Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, Autel, and Independent Wrench Jobs Watch Full Video Episode In this episode, Matt takes on a question that listeners have apparently been enjoying asking: what’s on his “Mount Rushmore” of various categories? Before getting there, though, he gives a quick follow-up to the No Good Deed Goes Unpunished home-plumbing saga, where a simple bathroom fix turned into tracking down a hidden bathtub drain leak caused by questionable original construction choices. From there, Matt dives into his personal Mount Rushmore lists, starting where it matters most for this audience: scan tools and lab scopes. He walks through the tools that earned their place not necessarily because they are the newest, but because they were foundational, capable, and memorable in the evolution of automotive diagnostics. Then, in classic Matt fashion, things branch out into pro wrestling and podcasting, with some thoughtful distinctions between popularity, performance, influence, and personal appreciation. This one is part diagnostics nostalgia, part opinion piece, part rabbit hole and fully in the spirit of a listener driven episode. In This Episode: A follow-up to the bathroom plumbing story and a cracked bathtub drain elbowA discussion on questionable construction practices and what motivates rushed workmanshipMatt’s Mount Rushmore of scan toolsMatt’s Mount Rushmore of lab scopes / oscilloscopesA two-tier Mount Rushmore of professional wrestlers: biggest draws / most popular. Best in-ring performersMatt’s Mount Rushmore of podcasters Matt’s Mount Rushmore: Scan Tools Matt frames this as a historical and personal list rather than a current buying guide. Tools that made the cut: GM Tech 2 – still a lifesaver when other tools come up shortSnap-on Red Brick (especially graphing versions / MTG 2500) – a huge leap forward in capability and accessibilityAutel MaxiSys / Maxisys-era tools (especially the early highly capable platforms) – a major step forward for aftermarket capabilityVAG-COM / VCDS – absurd capability for the price, especially for Volkswagen/Audi work Matt’s Mount Rushmore: Lab Scopes A list built around influence, usefulness, and personal experience. Scopes that made the cut: Pico 4425A – the standard-setter and Matt’s personal favoriteSnap-on Vantage Pro – portable, capable, and still highly valued in the shopPico ADC 212 series (especially the 212/3) – a major turning point in what techs expected from a scopeFluke 98 – one of the early serious handheld automotive lab scopes that helped shape the category Matt’s Mount Rushmore: Professional Wrestlers Matt splits this into two categories because wrestling is both performance and business. Biggest Draws / Most Popular: Hulk HoganThe RockStone Cold Steve AustinJohn Cena Best In-Ring Performers: Shawn MichaelsBret HartAJ StylesRic Flair Matt’s Mount Rushmore: Podcasters A mix of influence, longevity, reach, and personal listening. Names and shows discussed: Soft White UnderbellyJoe RoganKevin Smith / Scott Mosier (SModcast)Lex Fridman With an honorable and very relevant nod to: Carm Capriotto in the automotive podcast space Notable Themes: This episode really leans into a fun idea, but there’s still a deeper thread running through it: “Best” is not always the same as “favorite”Influence mattersFoundational tools and people deserve credit even when newer options existLegacy, capability, and context all shape what belongs on a personal “Rushmore” Listener Call-Out: Matt wants to know: Do you like this kind of episode?Do you want more “Mount Rushmore” discussions?What automotive-specific categories should be next? Thanks to our Partner, Pico Technology Are you chasing elusive automotive problems? Pico Technology empowers you to see what's really happening. Their PicoScope oscilloscopes transform your diagnostic capabilities. Visit PicoAuto.com Thanks to our Partner, Autel From drivability diagnostics and TPMS service to ADAS and advanced safety systems, Autel helps technicians follow OEM procedures and repair with confidence. Learn more at Autel.com Thanks to our Partner, Independent Wrench Jobs Independent Wrench Jobs is a new, tech-only community to help you find better independent shops—fair dispatch, steady work, real leadership. No games. Built by Technician Find—serving the industry since 2017. Join free at IndependentWrenchJobs.com Contact Information Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. a...
