The Steve Austin Show – “Robbie Knievel - SAS CLASSIC”
Date: February 17, 2026
Host: Steve Austin
Guest: Robbie Knievel
(Transcript spans approximately 00:00:00 – 01:18:00. Ads, intros, and outros omitted.)
Episode Overview
In this classic episode, Steve Austin interviews Robbie Knievel, legendary American motorcycle daredevil and son of Evel Knievel. The conversation dives deep into Robbie's upbringing, his relationship with his iconic father, the evolution of motorcycle jumping, and the physical and psychological toll the daredevil lifestyle exacts. Robbie offers candid insights into the risks, rewards, and personal costs of a decades-long career built on pushing the limits of what’s possible on two wheels.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Background and Setting the Scene
- Steve recounts his journey to Las Vegas, RV mishaps, dog problems, and failed in-person meetup with Robbie Knievel. The interview ultimately takes place via Skype after numerous logistical hiccups.
- "I missed recording a conversation with Robbie for the podcast. We told some stories. I ate a hamburger, had a couple margaritas... By the time he got [back], hell, it was late." – Steve Austin (05:27)
2. Jumping Caesar’s Palace: A Father-Son Legacy
Caesar’s Palace Jumps
- Evel Knievel’s notorious crash in 1967 put him on the map.
- Robbie jumped Caesars in 1989, surpassing his dad’s distance by 30 feet.
- "It took me a lot of years to talk him into doing it... When I jumped it, it was 30ft further. When you go out and start jumping 90ft and stretching the ramps 10 more feet, the big difference." – Robbie Knievel (10:24)
Comparing Skills and Machines
- Robbie acknowledges his father jumped heavier, less advanced bikes (Harley XR750), while he had access to superior, lighter motorcycles.
- "He was racing with the pros. ... My dad always said that I was a better rider than him. But I rode every day. ... I started way younger, and I, of course, had better bikes." – Robbie Knievel (10:24)
3. Family Dynamic and Business Partnership
Father-Son Relationship
- A complex mix of mentorship, rivalry, and turbulence, intensified by the fame and physical toll on Evel.
- "We had a turbulent relationship, but it was no different... We argued. ... I never won the arguments. ... My dad always said I was a better rider." – Robbie Knievel (15:16)
- Robbie describes leaving home at 16, legal trouble, and returning to work under his father.
Rags to Riches to Reality
- Early years in a trailer, later a life of Learjets, Ferraris, yachts, and celebrities.
- "When I was a teenager... there's just nobody that lived that life. ... I’m excited about the documentary because it’s life and redemption." – Robbie Knievel (15:16)
4. Evel Knievel’s Public and Private Persona
Vices & Infidelity
- Evel’s predilection for women and alcohol, how it impacted the family and how Robbie processed it.
- "You know what? I never did say anything to him, but it killed me. My mom is a perfect angel...it was hard for me to comprehend." – Robbie Knievel (27:17)
- Robbie contrasts his own relative restraint: "I had half my mom and half my dad. ... I wasn’t a dog. ... I continue to be the same. I’m good to my girl..." (28:32)
Alcohol and the Daredevil Mindset
- Alcohol as a coping mechanism for adrenaline comedowns; Robbie’s history with drinking.
- "Well, I drank a lot. ... After a jump, it took me two days to come down. ... Yes, I had a problem with drinking and I got in an accident. ... After that, I just said, I'm done." (29:50)
5. Pain, Injury, and Recovery
Relationship with Pain
- Perpetual injuries, chronic pain, and numerous surgeries.
- "I hate pain...now I have arthritis that kills me...I mean, when you watch me crash...I’m hitting the pavement way faster. ... My average jumps are close to 200ft." – Robbie Knievel (34:04)
Physics of Jumping
- Robbie explains ramp design, the importance of trajectory over height, and how safety evolved.
- "The further you go, he (Evel) says, ‘I’m going to jump 15 cars for a world record...’ ... My ramp’s 10 foot now, so it gives me more distance. ...” – Robbie Knievel (36:34)
6. The Snake River Canyon & ‘Skycycle’ Jump
- Evel Knievel’s infamous rocket-powered jump attempt over the Snake River (1974):
- "He thought he was going to die...I never saw my dad so apprehensive. ... as soon as it fired, the chute blew out before the thing even went 10ft." – Robbie Knievel (40:07, 42:54)
- The psychological trauma and family anxiety attached to this unique and dangerous feat.
7. Mental Preparation, Technique, and Showmanship
- Robbie’s mental and physical preparation for major jumps, visualizing success, and dealing with “butterflies and cockroaches.”
- "Sometimes I get butterflies, I say, and sometimes I get cockroaches. ... No speedometer, no tachometer...I would get within 30 ft..." (49:40)
- Describes the “art and science” of adjusting in mid-air: braking, throttle, body position, and tire choice for cushioning heavy landings.
- "My dad never did use a brake on any of his jumps. ... I've used that (back brake) on long jumps...it notches you forward..." (54:11)
8. Reflecting on Legacy and the Modern Era
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Robbie discusses the toll on his body, new generation of jumpers, and the changing nature of the sport.
- "They look at my jumps, old school and no dirt and the pavement and the height of my ramp and they're like, wow, I don't know, that's pretty ballsy." (73:08)
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He considers motivation—still driven by a love for performing, but also financial realities:
- "It's definitely got something to do with money. I've made hundreds of thousands where my dad made millions. ... But you know, I just love people. I loved our fans." (63:49)
Notable & Memorable Quotes
- On age and resilience:
- "After all the years of jumps, all the successes, all the hard landings, and then on top of that, the crashes...how do you feel? ... I'm just hoping my back's going to heal up to the core. ... I'm still jumping further than Caesar's Palace at my age every time." – Robbie Knievel (58:51)
- On being Evel Knievel’s son:
- "I was the kid riding on the back on his toy commercials. I never made a bunch of money off that. My dad made millions because his toys were so great." (64:42)
- "I was named after my grandfather. ... Thank God I never got called Evil Junior all my life." (65:19)
- On legacy and meaning:
- "Why do you figure you were put here on earth? ... I think we're all fallen angels. ... My belief is...be good to people. Love people before you die." (68:04)
Timestamps for Major Sections
- 00:38 – 06:52: Steve sets the scene, background misadventures
- 07:58 – 14:50: Discussion about Caesar’s Palace jump, comparing Robbie and Evel’s riding abilities
- 14:50 – 20:04: Father-son dynamic, working relationship, Robbie’s documentary
- 20:04 – 24:99: Riches, fame, and the cost of being Knievel
- 24:99 – 32:54: Family life, vices, and drinking
- 32:54 – 39:51: Pain, crashes, physical toll, jumping physics
- 39:51 – 47:01: Snake River Canyon—technical details, emotional impact
- 48:42 – 57:34: Mental preparation, technique, behind-the-scenes on big jumps
- 58:24 – 66:12: Reflections on aging, money, legacy, showmanship
- 66:45 – 78:53: Navigating being Evel’s son, future plans, enduring impact
Closing Thoughts
Robbie Knievel lays bare the triumphs, tragedies, and realities of a life spent on the edge, carrying forward the Knievel legacy while acknowledging the immense personal cost. Despite extraordinary achievements and a storied career, strength of character, family history, and the pursuit of both meaning and thrill remain at the core of his story. Steve Austin’s respectful curiosity and personal perspective as a fellow performer in a high-risk world provides a conversational depth rarely heard elsewhere.