Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Oil and Whiskey with Roadster Shop

This week on Oil & Whiskey, Craig Metros returns to the show and brings along fellow designer Kyle Evans.The guys get into their years inside the automotive design world, including work on the Ford GT, F-150, Mustang and Bronco, and what really happens behind the scenes when designers have to balance styling with engineering, budgets, marketing and corporate decision-making.Kyle also talks about his time at Jeep, working on wild Moab concept vehicles, the realities of getting a design killed after years of work, and why proportion, stance and wheel placement matter so much more than most people realize.They also dig into Kyle’s custom Scout II, current projects like a restomod Lamborghini Countach, Craig’s AMX/3, old Ford design archives, punk rock, first cars, dream builds and plenty of the usual Oil & Whiskey detours.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Bret Voelkel, founder of Air Ride Technologies, now known as RideTech.Bret takes us back to the beginning, from putting truck air springs under his own Pro Street Mustang to turning the idea into a company that helped change the way people thought about air suspension and performance.He talks about bootstrapping the business with his wife Sharon, developing the ShockWave, the rise of Pro Touring, competing alongside guys like Kyle Tucker, and some of the moments that completely changed the trajectory of RideTech, including the early Street Machine Nationals, helping launch Goodguys autocross, and the 48 Hour Camaro.We also get into the business side of it: hiring the right people, taking care of customers, surviving 2008, rebranding Air Ride Technologies as RideTech, dealing with the old print magazine world, and eventually realizing he had gone from playing to win to playing not to lose.Bret also tells the story behind selling RideTech to FOX, what that transition looked like from the inside, why corporate decision making didn’t always agree with him, and why some of his best ideas probably never would have survived a spreadsheet.Plus, there’s bourbon, old industry stories, autocross carnage, Aerosmith, bad decisions at car shows, and plenty of the usual Oil & Whiskey detours.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Aidan Donald of Aidan’s Design & Illustration, all the way from Australia on his first trip to the States.

Aidan talks about growing up drawing cars, reaching out to Roadster Shop designer Chris Gray when he was still a teenager, studying industrial design, and teaching himself the 3D modeling and rendering skills that eventually turned into a career designing cars.

We get into what actually goes into one of his renders, from 3D scans, stance and wheel fitment to interiors, custom parts and the tiny details that have to translate from a screen into something a fabricator can actually build. Aidan also walks us through some of his recent projects, including the wild ’59 Cadillac interior for Vinnie’s Hot Rods and several builds currently coming together in Australia and the U.S.

The conversation also gets into how quickly CAD, 3D printing and CNC machining have changed the custom car world, where AI fits into the design process, and why having the tools still doesn’t replace taste, experience and knowing what actually looks right.

