Beyond The Ring
Episodes
296: Read The Fine Print
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan stresses the importance of reading the fine print of rules at the stock shows you attend.
295: Priorities Within Priorities
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan dive deep into stock show sorting priorities and beyond.
294: Fashion Faux Pas
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan discusses the supposed reasoning behind some stock show fashion choices… Dale is present for the conversation.
293: Home Away From Home
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss lodging accommodations at stock shows.
292: The Farmers Almanac
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale, Ryan and everyone’s favorite guest Chase Hummel discuss all things Farmers Almanac since the final edition will be printed in 2026.
291: Judging Philosophies, Theories and Strategies
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale talk candidly about why judges do some of the things they do while judging shows.
BTC: Shutdown of the American People, Places and Things
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beyond The Circus is an expanded (and slightly irreverent) version of the wildly popular 'Current Events' segment on 'Beyond The Ring.'...
290: Picture Perfect
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss all things livestock photography.
289: Clash of the Species
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss how judging each of the four species is perceived versus reality.
288: Weight Watchers
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale voice concern over how breeding animals are fatter than market animals at stock shows. Main Topic: Show FresH2O®Hydration is the most c...
287: Your Choice, Your Voice
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss what factors affect the decision making process in which shows stock show families attend.This Week's SponsorsMain Topic: Sh...
286: Showmanship - A Return to Normalcy
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s topic is a discussion about how some showmanship techniques and trends are impractical and odd.
285: Breed Evolution or Revolution?
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale, Ryan, and fan-favorite guest Chase Hummel discuss the past, present, and future of the different breeds of livestock.
284: Back to Basics
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s topic is about helping stock show families cover the basics of feeding and daily care.
283: To Weave Or Not To Weave
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss "building legs" in the fitting of show animals.
282: International Exposure
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss the drastic differences in the show world outside of the US.
281: Outside the Comfort Zone
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's topic of discussion focuses on doing things outside the norm to achieve growth, education and experience.
280: Be Envious Not Jealous
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss how jealousy is one of the most negative factors that effect mot only the stock show industry but everyday life.
279: Power of the Potential
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss how every single person at a show has the potential to make a positive impact on the youth.
278: How Many Judges Does It Take?
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the pros and cons of using single or numerous livestock judges for shows.
277: The Journey
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan share personal experiences about “The Search,” “The Feeding,” and “The Target Show.” The good, the bad, and the priceless.
276: To Be Determined
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss how to prepare when the Grand Drive is at a set time or different date.
275: I Said What I Said
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The topic of this week's discussion is Ryan’s latest social media post that garnered a lot of attention.
274: Do Not Do It
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A follow up to last week's episode, Ryan and Dale discuss situations and things to avoid in the stock show industry.
273: Just Do It
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale offer strategies livestock show families might want to try.
272: No Judge Has a Crystal Ball
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale mainly argue over judges using projections and future predictions in their evaluation.
271: Correlation Confusion
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss correlations that may or may not hold true and have been in play in the show ring since its inception.
270: From the Perspective of National Show Judges - Part 2
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of this series, Ryan and Dale reveal more insights on species-specific questions from a survey of 40 livestock show judges, each with recent...
269: From a National Show Judge's Perspective – Part 1
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this two-part series, Ryan and Dale share the results of survey questions asked to 40 livestock show judges, all of whom have judged one or more ma...
268: Protect Your Investment
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss multiple ways you can put in protect your livestock investment.
267: How Much is Too Much
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan focus on how much time is devoted to livestock show projects.
266: Cost of a Judge
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan talk about all the expenses obvious and hidden that are involved in going to judge a show the greatest of all those that can’t be fina...
265: Minor Breed Discrimination
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's topic explores why minor breeds are often overlooked in a grand drive.
264: Let's Make Judging Contests Great Again
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss the need to evolve and make each Judging Contest as best possible.
263: All About Show Rules
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan explore the intent behind show rules and how they often produce unintended outcomes. While most competitors seek a fair and level playin...
262: Feeding 101
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week's topic focuses on the basics of feeding show animals in terms of nutrition, rations and supplements.
261: Sold
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the different way show animals are bought and sold.
260: Showbreaking 101
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale have a lengthy discussion about the methods, myths, tricks and tips of getting animals show broke.
259: Making Contact
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss contacting judges.
258: Offense Is The Best Defense
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss how sometimes showman can't always be the "nice guy" in all situations in the show show ring.
257: They Said What - Part 2
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale continue the discussion on terminology that is often used at stock shows but not always understood.
256: They Said What - Part 1
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss terminology often used at stock shows but not always understood.
255: Next-Level Stock Show Tech: SenseHub Unveiled
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale & Ryan chat with Merck Animal Health's Mallory Liss & Jordan Cowan about SenseHub Cow-Calf—a game-changing tech for the stock show ...
254: Stock Show Style
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale dive into the current trends in show stock presentation.
253: Weight Watchers
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The topic of discussion for this week is all things market show weight breaks.
252: Hunting Unicorns
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss the importance of what to look for in a new stock show purchase.
251: DEI - Didn’t Earn It
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss a recurring theme about how work ethic effects the stock show industry.
250: Mind Your Manners
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss stock show etiquette and how we can be more accommodating and mindful of others while at stock shows.
249: Golden Age of Stock Shows
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale talk about how we can all try and make stock shows the best they can be.
248: Free At Last, Free at Last
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss what small animal showmen should do with their free hand while showing.
247: Skeletal Discrepancies in the Ring
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss the inconsistencies among judges and across species regarding structural issues when describing show stock.
