Josh Whitesides joins Conversations with Big Rich to share his unconventional path through the automotive and off-road worlds. Growing up around his father’s dealership, Josh developed an early passion for cars, wiring, racing, and anything with a motor.

He discusses his years in car audio, national competitions, high-powered import street racing, and the serious injury that reshaped his life. Josh also recounts discovering off-roading through the Texas Rock Crawlers, building and wiring rigs, and eventually getting involved with Dirt Riot, Ultra4, and King of the Hammers.

The conversation includes behind-the-scenes stories from the famous Raptor jump with Alex Wacker, Josh’s broken back, the challenges of racing an underprepared car at King of the Hammers, and the decision to build a Penhall race car.

Today, Josh maintains a private collection of classic and restomod vehicles, including a 1929 Ford and a Ferrari 308. He also enjoys wheeling with Tribe 16, exploring destinations such as the Rubicon and Colorado, and taking his Jeep on scenic overland trips.

Josh reflects on the friendships, teamwork, and family atmosphere that make the off-road community so special.

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In this episode of Conversations with Big Rich, Justin “Aussie” Khoo shares the winding journey that took him from growing up on a Malaysian rubber plantation and swimming competitively in Australia to working in mining, commercial diving, railroading, and the motorcycle industry.

Justin talks about discovering his passion for off-roading, adapting to life in the United States, and returning to the trail through vehicle builds, 12-volt installations, and overlanding adventures. He also recalls guiding Australian filmmakers through California’s Rubicon Trail and introducing them to American off-road culture.

The conversation then turns to Rugged Revive, the personal-care product Justin and his wife, Kelly, developed for people who spend time outdoors. Inspired by real-world challenges on the trail, Rugged Revive offers an effective way to clean up without a traditional shower. Justin explains how they created the formula, bootstrapped the business, and expanded beyond off-road into hunting, hiking, camping, sports, and other outdoor activities.

Along the way, Justin and Big Rich swap stories about Australian wildlife, remote travel, beer, space for off-road toys, and the dream of building a massive garage.

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In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Big Rich, Sue Lee Bun shares her remarkable journey from fleeing Laos as a young child to building a life rooted in family, resilience, and the off-road community.

Sue discusses growing up in a large Hmong family, adapting to life in America, overcoming bullying, and balancing cultural traditions with American life. She explains how she and her husband, Chai, discovered off-roading, raised their sons on the trails, and launched Bunn Welders after fellow off-roaders began relying on their trail-side welding expertise.

Sue also opens up about her stage-four lung cancer diagnosis and the overwhelming support she received from the off-road community. That experience inspired the creation of the Hugaroc Foundation, which supports off-road families affected by cancer and plans activities for children and teenagers facing illness.

Learn about Hugaroc’s upcoming fundraisers, community events, children’s initiatives, and ways to get involved.

Visit hugaroc.org and follow Hugaroc on Facebook and Instagram.

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Tom Gattuso, SEMA’s Vice President of Events, joins Big Rich Klein for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey through automotive events, off-road culture, and the evolution of the SEMA Show.

Gattuso shares stories from growing up near Washington, D.C., touring Europe as a jazz musician, playing varsity football, and developing the improvisational skills that shaped his career. He explains how a bold cross-country move in a ’66 Impala convertible led him from automotive sales into event production.

The discussion explores his years producing auto shows and Off-Road Expo, including the importance of becoming immersed in the off-road community and embracing unconventional ideas. Gattuso also describes his transition to SEMA and the growth of signature experiences such as the SEMA Cruise, SEMA Fest, outdoor demonstrations, and expanded powersports programming.

Additional topics include:

• How SEMA is organizing truck, off-road, powersports, and related industries
• The importance of protecting trails and supporting advocacy through ORBA
• Designing events around the needs of exhibitors, buyers, and enthusiasts
• The future of product innovation and automotive customization
• SEMA Fest’s mix of music, drifting, stunt performances, and community

Gattuso offers a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, risks, teamwork, and passion required to bring the automotive industry together.

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Jeff Knoll joins Big Rich to share the winding path that took him from a childhood spent riding motorcycles and dune buggies in Southern California to becoming a major figure in off-road racing and land-use advocacy.

Jeff reflects on growing up in Menifee and Glamis, his early experiences at the Boardmanville Trading Post, working through school, starting a family young, and overcoming periods of homelessness. He explains how plumbing, Jeep clubs, rock crawling, and desert racing eventually led to the creation of the California Rock Crawling Association and the early days of King of the Hammers.

The conversation explores the vision behind King of the Hammers, its first competitors, the importance of media and storytelling, and Jeff’s decision to leave the event as it grew. Jeff also discusses the personal cost of the Save the Hammers campaign, which helped establish Johnson Valley’s first congressionally designated OHV area.

Additional topics include Rally Venture, public-land permitting, the challenges facing motorized recreation advocacy, and Jeff’s work with One Voice. He shares why the Potato Salad Hill Cleanup Challenge remains one of his proudest accomplishments and explains how small acts of stewardship can change perceptions.

Looking ahead, Jeff hopes to retire from Lincoln Electric, build a Jeep and camper setup, and return to exploring trails across the country.

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In this episode, Big Rich Klein sits down with rock-bouncing champion Tim Cameron, a Tennessee native whose passion for off-road racing began with four-wheelers, Jeeps, and hill climbs.

Tim shares how he learned fabrication from Brian Cole and built his first full-tube-chassis buggy, Fat Girl. He discusses the evolution of his rigs, including Jenny Craig, Moon Rover, Hellraiser, Showtime, and Game Changer. His innovative use of a ProFab drop box helped redefine rock-bouncer drivetrain design.

The conversation follows Tim’s transition from wild hill climbs to competitive racing. After experiencing Ultra4 suspension technology firsthand with Randy Slawson, Tim embraced bypass shocks, trailing arms, and increased wheel travel. His redesigned buggies helped him win multiple consecutive championships and influenced the direction of rock-bouncing competition.

Tim also recalls his 2015 King of the Hammers debut, where he and co-pilot Cole Shirley finished 11th despite fuel-system problems.

After racing more than 40 weekends a year, Tim recognized burnout and took time away from competition. During that break, he discovered dirt late-model racing and began mastering an entirely different discipline.

Today, Tim continues competing in rock bouncing while developing his dirt-track career. He discusses his current buggy, 100 Shots Reloaded, plans for a super late model, and the possibility of returning to Ultra4 racing.

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Glen Plake joins Big Rich Klein for a wide-ranging conversation about skiing, off-road racing, rock crawling, and the unexpected opportunities that shaped his life.

A member of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame, Glen reflects on growing up in South Lake Tahoe, learning to ski at age two, and finding inspiration in the hot-dogging revolution and early ski films. He discusses his iconic mohawk, resisting the pressure to conform, and the importance of individuality in sports.

Glen also shares how family, mechanics, water skiing, and Baja influenced his path. He recounts his unconventional introduction to off-road racing, including a race-saving repair during the Baja 500 and a decades-long relationship with Darren Skelton.

The conversation continues with Glen’s experience on Truck Night in America, his transition into rock crawling, Trail Hero, and building and wheeling a buggy with his wife, Kimberly. Throughout, Glen emphasizes staying active, embracing uncertainty, helping others, and walking through every door that opens.

His advice to the next generation is simple: believe you can—and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

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In this episode of Conversations with Big Rich, Big Rich Klein talks with Keith Purmal, a 2025 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee and one of off-road racing’s most trusted voices.

Keith shares stories from growing up in Las Vegas, developing an early interest in electronics and ham radio, and working in communications at Area 51 and Nevada Power Company. His lifelong passion for radio technology eventually connected him with legendary promoter Casey Folks and the Las Vegas 400.

For more than four decades, Keith has coordinated race communications across Nevada, Arizona, California, and Baja. He describes the challenges of installing repeaters on remote mountaintops, managing multiple radio networks, adapting to Starlink and satellite communications, and staying calm when races take unexpected and sometimes tragic turns.

Keith also reflects on Casey Folks’ leadership, the importance of volunteers, and the teamwork required to make an off-road event successful. He discusses his Hall of Fame induction, the emotion of being recognized by the racing community, and his plans with Cindy to continue supporting races while traveling and enjoying retirement.

This episode celebrates the behind-the-scenes professionals who help keep racers safe and events running—and the off-road family that makes the lifestyle so special.

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19-year-old rock crawler and son of off-road legend Big Charlie. Lil Charlie grew up in Carmel, New York, competing in rock crawling events since childhood. Currently pilots a Jesse Haines Moonbuggy in national competitions.

Early wheeling at Todd's property in Pennsylvania began around age 3. Started driving buggies at age 8, learning from his father. First rock crawling competition at Field and Forest in New Hampshire. 

The family owns a marina in New York passed down through generations. Charlie helps with boat maintenance, deliveries, and buggy preparation. Took welding classes in high school. Aspires to pursue fabrication and building rock crawlers.

In 2025, there was a boulder incident at WE Rock Mason, Texas—pinned under 40,000+ pound rock requiring four winches to extract. Electrical failures at recent competitions. Definitely prefer cone dodging in WE Rock events, but hopes to compete in Trailbreaker, Texas Top Gun, and Crawl Fest.

Currently learning from mentors in the off-road industry, including Jesse Haines. Open to Ultra 4 racing and desert racing. Lil Charlie is considering relocating west where weather and terrain suit year-round wheeling.

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Robert started in mud trucks around 1998 with coworkers in South Florida. Progressed through multiple vehicles: K10 Stepside on 38-inch Groundhogs, a Jimmy, and eventually a YJ and square-body GMC truck. Attended his first Ultimate Adventure in 2015 (the last pay-to-play year) and was accepted to subsequent trips. Discovered passion for genuine rock crawling rather than mud bogging.

Adventure Wheelers East
After feeling disconnected from the Florida Adventure Rigs group, Keller partnered with Jack Sloan to merge their communities into AWE – Adventure Wheelers East, combining adventure seekers from multiple off-road networks. The group runs annual week-long wheeling trips throughout the Southeast, attracting both media legends and newcomers. Keller emphasizes accessibility: "It might not be the hardest wheeling you've ever done, but it's going to be fun."

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Chad had a nomadic childhood with nine moves across the US by age 10. Played competitive soccer through college; choosing sports over academics. Family of machinists and farmers influenced hands-on career path.
 
He started as a mechanic, working through transmission and fabrication shops. Became premier Hemi Jeep installer during the modification craze, but was laid off unexpectedly, then built first personal off-road buggy after failing a rock crawl in his JK. Chad still drives that original buggy.
 
Zeus Off-Road was founded in 2016 after his wife insisted on staying in Minnesota for family support. Chad built his reputation purely through word-of-mouth and community trust, he now operates on the philosophy of customer education and consultation before major builds, emphasizing proper driver training and understanding vehicle capabilities. He advocates for gradual locker engagement and self-recovery knowledge in off-roading.

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Cole shares his 35-year journey from car enthusiast to magazine editor to automotive marketing business owner. Starting with dirt bikes in the New Mexico desert, he became editorial assistant at Hot Rod Magazine in 1990 before launching 4x4 Power—where he built an entry-level off-road publication alongside Trent McGee and Tori Tellem. After twelve years at Peterson Publishing, he transitioned to Chrysler, where he worked in PR for engineering and traveled globally with executives. Following the 2008 financial crisis, Cole started CQ Marketing and now serves clients including Flexlite and Dynatrac, while launching passion projects like Pavement Pounder Events.

Cole emphasizes the importance of staying curious and adaptable. Career paths have dissolved—no single company will define your future. Take opportunities, fail forward, and find work that excites you daily. He credits his success to surrounding himself with passionate people and collaborating with industry leaders who cared deeply about quality and customer experience.

Don't obsess over finding the perfect path. Get your degree, stay open-minded, and pursue what energizes you. Beware of working in your hobby—passion can turn to drudgery as a 9-to-5. Find the balance between funding your lifestyle and doing work that matters to you.

Cole is exploring adventure tours through Pavement Pounder Events, blending his hot-rod expertise with touring experiences. Maybe he should collaborate with Big Rich on an off-road tour concept combining both their industry backgrounds and storytelling skills?

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John grew up in Auburn, Washington with a passion for automotive work. He excelled in shop classes and purchased his first car—a 1968 Camaro—at age 14. After high school, he worked at a quick lube shop before joining an automotive repair facility. When the owner retired, John's parents bought the business, and after navigating early challenges, John eventually took over. The shop celebrates 30 years in business this year.

Auburn Auto Repair and Off-Road operates as a 50/50 split between general repairs and off-road specialization. With three technicians and 7,500 square feet, they focus on drivetrain upgrades, lifts, and wheels for Jeeps, Toyotas, and trucks. John's youngest son recently joined the team; John hopes he'll eventually lead the business.

John wheels extensively across the Pacific Northwest and beyond—Moab's iconic trails (Pritchett's, Cane Creek), Sand Hollow, and Trail Hero in Utah. He's raced Ultra4 for eight years, competing at King of the Hammers (KOH) from 2018–2025. His standout achievement: winning the EMC (4500 class) in 2022 with a flawless race. His children are all wheeling enthusiasts with their own rigs.

John wants to semi-retire, delegate business management to his youngest son, and spend more time wheeling with family, exploring Colorado and the Sierra Nevadas, and enjoying life beyond work.

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Colt Clewley is a YouTuber and off-road enthusiast from Farmington, New Mexico. He runs the channel "Colt Builds It," creating fabrication tutorials, trail guides, and adventure content focused on making off-roading knowledge accessible to everyone.

Colt grew up in tiny Divide, Colorado, worked in the oil field for 18 years, and later transitioned to full-time content creation. He's known for his DIY approach, building vehicles with hand tools in driveways and sharing practical fabrication techniques through detailed YouTube videos on axle builds, roll cages, and suspension work.

He's competed in WE Rock events, contributed to trail maintenance across multiple states, and recently built a recovery wrecker. Colt emphasizes the importance of competition in developing driver skills and testing vehicle capabilities on challenging terrain.

A strong advocate for trail preservation, Colt collaborates with local clubs, government agencies, and other outdoor groups to keep trails open. He encourages newer off-roaders to understand that these recreation areas exist because of organized community effort and maintenance—not by accident.

Colt is launching an inaugural off-road experience trip for YouTubers and companies, building a custom buggy, and planning an East Coast off-road tour to highlight underrated trails in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.

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Matt Adair sits down with Big Rich Klein to discuss a life shaped by cars, languages, and the off-road community. Beginning as an exchange student in Germany at 16, Matt's fluency in automotive passion led him to abandon an Air Force Academy appointment for car sales. What started as a snowy day test drive of a Jeep Cherokee evolved into decades of off-roading, racing, and journalism—including pivotal roles at King of the Hammers and Crawl Magazine.

Matt shares stories of serendipitous friendships forged at lakebed campfires, a memorable medical emergency at KOH, and the profound impact of community members like Camo and Jesse Combs. Today, he runs a boutique Porsche dealership while still racing a home-built Cherokee at 24-hour endurance events.

Throughout the conversation, Matt emphasizes that the true reward isn't trophies or milestones—it's the remarkable people encountered along the way. As he prepares to write a book about his improbable adventures, Matt reflects on how following passions and embracing the unexpected leads to a life rich with meaningful human connection.

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In this episode, Adam Arsenault shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in North Carolina to becoming a key figure in off-road motorsports. His path spans 20 years in Marine Special Operations, four combat deployments, and a thriving racing career.

Adam grew up in Asheville, NC; joined the Marine Corps at 18 and served 20 years, including intelligence work and combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He transitioned to Racing, discovering off-road culture in California; competing at King of the Hammers seven times and racing in the Baja 1000.

He now manages the operations director role for Polaris's factory race program, overseeing four Pro-R vehicles competing in SCORE series races and select US events. Adam’s personal philosophy emphasizes persistence through failure, finding purpose over paycheck, and valuing relationships over individual achievement.

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Scott Rehn joins the podcast to discuss his colorful career across multiple motorsports disciplines—from motocross and late-model dirt track racing to short-course off-road, water skiing, Monster Jam, and beyond. Learn how an unplanned career launch led to decades in broadcasting. 

Early Racing Years
Scott tried motocross as a teenager but found his true passion in late-model stock car racing. At just 17, a car appeared in his driveway—courtesy of a customer at his dad's grocery store—launching him into racing with zero experience. After five years racing dirt tracks, the grocery store closed and Scott shifted to spectating and crew work. 

The Off-Road Discovery
His sister Valerie's success racing short-course trucks led Scott to Crandon Speedway, where he instantly fell in love. He describes feeling the ground move during the races—a moment that "hooked" him on the sport forever. 

Broadcasting Breakthrough
Originally a professional water skier and announcer, Scott reluctantly filled in as a short-course race announcer when the regular crew needed a break. His mother literally dragged him to the booth. That one weekend led to an ESPN2 opportunity with Marty Reed, launching a broadcasting career that took him from pit reporting to stadium racing to Monster Jam. 

Highlights Across Sports
Scott's career spans watercross (snowmobiles racing on water), stadium off-road championships, Red Bull Frozen Rush in Sweden, King of the Hammers, and nearly 20 years with Monster Jam. He's worked alongside industry legends including Jimmie Johnson. 

From California to Oklahoma
After the CORE series ended, Scott relocated to Oklahoma, where he now works as a brand ambassador and semi-truck driver for a Ford Racing marketing company, hauling NASCAR rigs. He's transitioned from TV to radio work but remains passionate about the off-road sport that started it all. 

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Rory Irish is the owner of Trail Mater and Moab Motorsports, an off-road recovery operation based in Utah. In this episode, he shares his unconventional path from surveying and pipeline welding in Colorado to becoming a YouTube sensation and industry figure.

Rory bounced between Moab, Utah and western Colorado throughout his childhood. After dropping out of high school, he earned his GED (scoring highest in Colorado that year) and spent five years as a surveyor before transitioning into construction and the oil field, where he learned welding.

Ten years ago, Rory moved back to Moab to build his recovery business, initially working at Moab 4x4 Outpost. When the original owner relocated, Rory and an investor purchased the shop, later buying out the investor in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed him toward full-time recovery work and YouTube content creation.
 
 Trail Mater evolved from a simple tow truck into a specialized off-road recovery vehicle equipped with winches, welders, and custom tools. His YouTube channel now has massive reach.
 
