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