The MF Show

Magnaflow
  • 5.0 (6)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the MF Show, your pitstop for celebrity interviews, hosted by Richard Waitas and Jerry Zaiden. We'll be talking about hot car topics, the automotive industry, and everywhere it takes us. On The MF Show, Jerry and Richard will bring in some of the greatest people in our industry, from racers like Mario Andretti and Ivan Stewart, to builders and designers like Chip Foose and Jimmy Shine. Follow along and listen in on the untold stories of these industry giants, and the industry as a whole. This is The MF Show brought to you by MagnaFlow. 

  1. 10H AGO

    021 - Chris Ashton

    On this episode of the MF Show, we sit down with Chris Ashton, founder of Ruffian Cars, to talk about the unlikely path from video game development to building some of the most distinctive performance driven cars on the road today.Chris shares how a decades-long career in game design at companies like Valve and Turtle Rock Studios working on titles such as Counter-Strike and Left 4 Dead ultimately gave him the freedom to chase a lifelong obsession with cars. What started as personal projects in a garage evolved into Ruffian, a shop built around the idea of blending race inspired engineering with real world drivability.The conversation digs deep into what makes a great car beyond paint and horsepower. Chris explains why usability, serviceability, and performance matter more to him than traditional show car perfection, and how autocross and track driving influence nearly every design decision. From building dream cars like his wide body Mustang and GT40 to creating client builds that still carry a strong Ruffian identity, he breaks down the thinking behind each project.Chris also opens up about shop culture, training fabricators from the ground up, and why personal project time was critical to building a skilled and motivated team. He shares honest insight into the challenges of running a high end custom shop, balancing passion with sustainability, and carving out a unique lane in a crowded industry.This episode is a deep dive into car enthusiasm, creative problem solving, and building cars that are meant to be driven hard, not just admired from a distance.

    1h 7m

  2. FEB 4

    020 - Dennis McCarthy

    In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Dennis McCarthy, legendary automotive coordinator and builder whose work has shaped some of the most recognizable cars in film and television history. With decades of experience behind the scenes, Dennis has been responsible for bringing cars to life on screen, often under extreme timelines, tight budgets, and controlled chaos.Dennis breaks down how he got his start building cars long before Hollywood entered the picture, and how that hands-on background naturally led him into the film industry. He explains the realities of movie car builds, from the differences between hero cars and stunt cars to why durability, repeatability, and safety often matter more than perfection. The conversation pulls back the curtain on what audiences do not see, including multiple versions of the same car, rapid turnarounds, and the unique challenges of designing vehicles meant to perform for the camera.The guys also dive into how automotive films influenced car culture at large, the responsibility of honoring enthusiast expectations, and the balance between creativity and logistics when working on massive productions. Dennis shares perspective on collaboration, problem solving, and what it takes to consistently deliver under pressure in an industry where failure is not an option.This episode offers a rare look at the intersection of car culture and filmmaking, told by someone who has spent a lifetime building machines that live forever on screen, even if they only had to survive long enough to get the shot.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 21

    019 - Shawn Davis

    In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Shawn Davis, lifelong car enthusiast and the voice behind Autotopia LA. Shawn’s passion for cars has always been rooted in how a car feels, communicates, and connects with its driver, long before cameras or content entered the picture.Shawn talks about the cars that shaped his taste, how his perspective evolved over time, and why certain vehicles stand out well beyond horsepower figures or spec sheets. The conversation naturally weaves into Autotopia LA, how the show grew from that genuine enthusiasm, and why the focus has always remained on honest driving impressions rather than trends or hype.The guys dive into analog versus modern driving experiences, what makes a car memorable, and how being behind the wheel of so many different builds has refined Shawn’s appreciation for balance, feedback, and character. They also touch on the realities of sharing that passion through media, building trust with an enthusiastic audience, and staying true to what excites you as tastes and platforms change.This episode offers a thoughtful look at car culture through the lens of someone who values seat time above all else, and how that mindset helped shape one of today’s most respected enthusiast-driven automotive shows.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.

    1h 6m

  4. JAN 7

    018 - Courtney Hansen

    In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden are joined by Courtney Hansen, television host, automotive enthusiast, author, and longtime advocate for car culture. With a career that spans hosting major automotive television shows, writing, and hands-on involvement in the industry, Courtney brings a perspective that blends media, passion, and real connection to the automotive world.Courtney talks about growing up around cars, her early entry into automotive television, and what it’s been like navigating an industry that has changed dramatically over the years. She shares stories from behind the scenes of major productions, how the role of automotive media has evolved, and why authenticity matters more now than ever. The conversation also touches on her personal enthusiasm for cars, storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with being a visible voice in the space.Rich and Jerry dig into the realities of hosting, building trust with audiences, and staying relevant in a fast-moving digital era, while Courtney reflects on the moments that shaped her career and the lessons learned along the way.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.