 Rory emphasizes that he's an off-road recovery company first, YouTube channel second. He works closely with BLM and National Park Service to minimize environmental impact and refuses to stage recoveries for views.

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Cody Folsom grew up bouncing between Colorado towns and Texas, attending over 10 schools while working alongside his father in automotive shops. He was introduced to rock crawling through Jason Feuilly and Jimmy's 4x4, learning the philosophy that completing obstacles mattered more than keeping vehicles pristine—a shock after his dad's show-and-shine approach to cars.

From Spotting to Racing

Cody became a renowned spotter for rock crawling competitions, spotting for various drivers, including Feuilly and Rick Dermo. He transitioned into racing through Dirt Riot, building a Jeep Cherokee called "Raz Spaz" that launched his interest in going faster. He later moved into Ultra 4 racing with a Comanche and became co-driver and mechanic for Shane Chiddix, learning shock tuning and high-performance vehicle dynamics in the process.

Building Dolores: Outfitters & Auto Shop

After a family crisis brought him back to Colorado, Cody and his partner, Katie, transformed a struggling mercantile into a thriving outdoor outfitters—offering rental Jeeps, side-by-sides, kayaks, handmade food, and recovery gear. Recently, they opened Kodiak Automotive next door. Cody now aims to bring manufacturing jobs back to his community through product design, particularly bumper assemblies that can be fabricated and assembled locally.

Cody credits Big Rich and the off-road community for shaping his life, emphasizing how the sport created family bonds beyond competition.

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Thomas Meiser is a rock buggy fabricator and off-road enthusiast from Magna, Utah. Once a competitive baseball player coached by his father, Thomas shifted to fabrication after discovering the Suzuki Samurai at age 16—a pivotal moment that redirected his passion entirely.

Early Career Path
Thomas worked under influential mentors including Casey Beach (Beaches Off-Road) and Ben Hanks Racing, where he learned welding fundamentals and tubing work. After Caterpillar's internship program and structural steel fabrication, he found his true calling at Midnight 4x4 with JC, working with CNC burning tables and tube cutters.

Building Fab'n 801
In 2018, Thomas launched Fab'n 801 (named from his habit of saying "I'm fab'n" in the garage, plus Salt Lake's 801 area code). He's built over 5,000 chassis for customers worldwide—in Australia, Canada, Mexico, Italy, and even Guam—and designed 15+ unique chassis platforms for Toyotas, Samurais, and Jeeps.

Future Vision
Thomas recently invested in 5 acres near Parowan, Utah (surrounded by BLM land and six canyons), where he plans to build a new fabrication shop. He's exploring RC rock crawling innovations to inform real-life buggy design and actively seeking a business partner to help scale operations. His YouTube channel (Fab'n 801) showcases builds and off-road adventures.

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 In this episode, Big Rich Klein sits down with Nate Williams to explore a life immersed in off-road culture. Growing up in Logan, Utah, Nate caught the bug early—rebuilding a 1975 Bronco at just 15, complete with body work and a custom Chevy engine swap. What started as weekend trail runs evolved into competitive rock crawling, and eventually into full-scale desert racing. 

Nate shares the origin story of Mount Logan Off-Road, the shop he built with his brother John, and the pivotal lessons learned through business challenges and partnerships gone wrong. After ten years in industrial automation, Nate returned to his true passion, rejoining John to launch Crossfire Off-Road in Logan. 

The conversation highlights Nate's racing achievements, including winning King of Area BFE in 2007 and multiple victories at the Baja 1000, Mint 400, and Silver State 300—all while maintaining a competitive edge at King of the Hammers. Now partnered with Ford, Nate continues chasing championships in Ultra4 and Best in the Desert series, while his shop focuses on custom builds and long-term fabrication projects. 

This episode explores the lifestyle, persistence, and brotherhood that define the modern off-road industry. 

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Chris Mercer, a fire captain and body shop manager from Craig, Colorado, shares his journey from a Southern California native to a well-rounded off-roading enthusiast. He discusses his passion for mechanics, competitive four-wheeling, and his goals to become an off-road instructor.

Chris grew up immersed in motorsports and outdoor activities including snowmobiling, motocross, and desert racing. He worked as a computer technician after earning a degree in computer science and business management. 

Chris gives 100% in all he does and was recently named Fire Chief of his volunteer fire department, having served for 23 years. In 2010, his first year of rockcrawling competition, Chris won the Formula Toy national championship. The class emphasized driver skill over equipment; he continues to attribute his competitive success to strategic thinking and innovating problem-solving.

The Mercer family maintains 23 vehicles for different terrain needs, with a heavy emphasis on Toyotas. Chris is currently exploring becoming an off-road or recovery instructor to share decades of expertise with newer enthusiasts.

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Brent Goegebuer joins Big Rich Klein to discuss a life dedicated to the off-road industry. Raised in rural Washington, Goegebuer's passion for trucks and the outdoors led him to open his first four-wheel drive shop before age 21, working his way up from a graveyard wire mill shift to corporate success.

The interview follows his two-decade journey at Four Wheel Parts, where he transformed event management into profit centers and grew the company from 40 stores to 125 under leadership of Greg and George Adler. Known for its family-oriented culture, Four Wheel Parts became an industry hub that launched countless careers in off-roading.

Goegebuer shares how his team weathered the 2007-2009 economic downturn by maintaining aggressive marketing while competitors pulled back—a strategy that positioned them at the top post-recession. He discusses the company's evolution, the launch of Truck Fest events that brought together vendors and enthusiasts, and the unexpected plot twist when he reunited with Greg to revive these events after recent corporate changes.

Today, Goegebuer serves as Vice President for AccuAir Suspension (air suspension systems for Jeeps available through Mopar) and Arnott Cycles (similar technology for Harley-Davidson motorcycles). A father of four and devoted son caring for his 85-year-old mother, Goegebuer balances business ventures with renewed travel passions across Europe, Australia, and beyond.

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Early Life & Background
Kim and Nathaniel grew up in rural Kentucky, meeting in high school with lockers across the hall from each other. They worked together at a local Winn-Dixie grocery store before college, where Nathaniel pursued psychology and Kim studied occupational therapy. Both eventually moved to the Lexington area after graduating.

Rise in Rock Crawling
The couple stumbled into competitive rock crawling through friends in Lexington, entering their first competition—NeuRock at Paragon in Pennsylvania—in a stock class YJ. Kim finished 3rd out of 30 competitors that year. They progressed quickly, building courses at EROC events, with Nathaniel becoming a head judge and Kim earning recognition as one of the few female competitors on the East Coast.

Competition Highlights
Their most memorable moment came in a rock race at Alabama where Kim flipped her buggy twice, landed on all fours, and continued without hesitation. They competed from 2003 to 2011, attending King of the Hammers twice and nearly finishing in Kim's second attempt with just 13 miles remaining. A serious injury at the Badlands early in their marriage reminded them of competition's risks.

Life After Competition
As they prioritized family and saw unlimited-class costs skyrocket, they retired from racing to start a family. Nathaniel discovered brewing, earning his certification and launching Next Level Brewing Company in December 2019. Kim remained in occupational therapy for 22+ years. Now they coach youth football, fish, and enjoy outdoor activities with their son Mason and three rescue boxers.

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Dan Whittington, founder of Venom Aire, shares his journey from mechanics work to pioneering air intake technology. Born in Santa Rosa, California and raised in Salt Lake City's Cottonwood Heights, Dan developed a lifelong passion for off-roading through family camping trips and motorcycle adventures.

After high school, Dan worked at a service station, became a stonemason, and held roles in insurance and automotive retail before joining Hinkley Dodge and Larry Miller as a technician. A knee injury forced a career pivot, leading him to pursue his longtime passion: fine art at Salt Lake Community College. He later worked in video game development for Sculpture Software, contributing to the successful WWF War Zone title before the studio closed.

Today, Dan is known as "Bronco Dan" for his high-end early Bronco builds and his work with Venom Aire—an innovative ducted fan system designed to improve fuel efficiency. Testing shows 10–25% fuel mileage improvements across various vehicles, plus horsepower gains up to 40 HP in mid-range. The system features affordability, simple installation, EPA-friendly emissions reduction, and no required remapping.

Partnered with ProForm, Venom Aire is pursuing CARB certification for broader market access. Dan emphasizes product quality, welcomes critical testing, and encourages interested customers to contact him directly or visit www.venomaire.com for details and testimonials.

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Paul's journey spans car audio, home theater systems, e-commerce, and high-end audio installations during the housing boom. He transitioned to off-road work after joining a Raptor community in 2010, turning hobby expertise into business ventures.

Paul started by rebuilding Raptor shocks when demand exceeded Fox's turnaround time. Developed an exchange system, expanded to a shop in Loomis, and created shock guards, alignment kits, IWE silicone lines, and his signature cabin air filter kit. He recently opened a new company in Reno focused on cabin air filters and ongoing truck development.

Paul’s authorship includes publishing Overwhelmed: Time to Reset, part of the Neural Reset series on neuroplasticity and mindset retraining. He created Doom Scroller's Handbook based on corporate culture shock and Authored comprehensive Raptor generation guides and Dirt Logs—off-road journals for documenting trail adventures.

What’s next – listen in and find out!

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This week on Conversations with Big Rich, we dive into the inventive world of fabricator and racer Jonas Burnett. From humble beginnings on a Texas ranch wrenching on a Honda Fat Cat to building engines at 16, Jonas charted a path through the School of Automotive Machinists and into AJ Foyt’s IndyCar program—handling front-end setups, meticulous wiring, and pit crew duties. After seven intense years in pro racing, he returned home to launch Black Smoke Garage, where his imagination meets metal across hot rods, off-road rigs, mini boats, and more.

Highlights of the show include the IndyCar years and life on the road; the one-man, high-craft Black Smoke Garage; and ground-up restorations.  Where he’s headed includes compact transfer cases with front/rear clutches and innovation.  Jonas’ philosophy includes safety-first, practical performance, and making pro-grade tech more accessible. 

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This week, Big Rich chats with Adam Leidy, Off-Highway Vehicle and Over-Snow Program Manager on the Inyo National Forest. Adam’s NorCal roots run deep—raised by a forestry biologist, he grew up camping, chasing garter snakes, and logging time in an Isuzu Trooper before wrenching on a K5 Blazer and falling hard for Land Cruisers. After 9/11, Adam joined the Marine Corps as a motor transport mechanic; post-service he ran a landscaping business, then supported military aircraft logistics before finding his way home to the Forest Service.

It’s exciting to highlight a Forest Service employee who wheels just like the rest of us.  Adam shares some insight into what the job entails and how you can stay out of trouble in his jurisdiction.   Be sure to listen close, good stories ensue.

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Tempe-raised fabricator and spotter Mike Dieu shares a life built on grit, ingenuity, and community. From paper routes and roofing a family home at 15 to becoming an all-state football standout, Mike’s hands-on roots led him into automotive school and early work converting fleets to natural gas. That tech savvy set the stage for a pivotal chapter: wiring fuel injection for the Campbells—starting with Shannon’s legendary “Pinky”—and ultimately spotting alongside Shannon through ARCA, WeRock, UROC, ProRock, and more.

Mike shares the stories that led him to a well-earned retirement. Shout-outs to Arizona off-road stalwarts: the Campbells, Rob Bonney, Ian Liljeblad, Randy Ellis, and more.

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This week, Rich sits down with Arizona native and RPM Steering founder, Don Rycroft, for a candid, high-horsepower story of resilience, faith, and community in off-road. From BMX racing and desert motos to early marriage, entrepreneurship, and a life-reset at 50, Don shares how setbacks forged a family-run brand that’s now a national name in steering and suspension.

Don’s story is a masterclass in grit: lean into faith, serve the community, build cool parts that work—and have fun on the trail. 

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This episode dives into the life and legacy of Andrew McLaughlin—builder, racer, event host, and founder of Let’s Roll Off-Road. From a cross-country upbringing to ASU and into the Arizona off-road scene, Andrew shares how a love for the outdoors turned into a lifestyle and multi-faceted career.

From the early years of skiing, boating, and bikes to his first Jeep Wrangler; Andrew always jumps in with both feet. He’s built a business empire with Letz Roll Off-Road at the lead, adding Let’s Roll Venture Rentals, LM1—Letz Roll Metalworks (manufacturing) and many more. Partnerships over sponsorships and team-first culture that matters in off-road. Listen in as Andrew shares the good stuff.

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Conversations with Big Rich welcomes fabricator, racer, and shop owner Cameron Chin—an off-road lifer who broke stereotypes to build a career around cars. Born and raised in Houston, Cameron cut his teeth on a rough ’67 Mustang, studied studio art at UT Austin, and dove headfirst into off-roading by co-founding the Longhorn Off-Road Club. After early shop experience and the dot-com bust, he launched Crawltex (2006), helping grow Texas’ wheeling scene with everything from bolt-ons to axle and engine swaps.

Cameron shares first desert race memories supporting a Hooters-backed team at the Baja 500, a white-knuckle Rally America win as a co-driver, and candid thoughts on King of the Hammers. A move to Las Vegas for his wife’s NICU career led to Nefarious Customs, where he expanded into high-end restomods and desert builds. Now back in Texas, Cameron juggles shops in Vegas, Austin, and the Houston area, focusing on frame-off Scouts, a tube-chassis LS-swapped Porsche Targa for his dad, classic Chevy and Camaro builds, and more—while nurturing his kids’ budding interest in motorsports 

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In this episode of Conversations with Big Rich, Josh Hall shares a lifetime of off-road stories shaped by growing up in the iconic Hall family. From pumping gas at his dad’s ARCO stations in Hemet to riding shotgun with the legendary, Bill Stroppe, Josh recounts early Jeep and Bronco days, Riverside memories, and an unforgettable Baja 1000 chase van run to La Paz before the pavement existed.

So many memories, from Hummer highs to GM’s bankruptcy lows, followed by an Australasian Safari that sparked international ambitions. Josh has spent years scouting Nevada by mapbook, permits and camp life, and continues to help share the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame that his father resurrected.

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Big Rich sits down with Tucson native and lifelong off-roader Jeff Furrier—board member of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF), racer, entrepreneur, and preservationist of vintage race machinery. From a childhood in a tire-shop family to building UPR into a go-to racing safety and equipment supplier, Jeff shares the journey, lessons, and stories that shaped his life in off-road. 

With roots in the desert, Jeff grew up one of eight kids in Tucson, learning hustle and car culture from his Air Force-pilot-turned-entrepreneur dad. Hear about the spark that set his career path and the pivots into racing equipment and safety. 

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This week, Big Rich sits down with Todd Ockert—a 26-year U.S. Navy veteran turned oil-and-gas professional, land-use leader, NAMRAC facilitator, and indie author. From small-town Michigan to Top Gun-era Miramar, Todd shares how vocational electronics led him into Naval aviation, working on EA-6B Prowlers, a rough stint in recruiting, and later a long chapter at Lemoore before transitioning to Chevron and moving to West Texas.

Todd dives into his off-road journey: early Bronco days, discovering advocacy through Del Albright’s volunteer training, and leadership roles with UFWDA and the BlueRibbon Coalition. As facilitator of NAMRAC since 2018, he champions collaboration among Cal4, CORVA, ORBA, BRC, UPLA, and others—crediting that unity for recent land-use wins, including Moab route reopenings and improved coordination on Oceano Dunes.

In Texas, Todd supports TMTC’s mission at Barnwell Mountain and Escondido Draw. He explains RTP funding, Texas OHV sticker requirements, and why public land is scarce in the Lone Star State—making managed parks critical.

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Mark shares growing up at his family’s Union 76 service station, early Jeeping and Baja Bug adventures, club rides every Sunday, and a childhood shaped by mud, mountains, and motors.

State Senator Maynard has a storied history in off-road, including wrenching at NHRA, Gravelrama memories and fighting for expanding OHV opportunities. Fighting the good fight in the state of West Virginia, Mark supports private parks, national advocacy and lessons learned everywhere being shared with all.

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Off-road legend and 2021 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kelley joins Big Rich to trace a lifetime in the dirt—racing, rules-making, giving back, and globe-trotting.

From his first Baja 1000 in 1969 that hooked him on racing to helping build a Class 11-style VW and taking it 200+ miles before limping it back home. Steve ironmanned a Class 1 from Ensenada to La Paz—no driver change, no flats, 20+ hours; 2nd in class, 3rd overall in 1979. 

There is much more to a lifetime of racing.  Listen in for dusty silt-bed memories, class-building history, and the camaraderie that makes off-road special.

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Old-school rock crawler and Utah native Ben Hanks joins Rich to trace his journey from growing up feral in a small, mountain-side town to becoming one of the OG competitors in competitive rock crawling. 

From first comps in the late ’90s and the rowdy hotel-party era of rock crawling to Farmington’s SuperCrawls raw energy and the milestone SEMA SuperCrawl. Ben got to crawl with all the big names, but like many, Ben pivoted during the ’08 downturn, inventing and patenting an HVAC efficiency system (up to 45% gains), plus marine accessories. If you’re ready for a trip down memory lane, don’t miss this one! 

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Off-road icon, Casey Currie, joins Big Rich to trace a life lived on dirt – from a family compound of builders and racers to Dakar glory and beyond.  Casey shares how a tight-knit Currie clan shaped his love for muscle cars, Jeeps and racing.

From early JeepSpeed wins and a college-born moto business to full-time short course with Monster Energy. From hard lessons at Dakar 2019 to a Dakar 2020 win.  With a Post-COVID pivot and taking the helm at Currie Enterprises, Casey is aligning racing with product development and brand partners.  The Legacy of his grandfather’s ORMHOF induction and Casey’s vision for a foundation supporting youth outdoors and land use; Casey is bringing both together to live life fully.

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Big Rich sits down with lifelong off-roader and adventure seeker Dave Simpson to trace a journey that began as a 10-year-old pitting for Malcolm Smith at the 1970 Baja 1000 to now a board member of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame.

·       Pouring fuel for Malcolm Smith

·       Debuting his own race program at the 1977 Baja 500

·       Class 30 SCORE points champion on a KX500 in 1995

·       From Dad’s auto parts store to Rancho Suspension

·       Nineteen years with aFe Power

·       Camel trophy across South America

·       The WARN Adventure in Turkey/Africa

·       Summiting Kilimanjaro

Listen in as Dave tells of travels and adventures around the world.