Plus, we talk Australian car culture, his first Holden Commodore, Street Machine’s Expression Session, dream builds, Linkin Park, Triple Crown, and plenty of the usual Oil & Whiskey side quests.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re back on location at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis better known as The Big Go.The guys sit down with Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, and Matt Hagan inside the Elite Motorsports compound for a conversation about drag racing, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Indy, and why this event is one of the biggest weekends in motorsports.Tony and Leah talk about what makes the U.S. Nationals different, from the history of the race to the championship implications, the pressure of qualifying, track conditions, and what it takes to get a nitro car down the track when the weather, surface, and points all matter.Matt jumps in to talk about winning Indy, the mindset it takes to show up at a race like this, and why NHRA needs more personality, more access, and more ways to show fans what actually happens behind the scenes.The conversation also gets into why drag racing has to be experienced in person. The sound, the smell, the flames, the pit access, the motor rebuilds between rounds, and the kind of fan experience you just can’t recreate on TV.Tony and Leah also talk about racing as husband and wife, Leah’s return to Top Fuel after having Dominic, how they support each other while still wanting to win, and what it’s like being part of the larger Elite Motorsports and Tony Stewart Racing family.Add in Matt’s EDM/rave confession, Leah’s Eminem era, Tony’s classic rock lane, law enforcement stories, Lake Havasu life, side-by-sides, wake surfing, and the usual Oil & Whiskey derailments, and this one is exactly what happens when you put microphones in the middle of a race weekend.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Kirk Brown, better known as Crafty B.Kirk is the guy behind some of the coolest handmade hot rod jewelry, gas caps, switch panels, bottle openers, shift knobs, and sand-cast parts in the game. If you’ve ever seen one of his pieces, you know the deal — it feels old, handmade, weird, imperfect in the right ways, and cooler because of it.The guys talk with Kirk about growing up building BMX bikes, minibikes, go-karts, and anything else he could cut apart and weld back together, his years in tool and die, building dies for parts like the Viper clutch pedal and PT Cruiser radio trim, and how that background eventually turned into Crafty B.Kirk gets into the process behind his work, why he still prefers carving patterns by hand, what he loves about sand casting, why making the pattern is the best part, and how one-off parts, gas caps, bomb antenna toppers, and handmade details became his thing.They also dig into the Beeline Special, the Scorpion dune buggy, the Doom Bug, the houseboat, the Quonset hut, Florida boating disasters, Cushman scooters, drag boats, weird project ideas, and the creative chaos that comes with a guy who always has to be making something.Add in custom gifts for the guys, a Sade-and-E-Type-Jag road trip, a Cushman scooter police bust, boat patrol drama, Rick Dore dream builds, a ninth-grade toolbox, Jesse James stories, and the usual *Oil & Whiskey* detours, and this one goes exactly where it should.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re doing things a little differently.

The guys went on location at the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis and sat down with Elite Motorsports inside one of the biggest hospitality setups in drag racing.

Richard Freeman joins the show to talk about how Elite Motorsports grew from family roots in drag racing into a full-scale operation with multiple teams, dozens of people on the road, national event wins, world championships, and drivers like Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Greg Stanfield, Jeg Coughlin Jr., and Tony Stewart all under the same umbrella.

We get into the business of modern Pro Stock, what it takes to scale a race program, why people are still the hardest part of any operation, and how Elite has built a program where racers can show up, plug in, and compete at the highest level.

Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield also jump in to talk about getting behind the wheel of a Top Fuel car, the difference between Pro Stock and nitro racing, pressure, nerves, race-day focus, and why Pro Stock is still one of the purest hot rods in motorsports.

There’s also plenty of talk about the future of NHRA, making drag racing more accessible, pit access, the chaos behind the scenes, law enforcement stories, life advice, 1969 Camaros, no-blue race cars, and the usual Oil & Whiskey detours.

Watch or listen now wherever you get Oil & Whiskey.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined once again by our friend Shawn Davis and this time with Kyle Simon from Autotopia LA.It’s been a few years since Shawn first sat down with the guys, and a lot has changed since then. The Autotopia LA channel has kept growing, the team has evolved, the podcast has launched, and the guys are now closing in on that next big YouTube milestone.We get into what makes an Autotopia video work, why the car and the owner always come first, and how their approach feels more like a modern video magazine than traditional influencer content. Shawn and Kyle talk about finding the right cars, the right characters, the right builders, and why the best videos usually come from people who actually use the cars they built.The guys also dig into sketchy ride-alongs, bench-seat burnouts, 2,500 horsepower street cars, naturally aspirated vs. boosted power, the Ruffian Fox Body, Ringbrothers, Roadster Shop chassis, ergonomics, car sounds, and the difference between a car that looks good and one that actually feels right from behind the wheel.They also talk about YouTube comments, AI, social media’s effect on the car world, the Autotopia LA podcast, the Roadster Shop SEMA booth and party, and why giving builders more visibility matters.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Kenny Davis of Kenny Davis Hot Rods.Kenny has been around the Roadster Shop crew for a long time, long enough to remember picking up some of the first RS chassis back around 2008/2009, including the one still under his dad’s ’55 Nomad.

