Life With Middie, Our Tesla Experiences
by Douglas Birk
Want to know more about the car that is disrupting the Automotive Industry? Listen to our frequent Tesla ownership experiences. You'll learn valuable tips on getting the most out of the car as well as be entertained by our adventures. And check out our Audible audiobooks available for sale, just search Audible.com for "Douglas Birk" to preview our ever growing selection!
Episodes
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Episode 97: Episode 97 - Grok Voice Commands – What Can It Do In Your Tesla
It's been years with the old voice commands list, and suddenly, the conversational natural language capabilities we were originally promised are here! Grok can now control many functions in your Tesla! Summer Release 2026 is here and it's quite remarkable. Yet, there are still things Grok can't…
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Episode 96: Episode 96 – Meeting my friends and acquaintances in the St Louis Tesla community, and oh yeah, that Semi thing...
Making, rekindling, and strengthening relationships is very important to me these days. Every Tesla event I go to gives me an opportunity to do just that. And today's Tesla Semi event in Chesterfield MO was no exception. And, oh yeah, that Semi thing, I got to sit in it!
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Episode 95: Episode 95 - 1,700 Mile Roadtrip Using FSD - Part 3 - The Future of FSD and HW3, it's better than I thought
I admit it, I was WRONG... Today was the day MIDDY 1.0 was given a new lease on life by Tesla's amazing AI team. Thanks team! You really can experience some V14 goodness on potato cameras! Also, we talk about the future of FSD and some of the trends that tell us what's coming!
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Episode 94: Episode 94 - 1,700+ Mile Roadtrip Using FSD 14.2.2.5 - Part 2 - What we experienced during our recent trip and what that tells us about 14.2's capabilities and limitations
Our first experience with MIDDY 2.0 driving us from our house in Saint Peters, MO to Nashville, TN via Jasper IN was so boring and yet so amazing. Not one intervention or disengagement. We tell the tale as well as share our most recent trip to Indy for the 2026 Final Four!
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Episode 93: Episode 93 - 1,700+ Mile Roadtrip Using FSD 14.2.2.5 - Part 1 - How Did We Get to This Point
In the first of a three part series, we talk about how we got to this point in our personal multi-year journey as an FSD beta tester And sure enough, Elon announced last night that 14.3 is in the hands of employees... Told Ya!
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Episode 92: Episode 92 - For HW3 Owners, What Wasn't Said During the Q3 Conference Call Speaks Volumes
I wasn't expecting to hear much about HW3 on the conference call with Optimus, Robotaxi, and Semi being the stars of the show, well, and Energy too. But what wasn't said spoke volumes on the future of HW3 cars. See if you agree with me...
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Episode 91: Episode 91 - 2026 Launch Series Model Y 2,000 Mile Check In, Am I Still Happy With My Purchase of MIDDY 2.0 and an Introduction to the Author of Our Latest Audiobook “Technically Tesla”
It's been 2,000 miles, and it's time to share my impressions after an over 500 mile roadtrip that surprised me to say the least. In a word, amazing... And I include an introduction to Sean Rust, the author of our latest Audiobook production for Audible entitled "Technically Tesla".
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Episode 90: Episode 90 - MIDDY 2.0 Is Home, Is She Everything I Thought She'd Be? Should You Consider a Juniper Upgrade?
After waiting almost five years, we finally upgraded to MIDDY 2.0, our 2026 Launch Series Tesla Model Y. We tell the story of our experience and offer suggestions on whether or not you should consider upgrading too.
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Episode 89: Episode 89 - MIDDY 2.0 Is On Her Way and a 2025 'Travel Like Robert' Roadtrip Series Update
Delivery of MIDDY 2.0 (2026 Launch Series Tesla Model Y) is just days away! We summarize how to perform the same pre-delivery tasks we did last week, unmask the meaning behind a Tesla VIN #, and provide an update on our 2025 Travel Like Robert Roadtrip Series.
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Episode 88: Episode 88 - MIDDY 2.0 Is Ordered - What Am I Doing?
After nearly five years, it's time for MIDDY 2.0! We'll share the experience of ordering our third Tesla vehicle purchase with you!
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Episode 87: Episode 87 - FSD 12.6.1 - Is This As Good as HW3 Will Get?
