Rodeo guys are always willing to tip their cap cowboy hat to Taylor Sheridan.
Rocker Steiner, a bareback bronc rider, and Kade Bruno, a saddle bronc rider, joined the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast ahead of the Music City Rodeo to talk about the upcoming event, as well as their lives as rodeo stars. The two discussed their favorite country artists, why Nashville is the perfect place for a rodeo, and how their lives as touring rodeo competitors aren’t that much different from touring country singers.
The guys also spoke on the risk that comes with their profession, the biggest purchases they’ve made after winning big money, and the sport’s largest misconceptions. Rocker and Kade then touched on celebrity and country star runs in they’ve had during their careers, and how Taylor Sheridan has helped rodeo popularity through shows like Yellowstone.
Just as country music and rodeo goes together quite well (more on that in a bit), Taylor Sheridan’s universe of shows features a lot of overlap with the rodeo scene and the genre of country music. When we asked Rocker and Kade about the Taylor Sheridan-effect, they quickly commended the Yellowstone creator and said that he’s played a massive role in making rodeo more mainstream:
Rocker Steiner said Sheridan’s impact has been very noticeable:
“Huge part. Whenever people are like, ‘Man, rodeo and country music is just blowing up.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, I think a big part of that is Taylor Sheridan.’ I’ve gotten to know Taylor very well over the last handful of years. He’s really a great guy, and probably the smartest person I’ve ever met.
With ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘1923,’ ‘1883,’ ‘Landman’ and all of the stuff, everybody’s always wearing cowboy hats. He’s always putting (rodeo guys in it). I was in Yellowstone riding a bucking horse when I was 15. Lainey Wilson in the show, and Ryan Bingham. He’s always been pumping in rodeo and country music.”
@whiskeyriff Brand new episode of Whiskey Riff Raff with Rocker Steiner & Kade Bruno presented by Music City Rodeo. @Rocker Steiner @musiccityrodeo #whiskeyriffraff ♬ original sound – Whiskey Riff
In case you were wondering, Taylor Sheridan moved into Rocker’s neighborhood when he was younger, and that’s how they met. When Sheridan needed a rodeo guy for a scene, he asked the young, bareback bronc rider if he’d be interested. Rocker was, and the rest is history.
Both rodeo stars were very complimentary of Sheridan, and said the TV and movie-making genius is a fan of rodeo, watches and keeps up with the sport, and most importantly, knows his stuff. Kade Bruno put it very nicely when he jumped in to say that Sheridan’s presence and touch just makes everything better:
“He did his research on everything. Getting into any industry he’s ever done, Taylor does his homework and shows up and he’s there to make it better in every aspect, as well.”
Hard to argue against that.
And if you are looking for a chance to take in cowboys and country music all in one place – like Taylor Sheridan has so seamlessly done with many of his projects – look no further than Music City Rodeo. The event will take place Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena May 28 through 30 (following a sold-out inaugural event in 2025). The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) is returning to Downtown Nashville for another thrilling event filled with broncs, barrel racing, team roping, and country music.
Music City Rodeo will run across three days, and each night will be capped off by performances from Miranda Lambert (May 28), Charley Crockett (May 29) and Jon Pardi (May 30). Simply put, it’s going to be a can’t-miss event, and Rocker Steiner and Kade Bruno will be there to compete.
You can hear them talk more about it in the full interview below. Check it out on YouTube or make sure to download the podcast on Apple Podcasts by searching “Whiskey Riff Raff” or by clicking here.
We’re also available on Spotify and wherever else you can listen to podcasts.
Cheers, y’all.