We get into Kenny’s history with Tri-Fives, growing up around his dad’s cars, road-tripping Nomads and ’55s all over the country, and why those cars still have such a hold on him.

The guys also talk about the evolution of Roadster Shop chassis, Kenny’s current builds, Suburban and Blazer projects, the collision side of the business, hot rod shop realities, customers, craftsmanship, and how much the industry has changed over the years.

And because it’s Kenny, there are plenty of stories: the coma, the steamroller, body shop conferences, Arkansas vs. Yankees, Kenny Davis jeans, American Graffiti, Ferrari 308 dreams, music comparisons, and a whole lot of ball-busting between old friends.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Josh Wallace of Reviving Relics.Josh made the trip from Lebanon, Tennessee to talk about how he went from diesel trucks, Peterbilt quality control, and working on Matt Hagan’s NHRA crew to starting Reviving Relics and figuring out what it actually takes to run a hot rod shop that can survive.We get into the early days of taking on service work, learning how to quote jobs, tracking time, finding the right customers, building relationships with vendors, and why making a business profitable in this industry is a lot harder than just working harder.Of course, we also dig into Terry’s ’59 truck, the SEMA push, the Roadster Shop booth, the custom tailgate, the big-window conversion, the thrash to get it done, and why that build became Reviving Relics’ first real business card.Josh also talks about building for repeat customers, the importance of the experience, current shop projects like the ’70 Challenger, the LT4/T-56 Camaro, the Viper-powered Power Wagon, and what’s next for the shop.Add in a ’72 F100 first car story, Eagles Greatest Hits, Wild Turkey, work ethic debates, Lebanon pronunciation lessons, and the normal amount of Oil & Whiskey nonsense.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Josh Shaw.Josh is one of those names that seems to show up everywhere once you start paying attention. Hot rod art, concept drawings, custom paint, flame work, vintage race cars, Indy cars, Miller restorations, Firebirds, old Roadster Shop shirt designs, and about a thousand stories in between.We get into his early days drawing cars, how napkin sketches at the right lunch turned into real work with some of the biggest names in the industry, the Ohio deep-flame era, working with guys like Bobby Alloway and Jesse Greening, the Dynamat coupe, and the road that eventually led him deep into restoring vintage sprint cars, Indy cars, and historic Miller race cars.Josh also talks about the research side of restoring old race cars, why accuracy matters, how taking the customer’s opinion out of the equation can actually make a build easier, the Firebird hood art that earned him the “Fire Chicken Facilitator” title, and a hilarious full-circle moment involving some very old Roadster Shop artwork.Audio note: we had a rare issue with this episode’s audio, but the conversation was too good not to share. Turn it up, turn on captions and enjoy this one.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by the crew from Revamped Rides.Dalton, Scott, and `'Diet' Dalton sit down with the guys to talk about how Revamped Rides came together, how the shop has grown in just a few short years, and what it takes to build cars at a high level while still figuring things out the hard way.We get into the Thunderbird that put Revamped Rides on a lot of people’s radar, the metalwork, fabrication, bodywork, paint, customer expectations, and the reality of building the kind of cars that don’t need to be over-explained when they roll into a show.The guys also talk about shop culture, learning through mistakes, taking criticism, building a body of work, SEMA, Roadster Shop chassis talk, car show etiquette, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is let the car speak for itself.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Heath and Jeff of Murray Kustom Rods.The guys made the trip from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to talk about the road that led them into building cars at a high level, from sport trucks, paint and body work, choppers, race cars, and early custom work to the kind of full builds Murray Kustom Rods is known for today.We get into their current Lincoln project, what it takes to build something with Riddler-level expectations, how a shop grows through the hard seasons, and the reality of keeping a team together while still pushing the quality of the work forward.Heath and Jeff also talk about sheet metal work, developing young talent, the difference between just getting cars done and actually building something special, their Roadster Shop connection, burnout, work ethic, and why sometimes you have to be just a little too stubborn to quit.Plenty of shop stories, industry talk, and custom car chaos in this one.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Spencer and Jean of Arizona Rod Shop.Spencer and Jean made the trip from Arizona to talk about the shop’s path from paint and collision work into full custom hot rod builds, how their friendship started through a C10 part, and how Arizona Rod Shop has grown into the shop it is today.We get into Spencer’s deep C10 and squarebody obsession, the Arizona Rod Shop truck “farm,” the little factory details most people miss, and how that knowledge carries into the builds they take on now.The guys also talk about blending old-school craftsmanship with new-school technology, from Pullmax machines, English wheels, and metal shaping to 3D scanning, reverse engineering, 3D printing, Roadster Shop chassis, and high-end drivetrains.We also cover customer expectations, building the right vendor relationships, why not every project is worth taking on, OBS trucks, Pro Street making a comeback, the future of automotive content after Discovery Channel, and plenty more.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Alicia Marie.

