#158 – Cary Brobeck : on Choppers Magazine, Ed Roth, David Mann, and Preserving Chopper Culture
Podcast: The Big Truth PodcastPublished On: Wed Feb 18 2026
Description: 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 If you enjoyed this episode, follow/subscribe to the Big Truth Podcast, leave a 5-star review, and share this one with a builder, a rider, or anyone who cares about preserving culture—not just consuming it. This episode is about keeping real culture alive — the Back Channel is how we do the same for this show. Independent. Direct-to-listener. No gatekeepers. Join here → http://www.patreon.com/bigtruth Follow us on IG: @bigtruth TikTok: @bigtruthpodcast YouTube: @thebigtruthpodcast For feedback, questions, sponsorship info contact: bigtruthpodcast@gmail.com For more info: http://www.bigtruthpodcast.com To support the show: http://www.patreon.com/bigtruth 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)
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