Ep. 3: The Tj Hunt Story

Taking a deep dive into Tj Hunt and his journey as an automotive KZbinr, brand owner and parts developer!
TJ's KZbin: / tjhunt28
TJ's instagram: @tjhunt_

[@tjhunt_]

thanks for having me on! It's awesome to talk about how we got started and the difficulties we faced individually (we both don't talk about them as much as we should). This podcast is going to go far, honored to share my story here!

[@Danielleal04]

Listening to it right now!

[@ZachSPL]

Stoked on this one, thanks for sharing Teej 😎

[@Vintage460]

Awesome listen Teej 👏

[@renierbothma7815]

Tj..i started watching your channel about 3 years ago...didnt even watch youtube at all before..i havent missed a single vlog since..looking back i was going through some tough things myself and your vlogs were always there to cheer me up or teach me something new!!! this podcast was really awesome to listen to!!!KEEP MOVING SIDEWAYS FOREVER!!!!🇿🇦😎🔥

[@connoisseuroftigolbitts]

please release the video format like the joe rogan podcast

[@AlfredoMancuso]

We need the videos for these 😭😭😭

[@jeffsworldd]

agreed

[@alexcowboi6984]

ayo, would love to see you on this pod Alf 🤌👍

[@marshelindra1714]

100%

[@syn-d1-sour409]

Yesss

[@clerk5206]

Agreed too!!!

[@patrickstar9161]

Would love to see Jimmy, Vaughn, cleetus, Tommy and Collette on the podcast. Those have to be some good stories

[@NicheEscape]

Jimmy for sureeeee, I know he went to college but that's about it 😅🤣

[@JasonnOC]

He’s already recorded a podcast with Jimmy, just hasn’t been released yet✌🏼

[@CKilger12]

jimmy's just went up today 4/7

[@ItsJustFeel]

I want Ginge on there as well!

[@haydenjordan8441]

Cant like this enough

[@BenWalther1]

Words cannot express HOW GOOD THIS EPISODE WAS!! So inspiring to hear you and TJs stories, the good and the bad. Can't wait to hear more. Keep up the killer work Adam.

[@advan0135]

Second this! Killer episode, left feeling motivated asf

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Tjs "redemption" arc over the past couple years has honestly been crazy. He has changed so many people's opinion of him by just bein a real dude. Definitely helped that he befriended the CT/FL skwad

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

TJ in CT is a much better dude all day

[@scottex.]

fr, i didnt care about him in the past but now i really enjoy his content

[@ayewanrice]

for sure. i feel like hes always been a real straight up dude. he just got roasted on early for some of the things he did. its nothing nobody else hasnt done before like rep kits and such, but him being so popular really just put people off on him from the beginning. glad adam and teej are good friends now cuz they really compliment so well!

[@helplmchoking]

@@ayewanrice Yeah I think he had a weird period where his viewership went up super fast and really early on, before he had a chance to learn, make some mistakes and get more experience so he had to do all the kinda dumb car stuff we all do at the start, but in front of way too many people. It's awesome that he kept going with it and it's clearly paid off

[@Watchmedome3017]

My apologies to TJ for years i didn’t like or subscribe to your channel because this entire time i fell for the lie , i never heard your side of the argument and i truly believed you played that guy. Now i finally see what really happened. My apologies ✊🏼🙏🏼

[@islammedheryamz8546]

Love to see it. This is why I love this podcast.

[@dawczo639]

Who is the other guy

[@LegacyBills]

@@dawczo639 Smurfinwrx

[@tarheelcole1977]

@@LegacyBills thank you I have been wondering 😂

[@elas2k159]

Respect to TJ! I remember the whole incident with his old brand. I never knew the details so this gives it some proper closer! Just gained even more of my respect 👍

[@jacobridenour6428]

Adam, your podcast hosting skills are getting better and better with each podcast! You know how to steer the conversation!

[@ovega1625]

This was a dope episode its so cool to hear the struggles and missteps that people dont see or forget once someone finds success you should have TJ or Chelsea host a LZ episode where you are the guest

[@ALPRINTZ]

I haven’t watched them in years so I don’t remember quality or what they are about but he did an interview or two with no jumper as well as an interview on the come up BMX. Old videos but still some insight into his life I assume

[@roblilt7359]

Its would be super cool to see you do a podcast with James since he's been in it with you so long.

