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

Brendan returns from the Carlisle Fall Auction and has stories to tell! If you listened to episode 20, What to Look For at Car Auctions, you'll know that Brendan had his eye on several vehicles. Which ones did he end up buying? Hint: Ian is particularly excited about one of the cars Brendan brought home from the auction.

Tune in to hear the full story and more!

Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations

Instagram: @lifepluscars

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

What do you think, listener? Did Brendan buy the cars you expected? Should Brendan share more updates on these new cars in future episodes? Let us know and drop us a line at lifepluscars@gmail.com

In this episode, Brendan prepares to head to Carlisle, PA for the fall car auction and swap meet. Ahead of the trip, Brendan sits down to talk with Ian about cars he is most excited about along with other tips and tricks to know when buying a car at auction.

Tune in as the hosts discuss:

• Brendan's top picks from the Carlisle auction, along with a few surprises
• Brendan's experience selling a car on Cars and Bids
• Ian's time spent working for Bring a Trailer and what he learned as an auction writer for the company
• Things to be aware of when considering a car at auction, whether online or in-person

PLUS: Will Brendan convince Ian to buy a McLaren? Will Brendan buy all the Suburbans at Carlisle? Listen in this week on the Life Plus Cars Podcast!

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 car(s) do you think the Bailey family will drive home? Have you ever considered buying a car at auction?

Drop us a line at lifepluscars@gmail.com

In this episode, Brendan and Ian begin a series of "deep dive" conversations, where they pick an automaker and discuss it at length. To start things off, let's talk VOLVO!

Tune in as they talk about:

• What they think of when they picture an old Volvo
• Volvo's safety innovations that continue to this day
• Volvo's longevity as a brand (and in quality)
• The R performance models from Volvo and why they are so special
• Volvo of today and where they think the brand will be in the future
• Their favorite Volvos

Plus, will Volvo ever bring back a stick-shift? Brendan and Ian make a case for it in Life Plus Volvo!

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 Volvo story? Is Volvo also one of your favorite brands? Which Volvos did we miss?

Let us know and drop us a line at lifepluscars@gmail.com

After sharing the tales of Bob Beatty and the Burns family cars, special guests Robin and Nancy are back!

The car stories continue:

• Nancy remembers how she got stuck in an overheating Chevy Corsica on the Tappan Zee Bridge
• Robin shares how a mice-infested Honda Civic led to her first Volvo
• Brendan tries to convince Nancy to buy an E-Ray, the all electric Corvette

Plus, will there be a drag race between a Chevy Silverado and a Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the future?

Tune in to hear the full story and more!

Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations

Instagram: @lifepluscars

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

What do you think, listener? Did you drive a Corsica once upon a time? Do you come from a Volvo family? Let us know and drop us a line at lifepluscars@gmail.com

On this episode of Life Plus Cars, the hosts delve into the cinematic side of the car world.

Brendan and Ian discuss their favorite movies that are all about cars, including Gone in 60 Seconds, The Fast and the Furious franchise, and, of course, Disney Pixar's Cars.

Ian also takes a different route to share movies that have a car as a leading character, including Little Miss Sunshine and Tommy Boy.

Plus, should Brendan become a voice actor? Tune in to find out!

What do you think, listener? Which car movies did we miss that are your favorites? Let us know and drop us a line at lifepluscars@gmail.com

Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

Instagram: @lifepluscars

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