Explore every episode of the podcast Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Ruiz of Subie & You! Podcast | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:36:08 | |
This week’s guest is Rafael Ruiz of the Subie & You! Podcast. Subie & You! is the ultimate Subaru lover’s podcast. On his show, Rafael shares the stories and experiences of Subaru enthusiasts and brands within the Subaru community. Rafael talks about how the podcast started and has evolved into a well-produced, interesting listen. We chat about his rally guests that have included Rhianon Gelsomino, Travis Pastrana, Bucky Lasek, Ethan Curtis, and Lance Smith. He has created over 200 episodes in his journey and offers his podcasting advice. We even talk about breakfast foods. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Matt Gold of Drop A Gear Industries | 03 Dec 2025 | 01:01:24 | |
This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, my guest is Matt Gold from Drop A Gear Industries, the Gear Busters Podcast, and the Full Send Foundation. We discuss his work with American Veteran Racing Organization, his foundation’s support for teams and volunteers, his Vivio project car, and his visit to the Ken Block exhibition, and much more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Quick Update about the Rally Archive of North America | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:04:49 | |
Greetings, no guests this week, just a quick update and some info about my new project, the Rally Archive of North America. Don't fret. More great guests coming up in the next couple of weeks. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Ethan Hunter of Really Rally Team | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:33:59 | |
This week I welcome Ethan Hunter of Really Rally Team base out of Colorado. We talk about growing up in a motorsports family, circle track racing, hillclimbs, rallying and much more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Super Volunteer Christian Zoni | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:31:00 | |
This week’s guest is someone you may have seen or met at a number of Rally’s such as Southern Ohio, STPR and Boone. He is what I’d call a “super volunteer.” You can’t miss the pink streak in a sea of black hair on the head of Christian Zoni. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Dan Shirley of War Weasel Racing | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:33:17 | |
My guest this week is driver Dan Shirley of War Weasel Racing. We talk about the origin of his team’s name, the Weasel’s build, his co-driver Eric, his epic trip to this year’s Boone Forest Rally and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Chris & Sara Nonack of ANY% Rally Team | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:38:53 | |
On this episode of Rallying in America, I welcome Chris & Sara Nonack of ANY% Rally Team. We talk about their rally history, their many car builds and their two four legged crew members. We also discuss the Mudwhale SuperChampio and more. Enjoy. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| The Boone Forest Rally Interviews | 16 Aug 2025 | 00:33:11 | |
Welcome to another Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast episode. Last week I had the pleasure of attending The Boone Forest Rally in Eastern Kentucky. There I set out to do interviews with the drivers, co-drivers, crew and others. Special thanks to Erik Hubbard, The Boone Forest Rally and Backroads of Appalachia. If you enjoy these interviews, I'd like to hear your feedback. Enjoy the episode. Day one of the rally brought me to Beattyville for the parc exposé. Here I interviewed: Emmons Hathaway, Stefan Trajkov, Alex Gelsomino, Seamus Burke, Claudia Barbera, Betsy Nguyen, Dan Shirley, Eric Eisele and Richo Healey. Day two of the rally I was in Livingston and McKee for the par exposés. There I interviewed Conner Martell, Jeff Martell, Nic Schneiderman, Ryan Pryzbylkowski, Lia Block, Eric Votipka and Caleb Simon. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Michael Bodor and the Great Disposable Camera Experiment | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:50:25 | |
Welcome to the podcast. This week, I have as my guest, Michael Bodor of Mike’s Media. You’ll have to use your imagination as we review the images from an experiment we did at the Susquhannock Trail Performance Rally (STPR) this past July. If you would like to see the images, check out Rallying in America’s Facebook and Instagram pages. There, I’ve been posting the images in batches. Soon, I will match the audio with the images for my YouTube channel. Hope you enjoy. Special thanks to all those who participated: SueAnne Carson, Christian “The Rally Hobo” LaPrad, PJ Zaccagnino, Steven Harrel, Ethan Curtis, Evelina Hanchett & Chris and Wesley Allen. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Erik Hubbard Returns to Talk All Things Boone Forest Rally | 25 Jul 2025 | 00:27:44 | |
This week I welcome back Erik Hubbard of Backroads of Appalachia. We talk all things Boone Forest Rally, the American Rally Association's future training facility in Eastern Kentucky and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Erin Alberda of The Bluebird Fund | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:30:23 | |
This week I welcome Erin Alberda of The Bluebird Fund. Erin talks about how she went from horses to horsepower, how she started The Bluebird Fund and much more. For more information, visit, https://www.thebluebirdfund.org. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Betsy Nguyen: Co-driver & Future Motorsports Psychologist | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:34:56 | |
