Determined Society with Shawn French | Adversity & Mindset - Fuel Fest 2025: Tyrese & Cody Open Up About Paul Walker, Car Culture, and Raising $700k for Charity

Episode Date: March 24, 2025

In this emotional and inspiring episode of 'The Determined Society', Tyrese Gibson, Cody Walker, and Shawn French discuss the legacy of Paul Walker, the success of Fuel Fest, and how they’ve raised over $700,000 for Reach Out Worldwide. Shawn shares personal stories, including his last moments with Paul in Atlanta, and the emotional significance of bringing Fuel Fest to the city. Get an inside look at what makes Fuel Fest more than just a car show—it’s a party with a purpose! From raising funds for disaster relief to celebrating car culture, this episode will leave you motivated and determined to follow your own path. Tune in to hear about the power of community, family, and giving back. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When it comes to what your family eats and drinks, you know your choices matter. You're the expert because you know what fits your life. And getting it right starts with good information. That's why America's beverage companies are sharing more information about our ingredients at good to know facts.org. No spin, no judgments, just the facts straight from the experts for more than 140 beverage ingredients. Visit good to know facts.org. I want you guys specifically to know this from me. We shot Furious 7 in Atlanta.

At the end of the movie, when Ben Diesel was in one car and Paul was in the other car, driving down the road, Paul went one way and Ben went the other way. That's actually what happened for me in Atlanta. We were on our way for Thanksgiving break. We were literally driving on one of those kind of side roads right off the freeway, and I would lean up. Crack a couple jokes, when we kept driving. You know, when I seen the way the movie ended,

it was like, wow, that was kind of crazy because that's actually what happened. This is literally where I got my personal last hug from my brother and woke up to the news of this unexpected tragedy. Sharp French, what up? This one's luck and let the pain inspire me. I put my all and everything I'm doing. Up until it's done, I meet for the entirety.

I'm putting an overtime. I'll be working. Just know I'm a guy. go for mine because I earned it. They watch and I know it's time. I confirmed it. A whole society, Determine. What's up, everybody?

Welcome back to the Determines Society. I am your host, Sean French. Have an amazing treat for you today, as always. But first, hit the follow button on YouTube, Spotify and Apple and get ready for this fast and furious episode. We're going to be highlighting Fuel Fest with amazing guests, Tyree Skipson and Cody Walker. What's up, boys?

Yo, what up, Sean? Hey, man, it's good to see you guys. Man, good to say you, bro. Good to be here, man. I don't, it looks like, it looks like you haven't missed a day in a gym over there, man. Bro, I'm getting back into it, man. Like, I'm, you know, I'm trying. You know, I see a, I see some vascularity coming out.

Yeah, yeah, I was about to say, man, the veins is, the veins is popping, man. You got something going on over there. Bro, coming from you, like, I'm going to hold on to that, and I'm going to take that. I see your, I see yours because I don't see minds. Well, you have a shirt on. You have one of them old school Adidas track suits on it. So I'm sure it's there, bro. I'm covering up everything.

I'm coming to market with mine. So, you know, guys, listen, super excited to meet you guys. You know, obviously super excited to talk about Fuel Fest and what it means, you know, at a deeper rooted level and what it's providing the car culture and just even giving back to lives as well. And carrying on, Cody, your brother Paul's legacy is something that he would be proud of, that people can go and really dive into the culture and go fast safely and really have somewhere to go to celebrate the 20 years of fast, really. I mean, think about that. I mean, it's been two decades, you know, and there's people that have grown up on that, on that,

on that fast and furious, you know, legacy. So this, this is more than just a car show. this is a lot. Hey, man, either you read our bio or you've listened to like five of our interviews. Like, we don't really have. I'm really good, Tyrese. You know, like I do my research, man. You've covered all of the like the bullet notes. I don't really know what's left.

I mean, we could talk about, we can talk about the weather in Atlanta at this point. Yeah, the weather in Atlanta's bipolar. We don't want to do that, man. We never know what's going to be about it. But you guys just wrapped up West Palm Beach. So we did our first year proudly in Tampa. And I mean, we probably did about 10 to 12,000, which is like insane. Like there's no one in music that could go into a market for the first time.

