Hotrod Hangout
Society & Culture
About
We are a younger generation couple trying to keep Hot Rodding alive!
Episodes
- Builder Series Episode 18 - Austin Terry
Austin Terry, inspired by his family
- Episode 121 - Lowriders, Culture, and One Surprising Caddy
Matt and Ashley recap their recent experiences, including a trip to the Lowrider Car Show in Tampa and the Custom Culture 26 event. They discuss car show highlights and the unexpected debut of the Caddy.
- Builder Series Episode 17 - Mitch Unverzagt
Mitch Unverzagt shares his lifelong passion for cars, ignited by his childhood surrounded by his dad's Fords. He discusses his involvement in the Build Off, regional hot-rodding differences, and his dream General Lee build.
- Builder Series Episode16 - Darien White
Builder Darien White discusses his automotive journey, from learning to wrench as a teenager to his current project: a 1940 GM truck for the High Class Trash Invitational. He and host Matt also cover car culture, independent building, and…
- Builder Series Episode 15 - Ron Lahr
Ron Lahr shares his journey from early racing experiences to competing in the Outlaw Class, detailing his philosophy on chassis building and creative design. He reflects on past builds, including the Rat Rod Magazine Build Off, and offers…
- Episode 120 - The Tow Pig, Some Updates, and the Road Ahead!
Matt and Ashley discuss behind-the-scenes updates, including the status of the tow pig project and exciting personal news. They express gratitude for their community, outline future show appearances, and detail ways listeners can support t…
- Builder Series Episode 14 - Vinny Roberts
Matt interviews builder Vinny Roberts on the latest episode of the Builder Series. They discuss Vinny's automotive journey, his mechanical skills, the personal history behind his car builds, and the reality of car building compared to tele…
- Builder Series Episode 13 - Joey Woodall
In this episode of the Hotrod Hangout Builder Series, Joey Woodall shares his lifelong passion for cars, inspired by his family. He recounts his experiences with burnout contests for charity, his family life balancing his hobby, and variou…
- Episode 119 - Just Us in the Garage
Matt and Ashley provide updates on the Caddy project and the Michelangelo build, discuss recent and upcoming car shows and cruise-ins, and share important news about The Hangout 2027.
- Builder Series Episode 12 - Leonard Boschman
Leonard Boschman discusses his lifelong passion for cars, originating from his family's GM dealership, and his journey into rat rod culture. He shares personal stories about his first car, cost comparisons between Canada and the US, and hi…
- Builder Series Episode 11 - Josh Krager
Josh Krager of Eye Spy Designs joins the Hotrod Hangout to detail his decade-long immersion in the rat rod scene, sparked by a motorcycle. He discusses his unique build concepts, a significant win at the Lone Star Round Up, and the strateg…
- Episode 118 - Alan Placer from MLToys Performance Ride-On Parts
Alan Placer of ML Toys joins Hotrod Hangout to discuss how his company transforms Power Wheels into mini dragsters. He shares insights into the upgrades, costs, racing events, and his personal automotive journey.
- Builder Series Episode 10 - Nicholas Wall
Nicholas Wall joins Matt to discuss a life centered on cars, from his early experiences to competing in the Outlaw Class. He shares insights into his build-off plans and the passion and dedication required in the car building world.
- Builder Series Episode 9 - Levi Harrill
Levi Harrill discusses his journey into hot-rodding, influenced by his grandfather and Hot Wheels, with a focus on pre-war vehicles. He shares insights on the Rat Stock Build Off, the High Class Trash Invitational, and the importance of pa…
- Episode 117 - Just Us!
