DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast

Joe Person

DubLife Diaries – Where Volkswagen Stories and Culture Come Alive Welcome to DubLife Diaries – the ultimate VW lifestyle podcast for enthusiasts and anyone who loves a great story on the open road! We dive deep into the heart of VW culture—celebrating the passion, creativity, and community that make these iconic cars more than just machines. From vintage Beetles and Westfalias to Karmann Ghias and Things, every episode highlights the people behind the wheel—the dreamers, builders, photographers, and families whose lives are forever shaped by Volkswagens. 🎙️ What You’ll Hear: Inspiring interviews with VW lovers, business owners, and hobbyistsStories of road trips, restorations, and once-in-a-lifetime findsBehind-the-scenes looks at shows, culture, and the VW lifestyleThe role these timeless cars play in creating connection and adventureWhether you’ve been a lifelong “dubber,” are just discovering the VW world, or simply love hearing unique human stories, DubLife Diaries is your front-row seat to the scene. 📅 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe today and join us as we roll through the stories that keep the Volkswagen community thriving. 🚗 Host: Joe Person – Lifelong VW enthusiast, storyteller, and community connector.

  1. 77,000+ Miles. 38 States. One Legendary VW Krust Bus Dave Broenen Ep70

    5d ago

    77,000+ Miles. 38 States. One Legendary VW Krust Bus Dave Broenen Ep70

    What happens when you take a 1960 Volkswagen panel bus, point it toward the horizon, and refuse to stop? In Episode 70 of Dub Life Diaries, Joe sits down with Dave Broenen, better known as the pilot of the legendary KRUST BUS, to talk about an incredible journey that has taken him more than 78,000 miles across 38 states in just 23 months. Dave shares how a lifelong love of Volkswagens, inspired by his family and his first rusty Beetle, eventually led him to purchase and transform a weathered split-window bus into one of the most recognizable adventure vehicles in the VW community. Along the way, he has crossed mountain passes, explored remote backroads, camped across America, and built friendships that prove the Volkswagen community is unlike any other. In this episode, you'll hear: ✅ The story behind the KRUST BUS and the “Bus Pilot” nickname ✅ How Dave prepared a vintage VW for cross-country travel ✅ The engine combinations and upgrades that survived nearly 80,000 miles ✅ Breakdowns that became unforgettable adventures ✅ Incredible stories of kindness from VW enthusiasts across the country ✅ Essential advice for first-time vintage Volkswagen owners ✅ Why “Drive Your Bus” has become more than just a hashtag From snow trips on Mount Shasta to award-winning cross-country adventures, Dave's story is a reminder that the best memories often happen when things don't go according to plan. If you've ever dreamed of hitting the open road in an air-cooled Volkswagen, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Guest: Dave Broenen 🚌 Vehicle: The KRUST BUS (1960 VW Panel Bus) 📍 Journey: 78,000+ Miles | 38 States | 23 Months 🏁 Goal: 100,000 Miles by the end of the year Listen now and discover why sometimes the breakdowns create the best stories. #DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWBus #SplitWindowBus #AirCooledVW #RoadTrip #KrustBus #VintageVolkswagen #VWCommunity #DriveYourBus #Podcast #DaveBroenen #VolkswagenAdventure #BusLife #CrossCountryRoadTrip Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

    1h 25m
  2. Life-Love-Volkswagens-Jose Rodriguez-Factor Volkswagen Ep69

    Jun 13

    Life-Love-Volkswagens-Jose Rodriguez-Factor Volkswagen Ep69

    What happens when a childhood surrounded by Volkswagens turns into a lifelong passion that brings families, friends, and an entire community together? In Episode 69 of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with José Rodriguez of Factor Volkswagen to explore his incredible journey from growing up in Puerto Rico to becoming a driving force in the Volkswagen scene in Florida. José shares stories of learning mechanics alongside his father, the influence of his brother Juan, and how Factor Volkswagen grew from a simple idea into one of Puerto Rico’s premier VW events—bringing together camping, live music, beach vibes, incredible cars, and lifelong friendships. From restoring his beloved 1983 Vanagon and building a stunning 1962 Beetle with his wife, to overcoming breakdowns in 105-degree heat and discovering that the VW community is always there when you need it most, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and genuine passion. We also dive into: 🇵🇷 The rich Volkswagen culture of Puerto Rico🚐 The story behind Factor Volkswagen’s incredible events🔧 Learning to wrench from family and experience❤️ How building Volkswagens strengthened family bonds🏕️ Camping, road trips, and adventures in a Vanagon🤝 Why the VW community feels more like family than a hobby🌴 The vision for bringing Puerto Rican VW culture to the mainland U.S.🚗 José’s dream Volkswagen and rapid-fire VW questions Whether you own a Beetle, Bus, Vanagon, Karmann Ghia, Golf, or simply love hearing stories about people whose lives have been transformed through cars and community, this episode is for you. Connect with Factor Volkswagen and keep an eye on their upcoming events as they continue building bridges between Puerto Rico and the U.S. VW scene. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another VW enthusiast. Every share helps keep the DubLife alive. #DubLifeDiaries #FactorVolkswagen #PuertoRico #Volkswagen #VWCommunity #Vanagon #Beetle #AirCooled #VWLife #ClassicCars #RoadTrips #Family #Podcast #JoseRodriguez Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

