The Auto Otaku

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike is joined by car builder, fabricator and racer Riley Stair.Known for his game-changing 1970 Pontiac Trans Am build, Riley tells Mike about how a life as pro BMX rider evolved into a career building some of America’s coolest and fastest time attack cars.Riley talks about the genesis of his Trans Am build, how it became immortalized as a Hot Wheels diecast car and the importance of maintaining a vision when building a car.He also takes us through some of the customer car he’s working on and hints at some exciting future projects. Follow Riley on Instagram @riley_rsmotorsport

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike is joined by car builder, artist and enthusiast Robb Ferguson. Robb tells Mike about his early automotive influences and how that lead to him building some of the most unique project builds ever to hit the SEMA Show.Robb talks about working with Rocket Bunny on his Nissan S14 project and how that lead to him helping to develop the Rocket Bunny kit for the C5 Corvette.The guys also talk about the pros and cons of Corvettes as project cars and the future of car modification. Robb also gives some advice for working with sponsors and building and effective project vehicles.Follow Robb on Instagram @goodshow_aa

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike welcomes Jarod DeAnda - the Voice of Formula Drift for over 20 years, motorsports MC, host and international car culture ambassadorJarod takes us back to his early days street racing in San Diego and how that lead to various jobs in the import tuning scene before joining Formula Drift as its host and MC starting in 2004. Mike and Jarod talk about the evolution of pro drifting, how Formula Drift has changed and what may be in store for the future.  They also talk about Jarod’s work with Hot Wheels, NitroCross and how automotive and motorsport culture are adapting to new audiences and reaching younger generations of fans. And a lot more… Follow Jarod on Instagram @jaroddeanda

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike welcomes legendary producer, automotive personality, import scene OG and Fast and the Furious technical advisor Craig Lieberman to the podcast. Craig talks about how running into a movie producer at car show with his Toyota Supra changed everything, how they chose and built the cars for the film and how some of the film’s most head-scratching automotive dialogue came to be.  After that, Mike and Craig talk about the evolution and current state of the FnF franchise and how a small budget street racing crime movie became one of the world’s biggest action franchises. Plus a lot whole lot more. Follow Craig on Instagram @craiglieberman_42 and on the Craig Liberman YouTube channel.

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike is joined by Amir Bentatou of RS Future. Amir talks about his origins learning to drive in the canyons of Southern California and how that evolved into a career in Time Attack driving and race car development. Amir also talks to us about the story behind his time as a host on Super Street Garage, his famous K-powered NSX, the importance of aero, the underrated Toyota MR-S, Time Attack EVs and a lot more.Follow Amir on Instagram @rsfuture_amir

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike welcomes Sasha Anis, founder of Mountain Pass Performance. Sasha tells Mike about his early days building and driving race cars and drift cars in Canada before jumping into the world of EVs.Mike and Sasha discuss the pros and cons of using a Tesla as a track car, how they can be improved and how they fit into the greater enthusiast world. They also get into the growth of electrification in motorsport and the car hobby, the Mountain Pass Nissan 350Z hybrid time attack car, EV swaps and what the future of electric vehicles as enthusiast platforms may look like. Follow Mountain Pass Perfromance on Instagram @mountainpassperformance

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike welcomes John Naderi. John, AKA “Nads” is a legend in the USA import and sport compact scene and is a veteran writer, editor. And now he’s the cohost of Super Street Garage on the Motor Trend Channel.  John tells us about his early days observing the birth of the Japanese import scene in Southern California and how that lead to a career in automotive media. The guys talk about the “glory days” of the 1990s and 2000s before moving on to the state of automotive media today.  They also discuss the implications of the electric transition on the tuning scene and John’s recent dream Honda Civic build.  Follow John on Instagram @nadsynads 

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast Mike Garrett welcomes professional racer, time attack driver, enthusiast and influencer Hana Burton.  Hana talks about her fast journey from being uninterested in cars and scared of driving to competing in spec racing and even driving open-wheel cars in Japan.  Mike and Hana also talk about some of the differences in how female racers are received in Japan versus America and bridging the gap between professional motorsport and street tuning culture as an influencer. 

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast Mike Garrett chats with auto journalist, host and founder of Hooniverse, Jeff Glucker about the state of today’s auto industry and car culture.  Mike and Jeff talk about the Toyota GR Corolla, the scourge of dealer markup on enthusiast vehicles and exploding popularity of off-roading and 4x4s.  Then the guys look to the future and discuss the hurdles and changes auto enthusiasts face as the industry transitions away from internal combustion and toward electric vehicles. 

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast Mike Garrett welcomes pioneering Southern California drifter, Nissan S-chassis expert and host of the SilEightyMania Podcast, Benson Hsu. Benson takes us all the way back to 1999 when he purchased his Nissan 240SX and became a pivotal member of Southern California and America’s founding drift scene.  Benson tells stories of competing in Formula Drift’s first season with his daily driver, how him and his wife Nadine share an interest in drifting and the Nissan S-Chassis and how he started the SilEightyMania Podcast as a way to tell stories from the founding era of American drifting. 

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett talks with import drag racing legend Ron Bergenholtz about his journey from the late night Compton street races to winning NHRA championships.  Ron also talks about the differences in running a drag team and a pro drift team, how auto enthusiasts evolve as they get older and the barriers and potential of electric vehicles in motorsport. Follow Ron on Instagram @ronbergenholtz

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett is joined once again by automotive journalist and fellow Driving Line contributor Benjamin Hunting to talk cars of the past, present and future. Mike and Benjamin talk about the joys of classic Datsun ownership, some of the most interesting new cars, the potential of a Mustang sedan and outdated but popular vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner.The guys also talk about the transition to electric vehicles and how brands like Chevrolet and Dodge plan to reinvent their performance products for the EV era.

