The Autopian Podcast

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From the hit automotive counter culture website THE AUTOPIAN, The Autopian Podcast features your favorite writers: Jason Torchinsky, Beau Boeckmann and David Tracy. With great insider access, these three long-time friends talk car history, car engineering and the car industry. The Autopian is the ultimate car-culture website run by obsessive car nerds who want nothing more than to make people laugh while teaching them about geeky car minutiae. Founded by the two most-read Jalopnik writers ever, Jason Torchinsky (an artist and comedian) and David Tracy (an automotive engineer) — along with prolific businessman/TV personality Beau Boeckmann — the site places a strong focus on technical expertise, leveraging industry insiders to provide key insight into the automotive world. But as detailed as things get at The Autopian, the site’s main focus is to create fun, engaging content that fosters an inclusive, close-knit automotive community. Beau, David, and Jason literally created the website’s mission statement while sitting in a 1901 Sunbeam-Mabley, surrounded by postwar microcars like a Messerschmitt Tiger (see image above). That mission statement, by the way, is: The Autopian exists to serve the car enthusiast community by creating content that informs and entertains, while celebrating the unifying quality of automobiles.

The Autopian


    • Jan 3, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 47m AVG DURATION
    • 39 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Autopian Podcast

    Crew Show; The Autopian's Predictions For 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 67:56


    This podcast is brought to by "Torch's heart". He really gave it his all for this one.Join the entire Autopian staff as they round up the final podcast of Season 2: DT, Beau, Matt. Adrian, Mercedes, Peter, Thomas, The Goss and a very special appearance by Jason Torchinsky.The Heartbeat of America.Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    Torch update, and Subaru tells us all about the new Forester and BRZ

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2023 31:17 Transcription Available


    First, Matt and DT talk updates on Torch and his bum heart, then they begin pathetically groveling for membership and a top it off with a preamble to a short but sweet Subaru chat at the Los Angeles Auto Show.Here's to Torch getting his carburetor back to optimum performance!Happy Holidays, Autopians!Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    Lucid's new EV SUV is changing the FRUNKING industry.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 37:04 Transcription Available


    The Autopian's are back with special guests on this weeks podcast. Lucid's lead designer, Derek Jenkins, sits for a fireside chat to talk about the new SUV from the luxury EV brand.Alanis King is no seat filler, she brings her incredible POV on HOV. What?Go to autopian.com to become a member today, and find more of these podcasts there as well!Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    New Tacoma Designers Just Wanted To Make A 'Bad-Ass Adventure Machine'

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 26:49


    David was super impressed when he drove the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and we wrote about it, a lot. Right after David took his turn in the Tacoma we had a chance to talk to two designers from the legendary CALTY design studio at the LA Auto Show and they provided a ton of great detail on how it came to exist. This podcast, presented by our friends at Marble, was shot a few weeks ago and features our own Beau Boeckmann, David Tracy, and Jason Torchinsky before his circulatory system went full Lucas. As our guests we've got both Adam Rabinowitz, exterior chief designer, and Benjamin Jimenez, General Manager at CALTY. Additionally, the one-and-only Stephen Walter Gossin joined us to talk trucks.Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    Kia's Chief Designer Tom Kearns Explains Why Kias Look So Damn Good Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 21:57 Transcription Available


    "Is that a Lamborghini or a Kia?"The 3 musky-peers have a riotous time with one of automotive engineering's "auteurs"... that's German for 'really creative'... Tom Kearns. The brain, brush and chief designer behind one of Kia's most popular new EV vehicles and many other iconic cars. The trio of Geo obvo ask Mr. Kearns about his "older" work.Torch reveals to Tom his creepy stalker side by pulling up pictures of Tom in his paint studio and begging him to accept an award in his North Carolina backyard, but Torch also chances it all by revealing that he has a fix to Kia's confusing brand imagery and it simply involves a red marker.This podcast might be as explosive as Torch's circulatory system... or DT's digestive system... or Beau's neurological system... Is this biology?The AutopiansPS: Get. out of the shop soon, Torch. We all love ya.