Alicia made the trip down from Canada to talk trucks, cars, content, and what it’s like carving out a real place in the automotive world without pretending to be something she’s not.

We get into the story behind her rowdy Chevy truck, her 1967 Nova, the reality of buying and fixing old vehicles, learning as she goes, and why stance and sound are at the top of the list.

Alicia also talks about balancing a corporate career with a full-blown car obsession, growing her platform, dealing with the “influencer” label, earning respect in the industry, SEMA, Roadster Shop, Canadian whiskey, Tim Hortons, and plenty of classic Oil & Whiskey chaos along the way.

Watch or listen now wherever you get Oil & Whiskey.

This week on *Oil & Whiskey*, we’re joined by Roadster Shop’s Kyle Blanas and Jimmy Emiley for the next installment of our behind-the-scenes RS department episodes.Kyle and Jimmy have both spent over a decade at Roadster Shop, starting at the bottom and working their way through chassis production, frame rails, TIG welding, CNC/plasma/laser work, assembly, crating, and eventually into leadership roles overseeing RS1 and RS2.In this episode, we get into the evolution of Roadster Shop chassis production, how the team has grown, what changed when the shop moved from plasma cutting to laser cutting, the balance between process and “cowboy,” and what it takes to keep chassis moving out the door without losing sight of quality.We also talk about customer pickups, the importance of the final details, shop stories from the early days, moving from the floor into management, and why the last thing the chassis team touches is often the first thing the customer sees.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Gary Ragle of Ragle Design.

Gary brings a unique perspective to the custom car world, with a background that started in OEM design at Mitsubishi and Ford before moving full-time into hot rods, customs, and some of the highest-level builds in the industry.

In this episode, we get into Gary’s path from concept cars to custom builds, what it’s like designing cars that actually get built, the balance between wild ideas and real-world execution, and how his eye for proportion, restraint, and detail has shaped projects with shops like Ringbrothers.

We also talk about ENYO, Octavia, the evolution of interiors, traditional hot rods, ugly duckling cars, OEM design trends, Goodguys Columbus, and where the custom car world might be headed next.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by John Wargo of The Custom Shop.

John has been at it since 1988, building everything from wild mini trucks and graphic-heavy show vehicles to muscle cars, SEMA builds, custom paint, and full-blown one-off projects.

This one gets into the early days, building cars right out of high school, work ethic, the evolution of the custom car world, SEMA stories, magazine features, old builds coming back around, and what it really takes to keep doing this at a high level for decades.

Its here! The longest runtime, the long awaited & highly requested... Roadster Shop Sales Team on Oil & Whiskey!Phil Smunt, Ervin Cabrales, and Andrew Erichsen join us this week to talk all about customer relations, hanging out at shows, and how a $200 cooler of beer is the best marketing tool there is.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Dave Hall and Tyler Flaherty of Restore a Muscle Car.

We get into the shop, the builds, the business, Trans Ams, muscle cars, and what it takes to keep classic American performance alive at a high level.

