My First Car

Meet Tayler Billings. Former bassist of The Vexed and the current lead guitarist and vocalist for Wasting Tape. When Tayler's parents gift him a 1989 Buick Riviera to share with his sister, he does what any older brother would do and claims it for himself. With a trash filled interior and a hood featuring custom painted boobs, he is geared up to tackle every icy bridge in his path. 

Nolyn Falcon’s 1990 Ford Escort GT endures a few wild trips to California. Decked out with a Shoop decal, a trusty tape deck, and the funk of a cooler gone rancid after a brutal summer explosion, this car has seen it all. Nolyn ushers us through the experience of recording his debut album on a 4-track, powering through sleep-deprived nights in a snowstorm, and sharing the stage with none other tha...

After countless performances and extensive tours across the nation, musician Danny Savage of Mooncats takes us through his journey from the gritty days of breaking down in his beat-up '90s Chevy Suburban to cruising cross country in his trusty 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. A master of rock, grunge, and bluegrass, Danny has not only captured hearts with his eclectic sound but also stunned audiences with...

Jon Quijano recalls his 1989 Chevy Cavalier wagon as having no floor heat, windows that won’t stay up, and a cassette player that devours tapes. He shares that his passion for drumming began after hearing a Jimi Hendrix song in a car commercial during a Channel 1 news broadcast. During a road trip, a wrong turn left Jon and his brother lost in Nebraska.    Pairs well with a complimentary soundtrac...

In this episode, my buddy Kyle Haman reflects on the ultimate taste of freedom by hitting the open road and cruising through neighboring small towns. With a trunk full of beer, the music cranked up, and nothing but blue skies ahead, Kyle takes us along for the ride. It’s country cruising at its finest, with stories of spontaneous adventures, wild nights, and the kind of carefree spirit that comes...

In this episode, my friend Pedro Pizarro dives into the wild, reckless days of his first car. From spray-painting a cop car (yep, you read that right) to almost getting shot at, Pedro’s Tallahassee adventures were filled with mischief, close calls, and unforgettable moments. Time well spent making mixtapes, making windshield washer squirt guns and making out with girls, all while keeping an eye ou...

In this no-holds-barred episode, my friend and fellow podcaster Cole Weisz pulls up to share his unfiltered wisdom and stories from the driver's seat of a 78 Plymouth Volare station wagon. From no second dates to not even glancing while reversing, Cole’s experiences in this classic ride are as legendary as his “no F’s given” approach to life.

Musician Richard Loewen somehow small town's his way to getting a license. Another Topaz make it's presence heard all around town till he upgrades to a 98 Chevy Blazer. Shenanigan's ensue.

In this nostalgic trip down memory lane, my friend and former bassist Tony takes us back to the early days of his grunge youth and it all begins with a 1963 Ford pickup truck. From getting lost on winding gravel roads to late night CB radio hide-and-seek games, and of course, cruising for chicken nuggets, Tony's wild adventures in the preband days set the stage for a life of music and mischief.  T...

14 states in 14 days. Musician Roger Nordquist flips a coin to find what he's looking for on a solo road trip in this 2001 odyssey over Sept 11th. From an inherited 78 Thunderbird to a 91 Mercury Cougar, it’s a journey that’s about more than just the destinations. It’s about what drives us, both on the road and in life.

Buckle up, because this week we’re taking a ride down memory lane with Nathan Engel the graphic designer behind the logo and birther to the podcast idea. But today, he’s not talking design, he’s revving the engine on his legendary 1978 Chevy Impala. The vehicle that wasn’t just a car but a vessel of teenage mayhem. Questionable decisions and shenanigans ensue. Pairs well with a mixtape of Eminem,...

My friend Mandie Haman drops by to recount her adventures in her 1987 Mercury Topaz. Fender benders, frogs, mixtapes, and the stink of cloves. Get in the trunk losers! We're going down memory lane.  Cheers! Pairs well with a mixtape of Heart and Fleetwood Mac

In today's episode, guitarist and my friend, Adam Abrahamson takes a trip down memory lane as he reminisces about his 1978 Dodge Colt affectionately known as The Turdmobile. From pushing it when it wouldn't reverse to the loss of his lil homies, Adam's legendary tales remind me of the days when car bras and bug splatters existed. Pairs well with a mixtape of The Offspring, Greenday, The Humpers, 9...

Hey, I’m Elija Kirby. After spending years playing in garage bands and podcasting, I decided to start a new show where I talk with people about their first car. A podcast all about the vehicle that started it all: the first ride that got us on the road and set the course for the adventures that followed. Each episode, I sit down with friends, fellow musicians, and guests from all walks of life to...