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This week, Big Rich sits down with WE Rock announcer, longtime off-road advocate and friend, Tacoma White. From small-town New York to Utah’s vast public lands, Tacoma shares how punk rock, skate culture, and a love of tinkering led him into four-wheel drives, land-use battles, and a front-row seat to competitive rock crawling.

A candid, funny, and passionate look at community, access, and honoring off-road history—one preserved rig and trail at a time.

Highlights: 

-            Land use advocacy: Utah Four Wheel Drive Association board/president, Tread Lightly Master Trainer, county/BLM collaboration, the constant fight for access 

-            WE Rock origin story: judging at Miller Motorsports Park to becoming the series’ voice; why the stock classes and family campfires define the sport’s magic 

-            Tacoma acquires the late Creighton King’s CJ7 competition rig—restoring it as a true early-2000s time capsule 

Tacoma was an integral part of the WE Rock family for years, he retired from announcing when Big Rich retired from WE Rock.

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This week, Rich sits down with Rubicon Trail Foundation board member and Rubicon property owner, John Arenz. From high-adventure Scouting and early days as an EMT/paramedic in Oakland to a 30-year fire service career in Emeryville, John shares how the Rubicon became his lifelong anchor—every summer since 1983.

Along with his personal history, John Arenz shares the Rubicon Trail Foundations stance on the re-route – why it’s necessary and who’s in charge. With John’s history, he goes in-depth into the politics surrounding the Rubicon Trail.

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Big Rich sits down with ORMHOF inductee Dan VandenHeuvel—aka the Flying Dutchman—for a life-in-off-road masterclass spanning 40+ years of racing, building, promoting, and giving back.

Listen in for the these highlights:

·       First Crandon experience and the DIY beginnings

·       The legendary first race

·       Evolution of safety and tech

·       The rise and reshuffling of Midwest short course: SODA, CORR, World Series, TORC, and Lucas Oil 

·       Promoting events in Oshkosh and Antigo, and the hard realities of venues, neighbors, and budgets 

·       The power of volunteers and community glue at tracks like Crandon 

·       and MORE!!

If you enjoy stories of grit, ingenuity, and heart, this one’s a keeper. 

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Big Rich sits down with Brian Busby, the SoCal gearhead who turned a love of speed into a life in racing—and became “the fuel guy” for some of off-road’s biggest events.

From San Clemente surf breaks near Nixon’s Western White House to wrenching through ROP, Brian shares how a 16-year-old with a Baja Bug ended up racing everything from Class 8 to Trophy Truck and Class 1 (including a 2019 championship). Hear about his first official race—the 1987 Baja 500 that lasted two miles—his drag boat days piloting “Bad Idea” hydros, and the heart-stopping moments riding with Dale Dondel and surviving a 110-mph roll with Brandon Arthur.

Brian also dives into his 17-year Mercedes-Benz career as a specialty engineer (including authoring a global TSB), his pivot to racing fuels, and scaling a small shop into a West Coast powerhouse supplying F&L, VP, and Sunoco—before landing at Merritt Oil and helping launch Fuel Factory across the Western states and Mexico.

Don’t miss the backstory of the Rebelle Rally: the cold, chaotic first year, how fueling 50 teams turned into fueling an entire city-on-wheels, and the now-legendary Busby Games—born from “Busbyland” and officially part of Rebelle lore.

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In the finale of Joel Randall’s audiography, Joel and Rich revisit the explosive early-2000s growth of competitive rock crawling and the community that fueled it. Joel shares heartfelt stories of competing with his daughter Kristin in the first Women’s National Rock Crawling Championship, the legendary Vernal controversy with Walker Evans, and the game-changing arrival of sticky tires. He dives into team-building the “farm way,” recruiting his daughters’ high school friends into a full-on pit crew, and the behind-the-scenes hustle with partner Anita that helped elevate the sport’s professionalism.

Post-competition, Joel turns wrenches with his daughters on rat rods, celebrates hands-on learning, and shares advice for newcomers: follow your passion, support your kids’ pursuits, and embrace the community.

We appreciate Joel’s willingness to share all the crazy stories, if you haven’t heard episodes one and two, it’s not too late!

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From Nebraska farm fields to the forefront of early rock crawling, Joel Randall picks up his story with Big Rich. After a turbulent childhood, Joel lands in Nebraska, builds a ’74 International 4x4, and falls hard for fabrication and off-road life. He dives into mud drags and promoting Midwest mud events, then recounts wild tales—like hauling a 60-foot houseboat across Nebraska and detonating big-blocks on nitrous.

Joel shares the moment rock crawling hooked him: meeting Morris Hansen, wheeling Moab’s Metal Masher solo, and instantly bonding with Ron “Wild Oats” Pepper before joining magazine runs with off-road legends. He traces the rise of “R-club,” the Currie connection, and how shiny, well-built Jeeps earned respect on the gnarliest trails from Moab to Las Cruces.

The episode digs into the birth of organized rockcrawling: the 1998 Las Cruces event (ESPN, cones, and chaos), early results (Jeff/Morris win; Joel 4th), and the rapid evolution from trail rigs to competition machines. Joel talks sponsorships, building a team semi on a shoestring, TV exposure, and the bittersweet shift from family wheeling to full-time competition.

Stay tuned for Part 3 coming next week!

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This week, Big Rich sits down with Joel Randall, whose path to becoming an OG R-Gang rock crawler started far from ordinary. Pulled from school after third grade, Joel grew up on the move—living in an Airstream behind a 4x4 International Travel-All, camping in Baja and the Tonto, reloading shells by age seven, and learning survival skills during his family’s doomsday-prep phase. 

A cross-country odyssey led to communes, holistic doctors, and the Santa Fe Free School Community—an egalitarian, hands-on “free school” that doubled as a commune. Joel thrived building wind-powered go-karts, raiding government surplus auctions, and even serving as a “theatrical prop” in anti-war protests. 

The family later settled in Chimayó, NM, where Joel helped hand-build an adobe addition—hauling vigas, quarrying flagstone, and working with Santa Clara Pueblo craftsmen. After his parents’ divorce, Joel bounced between unconventional schooling and real-world hustles: statewide Roto-Rooter setup at 13, flea-market flipping, dinner-theater bartending at 15, wild street races, and an infamous teen road trip to Vegas—all before a move to Nebraska, where his rancher-grandfather became a steadying force and mentor. 

From feral freedom to farm discipline, Joel’s early life forged the grit and ingenuity he’d later bring to competitive rock crawling. 

More of Joel’s story next week – don’t skip this one; it’s wild! 

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Big Rich sits down with Jagged X Off-Road founder Bill Schueler to trace the journey from a Phoenix garage to the front lines of UTV racing and aftermarket innovation. Bill shares how his sons Justin and Brandon turned a high school hobby into Jagged X, the early Rhino craze, and the fateful call from Polaris that put them on the map—leading to the first-ever desert race for the Polaris RZR.

Highlights: 

- Chicago roots to Arizona life: construction, dispatching, and launching a successful transportation brokerage. 

- The backyard beginnings of Jagged X: lifted golf carts, early Yamaha Rhinos, and magazine features. 

- Polaris partnership: becoming an aftermarket development partner and fielding one of the first RZR race cars.

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RJ Jackman of Pocatello, Idaho—flat-fender fanatic, trail leader, writer, and organizer of the Idaho Vintage Jeep Rally. RJ grew up riding dirt bikes with his grandpa’s Simplot-sponsored moto crew, exploring lava fields, caves, and old mines—fueling a lifetime of off-road adventure 

Event spotlight—Idaho Vintage Jeep Rally - Free, low-friction, three-day gathering in Pocatello each August includes a Friday evening meet-and-greet, Saturday scenic trail + potluck, Sunday trail (Shelley Rocks/“Blackfoot Dump” or Lake Channel dunes); Vintage preferred (flat-fenders welcome), but all Jeeps play a role—newer rigs often sweep or help with recoveries - No registration, no fees: just show up, be helpful, and expect vapor lock, fuel pump fixes, and 45-mph 

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Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Jerry Bain joins Big Rich to talk adventure, public access, and preserving West Virginia’s unmaintained road network. Jerry shares how high school mud trucks led to a lifelong passion for motorized recreation, a 20-year Navy career seeing 51 countries, and ultimately founding the Country Roads Coalition to protect and promote legal access to historic state roads.

Highlights: 

- Discovering off-road early; the draw of adventure and going where few can 

- Building capable rigs: XJs, a Comanche on 37s, and the iconic “Boogie Van” Econoline 

- West Virginia’s unique resource: legal unmaintained state roads rich with history and scenery 

- Country Roads Coalition’s mission: stewardship, access, and education—not just “overlanding,” but motorized adventure tourism 

Get Involved: - Find Country Roads Coalition on Facebook and Instagram - Bring a group to West Virginia—Jerry loves to guide and share the state’s history and hidden gems.

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From SoCal surf breaks to the rocks of Johnson Valley, fabricator, racer, and builder Johnny Rocha shares a lifetime immersed in dirt, water, and horsepower. Johnny grew up riding desert singletrack, surfing with his dad, and turning wrenches young—then parlayed a career in operation engineering into nights and weekends fabricating Jeeps before going all-in on off-road.

Hear how a 16-year-old Baja road trip lit the fuse, an ’84 CJ-7 changed everything, and magazine-era shop-hopping led to friendships with icons like the Curries—and ultimately to co-building the legendary 88 Savvy car that dominated King of the Hammers EMC. Johnny dives into race-craft, why plans win races, the evolution from crew chief to team manager, and mentoring young talents like Chase Caprera. He’s candid on heartbreaks (DNFs, exploding lockers, bad juju cars), the irresistible pull of KOH, and why he’s transitioning from racing to premium rock-crawler builds.

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Big Rich sits down with UTV media pioneer and racer Jon Crowley Jr. to trace his unlikely path from water-ski kid and UCSB computer science grad to one of the most influential voices in the UTV world. Jon shares how a first ride at Sand Mountain hooked him on off-roading, the evolution from ATVs to sand cars to early Yamaha Rhinos and Polaris RZRs, and building DuneGuide and UTVGuide into trusted resources just as social media transformed the industry.

Jon’s career blends tech, storytelling, racing, and exploration—proof that passion and persistence can turn weekend rides into a lifelong off-road lifestyle. 

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Big Rich sits down with West Virginia history buff, Ford fanatic, and long-time off-roader Jack Sloan. From learning to drive in a ‘73 Wagoneer to 22 years with his beloved Ford Explorer “The Raisin,” Jack shares how small-town roots, family campouts, and a love for the hills shaped a life behind the wheel.

-            Growing up in Fairmont, WV (home of the pepperoni roll), coal country culture, and early outdoor adventures 

-            Jack’s path from auto parts counter to independent collision center manager—and building a life around cars and trails 

-            The Explorer addiction: TTB, SAS, 37s, and why “simple” builds win on long trips - Ultimate Adventure stories: getting picked, guiding at Good Evening Ranch, and the friendships that fueled Adventure Wheelers East (AWE) 

-            Policy matters: WV Senator Mark Maynard’s pro-motorsports legislation and why legal access plates help keep trails alive 

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This week, Big Rich sits down with rising Ultra4 racer Matthew Slyngstad. Born and raised in San Jose, Matthew shares how a teenage speeding ticket steered him into a slow Jeep—and a fast off-road life. From cello and wrestling in high school to wrenching summers in the family construction business, he built the fabrication chops that power his racing today.

Highlights: 

·       Early days: Bay Area roots, yearbook photo editor, wrestling, and a love for the outdoors. 

·       Montana years: slower pace, more dirt—fishing, wheeling, and hunting. - Dogs and discipline: competing in Schutzhund with a powerhouse German Shepherd. – 

·       First Jeep mods: rock sliders as his first welding project; Rubicon trips that sparked bigger builds. 

·       Ultra4 entry: mentored by Jack Taggart and welcomed into Jason Scherer’s Rage 4 team; pit crew to Baja 1000 with Ford’s programs. 

·       The leap to racing: buying a 4800 car just weeks before KOH 2025; pre-running, shock tuning, and sponsor hustling. 

·       Race day rollercoaster: comms failure at the start, blazing desert pace, a boulder impact and broken rear upper link, pit heroics—and a proud finish, 18th in class. – 

Shoutout to the entire Rage 4th crew—and old-school legend Jeff Mello—for making the dream real.

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In this episode of Conversations with Big Rich, Texas native Lance Gilbert traces his winding path from small-town Keller and church-band guitars to VW shops, GM dealerships, architecture school, homebuilding—and a post-9/11 pivot back to off-road. Lance shares formative years at Sunray Engineering with the late Tom Ellison, a decade at PSC with Tom Allen, and deep roots in early Ultra4 and King of the Hammers.

Highlights: - Early days: fishing, bikes, first wrenching job at a VW/Audi/Porsche shop; first rigs from Suburbans to Isuzu pickups and Jeeps. - Career pivots: dealerships to homebuilding; how 9/11 led to Sunray and custom axle innovation; later years at PSC and into Tribe 16. - Racing stories: Class 3 in Baja, the early KOH era, and a memorable Vegas to Reno with the Texas crew. - Tribe 16 name: a nod to 4x4 (“the 16”) and the “night shift” culture of building with friends. - Today at Tribe 16: customer Jeeps, high-end builds and restorations (Scout, ’72 Commando, CJ-7), gear and maintenance, and two new Tribe chassis trail cars. - Community first: Texas trail rides, shop trips, the legendary Crawfish Boil, and why local shops collaborate more than they compete.

Lance’s take: passion fuels the work, but relationships sustain the business—and the off-road family is the heartbeat of Tribe 16. 

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In this episode, Rich sits down with Chris Holloway, the founder of the Midwest Overland & Off-Road Expo (MOORE) in Springfield, Missouri. Chris shares his unlikely path from ice cream truck entrepreneur and diesel tech to building one of the Midwest’s premier overland and off-road trade shows. 

Highlights - From Massachusetts to Missouri: family, music roots, and early hustle - The “40 Licks” ice cream truck, party wagons, and learning business young - Tech school turnaround: graduating top of his class in diesel electronics - Grease to growth: from shop broom to youngest service manager running a dealership - First rigs, JK life, and discovering community through wheeling and camping - Throwing trail events, fundraising, and the mentor who sparked MOORE Expo - Launching MOORE: 50 vendors, 2,000 attendees, then doubling during COVID - Vendor retention, event fatigue, and why brands cycle regions - Expanding into PowerSports and the “dot…dot…dot” of overlanding (hiking, hunting, bikes, kayaks, shooting sports) - What’s next: big reinvestments and a major reimagining post-2026 

Event + Contact - MOORE Expo: April 17–18, 2026 — Springfield, MO - Info/Vendors: mooreexpo.com (contact form goes to Chris) - Email: chris@mooreexpo.com 

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CALL TO ACTION DEADLINE: September 15, 2025
www.blueribboncoalition.org/hammers

Host Big Rich Klein sits down with BlueRibbon Coalition’s Ben Burr and longtime Johnson Valley advocate Shannon Welch to unpack a fast-moving proposal that could reshape recreation at the Hammers. The U.S. Marine Corps has requested permanent Special Use Airspace (SUA) over Johnson Valley—from the ground up to 8,000 feet—split into four corridors (A–D). While framed as limited use, the Environmental Assessment (EA) seeks a permanent designation via the FAA, not a temporary, training-only restriction.

What’s at stake - Medevac and search-and-rescue flights for everyday users, not just races - Backcountry aviation, personal drones, and private landowners (20,000 acres impacted) - Commercial filming/testing (e.g., Ford), ranching operations, and year-round OHV access - The integrity of a Congressionally Designated OHV Area and its $71M local economic impact. A precedent of closure-by-airspace has been seen at White Sands and Yuma Proving Ground.

Community action - Comment deadline: September 15 - Submit via blueribboncoalition.org/hammers – Blue Ribbon guarantees your comments will be shared. Share widely with your OHV, aviation, ranching, and local business networks

Key points - EA claims “no significant impact,” but provides no enforceable safeguards - Marines told some stakeholders “60 days/year,” yet the EA seeks permanent SUA – Blue Ribbon’s reasonable alternative: a 1,500-foot buffer from ground/elevation to protect civilian use

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In this episode of Conversations with Big Rich, we dive into the fascinating world of motorsports with Danny Thompson, son of the legendary Mickey Thompson. Danny shares his storied journey from racing quarter midgets at the age of nine to breaking land speed records at Bonneville. As a pillar of the off-road racing community, Danny offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the sport and the legacy of his father, Mickey Thompson.

·       Danny's early years in racing and the influence of his father, Mickey Thompson.

·       Mickey Thompson's contributions to off-road racing and the foundation of SCORE.

·       The evolution of stadium truck racing and bringing the excitement of off-road racing to the fans.

·       Danny's journey to breaking the land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats.

·       The technical and personal challenges of racing at such high speeds.

·       Reflections on the Thompson family legacy and its impact on modern motorsports.

Tune in to hear more incredible stories from legends in the off-road industry and visit our website for past episodes. 

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The Coyote Creek/Prairie City Solar Project Controversy 

Guests: - Rose Winn, Natural Resources Consultant, Cal Four Wheel Drive Association - Don Amador, President of Quiet Warrior Racing and Consulting, Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee 

Episode Summary: In this special edition of Conversations with Big Rich, host Big Rich Klein dives into a critical issue affecting the off-road community in Northern California. The episode focuses on the contentious solar project proposed by Desri Energy at Prairie City State Vehicle Recreational Area (SVRA) in Rancho Cordova. This project has sparked significant concern among off-road enthusiasts, conservationists, and the local community due to its potential environmental impact and procedural oversights. 

Project Overview: The solar project, initiated by Desri Energy, is set to affect Prairie City SVRA, a beloved off-road park, due to its scale and proximity. – 

Stakeholder Concerns: Both Rose Winn and Don Amador express alarm over the lack of communication with key stakeholders and the absence of environmental considerations in the project's planning. 

Environmental Impact: Key issues include dust and water usage, potential encroachment on park land, and the impact on the local ecosystem. 

Call to Action: Listeners are urged to participate in the OHV Commission meeting on Thursday, Sept 4, 2025 at 9 a.m. in Redding to ensure their voices are heard and to help protect the future of Prairie City SVRA and other similar sites. 