[@NovaDrifts]

Jimmy mane podcast would be sick

[@albertoreyes2983]

Agreed do a podcast with James

[@Dexter-nw2fe]

And bert

[@roblilt7359]

@@NovaDrifts he has one with Jimmy recorded, not sure when it's coming though

[@kydensimpson2754]

i wanted to thank you guys for talking about the whole breakup thing, i just got out of my first long term relationship and it’s been hard but your podcasts have really been helping keep my mind off everything and i just wanna thank you guys for all you do

[@Scxteen]

I love how you guys talked so much about TDIB, he really started this thing I hate how little people watch him now

[@pennycopperhatch9315]

Gotta do a Collette episode.....James Episode...... Kinda interesting to hear TJ side of the Merch Drama w/ Tunercrate and w/ MIke...I watched Mikes episodes about this situation haha

[@Keegan_Co]

Hearing how tj started his channel after the downward spiral is exactly what pushed me to start mine.. was engaged with my ex of 8 years and things fell apart and I really needed something to keep me up and motivated and that's what youtube became for me... now it's my pride and joy and absolutely love the creative process

[@hellasikness8958]

This podcast is so dope! Anyone else ready to hear, Cleetus, Vaughn, Jimmy Oakes, Colette Davis, Tommy fyeah and so on!

[@IFIXATVS]

I have a feeling FYeah won’t do one of these. He is pretty private

[@youngblood23rb]

@@IFIXATVS Tommy did a podcast with Matt at Obsessed Garage

[@aftrnoon_ac]

@@IFIXATVS Tommy FYeah is kind of an a-hole imo

[@driftspecs13]

Guarantee JR will do it when he's in Orlando for FD.

[@helplmchoking]

@@youngblood23rb Yeah he's done a few podcasts, be cool to hear him on here too

[@tylerwiniata1517]

This was an eye opener on how much Tj has grown thank you boys. Gotta get Cleetus on next! Love from NZ

[@jacobb.797]

Let’s get mike divine on the podcast

[@themsjosiah]

Not only mike but a lot of your employees they all have interesting backgrounds.

[@maxmason7054]

Booth

[@MrStreetballer5Official]

Damn ngl I was guilty of thinking Tj was in the wrong with the whole smurfinwrx beef but hearing his side of the story now really changed my perspective, lesson learned that what we see isnt always the truth. What a great episode so far

[@muridayo_]

I honestly have gone back and forth about how I feel about TJ for a multitude of reasons and he hit every single one of them and holy shit. I respect him so much it was such a pleasure listening to this and props to Adam for letting people tell their whole story and for keeping the conversation going and empathizing and relating enough to make his guests feel comfortable enough to share stuff they may not have otherwise. Absolutely phenomenal episode.

[@ssfamous2.0]

This podcast is better than the video of Will Smith smacking Chris Rock! Hands down the best so far! 🙌

[@jamalwaterford]

Dude I remember when all those beef videos were coming out about TJ’s situation. TJ kept his cool and didn’t drag that dude through the mud. Dude was so petty and generally unkind.

[@Baconlover5280]

Stopped watching him because of it. His true colors started to show after that. Never once did I believe what people were saying about Tj, he’s a good dude

[@stylepoints.180]

@@Baconlover5280 who was it I can't remember was ages ago Edit dw I remember now

[@jayxj7785]

@@stylepoints.180 that wrx dude isn't it?

[@ijt540]

First off. Respect to TJ for how he handled the drama for that whole clothing brand thing. And more respect for balancing school and KZbin. I can't keep my KZbin on track with school. It's so much work and then trying to find the time to make and edit a video. Respect to him for pulling it off

[@AutomotiveAnatomy]

The part about TJ's mom was hard to listen. Something new I did not know about him

[@CassiusHD]

I think we all know that the R34 that Tommy has is TJ's let's be honest lmao can't wait for that reveal....

