The Thing About Cars

In this very special episode, Mickey and Ben get to talk with the Ambassador of Americana himself, the one and only Charles Phoenix! Charles is an expert on mid-century American culture, with a special fondness for the fabulous cars of the era. We find out how he got started with cars and why their stories matter, what he drives every day, what he would bring to a picnic, and so much more. You don't want to miss this one! We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback...

We're going to Italian Car Day (in June). Jen joins us at the table. What will she say? Is Ben's Lotus alive? Does it run? Can our listeners help with another listener question? And the punchline is: Just buy it and stick it in there. We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. Support The Thing About Cars by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-thing-about-cars

Beka says that the death wobble doesn't just belong to Ford. What happened to cars with real driving spirit? Ben drives today's Grand Trivia Auto question. We introduce a new segment, "Your Auto Advocate." Can we make a date with a dealer? We answer a couple of listener questions. And Beka contemplates some violence... We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. Support The Thing About Cars by donating to...

Mickey has a trivia question for the listener. Ben has today's Grand Trivia Auto question for the table. We go over the proper sequence for disconnecting one's battery and the sequence of events for jumping one's battery. And Mickey is wrong about being right. We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. Support The Thing About Cars by donating to their Tip Jar:...

A listener question turns into a big discussion on the politics surrounding electronic vehicles. Ben covers a question on catalytic converters and O2 sensors, but we get a little distracted on the matter. Apparently we have a lot to say about electric lawnmowers and leaf-blowers. Also, can Beka answer both Grand Trivia Auto questions? We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. Support The Thing About Cars...

We are joined by Beka, Ben, Mickey, and Cathy. (It was Cathy's first time at the TTAC table!) We talk about car book publishing, bad driving, and throw in a little bit gift giving! Ben talks about his Lotus--is it good news? Mickey gives a little bit on insight on the person who won the Seal-skin giveaway and what he did with it. And the question of the episode is what would be good for a clutch leak? Plug in for this episode of The Thing About Cars! We welcome your support via Patreon and...

Mazda Man Paul talks with us about why the Wankel engine has fallen out of production in Mazda’s RX line. We get into the future of the Wankel in other applications. What does the Mazda Man drive, anyway? Cathy has left the building, but we still talk about autonomous car accidents. LEDs are annoying, but Mickey may still put one on the Honda. And speaking of lights, why do we see so many more people driving around with their lights off? We welcome your support via Patreon and your...

This week we're back in the studio, hanging with Paul, the Mazda Man, and manager of MazMart in Atlanta. We talk about the possible demise of Mickey's Mazda, contemplate why Honda's driving spirit seems to have disappeared, answer some viewer mail, and do the Grand Trivia Auto thing, as usual. We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. Support The Thing About Cars by donating to their Tip Jar:...

Mickey and Ben has an opportunity to talk with Zack Miller, the Publisher of Motorbooks, producing some of the world's finest books on transportation and motoring. Zack is a true gear-head who confesses a love for Italian motorcycles, but we were able to have a great conversation with him, anyway. We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. Support The Thing About Cars by donating to their Tip Jar:...

Chris Duke hops on the phone to talk with us about what’s going on with Motorz Television. We talk at length about the BuyPower Card, and we take a look at what might be in store for cars and car modification trends. You can find more about Chris and his work at chrisduke.tv. We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. Support The Thing About Cars by donating to their Tip Jar:...

Ben and Mickey are enthralled by a stack of books we've received from Motorbooks. And we're giving them away. If you'd like to receive one of these books, visit The Thing About Cars' website, and find the blog entry titled Motorbooks Giveaway! There you'll find a link to a form where you can register to win the book of your choice. Winners chosen completely at random. Thank you for being a part of the TTAC family! We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our...

“Mike” speaks with Mickey about the fallacy of headlight upgrades, how they may be unsafe, and how the automotive lighting industry continues to manufacture and sell products which may be inherently unsafe. Mike offers some practical advice on which lights are worth your time, and how to use lighting properly, safely, and for the best effect. We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. This podcast is...

In this episode, guest Boedy rejoins the gang for a busy show agenda. Is there a real possibility of Camaros being discontinued? Bandying that question about ultimately beckons Beka to share about her Mustang's features. Another concept is explored: personal expression through cars. Hear analysis of Mahindra Roxors, leading to additional discussion about Smart Cars. It is wondered whether gas with ethanol is bad for your engine, and listen for the Grand Trivia Auto question! We welcome your...

There's never a lack of subject matter for our regular band of mischief-makers to talk about, and this episode is no exception. We again welcome Boedy to the table for his thoughts on things. Mickey wonders why he didn't have much warning before experiencing an extremely dangerous broken axle & disconnected tie rod while driving (he's okay). Ben gives an update on the Lotus he's restoring. The gang debates why modern trucks are so "nice". The episode rounds out with a discussion about use of...

Our car-loving gang welcomes car-loving Boedy to the table, where they learn about his wide-ranging car interests. Other discussion includes technology changing how people learn and use driving skills, who likes or dislikes the Supra BMW and why, and the ideal length of hot rod headers. Also, see if you can answer the "Grand Trivia Auto" question! We welcome your support via Patreon and your questions and feedback via our website. TTAC records at Strongbox West, in Atlanta. This podcast is...

The final episode in this special series, our motorcycle-loving guests, along with Ben and Mickey, continue having a great discussion related to motorcycle riding. Learn more about the safety courses that are available. Plus the gang compares creature comforts, reliability, and safety between older and newer model bikes. Hear how different riders respond to these questions: What creature comforts enhance a rider's comfort, and what makes riding fun for you? Find out more about the motorcycle...

Ben & Mickey, along with our two motorcycle enthusiast guests, tackle a number of motorcycle-related topics! A listener asks whether Harley-Davidson & other motorcycle brands are aging out, and what can companies do to appeal to younger generations coming along? Also, are there prejudices between different types of powersports aficionados? Mickey learns that Gold Wing is still a thing, and another submitted question gets the gang discussing the pros and cons of electric motorcycles. Plus,...

We are excited to present a short series, The Thing About Motorcycles, featuring two guests who, like our own Ben, are fellow motorcycle enthusiasts! As we bring the worlds of motorcycles and cars together, the group shares some of their motorcycle experiences, how they initially got into motorcycles, and insights on training, safety, equipment preferences, and what they most want cars sharing the roads with them to know. You can also look forward to a trivia question! We welcome your...

A myriad of topics are exchanged between our hot-rod heroes in this episode, such as a rumored possible merger between two of the best-known car manufacturers, and whether Camaros & Beetles are going away. A question: What word gives Beka hives? Also the gang pays tribute to racing great Niki Lauda, discusses an electric car maker coming to Spokane, WA, and finds out what's in Ronny's garage. There will be another Grand Trivia Auto question to ponder, and if you listen to the entire podcast,...

Have you ever wanted to break away from the boring 9 to 5? Our guests today talk about how they got into racing, and how their parents don't agree. Both elaborate on their professions & interests involving driving and film production, and a discussion ensues about finding daily work that one always enjoys. Mickey confesses that he wanted to stop working for the weekend, too. Also some discussion about interesting motorcycle gear. Mickey and Ben's friend has a grounding problem. Try to answer...