JRE #1287 – Rich Benoit

by

30-Apr-19







#1287 – Rich Benoit

Rich Benoit, a car enthusiast and YouTube personality known for his channel “Rich Rebuilds,” joins Joe Rogan on the podcast to discuss his unique journey of salvaging Tesla vehicles, often by combining multiple totaled cars. The conversation delves into the intricacies of Tesla repairs, the challenges of working with Tesla, the value of Tesla parts, and the evolving world of electric car customization. The podcast also explores the fascinating world of car culture, contrasting American and German car design and performance, and offering insights into the passion for classic muscle cars. Venturing beyond automobiles, the discussion touches on the controversial topic of homelessness in Los Angeles, contrasting the city’s laid-back reputation with the stark reality of its homeless crisis. Finally, the conversation explores intriguing themes of consciousness, AI, and the potential future of humanity, including the ethics of uploading consciousness into artificial bodies and the implications of potential alien contact.

Topics Discussed

Here are some of the major topics discussed in the podcast:

  1. Salvaging Tesla Vehicles:
    • Rich Benoit’s passion for Tesla vehicles led him to acquire a flooded Tesla for a bargain price.
    • Tesla’s policy of writing off vehicles with any water intrusion presented a challenge for Benoit, as he couldn’t obtain replacement parts from Tesla.
    • Benoit’s determination to revive the totaled Tesla led him on a journey of resourcefulness, involving sourcing parts from other wrecked Teslas and meticulously cleaning and restoring them.
    • His innovative approach highlights the value of Tesla parts, particularly the battery pack and motors, which are highly sought after for electric car conversions.
  2. Tesla and the Future of Car Culture:
    • The conversation explores the rapid evolution of car culture, with the rise of electric vehicles like Tesla challenging traditional gasoline-powered cars.
    • Benoit discusses the popularity of Tesla motors for customizing classic cars, essentially becoming the new “LS swap” for gearheads looking for electric power.
    • He shares his perspective on Tesla’s design philosophy, contrasting it with the engineering and handling of German cars.
    • The podcast highlights the emerging landscape of electric muscle cars, blending classic aesthetics with modern electric technology.
  3. Tesla’s Software and Security:
    • Tesla’s tight control over its software presents challenges for individuals like Benoit, who want to repair and customize their vehicles.
    • Tesla’s ability to disable and track its vehicles raises concerns about privacy and the potential for remote control by the company.
    • The podcast discusses the role of “black hat hackers” in circumventing Tesla’s software restrictions, enabling customization and software updates outside of Tesla’s control.
    • Benoit’s experience highlights the growing tension between Tesla’s desire for control and the desire of enthusiasts to modify and personalize their vehicles.
  4. Homelessness in Los Angeles:
    • The podcast explores the stark contrast between the sunny, glamorous image of Los Angeles and the harsh reality of its homeless crisis.
    • Benoit’s personal experiences in Los Angeles, particularly in the Mission District and Skid Row, reveal the sheer magnitude of the problem.
    • The conversation touches on the complexities of addressing homelessness, highlighting the role of drug addiction, mental illness, and the economic realities that contribute to the crisis.
    • The discussion raises questions about the effectiveness of current solutions and the need for more comprehensive approaches to combatting homelessness.
  5. Consciousness, AI, and the Future of Humanity:
    • The podcast explores the ethical and philosophical implications of advanced technologies like AI and the potential for uploading human consciousness into artificial bodies.
    • Benoit contemplates the potential for a robot uprising, referencing the “Terminator” franchise and the fears surrounding unchecked AI development.
    • The discussion delves into the concept of immortality through consciousness transfer and the potential consequences of living in a world where human life is no longer finite.
    • The conversation raises questions about what it means to be human in a world where technology is increasingly capable of mimicking and surpassing our abilities.
  6. Alien Contact and the Human Condition:
    • The podcast explores the fascinating possibility of alien contact and the implications for human understanding of the universe.
    • Benoit offers his perspective on the potential consequences of encountering an advanced alien civilization, suggesting that our own flaws and destructive tendencies could make us appear primitive and even dangerous.
    • The conversation delves into the history of UFO sightings and government cover-ups, including Project Blue Book and the ongoing debate about the reality of extraterrestrial life.
    • The podcast highlights the enduring fascination with the unknown and the desire to find evidence of life beyond Earth, while acknowledging the potential for deception and misinformation.
  7. The Power of Passion and Pursuing Your Dreams:
    • Benoit’s story of leaving his job to pursue his passion for Tesla repair and his YouTube channel serves as an inspiring example for those seeking to follow their dreams.
    • The conversation explores the challenges of taking risks and the importance of finding work that you are passionate about.
    • Benoit’s journey highlights the value of perseverance and the rewards of dedicating yourself to something you love.
    • He emphasizes that it’s never too late to pursue your passions, regardless of age or current circumstances.
  8. The Importance of Laughter and Finding Humor in Life:
    • Benoit’s humorous approach to Tesla repair and his YouTube channel adds a lighthearted touch to complex technical topics.
    • The podcast highlights the power of laughter in navigating difficult situations and finding joy in the everyday.
    • Benoit’s perspective on life, particularly his embrace of “manly shit” and his willingness to laugh at himself, reinforces the importance of finding humor in the face of adversity.
    • He encourages listeners to find ways to laugh at themselves and the world around them, reminding us of the importance of joy and lightheartedness.
  9. Stand-Up Comedy and the Power of Performance:
    • The podcast explores the art of stand-up comedy and the challenges of performing in front of a live audience.
    • Benoit shares his insights into the process of writing and developing stand-up material, emphasizing the importance of practice, experimentation, and finding your unique voice.
    • He encourages listeners to try stand-up comedy, reminding us that anyone can find a way to make people laugh.
    • The conversation underscores the transformative power of performance and the ability to connect with audiences through humor and storytelling.
  10. The Quest for Meaning and Purpose:
    • The podcast explores the human quest for meaning and purpose, particularly in a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain.
    • Benoit’s journey of pursuing his passions, despite challenges, serves as a reminder that finding meaning and purpose can come from unexpected sources.
    • The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their own unique interests and seek out experiences that bring them fulfillment.
    • It highlights the importance of finding joy in the journey, even when the destination may be uncertain.

Memorable Quotes

  • “I’m not like some evil genius or brainiac. This was driven by my cheapness because I didn’t want to spend the kind of money they were asking for one.” – Rich Benoit explains his motivation for salvaging a flooded Tesla.
  • “The Tesla motor is the new LS swap. Everyone is swapping a Tesla motor into, you know, Volkswagen Bugs, into Audis, into Porsches, into everything.” – Benoit describes the growing trend of using Tesla motors for electric car conversions.
  • “It’s a beautiful car though. Fisker did a great job of making a car that looks really good. Right. But you know what’s funny? I I think the back end’s kinda ugly too.” – Benoit shares his opinion on the Fisker Karma’s design.
  • “I love the fact that you took this car that was fucked up and you refused to let it go. You’re like, I’m gonna figure out how to fix this fucking thing.” – Joe Rogan praises Rich Benoit’s determination.
  • “If you can do that, man, if you can find that thing that you love to do, whether it’s making furniture or fucking painting or whatever it is, or you mask it. You can make a living doing that.” – Joe Rogan encourages listeners to pursue their passions.