JRE #1578 – Richard Rawlings

This podcast features Richard Rawlings, the star of the Discovery Channel series Fast N’ Loud and Garage Rehab, as he talks to Joe Rogan about his life, his businesses, and his thoughts on various topics.

The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including:

Richard Rawlings’ Career and Businesses:

1. Gas Monkey Garage and Fast N’ Loud: Rawlings discusses the end of his long-running show “Fast N’ Loud” and his plans for new ventures. He details his experiences with Discovery Channel, including his frustration with contract restrictions and his desire for creative freedom.
2. Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill: Rawlings talks about the challenges of running a restaurant, particularly the complications with a business partner who has not been adhering to the terms of their agreement. He warns listeners to be cautious when entering business partnerships with friends.
3. Building Cars: Rawlings showcases his passion for muscle cars, particularly his love for the 1968 Mustang and his admiration for the Roadster Shop’s high-quality chassis modifications. He details his recent project of building a right-hand-drive 1959 Corvette for a client in Spain.
4. The Future of Gas Monkey: Rawlings teases the potential of a new show, “Gas Monkey,” and hints at a possible genre shift to food, inspired by his love of cooking and his experience with the Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill.
5. The “Fast N’ Loud” Build Process: Rawlings reveals the incredible speed at which his team builds cars on the show, emphasizing the 25-30-day turnaround and a remarkable 5-day challenge where they built a truck from the frame up.
6. The “John Wick” Car: Rawlings dives into the specifics of the iconic 1970 Chevelle used in the movie “John Wick,” correcting the common misconception about its color and discussing the appeal of its design.

Social and Political Commentary:

1. The Exodus from California: Rawlings discusses the increasing number of people leaving California due to taxes, crime rates, and the new District Attorney’s policies. He compares the situation to San Francisco’s recent struggles with homelessness and crime.
2. Homelessness and Mental Health: Rawlings expresses concern about the growing homeless population in Texas, attributing it to job losses and the economic fallout of 2020. He discusses the complexities of homelessness, recognizing that some individuals have underlying drug addiction or mental health issues, while others are simply down on their luck.
3. The COVID-19 Pandemic: Rawlings reflects on the impact of the pandemic, sharing his personal experiences and contrasting the different approaches taken by Texas and California. He criticizes the arbitrary restrictions imposed in California, particularly the outdoor dining ban and curfew.
4. Political Correctness and the Internet: Rawlings expresses his frustration with excessive political correctness and the proliferation of online complaints, comparing it to children being given social media accounts and being allowed to complain about anything. He encourages personal responsibility and focusing on self-improvement instead of dwelling on negativity.
5. Iran’s Repressive Regime: Rawlings highlights the human rights violations occurring in Iran, citing the recent execution of an Olympic wrestler and the 10-year jail sentence given to a young woman for social media posts. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating America’s freedoms despite its imperfections.
6. The Value of “Bad Things”: Rawlings shares his philosophy of embracing adversity, believing it fosters resilience, focus, and appreciation for the good things in life. He views struggles as essential for growth and preventing complacency.

Culture and Lifestyle:

1. Sneaker Culture: Rawlings playfully teases Rogan’s interest in sneakers, comparing it to his own passion for cars. He discusses the niche podcast dedicated to sneakers and the existence of serious collectors who own thousands of pairs.
2. The “Prepper” Movement: Rawlings shares his personal perspective on the “prepper” movement, acknowledging the valid concerns but suggesting that many preppers are jumping the gun and unnecessarily stocking up on supplies. He reveals his own plan for a self-sufficient ranch in Texas as a precautionary measure against potential societal collapse.
3. The Power of True Crime: Rawlings and Rogan discuss the popularity of true crime podcasts and shows, particularly among women. They speculate on the reasons for this fascination, suggesting that it might be a way for women to understand violence and prepare themselves for potential dangers.
4. The “Yellow Car” Phenomenon: Rawlings expresses his strong dislike for yellow cars, particularly highlighting a friend who owns a vast collection of yellow vehicles. He discusses the concept of “taste” in car culture and how even within the muscle car community, some cars are not appreciated by everyone.

Personal Reflections and Experiences:

1. Richard Rawlings’ Personal Journey: Rawlings reflects on his life and the various transitions he has experienced, including his career, business ventures, and personal relationships. He acknowledges the challenges he has faced, but ultimately expresses his gratitude for where he is in life.
2. Richard Rawlings’ Relationship with His Son: Rawlings opens up about his relationship with his son, Chandler, and the challenges of co-parenting. He expresses regret for his absence in Chandler’s upbringing and his desire to be a more attentive father.
3. Richard Rawlings’ Experience with Being Shot: Rawlings shares a harrowing story of being shot in 1992 while at a drive-through. He recounts the incident and his career as a police officer, firefighter, and paramedic before entering the automotive world.
4. Richard Rawlings’ Encounter with Bert Reynolds: Rawlings describes a memorable encounter with Bert Reynolds, emphasizing how much he cherished the opportunity to work with the legendary actor. He also mentions a meeting with the band Motley Crue, who performed at his Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill for a private party.
5. Richard Rawlings’ Stolen Hellcat: Rawlings recounts a wild story of his Hellcat being stolen, later recovered, and used as a drug drop car. He details the car’s unique history and the rapper who made a music video in the stolen vehicle.
6. Richard Rawlings’ Experience with “On It” Supplements: Rawlings discusses the efficacy of “On It” supplements, particularly Alpha Brain, and its impact on his cognitive function. He emphasizes the importance of these supplements in helping him stay focused and perform well, especially in his demanding career.
7. Richard Rawlings’ Views on UFOs and the Moon Landing: Rawlings shares his thoughts on the existence of UFOs and aliens, as well as his initial skepticism about the moon landing. He acknowledges the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the compelling nature of conspiracy theories, but emphasizes the importance of verifying information and not jumping to conclusions without proper research. He discusses the potential implications of a successful moon landing and the lack of continued investment in space exploration.
8. Richard Rawlings’ Love for Cash: Rawlings reveals his fondness for cash, enjoying the tangible feel and the history embedded in physical currency. He recounts his experiences with cash seizures by airport security and the absurdity of regulations regarding the amount of money one can carry.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Everybody hold on to your hat out there. Fast and loud is no more. I have exited Discovery, and I’m a free agent.” – Rawlings announces his departure from Discovery Channel, signaling a new chapter in his career.
• “I think everybody’s gotta fucking check themselves. I mean, it’s just too many people have the opportunity to complain. That’s what I think.” – Rawlings expresses his frustration with excessive online negativity and encourages personal responsibility.
• “You can’t just be rolling through life on clouds. Not good. No. I I prefer a little adversity in my life. I actually enjoy it. It’s one of the reasons why I like pots so much.” – Rawlings emphasizes his belief that embracing adversity fosters growth and resilience.
• “I don’t even know how to say this without sounding like a complete insane motherfucker.” – Rawlings playfully acknowledges the potential for sounding crazy when discussing his views on UFOs.
• “If you wanna call bullshit, you should know what you’re talking about, and I don’t. That’s the reality.” – Rawlings candidly admits his lack of knowledge on certain subjects, demonstrating his commitment to honesty.