Drivetribe Host Mike Breaks Silence: The TRUTH about Clarkson & May Leaving
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- čas přidán 17. 06. 2024
- Join us as Mike Fernie, the visionary head of video at DriveTribe, shares his incredible journey from engineering student to leading one of the most innovative automotive channels on CZcams. Dive deep into the world of digital content creation alongside automotive legends like Richard Hammond and Ben Collins.
What You'll Discover:
Mike's Early Days:
Starting as an engineering student with a passion for cars, discover how Mike transitioned into the world of automotive journalism.
Building DriveTribe:
Learn about the challenges and triumphs of growing the DriveTribe CZcams channel from 220,000 to 2.6 million subscribers under Mike's leadership.
Inside Stories:
Hear firsthand accounts of working closely with iconic figures such as Richard Hammond and the dynamics within the DriveTribe team.
Future Aspirations:
Get insights into Mike's vision for the future of DriveTribe and his ongoing projects that blend passion with innovative content creation.
Are you a car enthusiast or a fan of automotive journalism? Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights and interviews with the leaders shaping the future of car culture.
A big thank you to Mike for sharing his story and to the DriveTribe team for their dedication to revolutionizing automotive content. If you enjoyed this episode, like, comment, and share to support our journey into the world of cars! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
i do miss james on drive tribe
Same here but I'll watch James on any show. Clarkson was never on it enough to get used to him but James did quite a bit for the channel.
James has his own channel now (together with Lucy). Same content as what Foodtribe/What Next used to show.
@@MdvK13979 Oh whats that channel?
@@Rickanroc www.youtube.com/@JamesMayDrinks . He's off promoting his gin/doing crazy things with Lucy :D
You know what, your "come for Hammond, stay for the content" model definitely works. I started watching DT because I was hankering for some more content from the trio, but I kept coming back because honestly, I think you guys are just great. Keep it up!
please don't model yourself on Donut media, good way to become unwatchable.
Why are they unwatchable?
@@kierondunn3077 i can't stand most of their stuff (that i have seen, ofc stopped trying them after a little while)
@kierondunn3077 it's cringeworthy
@@yusriex1545 I only know them from their Forza Horizon bit and that was enough to put me off them for life. Definitely not for me.
Their "Real Mechanic Reacts" stuff is pretty good. It's about all I watch from Donut. Not their main channel.
Tired of these click bait titles
Me too
So why are they leaving??
Hell yeah! I was just scrolling through to find out why he actually left. Smh
Tired of this rich kid.
@HappyDude1 He said why. Drivetribe was failing and Hammond bought out May and Clarkson so that he could focus on the CZcams channel.
@@ouncy More annoying than Archie Hamilton.
One of my favorite drivetribe videos are the James and Richard playing legos while drinking definitely not vodka.
definitely not warm vodka
It took me a while to warm to Mike on DriveTribe, but now I enjoy watching him. Especially when he does videos with Ben Collins, those two have great chemistry.
I can't stand him. Has awful taste in cars, has no mechanical knowledge and he's just really annoying. Ben Collins is amazing! Mike is crap
@5593doug I totally agree with you about Mike. He very much tries to bask in the sunlight of the Holy Trinity. I've stopped watching Drivetribe because of him. I think the reason we don't see Jezza on the channel is because he also can't stand this guy.
In the very early days of Drivetribe, he went to Jeremy's Farm and took one of Jezza's favourite cars for a drive in a video segment and didn't ask permission of Jezza to drive it, and Jezza went nuts with him. I really think that's why Jezza will have nothing to do with this phony car journalist,which is what I think he is, a phony car journalist.
@@theloneranger2101 there's so many reasons not to like him. He just accumulates project cars like they're going out of fashion and doesn't do anything with them. Name one project car that's actually finished and working... Richard's STi? None of Mike's shit Rovers, MGs, Alfa Romeos etc. And he comes across as an arrogant dick that thinks they know everything about cars. As a mechanic turned motorsports engineer I can tell you that Mike is about as clueless as they come. In fact he's the sort of clueless that ruins cars due to his unwarranted confidence in his own abilities. They really need anyone but him presenting.
