Hotrod Hangout

This episode runs a little longer than usual—but trust us, it’s worth every minute. We sit down with Kendra Calleja to trace her incredible path from growing up around BMX bikes and a family in the motorcycle scene, to falling in love with hot rods, rockabilly culture, and eventually meeting her husband through the car world. Kendra shares how she launched her own upholstery shop, starting with he...

Mike Wheeler shares how his dad’s ’55 Chevy pickup and his grandpa’s revived Model A sparked a lifelong love for building. He talks about keeping a tidy shop with his mantra—“Put it away, don’t set it down”—and building His and Hers cars with his wife, who’s all in on the scene but prefers fewer sparks flying. We dive into his choice of a four-door Model A, the story behind the Hell Cab's paint jo...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremiah Gardner—a creative force with a wild origin story. From swiping his mom’s nail polish to customize Hot Wheels as a kid, to studying music in college, Jeremiah’s journey took a sharp turn after one shop class lit a fire that never went out. Now an Industrial Arts teacher, he shares how that spark evolved into a full-blown obsession with building. Jeremiah a...

In this episode, Matt is joined by car enthusiast Connor Jex for a ride down memory lane. Connor shares how his dad sparked his love for car culture, the story behind his first set of wheels—a 1963 Buick Skylark—and what he'd build if budget were no object. Together, Matt and Connor dive into the evolution of motor trends, the challenges of wanting to restore a Model A, and swap stories about thei...

Just the two of us on tonight's episode, catching up on what's been going on over the last couple weeks while we have been away from social media. We cannot thank you all enough for the love and support you have shown while we took a step back to get our lives back in order! We also talk about future plans with the Caddy, Michelangelo and some upcoming car shows/events. Don't forget pre-registrati...

Quynh Mai hopped on this episode to talk about his journey of him becoming a Shop Teacher at Hernando High School and all the stops along the way. He takes us through the awesome work he gets to do by getting to work in the shop with the younger generations. He gives us all the details about the Hernando High School Automotive's Annual Car Show with a Back to the Future theme Oct 3rd from 5:30-7:0...

First and foremost, we want to thank everyone for being patient with us since we have not posted an episode in 2 weeks. We also want to thank everyone for all the support and positive messages you have sent us while we are going through some of life's challenges. Please keep in mind, this episode was recorded a little while back so some dates or information may not be up to date. In this episode,...

Chance Dixon from Grim Reaper Speed Shop joined us for an episode! He told us all about his journey of his dad introducing him to a nova from Cali to working on his own cars in gravel to having a chance to be at SEMA with Battle of the Builders. He tells stories about having experiments with a blazer and a backhoe, the continental that got away and the great community he has built around himself....

Well, we finally got a Squatted Truck Guy on for an episode! RJ came on to tell us all about the truck that started his obsession, the lifted truck community, and bringing respectable truck shows to communities across the states. He talks about how he strives to make every show better than the last and the differences between a truck meet and a truck show. Be sure to check out his TikTok and Insta...

On this episode, we sit down with the fabulous Miss Belle Blu—also known as Lauren McCowan—and her husband Richard. Together, they share the journey of bringing Lauren’s dream car to life and the empowering path she’s taken into the world of pinup culture. From nervously stepping out of her comfort zone to gracing vintage events with style, Lauren opens up about discovering confidence, community,...

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for our 100th Episode LIVE! We would not have made it this far without all of your continued support! Special shout out to all the advertisers who have joined us along the way! Don't forget...Preregistration for The Hangout 2026 is open on our website! And be sure to check out our merch while your there! www.hotrodhangout.com THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE...

This episode is just the two of us but with a twist...we talk all about Ashley! Finding out who got gave her the "car bug" and what some of her hopes are for Michelangelo. Some shows that are on her bucket list and of course her dream builds! Be sure to tune into our LIVE next Thursday July 17th @ 8:00 PM EST for our 100th EPISODE!!! Don't forget pre-registration for The Hangout 2026 is open on ou...

