JRE #1229 – Richard Rawlings

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Richard Rawlings, the owner of Gas Monkey Garage, known for his appearances on “Garage Rehab” and “Fast N Loud” on the Discovery Channel. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, delving into Rawlings’s entrepreneurial journey, his passion for cars, and his unique perspectives on life and business.

Major Topics

1. The Genesis of Gas Monkey Garage:

   • Rawlings’s background as a firefighter, police officer, and entrepreneur before launching Gas Monkey Garage.
   • His motivation for creating a car show with a less “bravado” approach, aiming to appeal to a broader audience, including families.
   • The marketing strategy behind Gas Monkey Garage, focusing on creating a relatable and fun experience for car enthusiasts.
   • The impact of the show on the business, increasing demand for Gas Monkey Garage-built cars and influencing the car market.

2. The Gas Monkey Garage Build Process:

   • Rawlings’s approach to car restoration, emphasizing planning and efficiency to complete builds in as little as 25 days.
   • The meticulous process of sourcing cars and parts, ensuring everything is ready before fabrication begins.
   • The unique team dynamics at Gas Monkey Garage, with only 6 core fabricators responsible for the rapid build times.
   • The success of the build process, exemplified by the “Hell Stop” international scout project and the upcoming Camaro build.

3. The Evolution of Muscle Cars:

   • Rawlings’s perspective on the changing landscape of muscle cars, from the classic era to the modern era of high-performance street legal vehicles.
   • The rise of “restomod” cars, blending classic aesthetics with modern technology and comfort features.
   • The debate surrounding manual transmissions versus automatic transmissions in modern performance cars, highlighting the shift towards efficiency and track performance.
   • The impact of technology on car building, enabling custom builds with advanced features that rival factory-built vehicles.

4. The Business of Gas Monkey Garage:

   • Rawlings’s philosophy of building cars they are passionate about, creating a unique brand and attracting dedicated customers.
   • The challenges of managing customer expectations and balancing creative freedom with business needs.
   • The financial implications of fully built cars, highlighting the significant investment and craftsmanship involved.
   • The role of “B-stories” in the business, providing affordable projects and showcasing the Gas Monkey Garage brand to a broader market.

5. The Gas Monkey Brand:

   • The success of the Gas Monkey logo and brand identity, extending beyond the car show into merchandise and other ventures.
   • Rawlings’s commitment to creating a unique and memorable experience for fans, including the Gas Monkey Garage open house and merch shop.
   • The challenges of managing public exposure, including dealing with lookie-loos and occasionally confronting aggressive individuals.
   • The expansion of the Gas Monkey brand into tequila, energy drinks, and even a golf apparel line, showcasing Rawlings’s entrepreneurial spirit.

6. Texas vs. California Culture:

   • Rawlings’s perspective on the cultural differences between Texas and California, particularly in terms of work ethic, social dynamics, and attitudes toward alcohol.
   • His observations about the contrasting lifestyles and work schedules of those in Texas compared to those in Los Angeles.
   • His humorous commentary on the stereotype of California being overly “woke” and sensitive, contrasting it with the more laid-back Texas attitude.
   • The different approaches to business and customer interactions in both regions, highlighting the impact of cultural norms.

7. Personal Reflections and Aspirations:

   • Rawlings’s reflections on turning 50 and the influence of his father’s life on his own perspective.
   • His views on the importance of motivation and pushing oneself beyond comfort zones to achieve goals.
   • His experiences with the “vision board” trend, contrasting it with his own internal approach to visualization and ambition.
   • His personal philosophy of embracing challenges and working hard to achieve aspirations, emphasizing the importance of pursuing what one truly desires.

8. The Role of Luck:

   • Rawlings’s perspective on the role of luck in life, acknowledging both good fortune and the consequences of choices made.
   • His comparison with Elon Musk’s ventures, highlighting the potential for risks and challenges even in extraordinary achievements.
   • His humorous take on the hypothetical scenario of a car crash in space, questioning the motivations behind anger towards Elon Musk in such a situation.
   • The discussion about the responsibility of actions and the impact of choices on others, regardless of the circumstances.

9. The Controversial Topic of the Border Wall:

   • Rawlings’s outspoken stance on the border wall, advocating for open borders and emphasizing the desire for a better life that drives immigration.
   • His views on the importance of screening out criminals and gang members while recognizing the humanity of immigrants.
   • The discussion about the government’s role in immigration and the potential for better screening methods, highlighting the complexities of the issue.
   • His criticism of Donald Trump’s approach to the border wall, suggesting a more pragmatic and compassionate solution.

