Be Differential

Be Differential

Discover the stories and insights driving change in the automotive and motorsport industries. The BeDifferential Podcast highlights trailblazers, untold stories, and pathways into this exciting world, with a focus on empowering women and the next generation. Join us for inspiring conversations with industry leaders, racers, and visionaries breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Fuel your passion for cars, motorsport, and innovation—subscribe now and be part of the movement.

  1. 27 ENE

    It’s Not Too Late with Kristen Angelica

    What happens when the version of yourself that once felt safe no longer fits? In this deeply reflective episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, host Eva Gregory sits down with Kristen Angelica Montgomery to explore identity, reinvention, and what it truly means to begin again — especially when the timing doesn’t look “typical.” Kristen opens up about navigating major life pivots, rebuilding her sense of self, and the quiet (and sometimes uncomfortable) realization that she had outgrown a version of herself she once thought was “enough.” She shares what ultimately gave her permission to pursue racing in her mid-30s, how she learned to trust herself amid uncertainty, and the assumptions she had to unlearn about what was “out of reach” — particularly as a woman entering motorsport later in life. Together, Eva and Kristen talk candidly about stepping into a traditionally male-dominated space, the moments when simply showing up feels like a form of resistance, and the unexpected gifts that come with being new — curiosity, presence, and intuition. Kristen also reflects on how creativity and storytelling weave into her racing journey, and when she realized her voice mattered, even if it didn’t sound like anyone else’s. This conversation goes beyond racing. It’s about mental and emotional resilience, protecting your energy while chasing big dreams, redefining success in the present moment, and honoring where you are — not where you think you “should” be. If you’ve ever felt caught between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming, wondered if it’s “too late” to start something new, or needed reassurance that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s — this episode is for you. Follow Kristen’s journey on Instagram @kristenangelica, and learn more about Foxtecca, her sponsor at https://foxxtecca.com/ Being differential isn’t about arriving; It’s about choosing yourself, again and again.

    41 min
  2. 20 ENE

    Painting at Speed with Samantha Zimmermann

    In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we sit down with artist Samantha Zimmermann—whose hyper-realistic automotive paintings are so precise they’re often mistaken for photographs—to explore the intersection of art, engineering, and motorsport history. Growing up in a family immersed in creativity, Samantha shares how that early environment shaped both her artistic eye and her deep connection to racing. From sketching horses as a young artist to discovering a defining moment at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, we trace the path that led her to make motorsport art her life’s work. Samantha walks us through her creative process in detail—from selecting reference images to building layers of oil paint—and explains why oil became her “happy place” for storytelling and realism. We dive into the artistic decisions behind composing racing scenes filled with motion, emotion, and historical context, as well as her enduring fascination with the machines, liveries, and culture of 1970s and ’80s racing. She also reflects on creative growing pains, lessons learned the hard way, and how mentors like fellow artist Kelly Telfer helped shape her career. For emerging artists hoping to turn passion into a profession—especially in niche spaces like automotive and motorsport art—Samantha offers candid advice and encouragement. We wrap with a look at what she’s working on now, plus a fun hypothetical: if Samantha were to design her own race-car livery, what story would it tell? You can find more of Samantha’s work on Instagram at @zimmy_arts or visit her website at samanthazimmermannart.com.

    33 min
  3. 13 ENE

    Growth Over Perfection with Brooke Williams

    What does it really look like to break into motorsports when you’re still in school and figuring it out as you go? In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we sit down with Brooke Williams, an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship team intern with Gradient Racing, to talk candidly about navigating the early stages of a motorsports career — without having all the answers yet. Brooke shares how she first discovered motorsports as a viable career path, how she balanced college coursework with gaining real-world experience, and the steps she took to land an internship in one of the most competitive paddocks in racing. We dive into what race weekends look like behind the scenes, the responsibilities that surprised her most, and the moments where she felt out of her depth — and what those experiences taught her. This conversation also explores the importance of asking questions in high-pressure environments, building relationships with mentors and allies, and following up after race weekends to stay connected in a fast-moving industry. Brooke reflects on what success looks like at this stage of her journey, the barriers students still face when trying to break into motorsports, and why hearing stories from people still in it matters just as much as learning from industry veterans. If you’re a student who loves racing but isn’t sure you’re “qualified enough,” this episode is for you. Brooke’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out — you just have to start. Because being differential isn’t about arriving fully formed — it’s about showing up, learning loudly, and growing in real time.

    26 min

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Discover the stories and insights driving change in the automotive and motorsport industries. The BeDifferential Podcast highlights trailblazers, untold stories, and pathways into this exciting world, with a focus on empowering women and the next generation. Join us for inspiring conversations with industry leaders, racers, and visionaries breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Fuel your passion for cars, motorsport, and innovation—subscribe now and be part of the movement.