[@schassis_eddi]

43:00 I wonder if LZ is talking about Mazworx… edit: Stranger. I still want a stranger LZ frame

[@anthonymontilla4807]

could be them and tunercult

[@Keegan_Co]

Got to the whole stagnat part of the video and gahh its soo accurate! I've been doing youtube since 2017 and I've been stuck in the same spot for 4-6months and just watching analytics is so disheartening time to time but you can't focus on that just gotta keep pushing forward.. this has been the hardest time for me as a small channel but the support I do have is amazing and thankfully I do it for fun and to inspire others 👊

[@pandaiam]

Damn bro, I am like 13 mins in and I really connect and feel for you Teej. Also, haven't been this hyped over a podcast since "All The Smoke"

[@schassis_eddi]

Had to pause this to go watch the Top 32 recap on LZs main channel. But I’m back. 😅

[@lameiramiguel]

I’ve been a fan of you both for the last 7 years roughly between the both of you guys and your content it has got me through a lot of tough times and just hearing how you two talk about your upcoming and everything is super motivational and the way you guys talk about your business is on a whole new level and that growth as a person is shown more then just your actions but how everything around you is and I rate that big time

[@sivart731]

is no one going to comment on "allocations"? :) It's allegations TJ!

[@andyzzz104]

You should have actually video with these just saying

[@AuHouse]

Bro, thankyou for sharing this. I'm literally in this right now! But this story has given me a new smile! And push threw!! Peace hope to meet you guys in coming years!!

[@thatkidracing3188]

Anyone else instantly know adam was talking about DW when he whispered in tj's ear about an example of people that dont know anything but try to front like they do? 😂 dont get me wrong the guy seems like a nice person but he just doesnt know very much about cars yet speaks as though he understands whats going on when he simply doesnt (and his "mechanic" seems to be either a lube tech or a lube tech that was barely starting to train to be a shop tech)

[@evo_dann]

I instantly thought the same 😂

[@elfalcon666]

Need to get dj on this, just make sure hes baked as fuck 😂

[@fma1468]

You need to get Collete in an episode

[@gbblitzentertainment1522]

This episode was amazing, in relation to thinking or feeling that you relax and become lazy, and dont think thats the case, and we see it , youre always doing stuff, and managing it, thats not being lazy, what happens i think is, some people naturally help you gain inspiration and naturally have new ideas, which wont be as draining as forcing yourself to think about something else other than all the managing you do. Overall, keep those people close. You two together are a rly nice match, i dont particularly enjoy Tj's videos anymore as i matured, but when hes with you i see a more serious side of him and i think i see him growing a lot, as for you i see you more relaxed which you need! Overall love this duo for the content, inspiration and vibes.

[@Existan_Waldman]

"sucked ass" after all the nice shit said really had me on the floor, completely through a curve ball lmaoo

[@Gelenvader3]

Wish they touched on TJ opening a shop because people totally shit on him for doing it and now everyone’s doing it.

[@bvp794]

Hope you do an episode with Collette. She has a lot of automotive and racing history that would be awesome to hear about. Also, you should do video recordings of the podcast, im sure youtube folks would love a better visual!

[@dillonfoster1641]

To bad it’s just a picture and not y’all. Would of been better

[@darellspriggs]

Great podcast, every episode so far has been awesome. QUESTION: who is going to interview you on the scenic route?????

[@noahlee259]

the best podcast you have put out so far! So entertaining to here you guys talk and share stories about your journey we havent heard about in so much depth before. thank you so much for sharig!

[@zachkish]

crazy having followed both of you for so long to know exactly who every unnamed person talked about was. great episode love hearing everything you guys talked about. Adam should do a solo episode or bring in a guest host and go over his entire story for an episode.

[@BlazeTechMedia]

video of the convocation would make this way better

[@Tom-uk6jg]

By far best pod I have listened to in a long time .I watch these two religiously, and them putting the KZbin fame aside and getting personal was nice to hear.

[@TannerN400]

Love these podcasts Adam. Keep up the good work 🙏

[@ccdetailing]

Being a small channel and business that is growing, the information I received from this podcast is worth more than anything money could buy. You guys are awesome. Loving every moment you guys are together on camera. Thank you for the genuine knowledge

[@DanielRodriguez-pt4ht]

fellow detailer ehh keep up the grind g

[@NomisChild1]

Oooooo Streethunter Z kit coming in for Forsberg. Cant wait to see it this weekend!

[@MrMadmeads]

How is this 5 days old?

