In light of the incredible response to this episode we enlisted the expertise of a talented freelance content creator and copywriter who is also Autistic. Emily, SEN educator and writer has delved into this episode, offering a comprehensive exploration of key points and providing valuable resources for those wanting to learn more about the discussed topics. You can read the blog post here theridecompanion.co.uk/blogs/trc-news/the-rob-warner-podcast-deep-dive
As a parent of a child with Autism and ADHD. I'm so proud of Rob for speaking out about it. We always tell my son it's just a new norm. He is always Scott who has autism and not Autistic Scott. He rules it not it ruling him.Thanks Rob for bringing it out. Big respect.
It is your son's norm but greatness comes from being above the norm. The norm is being average and average does not raise the bar. Hopefully your son can learn to embrace what makes him who he is and allows it to take him to great heights.
@@dhrracer he is smashing it, so proud of him. He's now at college and wants to be a nurse. Yes he struggles but never complains. He just gets on with it.
This was genuinely very tough to listen to. Clearly Rob has been through a lot in the past few years and to then have all the shit with the world cups on top, it must have been a real emotional toll on him, almost akin to a bereavement. Fair play to him on being so completely open with you about it. It might sound silly but he's from the same generation as me and we don't always tend to open up about these things as much as the younger generation do. He wears his heart on sleeve and everyone wants to see him do well and succeed.
Easily the best podcast I have ever listened to. He was a legend anyway but opening up like this which will help so many others puts him on another legend level!
I'm a 50yr old and followed Rob for years and take my hat off to this interview. Rob is such a legend and one of the reasons I'm still into Mtb. I now teach young people with autism and adhd bike mechanics and mtb through a charity I set up over 10 years ago. Rob you are such an inspiration and I will be showing the kids I work with some of this podcast. Keep smiling 😃
Not gonna lie. Yes I cried. Having followed Rob for years. Spoken to him so many times. Saying he is a totally genuine guy. Is an understatement. One of the biggest names in not just UK Mountain biking, but the world. This episode was an absolute roller coaster of emotions. 😢
It’s the best interview on podcast ever. Rob you legend. You have no idea how much you’ve helped thousands of people. It’s NOT a disorder. It’s a way of life. We will always be best people ❤❤❤
Big respect for Rob to open up and share this personal side of his life. So important for us to see (men especially) break down their walls and let us all in - Was and still will be the best MTB commentator!!
Rob is 100% the reason I started riding, I did Welsh language coursework in school on him, his ATX-One was the first high level bike I ever bought, I have never ridden anything but Giant. I'm 38 now and nowhere near as fit as I was when I was 14-18, but I still get on my bike. I have said before that Nikolai Rogatkin is the spirit animal of slopestyle. Rob Warner is the fucking God of all things MTB, I love every second of being on a bike, it is all because of him. I put watching this off, because I knew it would be this emotional, I know he will never see this, I'll probably never get to meet him to tell him, but if anyone gets the chance, tell him he made my life.
Thank you gents, this has probably been a great therapy session for a lot of people in the world. Raw, no BS, some interesting factual content with a nice balance of light hearted banter.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to make this. Rob, you have a specific talent and character that many of us have enjoyed since your early DH days. Someone who is good at what they do and is popular, sometimes gets labelled as having a disorder or condition or not normal. Once we understand that none of us are normal unless we are in our right place like Rob has found, we will continue to fall foul of unhappiness on some level. Your normal fits somewhere, find your place.
That’s some podcast I’m at the same age group as Rob and can totally understand where he was coming from at a school age of not being diagnosed as it wasn’t recognised, thanks for sharing as I think it will open a lot of people’s eyes
Can I just take it one step further🙏🏼 This is so much bigger thant autism, adhd and so on! This is a new way of being authentic, a new way of being a man. The amount of vulnerability and realness is just so fuck delighting to witness! Thank you so much for this heartfelt transformational and healing episode! May we all go ahead and follow Sir Rob Warners epic example. This is the way to be in the world! Talk about real shit and feel the load go instantly ❤🎉 Best episode ever! Looking so much forward to the film, and hearing your voice in commentry Rob! Just fucking run it💪🏼❤
Rob I hope you one day read these comments and truly understand that commentating was not all you have ever been good at. I was a lad when you were ruling the roost. You inspired me and all my mates to push to progress and learn about a sport and lifestyle we loved. Thank you brother. I was lucky enough to ride with you at Farnham bmx track one day with Stefan gleed and cheesy Pete. You also visited hawley with Steve geal and a couple of others. Those days made my life mate. I’ve had struggles in my life with mental health but I will always look back on those days and smile. Thank you for being you and being such a great inspiration to so many of us. You taught me to be unashamed and unapologetic for my flaws. Hope life keeps getting better and better for you dude. Peace!
