Life With Middie, Our Tesla Model 3

After waiting almost five years, we finally upgraded to MIDDY 2.0, our 2026 Launch Series Tesla Model Y. We tell the story of our experience and offer suggestions on whether or not you should consider upgrading too.

Delivery of MIDDY 2.0 (2026 Launch Series Tesla Model Y) is just days away! We summarize how to perform the same pre-delivery tasks we did last week, unmask the meaning behind a Tesla VIN #, and provide an update on our 2025 Travel Like Robert Roadtrip Series.

After nearly five years, it's time for MIDDY 2.0!We'll share the experience of ordering our third Tesla vehicle purchase with you!

We took advantage of our adventure in watching Blue Origin's first launch of New Glenn to try out FSD 12.6.1. We share our first impressions after getting a 2nd Wave Version Lottery Win and explain how one version of Tesla software and two versions of FSD can be downloaded to HW3 and HW4 cars at the same time...

This is a LONG episode because there is SO MUCH different between MIDDY 1.0, our 2020 Tesla Model Y and the upcoming "Juniper" refresh of the 2025 Model Y.Just be glad I didn't include all the software changes, we would have been here for DAYS!And yes, Grok did the rendering...

We go into LOTS of detail to answer these questions that all Tesla owners of cars purchased in first part of 2023 and earlier are wondering:1. Is HW3 Legacy2. Will HW3 EVER get FSD V13?Yep, it's an EPIC episode, get your popcorn ready!

Should I even admit I've had Attention Monitoring (Tesla Hands Free) since July 2024? Maybe I shouldn't even remind my listeners that I've had this since September of 2021! Yep, back then it was Driver Monitoring System, and so much has changed for the better.Oh, and yes, I've had 12.5.1.5 since August 28th... Is it really worth the wait or should you just be happy with 12.3.6?

One year ago TODAY we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.Hear the details of a day we will never forget as we describe our experiences of Yellowstone Lake, the ScenicCruiser, and Gull Point Drive.

Today's episode in the #MiddyGoesToYellowstone series shares some tips and tricks for your trip to Yellowstone. I'm sure it's on your bucket list. You need to schedule it! Yellowstone is an ever changing, amazing place that is truly unique in the world. Enjoy hearing how things went on Day 5 of our trip!

Our first full day in Yellowstone doesn't disappoint. We check out the Marina where we'll soon ride the SceniCruiser on our anniversary day as well as travel to the east entrance for the first time. And the adventures never end in Yellowstone as I have to avoid the female elk to safely get to the free charging stations at Teal Dorm across the street from the Lake Hotel.

We arrive at Yellowstone and meet another couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary! And seven more days await us as we make this road trip our most epic ever!

This episode continues our retro style episodes for #MiddyGoesToYellowstone, telling the story of our epic roadtrip back to Yellowstone to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. While we had a little different route than back in 2018, we again stopped to Supercharge at Rawlins WY and ate at the same Pizza Hut. FSD on the highway continued to make the trip even easier than it was in 2018.

Amazing new iPhone version of the Tesla App (V4.24.0 or newer) gives you the power to create your own voice commands using the Apple Shortcuts app!And... we have setup a new Crowd Sourced list of these shortcuts that you can use and to which you can contribute your own!

I've been following EV Dave since 2020 when I first found out he had given his then new 2020 Tesla Model Y to Kyle Conner of Out of Spec to test and experience.After several attempts, we were able to meet in person for the first time. I asked some questions about how he got started in EVs and the amazing list of cars he's owned in the last eight years. I learned some things I never knew before!You'll learn why you too should follow EV Dave on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@evdave528)

This episode we start our retro style episodes for #MiddyGoesToYellowstone, telling the story of our epic roadtrip back to Yellowstone to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Day 1 we drive 566 miles to our night stop in Kearney, NE and we experience Runza for the first time.

Finally! Middy gets FSD Version 11, and did Tesla actually make a better Autopilot? Just listen and find out if "FSD on the Highway" is a true successor to Autopilot and (N)avigate (O)n (A)utopilot...And... is "Average" the best word I can use to describe it?