In this episode, Chad Strop shares how his buddies sparked his love for cars, dives into the tale behind his iconic ‘50, and lets us in on an exclusive Gene Winfield story that's never been told—until now. We also ride through East Coast vs West Coast customs, his adventures tinkering with bikes (and how he looked like an absolute “ding dong” riding one of his own builds), and the moments that mak...

It’s just the two of us tonight, and we’ve got plenty to share! From the newest addition under the carport to what’s hitting marketplace, we’re covering it all. Plus, get a sneak peek into what’s ahead for The Hangout 2026—it’s shaping up to be something special! Pre-register at www.hotrodhanout.com ! THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Rowan—a guy who went from sleeping in his truck to seeing it grace the pages of top magazines. We talk late nights in the shop, scrounging cash for parts, and the pure magic of watching a dream ride drop to the ground for the first time. Now Josh is back in the bay, cooking up a whole new look with titanium and carbon fiber. It's raw, it's real, and it's all...

What starts with a quiet pond and a fishing pole unfolds into a deep dive through car culture, survival, and soul. In this episode, we trace the unexpected road from asking to fish on someone’s land to building dream machines—highlighted by the legendary ‘73 Buick Riviera already sitting in the driveway. Joined by guest Dalton Sumner , we ride through the beauty of lowrider life, where custom buil...

This episode we are shaking things up—Ashley is taking the reins as host! We dive into the second half of Matt’s unforgettable road trip, filled with adventure, stunning rides, and one major bucket list moment: attending the legendary West Coast Kustoms Cruise in Nationals. Huge thanks to Ken from Bad Idea Customs for making this dream a reality! Stay tuned until the very end, because we’ve got so...

Not only did Dave Sorenson and Dave McGonagle from Ken's crew hop on for this episode, but Uncle Brian from the Hometown Hot Rodder Co-Hosted! Be sure to listen 'til the end to hear all about the crazy adventure these guys are on. The great time Uncle Brian and Matt had at the Lost in the 50's Car Show and stories of when Uncle Brian was working with Ken. Thanks again Ken from Bad Idea Customs for...

A huge thanks to Jason from Shunned Buggy Company for joining us on this episode! We got to dive into his journey of growing up around cars, the thrill of building cool rides, and, of course, buggy burnouts. Plus, he shares how his passion for cars is a family affair—his wife even drives a '54! You won’t want to miss this conversation. Be sure to check them out on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , a...

It’s just the two of us on this one, but trust us—you don’t want to skip it! We’re diving into the latest updates on the Model A build and the epic, once-in-a-lifetime trip that Matt is gearing up for. Expect plenty of stories, shenanigans, and surprises along the way. And stick around until the very end of this episode… we’ve got a BIG announcement you won’t want to miss! THANKS FOR LISTENING! LI...

Kelly and Travis joined us for this exciting conversation, sharing their unique journeys into the world of cars. One grew up surrounded by car culture, while the other introduced automotive passion to their family. We dive into the inspiring story of a stay-at-home mom encouraging the next generation to get into the shop and ask questions, alongside the perspective of a shop owner whose business i...

Syko Simmons joined us for this episode to share insights on his builds over the years. He discussed the impact of his '68 Chrysler on his journey into lowriding, as well as the advantages and drawbacks of hydraulic systems. Be sure to check out his work on Facebook and Instagram ! THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD! www.hotrodhangout.com

Tim Plouffe joined us on this episode to tell us all about The Hot Iron Dust Up happening this Father's Day weekend! Be sure to check out the Facebook , Instagram and their Website for more information! Tim also got to tell us how his brother introduced him to the car scene and how he keeps his memory alive working in the shop and passing on the legacy to the next generation! THANKS FOR LISTENING!...

Thanks, Mike Rioux, for coming on an episode and talking about looking at the car world through a different lens! How you got started in photography and incorporating your passion for cars! Be sure to check out Mike on Facebook and Instagram ! Oh, and don't forget to listen to License and Registration Podcast Episode 17 ! THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD! www.hotrodhangout.com

A very special guest from Bulletproof Garage joined this episode! We got to talk about his dad passing on the love of cars, what the car scene in Indiana looks like compared to Florida. Also, what it's like to actually build a car and using what you got to get it done! From going to the MoParty Car Show every year to competing in burnout contests, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Be sure...