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In this episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," host Rich Klein sits down with Mathew Giltner, the executive director of the Nevada Off-Road Association. Mathew shares his fascinating journey from upstate New York to Nevada, detailing his diverse experiences in the Coast Guard, aviation, and the off-road industry. Listen in as they explore the importance of community, the challenges of land access, and the future of off-road recreation.

Mathew's Background:

•  Grew up in New York, enjoying snowmobiling and outdoor activities
• Served 20 years in the Coast Guard, gaining skills in navigation and rescue mission planning.
• Transitioned into aviation, racing airplanes, and flying business jets

Off-Road Advocacy:

• Role at the Nevada Off-Road Association, focusing on multi-use land access.
• Challenges with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) resource management plans.
• Collaboration with stakeholders to ensure harmonious use of public lands.

 Community and Volunteerism:

• The declining trend in volunteerism and its impact on recreation.
• Importance of fostering relationships between clubs and government agencies.

Exciting Projects:

•  Battleborn Trail System: A new initiative to promote rural Nevada through off-road trails. 
• Upcoming Nevada Off-Road Summit in Elko, a platform for education and collaboration.

Mathew emphasizes the value of community engagement and responsible recreation to preserve access to Nevada's beautiful landscapes. His work ensures that future generations can enjoy the same trails and adventures.

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Join Big Rich Klein as he sits down with Alan Johnson, President of the Rubicon Trail Foundation, in an engaging conversation about his adventurous journey from street racing to becoming a new We Rock rock-crawling competitor. Alan shares his personal history, the influence of his family, and how he transitioned from a life centered around fast cars to one focused on the off-road lifestyle.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Early Life and Influences:
  Alan's childhood moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to various states due to his father's job. 

         His early exposure to cars and racing through family, especially his grandfather. 

• Transition from Street Racing:
  Alan's experiences with street racing in his early 20s, the challenges, and eventual realization that led him to change paths.

         His first off-road vehicle and the eye-opening experiences that followed. 

• Off-Road Adventures:
  Alan's journey into rock crawling and his first competitive experiences, including participating in CalRocs and We Rock events. 

        The story of acquiring and preserving a significant 4Runner with personal and emotional ties.

• Leadership and Contributions:

        Alan's involvement with the Rubicon Trail Foundation and his progression to becoming the President

        The importance of maintaining and enhancing trail access for the off-road community. 

• Personal Life:
  Alan's family life, including his two children who share his love for off-roading.

         Balancing his career as a mechanic with his passion for rock crawling and family adventures. 

Closing Thoughts: Big Rich and Alan discuss future plans, upcoming events, and the importance of community involvement in preserving off-road trails. 

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In this episode, we delve into the dynamic world of off-roading with Angela Rickerson and Adriana Stovall, two formidable competitors in the Rebelle Rally. Angela, a Seattle native, and Adriana, hailing from California, share their journeys from off-road enthusiasts to competitors in one of the most challenging all-women off-road navigational rallies in the U.S.

Highlights:

• Getting Started in Off-Roading: Angela and Adriana recount their individual paths to discovering their passion for the off-road lifestyle, from childhood experiences in nature to pivotal moments that led them to the Rebelle Rally.
• The Rebelle Rally Experience: The duo shares insights into the rigorous preparation and teamwork required for the rally, highlighting the mental and physical endurance needed to compete. They discuss their goals for the upcoming rally and the unique challenges they anticipate.
• Community and Partnerships: Angela and Adriana emphasize the importance of community and partnerships in their journey, expressing gratitude for the support from companies like Motobilt, KC Highlights, and Front Runner Outfitters that believe in their dream.
• Navigating Personal and Professional Lives: They reflect on how their off-roading adventures balance their careers and personal lives, with Angela’s culinary expertise and Adriana’s environmental consulting career adding layers to their shared passion for adventure.

Tune in to hear their story of resilience, community, and the unyielding drive to succeed in the world of off-road racing. Whether you're an off-road veteran or new to the scene, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights.

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Join us for an exciting episode of "Conversations with Big Rich" as we dive into the fascinating world of off-road with our guest, Justin Andrews. Known for his dynamic journey in the off-road industry, Justin shares his unique story, from his musical roots to becoming a key player at Factor 55 and Warn Industries.

Episode Highlights:

• Justin's Musical Beginnings: Discover how Justin transitioned from playing saxophone in a Scottish punk band to becoming an off-road enthusiast and industry leader.
• Off-Road Passion: Learn about Justin's first experiences with off-roading, his adventures in Moab, and how a chance encounter with King of the Hammers changed his life.
• Industry Impact: Hear about Justin's role at Factor 55, his journey through the company's acquisition by Warn Industries, and his current position as brand manager for both Factor 55 and Warn.
• Innovative Products: Get the scoop on the latest developments, including the USA-made Roper X leather gloves and the new XEON XP winch line from Warn.
• Educational Initiatives: Justin discusses the importance of education in off-road recovery techniques and the upcoming training certification program.
• Personal Insights: Enjoy personal anecdotes, including Justin's journey from Pittsburgh to Boise and the impact of the off-road community on his life.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of passion, innovation, and community in the off-road industry. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or new to the scene, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

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Join Big Rich Klein in an engaging conversation with Roger Salazar, a dynamic figure in the off-road community and a member of the California Off Highway Motor Vehicle Commission. In this episode, Roger shares his journey from a small town in California to the bustling political scene of Washington, D.C., and how his love for off-roading has intertwined with his professional life.

Background & Early Life: Roger talks about growing up in Lodi, California, in a blue-collar family with a passion for cars and off-roading. He reflects on his education and how he skipped third grade due to his early academic prowess.  

Political Career: Roger outlines his path into politics, including his time as an intern and press secretary at the White House under President Clinton and his role in Al Gore’s presidential campaign. 

Off-Road Passion: Roger delves into his deep-rooted love for off-roading, tracing back to his family's legacy with Jeeps. He shares stories from his adventures on the Rubicon Trail and his involvement with the Sierra Treasure Hunters Off Road Club. 

OHV Commission Goals: Roger discusses his ambitions for expanding off-road trails in California and his vision for a continuous trail from the Mexican to the Oregon border. He also mentions the importance of preserving access to iconic off-road areas like Oceano Dunes.

Final Thoughts: Rich and Roger explore the intersection of politics and off-roading, emphasizing the need for thoughtful advocacy and community involvement to ensure future access to public lands. Roger leaves listeners with his commitment to fostering off-road opportunities and preserving the adventurous spirit of the community.

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In this engaging episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," host Rich Klein sits down with the dynamic Shannon Welch, a prominent figure in the off-road community. Shannon's journey from her humble beginnings in Rochester, New York, to becoming a significant influencer in the off-road and land use sectors is highlighted in this riveting discussion.

Shannon shares stories from her upbringing in Rochester, her academic journey at Ithaca College, and her initial career in tech recruiting in Southern California.

Discover how a chance encounter with public lands and off-roading led Shannon to a new and exciting lifestyle, full of unexpected adventures and challenges.

Learn about Shannon’s pivotal role in supporting Kevin Secalas and the Big Ugly Racing team, which led her to a deeper involvement with King of the Hammers.

Shannon discusses her transition from a corporate career to working with Dave Cole on King of the Hammers, emphasizing the trials, triumphs, and the significant impact she made in the off-road community.

As a board member of the Blue Ribbon Coalition, Shannon is passionate about preserving public lands for recreational use. She reflects on her ongoing efforts in land use advocacy and her future aspirations.

Shannon Welch's story is one of resilience, innovation, and a profound commitment to the off-road lifestyle and land preservation. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those looking to blend passion with purpose.

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In this captivating episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," we dive into the vibrant world of motorsports with Tony Barraza, a passionate designer and long-time enthusiast of the off-road industry. Tony, the creative force behind TB DesignWorks, shares his journey from growing up in a small desert town in Blythe, California, to becoming a significant figure in motorsports illustration, printing, and marketing.

Tony discusses his upbringing in Blythe, California, where the seeds of his love for motorsports were sown. Influenced by neighbors involved in off-road racing, he found himself drawn to the vibrant desert racing scene.

Transitioning from a BMX enthusiast to a graphic designer, Tony recounts his educational journey at Platt College and his serendipitous entry into NHRA, which launched his professional career in motorsports design.

The episode explores the founding of TB DesignWorks in 1999, showcasing Tony's dedication to merging his creative talents with his passion for motorsports.

With over 30 years of experience, Tony reflects on his legacy and future aspirations, sharing his love for the sport and the community that surrounds it.

Join Big Rich and Tony Barraza for an inspiring conversation about following your passion and making a living in the off-road world. Whether you're a die-hard motorsports fan or just curious about the industry, this episode offers valuable lessons and insights.

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In this engaging episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," host Rich Klein sits down with Mike Ingalsbee, a seasoned photographer with a rich history in the off-road industry. Mike, the founder of Mike's Race Photo, shares his unique journey from growing up in Michigan to becoming a prominent figure in off-road media. 

Key Discussion Points:

• Early Life and Journey to California: Mike discusses his upbringing in Michigan, moving to Southern California, and the cultural adjustments he experienced.
• Entry into Off-Road Racing: A chance encounter at a Vegas race ignites Mike's passion for off-road racing, leading him to pick up a camera and never look back.
• Photography Career: Mike talks about his transition from being a team member to a photographer, highlighting his work with magazines and his role as co-founder of the Association of Motorsports Media Professionals.
• Memorable Experiences and Challenges: From navigating the desert terrains to the evolution from film to digital photography, Mike shares captivating anecdotes and insights from his career.
• Advice for Aspiring Off-Road Enthusiasts: Mike encourages newcomers to dive into the off-road world by taking initiative and following their passion.

Final Thoughts: The episode wraps with reflections on preserving the history and spirit of off-road racing, and Mike's aspirations for future projects and adventures.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring journey through the lens of off-road adventures and photography!

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In this riveting episode of Conversations with Big Rich, host Rich Klein delves into the fascinating world of off-road racing and rallying with the esteemed John Elkin. John, a renowned off-road historian and writer, shares his journey from family adventures in Death Valley to becoming a pivotal figure in off-road motorsports journalism.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Off-Road Influences: John recounts his early exposure to off-road adventures with family trips to Death Valley, setting the stage for his lifelong passion for the sport.
• Racing and Writing Journey: Discover how John transitioned from being an off-road enthusiast to a respected writer and historian in the off-road community. He shares anecdotes about covering iconic races and the people he met along the way.
• Navigating Challenges: John opens up about his battle with melanoma and how it shifted his focus from racing to preserving the history of the sport through writing.
• Impact of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame: Explore John's contributions to the Hall

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Welcome to another exciting episode of "Conversations with Big Rich." This week, Big Rich Klein sits down with Jim Winn, a dynamic entrepreneur with a multifaceted career, whose journey has spanned from professional photography to corporate business, and now, to owning and operating multiple businesses within the off-road industry.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Early Life and Career: Jim shares his story of growing up in a baseball-centric family, which instilled in him a competitive spirit and a drive for excellence. His early ambitions took him from a promising photography career, where he captured significant moments like Hurricane Katrina, to becoming an entrepreneur.
• Entrepreneurial Journey: Jim discusses his transition from photography to business, including a stint as a cross-country truck driver, which helped fund his ventures. He eventually founded a small business selling home and garden products, which laid the groundwork for his current ventures.
• Behemoth Drivetrain: Jim talks about acquiring and revitalizing Behemoth Drivetrain, focusing on designing and manufacturing high-performance transfer cases and underdrives for off-road vehicles. He emphasizes the importance of quality and innovation in meeting the needs of enthusiasts and OEMs alike.
• Family and Future Plans: Jim reflects on the importance of family, his children's involvement in sports, and his commitment to building a legacy in the off-road industry. He shares his vision for continued growth and community impact in Litchfield, Kentucky.

Join Big Rich and Jim Winn for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, passion, and the off-road lifestyle. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights and stories of adventure and innovation.

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Join Big Rich as he dives into the off-road lifestyle with Zack Grimes, President of Rally in the Ozarks. This episode explores Zack's journey from Kansas City to becoming an entrepreneur and rally organizer, while celebrating vintage 4x4 vehicles. Zack shares his passion for Scouts, his career transitions, and the creation of the Rally in the Ozarks—a unique event for enthusiasts of all things vintage and 4x4.

Key Highlights:

Zack's Background: Born in Kansas City, Zack grew up in a small Kansas town, fostering a love for off-roading through family ATV trips and auto shop classes.

Career Path: After teaching industrial arts in high school and working in construction management, Zack pursued his passion by opening Grimes Garage, specializing in Scout restoration and parts.

Rally in the Ozarks: Zack founded this event to bring vintage 4x4 enthusiasts together. Held at the Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch, the rally includes trail rides, scenic road trips, and social gatherings.

Community and Sponsors: The rally supports the Shriner Hospital Dads charity, with sponsors like Kaiser Willies and General Tire. Zack emphasizes the importance of community and welcoming all vintage 4x4s pre-1990.

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Episode Summary: Join host Big Rich as he dives into the exhilarating world of off-road sports with the legendary Shannon Campbell. In this episode, Shannon shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Arizona to becoming a renowned figure in the off-road industry. From racing at Top Truck Challenge to making a mark at King of the Hammers, Shannon's stories are as thrilling as they are inspiring.

Key Moments:

• Early Life and Influences: Shannon talks about his upbringing in Gilbert, Arizona, and how his family's involvement in racing influenced his passion for off-road sports.
• Breaking into Off-Road Racing: Hear about Shannon's first major competition at Top Truck Challenge in 1996 and how it set the stage for his future success.
• Innovations and Challenges: Discover the journey of transitioning to independent front suspension and the challenges Shannon faced in desert racing.
• Memorable Moments: Laugh along with tales of close calls, wild races, and the camaraderie of the off-road community, including epic stories with his long-time friend Randy Ellis.
• Future Plans: Shannon shares his aspirations to balance big races with a return to grassroots wheeling adventures and his enthusiasm for upcoming events like Trail Hero and the Rubicon.

Guest Bio: Shannon Campbell is a celebrated figure in the off-road racing world, known for his innovative spirit and competitive drive. As a member of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, Shannon continues to inspire with his dedication to the sport and his passion for life.

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So many great stories about a great man!  Mike Czajkowski shares stories about his dad, the legendary Marlin Crawler. Don’t miss episode 270! Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

2:10 – People always know when Marlin caught them on the trail, where they met him.

18:28 – Paul goes, “hey, this my friend, Marlin.” And Christine gets up, throws the paper and storms off to her room! That was the first time they met.              

29:11 – There was a first gen Toyota mini truck in the church parking lot, my dad snuck out of church to leave a note – cool truck, call me! 

38:28 – How many revisions has the Marlin Crawler truck gone through?? Listen to find out. 

54:05 – he would experiment and learn and put seals in backwards on purpose, just do things in non-conventional ways

1:04:10 – Three boxes. We call that a triple transfer case, and no one had ever done this to go slow over the rocks.

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Adrenalin-junkies unite and listen in to our favorite, Bill Baird. Stunt planes to dirt to asphalt ovals, bill has done so much. Join us for episode 269 and hear Bill’s story!. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:33 – Sturgis, KY was the second school in the US that was integrated after Little Rock. Third grade, I went to school with 1200 National Guard troops around.

14:03 – Never been to a racetrack, I’ve never seen a race before in my life, I was a fish out of water.              

17:17 – Somewhere between 98 and 99 I started understanding everything about the race car. 

23:27 – I picked up the car up from Shannon and drove back to Oklahoma to race; but Shannon’s car had a kick to it! 

34:35 – I’ve been in Moab 17 times…what got me going out there was retracing my dad’s life while he was out there.

41:58 – I got out of it when you couldn’t run Tire Balls anymore; I had a single-seat car, I’m 56 years old, I couldn’t handle a tire by myself.

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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We had an opportunity to attend a fundraiser earlier in the year for Wingshooters.org and it impressed me so much, I had to get the founder/CEO on the podcast. Greg McClelland shares his story and how he finds solace in the woods. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

2:29 – It’s humbling to see the support from folks who, honestly, don’t have any skin in the game at all

8:36 – I was taught to respect fences, but if there weren’t any fences, I just assumed that it was free              

13:34 – My roommate dared me to come with him, I didn’t want to be a cop. I ended up doint it on a fluke and just kept passing these interviews, even though I was half insubordinate and pretty cocky. 

22:28 – The outdoor recreation, hunting, being in the woods, gun smoke, campfire and bro time, talking sh*t. It makes me feel better. It’s got to help these same guys, right? 

28:20 – My goal is to build a network of like-minded organizations where we can plug folks in.

40:33 – Anything any organization can do, as long as it’s honorable and for the right reasons, man, I’m all for it; any way we can partner and help, I’m glad to do it.

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Self-described, average trail wheeler, Jon Larson, shares the insights that he’s gained with 25 years of running Cherokees. If you ever wondered how you could get involved in off-road, Jon shares his path. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:59 – Dude, did you know that mom and dad were in a cult? I was like, I don’t think it was a cult.

11:18 – I pretty much have OCD when it comes to XJs, I know every part on the XJ by heart, every bolt-size by heart.              

22:46 – I remember some high-speed chases late at night, going through private property, where someone came out with spotlights in some big pickup truck and chased us for 10 miles. 

32:41 – I think the Scout was the only rig I’ve ever sold that I made money on. 

38:56 – I would go to Pick and Pull and take things apart and figure it out. That was my own little personal learning class..

46:03 –I would grab a 30-pack, a buddy or two would come over, and we would part out a whole Cherokee, chop-shop style in 10 hours

1:16:05 – There are private landowners on the Rubicon, 40% of the Rubicon goes through private property, Common people like me don’t know that. 

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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This week’s guest may have a weak connection to off-road, but that string is still attached. James Patience is an ambassador for Bikers Against Bullies, and their message is clear – know who you are! I couldn’t think of a better man who knows. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:05 – I think you look back and realize that a lot of what you become as an adult is created when you’re younger

11:50 – I truly believe that everything in the world is a pendulum. If it’s pushed one way, it goes back the other way with equal force              

20:04 – I went to work every day. And I learned that…so when you don’t have balance, and you don’t have structure, you have to find something as an anchor. That was work for me. 

27:21 – I can be average and stay where I’m at, or I can kill it and move forward; and it’s the exact same investment for me. Why not move forward? 

