Hotrod Hangout

Ron Lahr steps into the studio with a lifetime of speed, grit, and family‑built passion behind him. His obsession started early—BMX racing at 12, three‑wheelers by 14, and full‑blown drag racing at 17. But the real spark came from his uncle, a drag racer who built one hot rod a year and talked cars with Ron every single day. Ron shares the lessons, the laughs, and the bond that shaped the builder...

It’s just Matt and Ashley on the mics tonight, catching everyone up on what’s been happening behind the scenes. They dive into some life updates, and Matt drops a piece of exciting news you won’t want to miss. He also breaks down what’s going on with the tow pig and where that project stands today. The conversation turns to the community—how grateful they are for the people who show up, lend a han...

This week, Matt sits down with Vinny Roberts, a guy whose story runs deep with family, hard work, and a whole lot of horsepower. Vinny grew up watching his dad fall in love with cars before stepping into a life of honorable service in law enforcement. Meanwhile, young Vinny was spending his days hanging around the local salvage yard—until the day he was gifted his very first car: a ’69 Charger. Th...

Joey Woodall grew up surrounded by the kind of cars that shape a lifetime of passion. His grandpa’s ’67 Chevelle set the hook early, and by the time he turned 18, Joey was handed the keys to a ’74 Stingray that cemented his love for the classics. In this episode, Joey shares the story behind the ’71 C‑10 that took him into his very first burnout contest—an event created to support a child fighting...

It’s just Matt and Ashley in the studio tonight, catching everyone up on what’s been going down in their world. Matt breaks into the latest on the Caddy—new switches, fresh fans, a solid battery, the whole deal. Meanwhile, Michelangelo is officially up on the concrete looking a little naked: front clip off, motor and trans yanked, and the motor already gone to its next home. They also run through...

Born into the GM world through his family’s dealership, Leonard Boschman grew up with gasoline in his veins and a front‑row seat to the kind of cars that spark lifelong obsession. In this episode, he shares the story of the very first car he ever bought, the small‑town Canadian life he still calls home, and the surprising cost differences he and Matt compare between Canada and the U.S. Leonard ope...

This episode brings Josh Krager of Eye Spy Designs into the studio for a deep dive into the decade-long rabbit hole that pulled him into the rat rod world. Josh traces it all back to one motorcycle—the machine that lit the fuse and set off an obsession that’s still burning strong. From there, he talks about the dream build that’s lived in his head for years: crafting a motorcycle made entirely fro...

Alan Placer of ML Toys joins the show to share a story rooted in family, curiosity, and a lifelong love of anything with wheels. Growing up in New Jersey, Alan was surrounded by machines and creativity—his dad owned a gas station and seemed to bring home a different car every night, always tinkering and teaching by example. Add in a family‑run hobby shop, and Alan found himself immersed in RC cars...

Nicholas Wall and his wife join Matt for a wild, high‑energy dive into a life built around horsepower, hustle, and a whole lot of heart. Nicholas grew up in the car scene, watching his dad tear it up in Pro Supercross and wrenching on anything he could get his hands on. His first engine swap? Done in his mom’s gravel driveway. That grit turned into a full‑blown career under the hood. He shares why...

In this episode, Levi Harrill joins Matt in the studio for a conversation that blends nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the pure joy of keeping hot‑rodding alive. Levi shares how his grandpa first pulled him into the car scene—starting with those 99‑cent Hot Wheels that sparked a lifelong obsession. He talks about his soft spot for pre‑war iron from the teens, 20s, and 30s, the truck that slipped thro...

In this episode, it’s just Matt and Ashley catching up and diving deep into what’s been happening behind the scenes. The Caddy is officially not in Florida anymore, and they break down everything that’s been done to it so far — the progress, the headaches, and the plans that are starting to take shape for the build. They also open up about what’s ahead for the rest of this year and next, sharing s...

This episode brings a true family legacy into the spotlight as father‑and‑son team Jason and Cody Knight join us to talk about their journey into the High Class Trash Invitational. Jason grew up wrenching alongside his dad, learning the ropes on an old Dodge Power Wagon. Now he’s passing that same passion down to his son Cody as they tackle a ’53 Chevy 5‑window pickup together. They’re competing i...

