Episodes

When Nik Miles joined us on the podcast, we found ourselves swimming in stories that span from the heartland of America to the scenic West Coast, illustrating how cars and canines can weave together a tapestry of hope. Our journey through Operation Frodo unveils a Christmas narrative that's sure to warm your heart, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Animal Rescue Rigs, volunteers, fellow journalists, and the automotive industry. We dive into the emotional cross-country mission of transpor...

Rev up your engines and join our trackside talk as we slide into the dusty turns of Texas dirt track racing with the voice of the track, Rodney Rodriguez. We'll pull back the curtain on why the roar of engines and spray of dirt keeps crowds coming back for more, and how the sport's rich history is faring against today's challenges. As Don Armstrong shares tales from behind the wheel of the rugged yet refined 2023 Land Rover Defender, you'll get a firsthand account of balancing luxury with the c...

Ready to ride the wave of year-end car savings? Let's peel out of the dealership lot with money still in our pockets, as we cruise through the latest buzz on unbeatable car deals with US News' very own John Vincent. From the allure of 0% financing to the sweet scent of cashback on models like the Nissan Murano, this episode is your GPS to navigating the deals that have auto enthusiasts' engines revving. We're not just talking sales—we're leasing into the future, unveiling why that Kia Forte leas...

Gear up for a hot rod sleigh ride through the ultimate car enthusiast's winter wonderland, as we unveil a treasure trove of last-minute Christmas gift ideas that'll put your holiday shopping into overdrive. Forget about the night before Christmas; this is the scramble you'll actually enjoy, with gift suggestions ranging from muscle machine calendars to classic Mustang tote bags that are sure to make any auto aficionado's heart race. Get a sneak peek at the niche finds from Hobby Lobby's automoti...

Ever found yourself humming to the tune of car horns while Christmas shopping, or worried that your vehicle might be part of a major recall? We've all been there, and in our latest episode, we not only recount these shared experiences with a touch of humor but also tackle the vital issue of vehicle recalls head-on. From Honda to Lamborghini, we're covering the spectrum of safety concerns that might affect your sleigh on wheels. And while Brad Thompson of God's Garage couldn't join us this time, ...

Get ready to fuel up your car knowledge as we hit the nostalgia highway on In Wheel Time! Jeff Dziekan, Mike Marrs, Konrad DeLong, and yours truly, Don Armstrong, lead you on a high-octane adventure through the world of vintage rides and automotive intrigue. We're not just talking shop – we're bringing the past into the present with a boisterous game of "Guess the Sales Price," featuring the listing of Hemmings' recent sales that include classic Cadillacs and uncovering the hidden gems of the ca...

Ever wondered how the fluctuating gas prices on the West Coast impact your everyday life? Or perhaps you've been intrigued by the recent shakeups in the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year awards and what they mean for the future of the industry? Well, you're in for a treat as we journey through these fascinating topics with our special guest, Jack Nierad, host of America on the Road. We're unpacking the inner workings of the Volvo XC90 Recharge, the all-time classic Honda Accord,...

Get ready to rev up your engines as we take you on a thrilling ride with Jonathan Shaw, CEO of Hemmings Motor News. We ignite a fascinating conversation about their exhilarating partnership with Carlisle and their upcoming high-octane events, such as the MusclePalooza being planned for Texas. But hold onto your steering wheels; we’ll also be throwing in some personal encounters with Hemmings and discovering their evolution from a humble four-page pamphlet to a revered print and digital platform ...

Ever wondered why upselling seems so prevalent in the auto industry? Or perhaps you're a new driver who feels overwhelmed by the complexities of car maintenance? Well, strap in for a journey of discovery with our special guest, Shahe Koulloukian, the author of "Car Confidential," who demystifies the world of car ownership and maintenance, helping you navigate everything from basic car care to dealing with auto repairs. We're not just talking shop, though. We also delve into the crux of the servi...

Join us on a hilarious whirlwind ride as we chat with automotive gurus, Tim Spell and our own Michael Marrs. To kick things off, we've got Tim Spell, Houston Chronicle’s renowned former auto journalist and co-founder of the Texas Auto Writers Association, shedding light on the backstory of the association's inception back in '87, its growth, and his current honorary role. Our chitchat takes a wistful turn down memory lane, featuring some retro gems from Hemmings.com’s recent car sales like the a...

Imagine you could step into a treasure trove filled with unique and exciting car accessories that would not only amp up your vehicle's appeal but also your driving experience. We had such a pleasure when John Lawson from ProAm Auto Accessories invited us to his shop and spilled the beans about the latest trends, intriguing aftermarket seating options, and more ideas for last minute Christmas gifts. From affordable to high-end, he introduced us to various accessories, including those made from di...

Are you ready to transform your car right from your driveway? Join us for a captivating conversation with Sean Lucas, author of Driveway Modding Warrior, who shares his sharp insights on DIY car mods. From changing wheels to his top 10 favorite mods, Sean reveals how these simple modifications can dramatically enhance the value and aesthetics of your car. But remember, a basic toolkit and some research are your best friends here. You'll also get an insider's look at Sean's personal experiences w...