We took advantage of our adventure in watching Blue Origin's first launch of New Glenn to try out FSD 12.6.1. We share our first impressions after getting a 2nd Wave Version Lottery Win and explain how one version of Tesla software and two versions of FSD can be downloaded to HW3 and HW4 cars at...
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Episode 86: Episode 86 - MIDDY 2.0 - The entire list of features we'll get going from our 2020 Model Y MIDDY 1.0 to a 2025 "Juniper" Model Y
This is a LONG episode because there is SO MUCH different between MIDDY 1.0, our 2020 Tesla Model Y and the upcoming "Juniper" refresh of the 2025 Model Y. Just be glad I didn't include all the software changes, we would have been here for DAYS! And yes, Grok did the rendering...
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Episode 85: Episode 85 – Is HW3 Legacy? Will We Ever See V13 On Our Older Cars?
We go into LOTS of detail to answer these questions that all Tesla owners of cars purchased in first part of 2023 and earlier are wondering: 1. Is HW3 Legacy 2. Will HW3 EVER get FSD V13? Yep, it's an EPIC episode, get your popcorn ready!
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Episode 84: Episode 84 - FSD 12.5 and Attention Monitoring on HW3 - Is It Worth The Wait
Should I even admit I've had Attention Monitoring (Tesla Hands Free) since July 2024? Maybe I shouldn't even remind my listeners that I've had this since September of 2021! Yep, back then it was Driver Monitoring System, and so much has changed for the better. Oh, and yes, I've had 12.5.1.5 since...
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Episode 83: Episode 83 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 6 - 40 Years Together
One year ago TODAY we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. Hear the details of a day we will never forget as we describe our experiences of Yellowstone Lake, the ScenicCruiser, and Gull Point Drive.
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Episode 82: Episode 82 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 5 - Old Memories
Today's episode in the #MiddyGoesToYellowstone series shares some tips and tricks for your trip to Yellowstone. I'm sure it's on your bucket list. You need to schedule it! Yellowstone is an ever changing, amazing place that is truly unique in the world. Enjoy hearing how things went on Day 5 of…
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Episode 81: Episode 81 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 4 - New Roads
Our first full day in Yellowstone doesn't disappoint. We check out the Marina where we'll soon ride the SceniCruiser on our anniversary day as well as travel to the east entrance for the first time. And the adventures never end in Yellowstone as I have to avoid the female elk to safely get to the...
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Episode 80: Episode 80 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 3 - New Friends
We arrive at Yellowstone and meet another couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary! And seven more days await us as we make this road trip our most epic ever!
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Episode 79: Episode 79 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 2 - Rain Rain Rain!
This episode continues our retro style episodes for #MiddyGoesToYellowstone, telling the story of our epic roadtrip back to Yellowstone to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. While we had a little different route than back in 2018, we again stopped to Supercharge at Rawlins WY and ate at the...
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Episode 78: Episode 78 - Apple Shortcuts Make Creating Your Own Tesla Voice Commands Possible!
Amazing new iPhone version of the Tesla App (V4.24.0 or newer) gives you the power to create your own voice commands using the Apple Shortcuts app! And... we have setup a new Crowd Sourced list of these shortcuts that you can use and to which you can contribute your own!
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Episode 77: Episode 77 - EV Dave Shares His Passion For EVs and His EV History
I've been following EV Dave since 2020 when I first found out he had given his then new 2020 Tesla Model Y to Kyle Conner of Out of Spec to test and experience. After several attempts, we were able to meet in person for the first time. I asked some questions about how he got started in EVs and…
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Episode 76: Episode 76 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 1 - Runza Runza Runza!
This episode we start our retro style episodes for #MiddyGoesToYellowstone, telling the story of our epic roadtrip back to Yellowstone to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Day 1 we drive 566 miles to our night stop in Kearney, NE and we experience Runza for the first time.
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Episode 75: Episode 75 - FSD V11.3.4 - Tesla Did It, They Really Did It!
Finally! Middy gets FSD Version 11, and did Tesla actually make a better Autopilot? Just listen and find out if "FSD on the Highway" is a true successor to Autopilot and (N)avigate (O)n (A)utopilot... And... is "Average" the best word I can use to describe it?
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Episode 74: Episode 74 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Days 6 and 7, Let’s Go Home
Every good roadtrip has a destination and finishes back home. This one was no different. I wished it would never end. But it had to.