Before listening to this, I was sad for what I lost not having Rob as a commentator on the races. Now I am sad for what Rob lost and can acknowledge that what I miss doesn't compare to what he does. Best to 'ya Rob.
Oh my goodness, what a show!! Anyone who knows me knows that Rob is my absolute and number 1 hero... EVER! I'm a 55 (today) year old overweight knackered man, vicariously trying to live out my MTB dreams through my amazing son Jacob and this has blown me away, I'm in bits here 😢 Thank you Rob for letting me know it's ok to be me, I actually can "empathise". I have complex conditions too. I'm now even more honoured with the fact he took the time to be so nice to me at the Bike Show at Ally Pally last year and allow me to suggest/force my son to get a selfie with him (and Olly 😉) while I f'd up everything I fantasized for decades about sayi😮ng to him, I was so embarrassed. Thank god I didn't try and hug him, and I reeeally wanted to, maybe more now. Rob you're even more of a legend in my eyes now, if that's at all possible. This will have helped a lot of people and I hope it's helped you too, what you've done here was very brave. Don't ever try and change. What a coups for TheRideCompanion.
Totally relate our son has PDA too. He used to ride and was so good for him, but COVID has seemed to destroy his passion for bikes. So good of Rob being open about his journey and to your guys providing him the platform to speak out - huge respect and love.
@@TheRideCompanion I only know him from the odd interview and his commentary but I'd say his commentary is pretty emotional - it's one of the characteristics that makes him so compelling to listen to, actually!
Just watched this and thought this was one of the best Mental Health discussions i’ve watched. I’m a Mountain Biker, Firefighter, get anxiety, have family members with Autism, lost friends to suicide so this was a very relatable video. Thank you for the honesty, the laughs, inspiration to keep pedalling and knowing its alright to keep being ourselves 🤠👍
I am struggling to express how I feel about this podcast. How exceptionally brave of Rob. I hope it inspires others in mountain biking to share their experiences, as there are so many in the industry who are neurodiverse.
Now a lot makes sense after hearing Rob lay out how it is and feels to be Rob Warner! These seemingly stark contrasts between the wild Rob we heard stories about and the meticulous, passionate and yet professional Rob in the Red Bull booth suddenly add up - yea, its not a disorder, it's an ability! 👊 It seems all it took for him to channel it was the structure Red Bull provided and the result was and is something great! Dont you cock that up, Red Bull! Keep this man busy and everybody wins! 🎉
Without a doubt the most moving podcast I've ever watched. Sharing your experiences in such an open and honest way will have such a positive effect on others that are experiencing similar things in life. Thank you so much for sharing this in this way.
rob warner commentary on the danny hart run is not just the best mtb commentary, but one of the best commentaries of all time, period. I'm not even an MTB fan and i watched it a dozen times.
This one meant a lot, thank you for being so vulnerable Rob, some very relatable things to my current struggle and inspiring to see how you got through such a thing. Labels are just that, doesn’t change a damn aspect about the Warner we all love and respect. Cheers to all of you guys.
I'm shocked Rob has such a similar story to myself. Got diagnosed with autism at 28 (now 33) and its completely changed my world. Super similar at school too I was a right nightmare and no-one really clocked on to why. Got kicked out of primary and secondary school, lifes been a wild mess ever since so getting a diagnosis was a proper "AHA" moment where everything suddenly made sense and alot of questions were answered. Stoked for you Rob, was already a massive fan but even more so now.
Massive respect to Rob. The best mountain bike commentator I've heard, but more importantly a decent human. Thank you for being so open about your struggles.
Rob is an absolute legend. Massive for him to open up like he did. While the World Cups have a different commentator now, Rob is a major voice of ALL Mountain Biking. "STAY ON YOU BIKE" ROB!!!
