The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days

In 2026, as we celebrate the Year of the American Indian, we also welcome the newest addition to Frontier Park: The Morning Star American Indian Village.Foundation Board Member Affie Ellis joins us in the studio to share what makes the Village so special, and why you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to explore this one-of-a-kind space.You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

There’s more to look forward to at Cheyenne Frontier Days this year than ever… starting with the rodeo!Listen in as Chief Executive Officer Tom Hirsig and Foundation Board Member / Former Public Relations Chairman Bob Budd share all the exciting upgrades you’ll experience in our arena this summer.(Here’s one big hint… it all kicks off on Friday, July 17th.)You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

In 2026, we’ll celebrate the Year of the American Indian, the 250th anniversary of our great nation, and the biggest, most exciting Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration yet… including some extra-bright stars lighting up Frontier Nights! Listen in as Tara Vreeland, former Miss Frontier 2004, catches up with Carly Dibble—Talent Buyer, for Romeo Entertainment Group—about this year’s lineup, and what it takes to bring world-class performers to our stage every summer. You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

Cheyenne’s hometown hero, Brody Cress—a four-time Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) saddle bronc champion and nine-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier—embodies the grit, drive, and determination that define the American West. Today, Brody—along with his parents, Tommy and Lannette Cress—joins CFD Chief Executive Officer Tom Hirsig to share what it means to represent your hometown, stay true to your roots, and inspire the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

Known for his work on the celebrated Paramount series Yellowstone, actor and American Indian cultural advisor Mo Brings Plenty carries a distinct presence and energy everywhere he goes.You’ll see—and hear—that energy in action as we welcome Mo to the podcast, where Former Miss Frontier 2004 Tara Vreeland finds out: When Mo realized his voice and work would shape how people understand American Indian cultureMo’s greatest hopes for the next generationHow Mo felt about being part of the 2025 Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration What sets the Morning Star American Indian Village apart from traditional conceptsYou can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

As the sun sets on this year’s Daddy of ‘em All, a new star begins to sparkle in the distance: the Morning Star Indian Village, a living celebration and immersive experience of American Indian culture.Slated for opening in 2026—when Cheyenne Frontier Days celebrates the Year of the American Indian—this dynamic venue will come to life during our annual 10-day event, then transition into a seasonal educational destination for the rest of the year. Here to share their insights on what you can look forward to inside the Morning Star Indian Village—and its deep significance to the Native populations in our region—we’re joined by Ivan Posey (Tribal Education Coordinator for Central Wyoming College), Sandra Iron Cloud (Coordinator for the Little Sun Drum and Dance Group), and Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation Board Member Affie Ellis. For more about the project, visit the Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation. You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

This year, we’ll make Cheyenne Frontier Days history as we welcome country artist Ian Munsick to the Frontier Nights stage—marking the first time one of Wyoming’s own will headline a night show at The Daddy of ‘em All!As Ian famously shared on stage during his sold-out show at Red Rocks, “My [second] goal is to headline Cheyenne Frontier Days. Ball is in your court, Cheyenne Frontier Days; 2025, what do you say?” Former Miss Frontier Tara Vreeland brings Ian back to that moment for the story behind the statement, plus finds out:How Ian’s Wyoming roots have shaped his path as an artist and the music he’s createdWhat the crowd can expect when Ian takes the stage—and what surprises might be in storeHow Ian hopes fans feel coming away from his showsYou can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

Not so long ago, the gentlemen you’ll meet today were your average trio of Wyoming-grown buddies, catching up and crossing paths in and out of rodeo circles. Today, one is the CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days (Tom Hirsig); another’s been the Cheyenne Frontier Days arena medic for going on 38 years (Dr. Skip Ross); and the third is a former National Finals Rodeo (NFR) bull rider (Dennis Humphrey). Through it all, they’ve held strong to their friendship, including their shared ties to rodeo—and today, you’ll get to listen in as they recount some of their favorite stories.You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

Around here, tradition runs deep; the stories—and, sometimes, the horses—run wild; and community runs strong above all. One of the most enduring connections is our partnership with the military, a relationship woven into the fabric of our celebration since the very first parade.Today, host Tara Vreeland—former Miss Frontier and CFD team member—welcomes two distinguished former military chairmen, Tucker Fagan and Hans Richard, for a heartwarming and humorous conversation about the enduring connection between F.E. Warren Air Force Base and Cheyenne Frontier Days. Find out: Why there’s a tank in the arena on Military Monday—and the story behind how the tradition got started How CFD changes the lives of young airmen stationed in CheyenneThe legacy behind Tucker’s beloved 1996 CFD jacketYou can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