    1h 9m
  3. Jeff Pierce & Butters the Super Beetle | A Lifetime of Volkswagen Obsession Ep68

    Jun 6

    Jeff Pierce & Butters the Super Beetle | A Lifetime of Volkswagen Obsession Ep68

    From a $300 Beetle at age 14 to a garage full of VW memories, Jeff Pierce shares the story behind his beloved Super Beetle, Butters, and a lifetime spent living the VW lifestyle. What starts as a childhood memory of a family Beetle turns into a lifelong Volkswagen addiction. In this episode of Dub Life Diaries, Joe sits down with Volkswagen enthusiast Jeff Pierce, owner of a beloved 1973 Super Beetle named Butters. From buying his first Beetle at just 14 years old while working at McDonald's to owning nearly 20 Volkswagens throughout his life, Jeff shares the stories, lessons, successes, and mistakes that shaped his VW journey. Joe and Jeff dive into what makes the Volkswagen community different from every other automotive scene. They discuss the friendships, roadside rescues, garage-built projects, and the welcoming culture that keeps people coming back generation after generation. Topics include: • The story behind Butters the 1973 Super Beetle • Jeff's first VW purchase at age 14 • Owning nearly 20 Volkswagens over the years • Why the VW community is unlike any other car culture • Air-cooled vs. water-cooled Volkswagens • Rare finds, barn finds, and estate auction discoveries • Major VW events including Eureka Springs and Port City Volkswagen Show • The challenges of finding skilled air-cooled mechanics today • Why younger generations aren't entering the hobby at the same rate • Jeff's dream Volkswagens still on his bucket list Whether you're restoring your first Beetle, cruising in a Bus, building a Cal-Look car, or simply love hearing stories from passionate enthusiasts, this episode is packed with Volkswagen memories and community spirit. 🎙️ Follow DubLife Diaries for more stories from the people who keep Volkswagen culture alive. #DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWLife #SuperBeetle #AirCooledVW #VolkswagenBeetle #VWCommunity #ClassicVolkswagen #VWPodcast #ButtersTheBeetle Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

    1h 15m
  4. Magic Freedom & Life in a VW Bus Elijah Paulie (Uncle Funk) Ep67

    May 30

    Magic Freedom & Life in a VW Bus Elijah Paulie (Uncle Funk) Ep67

    What happens when you trade comfort for freedom and turn a vintage Volkswagen bus into your full-time home? In Episode 67 of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with Elijah Paulie, better known as Uncle Funk—a professional magician, festival performer, ice cream man , videographer, and full-time VW bus dweller. From buying his first Volkswagen bus as a teenager to building a life centered around magic, travel, and community, Elijah shares the incredible journey that led him to become one of the most recognizable personalities in the VW scene.  In this episode, we discuss: ✨ How a $250 Volkswagen bus changed the course of his life 🚌 Living full-time in a vintage VW bus for years 🎩 The path from opera training to professional magician 🎪 Building a career performing at festivals and events across the country 🔧 The realities of bus life, breakdowns, repairs, and life on the road ❤️ The power of community within the Volkswagen world 📖 Being featured on the cover of Volksmania Magazine 🌎 Why he chooses freedom over comfort and conventional living Elijah's story is equal parts inspiring, entertaining, and unconventional. Whether you're a Volkswagen enthusiast, a dreamer chasing a different path, or someone who loves hearing stories about people living life on their own terms, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and plenty of magic. Connect with Uncle Funk Follow Elijah "Uncle Funk" Paulie and keep up with his magic shows, VW adventures, and festival appearances. "Groovy Uncle Funk" on all socials except Facebook. He's just "Uncle Funk" on Facebook. Enjoying the show? Please leave a review, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow VW enthusiast. Your support helps us continue telling the stories that make the Volkswagen community so special. #DubLifeDiaries #VolkswagenBus #VWLife #UncleFunk #MagicShow #VanLife #VWBus #VolkswagenCommunity #Podcast #ClassicVW #BusLife #Episode67 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

