Carving Out the Best: Matt Fanslow’s Mount Rushmores [E226]

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, Autel, and Independent Wrench JobsWatch Full Video EpisodeIn 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 podcastersMatt’s Mount Rushmore: Scan ToolsMatt 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 workMatt’s Mount Rushmore: Lab ScopesA 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 categoryMatt’s Mount Rushmore: Professional WrestlersMatt splits this into two categories because wrestling is both performance and business.Biggest Draws / Most Popular:Hulk HoganThe RockStone Cold Steve AustinJohn CenaBest In-Ring Performers:Shawn MichaelsBret HartAJ StylesRic FlairMatt’s Mount Rushmore: PodcastersA mix of influence, longevity, reach, and personal listening.Names and shows discussed:Soft White UnderbellyJoe RoganKevin Smith / Scott Mosier (SModcast)Lex FridmanWith an honorable and very relevant nod to:Carm Capriotto in the automotive podcast spaceNotable 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 TechnologyAre you chasing elusive automotive problems? Pico Technology empowers you to see what's really happening. Their PicoScope oscilloscopes transform your diagnostic capabilities. Visit PicoAuto.comThanks to our Partner, AutelFrom 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.comThanks to our Partner, Independent Wrench JobsIndependent 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.comContact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube ChannelThe 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. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/