Chopper Prophets

Your browser does not support the audio element. This week I am joined by Josh Stroder, the creative juice behind Scoundrel a Southern California based apparel company. Find out more at www.scoudrelmc.com. For more information on Luka Balenovic, visit lukabalenovic.com.

When I first started checking out blogs related to motorcycles believe it or not, The Lone Rangers MC blogspot was one of the first ones I found. There was something about these guys that caught my attention. They worked on their own bikes, supported other folks in the community, and seemed like they were all around good guys (and gals). Call me clarvoyant, because that's exactly how they are. I purchased a belt buckle for my pops from Kenny early on and he hand delivered to me, not just the buckle but a ton of other stuff! He's the real deal and good man. I think once you hear his story you'll agree.Host/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather TubbsAll Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com

A pre-release teaser for all your hard work! Keep spreading the word! We launch on April 5th!

For our first interview I am joined by Matt Briel of Death Science. Check out Death Science at www.deathscience.com.

This week I have the honor of speaking with Bryan Giles of Red Fang. For more information about the band visit www.redfang.net

This week I'm joined via FaceTime by the very talented and extremely humble Larry Pierce from Garage Company Customs. Larry is an invited builder for Born Free 5 and is building a killer chopped out 47' Knucklehead.

I contacted Caleb about being on the cast and from the get go he was stoked on the idea. I could sit and talk motorcycles with him for hours. Check out www.crocustoms.com for more information about Cro Customs and Caleb.

This week I present to you one of the great film makers of our time! Daniel Thomas is also a member Death Science and an avid motorcycle enthusiast. You can check out his work by visiting his Vimeo page. I think you'll see what I mean by one of the greats of our time! Follow Daniel on Instagram @drifting_dyna

This week on Chopper Prophets I have the distinct pleasure of speaking with Jason Webber; Husband, father, skater, biker, mechanic, electrician, and the list goes on. A truly humble individual that is as blue collar as they come. Check out Jason's blog attherisers.blogspot.com and give him a follow on Instagram @jason_atr

I had the pleasure of meeting Evan through the interwebs about two years ago. The first time I met him in person was at the opening of the Cobra den in 2012. Evan has grown a love for all things metal into a small empire and has surrounded himself with a family of people who love and respect him. Listen in and find out more about Iron Cobras Fabrication and the man behind brand.Follow Iron Cobras on Instagram @ironcobrasfabrication or visit online at www.ironcobras.com

I first met Billy through Death Science and Instagram. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him while he was out on a business trip and we ended up talking for hours before finally hitting record. Billy is one of the most loyal, humble, and unassuming individuals I've met in a very long time. On this episode, Billy shares his passion for Photography, Choppers, and more.

Meeting Jason might have seemed like a one in a million chance or a fluke to some, except that I don't believe in "chance" meetings. Jason was pressing free Loser Machine shirts at the Loser Machine | Born Free 5 party back in March. I remember walking up and thinking, "Man, this is a hard working guy right here." I thought that he was a shirt presser lackey for Loser Machine or maybe just someone hired for the party, but I couldn't have been further from the truth. Not only is Jason the furthest thing from a "lackey", but he's the owner of a very successful clothing company called, ToDieFor Clothing. Listen in as Jason gives us a view of life through his eyes.

Nate Scott is one of the main reasons I decided I wanted to be a part of this culture. When I first met him and his brother, Evan Scott, they were celebrating the opening of their shop in Signal Hill, Ca., Iron Cobras Fabrication. They were extremely welcoming to this almost 40 year old who loves two wheels, but didn't really know anything about chopper culture. Again I saw them at Born Free 4 and they welcomed me and my wife with open arms as if we were long time friends. Nate has since moved on from Iron Cobras, back to the bay area where he has come full circle and face to face with his first love... motorcycles. Listen in as we journey with Nate from his humble beginings in Maryland, to his most recent build of the bike he'll be riding to Born Free 5.

I thought it fitting that this, our last episode of season one should focus on the thing that really kicked off this whole idea, Born Free! I was fortunate enough to catch up with one of the minds behind the greatest motorcycle show on the west coast, Grant Peterson. Listen in as Grant walks us through the early days of the show and talks about the ups and downs of throwing a huge show like Born Free. I hope you can all make it out. See you there!