My daughter has autism! I’m dyslexic and a paramedic! When someone tells you you can’t! Go tell them to F right off! Why, because you can! You are are better than those who tell you you you can’t and always will be! Well done for telling your story and well done for hitting it straight on! Rob, you are an amazing person and you are an inspiration to so many! F everyone and keep being you!
"Fighting for air harder than a Chilean Miner" might be one of the funniest, but darkest lines I've ever heard in commentary any where. This man is an international treasure. He is to Mountain Biking what Murray Walker was to Formula 1. My Son who doesn't even Mountain Bike asked "why does it sound like they're commentating on golf?" while I was watching the first round of this years world cup season.... Get this man back in the comm box.
Seriously now......I don't think it can be overstated how good this podcast episode was. Not only was this something all us fans have been waiting for, but the sheer honesty and emotion of this one from Rob was something I wasn't quite ready for. Huge, huge props to you Rob, as if you weren't already sky high in all of our estimations. All of your episodes are great, and the channel is just going from strength to strength (bravo boys), but this is a pure standout. I can see why it broke Rob and took him apart for so long - Rob became THE voice of DH racing, he became more than a commentator actually. When everyone confirms and relentlessly repeats that you're the best and are integral to the sport, and you absolutely love it, I can see how it might dismantle you when things change so dramatically. Then you have to wrestle with the genuine loss of something you love whilst also coming to terms with life-long difficulties and realisations of how and why so many aspects in your life have happened the way they have. Important episode guys, for so many reasons, mental health and 'disorders' (get rid of that term) especially, this'll be remembered for a long while.....
Wow! That was one of the most powerful podcasts I've ever seen. Well done for getting Rob to do it. The coverage now is shit, let's not mince words, I only watch the winners clips on RU-vid. I've been watching Rob since his Freecast days through Red Bull, It's the sport that I love, he's by far the best commentator for downhill. Keep strong Rob, I'm sure stuff will come up, those tossers at Discovery might even beg you to do it.
Rob Warner, you will always be one of the biggest legends in the history of MTB!! Your name will be remembered years into the future long after you're gone one day. THANK YOU for opening up and going full raw dog on this episode, and THANK YOU to Davi and Olly for bringing this absolutely epic interview to us! Stick around the community Rob, we got your back whatever you do. 💪❤🙌
Rob has been a genuine hero of mine for years from reading mbuk and even competing in some motorbike enduros against him over the years, and to see a bloke who appears so outgoing and confident confident break down like that broke my heart. I'm so glad he had the bollocks to show that side of him and prove that even mountain bike royalty can suffer with mental health demons. So glad he's coming out the other side. And fair play to the two of you for a brilliant interview 👍🍻
he is so strong for doing this, totally inspiring, so important to talk to people when ur in a rut, hats off to rob, davey and olly , you were sooo good
Probably watched XCO from when Redbull first started and I see Rod like Nino. You are the fucken GOAT Rob, like you do your job so well because of your emotion, your passion, how intimate you are with the riders. no one will ever commentate in XCO, DH like you ever. You are a LEGEND, there just hasnt ever been a measurable level for your job where you stand up on a podium and we all clap hands and scream and shout for your win. You are the SHOW.
One of the best podcasts I've ever watched. Rob, kuddos for talking about all that, very brave dude. The world cups are poorer for the loss of you and the others, you brought something very special to the commentary.
I relate to this so much, I've had a similar journey of discovery that Rob has been on. It is one of the reason I love MTB so much, when I'm on the trail I go into the hyper focus mode. I've found the best way I have been dealing with it is embracing it,
As everyone who has seen my channel knows I'm about as big a fan of Rob's brutal Freecaster one liners as you can get but Warner has definitely has a TON of empathy, that podcast was testament to that! Perfect example at 1:06:35
Rob is an older version of our 23 year old son. Autism, PDA, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Same behaviours, a wonderful son. It all makes you who you are, you’re a top bloke Rob!
Rob you beauty. Thanks for sharing. Can't we just do a crowdfunder to ensure Rob can just carry on being himself for ever without having to compromise his style? There is a reason we love listening to and watching him more than anyone else. Keep it tangential, keep it surreal, keep it hilarious and fantastically entertaining.
Huge props to Rob but equally to Dave and Olly too. Such a hard feat to pull off this interview so professionally. Considerate, honest and gave Rob the space he needed. He had the ability to open up thanks to you guys, a real testament to your relationship to him and your skill on the podcast.