Get ready to rev your engines and join us for a high-octane chat with Jerry Emmons, a champion of NHRA Drag Racing 2023. As he is backed by a wall of 'Wally' trophies, Jerry shares his thrilling and heartwarming journey to the finish line, his father's profound influence on his racing career, and the family support that fueled the 50th NHRA national event win for the family of racers. With an inside look at his Emmons Auto Plex in Texas, Jerry also unveils the roar and rumble of the used car mar...

Want to know more about the world of small, fuel-efficient Japanese trucks and their journey to Texas shores? We've got you covered! We're joined by Tim Odom, owner of Tim's Tiny Trucks, who shares insights on the surging demand for these vehicles and the diverse ways they're being used. We also uncover the legal maze surrounding their import and registration, as David McChristian, a man on a mission to align Texas state policy with federal exemptions, enlightens us. Ever wondered why certain of...

Have you ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes logistics of the auto transport industry? We're fortunate to have on board Steve Yariv, owner of Dealers Choice Auto Transport, who transports an impressive 20-25,000 cars annually for big clients like Shelby America, and the Holman Automotive Group. Taking us for a ride in this episode, Steve unravels the intricacies of moving vehicles ranging from everyday rides to exotic cars, and shares how they cater to dealers, individuals, and military pe...

Ever wondered how an auto show merges the world of cars and boats? Join us as RoShelle Salinas, of the Houston Auto Dealer Association and producer of the Houston Auto Boat Show in Houston, discusses this unique blend. We probe into the challenges posed by scarce inventories and the potential participation of Stellantis, along with their popular Jeep and Ram vehicles. While we might miss the static display, keep your hopes high for thrilling off-road experiences! Don't miss the chance to get the...

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up for a fascinating journey through the world of electric vehicles (EVs) and the bumps in the road they face from our auto headlines. Notably, we'll be discussing Ford's challenges—like a battery plant delay that’s throwing a wrench in the works for Mustang Mach-E production. But, it's not all struggles ahead; we're also joined by Melissa Farrell, a classic car enthusiast from the Triumph Registry Car Club. She shares her heartwarming journey through the world of cl...

Ever wondered what the world of automotive wheels holds? Join us as we step into the fascinating domain of car customization, along with our own Konrad DeLong, Jeff Dziekan, Don Armstrong and David Ainsley. We discuss everything from the various types of wheels available online, to the benefits of wheel coatings. Journey with us down memory lane as we share our experiences with car building, wheel trading, and the unexpected encounters at the Gulf Coast Auto Shield Social Saturday. Feeling nosta...

Join us behind the wheel as we explore the world of car tuning with passionate enthusiast, Juan Carlos. As he takes us on a spin through his auto adventures, you'll get up to speed with his experience navigating the 2023 Lexus LX600 and his exciting project of super-tuning a twin turbo Audi R8. We're also unpacking the latest EV updates from the industry's big players: Ford and GM. You'll feel the rush as we discuss the immense possibilities of modern engine technology and the potential of twin ...

Strap in and prepare to rev your engines as we take you on a journey into the world of car culture in Houston. We start off in the company of Omar, our special guest from Houston's bustling BMW group. Discover how a simple online forum sparked the ignition for a group of almost 100 BMW enthusiasts, transforming into a robust community of passionate drivers that are thriving in the new digital world. Deep dive into the realm of hot-rodding in Texas, where roaring engines and tight-knit camaraderi...

Ready to go under the hood with us? Prepare yourself for a joyride with Cireen Piz from Gulf Coast Auto Shield, a maestro in the world of car detailing. Let her mesmerize you with her skillset, as she artfully talks about performs buffing, polishing, and coloring correcting to give the cars a stunning makeover. Her insider's perspective on dealing with the challenges of poor paint quality is sure to open your eyes to the intricacies of the profession. Take a tour through the fascinating realm of...

Fancy a nostalgic trip to the Gulf Coast Auto Shield Second Annual Car Social Cruise-In? We took that journey, and we're thrilled to take you along. So buckle up as we speed through the vibrant world of classic cars, participate in some lively car-pricing games, and delve into intriguing car histories. Plus, we keep you in the fast lane with the latest auto news and our unique take on timeless classics. Looking for that perfect car-themed gift? We brake for DIYers and car enthusiasts, sharing ou...

Ever wished you could get the inside scoop on the world of luxury cars? Your wish is granted! Join us as we embark on an automotive adventure with our special guest, Mark Fakuda, a true car aficionado, and former car stereo store owner. Together, we'll journey through time, tracing the evolution of car stereo systems and their impact on the aftermarket industry. Let Mark's tales from the trenches of the competitive car audio days rev your engine! But that's not all! We're also taking an exclusiv...

Ready to fuel your passion for cars? Strap in for a ride through the Gulf Coast Auto Shield Second Annual Car Social Cruise Inn. Get ready as we light up your podcast feed with vibrant discussions, reviews, and insider car news. We'll be hitting the accelerator on topics like the new Dodge Durango, Aston Martin SUV, Audi Q8, and more. Also, we'll have a chat with the owner of Gulf Coast Auto Shield, taking you on his journey to the event. Let's shift gears and get under the hood of high-end car ...