ACT - "Rodeo Clown" (Wednesday 6-3-26)
Robert Gann, a rodeo clown and former bullfighter, reveals that his job is less about comedy and more about being a human shield for bull riders—literally sacrificing his body to protect others from 2,000-pound bulls. He describes the terrifying reality of being trampled, the psychological toll of facing bulls like 'Maniac'—a 1,950-pound beast that forced him to retire—and the unspoken code of honor that drives him to risk his life for strangers. What’s most striking is his admission that he’d rather be thrown in the air than get stepped on, and that the most dangerous moment isn’t the horns—it’s the ground. He also shares how he’s evolved from a traditional clown to a modern entertainer who avoids offending audiences, even as he still makes fun of himself. This isn’t a job for the faint of heart, but for someone who sees danger as a calling—and family as the reason to keep going.
The rodeo clown’s primary role is to protect bull riders by distracting bulls and preventing them from being trampled—literally serving as a human shield.
Being thrown by a bull is safer than being stepped on; 2,000 pounds falling from 3–4 feet creates crushing force that can break bones and cause fatal injuries.
Bulls are not colorblind—contrary to myth—but are highly intelligent and learn from repeated interactions, making them unpredictable and dangerous.
Robert Gann retired from bullfighting after being outmaneuvered by a bull named Maniac, who forced him to recognize his limits and transition to clowning for safety.
Rodeo clowns are often the only ones who know a bull rider’s physical condition before they mount—like a doctor assessing risk—making communication vital.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor Intro: Vitality & Plumbing
The episode begins with two sponsor reads: MyEternalVitality.com promoting Dr. Powers for hormone optimization and Modern Plumbing Industries offering 10% off with code TOMANDAN.
Welcome to Weird Job Wednesday: The Rodeo Clown
“I've always considered myself like the rodeo clown of podcasting. Because like a clown, I'm super entertaining, but I'm also the toughest clown.”
From Bullfighter to Clown: A Career Shift
Robert shares his journey from bull rider to bullfighter to rodeo clown, explaining how age and injury led him to transition into entertainment while keeping the safety mission.
The Real Job: Protecting Bull Riders
“You're there for safety. You see this happen. You're a first line of defense for a lot of these guys when they go down. You're watching and you spring out there as quickly as you can.”
The Most Dangerous Moment: Being Stepped On
“When you're on the ground and that bull comes with 2,000 pounds from three to four foot in the air and he comes down and steps on you. So if you know anything about gravity, you take 2,000 pounds coming from three or four foot in the air, it's going to squish you.”
“It's time to, it's okay to realize that you need to move on with your career because if this bull really gets a hold of you like he almost has, it may not be the end of your career. It could be the end of life as you know it.”
“But the most dangerous part is when you're on the ground and that bull comes with 2,000 pounds from three to four foot in the air and he comes down and steps on you. So if you know anything about gravity, you take 2,000 pounds coming from three or four foot in the air, it's going to squish you.”
“And I'm not using this lightly, but I'm just saying you're there for safety. You see this happen. You're a first line of defense for a lot of these guys when they go down. You're watching and you spring out there as quickly as you can.”
Hosts
Guest
Robert Gann
person
Silver Spurs Rodeo
organization
Maniac
other
Modern Plumbing Industries
brand
Satan's Twin
other
Hittin' Skins
brand
Top Notch Arbor
brand
J.B. Mooney
person
Dusty Tuckness
person
Dr. Powers
person
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