We love to invite new guests to join the podcast, and this week we welcome Ian's good friend and fellow VW enthusiast Aidan Yoder! The two friends sat down to record this episode in Aidan's 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia. [Please note: due to the unique (and very cool!) recording setup, the audio is a little fuzzy. Thankfully the story is all there!]

Aidan tells us the story of how the Vanagon came into his life, how he and his grandfather have a shared bond through the van, and the adventures he's taken with it. Through it all, Aidan returns to a common theme of the van: slowing down (literally and otherwise) and appreciating the moment you're in.

PLUS: Aidan's Vanagon has one of the raddest interior names, and from the factory no less! Tune in to find out about this and so many other fun elements of the van that just make you smile.

Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

Instagram: @lifepluscars

For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/

What do you think, listener? Do you have a Vanagon like Aidan? Email us with with your stories at lifepluscars@gmail.com

On this episode, Brendan and Ian take another automaker deep dive. Next up: Volkswagen!

Tune in as they talk about:

• What comes to mind as their favorite vintage Volkswagens

• The Beetle and the icon it remains today

• VW's comedic and memorable ad campaigns throughout the years

• The R performance models from VW and the unusual engines that made these cars unique

• Volkswagen of today and what they would like to see from the brand in the future

• Bucket-list Volkswagens that Ian and Brendan would each like to own

PLUS: Has Life Plus Cars actually turned into a show about pirates? Listen to this week's episode to find out!

Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

Instagram: @lifepluscars

For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/

What do you think, listener? Which of your favorite cars from VW did we miss? Email us with your Volkswagen stories at lifepluscars@gmail.com

Brendan and Ian are excited to welcome another special guest to the Life Plus Cars Podcast! Joining us for this episode is Niel Stender, a seacoast New Hampshire-based automotive journalist.

Tune in as the hosts interview Niel and learn about:

-Niel's introduction to the car hobby and later the automotive industry

-The winding road that led to Niel writing full-time as an automotive journalist

-Niel's lineup of current cars as well as past vehicles (including several wagons!)

-Niel's blog and his aspirations for future content and featured cars

-A recent press event that involved many enthusiast cars, driving rain, and New England seafood

PLUS: Niel shares the story behind his blog title, The Knocking Rod. Yes, he is aware that the name generally is a bad thing when it comes to cars. Tune in to find out his what inspired the name and the car content he likes to create.

While you're at it, check out Niel's articles, reviews, and recent podcast episodes:

https://theknockingrod.substack.com/

Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations

Instagram: @lifepluscars

For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/

What do you think, listener? What car would you want to review if it were delivered to your driveway? Let us know and drop us a line at lifepluscars@gmail.com