[@anthonymontilla4807]

@@MrMadmeads members only access

[@sogooodntaasty]

Whew! Fuckin shit that was long but it was refreshing! I’m in a hard spot in life rn and the simple reminders to keep moving forward are all I need. You guys are awesome and I’ll definitely make sure to meet the both of you by the end of the year❤️💪

[@iiRobiin]

1:06:37 😉😉DDE Damon Fryer and DAVE COULTER 😂😂😂😂

[@fullthrottlemiata198]

Just need video to go with it, but this is ace! Well done guys! 🎉

[@michalwalczak4197]

Love Your podcasts and I WANT MOREEE!! 😁 really cool and inspiring storys. I’d love to hear all your crew members story. Keep doing what You do, it’s really enjoyable. Cant wait for the next one

[@djwilliams4714]

Video podcasts please

[@IAMBrandon_JN]

Adam you need a video version of your podcast. All the best podcast have audio version and a video version. Love to see y’all talk. Not just hear.

[@dizzy_foxx]

Cannot wait for the haggard garage story with rudnik really hope that happens cuz it’s a big part of a lot of younger car guys history these days I know they were a huge reason I started doing more car stuff and not just driving

[@hyperbluewrx]

Loved this podcast episode!!! Found both of you through youtube recommends and Thatdudeinblue vlogs! I didn't realize how long I have been watching TJ until he mentioned the old brand and drama deal that happened... it was really awkward as a viewer too because I loved both channels at the time. I'm so glad that I stuck with TJ though! I found him through youtube recommendations and it was some crazy miata he reviewed and I was hooked after that haha. It's also crazy thinking about these guys being inspired by youtube channels I also watched in high school and wanted to do that stuff but never had the confidence too. Makes me look up to Adam and Tj even more! Keeps me motivated to be patient and chase my dreams!

[@samhayden8067]

Long time fan of both Teej and Adam and to hear these more chill BTS style conversations is super refreshing. Hyped for more episodes, would love to see the Taylor Ray story

[@evolveVIII]

I still have those rob and matt DVDs haha

[@NovaDrifts]

Far out i forgot about the street drifting clip with Taylor Ray props to TJ for talking about it

[@igameincolor4597]

This podcast definitely put a different light on Tj. I hardly ever watched his stuff till lately actually I still haven’t but I mean watched him through your videos. I just thought he was some spoiled handed everything to him kind of guy. But these stories definitely changed my perspective on him and I definitely will watch more on his channel.

[@jasonpaper9992]

Sabrina's gluteus maximus thumbnails are more influential then Tj lowkey...

[@TrVlogs82]

30:17 If you're an OG Sub you know what he is talking about sadly, TJ wasn't the last that got screwed over. I remember it all, all the videos bashing TJ & from people who weren't even in the situation. Then months to a year or two later that person old staff came out and said he was a bad person and took advantage of TJ. So, sad TJ had to grow through that but you live & you learn. 34:22 Literally just said that. lool. It really sucks because his brand now is dope it's mostly gun stuff.

[@jakeh.5014]

This was absolutely amazing to hear, love the whole podcast thing you’re doing. Definitely need to get Jimmy o on here next🙌🏻

[@pnwgamerguy8030]

The community you have going is amazing tj, Jimmy, tommy, rudnik, just the whole crew is epic

[@wadestewart901]

That was a great conversation! TJ, you need to flip the script and interview Adam!

[@offgridas]

My first car was an 1984 r31 skyline. Got it for $250 sold it for $65 to wreckers. If only id known

[@foxbatmotorsports]

Since it's been a year since the last podcast I'm guessing you simply don't have time to do these anymore? Really enjoyed every episode and hope these make a return.

[@themsjosiah]

For sure think you should not worry about the time of the podcast. I will listen to a 3 hour podcast just a quick as an hour podcast. Due to the fact I can still be productive when listening.

[@melvinmaldonado4906]

Man Adam I have always loved you and respected your hustle as an automotive KZbin and you are my favorite but after this. I respect you as the men you are. The Kinsey you have and how you control the power that you hold. And how you think and use that power to push only positivity. I love it. You are the reason I love old Japanese cars myself. I can’t wait to see you podium in fd this year. And to watch you in person in Atl! I personally never watched Tj and I’m sure he doesn’t care but man did he also earn my respect in this podcast. Hearing his roots and the love he has for what he does is the reason he is where is which is just dope.