We'd say, hi, this is an event called Fuel Fest. Would you guys, you're willing to show up? I mean, 10 to 12,000 people showed up in Tampa. That was our first year. and that was one weekend and then the following weekend we went back to West Palm Beach and bid probably 23,000 the crowd just keeps getting bigger and bigger and crazier. So this year is going to be our second annual QFS in Atlanta where probably I've been living here for the last eight years.

and, you know, when we talk about Paul Walker, our brother that we love, we try to talk about him and then, you know, because me and Cody, it's real for us. So if we talk about Paul too much, we'll get sad. But I want you guys specifically to know this from me. We shot Furious 7 in Atlanta. and at the end of the movie, Furious 7, when Ben Diesel was in one car and Paul was in the other car and they were driving down the road

said their final goodbye and then Paul went one way and Ben went the other way, that's actually what happened for me in Atlanta. So Paul's best friend is a guy named Roland that me and Cody know really well. He was driving. Paul was in the front seat with his feet up on the dash. We were literally driving on one of those kind of side roads right off the freeway.

And we must have been on this road. And we drove through about 12 lights before we got on the freeway after we left the set. And other than my hugs and all my love, because we were on our way for Thanksgiving break, that was the last time I seen fall. We were, it was like 6 a.m. in the morning. We did a full night shoot. We were on this road right off the freeway. And we kept stopping at every third light.

And I would really lean up, crack a couple jokes. When we kept driving, another light, lean up, crack a couple jokes. And so, you know, when I seen the way the movie ended, it was like, wow, that was kind of crazy because that's actually what happened. And then, so, and this happened in Atlanta. So the fact that we are finally doing Fuel Fest in the city of Atlanta, it has a very, very big, big significance for me, Cody, and everybody involved, because this is literally where I got my personal last hug from my brother,

And this is where we were shooting Furious 7 before we all went home for Thanksgiving break and kind of woke up to the news of this unexpected tragedy. So when everyone showed up last year for the first annual fuel fest in Atlanta, I was very happy. It's a big venue, but I was very happy with the turnout. We all believe that this year is going to be even crazier. but I just want the people that are coming out here to Atlanta traveling from Tennessee, Savannah, and all of the different parts of Georgia, putting their cars on flatbeds.

Like, the numbers are already getting crazy as far as people, you know, booking their tickets on FuelFest.com. But I want everyone to know that as Paul's brother, one of many brothers, but as Paul's brother, Roman, I got my last hug in Atlanta. And I've seen Paul for the last time in Atlanta.

And having Fuel Fest care for me personally and us person is a very, very big deal. So we cannot wait to see you guys out here. And, you know, again, you don't like to talk about Paul too much because it gets a little, you know, it gets a little emotional. But listen, the other thing that's been really, really incredible is that we've already raised $600,000 for Paul Walker's charity called Reach Out Worldwide. And for those of y'all who don't know, Paul founded this charitable organization. It was after the earthquake in Haiti, right? That's right. Whenever there's an earthquake, a hurricane, any natural disaster that a lot of people domestically and internationally are heavily affected.

Paul was paying out of his pocket, flying in, physically helping with any and everything he can to help people in the middle of these crisis. We have raised $600,000 since we've been doing these Fuel Fest events. So partying with a purpose. embracing the car culture, the gearheads, and just realizing that after 20 years of doing the fast and inferior, the fans have literally had nowhere to go. And now we've given them a place to go.

It's called Fuel Fets. So anyway, I've done all the talking, Cody. If I could really quickly, Cody, please, real quick. I just want to edify you for that, Tyrese. thank you for sharing that. It's, you know, obviously, you know, not knowing Paul personally, but, you know, it was as real as it could be for someone like me who was just a big fan and just do what kind of person he was. So to hear you share something personal like that, I don't want to continue the interview without saying thank you for that. Hey, man, my, my pleasure. Like I said,

it's a very sensitive thing for us. And it doesn't matter how much kind go by. I know a lot of people that shouldn't be here. They just wake up every day with bad intention. But the nicest, most genuine, beautiful soul period. And, you know, I don't ever question God, but that was probably one of the first times I ever question, like, why him, why this, why that. But we're here now.