I don't really know. My experience with Mike is very mixed. Some of his videos are well done. But for every good video, he often has several videos where he comes across as almost "childish" or too "nerdy" for my taste.
@@5593doug Yes, the project cars are actually a very good idea. It's just the execution that's lacking. You don't hear anything anymore about some cars and other cars are sold off as soon as they are finished. How about finishing one first before starting a new one?
I really love the fact that Mike has started to get into his own skin and be his own character instead of trying to imitate the trio, and he's becoming really good on camera. I quite enjoy his car review-style videos and I hope we get more of those.
Honestly, of the trio, having Hammond take ownership / over it makes the most sense. He's still the most involved with cars, and the most excited about it.
This channel seriously deserves waaay more subscribers. I see Ben growing it big time over the coming years. Well done!
I appreciate that!
A great interview doesn't need a clickbait title lads.
DriveTribe is entertaining and puts out good content. Those of us who loved legacy Top Gear, this channel does satisfy that nostalgia at times. I think Mike does a great job, and adding Ben Collins is an amazing idea. Keep up the great work gents!
I’ve been wondering about DRIVETRIBE for years I’m looking forward to this
The Aston Segment in Top Gear. The song made that part all the more special. "Brian Eno - An Ending" beautiful song.
Not to mention the softly filmed shots of the deer just running,and the black&white photograph of days gone by and a one word ending Goodbuy it was beautifully produced.
Above & Beyond Essential Mix 2004
Didn't he just say, it's an Aston Martin with a V12 in it. What more is there to say.
A great interview, I really like Mike's style and lack of ego. Plus his love of Rovers!
I hate donut media ads. Way too cringe and their content isn't as good as it used to be. Dont use them as a metric!
Big changes at Donut with their vids recently. the fact jobe and Jeremiah are leaving makes me wonder what else is happening behind the scenes
their corporate ads stink cause its scripted corpo crap, but their original ads are always a kicker. I still love the Uncle Jerry ads.
All about the money now that channel Sandro should get his own thing
@@Rob-Robski-Fitt are they actually?
There are only so many up to speed videos that can be done. And james' blood pressure each video must have taken yeara ofd his life
Oh hell yeah!! Something to watch over dinner. Cheers mate! So keen to see who else comes along in the future :)
Not going to lie, every now and then I go back and watch the David Souffle Videos and just keep laughing. It's honestly so dumb it's entertaining.
YOU! YOU are the reason I finally started a car channel. I remember the very beginning of Drivetribe and watching it grow into this new thing! I knew it was impossible to be one of The Trio, but you have given me hope that it is still possible to be successful as an automotive content creator. Keep it up Mike! (I love your stuff too Ben!)
Love your comment about Clarkson's Aston video. I remember feeling just the way you describe.
Good interview. Mike's come along way and earned his spot .
Amazing podcast as someone has already mentioned this channel deserves so much more well played Ben and Mike 🏴
Another fantastic interview! This channel just gets better and better 👍🏻
Man, another epic interview! Every guest is pure win atm, some point in the future people will be queuing up to be interviewed here.. wonder who your 1st F1 driver would be?
My bets are lando
@andysheppard9727 past f1 drivers count also i guess, see Button doing plenty interviews
DC
Whilst "the trio" are utterly iconic and cannot be replaced, I've personally found that Mike slots into that ecosystem of personalities perfectly. Of everyone that I've seen appear on screen with JC, RH and JM, Mike just seems so comfortable, a natural addition, has a presenting style that isn't overwhelmed by the big 3's, and, somehow, seems like... well, one of us is the only way I can put it. I grew up watching Top Gear and the fact Mike did too comes out (without being giddy) in his videos. He knows what questions TG viewers of 15/20 years ago want to ask, he knows what we think are iconic moments from the show, and he knows how to get the straight-faced opinions and answers when needed.
