Conversations with Big Rich

Send us Fan Mail 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....

Send us Fan Mail 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 sto...

Send us Fan Mail 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 motorspo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Influenc...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 enthus...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 h...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 OC...

Send us Fan Mail 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 creat...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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’...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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’...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 own...

Send us Fan Mail   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 ment...

Send us Fan Mail 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 podc...

Send us Fan Mail 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, si...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...