Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 N...
Send us a text 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, Ar...
Send us a text 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 pa...
Send us a text 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 a...
Send us a text 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 fa...
Send us a text 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 recr...
Send us a text 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 see...
Send us a text 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 adju...
Send us a text 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, sett...
Send us a text 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 compet...
Send us a text 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 u...
Send us a text 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 Gil...
Send us a text 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. &nbs...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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...
Send us a text 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. ...
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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 end...