Every good roadtrip has a destination and finishes back home. This one was no different. I wished it would never end. But it had to.

This episode we talk about our recent experience with Tesla's new Mobile Tire Service Truck that brings tire repair and replacement directly to you, either on the road or at home. Also, we'll discuss our experience with Tesla's CCS Adapter and key things we've learned from those experiences in light of other manufacturers' vehicles getting bricked at Electrify America chargers. 

Hear the behind the scenes story of the toughest ticket to get during Cyber Rodeo... Well, maybe the 2nd most... Tesla Universe's Happy Hour Live at the Cedar Door Bar and Grill in downtown Austin April 8th, 2022!Also, we give a brief history of Tesla Universe and how it all got started!Finally, what's next for Tesla Universe events and how you can join us!

Hear never before shared details on the chase for the Cyber Rodeo "Golden Ticket". It was a memorable day with my friend Craig, members of Tesla Universe from around the world, the Mansion, what an adventure! Yee Haw!

Find out more as I interview the CEO of EVowy.com about their company. EVowy is focused on providing EV car owners free battery health reports!

There's just something special about the number "69" in the Tesla Community, and episode 69 turns out to be one of my favorites where we retell the story of seeing Giga Texas for the very first time!Much thanks to Sara J Awesome and Erum who shared the experience with my wife Deborah and my good friend and Convoy partner Craig.

We continue telling the story of #MiddyGoesToAustin, focusing on April 5th's driving and meeting other Tesla owners and enthusiasts at Terry Black's BBQ, TeslaCon's first event.

Performed in the older story-telling style of our original podcast episodes, we start telling the story of #MiddyGoesToAustin. This episode also includes some background info in the almost two months that lead up to the start of the roadtrip.

In our third of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we interview our friend Sara J Awesome! Whether you're already a subscriber to her YouTube channel or hearing her tell her story for the first time, you'll soon know how she initially got interested in Tesla and what keeps her passionate.

In our second of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we visit Terry Black BBQ for TeslaCon on April 5th and interview Erick The Dream Guy (@ericthedreamguy on Twitter, search for "Erick the Goat Guy" on YouTube"). Also, we interview Julia Love, the owner of the Doge McLaren (@realjulialove @dogeclaren on Twitter).

In our first of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we interview Matthew Wallace (@MattWallace1701 on Twitter, search for "Matthew Wallace Tesla" on YouTube"). We met at the Clive Bar during TeslaCon's 1st stop on their Pub Crawl. We share a passion for Tesla, Model Y, and FSD Beta. I ask what got him started with his interest in Tesla and what keeps him passionate concerning all things Tesla.Enjoy the interview and please check him out on YouTube and Twitter!

This episode we'll talk about Tesla Software deployments and why your car isn't lying to you when it says you have the latest version when everyone else on Twitter says you don't!

What?? Sold Middie? What about the podcast? Is this the end?Of course not! We'll share why it was time to sell and how to sell your car on VRoom!

This episode we'll talk about a few key safety tips when testing FSD Beta, one in particular that you need to be aware of. Not all disengagement methods work the same. And, we'll review some useful additions to the Voice Commands List!

Deployment of FSD Beta happens more often than some people realize. Faster than "Two Weeks"! Learn about this new pattern emerging and how it gives you more chances to receive FSD Beta. AND, important tips for new testers. Of course, all tips are provided for entertainment purposes only and do not guarantee to prevent accident. You are responsible for the vehicle.

What a privilege to become an FSD Beta Tester and a dream come true! But now, the work begins, either driving to test, or testing while driving. And I'll share what you can do NOW to join the next wave of FSD beta testers!

Many of us who have purchased or are subscribed to FSD have been waiting for this opportunity for a LONG time. I offer some dos and don'ts that hopefully should increase our chances of getting FSD beta after we "press the button".Image Credit - EveryAmp / The Artists fka LivingTesla / Eva Fox

Are the days of torquing the wheel over? Maybe soon! Could DMS, or Driver Monitoring System, truly replace touching the wheel to let Autopilot know you're there and attentive? Maybe! Listen to learn more about my experiences driving, er, letting Middy drive with my attentive supervision.

