AVANTS PODCAST
Episode 219 - We Go Tow to Tow!
On this episode we walk you through all the basics of towing a trailer! We discuss all those acronyms about weights, how to load a trailer properly, how trailer brakes work, and even balls and shackles! We also talk about the film Dan was in, "F#", by our friends at Driven Motion!
Episode 218 - A Couple of Tools Talking About Tools
When the members in Avants asked what basic tools everyone should have, we answered in a big way with this extended length show and a huge write-up on our Tips and Links page. We believe these are the most essential tools you should own, and also a few you may not have thought of that come in really handy. We also talk about different price points and why some tools are absolutely worth the money and some just are not.
Episode 217 - All Those Exotic Rental Stories You Always Wanted to Hear With Zadart!
By many popular requests we finally got the guys from Zadart in to tell us all the fun stories about the exotic car rental world! Eric Reiff and Chris Roberts join us and give you all the info you want to know.
Episode 216 - The 2022 Hagerty Bull Market
In this episode we discuss Hagerty’s 2022 Bull Market List. The whole market feels like a bull market right now, but these are the top picks from our friends at Hagerty. Some of these seem extremely predictable, but who knew the Volvo wagon was going to spike like this?!
Episode 215 - Island Car Culture and Snowpocalypse 2021
Dan is working on his tan and Nick is adding as many layers as possible, but we still managed to put together a new episode discussing the polar opposites of car culture we are currently in. Dan gives an update on the car culture he’s found on Oahu (and is looking for more!) and Nick gives an update on the crazy PNW Snowpocalypse that is keeping even the most prepared drivers indoors.
Episode 214 - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from us! It’s just the two of us for this holiday episode. We wish you all the best and hope you’re spending some quality time with the people you love.
Episode 213 - The Life, Times, and Adventures of Otis Porsche
You’ve probably heard that name before - Otis Porsche. If you’re like us, you probably didn’t realize Otis is actually the name of Richard and Dolores Ranhofer’s Porsche Cayenne, which sat on the dock of a bay a little too long. We meet with the elusive couple who have truly been pioneers in getting the Cayenne it’s off-road credit it actually deserves.
Episode 212 - Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Car People
You’re running out of time, but you can still get really cool Christmas gifts for that special car person in your life! In fact, we made a non-affiliate link list so you know you’re not buying anything just because we make money off it. We genuinely love these products and hope you will too!
Episode 211 - The Incredible Verena Mei
We don’t use that word to describe a lot of people - incredible - but it fits for Verena Mei. From drag racing, to stunt driving, to road racing, to drifting, to rally, AND MORE, Verena Mei has basically done it all. In spite of all that, she’s still humble, charming, and was an absolute joy for us to have on the show. Enjoy this very special, extended podcast featuring a guest you won’t forget and will definitely enjoy.
Episode 210 - Happy Thanksgiving! Now Go Off-Roading or Autocrossing!
We had a fun time making this kind of random episode, but we wanted to make sure you had something to listen while stuck in traffic. Thank you to all of you who are listening! We really love doing this and you are the reason we do!
Episode 209 - It’s Porsches All The Way Down With Nathan Merz
We had a really great and honest interview with Nathan Merz, owner of Columbia Valley Luxury Cars. More than that, Nathan is extremely involved in the PCA, a writer, a content creator, and all around great guy. Nathan has been selling and flipping cars, especially Porsches, since he was 13 years old. From giving credit to his wife and family to being open and honest about inflated values, transporting, and auctions, we liked Nathan the minute we met him and we know you will too. Nathan will be coming back very soon to give us some great stories and advise on how to transport your vehicle the right way!
Episode 208 - Ann Doherty Reminds Us You Can Start Racing Whenever You Want
Did you know you can just go sign up for a track day and go? I mean, you’ll want your car in good mechanical shape, but that’s really it. You can just go. Ann Doherty decided after receiving her dream car for her 50th birthday she was going to do just that, and now she is racing a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS.
Episode 207 - A Brief History of SEMA and SEMA Updates!
It’s SEMA time, which means if you’re following any automotive news you’re seeing all sorts of new products coming out you probably won’t be able to buy for 6 months thanks to supply chain issues! We give a brief history of SEMA, talk winter tires (not snow tires), and a few other project updates.
Episode 206 - Moab vs COTA!
Our audio here is a little rough due to limited infrastructure! Nick went to COTA and Dan went to Moab, but you definitely need to go to both! It’s an adventure update that hopefully inspires you to get out and explore!
Episode 205 - The RCS School for People Who STILL Don't Off-Road Good
Did you know it’s ok to change your beliefs and opinions when you get new, more credible information? Well, we do, so we thought we’d update Episode 159 and the contents of our Off-Road List, which is housed under our Tips and Links section of our website.
Episode 204 - Dashcams, Moab, Formula 1, and We Didn’t Start the Fire
Dan got to watch a police chase which he caught on his dashcam so we figured now would be a good time to discuss what makes a good dashcam, how to mount it properly, and some other tips and tricks. We also go over the next few weeks as Nick is going F1 in Austin and Dan is going off-roading in Moab! There’s some serious Billy Joel talk in here too.
Episode 203 - Circuit of the Northwest Update! YES, IT IS HAPPENING!
We welcome Brian Nilsen with Circuit of the Northwest back as he confirms the track is coming! We also talk about customer service during COVID, DSRP vs MSRP, and welcome Daniella Lewis - head of membership for Circuit of the Northwest. We are very excited to have another track that's really happening, but it's going to be so much more than just another track!
Episode 202 - Ray York Finds You The Right Garage
Ray York joins us and finally answers the age old mystery of why there are never enough garage photos in home listings!
Episode 201 - Deerly Departed
In episode 201 we talk about a deerly departed friend Nick met on the way home from Dan’s house. Luckily this was a low-speed mishap, but we will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the worst jaywalkers on the road. Tune in to find out if Nick is still pulling fur out his grill.
Episode 200 - Still Enjoying The Drive
We made it all the way to episode 200! We’ve come a long way from Nick’s kitchen and we recorded this one in Dan’s dining room. We present the two best car tips we could think of, talk about the cross-plane crankshaft 4 cylinder, and take a short walk down memory lane.