Cars That Matter – Details, episodes & analysis

Come along for a culinary thrill as Foods That Matter transports the epicures, the foodies, and the gastronauts to different corners of the world through stories of adventure with food archeologist John Robert Sutton, also known as 'The Indiana Jones of Food.'

John has invited us to continue unlocking the secrets to the globe's most extraordinary cuisines, as he's been doing throughout his travel in over 120 countries. While he pushes on enriching top grocery stores and Michelin-starred chefs with the finest ingredients and powering them with the most unique and sustainable products, John is bringing us along with him to where these rare foods can be found.

Listen and gain insider knowledge on trending foods, deep insights into food culture, and a comprehensive understanding of what you're eating, including food origins. Plus, learn how to discover these culinary treasures on your own.

You might enjoy Foods That Matters if you also enjoy one of these other podcasts: The Splendid Table: Conversations & Recipes For Curious Cooks & Eaters, Food with Mark Bittman, Dinner SOS by Bon Appétit, Be My Guest with Ina Garten, and Gastropod.

Listen to Foods That Matter: https://link.chtbl.com/FoodsThatMatter_CurtCoMedia 

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Episode Description

We are spicing things up with Mark Jacobs, Chairman of Watkins, award-winning extracts, spices & herbs, seasoning blends, grilling rubs & marinades, artificial dye-free baking decorations, and more crafted in the USA since 1868; the company with the first ever documented money-back guarantee (talk about trusting your spices!).

Mark divulges the delicate (and sometimes dangerous) process of sourcing the finest vanilla beans in Madagascar and explains why vanilla can be so darn expensive, only sometimes. But vanilla's not all they offer! Mark shares surprising health benefits of spices, and spills the tea on how Watkins keeps their huge variety of spices bursting with flavor - including a tip to properly storing your spices at home.

Speaking of unique offerings, Watkins is now in the Bourbon business, and we learn all about the intricacies of this new exciting vertical for the brand. Mark even reveals the one spice that mysteriously eludes Watkins (and why), and shares exactly what to look for when you're on the hunt for the perfect spices.

Whether you're a spice connoisseur, a curious cook, or a foodie, this episode is packed with flavor-boosting tips and fascinating facts about food and the brand leading the way for delicious flavors. - Did you know host John was the person who introduced Harissa from Tunisia to the U.S. 15 years ago? Or that Himalayan salt comes from Pakistan? - Tune into the episode for more.

This season of Foods That Matter is presented by Watkins.

Executive Producers: AJ Moseley and Stuart Halperin

Editing: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Jenny G

Listen to Foods That Matter: https://link.chtbl.com/FoodsThatMatter_CurtCoMedia 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Cars That Matter has the great fortune of welcoming on the legendary John Kraman to the show. John is the host of the Mecum Broadcast where he gets to fully represent all the car fans of the world on Motortrend TV. 

Robert and Mecum start by chatting (3:50) about how televised car auctions impact the market today. (6:00) Robert reminisces about some of the great sales that he’s seen on the Mecum auction (such as the rare Shelby Daytona Coupe going for 10 million dollars), and asks John to share some of his most memorable auction moments over the years. (9.45) John shares about some of the types of cars that have been the most desirable over the years, and ones that may continue to be. (12:00) Robert and John share about where vintage restoration modding is heading and why it’s such a strong trend right now. (13:30) John chats about how the domestic and international markets are changing with the younger generation entering the scene. 

After the break (22:16) Robert asks John if there are any “rules” to being a collector, and John shares some of his best advice yet. (25:00) John shares a story about why the worry of “overpaying” shouldn’t be as big of a deal as people make it. What about bargain hunting? (28:15) John shares some tips on what to look for. (30:15) Robert asks John what he thinks about pre-war cars and where they might be headed. (32:45) Mecum is also involved in motorcycle sales and is one of the worlds largest sellers via auction. John shares about Mecum selling not only cars and motorcycles but all sorts of different categories of vehicles and the great success Mecum has had with them as they approach the infamous 1 Billion dollar checkpoint in total sales. (35:20) Finally, Robert asks John a bit about himself and how he got into the hobby of car collecting.