WOW What an episode - we have loved working with Rob over the last year and are proud to have him as a part of the invisiFRAME family. We love supporting The Ride Companion too and helping them to share such amazing, real stories. Keep up the great work !
Rob is incredible and this interview was enlightening. The voice of MTB forever as far as most of us are concerned. As for downhill on the snow at the olympics we tried that in a straight line format at an early winter X-Games in Big Bear and it was a one and done. Fans enjoyed riders flying into the airbag fence at the finish which was far from safe for the riders. Best of luck with that.
Wowzers, that was an emotional rollercoaster. What a guy & to have such a positive outlook. You could see the weight lifting off of him as he spoke. Outstanding episode guys. The Companionship rules 🙌🏻
Just shown this to my 12yr old who has Autism, ADHD and PDA. Rob you have made him feel so good about himself that you, somebody who he thinks is amazing and watches all the time, is like him. And yes the wait for support, or lack of support on the NHS sucks👍
One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to….. sat here with tears rolling down my face …fair play to rob for opening up and making me see him in new light other than the absolute OG of downhill commentating 👏👏👏👏👏👏
what an episode, I'm a big fan of you guys and a very big fan of Rob; RESPECT for that guy what an interesting, brave and amazing guy. I'm a neuropediatrician and a mountain biker, I'm seeing kids and adolescents (patients) with ADHD and Autism very often; talking about it making it normal by explaining to them and their families and giving tools and support for them to know how to deal with that different way of being makes such a big difference for everyone (patients and families).... thanks Rob for being open about it.... this is what we need in the world..... cheers mate!!!!
What a roller-coaster. Can totally relate to the feelings around losing his gig with the world cup. Took me years to get over getting medically discharged from the army. To have something you have worked so hard towards to be taken away from you for reasons out of your control is absolutely gut wrenching. Still bitter about it to this day tbh (20yrs on) I hope Rob finds peace within. Top geezer
The best episode of TRC so far. Rob is an absolute legend - it takes guts to be so candid. Bravo to him for getting to the end of the tunnel and spreading his talents into new areas. The contribution that Rob made to the excitement of watching mtb racing coverage cannot be overestimated and it is such a shame for the sport that he no longer features. I truly wish that Rob finds his broadcasting home somewhere that can come as close as possible to the meaning he held with red bull mtb.
Love Rob, some of that was hard to watch seeing how emotional he got, but I know the feelings. Not quite the same but I was diagnosed with MS in 2020 and it gave me such relief to finally know what was wrong with me after 30 odd years of suffering with knee displacements, constant pain, etc. It made me appreciate my life again and even got me back on my bike (some days I can't).
Rob Warner "RUN IT", sounds like a great name for another video project or even a awareness program to help people with autism. Just my opinion but I thought I would share. Rob Warner is a legend and I for one will continue to watch anything he is involved with. LEGEND!
Man this was awesome to hear. If someone this successful as a commentator can operator with autism I’m sure I can live with my little problems. Thanks to you guys and to rob for being open with this. I’ve loved Rob’s commentary and his racing career as well. Always been a big fan and if anything this makes me respect him even more.
I completely agree with Rob, it’s not a disorder, these are people who learn and process information differently. This actually is a good thing because they can see things from a different perspective. The education system should support different learning types, it currently only caters for a single type of person. It took me 4 years to get a diagnosis for my daughter, the school didn’t pick it up and her self worth is zero. Her whole school education has been ruined. Rob is an inspiration with this brave interview, top bloke.
I love rob, and strong of him to tell all this. I have been diagnosed with ADD after struggles for over 10 years. I got diagnosed when i was 30 and it explains a lot. The one thing with autism is that the spectrum is so big so the diagnose autism is just a collective term because there are so many variants and everyone is unique. People have so many preconceptions about ADD, ADHD and Autism and usually generalize which is just plain wrong. Im happy that i got my diagnosis because it helped explain why some things were difficult, and it can help me in the future to deal with things. But i also know that these diagnoses in many cases is not a negative thing. Many people like Rob has managed to build a career and their diagnosis has helped them in their pursuit.