A lot of great stories in this one from two guys who have been deep in the muscle car world for a long time.

On this episode of Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by part of the RS hot rod fab team: Jon York, Spencer Newman, and Dakota Montour.

From the work that goes into high-level builds to the chaos, craftsmanship, and shop stories that come with it. A trip, and a stumble, down sketchy memory lane, the boys recall the early days and how each of them ended up at Roadster Shop.

This week on Oil and Whiskey, we’re joined by Sam Murtaugh, COO of Mecum Auctions.Sam sits down with the guys to talk about his path from detailing cars at Turtle Wax to working with Dana Mecum’s personal collection and eventually helping lead one of the biggest names in collector car auctions. The conversation gets into the evolution of Mecum, what makes the auction world tick, how buyer behavior has changed, and why quality builds are bringing serious money.They also dive into the current state of the collector car market, the rise of ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s cars, hidden gems that may still have room to grow, massive auction moments like Kissimmee, the stories behind rare collections, and what it takes to keep younger enthusiasts engaged in the hobby.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with racing legend Tony Stewart.From dirt tracks and Talladega stories to NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, sprint cars, and life after Cup racing—this episode goes everywhere.Tony talks about:The moment he knew NASCAR was changingOld-school racing stories most people have never heardGetting pulled over… multiple timesThe chaos of grassroots racing cultureWhy dirt racing still mattersLife after NASCAR and finding new challengesThis wasn’t your typical polished interview. It turned into one of the funniest, most honest conversations we’ve had on the podcast.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Ben VanEperen and Zach Raddatz from No Coast Custom & Rod Shop.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Jasmine Green, better known as @six_four_stout.If you’ve seen her work, you already know. Some of the cleanest metal shaping and fabrication out there right now, all coming out of a shed in Australia.Jasmine walks us through how it all started, from getting into mini trucks with her first Hilux to building her now well-known Toyota Stout. What began as a simple project quickly turned into something much bigger, pushing her skills in metal shaping, design, and fabrication further than expected.We get into her process, learning as she goes, figuring things out without everything planned, and the mindset it takes to tackle builds at this level. A lot of the work you see is not mapped out ahead of time. It’s built piece by piece through creativity and problem solving.

OW S5 EP 15 Lost AngelsIn this episode of Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Aaron Valencia, founder of Lost Angels Career Center, a nonprofit using classic cars and hands-on training to give at-risk youth a real path forward.What started as a passion for cars turned into something much bigger. An opportunity to teach valuable skills, build discipline, and create second chances for kids who need it most. Through restoration projects, fabrication, and mentorship, Aaron and his team are changing lives in a way that goes far beyond the garage.We talk about how Lost Angels got started, the impact it’s having, and why the trades and the car community can play such a powerful role in shaping the next generation.This is what the automotive world is really about.

Adam Rogash of MPW Performance joins the guys all the way from Australia to talk horsepower, car culture, and what makes the Aussie scene so different from the US.

From growing up influenced by American car culture to building one of Australia’s top performance shops, Adam breaks down where the obsession with big power comes from and why the rules (or lack of them) shape how cars get built across the world.

We get into MPW’s growth, building high-level cars in a smaller market, and what it takes to put together a solid team in today’s industry. Plus, everything he’s been up to while in the US, from tuning sessions to collabs with some of the biggest names in the performance world.