    HEAD OF HYUNDAI N EXPLAINS SECRET SAUCE BEHIND THE IONIQ 5 N [LA AUTO SHOW 2023]

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 28:58 Transcription Available


    Head of Hyundai N / Motorsports Till Wartenburg joins The Autopian at the LA Auto Show 2023, along with special guest Kristen Lee from MotorTrend. We talk about the exciting new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, vibrating seats, the Hyundai Pony, and how to make an EV exciting. Plus, Kristen talks about her new documentary on Chinese cars in Mexico.Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad LinkMarble Ad Link

    EV Conversion - Foxbody Mustang - Build Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 31:57


    The fellas round-up their podcast with part 2. Beau announces a big SEMA build - an EV conversion on an 80s Foxbody. David Tracy is involved for better or worse. Torch uses the bathroom on live recording... he did not wash his hands.Listen, Share, Subscribe!Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    Artificial Intelligence is Aiming for Automotive Journalism - The Autopian Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 34:18


    David talks about his travels to Germany where he stays at a hotel made out of cars. Beau dishes on some sweet European travel, hence cars. And Torch is here... that's important. He didn't even know we were recording a podcast. He was too busy writing haikus about French cars.Hang with us as we talk autos, AI, kittens, museums and Japanese poetry.Does Tesla have a slogan?Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    What Makes The Porsche 356 The Perfect Automotive Canvas – The Autopian Podcast w/ Rod Emory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 49:02


    Part 2 of our special podcast with Rod Emory focuses on his skillset to make cars, trolling purists and a story about a Le Mans Porsche that will redline your brain.Thanks for joining us!Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    ROD EMORY PART 1 - Growing Up Porsche.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 34:11


    Welcome to part one of a great conversation with Rod Emory.

    ROD EMORY PODCAST PART 1 - NEXT WEDNESDAY!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 4:03


    Don't miss a huge podcast featuring Rod Emory who gave us nearly everything about himself save maybe a pee sample.Also, visit: www.autopian.com and become a Member today!Happy Birthday, America!Torch!

    Here's What You Have To Do To Supercharge An F-150 In California – The Autopian

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 27:22


    In part 2 of the Intro episode of season 2 of The Autopian Podcast, the trio talk up the details of getting the supercharged F-150 through CARB. Not to mention, they chat a bit about a company that reanimated Plymouth chassises. And finally, the three talk about the automotive world losing a giant of industry, automotive innovation and humanity... Beau's dad, Bert. Subscribe and share!Thanks!Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    Why The First Jeep Wrangler Has Rectangular Headlights, We're Back! Season 2 Premiere

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 29:30


    It's already been six months since the inaugural season 1 podcast and B, T & D (no not a Rochester funeral home) have a lot to catch up on.We've in studio at Galpin Auto Sports where we give the biggest intro around. Beau is ready to go, Torch still only has 9 fingers, and David... David drinks match lattes with Oatmilk and a shred of cinnamon with agave while driving his BMW i3 in the Valley. Nothing has changed, but EVERYTHING has changed.Listen up, Autopians! It's gonna be a big season!Mentioned in this episode:Marble Ad Link

    SPECIAL GUEST: Curtis Brubaker! (PART 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2022 48:25 Transcription Available


    Part two of our conversation with the incredible Curtis Brubaker brings a lot of noise. First up is the ridiculously close resemblance of the Tesla Cyber Truck with one of Curtis' sketches from a 70s Penthouse magazine. Beau, David and Torch also hear about the many inventions of Mr. Brubaker along his life, some of which you will not believe he's behind the development. Buckle up for the second part of The Autopian Podcast's final episode for SEASON 1!Thanks for joining us on this amazing first season and get ready for a YUGE season 2 starting up in WINTER/SPRING 2023. THE BEST 4X4 BY FAR. LAND ROVER.

    SPECIAL GUEST: Curtis Brubaker! (PART 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 56:24


    It's not often we get one of automotive's most niche designers on our podcast, but this pod is unlike any other. We've found Curtis Brubaker and he's not only still designing cars, he's also ready to tell us everything about his incredibly rare and famous icon from the 70s... the BRUBAKER BOX. Part 1 delves deep into the Box. Curtis tells us about how he came up with it, what made it hard to design and how it became a legend among car enthusiasts. The Brubaker Box has so many incredible secrets from an El Camino rear window, to its safety spare tire, to even a spacious living room for a backseat.Sit back and enjoy Part 1 of a fascinating conversation with the inventor, designer and innovator Curtis Brubaker. And next week will feature Part 2, which you won't want to miss because Curtis reveals that he may have designed the Tesla cyber truck about 40 years before Elon.Built Ford Tough.

