deep-rooted connections with rodeo and Western culture.

We explore the vibrant intersection of spirits and Western sports, revealing the passion and community that fuel professional growth in these fields. The discussion also delves into how Pendleton Whisky has formed meaningful partnerships with organizations like the Western Sports Foundation, emphasizing the brand's dedication to supporting both the athletes and the traditions that define Western sports.

As we navigate through the thrilling world of rodeo, we shine a light on the Pendleton Roundup's significant impact on the brand's identity. This episode encapsulates the spirit of community and authenticity that characterize Western sports, celebrating the shared values and dedication that keep these traditions alive. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with stories of heritage, innovation, and community impact.