Trent Lewis of Midwest Metal Works joins the guys to talk about the path from walking out of college mid-exam… to building a full blown hot rod shop from the ground up.Based out of Wisconsin, Trent shares how he got his start in auto body and metal shaping, working through various shops before eventually branching out and starting his own thing. From early fabrication days to building real-world experience in high-end restoration shops, this episode dives into what it actually takes to develop the skills and mindset to run your own shop.There’s a lot in here for builders and anyone thinking about getting into the trade. Metal shaping, shop growth, learning on the job, and figuring it out as you go.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Buddy Hale and the crew from Type One Restorations. And it gets WILD. Strap in 😂From starting in a garage doing paint work for material costs to building some of the most talked-about cars in the industry, Buddy shares the path, the risk of walking away from steady work, and what it really takes to bet on yourself.We get into the builds that put Type One on the map, including the cars that had everyone talking at major shows, and the level of detail and execution that’s helping them make serious noise in the industry.There’s also a real conversation around what it takes to compete at the highest level. The right team, the right customers, and the kind of mindset where nothing gets skipped if you’re trying to win.If you’re into custom builds, shop stories, and what it actually takes to grow in this industry, this is a good one.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Chris Stafford of Stafford’s Garage.Chris sits down with the guys to talk about life in the shop, building hot rods at a high level, and what it takes to stay consistent in an industry that’s always evolving. From early beginnings in the Army to where Stafford’s Garage is today, this one’s a solid look into the mindset behind running a custom car shop.

Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Sean Smith of Sean Smith Designs for a conversation that dives into the world of automotive design, custom cars, and the path from OEM design to the custom car industry.Sean shares how he got started working with major manufacturers including Honda, Mazda, and Hyundai, designing everything from motorcycles and concept vehicles to production projects, before carving out his own path in the custom car world. The conversation moves into how design thinking translates from OEM programs to custom builds, how the industry has evolved, and why collaboration between designers and builders could push the craft even further.Along the way the guys get into:Sean’s early career in automotive and motorcycle designThe differences between OEM design and custom car buildingCollaboration between designers in the industryCreativity, competition, and why the custom car world is evolvingAnd the usual Oil & Whiskey tangents and storiesIf you’re into car design or the creative side of automotive culture, this is a great episode to check out.Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, Rodger Lee of Ironworks Speed & Kustom is back for his third time on the show and it’s a solid catch-up on what’s happening in the shop world right now.We talk hot rods, custom cars, shop life, and the stuff nobody sees: managing the work, managing the people, and keeping the business moving while still building at a high level. Rodger shares real-world perspective on running a custom car shop, how the industry’s shifting, what’s working (and what isn’t), and the mindset it takes to stay consistent over the long haul.We also get into what Rodger’s been doing on the business education side — including his business development classes designed to help builders and shop owners tighten up their process, pricing, scheduling, and overall business structure.If you’re into Ironworks Speed & Kustom, custom car building, hot rod shops, or you’re trying to learn how to run a better operation behind the scenes, this episode is for you.Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Ron Jones and the crew from Ron Jones Garage for a wide-ranging conversation that goes way beyond just the cars.We get into what it really means to build cars as art not transportation. Fabrication vs. CNC. Skill vs. creativity. Can you actually “quantify” craftsmanship? Or is it all part of the secret sauce that makes this industry what it is?The guys talk about trusting clients who hand over the keys and the checkbook, building cars that stir up strong opinions online, and why sometimes the most polarizing builds are the ones that matter most.Of course, it wouldn’t be Oil & Whiskey without:• The ongoing Burt Reynolds vs. Sylvester Stallone debate• Favorite car movies (and some strong opinions)• Wild speeding ticket stories• Shop life, hustle mentality, and allocating your “resources” the right way• And maybe a few bottles getting killed along the wayGrab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

We’ve had a lot of great conversations over the years — so we pulled together some of our favorite moments.

Oil & Whiskey Greatest Hits | Vol. 1 is a collection of standout clips, memorable stories, and moments that hit a little harder the first time around.

Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re just finding the show, this is a solid place to jump in.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, Andy Leach and the Cal Automotive Creations crew roll through in person, and they didn’t come alone. Andy’s back in the studio with Matt, Rick, and even Andy’s wife (aka the real chaperone / brains of the operation).

We catch up on what they’ve been up to since the last time Andy was on. Including a major Slonaker win, how they took a rare “quiet year” to focus on the shop and actually be home for the kids’ stuff, and what they changed internally to keep everything moving.