    SPECIAL GUEST: Bruce Meyer!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2022 89:33


    Since this man needs little introduction in the car space I'll simply say that our conversation with Bruce Meyer was so much more than about his cars. Grab a coffee or put it in cruise control on I-95, sit back and unwind with a great conversation.

    bruce meyer
    Dark Days at The Autopian Podcast. :(

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 1:56


    We at the Autopian are not free from melodrama. The Dark Days we speak of is simply a break in the monotony of our weekly podcast. These are dark days for us, not you. What will you do with your Wednesday now that you've been freed from the rusty chains of your Autopian routine???Join us next week when we're back with automotive enthusiast and "mayor" of Beverly Hills - Bruce Meyer.

    THE AUTOPIAN PODCAST AT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW W/ ZACK KLAPMAN!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 60:54 Transcription Available


    What has a BMW, an incredibly irrepressible attitude in the volatile automotive industry and rhymes with Mack Slapman? It's Zack Klapman, of the Smoking Tire Podcast and a mainstay in automotive content and culture. Zack joins the Autopian team in more ways than one (wink wink) as he steps up on stage (that's right, we brought a stage to the L.A.A.S. so we're always above you peasants) to partake in our first live studio audience recording. The Autopians are podcasting from the Los Angeles Auto Show, directly from their own Autopian exhibit of cars. David, Beau and Torch take on the car show, it's featured vehicles and an issue they have with the new Porsche 911 Safari production vehicle.There is no substitute.

    SPECIAL GUEST: Gale "The Turbo King" Banks

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 95:31 Transcription Available


    The fellas start a deep and comprehensive conversation with one of the most important people in hot rodding, drag racing, and automotive engineering: Gale Banks.Gale talks about his background, influence, family and of course a smidge about forced induction.Bold moves.

    banks turbo gale banks
    SPECIAL GUEST: Randy Nonnenberg the Cofounder of Bring a Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 65:37 Transcription Available


    Going once, going twice... SOLD to the ex-German engineer who worked on the Audi TT shifter knob! This week, the duo invites Randy Nonnenberg to the podcast to talk about the automotive auctioning cultural phenomenon www.bringatrailer.com. "Duo?", you ask incredulously? Yes, Torch only joins briefly from a bougie airport lounge that he's snuck into for good WiFi and free White Claw. On his way to a Volvo event in Sweden, Torch decides to hang out for a bit to hear about Randy's amazing tales regarding some of the cars on the site, the site's incredible influence in the automotive marketplace and some tales about BaT that nobody's ever heard.Precision crafted performance.

    SPECIAL GUEST: Magnus Walker Talks His New Exhibit at the Petersen!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 70:34 Transcription Available


    Magnus Walker joins the Autopian Podcast to talk about Mopar. No kidding... You think we're saying the P-word on this podcast? You're crazy. Well, maybe once or twice we mentioned the P-word with Magnus a living breathing walking icon of automotive. Over a decade after Urban Outlaw, Magnus is still red-lining with new "build" projects, unveiling a brand new expose on his P-words at the greatest automotive museum in the world, and his opinion on car culture has never been more refined. Yes, Magnus schools David on LA car culture. There is no substitute.

    SPECIAL GUEST: Kevin Williams - Is the Toyota Yaris the GOAT Used Car?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 62:26 Transcription Available


    The three increase to four as they invite Autopian Kevin Williams whose forte is used cars. With the volatile market on used cars seeing historic numbers in value and inventory (or lack thereof), the importance of knowing what used car you're getting into is incredibly important. Kevin talks the rental car market, junkyards and dealership used car programs. What car is the best for its value? Find out. Also, David is late for a very important date... so he leaves the podcast early. Don't worry... we finish strong(ish) with David. Actually, honestly, the end of this podcast is an unrivaled mess... similar to two pigs copulating. Enjoy! Good car for good moments.

    Vanlife! And Torch Absolutely Loses It on Cadillac (yes, it's about the glovebox)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 40:40 Transcription Available


    Torch has been a pacifist his whole life. He cares about feral kittens, he washes his many cars with care and he lives a relatively peaceful existence in North Carolina as long as a car maker doesn't happen to design a glovebox button three strokes deep inside a digital dash menu that you can only use while stationary. Yes, Torch has taken up arms against Cadillac... if at least only for this podcast. Also, the trio talks vans and sleeping in vans and customizing vans and vans, man, vans. DRIVE = LOVE.

