Episodes

269
Sept. 3, 2025

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9: Luxury Meets Electric in a Full-Size Package

Luxury electric vehicles have reached a new milestone with the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a groundbreaking full-size three-row SUV that combines spaciousness, cutting-edge design, and impressive electric performance. Fresh off the assembly line in Ellabelle, Georgia, this American-made Korean masterpiece showcases what happens when minimalist aesthetics meet maximum functionality. The exterior strikes an immediate impression with its clean, horizontal elements and distinctive lighting signatures tha...
268
Sept. 2, 2025

Behind the Wheel with IHRA Division Director Doug Foley

Labor Day Replay: Drag racing fans rejoice! The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is roaring back onto the scene with a full revival that includes the return of Top Fuel racing after a 15-year absence. Division Director Doug Foley joins us to share the exciting developments happening within one of drag racing's most storied organizations. Founded in 1971 by Larry Carrier at Bristol International Speedway, IHRA has long represented an alternative approach to drag racing. After recent o...
267
Sept. 1, 2025

Courtney Enders: NHRA TV's Newest Star

LABOR DAY REPLAY: Courtney Enders brings her infectious enthusiasm and deep drag racing knowledge to this episode as she discusses her exciting new role with NHRA TV. As the sister of six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders, Courtney offers a unique insider perspective on the sport while carving her own path in racing media. Speaking from her temporary home in snowy Stratford, Ontario, Courtney shares the whirlwind journey that led to her joining the NHRA broadcast team alongside veterans l...
266
Aug. 29, 2025

Automotive Evolution: From Digital Keys to Haunted Evacuation Spots

Digital car keys are changing how we access and interact with our vehicles forever. While fobs and physical keys have been the standard for decades, smartphone-based digital keys are gaining incredible momentum—set to quadruple from 15 million to 59 million vehicles by 2031. This transformation extends far beyond just unlocking doors. The technology has evolved remarkably since Siemens introduced a credit card-sized precursor for Mercedes in the 1990s. Today's digital keys allow unprecedented f...
265
Aug. 28, 2025

From Museum to Market: The Larry Klairmont Collection Hits the Auction Block

Automotive passion takes center stage as we welcome Matt Avery, co-host of Mecum in the Morning and veteran automotive journalist with nearly two decades of industry experience. Matt shares his fascinating journey from luxury car technician to content creator, explaining how his mechanical background and storytelling skills perfectly positioned him for his current role at Mecum Auctions. The conversation shifts to an exciting upcoming event - Larry's Legacy auction featuring the extensive colle...
264
Aug. 27, 2025

Escaping Hurricane Season: What Your Car Color Says About You: GR Carolla Review

Tired of the same old hurricane evacuation routine? We've compiled a guide to turning your necessary departure into a memorable Texas adventure. Instead of crowding into chain hotels with your family and pets, consider charming destinations like Luckenbach and Fredericksburg with their creek-side cabins, dance halls, wineries, and boutiques. Or venture east to Jefferson, one of Texas's most haunted towns, complete with ghost-filled hotels, antique shopping, and riverboat tours through atmosph...
263
Aug. 26, 2025

From Model Cars to Custom Classics: The Art of Randy Borcheding

Randy Borcheding of PaintHouse offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-end custom car creation, where artistry meets engineering in spectacular fashion. His latest masterpiece – a 1970 Mercury Cougar convertible finished in a custom "Short Bus Pearl" yellow – recently claimed Best Custom at the Craig Bierman show and is headed to the prestigious Triple Crown event in Nashville. What makes Randy's approach unique is his blend of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology....
262
Aug. 25, 2025

Durango Diaries: Road Tripping with 710 Horsepower

Jack Nerad takes us on a thrilling ride through America's heartland in a monstrous 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. This wasn't just any road trip – it was the "Made in America Tour" meticulously planned by Jack's wife, combining their love of baseball with an exploration of America's cultural landmarks. From Chicago to Milwaukee, through Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and back, they visited major league ballparks, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pro Footb...
261
Aug. 22, 2025

