Five-time World Champion bullfighter Rob Smets joins the Black Knuckle Ranch Podcast to share the incredible journey that made him one of the most respected names in rodeo.

Rob takes us from his childhood growing up around the world, to discovering rodeo, earning his PRCA card as a teenager, and shocking the sport by winning the Cow Palace and the U.S. Cowboy Bullfighting Championship during his rookie season. Along the way, he shares the mindset, preparation, and split-second decision making that separates great bullfighters from everyone else.

We also dive into:

• How boxing, football, and rugby shaped his bullfighting style
• Why bullfighting is far more technical than most people realize
• The psychology behind protecting bull riders
• The physical and mental cost of a career in the arena
• Funny stories from the road—including how one of his bulls got the name "Blackberry"
• Teaching the next generation through the Rob Smets Bullfighting School
• What it really takes to become a professional in one of rodeo's most dangerous jobs

Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or just want to hear from someone who's spent a lifetime competing at the highest level, this episode is packed with stories, wisdom, and laughs.

Zack Oakes joins the Black Knuckle Ranch Podcast to talk about a life spent chasing rodeo dreams, the realities of professional bull riding, and what happens when the ride finally ends. From hitchhiking to rodeos as a teenager to competing at the highest levels of the sport, Zack shares stories from the road, lessons learned the hard way, and why success in the arena doesn't always translate to success after the spotlight fades.

In this episode:

• Growing up in Oregon and getting started in rodeo
• Knowing when it was time to step away from bull riding
• Life on the road as a professional rodeo cowboy
• Making the NFR and the nerves behind the biggest stage in rodeo
• Winning over $1 million and the financial mistakes that followed
• Why many athletes struggle after their careers end
• Sponsorships, agents, and the business side of rodeo
• The difference between old-school cowboys and modern rodeo athletes
• Wild stories from military appearances and life on tour
• The mental game of competing when everything is on the line
• What Zack wishes he'd known at 20 years old

If you've ever wondered what life is really like behind the chutes—or what comes after the dream—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Black Knuckle Ranch Podcast
Real Horses. Real Ranch. Real Talk.

In this episode of the Black Knuckle Ranch Podcast, Craig Moore returns for an honest conversation about horses, business, branding, and the realities of trying to build something that lasts.

We dive into the challenges of creating BKR Ranchwear, what separates premium apparel from simple merch, and why competing with established brands isn't as easy as it looks. The conversation then shifts to the horse industry, where Craig shares his perspective on training horses, selling horses, and the harsh financial realities that many horse owners never see.

We also discuss the impact of social media success, the pressure to constantly chase viral moments, and why authenticity matters more than highlight reels. If you've ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of a growing ranch operation, this episode pulls back the curtain.

• The difference between merchandise and premium apparel
• Why BKR Ranchwear offers a "You Rip It, We Replace It" guarantee
• Competing with brands like Poncho, Ariat, and Wrangler
• The hidden economics of horse training and horse sales
• Craig's experience training and selling Mustangs
• Why some horses sell quickly while others never gain traction
• The dangers of chasing viral content
• Building a business without losing authenticity
• Lessons learned from scaling a horse program too quickly
• What the future may hold for Black Knuckle Performance Horses

Whether you're a horse owner, trainer, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to build something meaningful, this episode delivers plenty of hard-earned lessons and real-world insight.