10. The Power of Comedy:

    • Rawlings’s desire to explore comedy, highlighting his comedic timing and storytelling abilities throughout the podcast.
    • His insights into the camaraderie and support within the comedy community, emphasizing the importance of honesty and constructive criticism.
    • His reflections on the power of laughter and its ability to connect people and provide a unique emotional experience.
    • His aspirations to potentially pursue stand-up comedy, showcasing his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone.

11. The Importance of Authenticity:

    • Rawlings’s genuine and approachable demeanor, emphasizing the importance of being oneself and embracing passions.
    • His critique of the contrived nature of some reality shows, arguing for a more genuine and relatable approach.
    • The discussion about the value of authenticity in both business and personal life, highlighting the importance of genuine connection with audiences and customers.
    • His willingness to share personal stories and perspectives, demonstrating the vulnerability and honesty that fosters genuine connection.

12. The Future of the Car Industry:

    • Rawlings’s predictions about the future of the car industry, including the growing influence of technology, customization, and environmental concerns.
    • The discussion about the potential for augmented reality and holographic experiences in car-related entertainment.
    • His insights into the evolving trends in car design and performance, showcasing his passion for the industry.
    • The conversation about the ethical considerations surrounding data collection and privacy in the digital age.

13. The Unexpected World of Nursing Homes:

    • Rawlings’s experiences with his father’s Alzheimer’s and the challenges of navigating care in a nursing home setting.
    • His humorous and insightful observations about the social dynamics and surprising behaviors of residents and staff in nursing homes.
    • The discussion about the prevalence of STDs in older populations and the complexities of managing health care in such environments.
    • His reflections on the importance of compassion and acceptance in dealing with the elderly and those with dementia.

14. The Power of Dogs:

    • Rawlings’s passion for dogs, sharing stories about his own poodle and a massive dog he previously owned.
    • The discussion about the unique qualities and behaviors of different dog breeds, highlighting the bonds between humans and animals.
    • His reflections on the responsibilities of owning large dogs, including the challenges of managing their size and energy levels.
    • The conversation about the fascinating origins of dogs, tracing their lineage back to wolves and the impact of selective breeding on their evolution.

15. The Cultural Impact of Muscle Cars:

    • Rawlings’s insights into the cultural significance of muscle cars, connecting them to various movies, TV shows, and historical periods.
    • The discussion about the enduring appeal of classic muscle cars and the nostalgia they evoke for many car enthusiasts.
    • His observations about the evolving trends in car culture, showcasing the changing tastes and preferences of car enthusiasts.
    • The conversation about the influence of muscle cars in pop culture, from iconic films to everyday driving experiences.

16. The Underground World of “Ruhwelt” Porsches:

    • Rawlings’s introduction to the world of “Ruhwelt” Porsches, a unique and controversial style of customization.
    • The discussion about the Japanese origin of this style and the dedication of Akira Nakai, the master craftsman behind these creations.
    • The exaggerated and cartoonish aesthetic of these modified Porsches, showcasing a distinct and bold approach to car design.
    • Rawlings’s openness to potentially having a “Ruhwelt” Porsche built, highlighting his appreciation for unique and unconventional creations.

17. The Importance of Diversity in Car Culture:

    • Rawlings’s embrace of diverse tastes and preferences in the world of cars, acknowledging the appeal of different styles and vehicles.
    • His discussion about the subjective nature of car appreciation, recognizing the personal and cultural influences on individual tastes.
    • The conversation about the potential for clashes of opinion in car culture and the importance of respecting different perspectives.
    • His appreciation for the evolution of car design and the constant push for innovation and creativity within the industry.

18. The Future of the Joe Rogan Experience:

    • The discussion about the evolution of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and the ongoing push for greater authenticity and transparency.
    • The conversation about the challenges of managing social media and the impact of online commentary on public figures.
    • Rawlings’s perspective on the potential for more diverse and thought-provoking content on the podcast in the future.
    • The reflection on the importance of fostering open dialogue and challenging the status quo through engaging conversation.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I tell people I’m not the smartest guy in the world. I figured I’d drink beer and play with cars, get paid for it.”
• “We build the car three times. We’ll say, okay, we’re gonna build a ’60 Hemi, and so we decide how we’re gonna build it, what kind of parts we’re gonna use, what kind of suspension, wheels, motor…we put all that down on paper.”
• “The gas monkey, he’s that lovable character that’s also a pain in the ass and kinda in there messing stuff up all the time, but you can’t shoot him because he’s just that’s what he does.”
• “It’s not his fault. That is who he is, but he exploited it. He showed everybody the holes in this fucking poofy system.”
• “I’m telling you, man, this is dog shit compared to my friend Larry’s house. You’d look out there, you’d look at that, and you’d go holy shit. That’s incredible.”