Then it turns into classic O&W shop talk: big projects, what it’s like when a client trusts the team and lets them push it, and the behind-the-scenes excitement around a seriously next-level Roadster Shop chassis project .

It’s a long-form hang with a killer crew

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Landen Manley and Mr. Begin for a conversation about automotive education and what happens when it actually works.Landen is a former student of the automotive program at Tillamook High School and is now working in the industry at JRod & Customs. Mr. Begin is the teacher who helped build the program and guide students toward real opportunities beyond the classroom.The episode dives into how hands-on education can lead to real careers, the importance of mentorship, and what it takes to prepare the next generation for work in the automotive world.

Donations Can Be Made Via Venmo @THSDRAGTEAM or Checks can be sent to:

Tillamook Education Foundation (501c3)

Attn: Johnny Begin (Drag Racing Team)

2510 1st Street, Tillamook OR 97141

Follow https://www.facebook.com/people/THS-Drag-Racing-Team/100069010405778/

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Donnie Hall and Isaac Gonzales of Streamline Custom Designs for a conversation focused on where it all started.

Donnie talks about his time working at Kindig-It Design, the lessons he picked up there, and how those experiences shaped his approach to custom work. Isaac shares his background outside the automotive world, including his success in nuclear cleanup and business, and how that experience translated into building a shop from the ground up.

The episode dives into how two very different paths came together to form Streamline Custom Designs, the challenges of starting something new, and the importance of experience, trust, and long-term thinking.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Thomas Dickerson, the winner of the Oil & Whiskey On The Gas Award.

The award recognizes individuals who are pushing forward, showing consistency, passion, and effort in what they do. Thomas joins us to talk about his path, the mindset behind staying “on the gas,” and what it means to keep moving forward when no one’s watching.

We talk about:

• What the On The Gas Award represents

• Thomas’s journey and perspective

• Staying motivated and consistent over time

• Lessons learned through experience

• Why momentum matters more than recognition

A grounded conversation about effort, direction, and continuing to push forward.

For the first episode of the new season, we opened up the phones and let listeners and viewers call in to ask questions, talk shop, and be part of the show. And for the first time, Elia, who’s been behind the scenes producing and shaping the Oil & Whiskey Podcast and Roadstershop media for years, steps in to moderate some super fan call-ins.

It’s a mix of listener questions, industry talk, and a look at the show from the inside, past, present, and where things are headed next.

Huge thanks to everyone who called in and continues to support the show. Season 5 is officially underway!

And the winners are…

In this episode, we’re picking the winners of our first Oil & Whiskey giveaway. Huge thank you to everyone who entered, grabbed merch, and supported the show. We seriously appreciate it more than you know.This one’s just about closing the loop, showing some love back, and saying thanks. More giveaways and fun stuff coming soon.

Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Brycen Smith for an honest conversation about shop life, learning through experience, and finding your footing in the automotive industry.Brycen talks about his path so far, the realities of working in and around builds, and what it’s like navigating an industry where growth comes from showing up, paying attention, and putting in the time. Rather than big highlight moments, this episode focuses on the day-to-day lessons, mindset shifts, and practical experiences that shape people early in their careers.

Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Levi Green of HammerFab, fresh off a major SEMA debut and a whirlwind year for his shop.

Levi walks through his path into fabrication, early experiences learning the craft, and what it’s like building a reputation in an industry where quality and trust matter more than hype. From working through challenging projects to knowing when to say yes or no to a build, this conversation gets into the realities of shop life, craftsmanship, and growth.

We talk about:

• Levi’s early days learning fabrication and metal shaping

• Building HammerFab and earning trust in the industry

• The pressure and payoff of showing a car at SEMA

• Picking the right projects and spotting red flags early

• Fixing work from other shops and setting standards

• Why solid foundations and proven components matter

A real, honest conversation with a builder who’s focused on doing things the right way even when it’s the hard way.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Chris Jacobs. One of the most familiar faces in automotive television and car culture. The first and only guest to appear on the show for the third time! Chris shares stories from throughout his career, his time around some of the industry’s most memorable builds and personalities, and why he continues to stay so connected to the car world after all these years.Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Hunter Ring and Ryan Fielding from Ringbrothers, one of the most innovative and recognizable shops in the custom car world.

