Lizard Brains: Driving Drivers
Sports
About
Tom O'Gorman and DJ Alessandrini talk about racing, life and about how racing is life.
Episodes
- Episode 198f: OLOA 2026 Tom and Salil Win Again!!
Tom and Salil discuss their victory in the 2026 One Lap of America.
- Episode 198e: OLOA 2026 Hastings, Road America, and an Oval
Tom and DJ discuss OLOA 2026 Hastings, Road America, and an Oval. The episode includes links to the show's Discord, YouTube, and merch store.
- Episode 198d: OLOA 2026 High Plains and Cold Rains
Tom and DJ discuss the events at High Plains raceway during the 2026 One Lap of America. Links to Discord, YouTube, and merch are provided.
- Episode 198c: OLOA 2026, Nashville Roval, Hallet, and the Tale Of A Nail
Tom and DJ recap two days of competition at OLOA 2026, covering the Nashville Roval and Hallet races, as well as some drama that occurred during transit.
- Episode 198b: OLOA 2026 Wet Skid Pad
Tom and DJ discuss their experiences on the OLOA Day 2 wet skid pad. The episode provides links to a Discord server and YouTube channel, and promotes available merchandise.
- Episode 198a: Sticker Day OLOA 2026
Tom and DJ recap Day 1 of the One Lap of America 2026.
- Episode 197: OOPS ALL QUESTIONS!
Hosts Tom and DJ discuss listener questions, covering topics such as finding joy in driving, the skills that separate good from great drivers, and their decision to take a break from the show.
- Episode 196: What if the Solo Nationals Schedule Was Changed Up?
This episode of Lizard Brains features a discussion on potential schedule adjustments for Solo Nationals, car setup advice, and the economic effects of a recession on the motorsports industry.
- Episode 195: Compared ZR1 Notes, Smash/Keep/Pass?
DJ and Tom review notes on the ZR1 and play a game of Smash/Keep/Pass. Tom also provides an update on his preparations for the One Lap of America.
- Episode 194: Dave Ogburn's Tire Pressure SECRETS
Dave Ogburn shares tire pressure secrets with hosts Tom and DJ, discussing the possibility of racing on the Nurburgring.
- Episode 193: A Commentary of the Commentary
Tom provides commentary on his SRO trackside experience at Sonoma. DJ recaps the Las Vegas Pro Solo and expresses his strong opinions on a debate about sour cream as a condiment.
- Episode 192: DJ's a HOT Las Vegas Lot Lizard
Tom and DJ recap the Vegas Pro Solo #1, touching on competitive mindsets and answering listener questions. They also mention available merchandise.
- Episode 191: Is Your Fear Rational?
Tom and DJ discuss the nature of fear on racetracks, distinguishing between rational and irrational fear and exploring methods to identify the type of fear being experienced.
- Episode 190: Tom is the Nastruck Hero We Need
Tom and DJ explore Tom's predicted future as a Nastruck driver, referencing his swift popularity on Lime Rock's social media.
- Episode 189: Almost as Many MPHs as Episodes
In this episode of Lizard Brains, Tom sets up his new sim rig and DJ drives a C8 ZR1.
- Episode 188: DJ is AMP'd Up About Figure Skating
DJ shares his experiences from Atlanta Motorsports Park, while Tom reflects on commentating an SCCA Majors race. The hosts also discuss figure skater Alysa Liu and the potential crossover between her Olympic performance and the world of dr…
- Episode 187: Driving With Intentions
In this episode, Tom and DJ delve into the concept of driving with intentions, exploring how to overcome mental obstacles and get out of one's own way while behind the wheel.
- Episode 186: Sometimes The Clouds Need To Be Yelled At
Tom and DJ engage in yelling at clouds and subsequently address questions submitted by listeners.
- Episode 185: Charleston Peak is a GREAT Track
Tom and DJ review DJ's coaching experience at Charleston Peak, discussing racecraft.
- Episode 184: Do You Play In The Snow?
Tom and DJ discuss their experiences as professional product reviewers and touch on topics like playing in the snow. They also preview some products and answer listener questions from email.
- Episode 183: What Even is Slip Angle?
In this episode of Lizard Brains: Driving Drivers, hosts Tom and DJ delve into the fear of failure and explain what slip angle is.
- Episode 182: Say Something Nice About the Other Host
Tom shares details about his move, and DJ discusses Roar. The hosts then address questions submitted by podcast listeners.
- Episode 181: Positivity Can Change How You Learn
Tom and DJ explore strategies for escaping negative thought patterns and embracing positivity to improve learning.
- Episode 180: Lizards Wrap Up 2025
Tom and DJ review their 2025 experiences, evaluating personal goals and their impact on objectives for 2026. The episode covers highs and lows from the past year.
- Episode 179: Lizzy Brainsmas
In this episode of Lizard Brains: Driving Drivers, hosts Tom and DJ discuss topics including heartburn, lessons that proved useless, and how to determine if a car is handling poorly.