    Hoarding Cars and Speaking to the Authors of a New Book About Odd Japanese Cars

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 92:47


    Beau, Torch and David welcome one of the most infamous car collectors in America to the show, Myron Vernis. Myron's car collection is renown, boasting vehicles that not even Beau has heard of. Mark Brinker joins the conversation as well. Myron and Mark speak on their new Japanese Automotive Encyclopedia on the absurd they've published called "The Quiet Greatness". Mark also has a super power or ability to make you taller or shorter. We're not kidding. It's a Skoda, honest.

    WE MAY HAVE LOST POWER, WE MAY HAVE LOST THIS WEEK'S PODCAST, BUT WE HAVE ELON MUSK'S NEW ROBOT

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2022 1:48


    Sorry, folks. Ian ran through Florida and then hooked a Louie over North Carolina where Torch lost his power, and many many others lost so much more. Due to these circumstances, all of them, we're delaying our next podcast to the following week. Firstly, we hope everyone stays safe out there and gets back on their feet sooner than later. Secondly, check out the website for some of the finest articles on automotive tea around. Thirdly, don't miss us next Wednesday for a special podcast focusing on the "hoarders" of the automotive wasteland... car collectors. Beau will have lots of questions when the "Trio of Geo" invite Myron Vernis and Mark Brister on the pod to talk about a major addiction they share with the Autopians... acquiring odd vehicles But don't take it from me... here's a message straight from the Torch's mouth. The Heartbeat of America.

    Q&A! The International Autopians Field Questions from the Public

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 71:22


    It's only the 14th episode and the Autopians are already answering sizzling questions from the public (with Autopian publisher Matt Hardigree!). The mailbag gets popped open and answers are flying, but we also get a big update from Beau in Vietnam after touring the Disneyland of Automobiles. David is still struggling to talk about fixing the ute. Torch has an average car in mind. The Best Never Rest.

    SPECIAL GUEST: Adrian Clarke - Autopians Talk Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 56:55 Transcription Available


    Autopians are everywhere. You pass them in the street, you're probably married to one, you may have even birthed one. They come from the four corners of the planet as is represented in this week's podcast. Los Angeles, North Carolina, Australia and the UK are represented on this week's pod as Beau, Torch and Ute-Crushed David speak to the in-house designer Adrian Clark who has worked with such automotive mainstays as Land Rover. Adrian speaks on a number of topics related to design such as explaining the new Defender's "pointless" window square, the new Mustang's evolutionary rather than revolutionary design and even weighing on Torch and David's dirty laundry as the foursome spin out into an argument about whether Quantum Leap is a recognizable television show. Better Built. Better Backed.

    Internal Combustion Engines Beware! The Autopians Are Talking About EVs!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 66:24 Transcription Available


    EV! EV! EV! That's all anyone wants to talk about in the automotive space right now. If Maserati isn't announcing their newest GT electric, then the governor of California is announcing new mandates on production, or VW is launching the new hippie wagon that no contemporary hippie can afford, or maybe we're just running out of lithium! Either way, electric vehicles are not only coming on strong but they're here to stay and take over the roads and make a mess when trying to defend them. Beau, Torch and David have lots of opinions on this ever-present evolution of the automobile. The Power of Dreams!

    LIVE POD IN THE SPEED SHOP!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 77:52 Transcription Available


    The Autopians threw a car show and because more than one person showed up, Torch, Tracy and Beau are over the moon. They talk up all the rad cars that showed up and caused the car show to nerd out. And then... David Tracy goes on a bender... he admits to falling in love with a car model from the 50s... he admits to turning in $10.00 to the local police... and tops it off with news about his ChevyTracker's "personal issues". Listen up as the guys geek out around some of the most classic customs in history. FUEL FOR THE SOUL!

    SPECIAL GUEST! Master Builder Dave Shuten

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 50:46 Transcription Available


    While podcasting at Speed Shop, the trio invite the talented inhabitant who is a master at building and rebuilding custom cars and historic vehicles. Dave Shuten joins the podcast for a big conversation ranging from George Barris' secret but obvious part of the Batmobile, the Mork n Mindy Eggmobile, and David and Dave's backgrounds coinciding more than they thought. Move your mind!