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Episode 73: Episode 73 - Tesla's New Mobile Tire Service Truck Is A Great Innovation and Why My Tesla CCS Adapter Will Stay In The Trunk
This episode we talk about our recent experience with Tesla’s new Mobile Tire Service Truck that brings tire repair and replacement directly to you, either on the road or at home. Also, we’ll discuss our experience with Tesla’s CCS Adapter and key things we’ve learned from those experiences in...
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Episode 72: Episode 72 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 5 - Tesla Universe Happy Hour Live in Austin, TX
Hear the behind the scenes story of the toughest ticket to get during Cyber Rodeo... Well, maybe the 2nd most... Tesla Universe's Happy Hour Live at the Cedar Door Bar and Grill in downtown Austin April 8th, 2022! Also, we give a brief history of Tesla Universe and how it all got started!…
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Episode 71: Episode 71 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 4 - Chasing The Golden Ticket
Hear never before shared details on the chase for the Cyber Rodeo "Golden Ticket". It was a memorable day with my friend Craig, members of Tesla Universe from around the world, the Mansion, what an adventure! Yee Haw!
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Episode 70: Episode 70 - CEO of EVowy.com Shares Why You Should Join Middy To Get Free Battery Health Reports
Find out more as I interview the CEO of EVowy.com about their company. EVowy is focused on providing EV car owners free battery health reports!
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Episode 69: Episode 69 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 3 - The First Time We Saw Giga Texas
There's just something special about the number "69" in the Tesla Community, and episode 69 turns out to be one of my favorites where we retell the story of seeing Giga Texas for the very first time! Much thanks to Sara J Awesome and Erum who shared the experience with my wife Deborah and my good...
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Episode 68: Episode 68 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 2 - The Things We Do for BBQ
We continue telling the story of #MiddyGoesToAustin, focusing on April 5th's driving and meeting other Tesla owners and enthusiasts at Terry Black's BBQ, TeslaCon's first event.
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Episode 67: Episode 67 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 1 - Back On The Road Again
Performed in the older story-telling style of our original podcast episodes, we start telling the story of #MiddyGoesToAustin. This episode also includes some background info in the almost two months that lead up to the start of the roadtrip.
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Episode 66: Episode 66 - TeslaCon Interviews - Part 3
In our third of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we interview our friend Sara J Awesome! Whether you're already a subscriber to her YouTube channel or hearing her tell her story for the first time, you'll soon know how she initially got interested in Tesla and what keeps her passionate.
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Episode 65: Episode 65 - TeslaCon Interviews - Part 2
In our second of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we visit Terry Black BBQ for TeslaCon on April 5th and interview Erick The Dream Guy (@ericthedreamguy on Twitter, search for "Erick the Goat Guy" on YouTube"). Also, we interview Julia Love, the owner of the Doge McLaren (@realjulialove...
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Episode 64: Episode 64 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - The TeslaCon Interviews - Part 1
In our first of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we interview Matthew Wallace (@MattWallace1701 on Twitter, search for "Matthew Wallace Tesla" on YouTube"). We met at the Clive Bar during TeslaCon's 1st stop on their Pub Crawl. We share a passion for Tesla, Model Y, and FSD Beta. I ask…
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Episode 63: Episode 63 - Tesla Software Deployments
This episode we’ll talk about Tesla Software deployments and why your car isn’t lying to you when it says you have the latest version when everyone else on Twitter says you don’t!
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Episode 62: Episode 62 - We Sold Middie to VRoom!
What?? Sold Middie? What about the podcast? Is this the end? Of course not! We'll share why it was time to sell and how to sell your car on VRoom!
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Episode 61: Episode 61 - More Safety Tips for FSD Beta Testers and New Voice Commands
This episode we’ll talk about a few key safety tips when testing FSD Beta, one in particular that you need to be aware of. Not all disengagement methods work the same. And, we’ll review some useful additions to the Voice Commands List!
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Episode 60: Episode 60 - More Opportunities To Get FSD Beta and Tips for New Testers
Deployment of FSD Beta happens more often than some people realize. Faster than "Two Weeks"! Learn about this new pattern emerging and how it gives you more chances to receive FSD Beta. AND, important tips for new testers. Of course, all tips are provided for entertainment purposes only and do…
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Episode 59: Episode 59 - What It's Like To Be a New FSD Beta Tester and What You Can Do NOW To Join Us In The Next Wave
What a privilege to become an FSD Beta Tester and a dream come true! But now, the work begins, either driving to test, or testing while driving. And I'll share what you can do NOW to join the next wave of FSD beta testers!
