Bullfighter Sid McKissick shares how “cow sense,” grit, and a Southern drawl took him from Wetumpka to the Bud Light Cup Tour—only on Beyond the Chutes.In this down-to-earth episode of Beyond the Chutes, host Doug Simcox sits down at the Kickback Ranch with Alabama native Sid McKissick, a former bullfighter whose career began not with a plan—but with pure “want to.” From a stockyard in Wetumpka to the bright lights of the Bud Light Cup Tour, Sid reflects on a life lived close to cattle, chaos, and camaraderie.He opens up about developing “cow sense,” fighting bulls solo without gear, working for rodeo legends like Charlie Lowry and Bruce Lehrke, and why quitting the Longhorn Rodeo Company remains his biggest regret. Full of Southern sayings and heartfelt wisdom, Sid shares what makes a true bullfighter—and why being jumpy might just save your life.This one’s full of laughter, humility, and raw rodeo truth straight from someone who never tried to be anything but himself.📍 Recorded on location at the Kickback Ranch and Event Center, Raymer, Alabama🎧 Presented by Parasite Systems – visit parasitesystem.com#BeyondTheChutes #SidMcKissick #BullfighterLife #RodeoPodcast #SouthernStories #WetumpkaAlabama #CowSense #RodeoHeritage #KickbackRanch #IPRARodeo #BudLightCupTour #RodeoLegends #LongHornRodeo #RodeoRoots #IPRA #PRCAKickback Ranch and Resort: https://kickbackranch.net/Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://open.spotify.com/show/746s6L4oLDcSdQPR3AcU1F?si=e729c69f873f4b2cRodeo Roots Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NP4RyUN0m5KWXpAq2HmGp?si=1bde1f2037d048ffKing Brothers Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/KingBrosRodeoWestern Festival de St Tite: https://www.festivalwestern.com/Mountain Cove Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/729424520834071Here are some resources for Beyond the Chutes:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822821241Official Website:https://beyondthechutes.show/Spotify: https://shorturl.at/bvK35Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/jnGV4YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdcju8nzParaSight SystemsCoupon: BTC023 for 50% off Mail In Test Kitshttps://www.parasightsystem.com/The IRA Projecthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/681292165259783
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23:50
Legacy and Laughter with Sid McFarland
Discover the untold story of rodeo legend Sid McFarland—55 years of bullfighting, clowning, and cowboy grit in this unforgettable Beyond the Chutes Rodeo podcast episode.In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Chutes, host Doug Simcox sits down at the Kickback Ranch in Raymer, Alabama, with legendary rodeo clown and bullfighter Sid McFarland. A city-raised kid turned rodeo lifer, Sid shares his incredible 55-year journey through the world of rodeo—from his first RCA rodeo in 1969 to his emotional final performance at the Cody Night Rodeo in 2024.Sid opens up about how a chance trip to a local rodeo as a teen sparked a life-defining passion, how mentors like Buddy Martin and Junior Meek shaped his path, and how the rodeo became both his career and his community. From working seven nights a week in Cody, Wyoming, to clowning alongside his son Trent, Sid’s reflections offer wisdom, humor, and heart. He shares the deeper meaning behind his signature clown makeup, stories from the road, and the lessons he passed on to the next generation—including his most important: “It doesn’t matter if there are 10 people or 10,000—give them the full show.”This episode is a celebration of family, grit, laughter, and the friendships forged in the dirt of rodeo arenas across America.📍 Recorded on location at the Kickback Ranch and Event Center, Raymer, AlabamaCody Night Rodeo; https://www.codystampederodeo.com/Kickback Ranch and Resort: https://kickbackranch.net/Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://open.spotify.com/show/746s6L4oLDcSdQPR3AcU1F?si=e729c69f873f4b2cKing Brothers Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/KingBrosRodeoWestern Festival de St Tite: https://www.festivalwestern.com/Mountain Cove Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/729424520834071Here are some resources for Beyond the Chutes:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822821241Official Website:https://beyondthechutes.show/Spotify: https://shorturl.at/bvK35Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/jnGV4YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdcju8nzParaSight SystemsCoupon: BTC023 for 50% off Mail In Test Kitshttps://www.parasightsystem.com/The IRA Projecthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/681292165259783
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31:56
Legends, Longhorns & Laughter: Stories from the Kickback Ranch Rodeo Reunion