This week we welcome our guest Betsy Nguyen. A co-driver from Canada competing in both CRC and ARA events. We chat about sports psychology, women in motorsports, co-driving in the upcoming Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally (STPR) and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Chris Cyr of Team O'Neil | 17 Nov 2025 | 01:15:19 | |
This week I welcome Chris Cyr of Team O’Neil. At first, we chat a bit about our thoughts on podcasting before Chris takes us on his motorsports journey starting with attending his first rally at age 16. He then discusses how he tried to balance a career in business together with his rally dream. At one point Chris almost gave up on his rally dream but a tragic event that took place in the city where he was living made him take a chance and reach out to Tim O’Neil. He talks about how he was hired by Team O'Neil and how he helped the company create a stronger foundation and how he ultimately became a partner. We also discus Chris’ passion for competing, winning a championship and putting family first. Find out more about Team O'Neil at https://teamoneil.com/ https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| SueAnne Carson & Aakash Desai of the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:39:10 | |
On this week's episode I welcome SueAnne Carson and Aakash Desai of the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally. We talk about the rally, volunteering and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Eli Goethel of Cutting Corners Race Team | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:36:18 | |
Our guest this week is Eli Goethel. We chat about meeting Dan & Liz from Radix Racing Collective, the infamous can of beans, pushing the limits and his rally car adventure. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Dan Ring of RingSpeed Rally | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:27:37 | |
On this week's episode, I welcome Dan Ring of RingSpeed Rally. We talk photography, RallyCross, why everyone should go to rally school and tips for first time volunteers. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Chris Sladek of HART | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:34:33 | |
On this episode I welcome Chris Sladek of HART (Honda of America Rally Team) and driver of the HART Passport. Chris talks about how the rally team works and their return to ARA competition at this year's Southern Ohio Forest Rally. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Nate Usher of The Rally Combiner Thing | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:27:28 | |
On this episode I welcome Nate Usher, the brains behind www.sneakattackrally.com and The Rally Combiner Thing. We discuss what it takes to maintain the data and his history with rally. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Dan & Liz Unglenieks of Radix Racing Collective | 28 May 2025 | 00:32:16 | |
On today's episode, I welcome Dan and Liz from Radix Racing Collective. Service for hire out of Michigan. They talk about how they got started and how to be prepared for a rally. Turns out you need more than just a can of beans. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Nic Schneiderman: 3rd Year Student at UNOH | 21 May 2025 | 00:27:47 | |
This week we welcome Nic Schneiderman from the University of Northwestern Ohio. Nic is a third year student studying High Performance Automotive Technologies. Nic talks about how he got into rally, crewing for the last year and a half and how great his UNOH experience has been. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Erik Hubbard of Backroads of Appalachia | 14 May 2025 | 00:36:21 | |
This week's guest is Erik Hubbard of Backroads of Appalachia. Erik talks about Eastern Kentucky and how Backroads has helped make a substantial economic impact by bringing motorsports to the region. We also chat about putting rallying in the forefront with government support and importantly, community support. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Christian "The Rally Hobo" LaPrad | 06 May 2025 | 00:34:48 | |
This week's guest is Christian "The Rally Hobo" LaPrad. We talk about how he got started as a rally mechanic, working on kit cars, his epic journey to and from the Olympus Rally and his love for building skateboards. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Mitch Meadows of MeLe Design Firm | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:35:28 | |
This week I talk with Mitch Meadows of MeLe Design Firm. We talk about his battery mount company, his media company, his rally beginnings and starting his sixth year as a co-driver. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Pioneer Rally Company | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:48:44 | |
On this episode I welcome the folks from the Pioneer Rally Company. Welcome Jamie Turner, Taylor Still and Hatcher Still. They talk about their backgrounds and why they started a company to create and organize European style vintage endurance rallies here in the U.S. They talk about what a European style endurance rally is, their inaugural rally, the Rocky Mountain Vintage Rally and future rallies planned and scheduled for 2026. Also, we learn about Project Healing Waters, the charity they support. You can find out more by visiting https://pioneerrallycompany.com/ https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Michael Honn: Dirtfish Instructor & ARA Driver | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:30:26 | |