    The Post Pebble Beach Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 64:08 Transcription Available


    Pebble Beach is in all of our rear view mirrors but Beau and Torch and David can't shut up about it. Apparently, there were a couple cars in attendance that naturally stoke conversation. Lucky you, we have a medium for that conversation. We're driving excitement!

    torch pebble beach beach podcast
    The Autopians Get Dangerously Close to Talking About Boats by Talking About Cars

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 44:00 Transcription Available


    Amphibious vehicles soak up the spotlight on this episode of The Autopian Podcast. The fellas roll up their pant legs and get moist when talking about boats that turn into cars and cars that turn into boats and cars that turn into cars that turn into boats. Either way, it's going to be a splash. The talk takes a moment to turn south and their sights onto an automated pleasuring machine for the car that Torch received in the mail. You can imagine that it doesn't take long for things to derail gloriously. Guys and gals, buckle up for another terrible cliche when describing this week's episode of the podcast! 'Everything we do is driven by you!' (stolen directly from the Ford propaganda archives!)

    SPECIAL GUEST! Leonard Yankelovich from Dartz Motorz

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 41:52 Transcription Available


    The trio morphs into a foursome when Latvian car builder Leo joins them to talk about "dictator mobiles". Leonard is the brains and brawn behind the company Dartz Motorz, renown for making impressive armored vehicles for world leaders and despots. Dartz has been involved with a number of film productions as well, boasting vehicles seen in the films The Dictator, The November Man and, if you listen to the podcast you'll discover, a brand new movie coming out soon that we think you've heard of! The Autopians find out more about what it takes to build these incredible vehicles, diamond infused water and how many cups of caffeine Leo needs to get through the 2AM podcast from Riga, Latvia (hint more than two). Listen up for "the ride of your life."

    Swamp Coolers, Tanks and Whale Penis: We're Continuing Our Unbroken Streak of Keeping it Classy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 37:47 Transcription Available


    This week, our three car nerds get wild when talking about leather made from whale penis used in opulent Russian dictator-mobiles. The racy talk doesn't stop there when Beau gets wet talking about how swamp coolers work on old Beetles. And just when you think the discussion can't get any spicier... the three friends start arguing over car culture: DETROIT v. LOS ANGELES. Listen up if you want to know which city boasts the best.

    SPECIAL GUEST... The Autopian's Own: Mercedes!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 52:56


    The fellas invite Mercedes to the podcast. Mercedes Streeter is one of The Autopian's favorite writers as she brings the knowledge when it comes to: Smart Cars, hard-to-find fiberglass trailers and large festivals featuring aeronautics and car nerds. The four talk about Mercedes ridiculous car collections and then figure out who has the most inoperable cars. Oh, what a feeling!

    BIG HYUNDAI VIBES! BIG UK TRIP VIBES!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 42:41 Transcription Available


    In the second episode of The Autopian Podcast, the trio continues breaking down the hottest automotive news from the website. They're talking futuristic Hyundai, they're shitting on subscription plans for cars, and they're wading into dangerous waters with a discussion about Beau's trip to Europe and David's trip to Germany. By "dangerous" we mean the discussion participants have the propensity to ramble.

    JOE LIGO HAS A NEW DOC ABOUT AMERICAN MOTORS CORP

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 25:37 Transcription Available


    The Autopians welcome filmmaker Joe Ligo, who quit his job to make a movie about the last great independent car company in America. He's also an Emmy winning TV producer who enjoys learning great stories and sharing them with others. Oh! Lucky you! You get to hear them. Listen up!

    america tv corp ligo american motors
    ELON VS TORCH: Whose Body Is More Physically Dominant?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 45:15 Transcription Available


    In the third episode of The Autopian Podcast, the three amigos get feisty when comparing Torch's physique with that of Elon Musk's. The Russian Niva is making a comeback; and the three amigos fall over themselves when they talk miniature cars.. But wait there's more! The Ford F-150 Raptor R is broken down by the boys and Torch blows the dust off his art history degree and bucks up on anyone who wants to say automobiles are NOT art. Listen up, Autopians!

    WELCOME TO THE FIRST EPISODE OF THE AUTOPIAN PODCAST!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 47:22 Transcription Available


    Three of the biggest brains in the automotive space join forces for a weekly podcast that will jumpstart the mind. Autopian Beau Boeckmann brings his incredible insight into the automotive industry and one of the craziest collections of cars around. Autopian "Torch" or Jason Torchinsky, as his byline likes to refer to him, has an encyclopedic brain when it comes to cars and car culture, and a scandalous appreciation for rear illumination. And David Tracy is the resident engineer, designer and wrench monkey, able to get any car running within 24 hours (that's kind of a stretch). He'll also tell you about his free Nash Metropolitan if you let him. Together they bring totally different POVs when it comes to one singular discussion: car culture... and you get to be along for the proverbial ride, every Wednesday morning at 10AM EST.

    torch povs jason torchinsky

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