- Episode 178: The Sim Lizard 3hr Roundup and Stuff and Questions
In the aftermath of the Sim Lizard 3 Hour, hosts Tom and DJ discuss the event and answer listener questions regarding goals and introducing new members to motorsports.
- Episode 177: What Track Would You Drive Backwards
Tom and DJ preview The Sim Lizard 3 Hour iRacing event. They also discuss the dynamics of multi-class racing, offering advice on how to navigate and succeed in such events.
- Episode 176: We're Hooked On Driving
Tom and DJ recount their weekend experience at VIR with HOD Mid Atlantic. The episode also includes mentions of show merchandise and a YouTube channel link.
- Episode 175: Thankful Lizards
In this episode, hosts Tom and DJ catch up and share what they are thankful for. They also engage in a discussion comparing European and American racing skills.
- Episode 174: Heyward Wagner Talks About Balance and Life As A Recovering Lizard
In this episode of Lizard Brains, DJ and Tom interview Heyward Wagner, VP of Rally/Solo and Experiential Programs for the SCCA. Wagner discusses balance and his experience as a recovering lizard.
- Episode 173: How to Balance Aggression
Tom and DJ answer viewer questions from the podcast discord about how to balance aggression. Merch is available.
- Episode 172: Sim Season is Starting
Tom and DJ are getting ready for the winter sim racing season. Merch and a YouTube channel are available.
- Episode 171: We're Criminals
In this episode, Tom recounts his busy motorsports week, participating in a Champcar race and working at TNIA. Meanwhile, DJ shares updates on building a new computer, walking through canopies, and engaging in autocross.
- Episode 170: SPRINT RACING
DJ and Tom share recaps of their sprint racing weekends. Tom competed in GLTC, while DJ raced in Spec3.
- Episode 169: A Very Nice Episode
In this episode of Lizard Brains: Driving Drivers, titled 'A Very Nice Episode,' hosts DJ and Tom engage in conversation. DJ struggles to remember the specifics when writing the episode description.
- Episode 168: The Death of Pittrace
Tom and DJ discuss the death of Pittrace, Runoffs, and Peters' new car, followed by answering listener emails.
- Episode 167: We Went Endurance Racing!
Tom and DJ recount their experiences participating in endurance racing with Spicy Cat Racing over the weekend. Spicy Cat Racing is identified as a webstore targeted at drivers, and merchandise is mentioned as being available.
- Episode 166: TT Nats, and Enjoying The Journey
This episode features discussions on TT Nats and driving experiences, including topics like tires and advice from Ken Houseal. The hosts also address a listener question about maintaining joy during challenging periods.
- Episode 165: Driving Styles
This episode of Lizard Brains: Driving Drivers discusses the concept of driving styles and questions if they are a real phenomenon. The description also provides links to the show's Discord and merch store.
- Episode 164: Tom is a Solo National Champion, again!
Tom recounts his Solo Nationals victory. DJ offers advice on staying present and focused on the task at hand. Merch is available via a provided link.
- Episode 163: DJ is a Solo National Champion
DJ discusses winning his first Solo National Championship with Tom, hours after the event. The episode also mentions available merchandise.
- Episode 162: Solo Nats Meetup On Tuesday Night
The Lizard Brains podcast discusses a meetup happening on Tuesday night in the grid spots after the last runs finish. Merch is also mentioned.
- Episode 161: Race Fans and Miatas
DJ and Tom recap the Gridlife Lime Rock event and CST Miatas. They also address questions submitted by listeners.
- Episode 160: Winning Off Track vs Winning On Track
Tom and DJ discuss Oldsmobiles and Novice Programs. They also explore the dynamics of competing directly against opponents versus influencing those who create the rules.
- Episode 159: Finger Lakes Tour 2025
Tom and DJ discuss the Finger Lakes National Tour and spirals. Merch and YouTube links are available.
- Episode 158: Sleepover
In this episode, Tom and DJ record together to discuss their experiences at Gridlife Road America and the Chicago National Tour. Links to the show's merch and YouTube channel are provided.
- Episode 157: Feeling The Float
This episode discusses DJ's autocross addiction and Tom's coaching experience over the weekend. Merch and a Discord link are also mentioned.
- Episode 156: Tom Was Let Back In
Tom has returned from his European travels. DJ has sold his FRS car. The episode also mentions available merch and a YouTube link.
- Episode 155: Tom, The Super Human Hiker
This episode of Lizard Brains: Driving Drivers features Tom, The Super Human Hiker. The episode touches upon Tom taking a hike and DJ getting married. Merch is also mentioned.
- Episode 154: Ross Bentley, The Coaches Coach
In this episode of Lizard Brains, hosts Tom and DJ are joined by Ross Bentley for a thorough discussion about the challenges and nuances of both self-coaching and coaching other people.