Not that I'm gushing or anything.
The bakery scene thay clarkson did is in a grand tour episode if I'm not mistaken. Possibly the episdoe they towed the boat with the citroen.
Really enjoyed that interview. Well done all 👌🏻📸🙌
I really like Mike and what he's done on Drivetribe and very glad that led me here. A fantastic interview and podcast, I really enjoyed it. I also agree with Mike about Rover, they're not all great, far from it but a few exceptions shine, I like the 220 turbo in particular.
This is my favorite podcast!!
As a youtuber who tries to understand and then explain the why behind a technological product, I do very much like the Videos in which Mike explains the "why" certain technological solutions work in cars or why they dont. Also I am of the opinion that the old trio has had its day and now it is time for new peopel. So Mike, go for it :)
Idk if it was intentional or it's just the youtube gods, but thanks for reducing the number of adverts, it's now actually watchable
I like the content, but could you please isolate the mics from the thudding on the desk? It's quite subtle, but a different desk surface would help, maybe felt, or is it the sound travelling into the mic? if so, just some insulation between the desk and your unsprung mics
hello filman
Didn't expect to see the muye beamng guy here
@@Excellence123 lol I do my own thing, and sometimes collab with muye, I also collab with carmighty, camodo, and even once with jelly
Immediately went to find the Vantage video - wonderful 😍
Ben is so good at this love these podcasts. Also Auto Express launched in 1988, I remember getting the first issue.
Thing is, I like Mike, I like DriveTribe, I like something that continues the legacy created by the trio, but I want ...more. I want to see more reviews of general cars, maybe guest presenters as in absolute nobodies sending in videos about cars (which would give them more content etc). There's so many possibilities. I hope it doesn't stop, I just want more and judging by the comments online, a lot of others do too. Also, great interview!
Enjoyed that. Mike, if you have a look through the comments keep up the great work.
Ben you really deserve more for the quality of the content you're putting out with these interviews. You're a natural at getting people to open up and position the right questions at the right time but I do feel there's a progressive move forward. I'd love to see the dynamic if you introduced group the occasional group interviews, almost like an old school Parkinson/Norton Saturday night show. The opportunity for views if you were to have a van of Alex, Freddie and Mike for example with you at the helm trying to keep them on track would be incredible. I know CZcamsrs are the first to say collabs are difficult because of schedules ect but even booking 6-12 months in advance would be worth it surely. You could then expand into live podcasts with such guests to generate further revenue. Sweat the assets, following and connections you have and ramp it up! There are plenty of podcasts but very little in the way of Automotive collabs with depth, conversation and meaningful insight. Allow the guests to challenge each other's opinions and play off it, it would be gold!!! Keep it up mate ❤
Benedict, Is there any chance you could show us the technical setup of your mobile studio. It's a great idea and something that I might do myself regarding a different subject matter. Can you show camera types, lights, recording, power etc.
Great interview. I was suprised about Mikes opinion on the final Top Gears with the trio. In my opinion the last few series with the guys had some of the best episodes of all time. The specials, Africa, Burma ect were simply epic and a lot of the episodes, hovervan and hire car vs sailing boat race to name but a few were simply hilarious. I feel Mikes suggestion TG should have stopped in 2012 is definitely not shared with that many fans
They were still in their prime when "executives" made "executive decisions"
Ben, love the podcast and listen to each episode. Please have a check regarding your compression settings on your mic. Listening in the car I am changing the volume all the time, laughing becomes almost deafening which is followed by then extremely quiet normal talking. This episode although exciting and engaging became difficult to listen to due to the constant significant changed in volume.
