Podcast Summary: Ep 244 | From Reality TV To Deadly Rescue Missions | Diesel Brothers | The Glenn Beck Podcast

Release Date: February 8, 2025
Host: Blaze Podcast Network (Glenn Beck)
Guests: Heavy D and Diesel Dave from Diesel Brothers

1. Introduction and Evolution of Diesel Brothers

Timestamp: 02:49 - 05:05

Glenn Beck welcomes Heavy D and Diesel Dave, members of the popular television show "Diesel Brothers." He highlights their transition from reality TV personalities to individuals involved in life-saving rescue missions.

Key Discussion Points:

• Background: Initially known for building custom, over-the-top trucks featured on Discovery Channel's reality TV show.
• Core Ethos: Emphasis on problem-solving and undertaking missions that others can't or won't handle.

Notable Quote:

"We started as the truck guys and then we've evolved into essentially we do what we love... solving problems and doing things other people can't do."
— Heavy D [03:12]

2. Friendship and Sustainable Success

Timestamp: 05:05 - 09:29

The Diesel Brothers delve into their enduring friendship and how it has been pivotal in sustaining their success amidst the fleeting nature of reality TV fame.

Key Discussion Points:

• Meeting Origin: Met at a singles ward for young LDS (Latter-day Saints) individuals in Utah.
• Friendship Over Fame: Prioritized their bond over the demands of reality TV, ensuring longevity in their partnership.
• Departure from Discovery Channel: Left the show on amicable terms to pursue ventures beyond the constraints of reality TV.

Notable Quote:

"Just put friendship first, you know, don't let the other stuff get in the way. At the end of the day, we were bros before this started."
— Diesel Dave [05:26]

3. Legal Challenges with the EPA

Timestamp: 09:29 - 22:12

Heavy D discusses their legal battles with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stemming from their early days of modifying trucks, specifically the controversial practice known as "rolling coal."

Key Discussion Points:

• Rolling Coal: Modification of diesel trucks to emit excess smoke, which gained media attention and backlash.
• Lawsuit Details: Initiated in 2016 by United Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) targeting Diesel Brothers for emissions violations.
• Legal Proceedings: Faced severe judgments but won 95% of their appeal, highlighting flawed accusations against them.
• Impact on Business: Transitioned away from truck modifications to focus on rescue missions and humanitarian efforts.

Notable Quotes:

"Rolling coal was a small part of what we did... But the lawsuit came knocking and they just took that and ran with it like you wouldn't believe."
— Heavy D [16:17]

"We haven't touched a diesel truck in eight, nine years. Like, we are so done with that world."
— Heavy D [19:50]

4. Transition to Humanitarian Rescue Missions

Timestamp: 22:12 - 38:49

The conversation shifts to how Diesel Brothers leveraged their platform and resources to engage in humanitarian missions, rescuing individuals in dire circumstances when official agencies couldn't intervene.

Key Discussion Points:

• Hurricane Harvey Response: Initiated rescue operations by flying helicopters to assist affected areas.
• Blackhawk Helicopter Acquisition: Purchased a Blackhawk in 2021 to enhance their rescue capabilities.
• Notable Missions: Detailed a mission in Nevada where they successfully recovered a missing pilot from a treacherous mountain crash site.

Notable Quotes:

"We have become the last call that people make when nobody else can solve a problem."
— Heavy D [23:47]

"Being able to take the family from not knowing the status of Michael the pilot... to finally getting answers... is incredibly gratifying."
— Heavy D [27:27]

5. Collaborations with Authorities and Building Credibility

Timestamp: 38:49 - 60:04

Heavy D explains how their successful missions have led to collaborations with federal, state, and local agencies, building trust and credibility in their rescue efforts.

Key Discussion Points:

• EPA Misconceptions: Initially perceived negatively due to past truck modifications but redefined their image through rescue missions.
• Training and Expertise: Offered to train Nevada search and rescue pilots, showcasing their specialized techniques and procedures.
• FAA Relations: Navigated challenges with the FAA to operate their Blackhawk privately, emphasizing their commitment to safety and professionalism.

Notable Quote:

"The email I got from the state emergency manager yesterday was probably the best part about all this because he was the most skeptical... saying, 'Would you be willing to come train all the Nevada search and rescue pilots?'"
— Heavy D [59:06]

6. Entrepreneurial Ventures and Lessons Learned

Timestamp: 60:04 - 85:31

Diesel Dave shares insights into their entrepreneurial journey, discussing both successes and failures, particularly focusing on their attempt to launch an American-made tire company.

Key Discussion Points:

• Patriot Tires: Launched to address their dissatisfaction with existing tire options but faced brand trademark issues leading to its downfall.
• Persistence Amidst Setbacks: Attempted to relaunch the tire company with a new name, but passion waned, resulting in its closure.
• Business Philosophy: Emphasizes genuine passion over chasing trends, believing that authentic enthusiasm drives success.

Notable Quotes:

"If I'm not super passionate about it, nobody should even put too much effort into it."
— Heavy D [46:19]

"We tried to figure out what to do with it. Finally, Federal Tire in Taiwan responded and said, yeah, we'll do it."
— Heavy D [43:04]

7. Philosophies on Fame, Fulfillment, and Personal Growth

Timestamp: 85:31 - 86:59

Both Glenn Beck and Diesel Brothers reflect on the nature of fame, personal fulfillment, and the importance of staying true to one’s values.

Key Discussion Points:

• Authenticity Over Fame: Advocating for genuine connections and actions rather than seeking superficial fame.
• Faith and Integrity: Glenn Beck shares his journey of faith and the importance of maintaining integrity in his career.
• Life Lessons: Emphasize the significance of experiences over material gains and the pursuit of meaningful endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

"You're the same way. You have to be a risk taker. Know the odds of win or lose before you put the money on the table. But roll the dice, man."
— Glenn Beck [41:26]

"The more you worry about them, them, them... life becomes more of a flow state. You're less forced and more just abundance everywhere you look."
— Heavy D [83:19]

Conclusion

In this episode, Heavy D and Diesel Dave from Diesel Brothers share their transformative journey from reality TV stars known for truck modifications to respected figures in humanitarian rescue missions. They discuss overcoming legal challenges, building genuine friendships, and maintaining integrity amidst fame. Their stories emphasize the importance of passion, authenticity, and serving others, offering valuable insights into sustainable success and personal fulfillment.

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript and is intended to capture the essence of the discussions in the podcast episode. For a complete understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.