True grit, busted limbs, longhorns worth six figures—and one horse who checked into the Holiday Inn. Only at Kickback Ranch.In this unforgettable episode of Beyond the Chutes, host Doug Simcox heads to Jerry and Mindy’s Kickback Ranch in Raymer, Alabama, for one of the most heartfelt and hilarious rodeo reunions in the South. Listen in as rodeo legends, livestock pros, and cowboy storytellers share raw, real-life tales from decades in the arena.From Jimmy Jones recounting bareback wrecks and his rise to Longhorn Breeder Hall of Famer, to Janet Watley reflecting on a life rich in rodeo royalty and family tradition, this episode overflows with authenticity and charm.Also featured: 13-year-old up-and-comer Cutter Christy, unforgettable tales from Randy Murphy and George Denmark, and a roundup of the Legends of Rodeo awards presentation. This gathering of cowboys and cowgirls isn't just about the past—it’s a celebration of the spirit that keeps rodeo alive today.Kickback Ranch and Resort: https://kickbackranch.net/Wandering Gypsy RV Life: https://open.spotify.com/show/746s6L4oLDcSdQPR3AcU1F?si=e729c69f873f4b2cRodeo Roots Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NP4RyUN0m5KWXpAq2HmGp?si=1bde1f2037d048ffKing Brothers Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/KingBrosRodeoWestern Festival de St Tite: https://www.festivalwestern.com/Mountain Cove Rodeo Reunion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/729424520834071Here are some resources for Beyond the Chutes:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822821241Official Website:https://beyondthechutes.show/Spotify: https://shorturl.at/bvK35Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/jnGV4Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/24n3hmk4YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdcju8nzRSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/beyondthechutes/ParaSight SystemsCoupon: BTC023 for 50% off Mail In Test Kitshttps://www.parasightsystem.com/The IRA Projecthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/681292165259783
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1:29:35
BTC Classics: A Conversation with New York’s Betty Johnson
Welcome to the launch of BTC Classics Throwback Thursday—where we bring back some of our most inspiring and memorable episodes from the past!To kick off the series, we’re revisiting a conversation with Betty Johnson, the driving force behind the New York State Rodeo Museum Facebook page. Betty shares her passion for preserving rodeo history, her vision for a rodeo museum in upstate New York, and her journey from barrel racing to helping establish the Empire Barrel Racing Association (EBRA) and the Empire Rodeo Association (ERA).We also dive into the legendary rodeo stories from New York, the rodeo families that shaped the sport, and the importance of capturing these memories before they fade. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who loves rodeo history, community, and the stories that make it all unforgettable.New York State Rodeo Museumhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1159615314694489Here are some resources for Beyond the Chutes:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822821241Official Website:https://beyondthechutes.show/You Can Listen to Beyond The Chutes onSpotify: https://shorturl.at/bvK35Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/jnGV4Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/24n3hmk4YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdcju8nzRSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/beyondthechutes/ParaSight SystemsCoupon: BTC023 for 50% off Mail In Test Kitshttps://www.parasightsystem.com/The IRA Projecthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/681292165259783#BTCThrowbackThursday #BTCClassics #RodeoLegends #PreservingHistory #BeyondTheChutes #NewYorkRodeo #BehindTheChutes #ProRodeo #JerryTodd #RodeoLife #IPRA #IFR #PRCA #CowboyLegacy #RodeoHistory #WesternLifestyle #RodeoEntertainment
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44:56
Legendary Rodeo Announcer Jerry Todd: Look Up and Pray for the Best
BTC host Doug Simcox travels to Ramer, Alabama and sits down with legendary pro-rodeo announcer Jerry Todd. From riding bareback horses to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in rodeo, Jerry shares his incredible journey.We discuss his start in announcing, being discovered by Preston Fowlkes, meeting his mentor Clem McSpadden, and working with several of the top stock contractors like Ken Treadway Rodeo, Charlie Lowry’s 4L Rodeo, and J-Bar-J Rodeo. Jerry reflects on calling the International Finals Rodeo (IFR), his years at the PRCA Southeast Circuit Finals, and the evolution of rodeo entertainment.He also gives us a glimpse into life at Kick Back Ranch Resort, which he runs with his wife Mindy, and their work with the inspiring Miracle Rodeo for children with disabilities. Packed with history, humor, and heart, this episode is a must-listen!🎧 Tune in now!#BehindTheChutes #RodeoAnnouncer #ProRodeo #JerryTodd #RodeoLife #IPRA #IFR #KenTreadwayRodeo #CharlieLowry #JBarJRodeo #PRCA #SoutheastCircuitFinals #KickBackRanch #CowboyLegacy #RodeoHistory #WesternLifestyle #RodeoEntertainment #MiracleRodeo #PrestonFowklesJerry Todd, Rodeo Announcerhttps://www.facebook.com/jerry.todd.965Kick Back Ranch Resorthttps://kickbackranch.net/https://www.facebook.com/thekickbackranchHere are some resources for Beyond the Chutes:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822821241Official Website:https://beyondthechutes.show/You Can Listen to Beyond The Chutes onSpotify: https://shorturl.at/bvK35Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/jnGV4Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/24n3hmk4YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/bdcju8nzRSS: https://rss.com/podcasts/beyondthechutes/ParaSight SystemsCoupon: BTC023 for 50% off Mail In Test Kitshttps://www.parasightsystem.com/The IRA Projecthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/681292165259783
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.
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