    1h 14m
  5. Air-Cooled & Amplified  Scott Sain’s VW Journey Ep65

    May 16

    Air-Cooled & Amplified Scott Sain’s VW Journey Ep65

    Episode 65 of DubLife Diaries brings on longtime Volkswagen enthusiast, drag racer, event promoter, and professional DJ (Insane) Scott Sain for an unforgettable conversation packed with classic VW culture, racing history, music, and community. From buying his first Bugs for just $70 in the 1980s to building some of the most recognizable grassroots VW events in the Southeast, Scott shares the journey that turned a passion into a lifestyle. We dive into the evolution of the Volkswagen scene, Scott’s drag racing roots, his boutique-style events like VW Drag Knight and German Air Drag Day, and the incredible stories behind his custom car giveaways that help fund the community while giving back. Scott also talks about transforming a restored split-window bus into a fully functional mobile DJ booth, his career performing over 300 events a year, and why the VW world continues to feel like family after all these years. This episode is full of nostalgia, inspiration, hilarious stories, and genuine passion for the air-cooled community. Whether you're into vintage Volkswagens, event culture, racing, music, or entrepreneurship, this one delivers. 🎙️ Hosted by Joe Person 🚗 Air-cooled culture, drag racing, music, community, and unforgettable stories 🔥 Featuring: Scott Sain #DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWLife #AirCooled #VWDragRacing #ClassicVW #SplitWindowBus #VWCommunity #BeetleLife #KarmannGhia #Podcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

    1h 32m
  6. Bugs, Buses & Brotherhood Drew Bird Estep Ep64

    May 9

    Bugs, Buses & Brotherhood Drew Bird Estep Ep64

    Episode 64 of DubLife Diaries is all about family, legacy, resilience, and the Volkswagen lifestyle that connects generations. Joe sits down with Drew Estep from Tennessee to talk about growing up around Volkswagens, learning life lessons through old Beetles, and how air-cooled VWs became more than just transportation for his family. From $300 Bugs with wooden bumpers to his dream 1963 double cab Splitty, Drew shares stories that are funny, emotional, nostalgic, and deeply relatable to anyone who’s ever had a car become part of their identity. In this episode, Drew opens up about: • Growing up in East Tennessee with a military family • His father’s influence and the VW memories that shaped him • The first Beetle that started the obsession • Building a garage around his 1978 Champagne Edition bus • Why Volkswagens became therapy, family, and legacy • His current VW collection and dream builds • The emotional connection behind preserving these cars for future generations This conversation is a reminder that the VW community isn’t really about cars — it’s about stories, memories, and the people behind the wheel. If you love air-cooled Volkswagens, family stories, road trip memories, and authentic conversations, this episode is for you. #DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWBus #AirCooled #VWBeetle #ClassicVW #VolkswagenBus #DubLife #Tennessee #VWLife #VintageVolkswagen #VWCommunity #ClassicCars #AutomotivePodcast  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

    59 min
  7. Port City VW Car Show & Burn Camp Mission Kyle Badertscher Ep 63

    May 2

    Port City VW Car Show & Burn Camp Mission Kyle Badertscher Ep 63

    Episode 63 – Kyle Badertscher | Port City VW Car Show & Burn Camp Mission In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Kyle Badertscher, the heart behind the Port City Volkswagen Car Show—one of the most meaningful VW events in the country. Kyle shares his incredible journey into the Volkswagen world, from not owning his first car until his late 20s to becoming a driving force in a thriving VW community. What started with a single 1970 Bay Window bus named Bonnie turned into something much bigger—an annual event that now brings together hundreds of enthusiasts from across the country. But this show is about more than just cars. The Port City VW Car Show is built on purpose—raising money for the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp, a life-changing program that supports children who have suffered severe burns and disfigurements. Kyle opens up about his personal connection to the cause, his role as a camp counselor, and how this mission fuels everything he does. We dive into: The story behind Bonnie and Kyle’s VW journeyHow the Port City VW Show grew into a 500–700 car eventThe unique “Fab 15” awards and community-driven cultureWhy the Volkswagen community feels more like familyThe real impact of the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn CampWhat it takes to build an event with purpose, heart, and longevityThis episode is a powerful reminder that cars can bring people together—but purpose is what makes it unforgettable. If you love VW culture, community, and stories that actually matter… this one hits different. 📍 Port City VW Car Show Held annually the first Saturday in June in Catoosa, Oklahoma 🎯 Mission: Supporting children through the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp 🎙️ DubLife Diaries Real stories. Real builds. Real people. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves the VW lifestyle. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

    1h 13m

About

DubLife Diaries – Where Volkswagen Stories and Culture Come Alive Welcome to DubLife Diaries – the ultimate VW lifestyle podcast for enthusiasts and anyone who loves a great story on the open road! We dive deep into the heart of VW culture—celebrating the passion, creativity, and community that make these iconic cars more than just machines. From vintage Beetles and Westfalias to Karmann Ghias and Things, every episode highlights the people behind the wheel—the dreamers, builders, photographers, and families whose lives are forever shaped by Volkswagens. 🎙️ What You’ll Hear: Inspiring interviews with VW lovers, business owners, and hobbyistsStories of road trips, restorations, and once-in-a-lifetime findsBehind-the-scenes looks at shows, culture, and the VW lifestyleThe role these timeless cars play in creating connection and adventureWhether you’ve been a lifelong “dubber,” are just discovering the VW world, or simply love hearing unique human stories, DubLife Diaries is your front-row seat to the scene. 📅 New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe today and join us as we roll through the stories that keep the Volkswagen community thriving. 🚗 Host: Joe Person – Lifelong VW enthusiast, storyteller, and community connector.

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