This week I talk with Michael Honn. We chat about being an instructor at Dirtfish, getting back in the car to compete after a big crash and his upcoming rally schedule. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Stefan Trajkov: Rally Co-driver | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:34:45 | |
This week I welcome Stefan Trajkov. We chat about his rally beginnings, training with Oz Rally Pro and Dirtfish, the importance of safety, experiencing Fluffernutter sandwiches and co-driving this season with Alastair Scully. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Daniel Hayes of Lost by Choice Motorsports | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:40:38 | |
Welcome back! On this episode, I talk with Daniel Hayes of Lost by Choice Motorsports. He talks about how he got started in rally, his team’s Ford Mustang, the team’s mission: suicide prevention and the great American rally community. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Tyler Linner: Rally Organizer & Driver | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:37:45 | |
This week I talk with Tyler Linner from Minnesota. We chat about TSD (time, speed + distance) rallies, odd ball cars and his 1960s Chevy Corvair build. Now safe at any speed! https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Santiago Alban: Rally Co-driver & Podcaster | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:35:01 | |
This week I talk with Santiago Alban, a co-driver from Ecuador. He talks about moving to America, his El Rally Podcast, and no matter where you are from, we all speak rally. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Ethan Curtis: Rally Co-driver | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:36:18 | |
On this episode, I chat with Ethan Curtis. A driver competing in rallycross as well as a co-driver in stage rally. We talk about his rally experiences, champagne, mustaches and what Ken Block means to him. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Steve Harrell: Rally Co-driver | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:45:38 | |
Here you go folks, a great chat with Steve Harrell. We talk co-driving, King of the Hammers, traveling for rallies, the possibility of getting married by the Cocaine Bear (yes you heard that right) and staying positive regardless what a rally throws at you. Enjoy. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Camden Sheridan & Jeremy Frey of Wide Open Rallysport | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:34:51 | |
Another great podcast this week. I chat with Camden and Jeremy of Wide Open Rallysport and their experience at this year's So*Drift, their car sponsor Rock 'n' Road Cycle and more. Hope you enjoy. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Fritz Croy: Rally & Rally Cross Driver | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:44:42 | |
This week I sit down with Fritz Croy from Arizona. We chat about his racing career starting with Sprint Cars at a very young age, moving into SCCA Rally Cross and his current goal to enter the Prescott Rally in September. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Jerry Winker: Rally Photographer | 06 Feb 2025 | 00:44:12 | |
On this episode I chat with photographer Jerry Winker. Jerry has been photographing motorsports since the early 1970s. We talk ice racing, stage rallying, ruby slippers and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Rally Legend David Higgins | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:32:25 | |
On this episode, I have a very special guest on the podcast. David Higgins, 10 time American rally champion joins me from Wales. David talks about growing up on the Isle of Man, moving to Wales and sibling rivalry. He also talks about competing in America and working with and competing against Ken Block and Travis Pastrana. Also, find out what David says about losing his Mount Washington Hillclimb title to Travis Pastrana. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Andrew Layton: Historian & Author | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:38:26 | |
In this episode we have Andrew Layton as our guest. An historian, author and life-long motorsport enthusiast. He talks about the history of Press on Regardless, rallying with his dad and much more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Cody Crawford: Rally Co-driver & Mechanic | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:31:02 | |
On this final episode of 2024, I chat with Cody Crawford from the Pacific Northwest about his rallying journey, his Volvo Amazon projects, stealing candy bars and some insights on the lack of manufacturer sponsored rally cars. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Jimmy Pelizzari & Kate Stevens: Driver & Co-driver Team | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:27:14 | |
In this episode I have fun talking with Jimmy & Kate. They are a driver and co-driver team from Northern Michigan. They talk about their first ever rally together, racing in local Michigan rallies, a mom who gets her VW Bug converted into a dune buggy and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| RJ Bonfiglio: Aspiring Rally Competitor & Rally Super Fan | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:30:54 | |
For this episode we chat with super fan and aspiring rally competitor RJ Bonfiglio. He talks about his experience at a rally driving school, buying car parts at a charity auction and more. Hope you enjoy the show. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Andrew Wolbert: Content Creator & Photographer | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:38:32 | |