It was hot, dusty, and packed with people. I've been to Cooks Corner many times before, but never have I seen it like this. Bikes everywhere, people having a good time, and there amid the chaos five choppers stood waiting for the final vote. Who would be the People's Champ? Travis McLelland, a 26 year old Canadian lad with a passion for creating and pushing his fabricating skills "calmly" stands by watching all this unfold like some crazy dream. It doesn't matter really who's bike gets voted to be "The Peoples" champ, he's already won. Won the battle against the goal he'd previously set for himself. Listen in as we talk about life, love, and the pursuit of perfection.Web: http://hightestspeed.com/IG: http://instagram.com/hightest_speedEdit/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

This week I sit down with Jason Phares, Owner of Harolds Ironworks. Jason is a husband, father, skater, fabricator, and metal master that is using his skills to create some amazing art. He's a ten year veteran of chopper culture, but more importantly he's passionate about motorcycles. Listen in as he gives us his life in a nutshell.Web: www.haroldsironworks.comIG: @haroldsironworksEdit/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

Max Schaaf has seen the ups and downs of this culture and weathered the storms that form where men grapple for glory and recognition. He creates his art with purpose and functionality. Even more importantly, he does what he does with passion and conviction. After speaking with him for over two hours, I feel this quote best sums up Max..."In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity." - Henry Wadsworth LongfellowIG: 4Q69Site: 4q69Edit/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

Most people in this world are content to live life the way they're supposed to; College, Career, Marriage, House, Taxes, and Death. Not everyone can step outside the normula and just make things happen. George isn't just anyone and maybe that's why he's had some great success in leaving the world behind and following his dreams. From being a student to becoming the teacher, to rebuilding an old Airstream and living mostly off the grid George is a blessed man, but how did get to here?IG: @TheGorgeousGeorgeWeb: Gorgeous George ArtStory time with Pops: A Boy and His DogMusic: MothershipEdit/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

I met Tony for the first time through his daughter-in-law at the El Diablo Run Viewing Party in Orange, California directly following BornFree 4. It's funny sometimes how you can get a flash of something that hasn't happend, but have the feeling that it already has. Like meeting someone for the first time and having that feeling that you've met before. Anyway, that's how I felt when I met Tony. I stopped by the shop (Classic Cycles Inc.) to talk with him about being on the show and we ended up talking for over an hour. This isn't Tony's first lap around the track. He's seen some pretty wild things and lived through some things that would drive a sober man to drink, yet he's come through the other side with grace.Web: Classic Cycles Inc.IG: CCIMotorcyclesStorytime with Pops: Raised by the ClubMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

My wife and I first met Anya at the grand opening of Iron Cobras Fabrication located in Signal Hill, Ca. Warm, friendly, and thoughtful are the words that come to mind when trying to describe her. She's a rider, enthusiast, and all around great young woman. I believe what she's doing now will alter chopper culture for women riders from here on out. I'm honored to have her as the first female guest on CP. Check out www.babesrideout.com for stories, photos, and more!Web: Babesrideout.comStorytime with Pops: Damnit TommyMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

When I first met Oliver, I had no idea the caliber of individual I was shaking hands with. Quiet, almost stoic, but engaged Oliver can seem at first glance like he could care less about what's going on around him. This however couldn't be further from the truth. He's a driven and observant man with conviction; A full or no throttle type guy that's not afraid to get his hands dirty to "get it done". Listen to Oliver talk about jumping in to life head first, you will not be disappointed.Web: thecutrate.comInstagram: @thecutrateStorytime with Pops: A Badge and a GunMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

Freakoutthesquares.com was one of the first sites I would visit when I discovered this culture. Through the site, I had access to all these different blogs, builders, and companies without having to hunt down each one. They also carried 100's of items I was interested in from groups who didn't always have their own stores. One of the minds behind this great site, Mike DeFonzo, a skater, rider, and all around motorcycle enthusiast takes us along on his journey.Web: Freakoutthesquares.comStorytime with Pops: Fighting DadMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

One night my wife called me over to check out a Panhead that she found on Pintrest. That's right, I said Pintrest. That site dedicated to making you feel like a complete underachiever in life because all the crafts and ideas are simple and amazing?! Anyway, I shuffled over and couldn't believe what I was looking at. On the screen was one of the most beautiful Panheads I'd seen in a while. We clicked around to find out who built it and where it was so we could see more pictures of it. Turns out this beautiful machine would lead me to contact one James Roper-Caldbeck, originally from England now residing in Denmark. It also turns out that James has a hell of a story. Grab a drink and snack and listen in as Jame's takes us on his journey...Web: customsfromjamesvilleMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

"Goodness does not consist in greatness, but greatness in goodness." -AthenaeusAndy certainly brings a lot of goodness. To have had the experiences that Andy has had at such a young age and not let them go to your head or destroy you takes a certain amount of humility. Listen in as we talk life, family, and machines.Web: PangeaspeedMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

Your browser does not support the audio element. “You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” ― Henry David ThoreauFew people now days actually live in the present. Neither do they look you straight in your eyes and listen to the things you have to say, instead of thinking of what they'll say next. I think that's what makes Josh so interesting. He has a natural ability to capture moments of life on film, preserving not just a pictoral account, but something greater. Join us as we peer into Josh's life on this episode of Chopper Prophets.Web: Josh KurpiusMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