[@gt5eabeast394]

Who wants him to see if vahn will get on here for a podcast say "aye"??? Think that'd be dope. Loved this episode, definitely gonna re-listen to it on spotify when it comes out

[@SethHollingshead]

RECORD* NOT 🎥 🎞 🎦 FILM 🎬 📽 🎥 LOL unless there is video too and in that case fuck me lol

[@JMcKee253]

would be cool to have video with it. just single take gives move background an always entertaining

[@henrynewgent8481]

Never heard something so relatable when they said family financial worries as a child led him to never be able to sit and relax. Staying busy and productive keeps my mind occupied.

[@Donoftime98]

I love tjs come back story. I watched him when the brz first came around and when i heard the hunt and company's defamation from smurfinwrx i was bummed. I remember unsubscribing but not even a month later i resubbed and rooted for teej ever since. Its crazy how hes grown and i was able to watch it

[@tobilhardaspt8773]

I born in 84 my paixon since kid is making weels with bmx after bikes and later cars. Now i have my own bussiness but is nothing i love it's just bussiness. It's rediculous but i guess is because looks like is not apreciate money and for me was hard get money...i change my life for working for Adam in a blink just for learn

[@MrDroste]

Those things about the relationships having you down to your worst I can relate a lot to. Finally making my way out of it and it helps to have you guys saying the same thing that it can be better on the way out of it.

[@jaym5303]

damn i almost forgot about the tj hunt and smurfinwrx drama lol

[@jdmferio0711]

These pod casts make this channel so much better. These conversations just makes you and all the guests you've had/are going to have just so much more relatable. I appreciate These a ton. Makes the membership side of the channel entirely worth it.

[@nearthemon]

35:00 I remember when all that was happening the other dude had a KZbin channel too, crazy this is the story

[@IAMBrandon_JN]

whos the other dude

[@donaldespinosa6882]

Imo .maybe if live vid.. but at least make it visual .. great podcast regardless

[@burninruber60]

TJ can you share a picture of you burning the shirts in the desert on your Instagram?

[@jmegetkrunk]

Tj I like widebodys, we know Sabrina is thick

[@petersalas5215]

Dang the merch story. Crazy times I remember this so hard…

[@jamesderrick1025]

Woah, I never knew the depth of the dude you worked with on merch being so crazy, i wish this had come to light earlier but props for keeping your head down and keeping your nose to the grindstone, safe to say what you built has well surpassed that person.

[@tobilhardaspt8773]

I person is going so long like me follow you we now who. Guys even today i work with prinfull

[@huntertaylor3841]

tj ive been a subscriber for yearsss now and man, this was so inspiring, thank you for that, and also huge thank you to adam, this is one of my favorite podcasts 🙏🏼

[@itsfqndave]

I really needed this podcast. As a small time entrepreneur currently in a rut, knowing that people I admire both as a car enthusiast but mostly as a business owner have been through the trenches and went through similar experiences makes me feel better and also more inspired to keep moving forward and keeping my nose to the grindstone. Thanks lads. Big love from Australia ❤

[@luckysixx7833]

Hearing you two discuss your humble beginnings is so awesome! Very inspirational guys, thank you!

[@JustinKelly]

100% worth the listen! Learned some new details about the behinds the scenes. Crazy to see the growth from TJ and it is well deserved.

[@GermanEliteTuning]

This was Awesome man. Always good listening to you and TJ interacting. Keep this up for sure.

[@crazyepl666]

Awesome podcast Tj has one hell of a story very entertaining man. Love the podcast I like that you don’t ask the same old questions it’s really awesome.

[@3s89]

That was a really good conversation with two humble lads who are the same but different good stuff

[@MrCCDay]

Wow this was the best podcast yet amazing 👏 👌👍🏻

[@fabiandk4353]

TJ>SmufinWrx 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@B_M_A]

Video of yall = more views lol Please continue to add footage.

[@Shady_mechanic_steven]

I love how lately tj says he doesn’t have an r34… I am guessing he’s the guy that bought DDES r34 lol

[@iiRobiin]

yes 101% 😂😂

[@chouliarasspyros]

Please do it with visual too pleeaaase

[@johnathanbaublitz5857]

This has quickly become a weekly staple, keep it up dawg

[@yummybong148]

Not getting video for this is such a blue ball.

[@camtaylor3320]

Can we get a james episode