Hunter and Ryan talk about growing up around the brand, how they found their roles inside the shop, and what it’s really like working behind the scenes at Ringbrothers. From fabrication stories to the culture inside the building, the guys share an honest look at how the next generation is helping push the craft forward.

We dig into:

• How Hunter and Ryan grew into their roles at Ringbrothers

• What shop culture looks like from the inside

• The balance between tradition, modern creativity, and big expectations

• How major builds come together behind the scenes

• The future of Ringbrothers and where the brand is headed

If you’re into high-end builds, shop culture, creativity, fabrication, or the future of Ringbrothers, this episode is a must-watch.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Scott Spencer, the creator behind @scottsrides. A page built on clean cars, honest storytelling, and a genuine love for the community around them.Scott talks about how he got into cars, what inspired him to start sharing his builds online, and how @scottsrides grew into a place where people connect over creativity, project struggles, and the joy of keeping old cars alive. From early influences to the builds he’s most proud of, Scott breaks down what it means to be part of today’s car culture online and in real life.

Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Karl Schulman and Logan Como of Garret’s Rod Shop, one of the most respected names in modern hot rod and custom car building.Garret’s blends old-school craftsmanship with modern design, and Karl & Logan share how the shop approaches creativity, problem-solving, and building cars with real personality. From metalwork to workflow to the culture inside the shop, this episode goes deep into their process and what keeps them pushing the craft forward.We dig into:The story behind Garret’s Rod Shop and how the team worksCrafting modern hot rods while respecting traditional rootsHow they approach design, fabrication, and problem-solvingShop culture, mentorship, and keeping the next generation involvedHow hot rodding is still evolving and where it’s headed nextGrab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Jesus Lopez of Gabe’s Custom Interiors — a name every hot rod fan knows.

Founded by his father Gabe Lopez, the shop set the standard for custom interiors, earning its place in hot rodding history through legendary collaborations with Boyd Coddington and appearances on American Hot Rod.

Jesus shares what it was like growing up in that world, learning from his father, and now leading the next generation of Gabe’s.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Chris Barrett, President of Barrett Firearms . The company behind some of the most recognized precision rifles in the world.Chris shares the story of how Barrett became an American icon, what it takes to engineer world-class firearms, and how the same mindset that drives innovation in the gun industry mirrors the craftsmanship found in hot rodding and performance culture.Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Steven Bunker and Damon Lee og Goodguys Rod & Custom. Two names deeply connected to the world of automotive media and marketing.

With decades of experience across magazines, events, and industry storytelling, Steven and Damon break down how car culture has evolved, what’s changed in the media landscape, and how brands and builders are connecting with enthusiasts today.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Bill Ganahl, founder of South City Rod & Custom — one of the most respected traditional hot rod shops in the country.Bill shares his journey from growing up around hot rods to building a brand rooted in craftsmanship, authenticity, and timeless design. From his early influences to what it takes to build a car that feels right, Bill dives into the process, mindset, and soul behind South City’s signature style.We talk about:The roots of South City Rod & Custom and Bill’s philosophy on craftsmanshipWhat it means to build traditional hot rods that stand the test of timeThe influence of legends like Roy Brizio, Steve Moal, and Chip FooseWhy hot rod culture still matters — and how it’s evolvingHow authenticity separates a “cool build” from a great carWhether you’re into custom cars, classic builds, shop culture, or just love hearing from the people keeping the spirit of hot rodding alive, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.

This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Michael Good, President of Performance Racing Industry (PRI).Michael brings insight into the racing world from the industry side where innovation, advocacy, and community come together to keep motorsports alive and thriving. We dive into PRI’s mission, how it supports racers and builders, and what the future of performance racing looks like.Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.