This week, Matt sits down with Simon Havican from Simon Says Garage , a builder born into the car world and raised on grit, determination, and the sound of engines his dad kept running against all odds. With the full support of his wife and daughter—who never miss a chance to ride shotgun—Simon shares the story behind his ’41 Chevy Special Duty, a long-waiting gem now getting its moment in the Hig...

This week, Matt sits down with Adam, the creator behind Marek Makes — a self‑taught builder from Pennsylvania whose love for cars started long before he ever touched a welder. From matchbox cars and RC rigs to buying his first mechanic’s tool set from Sears, Adam carved his own path into the automotive world one small obsession at a time. He shares his experience competing in the Rat Stock Build O...

This episode brings Minnesota’s own Jake Weaver on for an episode—a builder with deep roots, a wild sense of humor, and an awesome ’68 Dodge D200. Jake shares how his grandpa, a die‑hard MOPAR man, pulled him into the car scene and shaped the way he approaches every project today. He walks through the long list of vehicles he’s bought, sold, flipped, and let go over the years, and how that journey...

Just the two of us on this episode, and we’re kicking things off by thanking every single person who came out to The Hangout 2026. What a show. We’re breaking down all the highlights—from the band and the Pin Up Contest to the trophy winners and the mountain of raffle prizes. And yes… there’s a BIG announcement in this one, so don’t miss it. We’re also looking ahead to what’s coming in 2026 and sh...

Jonah Garnhardt joined for us for another episode of the Builder Series featuring builders involved in the High Class Trash Invitational! Jonah tells us all about growing up in the car scene thanks to his grandfather and dad. He started his car obsession interested in the "shiny paint" and less than a decade ago he made the transition into more of the rat rod builds. Jonah also talks about his bui...

Just the two of us wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Also go over all the finalized details for the upcoming show, The Hangout 2026! We give some updates on the Caddy and hint at some plans we have in store for 2026. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of every one of you! Thank you all for listening! Please LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE! www.hotrodhangout.com

Tammy Miller and Robert Messenger from Revolt Auto Paint joined us for this episode. Tammy takes a deep dive into her life story of being in the paint industry, How Revolt Auto Paint got started, and the passion she has behind what she does. Robert Takes us along the journey of getting started in the car scene with his family, starting a to airbrush, eventually owning a hotrod shop and exploring d...

Dillon Aistrop joins the show as another builder stepping into the Outlaw Class, bringing with him a family legacy steeped in car culture. His journey began before he could even walk—riding with his dad to pick up a ’56 Chevy as a baby. With influences from his father, grandfather, and stepdad, Dillon was destined to live and breathe the car scene. In this episode, Dillon shares how he took over h...

Another builder for the High Class Trash Invitational - Paul Lyons , who will be entering the OG Class. Paul was introduced to the car lifestyle at a young age, helping his dad is the shop. And then Paul got himself into a career that allows him to work in shops all across the country. Getting to restore all different kinds of cars, even working on million-dollar cars! Then witnessing a rat rod bu...

Kicking off the High Class Trash Invitational Builder Series - Eric Wade ! Eric starts with telling us the root of his car obsession starting when he was young working on old school cars in the back yard with his dad. Eric tells us all about the adventures he has had at the drag strip which opened up so many doors for him! He fills us in on how a mail truck build intended to go to Sick Week turned...

This one may be a shorter episode but it is one you want to listen to! Get the rundown of the guests that we have lined up and the awesome build off they are all apart of! Plus, all the latest on The Hangout 2026: preregistration closes December 7th, so hit www.hotrodhangout.com to lock in your spot and grab some fresh merch. THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

As a loyal listener, Gene Coombs finally steps behind the mic—and he doesn’t disappoint. Growing up in South Georgia, Gene was surrounded by the roar of two local dirt tracks and the hands-on legacy of his father, an Army mechanic who thought nothing of chopping up a '34 Chevy or Ford coupe when they were a dime a dozen back then. Gene shares how his 11th birthday Hot Wheels Drag Race Kit sparked...

Just the two of us this week, diving into some major updates for The Hangout 2026! From mouthwatering food vendors to the official event photographer, we’re laying out what’s in store—and trust us, it’s shaping up to be unforgettable. Don’t forget to preregister at www.hotrodhangout.com —every preregistered guest scores a goodie bag packed with cool stuff. Plus, to get all the details for the Miss...