Hotrod Hangout

Hotrod Hangout Podcast

We are a younger generation couple trying to keep Hot Rodding alive!

  1. Builder Series Episode 15 - Ron Lahr

    11 APR

    Builder Series Episode 15 - Ron Lahr

    Ron Lahr steps into the studio with a lifetime of speed, grit, and family‑built passion behind him. His obsession started early—BMX racing at 12, three‑wheelers by 14, and full‑blown drag racing at 17. But the real spark came from his uncle, a drag racer who built one hot rod a year and talked cars with Ron every single day. Ron shares the lessons, the laughs, and the bond that shaped the builder he is today. Now competing in the Outlaw Class for the High Class Trash Invitational, Ron teases some absolutely wild ideas for his build—big imagination, tight budget, and zero fear. As a chassis builder known for crafting exotic frames, he breaks down how he approaches structure, creativity, and pushing limits without losing control. Ron looks back on the 2015 Rat Rod Magazine Build Off and the story behind that unforgettable build. He and Matt dig into the wide range of styles, professions, and skill levels represented in the build‑off world, and how each builder brings something unique to the table. The conversation turns reflective as they remember the people who inspired them but are no longer here, and how both car culture and everyday life have changed over the years. Ron closes the episode with some genuinely solid advice—worth sticking around for—and hints at a surprise he has planned for all the builders in this year’s Invitational. This one’s heartfelt, high‑energy, and full of the kind of wisdom only decades in the garage can teach.

    1hr 24min
  2. Builder Series Episode 14 - Vinny Roberts

    27 MAR

    Builder Series Episode 14 - Vinny Roberts

    This week, Matt sits down with Vinny Roberts, a guy whose story runs deep with family, hard work, and a whole lot of horsepower. Vinny grew up watching his dad fall in love with cars before stepping into a life of honorable service in law enforcement. Meanwhile, young Vinny was spending his days hanging around the local salvage yard—until the day he was gifted his very first car: a ’69 Charger. That moment lit a fire that never went out. Matt and Vinny dive into the age‑old truth that every guy has a brand—Ford, Chevy, Mopar—and how those loyalties shape who we are in the garage. Vinny walks through the long list of trades he’s picked up over the years: laying paint, pinstriping, turning wrenches as a certified mechanic, even tackling electronics. He’s a one‑man shop with the skills to back it up. He shares the story of the Plymouth he’ll never let go of, a car built with pieces of his grandmother’s memory woven right into it. And then there’s the time he rolled into a show full of shiny, high‑dollar builds… and walked away with two awards, including Best in Show. Matt and Vinny get real about the difference between what you see on TV and the realistic goals of building cars in the real world. Vinny also gives us a look at the ’57 Plymouth he’s crafting for the High Class Trash Invitational, the story behind the rubber duck riding shotgun on his rat rod, and why he loves adding flamethrowers to his builds. The conversation rounds out with the memories made in the shop, on the road, and at local shows—the love‑hate relationship every builder knows too well—and Vinny closes with some solid advice on finding that spark that keeps you going. This episode is all heart, all grit, and all the reasons we keep turning wrenches. Check out what he's working on Facebook and Instagram THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD! www.hotrodhangout.com

    1hr 50min
  3. Builder Series Episode 13 - Joey Woodall

    20 MAR

    Builder Series Episode 13 - Joey Woodall

    Joey Woodall grew up surrounded by the kind of cars that shape a lifetime of passion. His grandpa’s ’67 Chevelle set the hook early, and by the time he turned 18, Joey was handed the keys to a ’74 Stingray that cemented his love for the classics. In this episode, Joey shares the story behind the ’71 C‑10 that took him into his very first burnout contest—an event created to support a child fighting cancer. That moment didn’t just light up the tires; it pulled Joey into a tradition of giving back, one he’s now proud to help carry forward for other kids facing the big fight. (Burn Out on 66) Matt and Joey dig into everything from the joys and chaos of having a wife who definitely doesn’t admit she likes all the cars in the yard, to the moments in the shop when Joey’s young son comes out to get his hands dirty and be part of the legacy. Joey also breaks down the vision behind his ’54 Oldsmobile build for the High Class Trash Invitational, and the two talk openly about the struggles of learning new trades—bead rolling, pinstriping, and all the humbling lessons that come with leveling up as a builder. And trust us… you’re going to want to hear Joey’s Unlimited Budget Build. The episode wraps with bucket‑list car shows, a few laughs, and some solid words of wisdom from a guy who builds with heart, humor, and a whole lot of grit. Be sure to keep up with his builds on YouTube! THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD! www.hotrodhangout.com

    55 min
  4. Builder Series Episode 11 - Josh Krager

    4 MAR

    Builder Series Episode 11 - Josh Krager

    This episode brings Josh Krager of Eye Spy Designs into the studio for a deep dive into the decade-long rabbit hole that pulled him into the rat rod world. Josh traces it all back to one motorcycle—the machine that lit the fuse and set off an obsession that’s still burning strong. From there, he talks about the dream build that’s lived in his head for years: crafting a motorcycle made entirely from non‑motorcycle parts, a true testament to creativity over convention. Josh breaks down the best build to ever roll out of his shop, then takes us inside his long‑game project for the High Class Trash Invitational—years of collecting parts, the history baked into the body, and the future he sees for it once it finally hits the pavement. We get into the road trip that left a lasting impression: a run to the Lone Star Round Up that ended with Josh unexpectedly taking home Best in Show at a bike event. From there, the conversation shifts to the art of staying different—how he and Matt push themselves to avoid repetition, keep ideas fresh, and build rides that stand apart in a crowded scene. They talk through the emotional rollercoaster of finishing a build, the all‑important “shake down” phase, and why having the right people in your corner—your hype crew, your believers—can make or break the journey. Josh also shares the origin story of Eye Spy Designs, a name and brand born from grit, vision, and a whole lot of late nights in the shop. This episode is all heart, hustle, and the kind of storytelling that keeps hot‑rodding alive. Check out what Josh is working on Facebook and Instagram! THANKS FOR LISTENING! LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD! www.hotrodhangout.com

    1hr 22min

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We are a younger generation couple trying to keep Hot Rodding alive!

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