#69 From the Arena to the Pulpit: The Extraordinary Journey of Mike Fletcher

Mar 26, 2024

Today we sit down with the legendary Mike Fletcher, the 1983 IPRA All Around World Champion, for an engaging trip down memory lane. Mike delves into his early years in Louisiana, his journey into the world of rodeo starting with his first acquisition of a Jim Houston bareback rigging, and clinching the National High School Bareback Riding Championship in 1972 and 1973. We’ll hear tales of his adventures on the road at the age of 18, alongside fellow IPRA cowboys Mike Duplissey, Rob McDonald, and Jack Wiesman. Mike reminisces about his time with the Tulsa Twister Rodeo Team in 1980 and his enduring passion for bronc riding, which he pursued until the age of 44. He also pays tribute to memorable figures like Jeff Altmeyer and Lecile Harris who left an indelible mark on his life. Now, having traded the rodeo arena for the pulpit, Mike is an ordained minister leading a church in Texas. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a rodeo champion turned preacher.

We hope that you enjoy.

Resources:

Mike Fletcher FB Page

IPRA World Champions, IFR Average Winners, IPRA Region Champions

https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/media-guide

Severe Bronc Saddle

https://www.severebrothers.com/?s=bronc

Lecile Harris Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/EthellovesLecile100

Lecile Harris – Book: This Ain’t My First Rodeo

https://www.amazon.com/Lecile-This-Aint-First-Rodeo/dp/0692476962/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UUWLDFIL7S24&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RKdoqCsAtzbz8S-z8nTxmg.LefnTulIq6rtLmH175FV5MOHn4REGC-GjYUPfgPSoIY&dib_tag=se&keywords=lecile+harris+this+ain%27t+my+first+rodeo&qid=1711406979&s=books&sprefix=lecile+harris+this+aint+my+first+rodeo%2Cstripbooks%2C87&sr=1-1

The IRA Project

https://www.facebook.com/groups/681292165259783

Beyond the Chutes Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093822821241

Beyond the Chutes Webpage

https://beyondthechutes.show/

ParaSight Systems

https://www.parasightsystem.com/

Hash tags:

#rodeo #cowboy #cowboyboots #cowgirl #cowgirlstyle #westernstyle #westernfashion #horse #horseriding #bullriding #podcast #podcaster #podcastersofinstagram #rodeopodcast #rodeohouston #rodeofashion #prorodeo #sttite #fwst #dance #fwst2023 #fwst2024 #rodeohorse #rodeoroad #rodeocharm #rodeoclown #yellowstone #ipra #prca #pbr #pbrbrasil

Subscribe

Join Our Rodeo Community

Join our Facebook Group where we discuss all things Rodeo, from upcoming events, to past history, and current stars.

Latest Episodes

#167 Wes Ward Part 2 –  Tattoo Ward from Fantasy Island, Oklahoma.

Perfect — here is a clean, narrative, SEO-strong RSS description built directly from the Episode 2 transcript, written in your voice, grounded in what Wes actually says, and structured so podcast platforms can index it properly. I’ve stayed faithful to the transcript...

#166 Wes Ward Part 1 – Jack Wiseman Taught Me How to Win That Day

#166 Wes Ward Part 1 – Jack Wiseman Taught Me How to Win That Day

In Part 1 of this Texas Swing episode of Beyond the Chutes, host Doug Simcox sits down with legendary rodeo cowboy and announcer Wes Ward for a powerful, story-driven conversation recorded on the road in October 2025. This episode centers on Wes Ward’s early rodeo...