On this episode of The Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett is joined by Diecast cardesigner, car builder and founder of Kaido House Mr. Jun Imai. Jun tells Mike about his automotive roots, his career with Hot Wheels, how he helped influence the diecast car hobby and how he recently founded his own boutique diecast brand.The guys also talk about Jun's fleet of project cars which includes a variety of JDM machinery, both old and new.

On this episode of theAutoOtakuPodcast, Mike Garrett talks with former Formula Drift driver and judge, car-builder, host and YouTuber Tony Angelo.Tony talks about his early days helping to establish the East Coast drift scene, competingin the first seasons of Formula Drift, what it’s like to judge FD competition and then takes us through his adventures with Hot Rod Garage and most recently his own YouTube show “Stay Tuned”.Mike and Tony then chat about some of the underrated, affordable project car platforms out there and give some tips for finding good cars for sale and scoring a good deal.

On this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast Mike is joined once again by professional photographer and content creator Larry Chen.Mike and Larry talk about the new 2023 Toyota GR Corolla, which Larry recently had some seat time in. Larry also talks about his adventures racing a Ford Crown Vic at Bristol Motor Speedway and the growing problem of sideshows and takeovers in California.Finally, the guys catch up on some of their latest automotive projects.

In this episode of the Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett talks with his two close friends and CAR BROS, Michael Coyne and John Airola. They discuss their history, poking fun at car culture, making a 40 million-view YouTube video, and almost getting kicked out of Monterey Car Week.The guys also break down some of the most over-hyped enthusiast cars, including the Toyota Supra, the E30 BMW M3, and the Chevy Nova. They also bring up some more affordable alternatives to these hot collector cars.

In this episode of The Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett talks with legendary car builder and racer Stephan Papadakis about his life and current job running a three-car Formula Drift team. Stephan covers everything from engine building and the possibilities of electric drift cars to his first-generation Toyota RAV4 build. 

On this episode of The Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett talks with journalist, photographer, JDM expert, and Nissan GT-R maniac Dino Dalle Carbonare about his life in Japan, buying his brand new skyline GT-R in 1999 and the current state of the Japanese tuning scene. Mike and Dino discuss the skyrocketing prices of classic JDM sports cars, and the popularity of EVs in Japan the most exciting Japanese models currently on sale including the Toyota GR86, the GR Yarisand GR Corolla, and the new Nissan Z.

On this episode of The Auto Otaku Podcast Mike Garrett welcomes journalist, YouTuber and drift maniac Alexi Smith of Noriyaro. Mike and Alexi talk about discovering Japanese car culture, the current state of drifting, the increasing scarcity of cars like the S13 and AE86 - and a whole lot more.

On this episode of The Auto Otaku Podcast, Mike Garrett chats with diecast car collector, expert and influencer John Lambert from the Lamley Group about his background and how he got started in collecting and the current state of the diecast industry from Hot Wheels to Matchbox and beyond. They also talk about the ties between the diecast hobby and modern car culture, some of the most prized cars in John’s collection and more.  Topics include - 1:35 - How basic diecast cars have managed to stay at the $1 price point for decades9:52 - The Lamley Group origin story16:57 - How brands like Hot Wheels have increasingly become tied to real world car culture, including obscure vehicles and genres28:28 - An ultra rare Datsun 510 diecast from the ‘70s that become one of John’s most prized vehicles35:10 - Tips for diecast hunting in stores

Joey Lee has been the "dark horse" of the media world for over 20 years. From initially building his Honda roots at Super Street and Import Tuner magazine to hosting his own massively successful car meets, to having a blog / brand that is now featured in Acura advertisements. Joey Lee is one of those people who put the work in to a brand that has stood the test of time. Mike talks with Joey about life, lessons, and the journey to where he is today on the latest episode. Give it a listen. 

Benjamin Hunting has been an Automotive journalist for multiple decades and continues to write for some of the biggest and most well known media outlets in the world. Sit down with Mike and Benjamin and hear what it's like to have every gearhead's dream job. Is being an automotive journalist all that it's cracked up to be or is something that is a dying art? Mike and Ben cover all the topics you've been wondering about. 

Listen to Fredric chat with Mike about his Formula D career, what it's like to be a member of #TeamNitto and Papadakis Racing. Fredy gives us a taste of what life is like as an international professional drifter. 

Vaughn Gittin Jr. sits down with Mike Garret to talk about the history of RTR (Ready to Rock) vehicles from inception to current projects to the future. Vaughn is one of those guys who wears his passion for all things motorsport on his sleeve. His passion and his drive has pushed him from a grassroots drift kid to a full blown team owner, car designer, and top tier multi motorsport driver. 

Mike Garrett chats with Larry Chen about the wild world of photography and collecting old cars. Not is Larry an absolute car nut but he's one of the greatest photographers in the world. Larry has came up from shooting backyard drift events by himself and a basic SLR set up to now being contracted to shoot campaigns for brands like Toyota, Monster Energy, and Canon USA. 

Mike Garrett talks with the automotive designer Jon Sibal about life, his career, and some awesome projects he's worked on in the past. From designing livery's and renderings for #TeamNitto Formula Drift cars, to rendering wild Range Rovers. Jon's done it all.