Behind the scenes at the PulpMX Show
The PulpMX show is arguably the best Podcast/Internet radio show for unfiltered Motocross and Supercross information. Steve Matthes would like his listeners to believe his antics are part of a “janky” radio show where he exchanges quick witted banter with his friends and MX/SX royalty every Monday night. The truth is, Matthes approaches each week with intensity and hard work as he grinds to uncover the endless information he delivers. His light hearted delivery style invites listeners to feel like they too are in the room bench racing alongside the crew and MX/SX guests. And if that isn’t good enough, you can actually be a part of the show as Matthes allows listeners to call in and ask questions of the guests.
Steve’s show prep is minimal compared to what I consider the work involved in creating a weekly 4-5 hour show. The reason is simple, the work is happening all week leading up to the Monday night show. With the TV packages available many media outlets choose to purchase photos from freelance photographers and regurgitate other news source’s information (looking at you MXA). Unlike other media outlets Steve is still pounding the pavement and networking at the races. It’s no accident Steve breaks the most stories in the sport. Matthes comes across as a funny carefree guy, but his dedication to his job is undeniable. Looking at him from afar, in his cargo shorts, he doesn’t appear to be a guy who takes anything serious. The reality is Steve probably spends more time texting, calling, e-mailing, writing and talking about the sport than anyone else. There is no such thing as a 40 hour work week at Pulp, and while Steve likes to joke about getting out of this media gig there is zero chance of his retirement. Nobody works this hard at a job unless they have a passion for what they do, plus he would be bored out of his mind after two weeks!
The show starts at 6pm Pacific time, I showed up at 5:45. I checked out Steve’s Honda Ridgeline in the driveway, not my cup of tea but a nice vehicle nonetheless. I knocked on the door only to hear a stampede of Basset Hounds barking to greet me. Steve's wife Angie (aka. Pookie) opened the door, and yes she is one of the sweetest people ever. I have only met her a handful of times, but she welcomed me with a hug and pointed me toward the kitchen where Co-Host David Pingree, Producer Travis Marx and Steve were enjoying some pre-show pizza. I shook hands with Ping and he said, “Nice to meet you Cooksey, that name sounds familiar did we race together?” I remind him we’ve previously met and raced together. Steve then asks Ping if he took me out and Ping did take me out! At the 1990 World Mini, Pingree T-boned me so hard his radiator exploded like a volcano spewing scalding hot water all over me, so yes I remembered racing him.
After some pizza and bench racing we headed upstairs to the studio for show time. Steve likes to call his studio “janky” but in reality it is a shrine to Motocross and Supercross. I have been in studio 5 times now and each time I am still impressed with his collection of memorabilia. The studio is in the loft of his home leading me to question Angie’s opinion regarding her house doubling as the studio. She said she was a fan of Supercross before meeting Steve, and supports him in all aspects of his job. They truly are a team, while she rarely picks up a mic Angie clearly has a big influence on the creative angles for the PulpMX Show. As big as the Pulp show has become, I asked her if she worried about safety or creepy stalker fans finding out where they live. Angie reassured this wasn't a concern as Pulp fans are respectful for the most part, although there was a guy who posted a picture of their house on VitalMX and that made her a little uneasy.
The first segment Steve interviews his scheduled guests, usually in an order based on time zones. The first segment is the most content filled segment, as they break down last weekend’s race. The first break doesn’t happen till about 2 hours into the show. The breaks are the most fun for me, the guys let completely unfiltered speculation fly. Steve only shares information on air if he has a trustworthy source, but during the break he discusses rumors and some of the unfounded information he knows. While this information isn't always trustworthy enough for air I have found it is usually accurate. Ping and Steve discussed the rumors around Factory KTM and who they are planning to hire for 2018.
During the breaks one might expect Steve to turn off his character, but what he gives on air is his authentic personality. The ball busting never stops, the Pulp studio isn't for overly sensitive personalities. If somebody takes life too serious they would surely be offended in studio, the show sometimes vibes like a comedy roast. This leads to the producer Travis Marx. Steve has truly found a guy of many talents in “Marx Dog.” Not only does Travis have a technical understanding of producing the show but he maintains his poise in an environment that could send others into years of therapy. The ribbing he takes from Steve doesn't start and stop with the show, it is non-stop. With that said Steve clearly values Marx and his talents. Look for big things from Marx in the near future as he is partnering with Steve and show contributor Jason “JT$” on a project that we will all enjoy. I would love to share their idea, but it is under Embargo….
In an industry that is behind the times and known as a “Bro Network” people have a habit of taking themselves too seriously. The PulpMX show is a breath of fresh air. If you take yourself too seriously you might leave their studio in tears, no fake façades allowed in studio. With Steve’s perspective and insight, PulpMX is changing the way Motocross/Supercross is covered. Steve explains what is really happening even if it makes him unpopular with the cool kids of the sport. The authenticity of Pulp is what makes it great. It is amazing that a guy from Manitoba in his loft has become ground zero for Motocross/Supercross media.