Recalls, Robots, and Ridiculous Concepts: This Week in Cars

Have car manufacturers been building vehicles the same way for too long? Ford's CEO Jim Farley thinks so, announcing a staggering $6 billion investment in what they're calling the "Universal EV Production System." This revolutionary approach abandons the traditional assembly line in favor of an "assembly tree" using three sub-assemblies with large aluminum castings and a structural battery that get joined together later. The ambitious manufacturing overhaul promises 20% fewer parts, 40% fewe...
260
Aug. 21, 2025

Ghost Towns and Hot Rods

Ever lost a key fob and faced sticker shock at the replacement cost? Our opening segment breaks down what you might pay—from $50 for basic aftermarket options to a whopping $600 for luxury proximity fobs. It's a practical reminder to keep those small but essential accessories safe. The heart of our episode features Rob Burley sharing details about his remarkable Labor Day weekend event at Moody Gardens in Galveston. What began as a classic car auction has transformed into something much more me...
259
Aug. 20, 2025

Beyond the Beaten Path: Car Culture, Getaway Destinations and the Alpha Romeo Tonale

Ready to hit the road for Labor Day weekend? We've got you covered with unforgettable Texas destinations that promise adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. From the Victorian charm of Jefferson in the piney woods to the artistic desert oasis of Marfa, we're exploring getaways that take you off the beaten path. Looking for coastal vibes? Discover Palacios, the "Shrimp Capital of Texas" where fishing, kayaking, and seafood create the perfect holiday escape. For cooler temperatures, ...
258
Aug. 19, 2025

Concrete Trucks and Corvettes: The Surprisingly Accessible World of Amateur Racing

Ever wondered if you could experience the thrill of competitive motorsports without breaking the bank or risking damage to your beloved vehicle? This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the automotive world's best-kept secrets – the incredibly accessible world of amateur racing through the Sports Car Club of America. Blair Deffenbaugh, SCCA spokesperson and second-generation member, joins us to demystify the organization's various programs that welcome drivers of all skill levels. We learn...
257
Aug. 18, 2025

Restoring a Roadrunner: A Father's Legacy

A 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner sits dormant in the corner of Apex Auto Works, carrying with it the weight of memory and loss. For Richard Tomlin, this muscle car isn't just a project—it's a living connection to his father, who died in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. After years of seeing it gather dust, Richard has finally found the perfect reason to breathe new life into this family heirloom. The catalyst came from an unexpected source: a customer discussing his dream of racing Pikes Peak in a car...
256
Aug. 15, 2025

Garbage Cans and Corvettes: Our Hilarious Take on Classic Car Pricing

Fancy yourself a classic car pricing expert? Our latest episode puts that knowledge to the test as we dive into the fascinating world of Hemmings auction results, where perception and reality often collide in surprising ways. The conversation kicks off with a beautifully maintained 1956 Ford Victoria sporting fender skirts and what our hosts playfully debate might be "hoodlum" wheel covers. When the hammer fell at $18,375, it set the tone for a journey through automotive history and collector v...
255
Aug. 14, 2025

Lakeside Escapes in Texas

Tired of crowded beaches and saltwater? We're diving into six incredible lake destinations across Texas that offer everything from secluded cabin getaways to luxury resort experiences for your next family vacation. Our journey begins in the serene pine forests of East Texas at Deer Lake Cabins Ranch Resort, where lakefront cabins provide the perfect basecamp for horseback riding, fishing, and unplugged family reconnection. For nature enthusiasts, Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan deliver...
254
Aug. 13, 2025

Boxer Engine Meets Battery: Subaru's Boxy Beauty

Discover why the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid might be the perfect balance of city practicality and outdoor adventure capability. This week, we dive deep into Subaru's newest hybrid offering, exploring how it stands out in an increasingly crowded crossover market. The Forester has long been a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, but this new hybrid variant takes things to another level. With its distinctive boxy design, the Forester makes no apologies for prioritizing function alongside form. Dep...
253
Aug. 12, 2025