Rob, you're a legend. Just something I read: The research found that autistic people experience empathy in diverse ways, with many reporting overwhelming feelings of empathy. The findings challenge the misconceptions about autistic people and the persisting stereotype that autistic people lack empathy. In fact, newer research suggests that some autistic people may actually feel other people's emotions more intensely. But they may be lower in cognitive empathy. Thanks again Rob, looking forward to hearing you commentate wherever it is mate.
This is real strong. Rob has always been rad and alternative and true and now he’s experienced and wise and balanced and a bloody wonderful human. You’re gonna be alright mate. You got this. 👍🏼
My heart is filled with love after one of the most impressive podcast episodes I’ve ever heard. Rob, you are the bravest man and I’m so grateful that I could listen to you opening up. You’ve made this world a better place by addressing your struggles, insecurities and fears because it gives hope to so many people who feel like you. Thank you and bigup!
As Rob W. would say : unbelievable! Really good podcast, and thank you Rob W. for telling us, the mtb community. All love and all respect. Get Rob back in the commentary booth.
Rob, you are amazing. I've been hooked for years. Just here to add that everybody has a superpower, but not all are able to discover it. You've found yours. IQ?... not sure what that is from a personality point of view. You have a huge IQ, but glad you're not hooked to much to that as something that matters as a person. Focus. Now there's a thing. When there's focus everythng in the world is fine, right? And being pulled out of a 'session' is discombobulating; shocking even.God I love focus. And prevarication and talking loudly, loudly a lot, and being so enthusitic is a joy, but can overpower others I'm told: I dont notice that and have to be told. The wife wont let me in a china shop; most of our mugs have broken handles. So, thank you mate and all the best. This is going to be a great year as we follow your exploits. Can't effing wait for RBHA !!!!
As someone a few years younger than Rob, he always was a total icon. He's always been someone to look up to and, bloody hell, this is even more so. What a complete legend.
For me DH racing started with Rob's commentary and ended with him. Oh also it of course is behind a paywall and fuck that. But I'm glad I got to enjoy seven years of DH racing. It's an end of an era for me. I didn't expect Rob to be this emotional and passionate and this just makes it even more painful that he isn't commentating anymore. All in all, best wishes to Rob, fuck Discovery and GCN.
Rob, you are legend from every angle, I wish and hope you feel proud of yourself and all that you have done. You have and continue to be one of the greatest positive forces in media. Now that you have shared your challenges you are even more endering. My son has autism and I can somewhat appreiate lifes challenges. I love your a Mac and I'm a PC statement. Keep driving awareness and showing what great looks like. Belive it or not mate.. it looks like you! Can't wait for more. First time with theridecompanion, keep up the fckn real deal! you rock too
From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for opening up. I’m 36, got diagnosed with autism at 30 and ADHD last week after a two year wait. But I have never heard about PDA until now. This is exactly me and I feel I can now understand myself and help others to now while hopefully also trying to improve myself. This is why we should all openly talk about mental health. Because it helps others more than you know. Big love and thanks again x
Rob not doing the World Cup destroyed him... and it destroyed the fans, destroyed the racing, and destroyed the industry. Sure, it was all a coincidence, but it really all happened. Rob is undoubtedly one of the fulcrums of the sport, I imagine the sport will be recovering for the next few years due to his being dropped.
"Fulcrum of the sport" is a great way of putting it. We've not watched MTB racing since it left RW and Red Bull and I've no idea how it's doing (commercially) but I would have thought any sensible feasibility study by Discovery or similar would have said: "it doesn't really work without Rob, Rob won't / can't leave Red Bull, therefore it's a nogo".
Good man. Can tell that level of honesty must’ve been really difficult. Courageous Rob. Many a young kid has been diagnosed as troublesome or badly behaved when their brain just operated a little differently.
Top podcast ! Rob Warner- what a legend. Such and open, honest and emotional journey. All the feels in this one.. your journey will help so many people who likely feel alone. 🤟
Thank you so much for this episode and sharing so much of your personal life with us @Rob. You have no doubt supported hundreds, if not thousands of others by opening up and discussing your experiences with your mental health and personal struggles. We are happy to help and support people in our local communities via the humble bicycle that also might be experiencing similar, or different mental health difficulties. Thanks @the ride companion for supporting Rob and getting a message "out there" We are all just people, doing our thing, in a different way to others maybe BUT all just people.
