*** PLEASE NOTE *** The subject of this episode is mental health, and the topic of suicide is referred to several times. Be aware that you, or someone listening with you, may find some of the content upsetting.

“Podcasthon” is a non-profit initiative with the objective of convincing as many podcasters as possible to dedicate an episode of their show to a charitable organisation of their choice. 

The idea is to use the episode to highlight or promote the chosen charity, and publish the episode during the Podcasthon event week, 15th - 21st March 2025.

I’ve teamed up with the UK-based charity, Mental Health Motorbike, to make a special episode which describes who they are and the work they do.

More information about Podcasthon can be found at:

https://podcasthon.org

To find out more about Mental Health Motorbike, follow these links:

* Web: https://www.mhmotorbike.com

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhmotorbike

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mhmotorbike

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition, it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

The Reel Riders podcast can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

Greg Villalobos will be a name familiar to regular listeners, as he's been referenced by a number of my previous guests on the Reel Riders podcast. He's worked in the film & television industry and is also well-known for his still photography. 

These days Greg is Brand Director for Adventure Spec, a manufacturer of clothing, luggage and hard parts for lightweight adventure motorcycling. 

Check out Greg's website: https://www.gregvillalobos.co.uk 

Greg can also be found on YouTube and Instagram: 

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCznkFY53oqKfbZ8Oml1mr8g 

* Instagram: @gregvillalobos

You can see examples of Greg's commercial work on the Adventure Spec website and YouTube channel: 

* https://www.adventurespec.com 

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCzwl3WOpGBUoy6bbyV9Bpyg

Here is the direct link for Greg's film "Finding Grandma":

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCRI7YEAJZ4&t=3s

Greg made reference to the following creators/channels during our chat: 

* grainydays: www.youtube.com/@UCx4MHIcTdwdcmJ5accSDlPA 

* Thomas Dance: www.youtube.com/@UCZNH4gf_nXmEHmzQK6R8l8A 

* Ollie Moto: www.youtube.com/@UCfBeOAtppN8LEs9aFJOjTeQ 

* Thomas Hansen: www.youtube.com/@UCfrWv-EBVjXDLxLMEXmsusg 

* Robert Baldinger: www.youtube.com/@UC700qXPSIU8X8rSCV4RGIDw 

* Wrong Side of the Lens: www.youtube.com/@UCkQuTNRIINUNSFSWdLNcAOw

* "Photographer" is a documentary series produced by National Geographic. 

If you want a clear visual explanation of how film projectors work, watch "How A Film Projector Works" from the engineerguy YouTube channel:

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En__V0oEJsU

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition, it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

The Reel Riders podcast can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

In this episode of the Reel Riders podcast, I talk to Kate, the creator of the "BraapT7" YouTube channel. Kate shares her journey from childhood motorcycle rides in Hungary to becoming an adventure motorcycling filmmaker, balancing riding challenges with the demands of solo filmmaking. 

Key highlights: 

* How Kate fell in love with motorcycling. 

* The struggles of riding a heavy bike off-road. 

* Why filmmaking is both her passion and her biggest challenge. 

* The best and worst parts of running a YouTube channel. 

You can find Kate's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@braapt7

Follow Kate also on Instagram: @braap.t7

Kate referred to these other YouTube channels during our chat: 

* Billy Bolt: https://www.youtube.com/@billybolt57

* Ed Marsh: https://www.youtube.com/@c90adventures

* Itchy Boots: https://www.youtube.com/@itchyboots

* Runa Grydeland: https://www.youtube.com/@offshegoesadv

And for those of you too young to have heard of "The Blair Witch Project", it's a 1999 independent horror film, shot in a "found footage/pseudo-documentary” style. Consider checking it out to see what the fuss was all about, back around the turn of the century.

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition, it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

The Reel Riders podcast can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

Instagram: @reel.riders

Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

"Mechnical Theology" is a short film directed by Andrew Montiveo, featuring Paschoal Revitte, a mechanic with a passion for preserving older motorcycles. The film highlights the decline of skilled motorcycle technicians, the growing difficulty of maintaining older motorcycles, and the deeper philosophical connection between machines, history, and craftsmanship. I had the opportunity to interview both Andrew and Paschoal together from Paschoal's workshop in Los Angeles.

Key highlights:

* The importance of passing down mechanical knowledge before it’s lost.

* The decline of hands-on, user-friendly motorcycles as manufacturers shift towards complexity.

* The emotional and almost spiritual connection between mechanics and their craft.

"Mechanical Theology" can be viewed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GqWfu5UFvk

You can find Paschoal on his website: https://www.themotomaestro.com and he has accounts on Instagram and TikTok, just search for @themotomaestro

Andrew referred to the following YouTube channels in this episode:

* “ElectricFederal” www.youtube.com/@UC-fLdaYh0EBBfR7SBLtcTPA

* “The Drive” www.youtube.com/@UC5rBpVgv83gYPZ593XwQUsA

More information about the TMFF Motorcycle Film festival can be found here: https://www.motorcyclefilmfest.com

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition, it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

The Reel Riders podcast can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

 Instagram: @reel.riders

 Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

Filmmaker and motorcycle enthusiast Roberto Serrini joins me on Reel Riders to talk about the deep connection between storytelling and riding. From his breakout motorcycle film Moto Borgotaro to his latest motorcycle documentary The Rider, Roberto shares how filmmaking and motorcycling are two sides of the same coin - both about risk, experience, and the thrill of the unknown.

