Go for Donny! Episode Recap: A Wild Ride with Rupert Smith & Dan De Castro
Welcome back to another thrilling episode of Go for Donny! This time, we were joined by two extraordinary guests, Rupert Smith and Dan De Castro, who did not hold back on sharing some of their most memorable and outrageous experiences from their time working on **Top Gear USA** and other exciting projects. Buckle up, folks, because this episode takes us on a wild journey filled with crashes, camaraderie, and crazy adventures.
Crashing Stories & Bouncing Castles
One of the most unforgettable anecdotes involved an unruly rental car episode where Rupert and Dan navigated dangerous terrains, only to crash into a bouncy castle. As much fun as it sounds, the execution was far from perfect. Disagreements and arguments amongst the team about setting up the stunt led to a not-so-graceful landing, resulting in the car hitting rocks and bursting the castle. Chaos ensued, but it made for a story you’d have to hear to believe!
Dust, Dirt, and Bumpy Rides
There’s something almost nostalgic about getting dirty while driving an old suburban with dust billowing in through open windows. Rupert recounted a particularly hilarious moment when he slid the suburban on a private airfield, kicking up dust and unexpectedly meeting a colleague in a ghillie suit, blending perfectly with the rugged surroundings.
The Legendary 'Puma'
Ever wondered why someone might be dubbed 'the Puma'? Rupert and Dan introduced us to 'Senior,' their friend and assistant camera operator on **Top Gear USA**. The nickname originates from his prowess and agility on set, much like the athletic feline. This fun tidbit added another layer to the already rich tapestry of insights from their time on Top Gear.
Military Shoots and Precision
Dan shared his detailed experience coordinating a shoot with the 101st Airborne. Equipped with military hardware, helicopters, and drones, he painted a picture of a high-stakes environment where punctuality and precision were key. This shoot was not only visually stunning but also significant in terms of storytelling, making it one of the best experiences for Dan.
Off-Roading Adventures in Utah
The episode also took us deep into Utah’s national parks, where the crew embarked on off-roading adventures with rental cars. The twists and turns weren't just in the tracks but in stories and setups. This included planning a car stunt off a cliff that, unfortunately, didn’t stick the landing—literally hashing out more chaos with a burst bouncy castle.
Death Valley to Iceland
From a night of wild partying in Colorado and Death Valley—where they crashed a wedding—to navigating the treacherous terrains of Iceland, the tales kept coming. Rupert and Dan humorously reminisced about working through hangovers and encountering natural obstacles like crevasses on active volcanoes. The northern lights, broken axles, and resourcefulness of the Icelandic crew filled these stories with awe and admiration.
Behind the Scenes: Top Gear USA & UK
Of course, much of the conversation circled back to their unique experiences on Top Gear. Rupert and Dan spoke fondly about the camaraderie and the electric atmosphere, where the American and British crews mingled, partied, and faced equally challenging shoots.
Gearing Up for What's Next
Between all the laughter and light-hearted banter, we got a true sense of the dedication and hard work that goes into making such large-scale productions. The podcast episode ended on a high note with our guests thanking the listeners and promoting **GoForDonny!** across various platforms. And yes, there were jokes about getting a free DJI Pro too!
Join the Ride
If you haven’t tuned in yet, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Rupert Smith and Dan De Castro bring the charm, laughter, and those no-holds-barred anecdotes that make **GoForDonny!** a must-listen.
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Stay tuned and gear up for more exhilarating stories in the next episode of Go for Donny!
Catch you on the flip side!
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