While not often, I'm getting an early look at the new Driver Inattentiveness feature in Tesla Autopilot in 2021.32.5. I'm sharing some first impressions and look forward to more details in episode 57 as I do more testing tomorrow.

Time to look back on our first year with our 2020 Model Y named "Middy". Hopefully you'll learn some key details to help you select the right car for you!Ready for order your Tesla, use my referral code https://ts.la/douglas39617 to earn 1000 miles or 1600 kilometers of free supercharging!

This long overdue episode focuses on service tips, the PWS Retrofit (Boombox enabled!), PCS failures covered under the HV Battery Warranty, and our new partnership with NotATeslaApp.com!

While we share our "in the dead of winter" range and supercharger test results with Middy our 2020 Model Y, we also comment on Tesla's new Engagement Hub called "Engage" as well as vent a little after the Cybertruck RC pre-order fail.

Off peak charging is something Middie does all the time, and it's still as simple as plug it and forget it. Learn more about this growing trend and, if you're a Texas Tesla owner, find out how to save money charging your car at home using the same software Middie uses every night!

More range tests, now at lower fall temperatures, give us our first indication of the Power of the Heat Pump! And, are people still submitting new voice commands to teslavoice.glideapp.io?

As a 9 year old I experienced my first Porsche ride, and driving the new 2020 Porsche Taycan was quite the experience! You'll learn if my love affair with Middie and Middy is over, and find out if the Model Y is quieter than the Model 3.

We take advantage of having Middie and Middy by performing a range test that produces surprising results. We review Ameren's Managed EV Charging Pilot that just finished along with my first impressions of Speed Limit Sign Recognition in 2020.36!

A Life With Middie exclusive group podcast with representatives from Ameren, the Electric Power Research Institute, and EV.Energy! We discuss an innovative pilot program focused on making off peak charging literally as easy as set it and forget it!

We'll share details of our recent delivery of Middy, our new 2020 Tesla Model Y. You'll learn why it's a different experience the second time around, and discover recent voice command updates, ones that don't work on the Model Y (yet), and others that don't exist anymore (that I'll personally miss!)

First of all... MIDDY LIVES!!! We'll talk a little about us getting ready to take delivery of our LR AWD, MSM, FSD, White Interior, Gemini Wheels Model Y named Middy on July 16, 2020. You'll hear how to get ready for your delivery, how to know the status of your order before you hear from Tesla, and our new segment entitled "And Now, A Word From Another Listener"!

We'll reveal why we named our Model 3 "Middie", what it didn't have as standard equipment in May 2018 that it has now, do a deep dive on Traffic Light / Stop Sign Control, and finish with a Voice Commands List Update!

It's not normal for me to produce daily podcast episodes... UNTIL TODAY! I'll share my experience with the latest step towards Full Self Driving and what you have to look forward to when you get this software on YOUR Tesla!

You'll learn the specific things that make up a Model 3's two year maintenance cycle as well as how to take advantage of contactless service to maximize your safety during the pandemic.

Along with an encouraging word and recognition that we're all going through "Tesla Withdrawal" during the COVID-19 Pandemic, learn how to take care of your Tesla's battery pack while it sits for long periods of time.

Learn how to solve these common problems to increase enjoyment of your Model 3 and soon... Model Y! 1. Completing Google Login for Web Browser and YouTube Entertainment App 2. Voice Commands List, highlighting Google commands you can use on road trips 3. Accessing Your Saved YouTube Channels and YouTube TV from the YouTube Entertainment App 4. Unlocking YouTube TV Shows That Require Location (Sporting Events) 5. Changing the Navigation's Home or Work Addresses

To celebrate our 21st month anniversary with Middie and in response to literally hundreds of requests via Facebook and other social media sources, easy to follow Dos and Don'ts for daily charging your Model 3. I'll be sharing this from now. Feel free to do the same and save yourself some keystrokes!