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Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: AJ Moseley

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

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Jim Marietta and Ted Sutton, members of the Original Venice Crew, join to discuss their time working with Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, Peter Brock, and Phil Remington, and the purpose of their new company and the cars they seek to create and preserve.

Robert picks up where they left off and Jim explains the origins of The Original Venice Crew and how their designs came directly from the original designers and drivers (0:33). Then Jim shares the continuation cars the OVC are making today and how uniquely qualified their team truly is (7:44). 

After a short break, Jim talks about the process of restoring cars into quality 'art pieces' (9:52). Then Robert asks what designs weren't able to be developed until the OVC came along (12:39) and Jim explains the different purpose of OVC continuation cars over many other OEMs (17:07). Then, Jim, Ted, and Robert discuss the 'nuts and bolts' of the engine (21:44) and Jim shares why and how the OVC produces clothing and designer apparel (25:30).

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Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Marietta and Ted Sutton, members of the Original Venice Crew,  discuss their time working with Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, Peter Brock, and Phil Remington, and the purpose of their new company and the cars they seek to create and preserve.

Robert introduces Jim and Ted (0:39) and Jim explains 'who' the Original Venice Crew is and what they do (1:04). Then, Ted shares the story of how he got hired by Carroll Shelby and some of his time working in his shop (5:14) before Jim shares his own unlikely story of how he became a member of the team (9:58).

After a quick break, Ted shares even more stories of his time working with the likes of Shelby, Miles, Brock, and Remington (13:08). and his unique role in developing the 427 Cobra (16:36). Then Jim insists Ted share the story of Carroll Shelby taking Ted for a ride (22:05). Then, Ted explains the importance of the Daytona Couple being a part of the Historic Vehicle Association's National Register (25:30).

Part 2 of the conversation will be released next week!

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Learn More: Cars That Matter

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Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we revisit a "Classic" Episode of Cars That Matter: Conversations with Carroll Shelby. In anticipation of next week's guests, who knew and worked with Shelby, Robert shares previously unheard conversations recorded eight years apart, introducing you to the man behind the legend and reviewing his place in history.

Episode Notes:

0:05 - Prologue - Robert explains the importance and purpose of revisiting these recordings.
1:35 - Introducing Carroll - Robert shares the background and history of Carroll Shelby before explaining why and how the recordings were made.
8:06 - 2002 Interview - In Robert's first interivew, Shelby talks about his achievements, his designs, and the current state of the industry.
29:32 - 2010 Interview - In Robert's final interview, Shelby looks back on his life and career and ponders what lessons are worth keeping.
49:58 - Epilogue - Robert wraps up the episode by considering what we can learn from Shelby.

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Learn More: Cars That Matter

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Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After some introductory banter, Robert dives into what Hagerty Insurance does (2:22). Then, McKeel shares a story of how he realized he should take his company to the next level by introducing initiatives for the next generation of car collectors (5:01). Then McKeel shares the different ways that children can interact with cars--ways no generation has been able to experience it before (12:49). Then Robert takes a moment to discuss the magazine produced by Hagerty and its unique approach car reporting (14:17).

Then, Robert asks McKeel to explain what he is firsthand witnessing with the next generation of car collectors (22:14), the purpose of vintage car-sharing (25:41), and Hagerty's involvement in larger-profile car events (28:28). Lastly, McKeel shares what cars are sparking enthusiasm in the current group of car collectors (37:59), predicts how electric vehicles will affect collectible cars (40:22), and shares some personal stories behind his most favorite vehicles that he's ever owned (43:26).