    1 hr

  5. 12/10/2025

    017 - Steve Strope

    In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Steve Strope, the master builder behind Pure Vision and one of the most respected craftsmen in the world of custom cars. For more than two decades, Steve has set the benchmark for high-end, detail-driven builds that blend design, engineering, and storytelling into one-off machines that stand out everywhere, from SEMA to the pages of major automotive magazines.Steve talks through his early influences, the path that led him to start Pure Vision, and the philosophy behind his approach to building cars: no shortcuts, no compromises, and a relentless focus on design cohesion. He shares stories from some of his most well-known projects, how he works with clients to develop a vision, and why certain builds take years to complete. The conversation goes deep into craftsmanship, design discipline, and the evolving expectations of automotive enthusiasts.Rich and Jerry also explore the creative process behind major feature cars, the realities of running a high-end shop, and what it means to survive in a custom industry that demands constant reinvention. Steve’s perspective is grounded, experienced, and brutally honest—offering insight into what it really takes to produce cars that people talk about for decades.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.

    1h 19m

  6. 11/26/2025

    016 - Nick Isenhouer

    In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Nick Isenhouer, driver, builder, fabricator, drifter, rock crawler, and one half of Isenhouer Brothers Racing. Nick’s story is the modern off-road blueprint: a kid from San Diego who grew up staring at photos of his dad’s desert cars, growing up on the internet learning about prerunners, and building his first F-100 in a small garage with his brother Chris and their dad.Nick walks through the early days of racing 1450, the garage-built trucks that taught them everything, and how those childhood obsessions turned into a full-time operation building, prepping, and racing trucks for other off-road teams. He shares stories about racing with his family, the evolution of truck classes, why 1450 was such a special era, and how today’s desert races have become full sprint battles from start to finish.The guys also dive into Nick’s world beyond traditional desert racing; His KA-powered S13 drift car, his ’95 Ford Lightning rock crawler, and what he’s learned from juggling multiple disciplines focused on car control. They talk about trips to Baja, Moab, and Midwest Dirt Fest, as well as the full-circle moment of bringing an early Camburg race truck back into the shop for a modern rebuild.This episode highlights the blend of creativity, grit, and family-driven passion that defines Nick Isenhouer and the off-road community he represents.

    1h 12m

  7. 10/29/2025

    015 - Blake Wilkey

    On this episode of The MF Show, Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas sit down with Blake Wilkey — off-road racer, fabricator, and cofounder of Shreddy. Known for his high-energy personality and creative approach to off-road culture, Blake has built a reputation for pushing limits both behind the wheel and in the shop.Blake talks about his early days in the San Diego off-road scene, how he got into building Baja Bugs, and the process of creating his well-known Trophy Bug, Jaws. He shares stories from his experiences racing in Baja, the challenges of fabrication and vehicle building, and how he’s turned his passion for off-road into a full-time way of life. The conversation also dives into the mindset it takes to chase unconventional ideas and carve your own lane in the industry.This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

    1h 9m

  8. 10/15/2025

    014 - Larry Chen

    On this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by world-renowned automotive photographer and filmmaker Larry Chen. Over the past two decades, Larry has become one of the most recognizable names in car culture, documenting everything from grassroots builds to international motorsport. His work has helped define the visual identity of modern drifting, time attack, and off-road racing. Larry talks about how a lifelong passion for cars turned into a full-time career behind the camera — from shooting local meets and small events to traveling the world with some of the biggest names in the industry. He shares stories from his early hustle, how he built a signature style, and what it’s like capturing everything from Formula Drift to Pikes Peak. We also dig into his own car projects, from his 240Z to his GR Supra and A90 drift car, and how building and driving have become part of his creative process.This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

    1h 14m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the MF Show, your pitstop for celebrity interviews, hosted by Richard Waitas and Jerry Zaiden. We'll be talking about hot car topics, the automotive industry, and everywhere it takes us. On The MF Show, Jerry and Richard will bring in some of the greatest people in our industry, from racers like Mario Andretti and Ivan Stewart, to builders and designers like Chip Foose and Jimmy Shine. Follow along and listen in on the untold stories of these industry giants, and the industry as a whole. This is The MF Show brought to you by MagnaFlow. 

Information

  • Creator
    Magnaflow
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Magnaflow
  • Show Website
    The MF Show

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