Bad Beard

From Drummer to Agency Founder: Marc Altieri on Story, AI, and Motorcycle Culture

I’m Sam Schneider, aka Bad Beard. I sat down with Marc Altieri in his office at The Brand Amp to talk marketing, motorcycles, and where media is headed. Marc is a co-founder of The Brand Amp and has worked across powersports, including years as a core agency partner for Indian Motorcycle. We get into the real rules of social right now. Reach is pay to play. Viral moments without spend mostly come from controversy. Marc also gives me straight business advice on scaling Bad Beard without losing what makes the brand work. He breaks down why multiple skill sets matter, and why being the same person on camera and off camera wins long term. Topics we cover * Building brands in powersports and beyond, and why agency work stays behind the curtain * Indian Motorcycle’s modern run and what it takes to grow trust in a legacy brand * Social platforms, algorithms, and why paid media drives distribution * AI, creativity, authenticity, and what changes next * VR concerts, the metaverse, and what is already being built * The future of motorcycles, risk, and the generational shift Guest Marc Altieri, The Brand Amp * The Brand Amp: www.TheBrandAmp.com * Bad Beard: www.BadBeard.com If you want more episodes like this, subscribe and tell me who I should sit down with next.

Bikes and Beards Sean Kerr on 2.4M YouTube Subs and Honest Motorcycle Reviews

Sam sits down with Sean Kerr from Bikes and Beards at AimExpo 2025. Sean shares the path from small dealer in Pennsylvania to full-time YouTube creator with 2.4M subscribers, built on simple walk-around reviews that showed every scratch and scuff. You hear how those early sales videos turned into a full channel, why thumbnails matter more than ego, and why long-form storytelling beats quick trends for real connection. Sean also talks family, faith, and boundaries, plus why TV offers with low pay and forced drama no longer appeal. The two swap stories on: • Honest reviews and test rides • Algorithm traps, viral clips, and mismatched audiences • Adventure bikes, Harley turbo builds, and a 70-bike collection • A rocket powered Harley project • The return of the Orange County Choppers Miss Geico supercharged bike • Beard oil dreams for riders, product ideas, and brand money versus free gear Hit play for a straight talk hang between two bearded moto nerds who love cameras, long rides, and honest work.

Scott Sullivan of Rider Justice. Safety, Law, and Support for Riders

Scott Sullivan from Rider Justice talks with me at AIMExpo 2025. He works as a motorcycle attorney in Denver and supports riders nationwide. Scott explains the mission behind Rider Justice and how they focus on safety, legal help, and rider education. He breaks down the hands-free driving law and the vulnerable user bill. Both laws aim to protect riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. Scott shares his own crash story and why strong insurance coverage matters. Scott explains how he found purpose in representing riders after starting his law career in 1998. Motorcycle cases now make up most of his work. He also talks about a stunt accident he went through and the lessons he took from it. Rider Justice helps riders on two or four wheels. Scott offers direct support and points people toward the right help when needed.

Jake Edwards of Spite’s Corner. His Story, His Work, His Ride

Jake Edwards from Spite’s Corner joins the show. He talks about his start in film, his years with Yammie Noob, and the move to running his own channel full-time. He shares how he approaches reviews, news, and hands-on projects like his 1998 V-Max. Jake explains the challenges of creating for YouTube and the need to adjust while staying true to his voice. We compare YouTube and TikTok and talk about creators who have used their platforms to support the community. Jake shares his goals to build more bikes, travel more, and grow with the motorcycle world.

Dump Truck at AIMExpo 2025. His Story, His Voice, His Ride

Dump Truck sits down with me at AIMExpo 2025. He works as an MC, host, podcaster, and creator. His voice has represented brands like Jack Daniels and Harley-Davidson. He spent years traveling across the lower 48 states and built a strong presence in the motorcycle and entertainment worlds. He talks about his time in women’s roller derby, his recent work at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo, and his role at the One Moto show in Las Vegas. He explains how these events connect custom culture with the industry side of motorcycles. We talk about his podcast I Speak Good and his solo show Dump Truck Approved. He explains the work behind building a brand alone and why staying true to your own voice matters. Dump Truck shares his story from Louisiana and Mississippi to the Navy. He explains how the name Dump Truck became part of who he is. We talk about growth, risk, and the experiences that shaped us. We also reflect on events like El Diablo Run and Escape to Hazard County and how they helped build community.