RELATED EPISODES:
Diane Parker and The HVA
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/39-diane-parker-and-the-historic-vehicle-association/id1485928924?i=1000498776283

Paul Bruno and The Original Jeeps
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/42-paul-bruno-and-the-original-jeeps/id1485928924?i=1000501582017

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Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After introductions, Robert and Dustin begin by discussing the road trip he recently completed in the 2021 VW ID.4 (0:57), what the ID.4 means to Volkswagen (4:10), and the benefits that come from owning an electric vehicle and what makes the ID.4 different (7:07). Then Robert asks Dustin to explain VW's longterm objectives for EV models (11:41) and how the car's marketing differs between the US and the rest of the world (13:14). 

After a short break, Dustin explains the production and use of batteries in EVs (15:23), what the strategy is for having people switch to EVs (17:36), and how the technology will be shared with other brands related to VW and how EVs might evolve into autonomous driving (21:32). Finally, Robert digs into Dustin's own history with cars and his favorite automobiles (25:28). 

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Learn More: Cars That Matter

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Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie jumps straight back into the conversation by asking about Robert's fascination with watches and analog vs. digital (0:35) before digging into what makes a car 'matter' to Robert (3:04). Then Robert shares his regrets over the current 'grill wars' on the road and the loss of honest design in automobiles (5:30).

Then Eddie asks Robert where he thinks the automotive landscape is heading with electric vehicles (8:28), then Eddie brings up the subject of cars becoming a decorative element in homes in the future (11:25), and Robert shares his advice on life and cars (14:30). Finally, Robert shares his memories of Carrol Shelby (21:12) and Robert explains the importance of authenticity (25:13).

Related Episodes:

"Cars That Matter" with Eddie Sotto and, guest, Robert Ross: Part 1

Eddie Sotto of Sotto Studios: Part 1

Eddie Sotto of Sotto Studios: Part 2

Conversations with Carrol Shelby

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Learn More: Cars That Matter

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After introducing Robert, Eddie asks Robert to detail where his passions originated in his childhood (2:43). Then Eddie and Robert consider the value and purpose of collections and how one approaches them (4:23) before finding out where his early interest in cars came from (7:46) and touching on Robert's art degree and how it ties into his overall passions (10:23).
After a short break, Eddie asks Robert to explain how he turned his artistic passions turned into employment and automotive writing (13:58). Then Robert explains what makes good automotive writing to him today (21:28), shares the unique approach of his company, RossMadrid (23:48), and then muses on the future of luxury (30:29).
Next week, we'll be releasing Part 2 of this conversation, where Robert explains his thoughts on the importance of automotive collecting!

Related Episodes:
Bert Voet and "Carchitecture: Houses with Horsepower"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/57-bert-voet-and-carchitecture-houses-with-horsepower/id1485928924?i=1000513910075

Eddie Sotto of Sotto Studios: Part 1
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/16-eddie-sotto-of-sotto-studios-part-1/id1485928924?i=1000474949649

Eddie Sotto of Sotto Studios: Part 2https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/17-eddie-sotto-of-sotto-studios-part-2/id1485928924?i=1000475666915

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Learn More: Cars That Matter

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Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following introductions, Robert asks Bert to reveal some details of how his book, Carchitecture: Houses with Horsepower,  came together (1:30). Then, Robert dives into some chapters, photographs, and cars that caught his attention, including 'Classical Gas' (4:03) and a rare BMW 502 called the 'Baroque Angel' (5:43). Bert and Robert muse on how the twentieth century had to adapt to the automobile (7:06) before turning the conversation towards French design in both cars and buildings (11:55). Then, Bert explains why Saab is considered 'the architect's car' (14:06). After a short break, the two men discuss the book's chapter 'Brutal Power' (16:55), then switch focus to Frank Lloyd Wright's love of automobiles (21:14). Finally, Bert shares some of his favorite cars and fondness for people who have owned their cars for a very long time (25:44).

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Learn More: Cars That Matter

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Hosted by: Robert Ross

Produced and Edited by: Chris Porter

Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick

A CurtCo Media production

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.