246: Mindblowing Mindset
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss the factors that affect an exhibitor's mindset and performance in the show ring.
245: Judge What They Brought - Judging 4 of 4
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You have to judge what they bring you - Dale and Ryan discuss what would seem to be a straightforward concept that is, in reality, much more complex a...
244: Subconscious Sorting - Judging 3 of 4
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Subconscious Sorting and other outside influences. Ryan and Dale have an extremely transparent conversation on the factors influencing stock show judg...
243: Reasons for a Reason
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan (mostly Ryan) discuss the lack of accuracy and forethought judges give on the microphone when describing show stock.
242: ABCs of Judging - 1 of 4
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 of the ABCs of Judging. Dale and Ryan talk about the basic things that are expected of judges at stock shows.
241: Showmanship Struggle
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale dive into why exhibitors show differently in showmanship versus the actual show.
240: Livestock Judging Teams 2.0
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, in honor of the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest at NAILE, Ryan and Dale discuss a favorite and timely topic.
239: The Price Is Right
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the factors that influence the cost of show stock.
238: Decisions Have Consequences
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the impact of deciding who is judging and how it affects everything.
237: Pressure Points When Attending Major Shows
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale highlight several pressure points that cause human stress when competing at National Level Shows.
236: Trending 2.0 (4 of 4)
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back By popular demand; the TRENDING series. The fourth and final of the 4-part series covers Show Cattle trends with the legendary Mr. Jim Williams. ...
235: True Value of Showmanship
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss what being a great showman should be about and how it should be evaluated.
234: Trending 2.0 (3 of 4)
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back by popular demand, the *trending* series, the third of a four-part series, covers show goat trends.
233: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss things that happen in and around the show ring that come off as disrespectful, even though at times, they aren’t intentional.
232: Trending 2.0
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back by popular demand, the TRENDING series is back. The second of the four-part series covers sheep trends with one of the most respected and consist...
231: Social Media 2.0
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale revisit the topic of social media use in the livestock show industry.
230: Now Trending 2.0
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back by popular demand the trending series is back the first episode is about hog’s with Ryan’s all time favorite guest Kade Hummel.
229: National Show Wars
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the positives, negatives and differences in each of the National Major Shows.
228: Attainable Achievements
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss how each stock show family should set goals for each show so each outing can be considered successful.
227: Obesity in Show Animals
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan declares war on what he believes is an Epidemic in the show ring, and Dale tries to calm him down.
226: Attitude and Atmosphere are Contagious
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss how the atmosphere and attitudes of people outside the show ring affect those who are on the inside.
225: Before and After
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the critical periods before you start showing and what comes afterward.
224: Everything County Fair
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale recognize that the county fair is the lifeline of the Junior Livestock Show. They attempt to provide a framework for how we can contribu...
223: I Volunteer as Tribute
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale is MIA on vacation again, so Ryan discusses the importance of volunteerism in the stock show industry.
222: How Old Is Old Enough ?
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale brings to the forefront the trend of show stock being older and more mature … Ryan rails against it!
BTC: Trump Assassination Attempt
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss all the details and facts that have come to light 12 hours after the attempted assassination of Former President Trump.
221: Ring Savvy
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale explain the lost art of being Ring Savvy which can increase your competitive edge in many circumstances.
220: Snap Shot
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss how sometimes as spectators we forget the judges only get a snapshot of the animals they sort.
BTC: Debate Delusion
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan, with guest Chase, discuss the Presidential Debate fallout and the path forward.
219: Barn Blind
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the various causes and effects of the dual sides of “barn blindness.“
218: If You Know, You Know
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan try to break the surface of how crucial knowing your animal is in feeding, fitting, and showing.
217: Showmanship Pet Peeves 2.0
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss their latest list of showmanship faux pas currently in the show ring.
216: Crossing The Line
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss tactics that are used to influence livestock judges.
BTC: Big House to the White House
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Beyond The Circus Dale and Ryan discuss the Trump Conviction and the truth and consequences of such.
215: Define Integrity
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale survived his Out Of Africa experience and is back to discuss integrity in the stock show world.
214: Arm Yourself
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale is still missing in action during his 'Out Of Africa' excursion, so Ryan has to go solo again for week two. In an adjacent topic to last week's d...
213: What Not To Wear
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan is solo this week as Dale is in Africa fighting to stay alive! Ryan talks about show clothing choices.
212: Put Me In Coach
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss all things coaching kids how to show livestock.
211: Complications with Classification
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss complications with the various methods currently utilized to determine what breed/color division market animals are shown within...
210: Optical Illusions
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan primarily argue if methods and techniques used to create optical illusions on the showring are effective.
209: The Rona Effect
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the differences between a pre and post Covid world in the stock show industry.
208: Skeletal Build?
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan acknowledge that skeletal correctness is high on all judge’s list of priorities, yet many do not interpret it in the same manner.
207: Trends?
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan cover a topic in which they have minimal common ground. Even if you’re not interested in how trends are determined, there is entertain...
BTC - Easter Edition
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan rants about Biden declaring Easter Transgender Visibility Day. Dale talks about the Border. Both of them try to understand WHY Biden makes so man...
206: Rank The Judge
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss an issue they have quarreled over for years, but hopefully, a solution and progress are on the horizon.
205: Do’s and Don’ts 2.0 - Part B
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale finish out the discussion that started last week.
205: Do’s and Don’ts 2.0 - Part A
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan rants and raves about what and what not to do. Dale listens.
203: Timing is Everything
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan and Dale discuss how timing affects every facet of stock shows.
201: Reasons Why
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dale and Ryan discuss the podcast's past, present, and future.