In episode 117, hosts Matt and Ashley provide behind-the-scenes updates on the Caddy project, detailing its progress, challenges, and future plans. They also discuss upcoming goals and events, and Matt shares thoughts on supporting the car…
- Builder Series Episode 8 - Jason and Cody Knight
Father and son Jason and Cody Knight share their experience building a 1953 Chevy pickup for the High Class Trash Invitational, discussing family legacy, budget challenges, and their passion for car culture. They also touch upon regional c…
- Builder Series Episode 7 - Simon Says Garage
Matt interviews Simon Havican of Simon Says Garage about his journey as a car builder and his '41 Chevy Special Duty build for the High Class Trash Invitational. Simon shares his vision, inspiration, and philosophy: 'Build 'em to drive 'em…
- Builder Series Episode 6 - Marek Makes
Adam, the builder behind Marek Makes, shares his journey into automotive fabrication, his experiences in the Rat Stock Build Off, and the importance of community and generosity in the rat rod world. He also discusses his passion for buildi…
- Builder Series Episode 5 - Jake Weaver
In this episode of Hotrod Hangout, Jake Weaver shares his experiences building a '68 Dodge D200, influenced by his grandfather's passion for MOPAR. He details his transition to rat rods and discusses his unique hood ornament and involvemen…
- Episode 116 - The Hangout 2026 Recap!
Hotrod Hangout recaps The Hangout 2026, detailing highlights from the event including the band, Pin Up Contest, trophy winners, and raffle prizes. The hosts also share a big announcement and discuss future plans for 2026.
- Builder Series Episode 4 - Jonah Garnhardt
Jonah Garnhardt shares his automotive journey, starting with influences from his family and evolving into rat rod builds. He details his '53 Plymouth Sedan project and a planned Tap Truck.
- Episode 115 - Merry Christmas!
The hosts of Hotrod Hangout share Christmas wishes and discuss finalized details for their upcoming show, The Hangout 2026. They also provide updates on a Caddy project and tease plans for 2026, expressing gratitude to their listeners.
- Episode 114 - Revolt Auto Paint
Tammy Miller and Robert Messenger of Revolt Auto Paint share their experiences in the paint industry and the automotive scene. They discuss the impact of paint jobs on car aesthetics, technological advancements in paint, and Revolt Auto Pa…
- Builder Series Episode 3 - Dillon Aistrop
Dillon Aistrop discusses his background in car culture and his move to the Outlaw Class for the High Class Trash Invitational. He shares insights on car clubs, influential family members, and the impact of location and timing on project bu…
- Builder Series Episode 2 - Paul Lyons
Paul Lyons, featured in Hotrod Hangout's Builder Series Episode 2, discusses his journey into car building, from his father's shop to restoring million-dollar vehicles. He shares his shift towards rat rods and his experience preparing for…
- Builder Series Episode 1 - Eric Wade
In the first episode of the High Class Trash Invitational Builder Series, Eric Wade discusses his background in hot rodding, his drag strip experiences, and his transition into rat rod building. He also shares insights into his recent proj…
- Episode 113 - Get ALL the Updates!
This episode provides updates on guests participating in a build-off and details about The Hangout 2026 event, including preregistration deadlines and merchandise availability.
- Episode 112 - Gene Coombs
Gene Coombs, a long-time listener of Hotrod Hangout, shares his journey from growing up around racing in South Georgia to a career in aerospace, fueled by a childhood passion for cars and speed.
- Episode 111 - The Hangout 2026 Updates!
This episode of Hotrod Hangout covers updates for The Hangout 2026, detailing food vendors, the official photographer, and information about the Miss Reto Racer Pin Up show. Listeners are encouraged to preregister online for a goodie bag.
- Episode 110 - Kendra Calleja from Deadly Kustom Upholstery
Kendra Calleja details her path into hot rod culture and upholstery, from a childhood in the motorcycle scene to starting her own shop with a '56 Ford project. She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a business with her husband…
- Episode 109 - Mike Wheeler
Mike Wheeler shares his journey into car building, influenced by his family's classic cars. He offers practical shop advice and talks about collaborative car projects with his wife, detailing specific builds like the Hell Cab.
- Episode 108 - Jeremiah Gardner
Jeremiah Gardner shares his origin story, from customizing Hot Wheels to becoming an Industrial Arts teacher. He also details the creation of the High Class Trash Invitational, a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and community.
- Episode 107 - Connor Jex
Matt interviews car enthusiast Connor Jex, who shares his early influences, his 1963 Buick Skylark, and dream car projects. They also explore evolving motor trends and favorite car shows.
