Podcast Episode Summary: Motorcycle Clubs - Part Two

Introduction

In the second part of this two-part series, Katherine continues her conversation with Todd, a lifer in the motorcycle club world. With 18 years of experience, Todd shares his thoughts on what it means to be a part of a club, the emotional ups and downs that come with the territory, and how the landscape of motorcycle clubs has evolved over time. From the challenges of managing relationships within the club to navigating the perceptions of the wider world, Todd pulls back the curtain on what really happens in the day-to-day life of a seasoned member. Learn about the balance between fear and respect, the importance of community meals, and what the future might look like for motorcycle clubs.

Here's the link to this specific podcast episode on my website. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other major platforms!

Timestamps

00:00:51 Are there such things as posers with the guys that have the motorcycles that have like leather jackets, but no patches sort of thing?

00:01:40 What gets you excited about the Motorcycle Club?

00:02:13 Follow up question, what about it drains you?

00:02:55 Can we talk about you being a lifer and what that means?

00:03:28 Would you say that being a part of the club, you get a full range of emotions?

00:04:35 Now, going off with, you know, figuring out the burial and whatnot, would you mind talking a little about how you take on, you know, some responsibilities with that?

00:07:31 There are folk with, you know, criminal records that are perhaps coming back from jail. How’s the reception when they come back?

00:08:42 What do these community meals mean to you?

00:09:38 What foods do you yourself have in your refrigerator?

00:12:14 As far as scents and smells and flavors, what sort of smells and scents and flavors do you associate with the club or with the motorcycle?

00:13:58 If you were to make a candle for your motorcycle club, what fragrances would it have?

00:14:32 How important has your sixth sense been on your journey in this motorcycle club world?

00:16:13 What's something that is perhaps often overlooked or forgotten when it comes to motorcycle clubs?

00:17:02 Do you guys have like a rule book or legislation amongst the club that you have to follow?

00:18:22 What advice do you have for individuals that are aspiring to join a motorcycle club?

00:19:43 If, if somebody were to come up to you while you're, I don't know, at a, not at a club affiliated thing and say, hey, I see that you're part of this, is that something that you would have a conversation or is that just not a time or place?

00:20:24 What's something that you think most people in motorcycle clubs might, like, change about the field?

00:21:25 Once you become a member of a motorcycle club and then you find out maybe it's not for you, is there like, are you allowed to then go to a different club?

00:22:15 You've mentioned that going online, for information about motorcycle clubs, you'll find some stuff that's true and some stuff that's not true, and to recommend going to other clubs, or going to clubs to get more information. Is there anywhere else where people could find information, specifically writers, finding information on motorcycle clubs?

00:23:20 Would you agree that it's like the media and entertainment that vilifies and adds this mystification to it?

00:24:02 Are there things with motorcycle clubs that have gone out of date, or would you see the same sort of stuff happening today that happened in the 50s?

00:25:02 You've been involved with motorcycle clubs for 18 years. What have you seen the most change in?

00:25:44 What sort of tech in a motorcycle has changed?

00:26:55 Speaking about the ladies, how do they love the motorcycle clubs?

00:29:51 Going off of my question about things going out of date, what is something with motorcycle clubs that is perhaps future proof, or it could be 200, 300 years from now, and it will still always be part of the club?

00:32:05 If you read blank, if you read something in a book or saw something on TV regarding motorcycle clubs, what would that thing be where you would know that the writer did their research?

00:34:37 And you've asked me this question before, to which I answered incorrectly and you told me why. Where you asked, is it better to be feared or respected?

00:36:48 You mentioned the fear of getting kicked out. Is that super possible with, like, anything, or does it take lengths to do it?

00:45:50 Do you foresee a time where you'll be unbothered by the government and society and outsiders?

00:47:56 If somebody wasn't in a motorcycle club, they would never believe what.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Journey in Motorcycle Clubs: Todd describes the emotional highs and lows of being in a club and what it means to be a "lifer."

• Women in Motorcycle Clubs: The role and love of women in the motorcycle club scene, with a unique look at the dynamic and respect they receive.

• Technology & Motorcycle Evolution: Insights into how motorcycle tech has changed over the years and what’s likely to stay for the long haul.

• Club Traditions & Future: Todd discusses which traditions have evolved, which have remained the same, and what might stand the test of time.

• Advice for Aspiring Members: Practical advice for anyone looking to join a motorcycle club, and the things they should be prepared for.

Editor's Note:

Writers often rely on outdated or dramatized portrayals. Todd challenges those ideas, offering insight into what's changed, what’s future-proof, and what media still gets wrong. This helps writers avoid clichés and creates space for more compelling, original narratives. The goal is to move past surface-level assumptions—like loud engines and leather jackets—and into the emotional texture of club life: responsibility, grief, brotherhood, and legacy. These are narrative veins rich with depth that most shows or books gloss over. Hearing this firsthand offers primary-source realism you can’t find in Wikipedia articles.

Clubs have internal politics, unsaid rules, lifer status, and even exit strategies—topics rarely explored accurately. Research through lived experience helps you build internal logic for characters or worlds based on motorcycle culture. The episode drops terms like “lifer,” discusses club legislation, and explores etiquette and acronyms. That’s gold for dialogue writing and for giving characters the right voice and vocabulary—key to believability.

Links & Resources:

1. American Motorcycle Association has a page discussing Charitable Activities where you can find local philanthropic events/programs. There are many more to check out, so get to your nearest search engine for a gander.

2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has resources on Motorcycle Safety, How to Choose the Right Helmet, and plenty more safety resources.

3. What Does CC Mean in Motorcycles? by RiiRoo 

4. Part One of this Series

Keep the rubber side down and the throttle wide open,

Katherine Arkady