Road To Success with Benedict Fowler

Why do vans work so well on YouTube — and what does it really cost to build them?In this episode of Road To Success, I sit down with Jack McNeill, one of the most consistent and honest creators in the automotive YouTube space, to break down why van builds perform, what’s coming next, and the pressure most people never see.Jack opens up about:Why “everybody knows a Caddy” — and why that mattersTurning everyday work vans into high-performing YouTube buildsThe strategy behind sticking with what worksHis next insane van build ideasThe real cost of builds and chasing viewsWhy some videos nearly broke him mentally and financiallyThe responsibility that comes with employing a teamWhy YouTube success is earned, not viral luckThis isn’t just a conversation about cars.It’s about building something sustainable, understanding your audience, and surviving the pressure that comes with growth.If you’re building a channel, a business, or just love automotive content — this episode will give you real perspective.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerTimestamps:00:00 – Trailer01:05 – Why vans are so relatable02:30 – Performance vans vs normal builds03:55 – Why audiences buy into van projects05:20 – Wanting the car finished and driving06:45 – “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”08:10 – Why vans are doing so well on the channel09:30 – Jack’s next van build ideas11:05 – Thinking beyond just one model (Transit, Transporter, etc.)12:40 – The real cost of YouTube car builds14:15 – Spending thousands on every project16:00 – When videos underperform17:30 – The mental hit of a “10 out of 10”19:10 – Learning from videos that don’t land20:40 – YouTube vs TikTok: earned vs viral22:30 – Why YouTube feels more sustainable24:10 – Employing a team and real responsibility26:00 – Pressure people don’t see behind the scenes27:45 – Loving the process despite the stress29:15 – Why Jack keeps pushing forward30:40 – What success actually looks like now32:10 – Final thoughts on sticking with vansContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

What happens when everything you thought mattered… suddenly doesn’t?In this episode of Road To Success, I sit down with Dr Alex George for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast.We talk about success, identity, cars, grief, anger, and the moments in life that completely change your perspective.Alex opens up about:Working hard and buying his dream carWhy success and material things can feel like they have “zero value” from the insideLosing his brother to suicide and how that moment reshaped everythingFeeling anger after loss — and why that’s a normal human emotionNot defining yourself by your job or public identityWhy most of the things we worry about never actually happenThis isn’t a conversation about titles or achievements.It’s about what really matters when life strips everything else away.If you’ve ever chased success, struggled with grief, or questioned what a meaningful life actually looks like — this episode will stay with you.👇 If this conversation helped you, consider sharing it with someone who might need it.00:00 – “I worked hard and bought my dream car”02:05 – Loving cars from a young age04:10 – Not defining yourself by your job06:32 – “Who are you, really?”08:01 – Identity, purpose, and losing time10:24 – Wanting to live a life worth remembering12:08 – Opening doors and taking risks in life14:42 – “Something happened that changed my life”15:21 – Losing his brother to suicide17:58 – The longest drive of his life19:36 – When success and material things lose meaning21:44 – Supercars and “zero value” from the inside24:03 – How grief changes perspective26:18 – Speed, invincibility, and reality28:41 – Seeing trauma first-hand in A&E31:02 – Anger after loss33:14 – “Did you ever feel angry towards him?”35:09 – Why anger is a normal human emotion38:27 – Emotions we label as “bad”40:51 – Grief is something you live with, not get over43:32 – Public conversations vs private pain45:10 – Worry, fear, and perspective47:18 – “Most things you worry about never happen”49:02 – What really matters in the end⏱️ TIMESTAMPSDon’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

In this episode of Road To Success, I sit down with Max Fosh to talk about the parts of YouTube no one really prepares you for.We talk about:Losing £35,000 on a single videoBecoming addicted to analyticsWhy millions of views still don’t feel like “real” successThe pressure of being known for one viral momentWhy TV still feels like the “blue tick” — even when YouTube is biggerAnd the uncomfortable truth that creators are never fully satisfiedThis isn’t a highlight reel.It’s an honest conversation about validation, risk, identity, and what chasing big ideas actually costs.If you’ve ever chased success — online or offline — this one will hit home.👇 Let us know in the comments:Does success ever actually feel like enough?Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