In a way unlike any other sport in the world, rodeo thrives on the beauty of spontaneity—and no one knows this better than the fine gentlemen tasked with bringing the story of each rodeo to life. Today, you’ll hear some familiar voices—Kyle Shobe, Cheyenne Frontier Days Track Announcer, and Garrett Yerigan, Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo Announcer—joined by Riggin Smith of Stace Smith Pro Rodeo, all coming together to celebrate what Kyle refers to as “rodeo spontaneous.” Plus, find out: What stands out most about putting on the rodeo in Cheyenne The difference between what you see on The Cowboy Channel and what it’s like to be in the thick of the live eventWhat goes into a typical rodeo day from the announcer side, as well as from the stock contractor side Why announcing for the rodeo is unlike announcing for any other sport—and what it gives announcers an opportunity to do for the fansHow technology has evolved (and elevated) the rodeo experience from every angleYou can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

If it’s your first rodeo: Bullfighters are the ones running toward the bull in our arena when a rider gets thrown from the saddle. Working as a team, they distract the bull, create a barrier, and give the rider a safe route to escape.Right in the thick of it with them, you’ll see the barrelman—but you’ve likely heard him well before that. While he spends most of his time delivering some good, old-fashioned heckling to the crowd, the barrelman is also there to support the bullfighters in distracting bulls and getting riders to safety.If it’s not your first rodeo, you’ve likely seen today’s guests—legendary Barrelman Cody Sosebee and World Champion Bullfighters Dusty Tuckness and Cody Webster—at work from your spot in the stands.Today, you’ll get to hear what it’s like to be down in the arena with them… and why they look forward to working Cheyenne Frontier Days (“The Daddy”) every year.As you’d imagine, it’s quite the conversation when you get these three together, and you’ve got a front row seat.Find out: What makes Cheyenne the rodeo they all look forward to most each year Why the Frontier Park arena stands out from any other arena in the world How Dusty and Cody’s teamwork dynamic changes when they’re here in Cheyenne The enlightening way Dusty and Cody approach harder aspects of their workEveryone’s favorite moments from working “The Daddy” over the years You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

In 1931, Jean Nimmo Dubois became the first Miss Frontier—making Cheyenne Frontier Days history, and paving the way for a legacy nine decades strong… and still counting. Whether making her grand entrance during the rodeo, greeting the cheering crowd during a parade, or talking with fans at events around the nation, Miss Frontier is an icon of the Western way of life, and those who have held the title carry that honor with them for decades. Today, Mariah Johnson, Indian Committee Chairman, welcomes two women who not only earned the title of Miss Frontier, but also made it a family tradition: Mother-daughter duo Jordan Johnson, Miss Frontier 2022, and Rachelle Hayes Zimmerman, Miss Frontier 1993. Listen in to hear: How the role of Miss Frontier—and the process of earning the title—has evolved through the years The story behind the red buckskins you’ll see Miss Frontier wearing today What it’s like to be Miss Frontier, and what inspired Rachelle and Jordan to each pursue the titleRachelle and Jordan’s favorite memories from their individual reignsAdvice for the next generation of Miss FrontiersFor more on the history of Miss Frontier, tune in to “Eras of Western Women: 1930-1960.”You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action. 

A sisterhood spanning generations, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Dandies have served as goodwill ambassadors of our event since 1970.In addition to keeping up with the bustling 10-day schedule of Cheyenne Frontier Days—including appearances at the Coronation Ball, pancake breakfasts, grand parades, rodeo performances and night shows—the spirited and sparkling Dandies represent Cheyenne Frontier Days at rodeos, fairs and other celebrations throughout the Rocky Mountain Region year-round. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be one of these legendary ladies, or what it takes to earn your spot in their ranks… have we got a treat for you! Today, Dandies alumnus Lisa Murphy (‘84-’86) welcomes fellow alumnus Shirley Holmes Churchill (‘75-’77) and current Dandies Director Halley Redman to share: The origins of the Dandies, and the “tried and true cowgirl” who founded the groupWhat it was like to be one of the very first Dandies What it takes to be able to carry the (surprisingly heavy) sponsor flags you see Dandies ride with in the arenaHow the Dandies, and even the type of riders they look for, have evolved over the past 55 yearsThe skills Dandies learn that stay with them for a lifetime What Halley looks for when selecting new DandiesShirley and Lisa’s most cherished memories from their time in the group You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action. 

