Life with Legends

Latest Episodes:

Life with Legends 005: Brian Redman Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

All of us fans of motor racing are very lucky that Brian Redman ever sat behind the wheel of a racing car. Not just for his undoubtable skills and the success he found during the most dangerous and daunting era of the sport, but for the extraordinary ability he has to recount details of the many moments in his life in such detail it makes you feel like you were there yourself!

Widely appreciated and in demand for his storytelling abilities, Brian is a most entertaining man, a true gentleman that brings light to everyone he meets.

But that is the modern day Brian Redman; And one that contrasts with the single minded, tough competitor that he was in his prime!

From Formula One where he had 12 starts and one Podium, Brian really forged his niche and reputation in the sportscar series, where he achieved wins in the Targo Florio, Daytona 24 Hours three times and two class victories at Le Mans (and a whole lot more!).

I am lucky to call Brian a friend and to actually sit down at his house in Vero Beach and spend a couple of hours together was very special.

And yes. We did have soup.

JB
Don't forget to check out the signed limited edition portrait I took of Brian now available at www.lifewithlegends.com

Life with Legends 004 : Alain DeCadenet Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Dear friends,
It was with a heavy heart I uploaded this interview I had a few months ago with the one and only Alain DeCadenet.

Alain passed away surrounded by the two people that loved him the most in early July this year, and to be honest, the world is a lesser place for his passing.

So who was Alain DeCadenet? I guess if you know you know - but if you don’t, well I hope this will give you even a small insight into the wonderful life of this great man.

Imagine a mix of James Bond, Austin Powers and Chuck Yaeger and you almost get who Alain was! He was a swashbuckler of a man that really lived a life and experienced more than most of us can ever dream of.

From being a photographer in London to racing his own car at the Le mans 24 hours he did it all. Also known as one of the most informative and entertaining figures on the classic and vintage car scene, he had a memory for detail that defied belief, and many a tale that will have you crying as you laugh.

Alain was Totally inappropriate but delightfully refreshing and lit up every room he ever walked into.

There is that saying that we die twice. Once when we take our last breath and again when our name is said for the last time on earth.

Well in that case, Alain will live on forever, as we will never stop talking about him!

Life with Legends 003: David Hobbs Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

I don’t actually remember a time when I didn’t know David in my life!

Dad raced against him a lot when I was young and there was always a fun rivalry between them that brought an edge to many a conversation.

The Hobbs family were the ‘fun’ one and we celebrated very boozy and misbehaved 21st birthday parties at their beautiful house in England. The common theme being me passed out in their rose garden having being horribly sick!

So, many of you will know ‘Hobbo’ from his most excellent F1 broadcasting over a couple of decades (and now sadly missed) and his ability to turn any moment or event into an impromptu comedy hour. But to focus on that alone doesn’t do his racing career justice.

He raced in almost everything from Sports cars to Indy Cars, IMSA, Can am and even Formula One! He stood out in the Formula 5000 ranks, winning the championship in 1971 as well as a Trans Am Championship a few years later. He never won the big prize at the Le Mans 24 despite taking the green flag 20 times, and just how close he got on more than one occasion is something that he will remind you more than once!

I stayed with David and his wonderful wife Margaret at his house in Florida earlier this year to do the interview, and as you can imagine it was a fun time. The painting behind him in the image is a magnificent portrait done of a well known photo from his racing heydays so it seemed the perfect backdrop for mine. I actually took many photos of David smiling and laughing but when it came down to selecting one for this series, I was drawn to his face in contemplation. Everyone knows he is a funny chap but he is also a very intelligent and focused man, and to me this reflects that side of him.

As much as anything David is universally loved and just getting the chance to sit down and hear his stories and take this portrait was a real treat for me.

As I hope it is for you.

Life with Legends 002: Stefan Johansson Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

Stefan Johansson is an interesting chap!

Not just for the impressive fact that he started 79 Formula One races in his racing career, racing for both McLaren and Ferrari, as well as winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1997.

No, it’s also because he has stayed current for over 40 years, even racing right up until recently and more importantly staying relevant the whole time.

Nowadays he manages some top drivers, as well as exploring his talents as an artist, drawing on inspiration from personal experiences in the world of racing.

I sat down with Stefan at his incredible studio in Santa Monica, California.

Life with Legends 001: Derek Bell M.B.E. May 18, 2022

Show notes

As soon as I decided to create this series I knew who my first episode should be with; as my father Derek is an absolute legend of a man.

5 times winner of the epic Le Mans 24 Hour race and a Two Time World Sportscar Champion, he is a man that lived through the most dangerous era of motorsports and dominated racing as team mate to some of the others stars of the sport.

Like all my interviews I had no plan for this one, but with a lifetime of amazing memories and stories I knew that this had to be recorded for us all to enjoy. From friendships with Enzo Ferrari to getting me started in the sport, we covered a lot of ground!

Most importantly, I have an extraordinary relationship with Dad and he has been an amazing role model for me, not only as a race car driver but as a man. I am beyond proud of him.

Our great friend Kevin Jeanette at Gunnar Racing let us hangout for a couple of hours and talk, but as I hope you agree, we barely scratched the surface and so if its ok with you, we will have to do a part II at some point!

Enjoy and thank you for sharing your time with us.