Sounds Like A Cult: The Cult of Jeep Owners

Release Date: February 25, 2025
Hosts: Amanda Montell and Chelsea Charles
Interviewee: Tyler Yasmin

Introduction to Jeep Culture

In the episode titled "The Cult of Jeep Owners," Amanda Montell and Chelsea Charles delve deep into the passionate and ritualistic world of Jeep enthusiasts. The hosts explore whether Jeep owners embody the characteristics of a cult, examining traditions, community dynamics, and the broader cultural impact of the brand.

Historical Roots of Jeep Culture

Amanda and Chelsea provide a comprehensive overview of Jeep's origins, tracing back to its inception during World War II. They discuss how Jeep's military roots as a rugged, reliable vehicle laid the foundation for its enduring legacy in both civilian and enthusiast circles.

Notable Quote:
Amanda Montell: "If the words Jeep wave, ducky, and winching mean nothing to you, they're about to—that cult goes deep."

Rituals and Traditions: The Jeep Wave and Ducking

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Jeep Wave, a subtle gesture of camaraderie among Jeep owners. Tyler Yasmin explains the unwritten rules governing the wave, highlighting its role in establishing a sense of hierarchy and respect within the community.

Notable Quote:
Tyler Yasmin (15:19): "I would have to wave first because I would still want to get the wave and so the last second I would wave if they didn't wave first."

The hosts also explore Jeep Ducking, a newer tradition where Jeep owners place rubber ducks on each other's vehicles as a symbol of solidarity and appreciation. This act of kindness, born during the COVID-19 pandemic, adds a whimsical yet meaningful layer to Jeep culture.

Notable Quote:
Chelsea Charles (22:38): "Ducking started as a random act of kindness by a Jeep owner named Alison Parliament in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic..."

Community and Car Clubs

The episode underscores the importance of Jeep car clubs in fostering a sense of belonging and community among owners. Tyler shares his personal experiences with local Jeep clubs, detailing both positive interactions and the pressures of maintaining highly customized vehicles.

Notable Quote:
Tyler Yasmin (25:32): "I did have this experience where I accidentally joined a Jeep club in Utah... It was a really interesting experience."

Shoutout:
Amanda Montell: "Shout out Zwoz grandpa."

Pop Culture Influence

Amanda highlights Jeep's prominent presence in Hollywood, mentioning iconic appearances in films like "Jurassic Park" and TV shows such as "MASH." These representations have cemented Jeep's image as a symbol of heroism, durability, and adventure, further fueling its cult-like following.

Notable Quote:
Amanda Montell (30:33): "Jeeps were chosen because of their durability, their functionality, and iconic design. That's why they felt like the right car to fight dinosaurs."

Controversies and Criticisms

The hosts address recent scandals involving Jeep, including a significant 2022 PR crisis where Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Jeep's parent company) was fined over $400 million for diesel emissions cheating. This incident raises questions about the relationship between Jeep owners and the brand, though Tyler contends that his personal connection to Jeep is more rooted in its historical and Americana aspects rather than the company's modern practices.

Notable Quote:
Tyler Yasmin (32:54): "What I was tied to was the historic story behind Jeep... I wasn't really tied too much to the modern Jeep brand."

Additionally, the episode touches upon the ongoing controversy over the use of Native American names like "Cherokee" in Jeep model titles, highlighting calls from the Cherokee Nation to cease such practices due to concerns of racial appropriation.

Notable Quote:
Amanda Montell (39:07): "Jeep is not portending to be saving the world... whereas a brand like Tesla is..."

Positive and Negative Aspects of the Cult

In a candid segment, Tyler reflects on both the positive and negative facets of Jeep culture. Positively, he appreciates the immediate sense of community and shared passion among Jeep owners, which fosters meaningful connections. Negatively, he points out the financial strain and relentless pursuit of the "perfect Jeep" build, which can lead to dissatisfaction and debt.

Notable Quote:
Tyler Yasmin (42:26): "The positive aspect is whenever I see someone who has a Jeep, I know instantly I have something in common with this person."

Interactive Segment: Red Flag, Green Flag, Beige Flag

The hosts engage in an interactive game where Tyler categorizes various Jeep-related behaviors and anecdotes:

1. Endless Modifications:

   • Classification: Red Flag
   • Reason: Tyler expresses concern that the obsession with continuous customization can become toxic and financially draining.

2. Jeep Bumper Stickers:

   • Classification: Green Flag
   • Reason: Seen as humorous and a form of self-expression, fostering community identity.

3. Listener Anecdotes:

   • Includes stories about Jeep traditions and personal experiences, generally classified as green or beige flags, indicating supportive and quirky aspects of Jeep culture.

Notable Quote:
Tyler Yasmin (44:24): "The endless modifications is a red flag... have to be happy with your Jeep."

Conclusion: Categorizing Jeep Culture

When asked to categorize Jeep culture into Amanda’s three cult categories—Live Your Life, Watch Your Back, Get the Fuck Out—both hosts and Tyler deliberated on where it best fits. Chelsea leans towards "Watch Your Back" due to associated scandals and unsafe driving practices, while Amanda reflects on Jeep culture's evolving dynamics in a modern, polarized society.

Notable Quote:
Chelsea Charles (51:02): "I feel like Jeeps will fall into the watch your back category for me because of just the scandals that are associated with it."

Amanda emphasizes the challenge of navigating brand loyalty and ethical consumption in today's information age, pondering the broader implications of supporting brands with complex legacies.

Final Thoughts

"The Cult of Jeep Owners" episode offers an insightful exploration into the passionate world of Jeep enthusiasts, balancing admiration for the community's traditions and camaraderie with critical reflections on the brand's controversies and the potential pitfalls of cult-like devotion. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, Amanda, Chelsea, and Tyler provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of what makes Jeep culture both endearing and problematic.

Connect with Tyler Yasmin:

• Instagram: @Tyler_YZman
• YouTube: Tyler's Jeep Builds

Follow "Sounds Like A Cult":

• Instagram: @soundslikeacult
• Patreon: Patreon.com/soundslikeacult

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.