Your browser does not support the audio element. RoadBlock 1%er grew up in Jacksonville, Florida’s Sin City neighborhood. An admitted “adrenaline junkie” in his early years, he raced on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks in Florida and Georgia with many of the great drivers from that era, including Wayne Shugart, the Ezells, Eddie MacDonald, Rance Phillips, Herb Spivey and Tiny Lund.Fast cars led to fast motorcycles, and RoadBlock joined the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in 1971. In the years to follow, he became president of several Florida chapters, then Regional Boss, living the high-speed 1970s lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock and roll.That lifestyle caught up with him and he wound up serving thirty years in federal prison, beginning in Leavenworth U.S. Penitentiary. As one Judge declared, they wanted to make an example of him to discourage others from joining motorcycle clubs. Ironically, even from a prison cell, RB became well known in the U.S. and internationally because of his ability to survive, and his "never give up" attitude.As for the motorcycle clubs the judge hoped to eliminate, they are stronger today than ever.In the years following 9/11, RB began to receive correspondence from young military people. Their courage, despite the traumatic physical and mental injuries they sustained, profoundly affected RB. These vets returned home to a world they no longer felt comfortable in, just as many Vietnam vets did in RB's era.  RB became an outspoken advocate for disabled vets, and the rights they were due.In December 2009, RB finally reached his mandatory release date, and was allowed to go home after almost 30 years in prison.He is now writing a fiction biker series set in the 1970s about the adventures of military vet Joe Wilson. Struggling with PTSD in a time when Vietnam vets were reviled and disrespected, Joe's rise to power in the notorious Regents Motorcycle Club shows one man's attempt to find his place in a changed world. The first book is appropriately titled "The Probate."Web: Roadblock 1%rBooks: The Probate & New Orleans RevengeMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

Your browser does not support the audio element. As season two comes to a close I see it ever so fitting that someone who has played such an integral role in bringing people together be the focus of tonight's interview. Bill Bryant is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Biltwell, Chopcult, and El Diablo Run. He's a husband, father, and a Marine. He's served in Iraq and helped to bring the Southern California chopper community closer. Come sit with us as we discuss these aspects of his life in depth and discover what makes Bill tick.Web: Biltwell,Inc.IG: @BiltwellMusic: MothershipEdits/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

This year I grabbed my trusty iPhone and with pure enthusiasm headed to Born Free 6 for 2 days of awesome chopperin! I'm not going to lie, I was there on a mission to capture a few interviews with some folks I have been meaning to talk with.These interviews were recorded live at Born Free 6 and I think capture a tiny bit of the energies you feel while there.Music: Wo FatEdit/Mix: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs

After the invited builder videos fade, the roar of the weekend events quiet, and the realities of riding a two wheeled deathtrap sets in, you realize that there are people out there who keep other peoples bikes on the road for them. They are the unsung heros that appear virtually out of nowhere with a tire, tube, or belt. They own a little known shop or space that puts food on the table and keeps the creditors at bay. They are guys on Tony Nguyen of LandSpeed Motorcycles in Foundtain Valley, Ca., and they rarely get credit for what they do. Tony is no stranger to the hustle of the moto world. He's a go getter who's got most of what he needs done by lunch time. He's quick on the draw and will come home with two barn finds before anyone was the wiser. Join me as I sit down with Tony and talk life and motos.Web: LandSpeed Motorcycle ShopIG: @LandSpeedMotocycleShopMusic: Wo Fat - The ConjuringHost/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather TubbsAll Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com

Finally had an opportunity to sit down with TJ, accomplished musician, fabricator, and designer of some great Honda Shadow chops! In a world dominated by Harley chops, it's great to hear his perspective on import bikes; advantages/disadvantages. Grab a drink, a comfy place to sit, and listen into a great interview with this talented man.IG: @tjbrutalcustomsMusic: Wo Fat - The ConjuringHost/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather TubbsAll Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com

It's not very often that you get to sit down with a legend in the motorcycle community. Mike O'Brien has been working his ass off since the youngest age he can remember. Painter, bike builder, and shop owner located in Long Beach California. There's no glamorous showroom, no parts counter, no front of shop people sitting around waiting for the next sucker to walk in an purchase a branded piece of merchandise; Just a dozen lifts and bikes from wall to wall. Mike is one of kind. He treated me like family and welcomed me into his house/shop. He pulls no punches and what you see is what you get.Mike is fighting cancer for the second time and he's not giving up. He's a fighter. There's no gofundme, donation can, or special organization to support him, just his business. If you like what you hear and want to help out Mike, drop by the shop and purchase a part from him.Pacific Coast Cycles2430 Lewis Ave.Signal Hill, CA 90755(562) 426-1844pacificcoastcycle@yahoo.comMusic: Wo Fat - The ConjuringHost/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather TubbsAll Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com

