Episodios

  • #26: 'Tis the Season for Shopping for...Cars?
    Dec 9 2025

    After a brief break following Thanksgiving here in the US, we're back!

    It's the holiday season, and for many, that involves holiday shopping. On this episode, join Ian and Brendan as the partake in one their preferred form of shopping...browsing for cars on Craigslist!

    Tune in as they discover:

    -a rare Eagle Talon (and no, we're not talking about the raptor)

    -a well worn Honda Del Sol, which Brendan equates to an old shoe

    -a myriad of Volvos, because, well, it's Life Plus Cars and we love Volvo

    -some signature V12 BMWs and Mercedes from the '90s and '00s

    -a car that harkens back to Ian's past and a car that he hopes to be his future

    PLUS: Did Brendan stumble upon the ultimate (and most unlikely) track car?

    Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

    Instagram: @lifepluscars

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

    What do you think, listener? How much time do you spend scrolling through Craiglist car ads? Have you found an amazing car on Craigslist? Email us with your stories at lifepluscars@gmail.com

    Más Menos
    40 m
  • #25: Life Plus BMW
    Nov 25 2025

    Brendan and Ian are back with another Deep Dive episode, this week starring...BMW! Already well into a conversation about their favorites, the two hosts decided to hit record and make a full episode about Life Plus BMW.

    Tune in this episode to find out more about:

    -Brendan and Ian's favorite vintage and modern BMWs

    -the quirkiest of BMWs from their history

    -BMW's SAV (the X5) and how it changed the SUV scene

    -which M car would be their respective go-to pick

    -BMW's motorcycle history

    -BMW of today and what the hosts are hoping to see in the future (hint: more manuals!)

    PLUS: Ian and Brendan talk about fish bowls and clown shoes.

    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 BMW did we miss? Email us with your BMW stories at lifepluscars@gmail.com

    Más Menos
    47 m
  • #24: Life Plus Vanagon
    Nov 18 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    29 m
  • #23: Life Plus Volkswagen
    Nov 12 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    56 m
  • #22: Writing Plus Cars
    Nov 4 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    1 h y 2 m
  • #21: The Carlisle Fall Auction Results & Recap
    Oct 28 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    34 m
  • #20: What to Look for at Car Auctions
    Oct 21 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • #19: Life Plus Volvo
    Oct 14 2025

    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

    Más Menos
    54 m