For our very first podcast we have content creator and photographer Andrew Wolbert. Based in Kentucky, Andrew travels the Northeast photographing grassroots motorsports events. He is also a part of the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally team and we chat about some rally history, volunteering and more. Enjoy. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Welcome to the Podcast | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:01:59 | |
Greetings, here is a small introduction about my new podcast starting in early 2025. Join me for an exploration into the history of rallying in America. Each episode will be a conversation with those involved from every aspect of rally racing as well as the fans. Hope you enjoy the show. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Fritz & Brooke Croy | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:52:28 | |
This week I welcome back Fritz Croy. But, this time he brought his wife and co-driver Brooke with him. I learn about Brooke’s co-driving experience and her training at DirtFish and at OZ Rally Pro. They both discuss their training together through rally cross, their experience at Rally Colorado and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Mike Youngs of The Firm Driving School | 01 Nov 2025 | 00:34:25 | |
Up next on the podcast is Mike Youngs of The Firm. Also known as The Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park located in Starke, Florida. Mike talks about what The Firm offers, what it’s like to work at a driving school and about his car projects. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Mike Carr of the American Veteran Racing Organization | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:30:40 | |
This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome rally driver Mike Carr, founder of the American Veteran Racing Organization. Mike talks about his military service, founding AVRO which supports veterans through motorsports therapy, his racing career and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Ryan Symancek | 15 Oct 2025 | 01:15:36 | |
This week on Rallying in America: The Recce Podcast, I welcome Ryan Symancek. You may know Ryan from such YouTube channels as My Life as a Rallyist and The Drive. He talks about his amazing journey starting out as a skier to rolling a Ford Bronco in his yard to co-driving and to motorsports media. Ryan learned to be a part of so many things, all by mastering the art of asking. Sit back and enjoy. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Mike Cessna & Jamie Lambert of FH Motorsports | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:35:12 | |
This week my guests are Mike Cessna and Jamie Lambert of FH Motorsports. They talk about how they got their start in rally, finishing heads with an angle grinder, their epic win at STPR and more. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Michelle Miller of DirtFish | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:32:54 | |
This week’s guest is DirtFish instructor, rally driver, and co-driver, Michelle Miller. Michelle shares that her struggle with insomnia was the unexpected spark that ignited her passion for rally. During sleepless nights, she found herself watching SpeedVision, where her fascination with rally grew. This interest inspired her to try auto cross, allowing her to gain hands-on experience. Over time, her dedication and growing enthusiasm led her to meet someone from DirtFish and that connection opened the door to new opportunities for a professional path in instruction. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Rob Bohn & Rupert Berrington of Rally Colorado | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:34:46 | |
Rob Bohn and Rupert Berrington join me for a conversation about Rally Colorado. We cover their backgrounds and how they became involved as organizers of the event. Our discussion also touches on experiences like being hit in the head, the rally's history, and its upcoming designation as an ARA National event in 2026. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Chris Allen of Chris, Creation Machine | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:36:23 | |
This week, I interview Chris Allen from Chris, Creation Machine, a very talented rally photographer. We discuss his journey into photography, his experience covering American rallies, and his knowledge of both American rally and WRC. Also, we both chat about the Climb to the Clouds Hillclimb coming back in 2026. Chris also works with Mitch Meadows of MeLe Media. This past year, Chris served as the still photographer for a gymkhana video featuring Patrick Gruszka and the Green A.P.U. rally car in Kentucky. A must watch if you haven’t yet. For more about Mitch Meadows, be sure to check out his episode from Season 2 and Episode 12. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||
| Preston Osborne, Series Manager for the American Rally Association | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:47:22 | |
Welcome. This week, we are joined by Preston Osborne, who serves as the Series Manager for the American Rally Association (ARA). We begin our conversation by exploring Preston’s background, including how he first got involved in the world of rally racing. The discussion also touches on the history of O.D.D. Racing, providing additional insight into Preston’s journey. Our talk continues with Preston detailing his path to becoming the Series Director for the ARA. He shares the experiences and decisions that led to his current role within the organization. The primary focus of our discussion centers on the American Rally Association itself, its recent growth, and future prospects. We cover a wide range of topics. Enjoy. https://meledesignfirm.com, https://www.bradyinstruments.com, https://tunetank.com | |||