The talk about CZcams and rankings, for me titles such as "THE TRUTH about" or "WHAT REALLY HAPPEND" automatically makes me skip, I know it is some CZcams algorithm thing but I skip.
then why are you on the video? your point backfired before you even made it
@@KingHippo11 I get that but how should I otherwise tell what I think about that subject. It was a sort of “heads up” for the channel
@@runechristiansen7372 Oh I see, thank you for clarifying. Apologies if my reply came off as insulting.
@@KingHippo11 no problem, it is many other channels that use this approach so I guess it is a YT thing but I get so annoyed because those titles rarely cover the content (clickbait)
Never really been able to properly enjoy Drivetribe, too many clickbait thumbnails and titles and name-dropping, and Mike seems to try way too hard to be "loud" for lack of a better term, the Donut media comment does kind of explain that, trying to be a typical motoring youtuber with no identity of his own.
Great interview as usual. Honestly think mike is doing a top job, makes content that's just really enjoyable
Well done Ben Fantastic! I’ve shared the heck out of this. Just saw you on Matt Armstrong Brilliant! From Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Awesome! Thank you!
Another brilliant episode !!!!! I love Mike !!!!
So what do you mean leaving? James wasnt exactly a presenter for Drivetribe, what has he said he is refusing to ever come back?
If you watch, he says that Hammond bought the DriveTribe brand, so May and Clarkson are no longer invested or involved in it.
@@WS12658 ...They never were? They made an ad for the app that died on release and made appearences, well one for Jezza, why would either have anything to do with the company itself ?
You do a great job Mike. I remember meeting Jeremy at JaguarSport when he slagged off the early DB7's ... he is a huge bloke! He was nicer about it when we'd finished developing it LOL I lived in a near village to Chipping Norton so when the car was good & Jeremy drove it around a local place to me it was great
So why are they leaving?
Great video. Can see one day you having over 1M subscribers one day Ben.
Love you on Drivetribe Mike well done mate
HOOVIE ........ good now I have your attention, brilliant interview once again ........ HOOVIE could be s very tough shell to open but a well loved bloke could be very interesting
Brilliant episode
I remember that Aston V12 segment. Yes it was very emotional
Every time I see Mike I’m waiting for him to start singing “I’m blue, da ba dee” 😂
I love mike and what he has done. I really don’t like what Drive Tribe did at the start. As Jayemm cars brought to our attention they were being totally unfair, creating tribes was the idea & uploading videos to their platform. They refused CZcams which was mad so effectively working for free. Make no wonder it took ages to take off.
james will never push past this limits minus when he crashed in a tunnel
Drive tribe is my favourite watch these days. Brilliant content
Gotta love how Mike is rocking his 500€ Tissot whilst Ben is wearing a 30k Rolex Daytona
The music played on Clarksons video of Aston Martin that mike from Drivetribe is verbalising so well is by Brian Eno titled i think “an ending (ascent )” as mike says very imotive video made amazing by all aspects of its production , camera commentary, car and the music used
The best this about mike and drive tribe is they arnt donut media, plz mike dont compare your self to them, they have their place in the u.s you have yours ❤❤
Matt Armstrong integrates ads the best.
Matt armstrong is such a great CZcamsr
Mike has so much Passion for the game. Got to love it. Love Drive Tribe.
On another note. 33K views so far, but only 1 k likes and 47k Subs, something not right here. Sub to Ben he is such a good guy and giving us some good insight in to our fav CZcamsrs, comes on Give Ben a Sub, ITS FREE!!
Living outside the UK, I do wonder if Drivetribe would travel internationally if a region's tourism department sponsored it. Down here in Western Australia, I can think of three different motoring events in the countryside that would get a massive boost if Drivetribe were there
Would the British humour travel well?
I wonder..