What do you get when two young women who love to ride motorcycles plan a little ride to a remote location in the deserts of Southern California? A huge response from female riders all over the country and a hell of a good time! Join me as I sit down with Anya and Ashmore, the creators of Babes Ride Out (BRO) and discover what makes Ashmore tick and this pair such a dynamic duo.Web: http://www.babesrideout.comIG: @babesrideoutMusic: Wo Fat - The ConjuringHost/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather TubbsAll Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com

A few words come to mind when I think of Keino, but one really stands out; Determined. Keino has lived a pretty incredible life not void of adventure or amazing opportunity. It takes guts to stare fear in the face, pack up everything you own, and move across the country for a single opportunity. It takes even more guts to leave your native land to pursue a dream in another. Sit down with Keino and I as we discuss life, loss, and the pursuits of a dreamer.Keino Cycles12 Van Dyke St.,Brooklyn, NY 11231Web: www.keinocycles.comIG: @KeinocyclesFB: Keino CyclesMusic: Wo Fat - The ConjuringHost/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather TubbsAll Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com

This interview is one that couldn't have come together as it did any other way. Dave and his family had just moved to California from Minnesota and were likely still unpacking when he came down to talk choppers and life with me. Dave is such an unassuming person. He is calm, easy to talk with, and has had some great experiences in life. These things made this interview a complete pleasure and I think you'll agree that Dave is one of those people that plays his cards close to chest but when he does show his hand, you walk away a better person.Visit Dave at:Web: The Wretched HiveIG: @djp210Music: Wo Fat - The ConjuringHost/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather TubbsAll Music is the sole property of the respective owner. ChopperProphets.com does not own any of the music used in the podcast.All interview is the sole property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be reproduced without permission. For more information write: chopperprophets@gmail.com

I first met Tyler face to face at the annual Biltwell swap about a year ago. Tyler leads a pretty busy life, being a dad, traveling, riding, racing, and supporting events all around the globe. He's built a small empire with Lowbrow Customs which now supports not only himself full time but friends and family as well. Through the magic of the interwebs, we were able to sit down virtually with Tyler and talk. There's a whole lot more to this man than meets the eye. Grab a beverage or two and join us.Visit Lowbrow Customs at:Web: http://www.lowbrowcustoms.comIG: @lowbrowcustomsMusic: Wo Fat - The Conjuring Host/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs All music and video within the Intro and Outro portion of this video are the sole property of their respective owners.All interview portions of this video are property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be duplicated without the consent of the owner. Contact: chopperprophets@gmail.com for more information.

JP has a great story. He's fallen to great depths and is now rising far above what he thought possible, but he's doing with a solid grounding; remembering where he's come from. This year (2015) he won the Showclass Magazine's People's Champ contest. Having competed against 30+ builders for a spot at the final, he not only made it to the finals, but clinched the grand prize and had his bike displayed at Born Free for all the public to see. Grab a beverage and hang out with us as we discuss life and motorcycles.Visit JP at:Web: http://www.jprodman.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/jp_rodman/Web: http://www.nikkizabicki.com/ (urban art & decor)Music: Wo Fat - The ConjuringHost/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs All music and video within the Intro and Outro portion of this video are the sole property of their respective owners.All interview portions of this video are property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be duplicated without the consent of the owner. Contact: chopperprophets@gmail.com for more information.

Irish Rich is the owner of Shamrock Fabrication/Irish Rich Custom Cycles, a "no frills" custom motorcycle and fabrication shop. Rich has been involved with custom motorcycles and hot rods for over 47 years, and is a 11 year member of the Sinners, out of Southern California.Rich and his motorcycles have appeared in Street Chopper, DicE Magazine, The Horse, Easyriders, IronWorks, S&S Performance Times, Bigtwin, Show Class Magazine, Jesse James' documentary "The History Of The Chopper", One World Studios' "The Harbortown Bobber", and the Joyrides Art Co.'s book -"Joyrides-The Photography of Mark Kawakami".He also currently writes, and has written tech articles and feature stories for most of the custom motorcycle publications, and wrote an ongoing column for the first 16 issues of Greasy Kulture Magazine. Shamrock Fabrication/Irish Rich Custom Cycles is located in Broomfield, Colorado - just about half-way between Denver and Boulder.Grab your headphones, a stool, and hangout with us as we talk about life and of course... scooters!Visit Irish Rich at:Web: http://www.shamrockfabrication.com/IG: @irishrichcustomcyclesMusic: Wo Fat - The Conjuring Host/Producer: Mike TubbsExecutive Producer: Heather Tubbs All music and video within the Intro and Outro portion of this audio/video are the sole property of their respective owners.All interview portions of this video are property of ChopperProphets.com and may not be duplicated without the consent of the owner. Contact: chopperprophets@gmail.com for more information.