36:53 – Imagine like a chocolate Easter Bunny. You pour the chocolate in the mold and you spin it around, and then once it dries, you pull it out. That’s what we do with these tanks.

47:53 –I have to find a way that nobody can boss me around because of money

52:11 – It’s not about stopping the bully, it’s about being able to control yourself in those situations so things don’t affect you. 

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Dirthead_Dave from the Dirthead Shed joins us for Episode 265. Let’s talk about building cars from hot rods to offroad, Join us and support the other Dave Chappelle. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:46 – The off-roading is the one thing that’s stuck and put me on the map the most

9:37 – Saturn was its own little weird community, compares to the girls with their IG handle on the side of the hood              

15:32 – I ended up sabotaging the Sentra so it wouldn’t pass smog because my dad didn’t want me to get a mini truck, he knew I’d be broke forever after that 

24:00 – Got my first Jeep in 2005 and that was the kickoff for all the stuff I’m doing now 

30:05 – I told them I’d prep the Bronco and haul it to the start of UA if I got to go, that’s how I weaseled my way in there

48:20 –right now, it’s just wide-open throttle, pushing YouTube and trying to grow my brand 

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Super spotter, Steve Hastings, was smooth, smooth, smooth. A driver in his own right, he spent a lot of his career as Jason Bunch’s spotter. OG rockcrawler who got started in the 60’s behind the wheel of his dad’s CJ5, Steve has seen a lot of rock. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:44 – Two pillows behind and two pillows underneath and low, low, low gear

15:23 – I’m one of Craig’s disciples, one of those rigs he bought high and sold low   

29:12 – More like a lot of tequila and a lot of tacos 

35:40 – Jason’s wife called and said, “Jason was a basket case, don’t you ever leave him behind again!” 

42:36 – We’d look at an obstacle and find the hardest spot, then work backwards to get the right line

51:04 –we weren’t looking for fast, we didn’t care if we finished in nine minutes and 59 seconds, as long as we finished. Smooth, smooth, smooth was our battle cry 

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Part Two. Stories so big we need two episodes to tell them!  Jason Bunch of Tri-Couty Gear has a storied history and he shares it with us. Rockcrawler, racer, business man, enthusiast, Jason’s been part of the OG crowd. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

7:06 – For once, I’m the guy, not the guy on the outside of the fence, I’m the guy on the inside.

19:08 – Damn, why didn’t anybody tell me I was doing that?!              

24:14 – I owe a lot to learning about mechanical things and driving different vehicles. 

31:42 – I’m on Junkyard Wars, right? And they had us build a land speed vehicle/rockcrawler that could be a boat! 

48:01 – I’m screaming at them, “the k*ll switch, the k*ll switch!”.

54:34 –At one point in my life, I had race face where I was pissed off because I wasn’t winning, I was taking it too serious. 

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Stories so big we need two episodes to tell them!  Jason Bunch of Tri-Couty Gear has a storied history and he shares it with us. Rockcrawler, racer, business man, enthusiast, Jason’s been part of the OG crowd. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:47 – We’d take about everything trying to make them faster, we’d grind the rod on a lawn mower and hold it wide open to see if we could make it blow up

16:08 – A cop rolls up and goes, “this brings new meaning to shade tree mechanic!”              

21:04 – my Flat Fender had a healthy 350 in it and a 300 shot of nitrous oxide in it. It was fast. 

30:59 – One night we clocked ourselves going through Sledge Hammer, did the whole trail in 51 minutes and one beer stop included. 

36:25 – I watched Steve work with people and I thought, I need that guy for something, but I don’t know what.

46:34 –I used all of my knowledge of Jeeps and the things I’ve done to build that Jeep, no blueprint, just all in my mind.

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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King Randy Slawson kicks off Season 6 of Conversations of Big Rich – that’s episode 261. Hear about the sheltered kid who turned his aggression to the rocks. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:49 – I was extremely sheltered, kept away from the world until I got married and moved to California

12:11 – my dad was busy and he wasn’t into mechanical anything, so I didn’t have somebody to mentor me and teach me how to do stuff             

19:34 – Seven of us went in five rigs and wheeled the Rubicon, if I wasn’t hooked before, I was definitely hooked after that. 

27:47– At the time, I was way into the Toyota scene, I’d had 20 different Toyotas, most of them basket cases.

37:59 –  I knew Marlin, but not well; I took him out to check out a weird noise, he was like, “Oh, Randy, I can’t believe the stress this transfer case is under. Oh, Randy…”

42:21 –I don’t want to call myself a know-it-all, but I just think that I can do it better.

46:34 – More power, more speed, that spoke to me. That was my style.

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Today’s guest is probably the greatest competitive rockcrawler in the history of the sport. Get to know Tracy Jordan and how he became the GOAT! Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:22 – everything was around hunting and fishing, it was one-on-one time with our dad

13:46 – I bought an FJ40 and wanted to do a lift, power steering, a few things…then got an invite out to a trail, and it was off and running from there.             

20:13 – That’s where ‘Air Jordan’ came about is that obstacle and there was a controversy 

28:39 – You never stop learning. I loved watching Joel, Don, the Curry’s – just their different techniques and learning from them

34:15– Durham had the same style as Shannon and Mike Palmer, just total, no fear on all the climbs 

50:29–I only have two timelines, and it’s my rockcrawling timeline and my kid’s timeline, that’s my only references in time.

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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What do you get when you cross a tennis playing, stunt bike rider with a Rock Zombie? Answer: Phil Licciardi, shock-tuning master. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:33 – they had the Green Police, I got pulled over for pushing my bike to town, they tried to hold my dad off at gunpoint, and he wasn’t even mad yet!

9:41 – the film, The Firm was based on a guy who owned the company my dad worked for, the controlling aspects of this guy were crazy             

17:48 – I definitely got a PhD in partying! 

21:48 – “How did you learn to fab?” Just did it, I went and got a Home Depot weld pack 100 Fluxcore machine and just started doing crappy work.

32:44 – the thing about sport bike stunt riding is you either get good pretty quick or you die trying. 

49:23 –I left KOH saying, there is no way in hell I’m ever getting involved in that situation. Two months later, Doug called, “hey, so you want to build an Ultra4 car?”

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Co-founder and CEO of Warfighter Made, Rob Blanton is a retired Marine serving as a volunteer for his non-profit organization full-time. The mission of Warfighter Made provides recreation therapy to ill, injured and combat-wounded service members and veterans. Listen to how he and the others got there. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app. 

8:27 – Adversity builds mental toughness 

16:06 – I’m the proverbial if your friend jumps off a bridge, will you? Yeah, four of my friends jumped off a bridge, so I joined them.             

22:23 – The good news, I can make you a Marine, the bad news is you don’t qualify with these test scores – for anything! 

31:58 – the best memories were really the worst stories, just overcoming adversity 

36:12 – I was awarded the Silver Star for that action in Iraq, it’s our nation’s third highest award for valor 

42:52 –…that was the catalyst to start Warfighter Made 

47:19 – When I retired from the Marines in 2014, I immediately became a full-time volunteer for the organization. 

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast. 

Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app. 

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It all began with a Craigslist ad for Josh Reynolds. Today, Josh has taken the reins of Fly-N-Hi Off-Road while continuing to nurture his passion and contributing to the off-road community. The shop, known for its expertise in Jeep modifications and custom builds, has become a hub for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of their vehicles. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:53 – I moved to Alaska as a mountain guide for a long time as a professional skiing and climbing guide on some of the biggest mountains in the world

8:14 – There was a Craigslist ad for the Baja 1000, it said, do you want to come experience the Baja 1000, and I’m thinking – Hell, yeah, who doesn’t?             

16:20 – I just brought that Mustang down last week, to rebuild the carburetor 

22:37 – I’ve had every Jeep in the world, CJs, YJs, TJs, an LJ and more

31:09 – We had eight batteries, and we’d come into the pit and change the battery, I’d carry it in my lap because the alternator didn’t work 

46:37 –so, literally, the whole thing started from Craigslist

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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An off-road enthusiast turned competitor, Aaron Armstrong is the man responsible for the WE Rock event site in Bagdad, Arizona. A man with a vision. Join WE Rock March 1 and 2, 2025 at the best cul de sac in AZ.  Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:48 – I was always trying to find dirt in California to make jumps on 

11:13– my first car was a 1987 Toyota 4-runner, since then I’ve had five 4-runners             

19:53 – I went down the wrong path, got wrapped up into drugs and alcohol and quickly found myself homeless and out of a job hanging out with the wrong kids – something in my head said, “This is not your life.”

29:56 – One night we were talking, and I was like, “you know what? I Think we should move back home to Arizona.”

39:29 – We went to the Put Up or Shut Up in Congress in 2007, stood out in the rain all day and could not take my eyes off what those vehicles were doing! 

56:49 –I hit up the General Manager at the mine, and said, Have you ever seen a rockcrawl? No, what’s that, so I took him out and showed him my vision.

1:09:11 – One of the things that I believe in and that the mine believes in is continuous improvement. That’s what we’re doing to the event site.

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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We last checked in with JT Taylor three years ago, so much has changed. If you saw the announcement of a new race at Area BFE on Big Saturday, you want to listen in for the deets. JT spills it all!. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:45 – 284 acres outside of Tulsa that goes up against the river and US Army Corp of Engineers land with 26 miles of trails 

12:12– they got hit by a trophy truck in a silt bed north of Loreto; broke the right rear of the car, but we changed it all out and still beat the competition by two hours             

18:29 – We built the Nissan as a practice car for the Coronet, I have to learn to drive fast in two-wheel drive on asphalt again.

28:32 – We go out to Rednecks to help Derek and the guys run the races, we got Rugged Radio to donate a bunch of headsets, it was a game changer

30:56– ***ALL THE DEETS HERE*** Rock race at Area BFE on Big Saturday during EJS 

55:19 –Entries open on March 1

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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The engineer’s curse is strong with this one. Brennan Metcalf brings all kinds of goodies to the off-road world.  Listen in to a fascinating discussion of mods and parts. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:40 – One of the last summers I was up there, my stepdad came and sat next to me right when he got done haying, and I almost went to the hospital 

17:03– I wasn’t really into college that much – ended up doing an on-again, off-again; started into wildland firefighting             

27:32 – I’m sitting there with the doc and he goes, “let me see your good knee” I give him the uninjured knee and he’s like, no, no, let me see your good knee.

31:41 – Now, I just get to do, at least right now, I just get to do what I want and that’s building stuff

41:05– “let’s talk about these 300 projects, what is it that ticks in your brain to come up with stuff?” I call it the engineer’s curse 

55:06 –I branched off into doing some off-road recovery gear

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Hunter Miller has come a long way since dirt bikes and ATV’s to CanAms capable of racing Dakar and King of the Hammers. Join us for a great conversation of how a boy progresses from two wheels to four. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:44 – When I was two years old, we went camping on a compound where wolves were raised… 

9:34– we were racing Oklahoma and the cops showed up and shut the whole thing down             

21:09 – that’s one of the attractions of the Hammers, one year a trail is easier, the next year it’s terrible

27:30 – I started paying attention to Dakar in 2020 when Casey Curry went over there, but I didn’t really grasp it until this year

41:02– every time I walk, I turn the wrong direction, but I’m super confident about it! I’m confidently wrong! 

48:17 – I flew home like a rockstar, my brother is having breakfast at Casey Curry’s and someone said, jokingly, “why don’t you stay and run 4400?”

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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 Sometimes, you meet a guy and just know he’s the real deal. As genuine as they come, Nick Cimmarusti has carved out a space for himself in off-road. Whether you see him on the trail sharing his knowledge with others, or in the shop doing the same, Nick will never lead you astray. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:33 – “make sure you don’t leave the keys in the golf cart, or else, he’ll steal it!”  I was three years old 

11:31 – I got into auto shop, and then it was all over from there – it’s been all automotive from there             

18:09 – yeah, it was assault with a deadly weapon, battery with intent to do great bodily injury, and inciting a riot.

28:32 – that’s how my life’s been, as soon as I make something really nice, it gets destroyed

32:11– What came first – Jeepers or Barlow? 

38:50 – A lot of things happened in 2016 – Fire Academy, Certification testing and Emily Miller called.

49:27 – it’s a lot of overcoming being uncomfortable in the sand and figuring out what what you can and can’t do

56:52 – The story goes…I met Mike in the middle of the night under the moon to have him give me his wife’s pantyhose

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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When you combine art and off-road, you wind up with Rory Ward. A fan since early days, Rory made connections that allowed him to combine his passions and thrive. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:37 – my dad would get Hot VWs magazine and I’d always look up the races, I missed being around that, even at 8-10 years old 

18:29 – Ivan (Stewart) was the one that really got me going with the artwork.      

21:54 – OMG, I don’t want to be a bellman for 30 years!

27:39 – I’ve got to thank Rob MacCachran, I did some shirts for him and he’s like I’ve got a business proposition for you.

35:58 – I’ve been really fortunate to race some historical race cars with some historical racers 

40:29 – I built a four-seater in the 2000s and the artwork is what built it. I traded a lot of art for parts.

52:20 – My forte is the history, I can help with the history of off-road. I’m the self-proclaimed curator for all these off-road cars, and I absolutely love it.

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Most of our podcasts are full of stories, but not many cover the globe from end to end. Patricia Upton and her husband, the late Loren Upton, have completed expeditions that most of us only dream about. Patricia is still adventuring. Listen closely, the trips have twists and turns in countries many of us have never heard of. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

7:02 – I don’t remember being afraid of spiders until we were in Okinawa 

15:42 – I was in Panama for 17 years. I got off the plane down there and said, okay, eternal summer, this is where I need to be.             

25:06 – That’s when the spark for me to go full-time with the expedition with Loren

31:14 – Loren was away when he got word that Larry had been shot and killed.

41:45 – He wanted a romantic high adventure in the classical sense of an expedition 

52:30 – Nowadays, you can’t get anywhere near the plaque that says you’re at the furthest road south on the African continent

1:00:33 – that night, near the Nile, was the only night of the entire trip that we were faced with the reality that we got out butts someplace that could be pretty bad

1:17:14 – we worked because we were desperately out of money

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Falling into automotive without a plan, Gary Haugley has made a career of buggies, cars, and off-road. From building to appraising, car show judging and building stories. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

7:52 – I had no clue, no clue what was going on… 

13:33 – I walked into B&R Buggy, the guy who owns it says, “you’ve got to buy this place;” he goes, I got in trouble with a little side job, I’m leaving.             

21:22 – I need to know what I need to do to be an appraiser, Tony was real quiet, then he goes, “no, you don’t have questions for me, I got questions for you.”

27:12 – I thought this guy was going to take me out, he goes, “I own a lot of cars. I have a lot of money. I pay a lot of people a lot of money to make sure it’s perfect. You’re the first one to notice it’s not.” He put out his hand and said, thank you.

35:41 – We got him a brand new car, big four-seater, and donated it to him, that’s how I got involved with Warfighter Made 

41:18 – The Sergeant Major hated me because I was non-military, he called me out of the blue one day, “I need some help.”

54:39 – they busted their butts with side jobs, and got to keep the buggy, it’s a great story

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Serial entrepreneur, John Williams, owner of Impulse Off Road shares the journey to now, with all the twists and turns. John has had some interesting experiences and is sure to have many more. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:08 – our front yard corner was worn to dirt; that was our goal, was to wear through the grass every year on our motorcycle 

13:02 – when I got done with the Land Cruiser, I got 33 1250’s and I thought I was king of the world             

20:39 – I had my friend’s dad’s credit card and ordered a lift, I thought, this is the coolest thing ever, I tell people I work for Roberts Auto and I don’t have to pay full price.

27:19– we’ve just been compatible in that aspect; my strong points are not his and his are not mine.

34:03 – they gave me the opportunity to pitch a Raptor program to the higher-ups at Ford when they came out to the track; We created the Raptor Assault program together. 

43:34 – You realize you don’t win and lose races in the first 100 miles, it comes down to the last 2-3 miles – it’s how you manage, mitigate risk, and make sure the car is staying together

50:53 – the whole time you’re thinking, why am I here? Why am I doing this? But when you’re done, you can’t wait to do it all over again

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Outdoorsman and Renaissance man, Andrew Paulson can do anything – if he’s interested. In the last fifteen years, we’ve watched Andrew build anything he set his mind to. The stories are fun. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:16 – this is why I always fought the educational institution, I had enough of it when I was a kid 

10:08 – I was taught to earn my allowance, I think that was great. You work for it, that has taken me far.             

20:03 – I didn’t realize a nail gun at the time was a thousand bucks, it was grand theft, adolescent charge.

36:50 – “I’m sorry, you didn’t get the rock climbing wall attendant job, we’re going to put everybody under you and make you the lead!”

46:15 – If I had the skillset to build it – why not? Why not capitalize on that? 

51:19 – On the water, whether I’m catching fish or not, that’s my decompress, where my brain slows down, where the noise shuts down.

1:11:53 – I meet Dustin and Becca Webster, it’s about this time, I realize I’m in way over my head. Four minutes after the National Anthem and I’m on my lid.

1:18:58 – “Hey, we’re going to need help with recovery, we’ve got a car in a tree!”

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No matter your age, follow your passion. That’s what Toby Lavender has been doing for life. Automotive to hunting, Toby excels at all of it, and he’s not done yet. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

8:15 – I always preach to everybody that real formal education in the automotive repair industry is critical these days 

18:17 – We flew in just so green to life and travel and didn’t know what the heck to expect and made the best of it             

24:01 – I remember the first time we did a Million dollars in one year in sales, my accountant said, yeah, but it cost you $999,000 to do it!

29:48 – My first 10+ years in off-road was in desert racing, I learned you better have a lot of money or you better be able to build your own junk.

35:51 – I didn’t set out to do any of this, but I loved it and we just went with it and grew; Lavender Brothers grew into this 99% four-wheel-drive off-road shop 

48:40 – One of my big life passions is hunting and everything related to that

54:19 – the paradigm shift was when I realized my employees were relying on me to provide the opportunity that they were showing up for

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The original hot-rod kid is still playing with V-8s; but now he’s taking them off-road. Tim Ryan, owner of the V8 Swap Shop is revving up as your go-to guy. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3;36 – I got knives pulled on me daily because they knew I had a nickel for milk money 

12:08 – they organized the high school drags and all the high schools were invited to participate; me and my friends rand the show because we all had hot rods             

21:52 – A buddy of mine had a CJ5, it was an eye catcher; we’d meet girls like crazy when in his Jeep, I was the same guy as the one in the old car, but girls liked Jeeps.