Love Mike and the drivetribe channel. Also love rovers my mum had a Rover 216GTI In black that we used to go to school in. Surprisingly quick but also quite shit
Ahh the Rover 216GTI, back then it was a cool car, compared to today's standards yeh it's shit lol but back then it was a cool alternative car to have, different from the common Ford XR3i's and RS Turbo's lol
Car throttle really is just the gift that keeps giving
Anyone know what watch he's wearing?
Who? Ben or Mike?
Colin Furze does a great job at showing his sponsor in a watchable way.
Please don't integrate your ads. Nobody wants to watch them, you have to leave it separate.
The TopGear Aston Martin V12, End of an era episode, was accompanied by the music from Brian Eno - An Ending...making it a very poignant segment...had a lump in my throat at the time too...
Use a low pass filter for your vocal audio. Be thumping my sub 😭
you are a great interviewer mate
Mike = Watch Cleetus McFarland and how he does his ads. They're nuts!!!!! And hugely funny.
Watching at 7:30 about the niche audience. Completely agree. People don’t realise just how narrow the audience pool can get.
Aaaah that makes sense why drivetribe has become a shameless self promotion of Richard Hammond lol 😂😂😂
FYI According to Google Maps, the Isle of Arran is 55.5 miles around, and 1hr 58mins on a clear day.
Drivetribe is in liquidation on companies house?
I come to Drive Tribe for Mike and his V10 converted MX5 nothing else
Time Stamps? Pleeeeeease?
So, what truth has been revealed? Nothing! Clickbait.
Clarkson was no big loss to be honest (he's become a bit of a knob these days), but it's a shame May left.
Richard is great but he acts on screen.Mike is Mike . Mike is now the face of drive tribe and the others are his guests. I watch to see Mike .
Mic was studying engineering??
I always had him down as a media studies guy
Carwow does have sponsors.
620 ti went like lightning :)
Enjoying this thanks both,
It's good to see Mike turned down a bit from eleven that's more like it.
Dude watch your volume. Sometimes you bellow.
That Aston Martin vid is an amazing edit, but like so much of what Clarkson has said in recent years, it totally missed the mark.
Misleading thumbnail. Click bait
Can’t wait to see you in 7 months being a negative Nancy again.
Yeah he does that a lot.
Fuck it. I’ll stop watching right now. And downvote.
Honestly you are a interesting presenter
61-80K for an R8 V8 in the US
The idea of taking the cars you grew up with and 1-upping them, for the reasons you stated, is something not uncommon. I share that idea, too, to be honest.
Was Clarkson ever on DriveTribe in the first place?
Not really. Years ago, he made a few opinion videos from time to time. One or two of them even went "viral". But otherwise he never really seems to have been all that interested in DriveTribe. I think the last video I saw Clarkson in was actually the infamous video where Mike made him angry for driving his Alfa without asking...
There's plenty of Rover MG kinks out there...
but what about lucy brown?
predicting no dramatic revelations in this video at all despite the clickbait just like the ben collins interview, where he repeatedly stressed he wasn't criticising the top gear team yet it was promoted like it was dirt dishing.
Just something about this Mike guy pisses me off, hate how he uses may and Richard for clickbait, its like yeah ok you work for/with them you don't have to act like a kid in a sweet shop everytime they feature.
Farringdon’s Joe rogan 😂 love it mate
Wow ... watch the sound levels ... shouting into the mic halfway through just split my eardrums .... calm down as they say
Anybody else sick to death of CZcamsrs metaphorically sucking off topgear presenters.yip they were successful and fairplay.How much time did they spend talking about Chris goffey or Steve…….erm the motorbike guy?.yip none,no references or accolades given.I find myself scrolling past more of them now as the dynamics are changing more quicker than the seasons.unfortunately trailblazing has been done and unless your a geek fan then current CZcams content is a tough watch
Mr Beats’s Feastables ads are pretty clever as the protagonist completes challenges
The car world needs intelligent people like
Mike involved. The top gear/grand tour buffoons can be entertaining but I like to watch people who understand and appreciate the engineering and technicalities.