So again, coming to Atlanta for this fuel fest event, I just, I felt like I really had a responsibility to, to all of the fans and people and supporters and people that have never attended a Fuel Fest event in their life to, to have that story and that context in their head as they attend this event. And I think the turnout is going to be pretty special. And just know that when you get there, you're going to be making a big difference. We're going to keep reach out worldwide. For sure, man.

For sure. Yeah. And so, Cody. from your perspective, you know, being blood brother, right, and being able to continue his legacy and doing fuel fast and taking proceeds and putting it into Reach Out Worldwide, what does that meant to you in doing all of this? Well, for me and for so many of us, we see Reach Out Worldwide as a part of Paul that's still here. It's a piece of him. It's part of his legacy as, has been said.

You know, I'm the youngest in the family. There's two siblings in between Paul and myself. I'm 15 years younger than Paul. Same parents, I was the accident or the blessing. Look at that. My parents went through a divorce when I was in middle school. So that was really difficult. Paul was a lot more than just a big brother to me.

he was another father figure. I love my dad. My dad's wonderful. But because of that age gap, Paul was almost another father figure for me. He took me with him. I traveled with Paul all over the place. He pulled me out of school all the time.

My parents would get super mad and his response always. He's learning everything he needs to learn with me. He wasn't wrong. He wasn't wrong. I was like his first did in that way, really. So, you know, I, the whole catalyst for creating Fuel Fest from the very beginning was, you know, I was, I was already in, I had gotten involved with reach out worldwide, trying to fundraise, get the word out, as was Tyrese, as was Vin, you know, as was Michelle, actually. We did various different events. I wanted to create something. that would kind of just grow its own legs and be a good, something that Paul would, Paul would love to have been part of, something that, you know, I love cars.

And it's no secret that my dad first and Paul's secondary is like why I love cars, growing up around cars. I wanted to create something that Paul would love and that I certainly love doing that could also give back. So I created Fuel Fest. And that's kind of how it all came together. So a portion of the proceeds of every show go back to reach out worldwide. And through Fuel Fest alone, we've raised north of $600,000 actually to date.

It's actually probably closer to 700,000 as of this moment. And it's just crazy. It's so cool. And Fuel Fest has also created a platform. for us to educate people on Reach Out Worldwide, you know. Most people know Paul for Paul for Fast and the Furious, and that's great. But far fewer know about his charitable efforts with Reach Out Worldwide. And January of this year, we actually celebrated 15 years of Reach Out Worldwide,

which is insane because Paul only got to see it through its first three years. And here we are 15 years in. And it is just incredible. It's crazy. It's such a great feeling to see that this part of him lives on and continues to do good work. And it's just an honor to be able to do all of this stuff. And we're having fun doing it. And I think as Ty already said, you know, we are partying with a purpose.

at our shows. It's more than just to carve in. There is an underlying meaning behind all of this and why we do this. And just excited to be. I think the beautiful thing is that when you come to these fuel effects events,

it is so much energy. It is like a sea of people. 12 and under get in Cree. That's been our company policy from the beginning. And the sea, the level of diversity. We live in a world right now

where the political temperature is about black, of white, and rich, and core, and this and that. But the one thing that has been consistent from the beginning is that the car culture brings everyone together. Because whether

you're male, female, gay, black, straight, rich, or whatever, wherever you land politically, we all love cars, we all drive cars, we all drive cars, We all love customizing cars. We all have that moment on the freeway where it's like 1 a.m. in the morning

and someone wants to put you to the test and see what you got going on. And, you know, I'm trying to bait you into racing at 1 a.m. But the freeway is wide open. Yeah. So, you know, it's, it's, but the, there's this, there's this thing about reach out worldwide

that me and Cody and all of us involved, we carry the heaviness of it, knowing that we're keeping Paul's legacy alive. But it's almost like people are just having so much fun. They don't even realize how much of an impact that they're making who's showing up to support Heel Fest. And then when we get on stage and we make these announcements, they're like, well, we didn't even know.

We're like, yeah, as soon as a. a hurricane or earthquake or a big huge disaster happening while y'all are out here eating and you know hearing all these cars and engines and all of this family oriented stuff is going on when the darkest most tragic things happen with these natural disasters we're literally showing up making difference and so um you know reach out worldwide um I think Cody, you're able to say right now, you guys are literally in three different states helping with tragedies.

