The Joe Rogan ExperienceJoe Rogan Experience #2022 - Jeremy Gerber, Phil Gerber, & Josh Henning
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 0:43
Meet the builders: Roadster Shop crew and why Joe loves their work
Joe welcomes Jeremy Gerber, Phil Gerber, and Josh Henning and immediately frames the episode around craftsmanship and the rare job of building world-class restomods. The conversation sets the tone: these guys aren’t just mechanics—they’re engineers and artists.
- 0:43 – 2:19
Joe’s 1970 Barracuda becomes his new #1: history, feel, and why manuals matter
Joe describes driving his newly completed 1970 Barracuda to the studio and calls it his favorite car. He recounts the car’s personal history and explains why a manual muscle car feels ‘right’ to him.
- 2:19 – 3:50
Engine swap debates and purist backlash: performance vs brand loyalty
They dig into the Barracuda’s high-revving, non-Mopar-based engine and the predictable backlash from purists. The group expands into broader hot-rodding philosophy: upgrades are the point, even when they break tradition.
- 3:50 – 4:50
80s/90s nostalgia, Testarossa talk, and the ‘Lambo truck with warrants’ riff
The conversation swings to the comeback of 80s/90s cars, including a possible restomod Testarossa. It turns comedic with the idea of vintage Lamborghini trucks, Dobermans, and the ‘guy with warrants’ stereotype.
- 4:50 – 7:44
How the ’Cuda drives: 8,400 RPM, exhaust maturity, and a 50/50-balanced muscle car
Jeremy explains the Barracuda’s rev range and how the car’s sound and behavior differ from typical V8 muscle. They discuss tasteful exhaust choices, then get technical: transaxle layout and weight balance deliver a sports-car-like feel.
- 7:44 – 9:47
Barracuda vs supercharged Camaro: ‘sports car’ balance vs ‘bar brawler’ torque
Joe contrasts the Barracuda’s composure with the raw aggression of his supercharged Camaro. Both are praised, but the Camaro is framed as thrilling and dangerous, while the ’Cuda is more informative and confidence-inspiring.
- 9:47 – 14:15
Trucks, attention magnetism, and freak accidents: from C10 appeal to trees and trains
They talk about how classic vehicles invite nonstop conversations in public—especially old pickups. Then the topic detours into bizarre accidents: a tree crushing a Bronco, Governor Abbott’s paralysis, and why trains still hit people.
- 14:15 – 24:56
Scooter chaos and the ‘getting older hurts’ reality check
Electric rental scooters become the next cautionary tale, including Josh’s violent crash and Joe’s own mishap. They reflect on how falls become more consequential with age and why the convenience comes with real risk.
- 24:56 – 28:15
Modern speed vs analog joy: Tesla Plaid shock, but muscle cars win on experience
They acknowledge modern performance extremes—especially the Tesla Plaid’s acceleration and traction management. Joe argues the point of classic/restomod cars isn’t winning races; it’s the sensory, analog connection and theater.
- 28:15 – 49:49
Analog connection obsession: raw Porsches, Chris Harris’ perfect sports car, and car media tangents
Joe describes his stripped 1993 Porsche RS America and why feedback matters more than outright speed. They pull up a Chris Harris video as an example of ‘everything people love about driving,’ then spiral into humorous media tangents.
- 49:49 – 1:06:59
Work, purpose, and craft culture: building cars vs trophy-chasing show builds
The talk shifts toward meaning in work—standup vs fabrication—and how craftsmanship provides daily fulfillment. They also criticize ultra-high-end ‘trailer queen’ show cars (chrome rotors, wrapped tires) and argue for drivability-first builds.
- 1:06:59 – 1:21:30
Patina daily drivers and brutal sleepers: supercharged ‘Legend’ trucks and personal builds
Jeremy and Phil explain why many customers now want ‘under-the-radar’ patina builds with modern chassis and big power. They share personal vehicles and specs, including a 650-hp supercharged LT4 patina truck that drives like a modern pickup.
- 1:21:30 – 1:33:04
Backlog, wild customer requests, and how the Roadster Shop business evolved
They discuss the realities of running a high-demand shop: long lead times, build slots, and the scale of their chassis manufacturing. The crew shares examples of bizarre requests (including the infamous ‘lobster car’) and how they choose projects now.
- 1:33:04 – 2:29:22
From cars to politics and tech: EV mandates, supply chains, surveillance, and media trust
The conversation broadens into modern policy and technology: ICE bans, battery supply chain ethics, manufacturing offshoring, and platform censorship. They also debate surveillance, social credit systems, TikTok data, and why people now seek news via podcasts.
- 2:29:22 – 2:37:22
Closing reflections: comedy, growth arcs, and Roadster Shop’s 20-year rise
They wrap by celebrating comedy (Kill Tony) and the parallel between building a following and building a world-class shop. Joe asks about the Roadster Shop’s origins and the market shift from 30s hot rods to muscle cars, ending with gratitude and plugs.