28:48 – My wife says she only wanted a guy with a normal nose and a small truck. Maybe God had a reason to make me buy that truck so I could meet her.

38:49 – So, I ended up ultimately back in the automotive world which is where my heart always was. 

43:35 – When is it going to be your Independence Day?

51:22 – Each build is difference, we’re not a cookie-cutter shop.

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 From the garage to where it is now, everything happens with hard work and innovation. Aaron Wedeking shares the PRP Origin Story and where they are going now, through the ups and downs and twists and turns. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app. 

9:58 – I did well in school, but mostly, I was just waiting for the weekends! 

16:53 – I’ve never set a goal, I just analyze the situation and think, What’s the smartest thing I can do today?             

20:00 – We made six seats, I put them in the back of my Ford Ranger and this guy says, I’ll take them all. That’s how we started. 

25:08 – I had two weeks of paternity leave from my CPA job, I ditched my wife at the hospital and picked up all the parts of that business to move it. A pretty crappy dad move and a real crappy husband move. 

31:54 – It’s either work hard or be really smart, and I’m not, so I had to work hard 

38:23 – it’s weird, when you’re in it, everything is stressful, it really fogs your vision. 

43:01 – Nobody has come up with a lab test that can recreate exactly what happens in an off-road vehicle. 

53:12 – We’re constantly innovating at PRP, and a lot of it comes from use. 

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast. 

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We love couples that work together. Paul and Keri Porter have been together since high school, now with the kids grown, they’ve dropped into four-wheel drive with a vengeance. Training trips, shows, and adventures keep them away from home for more than half the year. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

8:35 – It was definitely a struggle in those days, but we had a lot of fun. 

16:49 – I got invited to the Badlands with a girlfriend and came home and told Paul he needed to buy me a Jeep             

21:14 – They told us it had a lift on it; it didn’t but we didn’t know what we didn’t know

26:20 – During the club years we met so many who bought this adventure vehicle and didn’t know what to do with it

30:57 – Our business had two parts, we run adventure trips and offer training courses

37:23 – we’ve got big rig trips and beginner trips and not much in between, so we’re trying to fill that gap

46:22 – I love KOH, but I’m thankful we had something to do because we’re not people who just sit around 

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Jeff McKinlay, a man of experiences, from milking cows to construction; building steel buildings and rockcrawlers. Jeff has the work ethic to knock everyone out of the park; he’s the best at all he has done. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:38 – Wrestling was what I was good at; ended up four-time state champion, that’s what taught me a good work ethic is the wrestling and the training 

12:58 – I realized it’s really hard to get paid when you’re not the guy in charge of the money             

20:45 – Kevin was at his shop and had an old Twisted Customs rear steer buggy, I was like, “what in the world is that?”

26:20 – Anybody that’s crawled with Kevin knows that you don’t spot and you don’t help, you better keep up or you’re just getting left. 

34:10 – I remember at my youngest son, Kade’s funeral, people were saying, “you did more with that kid in 17 years than most people do with their kids in their entire life.” That was a compliment I feel really good about. 

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Tuff Country has been through some changes, from the founding 35 years ago to it’s purchase by a private equity firm to being back in the hands of the founder, Kelly Davis. Kelly shares all the details and what’s coming next. We wish him all the best in his reboot! Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:07 – I guess we’ve always been off-road entrepreneurs 

6:54 – He said, “swim or sink, it’s up to you. You control your own destiny here.”             

12:26 – we really engaged with grassroots events all over the country

16:45 – one thing we really tried to do was control our growth 

22:06 – we thought, if we can survive 2008 and climb back out of this hole, we’re going to be some tough dudes 

33:02 – they buy you because you are a well-earned machine, you’re profitable, you have value, and then they get away from your core values 

43:05 – we made an offer, they accepted and the work started, we had to reboot this thing.

51:13 – Quitten’s easy, man, so easy. The harder you work, the luckier you get. 

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Blue Ribbon Coalition Executive Director Ben Burr gives the low-down on what BRC needs right now and shows us how we can be successful in our land use fight. It’s a fascinating take on what is going on in the real world. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app. 

4:16 – my ancestors settled the Moab area; the Burr Trail is named for them 

8:01 – I was always an advisor on these issues, I had pretty deep life experience working on public lands             

17:13 – If you would have said I’m going to go from restaurants to politics, I would have been like, how am I going to get there? 

25:16 – that’s the operating system running things now, it positioned lawyers to be the key players in this movement, especially on the environmental side 

30:19 – and so, it is time to install an operating system that works to the benefit of outdoor recreation users 

37:21 – you say exclusionist, I say elitist, it’s a very elitist movement 

47:21 – SUWA wants concentrated recreation in just a few areas 

53:20 – Call to Action – join BRC, a change in the public land system is going to happen because a bunch of people rise up and demand it 

1:01:15 – if everybody who owned an off-road vehicle joined BRC, I’d be bigger than the Sierra club, it’s a $300 million organization – the math maths out on that 

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast. 

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“I just wanna go fast,” Chris Ridgway. Chris joins us from the road as he’s hauling multi-million-dollar cars all over the US. If it’s got wheels, Chris has raced it, from motorcycles to Porches. Some great stories in here. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:35 – I wasn’t the most popular guy, I wasn’t the least liked guy, I was just one of the guys. 

10:38 – I was still getting lapped in the ADCC beginner class. I wasn’t good. I just wanted it.             

19:51 – It was a way of me feeling important and feeling like people like me, and the thing is, as you know about racing, that’s all that matters.

25:31 – I turned pro in ’91, and I got hurt. The big injury came in, I think, ‘95 

40:34 – He said, “someone needs to put you in a car.” And I said, “who’s going to put me in a car?” And he said, I will.

48:13 – I had my leg all bandaged up, and I remember smacking it on the dash and someone’s wife duct taped it back up! 

52:47 – He had so much more to lose, I felt like I didn’t have much to lose, and so I would take chances like that

1:06:50 – I was like, dude, we can do these doubles, he’s like, well, what happens if we come up short? 

1:14:55 – and when you go to SEMA with Jesse Combs on your arm as your co-driver, you get sponsorship

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Helper should be his middle name; always one to give an assist, Bryan Crofts shares life from family Crofts to family Campbell and all the twists in between. Some great stories in here. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

9:39 – when I was a young kid, I always wanted to be a garbage man; they make good money. 

15:51 – I had a buddy I went to school with, him and I would go out to Mt Shasta and do fireroads and mud wheeling, it got me interested in doing more             

22:53 – I worked for the Sheriffs Department in San Francisco, mostly in the jails. I saw things that I probably wish I hadn’t, it definitely changed my outlook on life

31:17 – “Hey, Jody’s looking to get out of the Stock Mod rig if you’re interested,” and I jumped on it 

35:11 – my brother goes, “Hey Bro, why aren’t you racing?”

47:14 – That’s what sparked the interest, it was way cheaper to build two cars at once 

53:17 – one of the coolest things that we do, we’re all racing against each other, but we’re all racing with each other, too.

1:01:18 – I was chasing him down and I didn’t see those two rollers, and I hit one and nosed into the second one, and lights out! It knocked me out!

1:12:29 – I’ve got people calling me after the race that that was the one spot they were worried about, as soon as they say me and Bailey there, all their worries went away

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If International Harvester made it, Jeff Ismail knows about it. From printed manuals to Scouts and Travelalls, Jeff has his finger on it. A self-made man, Jeff understands that happy is a choice, join us for a conversation on episode 237. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:29 – my friends were playing and swimming, but not me and my brothers, we were with Dad – raking leaves and edging lawns, doing what we had to do to earn a living 

8:50 –some grew up in Ford, some Chevy, some Dodge – we grew up in IHs             

17:17– You don’t forget people who race in Scouts; we won a couple of seasons, and it was always by attrition. It looked like the Turtle and the Hare

28:28 – my dad came to me and said, I want to take you back to the home country to get married; I’m like, I’m not ready to get married! 

36:36 – my dad goes, “why don’t you just fix up that pole barn out there and start working on Internationals again?” If I got Dad’s blessing, why not?

43:27 – we’ve always had this thing, “If the job makes sense, we’ll take it!” 

49:38 – people don’t know me, but they know my truck.

57:23 – Some people are like, Oh, I can’t wait for the future. I know good times, I’m living in good times.

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Matt Rowland from Indiana is a bit of an anomaly. A communications major in criminal justice, attends XJ conventions without an XJ, and a builder of fabulous bonfires! Join us for some Midwest history on Episode 236. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:35 – …that might be part of the reason I’ve always had affection for Jeeps 

13:50 –my freshman year, we lost to the big high school in Fort Wayne by over 100 points             

18:49 – everything auto mechanic-wise, I learned from working on the junk we were driving

31:59 – Tony bought a ’99 TJ and started taking it to the Badlands, in Attica, Indiana 

39:24 – In 2005, I got on the police department in Fort Wayne, and I’ll have 20 years next May

44:31 – I had to borrow $1500 from my parents to pay off the loan on the XJ because they said Modified Cherokees were worthless 

51:02 – I had a buddy who said, “Hey, are you ever going to settle down and get married?” and I’m like, I guess, maybe.

1:03:45 – The LJ became the family truckster for wheeling, and we changed the bylaws when I was NAXJA President

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Two-for-one this week, George and Lora Leyner are bumbling along the rockcrawling trail. With challenges and trials getting them to the support and friendship they didn’t even know they needed. Join us for a fun conversation with a great couple. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

8:48 – Gone in 60 seconds 

11:45 –I had two instructors who really cared about their students, they made an impact on me.             

16:24 – when we met we both said, I’m not looking for anything serious

21:10 – I had never been rockcrawling before, it’s so much fun, I rarely get out of the passenger seat 

24:43 – my buddies pitched in and bought me a chassis to build as a divorce present

29:06 – The buggy did a lot better than I was expecting since I am not a professional buggy builder 

33:25 – we decided it was time to live our lives and follow dreams and just enjoy life

39:10 – We take extra care of making sure I can see where she’s at; it was a freak accident

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Meet Michael Brassanini, the newly crowned WE Rock Unlimited Champion; all-in family man, keeper of dreams, and seeker of goals. Michael fulfills his kid's dreams, too. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:07 – As a kid there didn’t seem like there was a lot to do, looking back, the world was our oyster. 

11:11 – It was hard as a kid being taken away from your family, but looking back, it definitely saved me             

17:28 – I got hurt a lot, but girls like cowboys, and I like girls!

23:17 – A lot of cold, lonely nights, but I had a drive and a focus and had goals. 

28:84 – Motors, big tires, and being outside, wheeling with my friends attracted me to rockcrawling

35:18 – we have a great community of guys and gals that get out, almost on a daily basis there are drivers headed out 

41:59 – there are moments in life when you have this epiphany, I had one in Boulder Canyon near Montrose

48:38 – And once you do that stuff in competition, you go out on the trail, and you’re like, oh, hey, maybe this drop isn’t as bad as I thought it was

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There are just too many stories to write notes about; Andy Myers is one of the believers, a man who knows what it’s like to try, to build, to succeed, and to try again. Much respect for a man who walks the walk. Join this self-proclaimed introvert for a wild ride around the world. Thanks, Andy. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

12:56 – I’ve never had a job and I’ve never worked. 

22:16 – I dropped out of college after a beef with a marketing professor who gave me an F for a product I’d already sold and was receiving royalty checks on             

27:22 – We got into design and opened a factory in Mexico and started making clothes for some pretty big companies, REI, Columbia…

32:09 – I showed the product to Nora’s family and told them, this is what we’re going to make – they’re like, “you should probably go back to bed” it was pretty cute 

34:46 – this is the coolest motorcycle story of my life

37:22 – all my life, it’s all I’ve done – offroad and motorcycles and travel and design

44:33 – Wow, I don’t want to go back to living in a truck, I better pull back the reins a little and make some hard business decisions

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Mitch Guthrie Sr. was raised a cowboy and became a Champion UTV Racer. He shares life in the fast lane with us on this episode of Conversations of Big Rich. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:27 – We were always riding horses, I was constantly getting pulled out of school. 

8:34 – I heard about Azusa Canyon, back then, it was a wide-open four-wheel drive place             

16:23 – It was a passion. It was all I thought about.

28:50 – Back then it was a little tougher without GPS, I remember going the wrong way around the wrong side of the mountain 

42:44 – my favorite is the week of KOH when Mitchie is going to race, we drive the sh*t out of those trails

45:40 – Any advice?  Yes, pay attention to those who are winning, listen, and be humble

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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To keep up with Tracy Valenta, you’re going to need to step up. At 84, Tracy is still the ultimate salesman. On Episode 231, Tracy shares highlights covering the racing years with the Party Ice team. Tracy was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2016. Tracy is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

4:20 – I bought a ’32 Ford for 50 bucks and was able to rebuild it in Auto Shop 

12:34 – I went to Scott McKenzie and said, “ If I could get Rick Mears to drive for me, would you put together a car for me?”             

17:01 – There are so many fish in the little bay right at the Bay of LA, I’ve never seen so many fish in my life 

20:26 – I bought 1000 seats altogether and sold them at cost just to help Mickey get people interested

29:33 – I felt like I had made it at the Coliseum, Phoenix was big!

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Phil Rawlings has his hands in a lot of things, he has embedded himself in off-road, like many of us. You’ll find him at Salt Lake Off-Road Expo, At Your Leisure, and many other places where voices matter. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:38 – I’m generally a very mellow and chill dude, but I definitely have an adrenaline addiction side 

11:52– I got busted for a fix-it ticket, but they’d been after me for a while             

21:13 – I have a photographic memory that doesn’t have any film now

36:02 – I found a job that was my favorite ever, I got to design and play with the coolest stuff 

49:26 – people said, “you’re from Utah – I didn’t know they had off-road companies in Utah” that bothered me, we’re like the mecca for off-roading!

55:53 – our guiding pillars – promote Utah off-road businesses, promote Utah, and unite the off-road community

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Mark Jensen, founder and engineer of Off-Road Innovations is on Episode 229. Without a background in off-road, Mark got launched into it accidentally. It’s been a heck of a ride. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:32 – I lived in the mountains with redwood trees, coming to Toelle was like being dropped in the middle of the desert, left for dead 

11:56– I built an outside-the-box sandrail that was four-wheel drive – essentially the first side-by-side             

20:29 – “You know this would be more suited for the rock crawling world.” I said, “The what? What’s rockcrawling?”

26:45 – every time this rock crawling thing would evolve into something more violent, it meant more failures for me 

38:00 – Those two words, perfect perseverance and dedication to what you are doing, you will overcome!

51:33 – We’re learning a lot from the car, it adds credibility to actually finish races and be successful

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Bill Sanders on Episode 228, a legendary journalist who excelled in elevating off-road racing to worldwide recognition. At 92 years old, history was made and retold in this interview. We talk about all the racing, writing and sport that Bill has been a part of. Bill was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2014. Bill is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

4:26 – my first true love was a 1936 Ford three-window coupe flathead 

20:21 – I went to Europe by myself and traveled around for about 11 months on $5 a day.             

29:04 – “Where’s the rest of the slides?” And I said, I’m not the photographer, I’m the editor. 

37:55 – any questions?  “Do the service stations in Baja take credit cards?”

49:15 – these guys from Mexico would bring $50,000 cash in a paper bag to California and buy a truck

1:06:42 – about halfway through the race, the suspension broke, but Jean Calvin had her thermos full of coffee that she always took with her

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Whitewater to Off-road, the background of our guests is always fascinating. Join Rich and Chris Walker from Overland Training Canada for more adventure on Episode 227. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:51 – very quickly, I found my passion was the outdoors – mountaineering, kayaking, flying, diving, caving and what have you 

12:34– Gosh, I hurt myself a lot, nearly died a couple of times             

17:37 – I’m not doing what I’m doing without their grit and determination to kick me into shape to be a good off-road driving instructor

25:14 – just jump out right here, grab your stuff, someone will come get you – I’m literally in the middle of nowhere, there’s no one in sight, I have no cell service and no idea where I am 

37:36 – that’s a really hard question, I’ve never found a concise answer…

55:01 – I’ve been doing a lot with a big expedition called the Transglobal Car Expedition

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From Slot cars to NASCAR, Mark Stahl has a storied past in racing, catch up with him on  Episode 226. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

2:52 – I guess you could say I was a professional slot car racer 

7:29– We went to Tijuana and got a fake birth certificate so I could race at age 16; Cajon Speedway required you to be 18             

16:01 – Well, off-road racing, the motto was never give up

26:29 – I pull up at the finish line and Scoop is sitting there in the Blazer, and Parnelli Jones walks up and looks at the number on my hood and just starts cussing 

34:08 – If I ever want to race NASCAR, now’s my time – I need to make the move to the south

43:57 – my most memorable event from the NASCAR days was the ’87 Winston 500 at Talladega

1:01:18 – you go through a lot of wives in racing, not because you’re cheating on them, but because you like race cars more than them, race cars don’t talk back

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“If I’m going to weld, it might as well be for myself,” we couldn’t agree more. Join Todd Gronsdahl from Aqualu Industries and Big Rich on Episode 225. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:57 – I took any job I could get because I really didn’t have any skillset 

11:15– Rich: I asked your wife, “Is that your boyfriend?” She says, God, no, that’s my husband, my boyfriend would be way older and way richer!             

13:30 – I bought a dilapidated Land Cruiser, and I was driving home one day when the roll cage fell through the wheel well onto the tire.

19:06 – the hardest part is just getting the aluminum body as close as you can to replicating the original 

30:18 – the biggest challenge of being in Canada and exporting is location, we are packed in a little town in the middle of the mountains, so transportation is a real pain

35:59 – my wife has plans for us to buy a diesel pusher, and hook the vehicle up and go have some fun

37:37 – my simple rule of thumb: don’t spend more than you make and be humble

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Derek Trent, master fabricator and owner of Trent Fab joins us on Episode 224. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

9:11 – a couple of times I got in some trouble with the law and was told to push my motorcycle home 

16:16– I was 21 years old and I hit a point where I had to make a “What am I going to do?” decision             

24:31 – out of the box, a YJ was pretty damn tough

31:49 – Jason Berger was driving my car and eneded up breaking the TH400 case, I was really disappointed because all I was looking at was all the things that went wrong, that I didn’t do right 

38:18 – I was working a job after college and woke up one day and realized that if I didn’t get out then, that was all I was going to do with the rest of my life.

