Jesse James
Graham travels to Austin, Texas to profile reality TV star and master craftsman Jesse James. The West Coast Choppers founder discusses his transformation from motorcycle legend to world-class gunsmith and also reflects on childhood trauma, his five failed marriages, and finding stability with wife Alaina. James shares his “Do It Now” philosophy from his new book while showcasing custom firearms built for celebrities and his mission to teach traditional craftsmanship through his series “American Craftsmen.”
Jesse James
CLIPS
Jesse James: The Craftsman, biker, and 3x NYT Bestseller challenges public perception
West Coast Choppers CEO Jesse James believes the most fulfilled people are those who work with their hands. In this clip, Jesse opens up about how writing became an outlet for anger in his teenage years—and how craftsmanship, discipline, and storytelling helped him build a life few ever expected. From welding in a garage to becoming a bestselling author, Jesse discusses the inspiration behind his latest book, The Art of the Craftsman, why blue-collar work is deeply undervalued, and the mindset he believes defines real success.
Dad sold my childhood on eBay: Jesse James on abuse, abandonment, forgiveness
“Regret has no place in a focused mind.” American entrepreneur and CEO of West Coast Choppers Jesse James explains why blaming your past — even a painful one — only holds you back from becoming who you’re capable of being. From childhood abuse to rebuilding his relationship with responsibility, Jesse shares how discipline replaced bitterness and why he believes excuses keep people stuck.
Monster Garage, distant dad: How Jesse James’ son Bishop changed everything
Jesse James reflects on the parenting mistakes he didn’t realize he was making — from prioritizing work to balancing discipline with connection.
The envy of success: Jesse James on the friend who stole 6 figures
From sleeping in his car to counting $100,000 in cash from a trash bag.
Jesse James shares unbelievable money stories — and the lessons behind them — including reinvesting in his business, massive retail success, and the betrayal that changed how he handled money forever.
Jesse James on wife Alaina: I ignore her porn star past
Success came easily for Jesse James. Relationships didn’t.
The West Coast Choppers CEO explains how the same dedication that built his career slowly destroyed his marriages, and what he learned about balance, accountability, and commitment.
Jesse James on custom guns for Elon Musk, Kid Rock & Trump
When Jesse James moved from California to Texas, it reignited his passion for firearms after years of restrictive laws. He explains why custom gun building became more meaningful to him than motorcycles — from emotional builds for everyday clients to celebrity commissions, including a firearm made for a U.S. president now held in the National Archives. He also calls out Kid Rock – who he said never even thanked him for the custom gun.
Jesse James: Why I’m happier now than when I was richer
For years, Jesse James believed success meant money and growth.
But after building massive businesses and stepping away from the work he loved, Jesse realized real fulfillment came from craftsmanship, purpose, and enjoying what he does every day.
Death row and redemption: Jesse James films at prison to prove the value of work
Jesse James explains why he walked away from major TV networks and decided to build his own platform.
After buying back his content and rejecting the formula-driven approach of traditional television, Jesse shares how owning his work gave him creative freedom — and the ability to tell deeper, more meaningful stories.
Elon Musk’s Custom Gun: Jesse James and the Brutal Process Behind It
Jesse James takes us inside the brutal process of forging a gun completely from scratch.
From heating steel to over 2,000 degrees to welding thousands of layers into Damascus, Jesse shows how years of skill, physical effort, and obsession turn raw metal into rare masterpieces. That obsession and skill has resulted in crafting guns for many notable people – and most recently Elon Musk.
Jesse James custom gun & bike shop TOUR
Jesse James takes us inside the workshop where everything is built by hand.
From custom guns and knives to one-of-one motorcycles and cars, Jesse explains why his standard has always been higher than “good enough” — even when craftsmanship barely breaks even.
Jesse James’ wife Alaina flexes her pro shooting skills with SCAR, AK-47
Alaina James explains how discovering shooting gave her confidence, focus, and a sense of personal strength she didn’t expect.
“F**k, I’m gonna get married again”: Jesse James on meeting wife on Instagram
Jesse James and his wife Alaina share how a chance Instagram message turned into a relationship that changed both of their lives. From bonding over shared trauma to learning how to fight for love instead of running from it, Jesse opens up about why this relationship finally worked after years of failed marriages.
The craftsman: Jesse James on marriage, money, and booming blue-collar work
Graham travels to Austin, Texas to profile reality TV star and master craftsman Jesse James. The West Coast Choppers founder discusses his transformation from motorcycle legend to world-class gunsmith and also reflects on childhood trauma, his five failed marriages, and finding stability with wife Alina. James shares his “Do It Now” philosophy from his new book while showcasing custom firearms built for celebrities and his mission to teach traditional craftsmanship through his series “American Craftsmen.”