You're in California, right. So you're in California for the fires. I would assume you're probably still in Florida in some parts and then the Carolinas, yes? Carolina's, Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, California. Yeah, all different disasters. Damn. From still the effects of Helene to the flooding, you know, in Kentucky.

And the fire, as you said, Sean, the fires in Southern California. You know, it's, you know, it's just incredible volunteer efforts, you know, that we're able to do this. There's a lot of people behind the scenes that give up their time to volunteer and get their hands dirty and get on the ground. There's no shortage of natural disasters, that's for sure. And it seems like they're intensifying in certain parks of the world. And it's crazy. I mean, we might be headed up to Oregon here soon. They've had some crazy flooding on some of the coastline there.

Lots of homes wiped out just recently within the last day or two. So, yeah, there's always something going on. that's that's for sure what i think is real special too is and i want the audience really hear this so if you live in atlanta or anywhere close to atlanta get your butts to fuel fest on april 19th if you have children 12 and under get in free go party with a purpose and give back to to reach out worldwide because that's that's the thing right we all the thing that i love about how the two play together is you know one we're honoring someone and we're giving a space for the car culture and like out there that that love to go fast, somewhere to do it safely in parties, right?

And then also we're giving back to to those that are that are being challenged right now through, you know, the natural disasters. And I can tell you what, I live right here in Hurricane Alley. You know, it, it should get's pretty scary, guys, you know, and just to know that, you know, there is an organization tied to your brother's name out there helping. I'm not surprised, but it makes me feel very, very good about this. They've done a lot of work in Florida, a lot of work in Florida. You guys are always getting blasted.

It seems like by these hurricanes. Ian, Ian was a bad one. Yeah, that came right through us, man. Like that, I didn't stick around for that one. Yeah. Well, you know, listen, man, the crazy thing is I was born and raised, Well, we were born and raised in L.A. And there is no such thing as earthquake season in L.A.

So it's not like, you know, every October, get ready. You get ready. Well, dude, I grew up in the Bay Area. I grew up in San Francisco Bay. Oh, so I'm very familiar. I came out this way after I played college baseball at LSU, but I grew up in the San Francisco Bay. Bay. So I was there for the early 89 earthquake. I was in elementary. I'm 46. I was in elementary.

Same. I remember the playground. I was scared as hell in 89. And then to see all the footage on the internet of the bridge that was swinging. It was crazy. The Bay Bridge far collapsing. So, so I was born in 80s. So you're 89. It was like my 94, 95. Oh, my Lord. New Jersey. Oh, wow. Okay. Very well. That everything in our house that was up was down.

Yeah. That was scary. So Tyrese, we're the same age, man. I'm 46 as well. And I was on a soccer field. Wow. And I just remembered doing this. I'm like, what's that?

And that was my first time ever experiencing an earthquake. I was literally, I went to a school called Grape Street Elementary in South Central L.A. Watts. and I was on the playground and I was scared. I just remember everybody was running. Didn't know where the hell we was running too, but we were running and everything was just shaking. It was just crazy.

But anyway, listen, guys, we can't be on for much longer. We got a couple more interviews to do, but go to Fuelfest.com. And if you are one of those real gearheads or even not, We find that, and this is really sexy for our event. There's a lot of people that really do this car culture thing. And then there's a lot of people that never, ever go to events that has anything to do with cars. So there's always that perfect balance of, I've never done this before, but look at my collection.

Then there's all the guys that really know everything about every engine part, the engine, the tailpipes, the LEDs and all that other language that Cody speaks. and Paul speaks, but I just do the movies, but I don't know anything about the real stuff. But me neither, man. UFs.com, 12 and under gets in free. And this is our open invitation. We want, we specifically, we got love for every state and every country that we do these shows in,

but we really, really specifically want Atlanta to be successful for all of the reasons that I share. and I've personally never shared this story with anybody. So about last time I was able to see and hug my brother. So I mean our brother, but guys, Atlanta, what's the name of the race trap? What's the name of the venue? Atlanta Motor Speedway. Atlanta Motor Speedway.