What defines a Wyoming cowgirl? It’s the way she approaches the world with strength, confidence, and resilience. It’s in her passion for the Western way of life.It’s a definition as vast and ever-evolving as the West itself—even into the newest generation of Wyoming cowgirls, out blazing their trails as we speak. The bold, barrier-breaking women you’ve met in our past three “Eras of Western Women” episodes aren’t always the typical “cowgirl” you’d expect… and yet, each represents her own brand of cowgirl authentically, unapologetically, unequivocally. Today, you’ll get to meet even more. In our fourth and final episode of the “Eras of Western Women” series, honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Kassel (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) share stories about:  The evolution of the Cheyenne Frontier Days W-Heels group, beginning with Margaret BoyceWyoming native Ann King, founder of the Old West Museum What makes ProRodeo Hall of Fame barrel racer Kristie Peterson’s induction to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame so uniqueCountry music singer Reba McEntire’s ties to Cheyenne’s Historic Plains Hotel The reintroduction of women into rough stock events at the rodeoUnited States Senator Cynthia Lummis, our 1976 Miss Frontier and the first woman to serve on the Cheyenne Frontier Days Board of DirectorsWyoming Supreme Court Justice Lynne Boomgaarden, the first woman to serve on the Cheyenne Frontier Days General CommitteeLisa Murphy, the first woman to be elected chairman of the Cheyenne Frontier Days boardYou can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, our nation—thanks to the rise of the Western film genre—was enamored by the romance and intrigue of the American West. It was no longer enough to simply watch the action on a screen; people wanted to have an authentic, boots-on-the-ground Western experience for themselves.And where better than Cheyenne Frontier Days? Between 1930 and 1960, Cheyenne played host to a wide array of women breaking barriers left and right—and it’s their stories we celebrate today. In our third of four special podcast episodes honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Kassel (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) share stories about:  Sally Rand, an extremely compelling character in Cheyenne Frontier Days history—and inspiration behind the outfits you’ll see Miss Frontier and her lady-in-waiting wearing todayEllen Church, who trained the world’s first airline stewardesses (and pioneered the spirit of hospitality on passenger aircraft) right here in Cheyenne Amelia Earhart’s connection to Wyoming, particularly the Cheyenne airport groundsJean Nimmo DuBois, the first Miss Frontier You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

Welcome to the era of the cowgirl: A ground-breaking time in Western history that saw women stepping boldly into the world of rodeo… and never looking back. In our second of four special podcast episodes honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Kassel (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) highlight:  Rodeo trail-blazers Frances, Pauline, and Joella IrwinBertha Kaepernick, the first woman to ride a bucking horse at Cheyenne Frontier DaysPrairie Rose Henderson, a champion bronc rider who met a mysterious end Mabel Strickland, often remembered as the “quintessential cowgirl of the 1920s” Cheyenne native Helen Bonham, the first ambassador of Cheyenne Frontier Days You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

The women whose stories you’re about to hear are more than celebrated names from Wyoming’s history; they’re women whose strength, confidence, and resilience exemplify the spirit of the Wyoming cowgirl… and whose impact shaped the West as we know it. Kicking off the first of four special podcast episodes honoring the Year of the Cowgirl, Diane Shober (Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism) and Mike Kassel (Associate Director and Curator of Collections at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum) celebrate:Sacajawea, who played a pivotal role in the success of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition The brave women who left behind everything they knew to forge a path—and a future—in the WestWyoming’s early suffragettes, including Esther Hobart Morris, who has an incredibly unique link to Cheyenne Frontier Days Louisa Swain, the first woman to legally cast a ballot in a general election Therese Jenkins, credited with saving women's suffrage in WyomingYou can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

When you get two veterans of Frontier Nights together, chances are… they’re going to have some pretty great stories to share. Today, you’ve got a seat at the table to hear some of the best, straight from Wyoming country music artist Chancey Williams and Bob Romeo of Romeo Entertainment Group—the agency responsible for bringing everyone from Garth Brooks to Post Malone to our legendary Frontier Nights stage. Listen in as these fine gentlemen reflect on some of their favorite stories from behind the scenes, including: Why Bob credits Randy Travis and Sawyer Brown for getting his foot in the door in CheyenneHow Chris LeDoux checked off his number-one bucket list item at CFD’s 100th Anniversary celebration Where in Frontier Park Chancey credits as the place that gave his band their foundationStories from behind the scenes with Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, and George StraitWhy the Contract Acts office keeps a framed photo of Garth Brooks and Chris LeDoux shaking hands How the South Dakota highway patrol helped bring the Oak Ridge Boys to Frontier Nights Creative ways we’ve worked around Wyoming weather to ensure the show goes on You can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/podcast/ to see the conversation in action.

The rich tradition of Cheyenne Frontier Days revolves around its stories—and what better way to celebrate them than by sharing those stories with you? In our inaugural episode, you’ll travel down memory lane with Diane Shober, Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism, and our own Tom Hirsig, Cheyenne Frontier Days President and CEO, as they share: The “fluke” that led to the very first Cheyenne Frontier Days, all the way back in 1897 Tom’s earliest CFD memories, including seeing the cast of “Gunsmoke” on stageWhat makes our volunteers, and the experience of volunteering, something you won’t experience anywhere else Which CFD keepsake “every cowboy knows” and can recognize across the roomWhy Tom still chokes up when talking about his final competition in our arenaWays you’ll see us stay on the cutting edge while still keeping our strong Western Heritage at the forefrontYou can watch this podcast, too!Stop by https://cfdrodeo.com/about-us/latest-news/ to see the conversation in action.