Life Behind the Wheel of a Monster Truck | Paul Strong & Kaila Savage | HC0075

In honor of America's 250th Birthday, we take a hard left turn from emergency services and dive headfirst into the wild world of monster trucks!

Jake sits down with husband-and-wife monster truck drivers Paul and Kaila Strong for an inside look at what it really takes to build, race, crash, and survive in one of motorsports’ most chaotic arenas. Paul shares his incredible story of how a difficult season in life, while spending years at the hospital with his premature twin daughters, unexpectedly led him to discover monster trucks and completely change the course of his life.

From quitting a stable software career to chasing teams, buying their first truck, and learning everything the hard way, Paul and Kaila break down the reality behind the sport: the mechanics, the crashes, the cost, and the adrenaline.

Kaila also shares the story behind becoming the first female driver to successfully land a monster truck backflip, including the nerves, the risk, and the unforgettable moment the stadium erupted.

The conversation dives deep into how monster trucks are actually driven, how drivers use rear steer, throttle, and brakes to control the truck in midair, what parts break the most, and how the sport has evolved from old-school car-crushing chaos into the polished arena spectacle fans know today.

They also talk about their newest venture: the Monster Truck Driving School at Horsepower Park in North Carolina, where fans can finally stop wondering what it feels like and actually find out for themselves.

This one is pure gearhead fun. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to send 12,000 pounds flying through the air, this episode is for you

Guest Bios:

Paul Strong is a veteran monster truck driver with nearly 20 years behind the wheel. Since starting in 2005, he has driven for major promotions including Monster Jam and currently pilots Quad Chaos on the Monster X Tour. Beyond competition, Paul co-owns Horsepower Park in North Carolina and is helping launch one of the first dedicated Monster Truck Driving Schools in the country.

Kaila Strong is a professional monster truck driver and trailblazer in the sport. In 2011, she became the first woman in history to land a monster truck backflip, cementing her place in motorsports history. Alongside Paul, she continues to compete, build trucks, and help grow the next generation of monster truck fans and drivers through Horsepower Park and their new driving school.

MONSTER TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL:

https://monsterfreestyle.com/

Rigaku Analytical Devices:

www.RigakuAnalytical.com

HIAX Boots:www.HIAXUSA.com