Key highlights:

* Why motorcycles are the worst - and best - form of transport.

* The story behind Moto Borgotaro.

* Breaking clichés in motorcycle films.

* The power of persistence in creativity.

* The Rider and the future of motorcycle storytelling.

Links to The Rider, Moto Borgotaro and other work created by Roberto Serrini:

* The Rider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItxUmimzF_s

* Moto Borgotaro: https://www.robertoserrini.com/documentaries/moto-borgotaro

* Earned - The Keith Hale Story: https://vimeo.com/559597864

* Roberto Serrini website: https://www.robertoserrini.com

* YouTube channel “Serrini”: https://www.youtube.com/@Serriniverse

* YouTube channel “The Travelclast”: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelClast

More information about the TMFF Motorcycle Film festival can be found here: https://www.motorcyclefilmfest.com

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition, it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

The Reel Riders podcast can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

In this episode of Reel Riders, I reconnect with filmmaker Nick Jacobs to discuss his latest film, “What Lies Beyond”, a moving story of personal loss, emotional growth and artistic evolution.

Key highlights:

* How Nick processed his father's passing through storytelling.

* The creative shift from documenting trips to crafting powerful narratives.

Tune in to hear Nick's insights and creative advice for filmmakers.

Nick’s “Project Biker” channel on YouTube can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/@projectbiker

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

The Reel Riders podcast can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

Haley Watson is yet another director whose work I first saw at the TMFF Motorcycle Film Festival in Toronto in October 2024. I interviewed Haley in mid-November 2024, shortly before the death of Mary McGee, the star of Haley's short film, "Motorcycle Mary". Mary McGee passed away at the age of 87 on the 27th November 2024.

Haley's short film, "Motorcycle Mary", is available to watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T70yHLeDhug&t=99s

I'd also suggest you check out "Meeting Motorcycle Mary", a 5-minute short produced by Breakwater Studios, the studio behind "Motorcycle Mary". It features interviews with Haley and the film's other producer, Rachel Greenwald. It is also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGlwPaxeDaU&t=2s

Haley made several references to the "Interrotron" device during our interview. It was invented by filmmaker Errol Morris and is used for conducting on-camera interviews. It allows both interviewers and their subjects to make eye contact while at the same time looking directly at the camera. If you want to find out more about it, have a look on Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interrotron

Haley made reference to the following filmmakers:

* Reed Morano, Director and Cinematographer

* Rachel Morrison, Director and Cinematographer

* Steven Soderbergh, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Cinematographer and Editor

More information about the TMFF Motorcycle Film Festival can be found at the following link:

https://www.motorcyclefilmfest.com/

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed or use one of the following links:

* Apple Podcasts:

* Spotify:

* Pocket Casts: 

In addition, Reel Riders is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast:

* https://www.youtube.com/@ReelRidersPodcast

The Reel Riders podcast can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

Suzanne Jolly is a Canadian motorcyclist and filmmaker who has directed the adventure motorcycling film, "A Wilder Way". I saw "A Wilder Way" at the TMFF Motorcycle Film Festival in October 2024 in Toronto and was keen to chat with her about the film and her motorcycling.

Suzanne also appeared recently on the Adventure Rider Radio podcast, on the episode released on the 15th November 2024. 

The trailer for "A Wilder Way", plus the 2 seasons of Suzanne's documentary series, "Where the Wind Meets the Tide", can be found on the Jolly Good Multimedia YouTube channel.

* YouTube: @JollyGoodMultimedia

Jolly Good Multimedia also has a presence on Instagram.

* Instagram: @jollygoodmultimedia

More information about the TMFF Motorcycle Film Festival can be found at the following link (including information about TMFF Victoria):

https://www.motorcyclefilmfest.com/

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

Reel Riders can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

Daniel Stjerne is the creative force behind the YouTube channel "The Scandi Flick". Anyone who has seen Daniel’s videos will have noted the extremely high production values with which they are created. The channel has been on my radar for most of this year, so I was very keen to talk to Daniel about his film-making.

The Scandi Flick can be found online at:

* YouTube: @thescandiflicktv

* Instagram: @thescandiflick_tv

Daniel made reference to the following during our conversation: 

* Johannes Dalen YouTube: @JohannesDalenMC

* Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman from TV series "Long Way Round"

* Greg Villalobos YouTube: @GregVillalobos and @adventurespec

* Mark Bone YouTube: @markbone

* Top Gear (BBC TV series)

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

Reel Riders can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com

Roland Blechschmied is the director of the short film, The Freeride Spirit, which captures and celebrates the culture of Hard Enduro motorcycling. The Freeride Spirit was one of 15 films selected for showing at this year’s TMFF Motorcycle Film Festival in Toronto, Canada.

The trailer for the film can be seen at the following places:

* Alive Pictures: https://www.alive-pictures.com/

* TMFF YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2jnrsWPtb4

At the time of publication, it’s Roland’s intention to make the full film available for viewing at his website, Alive Pictures (see link above), by early 2025.

Roland can be found on Instagram at: @mr.gsd

During our conversation, Roland made reference to the following creators:

* Dylan Wineland

* Dustin Humphrey

The Reel Riders podcast is also available as an audio podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts and anywhere you get your podcasts. In addition it is released on YouTube as an audio-only podcast. Search for “Reel Riders” to find the feed.

Reel Riders can be found on both Instagram and Bluesky:

* Instagram: @reel.riders

* Bluesky: @reelriderspodcast.bsky.social

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit reelriders.substack.com