UFest.com. The tickets are $30. and they will get more expensive, but closer we get to the date. Atlanta Motor Speedway, feel free to empty your garage and bring out 10 or 12 of the cars that you have. Motorcycles, whatever you doing,

let's get sexy, let's have some fun. And hopefully we'll end up having another Atlanta event for Fuel Fest, because last year the weather was absolutely beautiful. So it was. And, you know, I just want to get this in. It's more than just a car show, Sean. It is a, we refer to it as an automotive festival. So there's something for everyone.

It's a family-friendly event. It's, again, it's not just a car show. We've got drifting motorsports. We've got ride-alongs. You can go for a ride-along in a drift car with a driver. We've got an electric drift course for a little electric carts for the kids and adults. I do it every single time.

This is so damn fun. We've got an RC car drift course as well. We've got live music, food, special appearances. We have a VIP section. We've got a lot of stuff going on. It's a living, breathing event. It's not a static car show. It's all makes, all models.

The universal language, you know, cars are a universal language. It doesn't matter where you come from or what you believe in. You know, we're celebrating the culture. We get everybody together. That's what makes Fuel Fest unique and special. We are not a model or make specific show. And we're not just a car show. You can live it.

You can breathe it. You can smell it. You can, you know, feel it. But it's, it is, it's a one-stop shop and we're partying with the purpose. April 19th, Adelaar Motor Speedway. Grab your tickets, FuelFest.com. Sean, I hope, I hope you can make it there or Florida next year. I will be at Florida there for sure.

I have an event I'm speaking at that week in Pennsylvania. So, okay. Well, we have a, we have a full line up. We have a lot more shows this year. It's unacceptable. So people can check that out also. FuelFest.com. Unacceptable.

You and your muscles need to be at FuelFest in Atlanta. This is going to probably be one of the biggest interviews we do leading up to the event. Our event, this is what I do because I do concerts at night. It's my day job. I normally do a Fuel Fest event in the day and I'm able to get on a flight and pretty much get to anything that I need to before the day is over. I see what he's doing to me. I see what he's doing.

Okay. Okay. You need to be here in Atlanta. You need to come out here and be a part of this and stop playing. It's good. VIP? Yeah. Done.

Sweet lady? Some sweet lady? Beautiful pain? I can't make sweet lady commitments to a man with monsters. I can't do it. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it, Tyrese.

I'm going to work it out. I'll keep Val posted so she can get with you. But I would love to meet you guys and we'll go from there. I'm going to work it out. I think that'll be the ultimate button to this exclusive interview. Well, we just literally shared some stuff that we like, we do this every day and we don't share. We feel safe on this platform. And it's really cool to hug it out, take a couple of pictures and let the fans know that you actually accepted our invite and came out and supported this event.

And we don't know what's about to happen last year. It was pretty crazy for it to be our first one. But this year we're expecting things to be much bigger. And again, Cody went down the full list of all of the things. This is not, no disrespect, the NASCAR Formula One, but you are not going to be sitting there just looking at a bunch of cars driving around in a trap. Like, it's a lot to do, a lot of fun. And in most cases, when the event is,

over people are pretty damn sad. It's like, dude, it's dark out here. You're supposed to be going home now. People just don't want this event to end because it can't really compare it to anything you experience. So here's our open invitation and invite everybody watching. Say last, bro. Say last. I'll figure it out.com. We love you. We appreciate you. And if you've been a fan and supporter of the Fast and Furious franchise and you haven't had anywhere to go to show how much you love this franchise. It's called Fuel Fest. We'll see y'all there.

That's it. And yours truly will be there. I accept your invite. I love you both. Check your DMs because we'll set up a meet and greet and all that good stuff. So gentlemen,

look at Tyrese vibing. I love it, man. I love it. Listen, thank you guys for coming on. I appreciate you. Thank you. Get there. Get there.

I know a lot of people in Atlanta. You're going to have to come with me. share this episode with someone you know love and trust that would really enjoy Fuel Fest guys that's what I'm asking the audience to do get this out to everybody you know thank you guys so much until next time stay determined shout french what up everything i'm doing up until it's done i meet for the entirety i put it in over time i'll be working just know i'm a go for mine because i earned it they watch and i know it's time i confirmed a whole society determined the term of sure