- Episode 106 - We are BACK!!
The hosts of Hotrod Hangout return after a break from social media. They catch up on recent events, discuss future plans for their Caddy, and mention upcoming car shows. Pre-registration for Hangout 2026 is currently open.
- Episode 105 - Mr. Quynh Mai the Shop Teacher
Quynh Mai shares his experience becoming a shop teacher at Hernando High School and his work with students. He also provides details about the upcoming Annual Car Show, which will have a 'Back to the Future' theme.
- Episode 104
In episode 104 of Hotrod Hangout, the hosts apologize for the delay and thank listeners for their support. They provide updates on their car fleet and future plans, noting the episode was recorded earlier and some information may not be cu…
- Episode 103 - Chance Dixon from Grim Reaper Speed Shop
Chance Dixon of Grim Reaper Speed Shop shares his experiences, from his father's influence and early projects to competing in SEMA's Battle of the Builders. He also recounts memorable car builds and the supportive community he has cultivat…
- Episode 102 - That Kid RJ
On this episode of Hotrod Hangout, RJ shares his experience with lifted trucks, the community surrounding them, and his efforts to organize and improve truck shows.
- Episode 101 - Miss Belle Blu
Miss Belle Blu (Lauren McCowan) and her husband Richard discuss the process of creating her dream car and her empowering journey into pinup culture, highlighting her discovery of confidence and community.
- Episode 100!
Hotrod Hangout celebrates its 100th episode with gratitude for listener and advertiser support. Information regarding The Hangout 2026 preregistration and merchandise can be found on their official website.
- 99 Problems
In episode 99 Problems of Hotrod Hangout, the hosts delve into Ashley's automotive journey. They explore what sparked her passion for cars, her aspirations for Michelangelo, and her dream car builds. Listeners are also reminded about pre-r…
- Episode 98 - Chad Strop
In this episode of Hotrod Hangout, guest Chad Strop recounts how his friends ignited his passion for cars, details the history of his notable ‘50 vehicle, and shares an untold story about Gene Winfield. The conversation also covers the dif…
- Episode 97 - Guess What We Bought!
The hosts of Hotrod Hangout share details about a recent purchase, items available on the marketplace, and preview upcoming plans for The Hangout 2026. Pre-registration information is available on their website.
- Episode 96 - Josh Rowan with Rowan Conceptz
This episode features Josh Rowan, detailing his journey from homelessness to magazine features in the custom car scene. Rowan discusses his creative process, new builds using titanium and carbon fiber, and mentoring his son, Josh Rowan Jr.
- Episode 95 - Fishin' for Horsepower with Dalton Sumner
Dalton Sumner joins the Hotrod Hangout podcast to explore the connections between car culture, survival, and personal growth. The episode details a journey from a simple request to fish, to building custom cars, using a '73 Buick Riviera a…
- Episode 94 - Part 2 of the EPIC Road Trip
In this episode of Hotrod Hangout, Ashley takes over hosting duties to cover the second half of a road trip. The episode features the West Coast Kustoms Cruise in Nationals and hints at significant upcoming announcements.
- Episode 93 - Part 1 of the EPIC Road Trip
Part 1 of the EPIC Road Trip features guests Dave Sorenson, Dave McGonagle, and co-host Uncle Brian. The episode includes stories from the Lost in the 50's Car Show and Uncle Brian's time working with Ken.
- Episode 92 - Shunned Buggy Company
Jason from Shunned Buggy Company shares his experiences growing up around cars, the excitement of building custom vehicles, and engaging in buggy burnouts. The episode also touches on his family's deep connection to automobiles, including…
- Episode 91 - Drum Roll Please!
The hosts provide updates on the Model A build and discuss an upcoming trip. A major announcement is teased at the end of the episode.
- Episode 90 - Kelly Builds and Travis with RAC Garage
Kelly and Travis join Hotrod Hangout to discuss their automotive journeys. The episode features the story of a mother encouraging a new generation in car culture and a successful shop owner.