• Introduction

In ADVMoto Live! #19, host Carl Parker welcomes award-winning actor and director John Putch and rider-filmmaker Rich Montgomery — the creative duo behind Putch Films. Known for their hilarious ADV parody shorts and genuine passion for storytelling, they discuss the art of making entertaining motorcycle videos, balancing humor and authenticity, and how motorcycling is represented in film and media. From Hollywood sets to muddy trails, this episode dives into how comedy and creativity keep the adventure world rolling.

• Episode Summary

What happens when professional storytellers trade studio lights for skid plates? John and Rich share how their offbeat Mid-Atlantic BDR parody videos — Treasures of the MABDR and Somewhere on the MABDR — came to life. They discuss what goes into crafting humor that riders appreciate, their lifelong connection to film, and the importance of creativity in keeping the ADV community fun and relatable.

• From Screen to Saddle: John Putch, son of theater icons Bill Putch and Jean Stapleton, shares how his filmmaking roots inspired him to mix acting and motorcycling.
• Meet the Filmmakers: Rich Montgomery explains how the pair met through riding and built a natural creative partnership, producing comedic shorts for riders of all stripes.
• Why Humor Matters: Their skits parody over-serious adventure videos, reminding riders that fun and humility belong on every trail.
• Hollywood vs. Real Riding: John discusses how Hollywood misrepresents motorcyclists, often portraying them as villains or stereotypes, and how real riders deserve better stories.
• Route 30 Trilogy: Beyond motorcycles, John’s acclaimed Route 30 trilogy captures small-town life and American eccentricity — with nods to his motorcycling past.
• Filmmaking Tips: The duo shares simple ways anyone can make cinematic moto content using GoPros, iPhones, and creativity — no big budgets required.

As John says, “You don’t need perfect equipment — just passion, a few GoPros, and friends who don’t mind falling down for the camera.”

• Highlighted Quotes

“We’re not spoofing the community — we’re celebrating it.” — John Putch

“You can’t have an ego on a TW200 — and that’s the beauty of it.” — Rich Montgomery

“We just wanted to make each other laugh — that’s where good stories come from.” — John Putch

“All you really need is one camera, one idea, and the guts to share it.” — Rich Montgomery

• Support & Follow-Up

Watch Putch Films on YouTube and follow @JohnPutch and @RichMontgomery on social media for new comedy and moto shorts. Check out the Putch Films website for the acclaimed Route 30 Trilogy and visit AdventureMotorcycle.com for more interviews, videos, and moto stories.

• About ADVMoto Live!

ADVMoto Live! is an original adventure and dual-sport podcast for riders who live and breathe the long way around. Hosted by Carl Parker, the show features explorers, builders, and dreamers whose stories inspire and define the adventure motorcycling community.