In a recent and delightful episode of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast, “The Dale Jr. Download,” fans got an unexpected glimpse into the personal life and unique fears of the former NASCAR driver and his wife, Amy Earnhardt. The episode took an intriguing turn when Dale Jr. decided to discuss what he believed to be Amy’s weirdest fear. To his surprise—and perhaps to the amusement of many listeners—it was revealed that Amy’s biggest fear was not what he thought it would be.
Dale Jr., known for his calm demeanor, had always assumed that Amy might be a bit uneasy about his driving skills. This assumption wasn’t without reason; after all, being driven by a professional race car driver could be intimidating for anyone. Dale Jr. even shared with The Athletic that he’s pretty laid-back when Amy is behind the wheel. Instead of critiquing her driving, he prefers to relax, catching up on emails, scrolling through social media, or even playing DJ with the car’s stereo system. It’s a role reversal that highlights the couple’s easygoing dynamic.
During the podcast, as the conversation meandered into the territory of their “weirdest fears,” Dale Jr. confidently guessed that Amy’s fear might be his driving. He humorously noted, “My driving,” suggesting it could be seen as her pet peeve. He elaborated, “She doesn’t like my driving. […] I make turns too fast.” Amy, however, had a surprising revelation for him and the audience. She clarified that while she occasionally feels a bit anxious when Dale Jr. is driving—understandable given his penchant for fast turns—her true fear was far more daunting and primal: “My biggest fear, I think, is drowning. Death by drowning.”
This honest admission from Amy offered a rare and humanizing glimpse into her personal anxieties, contrasting sharply with the often glamorous and fearless persona projected by those associated with the high-octane world of NASCAR. The fear of drowning, a deep-seated and visceral fear for many, added a layer of relatability and empathy to Amy’s public image.
The podcast didn’t just stop at Amy’s fears; it also delved into Dale Jr.’s unique phobias. In a candid moment, Amy revealed that Dale Jr. harbors an unusual fear known as kosmemophobia—a fear of jewelry. This little-known phobia, surprising to many, has actually played a significant role in Dale Jr.’s life, including his wedding preparations. On a previous 2018 episode of his podcast, Dale Jr. openly discussed this fear, which led to an innovative solution for his wedding ring. Given his discomfort with traditional metal rings, the couple collaborated with Qalo, a company that specializes in silicone rings, to create a practical and comfortable alternative. Dale Jr. shared, “My wedding ring is actually a wooden ring. I don’t want to wear that too much because it could get scratched or broken, so I wear Qalo rings… They’re very comfortable.” This practical approach not only accommodated his phobia but also showcased the couple’s willingness to think outside the box and prioritize comfort and functionality.
Adding a touch of humor and light-heartedness to the episode, the couple also exchanged jabs about each other’s “bad habits.” Dale Jr., perhaps anticipating some gentle ribbing about his love for video games, was instead surprised by Amy’s revelation of his quirky bathroom habit. Amy, with a mix of affection and bemusement, disclosed that Dale Jr. has a peculiar routine involving bath towels. She elaborated, “No, it’s blowing your nose in the bath towel. He dries himself off and then honks his nose as loud as a goose into the towel. Here’s the thing about said towel. He will hang it back up. So if you don’t know if it’s your towel, or his towel because they all look the same.”
This revelation brought a wave of reactions from fans on social media. Some found the habit endearingly quirky, while others were less impressed, with one fan on X (formerly known as Twitter) even labeling it “unacceptable.” Dale Jr. himself seemed to take the revelation in stride, attributing this habit to his father, the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. He reminisced about hearing similar sounds from his dad across their house, saying, “I do not know that Dad did it into a bath towel. I could just hear Dad on the other side of the house making noise and it honked. When I did that one day, I was like, Yeah, I am never not doing this.”
This charming and candid episode of “The Dale Jr. Download” offered fans a rare and intimate look into the everyday lives of Dale Jr. and Amy Earnhardt. It humanized the couple, making them more relatable and endearing to their audience. The episode showcased the fun and loving dynamic between them, marked by a mix of playful teasing and genuine moments of vulnerability. From surprising fears to quirky habits, the couple’s willingness to share these aspects of their lives allowed fans to connect with them on a deeper level, beyond the glitz and glamour of NASCAR fame.
In a world where public figures often maintain a polished and guarded image, Dale Jr. and Amy’s openness was refreshing. It reminded listeners that even celebrities have fears, quirks, and habits that make them just like everyone else. The episode not only entertained but also offered a heartwarming reminder of the importance of authenticity and honesty in relationships, making it a standout moment in the podcast’s history.