49:03 – I got the invitation to go the very first King of the Hammers, but I really wanted to take my new car and it wasn’t ready. So I missed the very first one, it would have been 14 instead of OG13

58:25 – that’s when the Top Shelf chassis was born

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Bart Jacobs hails from Utah and has participated in every extreme sport the state offers – from skiing to mountain biking to OG rockcrawling. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:41 – I decided, as stupid 16-year-olds do, that drag racing would be fun. 

10:40 – I was still ski-jumping and ended up hurting my leg, for rehab, I started mountain biking, and doing longer and longer rides             

18:46 – XJ’s didn’t have a great reputation, and still don’t for the people who like frames and such

29:43 – …we watched a lot of other teams, and there was nothing in the back…and the light bulb went on and I thought “OH, maybe if we took some weight out of this thing, it might do a little bit better!” 

40:21 – In my first six events, I broke on the first or second obstacle on every event, it was frustrating

48:31 – I got so much from this sport, I feel blessed. The friends I’ve met, the relationships I have and the fun we’ve had doing it – I felt like I needed to give back to the sport

59:19 – I had the midnight to 2 am shift, we had just passed Bimini and started heading in a more Southerly direction…

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Diesel mechanic – because he had to be – Logan Backus shares life in the trenches, the rockcrawling trenches, with all of us. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:48 – We were known for the kids in the neighborhood to build the biggest, baddest jumps out there. 

14:43 – my dad’s like, “I don’t know why you want a truck like that? They’re expensive and they break.”             

25:47 – this is the dumbest thing I’ve ever done – but the owner took me under his wing and showed me the ins and outs of all things diesel

31:38 – my first trip to Moab, you either have to go far right and get really sketchy or take the big undercuts – I’m sitting there thinking what did I get myself into? 

41:46 – that YJ progressed me so much in wheeling that it scared the sh*t out of me

49:20 – why would I spend money to go beat the crap our of my own vehicle – why does that sound like it’s not that fun?

1:01:38 – I hate Cedar City, it’s like 30 minutes from where I live, but I have this vendetta with Cedar

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Meet the Desert Rat in his Desert Toy, John James, D-Toy in the old Pirate days shares his history in rock-crawling. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:57 – We learned how to fight early, and we were little guys, so if one us got in a fight, both of us got in a fight. 

15:09 – one of the best things I did, not just going to school in Phoenix, but just moving to Phoenix, it was literally the biggest city I’d ever seen, and living there on my own with my parents six hours away, life lessons!             

21:05 – the most awesome part about Pirate 4x4 was the diverse amount of people I met

29:28 – my brother still talks about Lion’s Pride Park, holding on to a ski rope and being lawn darted over the top of this rise 

38:20 – it was an off-road race with these clapped out Toyotas all the way to Wrecking Ball

49:42 – Marlin was good at a lot of things, but competing in rock crawling wasn’t one of them, I think his mind just went too fast – I thought, I could drive that rig for him!

58:49 – Back then it was such a foreign thing to do all the Hammer trails in a day, I had an advantage, I knew where they all were.

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Cal Wells III on Episode 220. Such a privilege to interview Cal Wells. We talk about all the racing, racing, racing that Cal has been a part of. Cal was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2020. Cal is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

5:13 – I could get from Westminster to downtown LA in 35 minutes, and now it takes 3 hours 

10:43 – I rode up there, it was like going to heaven; here’s this line on both sides lined with red, white, and blue off-road vehicles             

20:23 – my first trip to Baja… 

29:07 – That was the first time we raced, we were running down the highway and the engine blew up

43:24 – And if I had a do-over, I would have done things very differently

48:00 – I’m going to go hire Ivan Stewart or Malcolm Smith

1:03:22 – We got the deal for 180 grand, and that first year, I spent 360

1:23:44 – Everything was our own, our own shocks, our own everything.

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From multiple subscriptions to multiple books – Sean P. Holman, writer, editor, businessman, dad. Follow his journey through the media. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:06 – growing up, you could get yourself in as much trouble as you wanted to 

8:57 – what can I get away with before my mom would get mad at me for spending money on something I probably didn’t need?             

15:38 – offroading was like freedom, you were away from the road, no street signs or anyone telling you what to do

31:28 – At the end of my career, I had been there for 20 years, and I was overseeing all the truck and off-road magazines when they decided to dissolve that part of the business 

40:32 – The romanticism of off-roading started for me in the magazine; the problem is we used to be influencers before there were influencers

53:35 – My favorite is the Raptor story, it goes back to 2007, starting with “how did you know?”

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Skyjacker President Lonnie McCurry, Jr. shares his faith, family, and future with us on Episode 218. A strong family man, he brings West Monroe, Louisiana, to life for us. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

2:45 – this area of Louisiana is all about hunting, fishing, and family 

9:14 – my parents were great about not forcing me into the business – y’all go make an education, get a college degree, and decide your own career path             

24:27 – I learned two things doing the competitive side of rockcrawling: 1. It is a lot of work, and two, it’s hard to be competitive if you don’t have the seat time

34:54 – the way my dad worded it 40 years ago, if he built a lift kit, he wanted to feel like he could hand his daughter the keys and her go drive it, knowing she’d be safe 

42:20 – We started working with Willy long before Duck Dynasty

54:15 – we focused on the marking side for many years, but we feel like we need to focus more on the manufacturing side for the next few years.

58:04 – let’s talk about family

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Our very own people person, Alan Johnson, has spent a lifetime helping people. With good listening and great photography skills, Alan is a storyteller. I’m proud to call him my friend. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:03 – my dad took typing because that’s where the pretty girls were; he claims typing saved his life. 

10:32 – I really wanted to be on the radio, so I showed up at 16 with my FCC disc jockey license and played country music             

14:43 – I had my life all planned out, then I fell asleep driving home and broke my face

23:03 – Just because someone has a leadership role or not, doesn’t mean they’re better or worse than you. Every role is important. 

31:36 – That’s always my MO at work, start at entry level, work hard, prove who you are, and then move up rapidly.

39:59 – That’s when I discovered my first Jeep, it was basically a motorcycle, but with a roll cage.

48:01 – who’s the one person on your team who never puts their phone down, won’t shut up and can’t build anything?  They all laughed and pointed at me!

56:02 – I started working with promoters because my job was to help tell the story of something I was passionate about and loved.

1:07:47 – Imagine life as a piece of paper, most people fill it from top to bottom, left to right, there’s not a blank space anywhere – but life happens in the margins

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Rich Minga got his start in off-road racing, then turned it into a career in the movie business.  Stuntman to the stars, winners do daily what losers do occasionally. Rich is a winner. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

9:57 – I thought I’d learn from the school of hard knocks. I was a better student of the universe than the school system 

12:43 – It’s not O-N-E, it’s W-O-N; it means WE won the race!             

17:24 – he got me across Diablo Dry Lake by Morse Code with a horn, it was crazy

25:10 – It was life-changing; I ran out of gas and had to walk out of Baja, it was horrific 

36:28 – The people, the culture, there’s something magical about the people of Baja; I think we’re always celebrated, never tolerated

48:05 – I’ve been k*lled a bunch and k*lled a few people as well. That’s what I do; I work as a stuntman in the movie business

52:53 – I was the stunt coordinator for a TV show with no stunts – it makes me a lifeguard at the car wash

1:02:26 – You got to be in the FBI – friends, brothers, or in-laws! It’s the way it works

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World champion speed skier turned rockcrawler, John Hembel, shares techniques in improving all skills on Episode 215. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

9:48 – I worked ski rentals, at the end of the day there’d be a huge pile in the middle of the ski shop; my job was to pair them all up together and put them awayl 

17:30 – I actually got a soccer scholarship to a school in Mississippi, but I didn’t like the school             

22:40 – the fortunate part is the auto detailing end of things gives you the ability to bring in day-to-day business without knocking on doors

28:57 – It’s the south, so really all you’re wheeling is mud, which is terrible. I hate mud. 

36:11 – We’re fortunate in the people we know that we have a lot of really responsible friends who want to save the lands

48:44 – I always knew I wanted to be a pro skier, I loved it so much.

58:01 – when they brought a speed skiing competition to Snowmass, I was like, I got to go out and do that

1:01:55 – I yelled down to the kid, in French, I think I have mad cow disease…then I took my run.

1:08:27 – 2002, I set my record, 2003, I was world champion

1:18:28 – Almost every time we go out rockcrawling, even three and a half years later, I’m learning something new.

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Brent Bradshaw is a master with many things, known for supporting the Samurai community as the hands behind TrailTough, he’s transitioned to a cancer-free simpler life. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:24 – my dad was real proud of the parts he was able to sneak home 

11:57 – my whole life, I would nail tricycle wheels or lawn mower wheels to 2x4s to make go-karts, whatever rolled, I loved.             

18:17 – in those days, I was allowed to get 3 pages of citations, now you get 3 tickets and you’re out. 

30:48 – in this neck of the woods, a 4WD vehicle that’s light, nible and small gets you in areas where other people don’t go. That was the key. 

37:42 – the builds were mostly to support the Samurai community, I never intended to start a full-on company called Trail Tough, it just blew up.

44:46 – we built the Crustacean, everything was perfect!

57:08 – the first event I won was Tucson, it was not a happy day for Tracy

1:02:56 – life changed when I got cancer. While I was having surgery, Linda was doing research. Cancer feeds on low oxygen, high acid, high sugar environment.

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Justin Hall began as a rockcrawling and racing competitior. Moving from a Suzuki Samurai to an Unlimited car, then jumping over to the 4500 class, Justin grew up in rock sports. If you’re looking to do the same, listen in for some great advice. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:42 – I watched it go from small town to big town with a ridiculous amount of people 

8:07 – every break I got, winter, spring, summer, my dad had me work at his company, and I got all the crap jobs, but it taught me a trade             

12:42 – my parents knew I’d get myself in trouble with anything more than a 4-cylinder, we settled on a 1988 and and-a-half Suzuki Samurai 

18:33 – we picked up a Campbell car and got it put back together, and that car was on the podium every event 

23:07 – there are a couple of climbs at Oroville that I was the only person to do unassisted

26:21 – My all-time goal was to beat Tracy

38:13 – It was the biggest waste of money to go 10 miles, but it was the most fun 10 miles I’ve ever had

44:26 – when you’re racing at 100% against somebody, knowing that they’re going to hold their line, it makes it so much more fun

50:29 – at a certain point, you try not to drive with your wallet on the dash

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Land use warrior, Amy Granat, Managing Director of CORVA (California Off Road Vehicle Association) joins us for a discussion of what’s on the table for off-road and why it matters to her. Amy is a leader in the fight to keep public lands open to the public. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:47 – You have to be more calculated, …I call it being pointed but polite 

10:17 – not being able to walk was a difficulty until a friend said, “You have a Ford truck, it has four-wheel drive, what are you waiting for?”             

13:07 – it’s very tiring having people look at you and what you can’t do, they were looking at me in my truck and seeing what I could do, and that’s a very big difference 

18:50 – when people talk about off-roaders, it really upsets me because they’re mischaracterizing our generosity 

28:42 – …there are a lot of states like Nevada and Utah that didn’t go through the process, their areas are more at risk

35:07 – this is policy, not politics

49:21 – why wasn’t there access to the Cleveland National Forest for Riverside County? Everyone forgot.

59:24 – if you’re constantly saying not o everything, you end up getting excluded from the table; being at the table is key

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Ivan Stewart on Episode 211. Such a privilege to interview the Ironman. We talk about all the dreams and adventures, and the timing, the all-important timing! Ivan was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006. Ivan is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

2:19 – the race is almost secondary, the pre-running and the adventure is the real story 

10:42 – an automobile is so cool because you can get in your car and set the radio station exactly like you want, and the heater, and…             

19:29 – without GPS, you had to remember the course, and the better you were at the that, the more successful you were going to be 

26:09 – I said, “Charlotte, the sun should never be rising on our right-hand side!”

35:55 – it wasn’t going to cost a whole lot more to build a desert truck, although it cost a lot to campaign them

40:09 – Sometimes you hit the timing just perfect!

45:21 – You got to have a dream to have a dream come true.

50:47 – I wanted to race off-road, I didn’t want to talk about it!

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Born to a family of Italian immigrants, Butch Arciero and his brothers understood the value of hard work. A lifetime of commitment to that landed him in the Hall of Fame.  Butch was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2019. Butch is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

3:23 – my mom was on the last ship that came out of Naples to the US before they stopped all the shipping when the war broke out 

13:26 – “Listen, Frank, if you get good grades next semester, I’m going to give you a present.”             

20:13 – my dad always wanted to own a race car 

27:23 – Well shoot, I can compete with these guys, and then start winning

32:07 – I remember everybody telling me, if you’re in an area with lots of people, watch for booby traps

43:14 – One of the things with me, if I’m going to do something, I don’t just want to do it, I want to be able to win.

57:25 – I’ve got one more story I have to tell, it happened in Mexico….

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After four full years of podcasting, we bring you the most important episode to date to kick off Season 5. An interview with Sean Pond, the de facto leader of the Halt the Dolores Movement shares why stopping this National Monument designation in its tracks. Please listen on your favorite podcast app and follow-up with the Call to Action. Sean needs our help.

6:12 – what the Navy doesn’t tell you is that you’ll see a whole lot more water than you will see of the world 

11:28 – I worked in building 771 at Rocky Flats, the most dangerous building in the world at the time             

15:57 – if my close friends were to describe me, they’d tell you I do two things – I hunt and I wheel 

23:11 – if you like to hunt and you like off-road and you like the thrill of the chase, it’s a hard habit to break 

24:54 – HALT THE DOLORES – let’s talk about what it is and why it matters!

36:29 – it stifles ranching, mining, outdoor recreation, hunting – it affects so many people, it’s a shame

43:53 – google the 30 by 30 agenda and the America the Beautiful Act; over 100 million acres of public land will lose access to for all time

53:36 – if we were standing around at an event talking about this, you’d think it was a conspiracy theory

1:01:49 – CALL TO ACTION:  Sign the petition, call your congressman, Share, Share, SHARE, help fund the fight

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Wrong seat filler, Chris Rea, shares perspective on what it takes to be lucky. Listen in as one of the Lost Boys shares how going all in (on whatever you’re doing) has an impact on life. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:25 – my dad had to pull me out of t-ball because I was too competitive 

9:45 – for my sister and I, sports were life.             

13:24 – if you want to play football, you’re 100 pounds. 

21:41 – my first foray into offroading was a high school club called Unauthorized 

28:36 – in 2005, I realized I was going nowhere and I was going to be nothing, so I joined the military

32:52 – if there was a rule, it was black and white as far as I was concerned.

41:14 – one of my favorite things is that Tracy Jordan is still scared of me

54:17 – I’m just here to stay fit so I can beat my dad

1:05:48 – I’m just some random guy who’s been really lucky to work with amazing teams

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A warrior in all respects, Ray Moon fought in Vietnam and continued fighting for our rights when he returned. Land warriors were as important in the beginning as they are now. Ray was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1979. Ray is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

3:12 – I had my first encounter with a Jeep in Vietnam and I didn’t know how to drive the damn thing 

7:41 – it worked out very well, the military structure, I got it, I grew up.             

16:29 – I live in Simi Valley now and volunteer at the Reagan Library, the Presidential Library 

29:11 – PTSD is what they call it today, and we all have problems with that, I was no different

35:43 – I became the conservation chairman for Cal Four Wheel Drive

41:23 – There was a woman who was so happy we were closed down so she could take her Buick out and enjoy the posies, and the BLM guy was like, no, if we restrict them, we restrict you

47:16 – we wanted to take a reasonable attitude toward all that

53:51 – you don’t go into any of this stuff for the glory

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Mastercraft has had some powerful owners, from founder Jack Miller to daughter, Peri Kalar, to ORMHOF inductee Robbie Pierce. Hear about how it began all those years ago and the forces behind it. Peri shares some life-changing experiences with you. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:16 – he was in the army and became a parachute rigger, that’s where he learned to sew 

9:53 – I worked at Mastercraft as the janitor; but my brother fired me a lot.             

13:50 – we used to have soda cans taped to the rollbars, and they would have stuck stubs and tickets. 

17:43 – we made a PSSS kit – a Personal Sanitation System in a little brown bag

21:19 – that was the worst and best year of my life because I found out I could survive anything

29:57 – Robbie was my supplier forever, so when I wanted to sell the company, it was perfect

38:13 – when dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s he said, I’d like to make a list of things that are important that I want to remember…

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Family legacy racer, Mark McMillin, chairman of the Board of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame shares life in the McMillin family. It’s all about people, with a few race cars and some river-time thrown in. Mark was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2018. Mark is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

2:46 – My dad used to say, if you want to get something done, give it to somebody who’s busy 

12:11 – when I graduated college, there were no jobs for me, interest rates were 19-20%, we weren’t building houses             

20:44 – Racing is a big part of our life. It’s not our whole life. 

23:07 – why we’ve been successful is because we try hard at everything we do

26:43 – I was never the fastest guy in a buggy, but I always found the finish line

40:54 – “What is your legacy?” Good people!

44:10 – I think this off-road racing fraternity is 99% people cut from the same cloth

49:01 – You don’t have to have a cheat sheet for things you really care about.

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Johnny Campbell, 11-time Baja Champion, Johnny has raced, supported, and managed the American Honda team. A fun listen, Johnny shares stories from around the world. Johnny was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2018. Johnny is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

9:17 – at a local level, I had a couple number one plates. I had a few mentors, I was always following them and watching what they were doing 

13:13 – I was 21 when I finally got noticed by American Honda, and a guy who became my absolute hero and mentor             

24:26 – Bruce was super humble, super organized, super smart 

31:32 – we were professional at pre-running and racing and following ribbons and arrows, but we were novices at trying to navigate off a roadbook

41:57 – I call it 11 time, 17 gives people the illusion I rode it all

53:35 – We’ve built a program around Rancho Santa Maria, the school and orphanage that every year we do an event called the Baja Beach Bash

59:56 – ORMHOF was a really big point in my career; I think as a racer, it’s more than just racing, it’s how have you impacted the sport?