Why These 5 Vintage Trucks Deserve a Second Chance on the Road

Dust off those wrenches and prepare for a nostalgic journey through American automotive history! We're diving deep into the world of truck restoration with our carefully curated list of five classic pickups that deserve a second chance at life. The humble truck has evolved from pure utility vehicle to sought-after collector's item, with certain models commanding impressive prices and passionate followings. From the beloved 1972 Chevrolet C10 with its perfect blend of style and simplicity to ...
252
Aug. 11, 2025

Pioneering Wheels: From Bertha Benz to James Bond's Submarine Car

Buckle up for a thrilling ride through automotive history's most fascinating turning points! From daring pioneers to corporate chess moves, our latest episode uncovers the moments that revolutionized how we move through the world. We kick things off with the remarkable story of Bertha Benz, who in 1888 essentially "borrowed" her husband's invention without permission and embarked on a 66-mile journey that would change transportation forever. Imagine purchasing fuel from a pharmacy, making ro...
251
Aug. 8, 2025

Death and Dagmars: The Alarming Truth About US Highway Safety

The alarming disparity between US and Canadian traffic fatality rates takes center stage in our latest podcast. While road deaths have surged 33% in America over a decade, our northern neighbors have managed to reduce theirs – but why? We dive deep into the fascinating research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that reveals how different enforcement approaches and policies might explain this life-or-death difference. Our discussion explores how pedestrian and cyclist deaths jumped...
250
Aug. 7, 2025

Driving Into Tomorrow: Education, Careers, and Car Culture

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation that's reshaping how we think about careers in vehicle repair and maintenance. Gone are the days when becoming a mechanic simply meant learning from your dad in the garage. Today's automotive technicians need sophisticated computer skills alongside traditional mechanical aptitude. Hugh Mann from Houston Community College joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of automotive education and the lucrative career paths available t...
249
Aug. 6, 2025

Off-beat San Antonio, Kia Niro, and Car Grill'n with Jeff!

Ever wondered what treasures hide beyond San Antonio's famous Alamo? Our latest automotive adventure uncovers the city's best-kept secrets that most tourists miss entirely. Imagine 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging at dusk in a spectacle so massive it appears on weather radar and can be seen from space. This natural wonder at Bracken Cave outshines Austin's famous bat bridge and represents just one of San Antonio's hidden gems. We also explore the eccentric burial site of Sandra W...
248
Aug. 5, 2025

White Broncos, Pope Mobiles, and Golf Course Interviews

Ted Ryan, Ford's Heritage Brand Manager, joins us from a golf course to share exciting news about the 60th anniversary of the Ford Bronco. The special commemorative model features stunning Wimbledon white paint with red accents, including the Bronco name spelled out in red on the hood and "1966" embedded in the hubcaps. The original Bronco was unveiled on August 11, 1965, when Ford handed reporters cowboy hats and scarves, telling them "let's go rodeo" before introducing what would become an ...
247
Aug. 4, 2025

Barn Finds, Fire Trucks, and the Kia Niro

What happens when a prophet tells you to become an auctioneer? For Yvette Vanderbrink, it launched a 25-year career specializing in automotive barn finds and collections. Her extraordinary journey from hospital worker to renowned auctioneer began when a minister at her church mysteriously knew about auction school application papers she'd hidden in her kitchen cupboard. Yvette shares the struggles and triumphs of breaking into the male-dominated auction world, including how she handled sexist c...
246
Aug. 1, 2025

Hot Wheels Tour Rolls into Houston

Ever dreamed of seeing your custom car immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast model? That dream could become reality as the Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolls into Houston on Saturday, August 2nd. We're joined by Eric Hahn, lead designer at Hot Wheels, who pulls back the curtain on this extraordinary traveling car show. Now in its eighth year, the Legends Tour has become a global phenomenon where builders showcase their custom creations for a chance at Hot Wheels immortality. The Houston stop promise...