#158 – Cary Brobeck : on Choppers Magazine, Ed Roth, David Mann, and Preserving Chopper Culture

Episode: Big Truth Podcast — with Cary Brobeck (Owner/Editor-in-Chief, Choppers Magazine + Founder/Organizer, Chopper Fest)

Core promise: A behind-the-scenes look at how chopper culture actually gets preserved and pushed forward—through print, shows, relationships, and a lot of unglamorous work.

Cary Brobeck breaks down the real day-to-day reality of running an iconic print magazine in an internet era while still working a full-time construction/QC job, plus what it took to take over Chopper Fest and scale it to 10,000+ attendees. The conversation hits chopper culture's punk/DIY roots, the market's price swings, the importance of showing up in the industry, and a major mission: preserving David Mann artwork and artifacts via the David Mann Legacy Foundation.

  Key topics & highlights

·       Chopper Fest: how Cary took over a 20-year legacy event (originally tied to David Mann) and doubled attendance year-over-year.

·       The grind nobody sees: why "owning a magazine" doesn't mean you're not still clocking in at a day job.

·       Why choppers (not just motorcycles): the punk/skate/custom-culture pipeline—loud, dangerous, DIY, and personal.

·       Market talk: vintage bike pricing swings (knuckles, pans, shovels), and why things feel like they're "breathing" again.

·       Publishing origin story: Dice → early projects → working with Easy Riders / Wrench → the path to Choppers Magazine.

·       Choppers Magazine name revival: how "Choppers Mag" (Ed Roth era) became available—and why Cary got the Roth family blessing first.

·       Preserving motorcycle art: the plan to collect and protect David Mann originals + artifacts so they don't disappear into attics, estates, and trash piles.

·       Harley sponsorship reality: how Cary views working with a corporation while staying rooted in the culture—plus why relationships matter.

·       What's next: more shows, possible "town takeovers," and future special issues (including an all-women riders edition idea).

 

For More Info:

·       Choppers Magazine (IG): @choppersmagazine

·       Chopper Fest (IG): @chopperfest

 

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This episode is about keeping real culture alive — the Back Channel is how we do the same for this show.

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The Big Truth Podcast is proudly sponsored by:

- Choppahead Kustom Cycles (IG: @choppahead / www.choppahead.com)

- Tattoo Flash Collective – www.tattooflashcollective.com – use promo code: BIGTRUTH for 10% off your order

- Omerta (IG: @omertamia / www.omertamia.com) - use code: BIGTRUTH at checkout for 20% off your order!

- Heavy (IG: @heavyclothing / www.heavy.bigcartel.com)