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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TV Personality, Brendon Thompson, enlightens on us on the finer points of being on American Chopper – the builds, the craziness; but that’s not all, we get insight into his early life and his parenting, throw in a little 5150 racing and you’ve got the full meal deal. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:24 – my older brother was always the helping hand for me, picking me back up when I was doing wrong; he kept me on track 

8:47 – I almost got fired because I didn’t know fractions, couldn’t read a tape measure      

18:47 – My boss wanted to semi-retire so he passed off the gas tanks to me, I just started doing my own thing. 

22:19 – in 2010, that’s when I got that phone call to see if I wanted to come build a bike with Paul Jr. on television

36:13 – you don’t need to create the drama, the drama was there, it was craziness.

48:41 – We did a lot of cool stuff, I’ve had a lot of cool experiences with the show, with Paul.

51:47 – it was a big deal because we parked in Tracy Jordan’s spot, they’re like, you gotta move, Tracy’s here – we were like, okay, whatever.

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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FigSpeed honcho, Les Figueroa dishes about drag racing, off-road, and being at “that” level with the big boys. It’s a great listen, plenty of stories to keep you entertained. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:17 – I still have the car that my dad raced and bought in 1970 

16:59 – knowing I always loved drag racing, I took the position at Mallory Ignition making minimum wage; about $4.25 an hour             

20:32 – all the events I was able to work at, I was also able to race at. The people on the West Coast thought I was an East Coast racer…I never told anyone I was new. 

23:48 – so leaving the starting line as close to perfect as possible was the name of the game

28:17 – being there for Speed Week was awesome, we stayed at the Speedway Motel by the Brickyard, Mario Andretti’s room was down the hall, and Jeff was next to him, once you were in at that level, it was one big, huge family.

34:28 – Our company Fig Speed had a great relationship with Lucas Oil

42:51 – I got kicked out for one of the Pedagon Brothers, the thing is, nobody told me I was kicked out, I had to read it in National Dragster

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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All American racing family, we’d like to introduce you to Andy DeVercelly – numbers, 2,3,4, and 5.  #2 is 93 years young and raced in the first Baja 1000; #5 just graduated to go-karts from mini-dwarf cars.  It’s a fun listen of four generations of racers. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:14 – Andy 2 – the bullfighter is my car, I hit a bull on the highway just before LaPaz 

12:48 – Andy 2 – I had no idea at all where I was, there were like three street signs down there             

19:00 – Andy 3 – my grandpa was an Ironman kind of guy, no one else could drive the car 

25:06 – Andy 3 – Now that I’ve retired, I get the pleasure and fun of it all to go work with my son

31:36 – Andy 4 – so as far as 4 wheels, he’s still a few years out – he’s just tall enough now to start learning

39:26 – Andy 2 – the big thing was the energy, the energy that the people have down there for the 1000 is next level

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Our favorite pirate, Todd Young, shares life in the hood, work, rockcrawling, and unexpected life changes. This is a great one, if you’ve ever had a chance to be around Todd, you’ll appreciate that he tells it like it is. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:57 – My dad was always a brawler, So I was born with the expectation that you solved everything with a good fistfight. 

10:58 – I kind of fell into the weld shop, they had us welding right away             

19:20 – I don’t do rules and politics very well, at I stage I got fed up and wallpapered the whole back wall of the shop with all those memos and stuff 

30:12 – I got into a six-foot snowbank and slid off the edge, and that 4Runner wasn’t nearly as capable as I thought it was

38:42 – So off we go to Goldendale, and sure enough, Big Rich and Little Rich are throwing the biggest rock crawling soiree…and I’m like, that’s my kind of people right there

45:59 – Next thing I know, we’re rounding up rocks and culverts and throwing some fun crawls in our backyard for our local rockcrawling club

53:27– Well, ditch the bike and I’m going to shoulder roll this wreck out; I hit a lot harder than I thought

59:33 – My whole world was shrinking, the doctor goes, I’m just going to throw this out there, not to alarm you, but we can cut it off and I’ll have you back to work in six, eight weeks.

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Mary McGee is a legend in off-road racing; solo’d the Baja 500 on a bike as the first person to do so; a woman who never learned to quit and always said yes to everything offered. She thinks she’s the luckiest woman ever, her history is a great story. Mary was inducted in the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2023. Mary is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

3:31 – My 9-year-old brother and myself (age 5), by ourselves went on the steamship from Juneau to Seattle

19:29 – Vashak said to Dan, Mary, she should road race the motorcycles, make even smoother than the car.                                

24:45 – Women couldn’t have credit cards in their name, they couldn’t have anything in their own name. 

29:41 – “Are you motorcycle people?” yes, “You have to leave”

34:24 – my friend, Steve McQueen, said, “Mary, you have got to get off that pansy road racing bike and come out to the desert.”  Will I have to get dirty?

55:48 – We only made it to El Arco and it was freezing; I went around and around that fire and got myself nice and hot and went right over to those two guys sleeping on cardboard and slithered right in between them

1:10:34 – Once you start something, you should see it through to the end, however it goes.

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Cowboy Matt Deas, one of the OG rockcrawlers hails from North Carolina where he raises kids and horses. Matt shares with us some great stories about rockcrawling in the early days.. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:16 – Man, I love my childhood going to school and stuff, there were 89 of us in my graduating 

10:43 – Once I got healed, I started ordering parts and got me a trail rig             

17:11 – from 02-03 the sport evolved more, more participants and stuff 

22:07 – Jellico was always my favorite because that’s where it all started for me

29:44 – Probably the WE Rock in ’07 we ended up third, but I remember the level of competition was huge

38:56 – I want to say it was ’10 a lot of people were coming back, they caught their breath and was like, hey, we survived the storm

47:01 – I’m going to treat myself for a while, I’m going to treat myself for a while, I made it three weeks

57:44 – We ought to put a show on, get some sponsorship and really pump it up – you woulda been proud of me.

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Nicole Pitell brings her own brand of hype to every conversation, she shares the inside scoop of Total Chaos to the podcast. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:12 – at the end of the day, it’s what makes each of us individually happy is what’s going to elevate you and take you to the next level

12:05 – I want noted for the record, I suck at driving in mud             

19:47 – our product line comes from having to build better parts for our friends who were pitting for us 

25:44 – I think you need good competition to elevate your innovation and your passion

32:50 – they just let me go full stupid down south of the border

41:33 – An all women’s? That sounds horrible was the first thing I said to her.

46:03 – I really like to have fun in life, no bad days

55:12 – I don’t hang around with people that aren’t motivated, inspired, and driven every day

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Glenn Classen made a big move from South Africa to the US to expand his market for shock absorbers – almost 20 years in, he’s continued to grow and develop Radflo for the off-road market. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

3:46 – as a kid, being aware of anything socially or politically about how the country ran you weren’t aware of until much later

11:44 – let’s fire this thing back up, we made parts and started selling shocks             

13:01 – in any business, there’s massive swings of good luck and bad 

16:11 – that’s how I sold it to my wife, we’d come over to the US for two years and then go home

23:04 – I came over here and very quickly realized that this was a massive pond and I was a very small fish

33:23 – we are just a shock manufacturer

38:44 – we make shocks to suit the different lift kit manufacturers, we don’t do generic

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Stan Haynes has rock sports under his skin; a long-time supporter of both series and competitors, Stan shares life in a family-run business with us. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:07 – I thought I was getting drafted to go die in Vietnam

11:24 – 57’  Chevy, I hot-rodded the heck out of it             

15:52 – we still continue with Branik doing foundry work and ceating master tooling, molds, and dies making thousands of parts and a foundry and castings 

19:50 – in starting a business you’re going to go through hard times, but be prepared and try to always have the attitude of don’t give up

28:49 – I started going to King of the Hammers in ’09 and two years later we’re racing

32:17 – I love free market, I love capitalism, it really enhances a business to be better.

41:52 – What a beautiful place of God’s Green Earth, everyone needs to experience the Rubicon, am I right?

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Steven Adams is a lighting master; one of the founders of Rigid Lights, he’s stepped up again with Nacho Offroad Technology. The world is brighter with Steve in it, be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:33 – I’m sure he thought I would just throw my life away because I wasn’t being an airline pilot

17:16 – I pulled up Bender’s How to Bend Tech 101 and taught myself how to make a light bar             

21:38 – Hey, if you’re going to do this, here’s what you need to do…  

28:14 – We need to make this an American made light

38:38 – not that making money is a bad thing, but that was the only thing

48:24 – I didn’t realize you don’t have scientists growing week, you have stoners growing weed

57:18 – We’re not going to do anything if we don’t have fun doing it!

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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YouTube star Nicole Johnson brings a load of experience to her channel, she’s on a mission to drive everything – but we shouldn’t be surprised she’s already mastered race cars, rockcrawlers, and Monster trucks! Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:36 – Snow? People live in snow, that must suck!

16:20 – Frank would just…it was really cure, he would stand up and be like, “that’s my wife!”             

23:25 – we’re just enthusiasts, we love to target shoot  

29:04 – the buggy we bought was so capable, it out drove me every time

35:37 – that $400 is going to cost you how many hours to really get that relationship where it needs to be

45:48 – “when I lower my arm, floor it and go 20 feet.” when you floor it, it’s going to have some torque squat

1:00:51 – I was always telling my kids, you guys should appreciate me more, I’m super cool!

Subscribe to Nicole’s Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleJohnsonsDetour

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Meet Emme Hall, off-road racer, Miata lover, cat herder, and freelance journalist. A woman of many talents and a bright personality, you’ll enjoy this one! Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

6:30 – I was never the ingenue; I’m way too weird for that!

10:42 – because life is too short to drive something that isn’t fun             

19:22 – I was in my late 30’s. That’s old to start racing, because you got fear.  

31:11 – So you should see these straight lines, and there are people where it looks like spaghetti!

35:39 – I got to drive with Tanner Faust riding right seat for me

43:17 – At the Mint 400, Matt Martelli gave us a gambler class, they gave us 100 miles, one lap.

54:00 – That sounds good, let’s get a $400,000 Cullinan to take on an off-road rally

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Don Amador has been a land user for a lifetime, and a land use warrior for almost as long. Don was inducted into the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2016. Don is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

5:24 – the happiest day of my life being a Native Californian was moving back to Northern California

12:00 – I guess my activism scared a couple of board members, so I got uninvited from the board                                

16:23 – I was appointed by Pete Wilson in ’94 to be on the OHV Commission of State Parks 

22:30 – moving from unmanaged to managed recreation has really benefited OHV on a national scale

30:53 – a lot of our offroad opportunities occur at the local level with decisions made by local land managers

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Buggy builder, Joe Thompson lays it all out in Episode 190; self-taught welder and bike enthusiast, Joe brings his varied background to the winningest drivers. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

4:08 – I would think to myself, there’s a bada**, I want to be like that!

13:19 – even when I was a BMX grom, I was glued to ESPN watching the Baja 1000

21:24 – “Are you any good?” Well, I’ve been told I have a good hand.  

29:18 – We’d always park the buggy on the street with a giant welding sign and an arrow pointing to the shop; I got lots of work from that.

39:35 – I know what’s wrong, I can fix it, Marcos totally blew me off

53:58 – the Gomez brothers and I are partners in winning, that’s what we’re partners in

58:50 – I see the fully independent cars being the future.

1:16:31 – The uniqueness of our sport is incredible

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Ed Pearlman was ahead of his time, creating the first Mexican 1000 which later translated into NORRA; he founded the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, as well. Today we remember him with a conversation with his son, Mike Pearlman. Ed is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

3:10 – we never saw a Land Cruiser before, it was a real Tarzan vehicle back then.

8:18 – if we can only get 60 entries, at $100 an entry, that’d be enough to pay for the event                                

11:37 – you misunderstood, this is the Off Road Rally Association, it’s not a race, it’s a rally 

22:11 – why don’t we just put on a vintage race?

34:43 – it all started because Dad wanted to take his kid hunting

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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I don’t want to say Val Douglas is a catastrophe because wherever she is, there’s a whole lot of fun going on.  Listen in on some great stories from this off-road maven; and her connections to some of the biggest brands in off-road. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

7:17 – I would take my 88 t-bird and follow the guys, my dad loved me for that.

20:46 – I was shell-shocked, Grand Junction to Laramie to Atlanta; I was over it.             

24:38 – go pack these bearings full of grease, then stick them in this tube, and don’t drop them on the floor! 

37:55 – in Colorado, you have to stay on the trail, it’s not like an open OHV area, Colorado is a big stickler for that

45:21 – the start of the yard sale at Potato Salad Hill….{be sure to listen to this one}

1:04.35 – competing was a whole different ballgame

1:10:35 – queen of the Rubicon Rodeo; champion bull rider

1:19:59 – my giant black German Shepherd is a personal protection dog; he won’t bite you until I tell him to

1:31:54 – what is the sweep team?

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Rebelle Rally 3x champion, Melissa Clark, shares her life in off-road from Pritchett Canyon to the Glamis Sand Dunes. A Ford-sponsored driver, Melissa brings Tread Lightly! policies to everyone she teaches. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

5:00 – I still consider myself an OR nurse

9:05 – …it got me close to Magic Moab             

16:56 – my real gateway drug was definitely Moab 

23:28 – we teach good, solid off-road techniques and then the nuances of the Bronco

35:37 – I’m very competitive by nature, so I like games

40:57 – the suffering aspect of the Rebelle is what makes the finishing so sweet

49:42 – your vehicle is your third teammate and there are pros and cons to every person on the team

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Some men are always motivated, Clyde Bynum, the godfather of rock-bouncing shares his best advice on Episode 186. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

9:17 – the truth is, I enjoy work

13:45 – we focused on mini-trucks until about 10 years ago             

17:59 – climbing hills is something I’ve done since the days of the three-wheeler 

24:52 – if it went bad, you were going to cartwheel multiple times back to the bottom

35:03 – Timmie Cameron has been probably the biggest name

43:17 – Bobby Tanner gave my son CJ the chance to drive

49:36 – I studied for 24 hours and became a national satellite installer so that I can cross this bridge at my first event

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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A champion of vocational education, Scott Taylor is a winning short course racer, race shop owner, and manufacturer of performance competition parts. Congratulations to Scott Taylor, a 2022 inductee into ORMHOF; Scott is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

5:41 – I would take things apart I shouldn’t take apart

10:38 – I advocate deeply with high schools on how important it is to keep the five things of vocational training…                                

19:29 – I had a really good car and I drove the wheels off of it 

27:29 – He was a lot faster than me, but I had my eyes set on somebody I had to beat

36:26 – we weren’t cheating, but we were building our own stuff and ahead of our times

45:25 – it’s like an old girlfriend calling you up after 10 years and wanting to start dating again

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Some personalities just transcend the airways; Chris Bolger is one of those. Always a storyteller at heart. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

7:26 – when I say I was a nerd, I mean mathlete, academic decathlon, and all the nerd stuff you could possibly do

10:12 – I never really got into breaking stuff off-road until I got in the army             

16:05 – legal drinking age is four foot six, as long as you can see over the top of the bar 

21:00 – George was a genius, he figured he couldn’t get enough tires from all the manufacturers, so he would just make his own

31:36 – you had two larger-than-life personalities trying to make something awesome happen

38:33 – the best thing about my time with KOH was the friends I developed

43:50 – I tried to quit the industry, Rich, I really did

49:14 – I’m 20 whatever years old, doing bikini model fittings because I can sew.

54:54 – My daughter is scary, she’s 12 years old, running her own business, and she goes with me to midget wrestling matches

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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We can’t always plan our lives, an accident near the start of his career put Evan Evans in a wheelchair. But that didn’t slow him down; Evan went on to win 57 times and six Championships! Congratulations to Evan Evans, a 2023 inductee into ORMHOF; Evan is why we say; legends live at ORMHOF.org.  Be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

5:40 – when we stayed in Ensenada as a kid, I would use stickers like money

7:50 – it was John Nelson who gave me my shot at racing                                

12:31 – “you driving this pre-runner Datsun, which isn’t even a real race truck, is like you winning overall” 

20:15 – I went through rehab in four months…two days later, I was in the race truck at the Baja 1000 starting line

26:34 – I needed a hell of a brake system to get enough power to stop the vehicle with my arms

30:35 – I only had $8K to go back and race a full season

37:33 – at this point, only myself and Dale Earnhardt, Sr had two contracts with Chevrolet as spokespersons and race car drivers

47:07 – all my heroes are in ORMHOF; to be included is a huge honor

Special thanks to ORMHOF.org for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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What do glitter and rockcrawling have in common? Only the lightning strikes of Erik “Camo” Linker – Camo is the co-founder of Pirate 4x4 and a good friend; we are thrilled to have him on the podcast (finally!)  Buckle up; you are in for an adventure. Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

7:26 – growing up in the era was magical; I tease my mom that we raised ourselves

15:34 – “the bad news is you don’t have enough credits to graduate, the good news is we don’t want you back”             

23:46 – Over the next 18 years, we turned the business into what everybody knows as the Glitter King 

28:40 – I broke my neck crashing, I was better at crashing than winning

31:20 – that was my first connection on Pirate with my fake internet friends became real

41:16 – we just went with the mindset of destroying sh*t

52:29 – the thing I’m most proud of with Pirate years is how it enabled so many people to make a business out of something they loved

1:07:37 – that’s what the internet is best at and Pirate was the best of the best

1:16:37 – the offroad angels (this is one of my favorite stories EVER!)

1:40:11 – the sale of Pirate 4x4

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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Warning:  For mature audiences only. To say Jody Everding has a storied past is an understatement.  Jody tells it like it was and it’s a great listen, be sure to tune in on your favorite podcast app.

5:26 – I played a little flag football with the after-school kids, but I was always the last kid picked

15:34 – being a punk, skinny little kid, they used to call me Wormy              

22:40 – “how are you going to buy parts? Offroading is expensive!” – I’m gonna be famous! 

30:57 – I hauled my stuff up there and I had intended to compete but I just petered out

40:09 – nobody talks to the new spotter guy, you’re like a second class citizen, low level flunky

48:14 – it was an unfair advantage for me

56:15 – it was a little of what I’d learned from Dustin about looking like a million bucks!

Special thanks to 4low Magazine and Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

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