Podcast Summary: Therapy Gecko – “I AM A HEARSE ENTHUSIAST”
Episode Information:
- Title: Therapy Gecko
- Host: Jemma Spaeg, from iHeartPodcasts
- Episode: “I AM A HEARSE ENTHUSIAST”
- Release Date: June 4, 2025
Overview: In the episode titled “I AM A HEARSE ENTHUSIAST,” Therapy Gecko delves into the unique lifestyle of Dakota, an unconventional hearse enthusiast who seamlessly integrates his passion for hearses, metal art, and filmmaking. The episode provides an insightful look into Dakota's multifaceted life, his creative ventures, and the challenges he faces within his niche communities.
1. Introduction to Dakota and His Hearse Lifestyle
- Timestamp: [01:18]
Jemma Spaeg introduces Dakota, a 20-year-old hearse enthusiast who drives his hearse as his daily vehicle.
Notable Quote:
- Dakota [02:10]: "I just drive a hearse as my daily driver. I work in the Halloween industry as a scare actor."
2. HearseCon and Customizing the Hearse
- Timestamp: [01:25 – 03:38]
Dakota shares his excitement about attending HearseCon in Denver, Colorado, where hundreds of hearses gather for a multi-day event featuring vendors, live music, and unique hearse displays. He details how he "pimped out" his hearse with stainless steel art, including custom flowers, leaves, and a special hood ornament featuring a bat on a skull.
Notable Quotes:
- Dakota [02:26]: "I just got the hearse earlier this year at a Halloween trade show and expo."
- Dakota [03:09]: "I have a bunch of stainless steel art pieces I made on the side because it's a big canvas top."
3. Metal Cactus Business with Desert Steel
- Timestamp: [03:45 – 09:36]
Dakota discusses his role at Desert Steel, a company specializing in metal cactuses used as yard art. He explains the high demand for these sculptures, including large orders fulfilled for retailers like Costco. Dakota also touches on internal company dynamics, revealing a rivalry stemming from his boss Eric stealing plans from his brother Jason, who then started a competing company focusing on palm trees.
Notable Quotes:
- Dakota [05:01]: "We make metal cactuses ranging from 7ft to 21ft tall."
- Dakota [12:00]: "Our boss, Eric, stole all the plans from his brother Jason and started the company with his stepdad."
4. Transition to Filmmaking: Producing “Chasing Tomorrow”
- Timestamp: [23:38 – 26:10]
Expanding beyond hearses and metal art, Dakota reveals his venture into filmmaking. Together with his best friend, he self-produced a low-budget horror movie titled "Chasing Tomorrow," which he pitched to Shudder. The film, centered around a cult stuck in a time loop, is set for release in December.
Notable Quotes:
- Dakota [24:11]: "We have this cult stuck in a time loop and they have to meet a kill quota."
- Dakota [26:10]: "Making movies is a creative outlet and our passion."
5. Experiences at HearseCon and Community Insights
- Timestamp: [27:01 – 33:40]
Dakota elaborates on HearseCon's activities, including hearse parades, body burning events, and meet-ups for hearse enthusiasts. He describes the demographic as predominantly goth individuals and those involved in the haunted house industry. Dakota emphasizes the community's uniqueness and the camaraderie among attendees.
Notable Quotes:
- Dakota [29:08]: "A lot of people in the haunted house industry drive hearses full-time."
- Dakota [32:24]: "It's a free event for hearse drivers with vendors and live music."
6. Personal Reflections and Aspirations
- Timestamp: [27:15 – 43:05]
The conversation shifts to personal aspects of Dakota’s life. He expresses contentment with his unique lifestyle, balancing his hobbies and creative pursuits without being driven solely by financial incentives. Dakota shares his aspirations to focus on filmmaking in the future and his dedication to maintaining his passion projects.
Notable Quotes:
- Dakota [27:20]: "I love life and enjoy going out doing stuff. Money’s not a reason not to."
- Dakota [43:05]: "In five years, I hope to be doing movie stuff full-time."
7. Q&A Session: Insights into Pinball and Personal Life
- Timestamp: [34:18 – 100:01]
Later in the episode, another caller, Skeet, engages in a discussion about pinball, mental health, and personal challenges. While this segment diverges from Dakota's narrative, it underscores the podcast's theme of exploring diverse and unconventional life stories.
Notable Quotes:
- Skeet [50:23]: "It's all timing and just getting control of the ball."
- Skeet [67:43]: "Everything is circumstantial, like where you work or who you surround yourself with."
8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- Timestamp: [99:58 – 100:01]
The episode wraps up with Jemma expressing admiration for Dakota’s achievements and encouraging him to share his experiences from HearseCon in future episodes. Dakota reciprocates the enthusiasm, highlighting the supportive relationship fostered through the podcast.
Key Takeaways:
- Unique Lifestyles: Dakota exemplifies how niche passions, such as driving hearses and creating metal art, can lead to a fulfilling and creative lifestyle.
- Creative Entrepreneurship: Balancing multiple creative industries—metal art and filmmaking—Dakota showcases the potential of diversifying one's creative outlets.
- Community and Rivalry: The internal company rivalry between Desert Steel and the competing firm founded by Dakota’s brother highlights the complexities within niche industries.
- Personal Growth: Dakota's journey reflects a strong sense of self and ambition, serving as an inspiration for listeners to pursue their unique interests despite societal norms.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Dakota [02:10]: "I just drive a hearse as my daily driver. I work in the Halloween industry as a scare actor."
- Dakota [05:01]: "We make metal cactuses ranging from 7ft to 21ft tall."
- Dakota [24:11]: "We have this cult stuck in a time loop and they have to meet a kill quota."
- Dakota [27:20]: "I love life and enjoy going out doing stuff. Money’s not a reason not to."
- Skeet [67:43]: "Everything is circumstantial, like where you work or who you surround yourself with."
Conclusion: "I AM A HEARSE ENTHUSIAST" offers a captivating glimpse into the life of Dakota, blending his unique passions with entrepreneurial spirit and creative endeavors. Through Therapy Gecko, listeners gain inspiration to embrace their unconventional interests and navigate the challenges that come with pursuing niche lifestyles.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are intended to reference specific segments within the episode for easy navigation.