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Episode 58: Episode 58 - How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting FSD Beta
Many of us who have purchased or are subscribed to FSD have been waiting for this opportunity for a LONG time. I offer some dos and don'ts that hopefully should increase our chances of getting FSD beta after we "press the button". Image Credit - EveryAmp / The Artists fka LivingTesla / Eva Fox
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Episode 57: Episode 57 - Testing DMS in 2021.32.5, How Long Will The Hands Free Bliss Last, and Can I Still Wear Cheap Sunglasses?
Are the days of torquing the wheel over? Maybe soon! Could DMS, or Driver Monitoring System, truly replace touching the wheel to let Autopilot know you're there and attentive? Maybe! Listen to learn more about my experiences driving, er, letting Middy drive with my attentive supervision.
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Episode 56: Episode 56 - First Impressions of Driver Inattentiveness Monitoring Using the Cabin Camera in 2021.32.5
While not often, I'm getting an early look at the new Driver Inattentiveness feature in Tesla Autopilot in 2021.32.5. I'm sharing some first impressions and look forward to more details in episode 57 as I do more testing tomorrow.
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Episode 55: Episode 55 - Middy's 1 Year Anniversary - What We've Learned So Far
Time to look back on our first year with our 2020 Model Y named "Middy". Hopefully you'll learn some key details to help you select the right car for you! Ready for order your Tesla, use my referral code https://ts.la/douglas39617 to earn 1000 miles or 1600 kilometers of free supercharging!
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Episode 54: Episode 54 - Middy Gets The PWS Retrofit (Boombox!), Service Loaner Tips, Uber Credits, PCS Warranty Info, and Our Partnership with NotATeslaApp!
This long overdue episode focuses on service tips, the PWS Retrofit (Boombox enabled!), PCS failures covered under the HV Battery Warranty, and our new partnership with NotATeslaApp.com!
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Episode 53: Episode 53 - Zero Degree Range and Supercharger Tests, Can You Really Travel in the Dead of Winter?
While we share our "in the dead of winter" range and supercharger test results with Middy our 2020 Model Y, we also comment on Tesla's new Engagement Hub called "Engage" as well as vent a little after the Cybertruck RC pre-order fail.
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Episode 52: Episode 52 - An Update About Off Peak Charging and How Texas Tesla Owners Can Now Save Money While Also Using Renewable Energy Via EV.Energy!
Off peak charging is something Middie does all the time, and it's still as simple as plug it and forget it. Learn more about this growing trend and, if you're a Texas Tesla owner, find out how to save money charging your car at home using the same software Middie uses every night!
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Episode 51 - First Fall Range Tests and the Power Of The Heat Pump!
More range tests, now at lower fall temperatures, give us our first indication of the Power of the Heat Pump! And, are people still submitting new voice commands to teslavoice.glideapp.io?
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Episode 50 - I Test Drove a Porsche Taycan, Could This Spell the End of My Tesla Love Affair? And Is The Model Y Quieter Inside Than The Model 3?
As a 9 year old I experienced my first Porsche ride, and driving the new 2020 Porsche Taycan was quite the experience! You'll learn if my love affair with Middie and Middy is over, and find out if the Model Y is quieter than the Model 3.
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Episode 49 - Surprising Model Y Range Test Results, Middie and Middy Read Speed Limit Signs, and Results from the Managed EV Charging Pilot
We take advantage of having Middie and Middy by performing a range test that produces surprising results. We review Ameren's Managed EV Charging Pilot that just finished along with my first impressions of Speed Limit Sign Recognition in 2020.36!
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Episode 48 - Off Peak Charging That Is Finally Set It And Forget It!
A Life With Middie exclusive group podcast with representatives from Ameren, the Electric Power Research Institute, and EV.Energy! We discuss an innovative pilot program focused on making off peak charging literally as easy as set it and forget it!
About this show
Want to know more about the car that is disrupting the Automotive Industry? Listen to our frequent Tesla ownership experiences. You'll learn valuable tips on getting the most out of the car as well as be entertained by our adventures. And check out our Audible audiobooks available for sale, just search Audible.com for "Douglas Birk" to preview our ever growing selection!
Hosted by
Douglas Birk
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