Learn more: awards.racer.com 

On this episode of *The Creative Drive*, we sit down with **Erich Joiner** — acclaimed commercial director, race car driver, car collector, and founder of Goodboybob Coffee — for an incredible conversation that bridges **motorsports, Hollywood, and creativity**.

Erich shares the *untold behind-the-scenes story* of working on the new **Formula 1 movie** with **Brad Pitt**, **Lewis Hamilton**, and **director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick)**. From building and driving an **LMP1 Le Mans car converted into a camera car** to filming during real Formula 1 races at Silverstone and IMSA races at Daytona, Erich reveals how they captured the most realistic racing footage ever put on screen — and what it was like working under tight FIA windows with hundreds of thousands of fans watching.

We also dive into his creative journey — from directing iconic car commercials to turning his love of coffee into an award-winning global brand.

If you’re passionate about filmmaking, motorsports, or the creative process behind big ideas, this episode is a must-listen.

🎙️ **In this episode:**

* How Erich Joiner helped shoot the Brad Pitt F1 movie

🚗 *The Creative Drive* is presented by **RACER** — the home of motorsports culture, creators, and innovation.

👉 **Subscribe** to The Creative Drive for more conversations with the most creative minds in automotive, motorsport, and media.

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Auto shows are evolving — and the LA Auto Show might be leading the charge. In this episode, we sit down with David Fortin, VP of Marketing for the LA Auto Show and Automobility LA, to talk about why the RACER Creator Awards is a perfect fit for the LA Auto Show and how car culture is shifting from static displays to full-blown cultural experiences.

From influencer collaborations and immersive experiences to live content and creator partnerships, this is where cars meet culture — and where the next generation of fans and brands connect.

🏁 Learn more: awards.racer.com 

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#RACERCreatorAwards #LAAutoShow #CreativeDrivePodcast #Racer #AutoMobilityLA #CarCulture

Rock crawling champion, Monster Jam driver, and YouTube host Nicole Johnson has done it all — literally. She’s flipped, caught fire, and driven off 12-foot cliffs, all in pursuit of mastering every machine she can get her hands on.

In this episode of Creative Drive, Nicole joins host Taro Koki to talk about her fearless off-road career, the transition from competition to content creation, and her hit YouTube series https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleJohnsonsDetour. They dive into what it takes to stay authentic, creative, and driven in today’s digital world.

How Nicole’s insane off-road skills translate to storytelling on YouTube

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Dustin Williams is one of the most recognized creators in the JDM and automotive scene, but his story starts far from Tokyo’s mountains and Fuji Speedway. From growing up in Mississippi and considering a career in law enforcement, to taking the leap into content creation and eventually building his dream R34 GT-R in Japan, Dustin’s journey is all about passion, persistence, and chasing what feels impossible.

In this episode of The Creative Drive, host Taro Koki sits down with Dustin to talk about:

His early influences from Fast & Furious and Japanese car culture

Whether you’re into drifting, time attack, or just dream of owning a JDM icon, Dustin’s story proves you’re always one video away from changing your life.

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#CreativeDrive #DustinWilliams #JDM #CarCulture #Motorsport

From the underground streets of SoCal to the global stage, RJ de Vera has been at the heart of tuner culture’s biggest moments. In this episode of The Creative Drive, we dive into his journey from shaping Super Street magazine, to consulting on the original Fast & Furious, to influencing the industry at SEMA and Meguiar’s. RJ shares untold stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and how tuner culture went mainstream. This conversation is packed with history, strategy, and inspiration from one of the scene’s true pioneers.

0:00 Cold Opening RJ de Vera

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🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#CreativeDrive #CarCulture #AutomotivePodcast #fastandfurious #rjdevera #sema #paulwalker #drifting #influencer

Le Mans class winner and TV host Justin Bell joins Creative Drive to share stories from racing at a high level and making the transition to media. From winning on the track to co-hosting with Tommy Kendall, Justin reveals what it takes to bring personality, humor, and insider knowledge to motorsports coverage.

0:00 Justin Bell Intro

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward.

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Visit brettkingdesign.com for limited exclusive Brett King Design Canvas Project 01 MERCH

In this episode of The Creative Drive with Taro Koki, renowed helmet designer Brett King from Brett King Design reveals the inspiration, process, and philosophy behind the Canvas Project — a groundbreaking approach to helmet art where, for the first time, there's no input from a client. Just pure artistic vision.

The Canvas Project 001 is not a commission. It's an art project done on a helmet as the canvas. 

We dig into the design, the business, the challenges of working with clients, and how collaborations in motorsport gear are evolving — with appearances from Preston Folkestad of Simpson Performance Products.

0:00 Intro 

Note: We experienced some technical difficulties with the audio in this episode. While it may not meet our usual quality standards, we didn’t want to let that stop us from sharing this great conversation. Thanks for your patience—and we appreciate you sticking with us!

Amber Bernstein aka Kill.Bambi: The Car Girl DJ Taking Over Twitch & the Streets

From her modified Audi R8 to streaming to thousands on Twitch, Amber has crafted a bold personal brand that’s turning heads and inspiring a new wave of creators.

0:00 Intro

A rapid-fire round of car vs. culture questions

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the people driving car culture forward.

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🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, The Creative Drive dives into the world of Christopher Bowes, the visionary behind Subaru's Launch Control, the long lasting YouTube series that reshaped how fans experience factory-backed motorsports. From his early inspiration to founding Bowes Media Inc., Chris shares how he blends storytelling craft with emotional authenticity — creating work that goes beyond cars and competition.

We explore the evolution of Launch Control, from its original pitch to its current home on the RACER Network, and how Chris navigates the high-stakes balance between access, vulnerability, and compelling narrative. He opens up about the creative battles he’s fought, the pressures of working under tight deadlines, and the moments that nearly broke him — but made the story worth telling.

This is an episode about vision, integrity, and building legacy through motorsports storytelling.

Follow Chris Bowes

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#TheCreativeDrive #bowesmedia #rally #CarCulture #launchcontrol #subaru #subarurally #ContentCreators #Motorsports #RACERPodcast #rallycars #rallyracing

In this episode of The Creative Drive, we’re joined by Ryan Millen — off road racer and member of one of America and New Zealand's most iconic racing families. Son of Rod Millen and brother to Rhys Millen, Ryan has forged his own path from formula cars to rally stages, winning in the American Rally Association, working with brands like Toyota along the way and now desert racing in trophy trucks. 

We get into Ryan’s unique journey, the pressures and perks of a legendary last name, and how he blends performance with personality in the age of motorsports storytelling. From his take on off-road racing to content strategy for modern drivers, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and a look into what keeps Ryan creatively driven.

Watch or listen now. 

Follow Ryan Millen

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#TheCreativeDrive #ryanmillen #rally #CarCulture #desertracing #baja1000 #rodmillen #ContentCreators #Motorsports #toyota #RACERPodcast #trophytrucks #offroadracing #CarBuilders