In this episode of Road To Success, we sit down with Damon, co-founder of Daily Driven Exotics, one of the biggest automotive YouTube channels in the world.But this conversation goes far beyond supercars.Damon opens up about the real story behind the brand — from going to jail at 16, losing his license, and learning hard lessons about patience… to becoming an early believer in YouTube as a business when almost nobody took it seriously.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes.In this episode of Road To Success, we sit down with Damon, co-founder of Daily Driven Exotics, one of the biggest automotive YouTube channels in the world.But this conversation goes far beyond supercars.Damon opens up about the real story behind the brand — from going to jail at 16, losing his license, and learning hard lessons about patience… to becoming an early believer in YouTube as a business when almost nobody took it seriously.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodesTimestamps: 00:00 – “Trailer" 02:05 – “I Don’t Avoid Conflict”Why drama, attention, and growth go together04:10 – The Making of an EntrepreneurWhy working for others was never the plan07:20 – Kids, Pressure & No Way OutTaking responsibility early — no excuses09:40 – From Normal Job to Bigger AmbitionsSales, marketing, and leverage13:30 – The Internet Changed EverythingSeeing the opportunity before everyone else17:20 – “YouTube Isn’t a Real Business”Why people laughed at the idea21:20 – Blind Faith & Catching the WaveTiming over talent25:30 – The Dark Side of the Comment SectionWhy online hate is worse than ever30:10 – “People Root for You… Until You Win”When support turns into resentment34:30 – When Criticism Becomes an AttackFeedback vs malicious intent39:45 – Jail at 16The mistake that could’ve ended everything45:05 – Speed, Power & ObsessionWhere the addiction to cars began47:10 – Shmee150 Chat: Different Worlds, Same SpaceContrasting styles, perception, and respect in car YouTube50:35 – A Hard Lesson in PatienceWhy rushing life backfires54:15 – Time Is the Ultimate WeaponWhy successful people don’t waste it58:05 – Kids Aren’t an ExcuseResponsibility as fuel1:02:20 – The Starbucks MomentHow Dave re-entered Damon’s life1:09:30 – Loyalty Is RareWho actually shows up1:14:20 – Embracing Drama Instead of Avoiding ItWhy Damon goes head-first1:33:10 – Shmee150 Revisited: Comparison, Competition & RealityAudience overlap, assumptions, and the creator ecosystem1:38:40 – From Being Bullied to Building ArmorThe mindset shift1:45:20 – “I’ll Be Your Worst Enemy”Where Damon draws the line1:50:30 – Gumball Fallout & Moving OnConflict, reflection, and maturity1:57:10 – Creators, Competitors & CopycatsWhen collaboration turns savage2:04:00 – The Ugly Side of Building a TeamMoney, clout, broken agreements2:10:30 – Cutting Distractions & People OffWhy focus beats talent2:14:20 – “You Can Be Right… Or You Can Be Rich”Final mindset lesson👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerTimestamps:Contact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

To grab yourself some winter essentials from HERA with 15% of sitewide even during sales! Then use my code RTS and click the link here - https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85817&awinaffid=1737213&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fheraclothing.comIn this episode of Road To Success we announce all of are award winning guests of 2025 from funniest conversations to best business awards. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Garage Style here - https://garagestyleltd.com/Don’t forget to use CODE: RTS for 10% off SITE WIDE!Long before algorithms, thumbnails, or celebrity car shows, Tiff Needell was chasing one thing: the feeling of driving at the limit.This episode is the full, unfiltered story of how a working-class kid with no money, no contacts, and no master plan won a racing car in a magazine competition — and seven years later found himself lining up on the Formula One grid. Not because he shouted the loudest or pushed the hardest, but because he kept saying yes, kept turning up, and kept driving.This isn’t a polished success story.It’s a conversation about risk, humility, timing, and what success actually means when your only goal was to drive as well as you possibly could.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowler

To grab yourself some winter essentials from HERA with 15% of sitewide even during sales! Then use my code RTS and click the link here - https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85817&awinaffid=1737213&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fheraclothing.comIn this episode, we sit down with Jim to go behind the scenes of Top Gear and one of the most influential eras in television history.From the reality of working with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, to the pressure-cooker environment that created some of the most iconic moments ever broadcast, Jim gives an unfiltered account of what it was really like inside the machine. He opens up about burnout, creative highs and lows, chaotic international shoots, the origins of the Stig, and the unseen production battles that ran alongside what viewers saw on screen.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowler Contact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/In this episode, we sit down with Remove Before Race to unpack the real story behind one of YouTube’s most respected automotive channels.From starting out with “sh*tbox” daily drivers to driving the AMG One, sharing track time with Chris Harris, Nico Rosberg, and Valtteri Bottas, this is a raw, honest conversation about passion, persistence, and carving out a unique voice in the automotive world.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/What happens when you walk away from working with Richard Hammond, filming with DriveTribe, and being part of one of the most iconic automotive media teams in the world?You get Mike Fernie — and today, he reveals everything.In this unfiltered deep dive, Mike breaks down his journey from a 14-year-old Top Gear fan to building a channel poised to become one of YouTube’s next big automotive success stories. From the inside story of DriveTribe’s rise, to emotional moments with Hammond, to the scary leap into going solo, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and hard-earned lessons every creator and car enthusiast needs to hear.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowler

Check out Garage Style here - https://garagestyleltd.com/Don’t forget to use CODE: RTS for 10% off site wideIn today’s episode, we sit down with the one and only Yianni from Yiannimize — entrepreneur, TV personality, YouTuber, business owner, and one of the most influential figures in the UK car scene.From the terrifying robbery that changed his life, to running a 30-person business, to the truth behind closing the iconic Yiannimize unit, Yianni opens up like never before. We go deep into his biggest wins, biggest lessons, emotional moments with close friends, and the realities of fame, family, and building a brand from nothing.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

To grab yourself some winter essentials from HERA with 15% of sitewide even during sales! Then use my code RTS and click the link here - https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85817&awinaffid=1737213&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fheraclothing.comWhat really happens behind the visor of the world’s most mysterious racing driver?Today, Ben Collins — the man who spent years as Top Gear’s Stig — returns with the most revealing conversation yet.From the pressure of secretly outperforming F1 drivers to hiding his identity from Clarkson for nearly a year…from close calls, killer cats, and backstage chaos to the High Court battle that nearly erased his entire legacy — this episode uncovers everything he could never say before.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowler

Make sure to use code RTS at https://go.obdeleven.com/success for an extra 5% off your order, on top of their amazing Black Friday Deals of up to 40% off!This is Misha's fifth time joining the podcast, and a lot has changed! In this "pre-Christmas special", we dive into how much Misha's life has accelerated, from his racing career to his booming businessesDon’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/In today’s episode, we sit down with Shmee150 for a deep dive into the evolution of modern car culture, the rise and fall of iconic motor shows, the realities of owning limited-run supercars, and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped one of YouTube’s biggest automotive channels.From the chaos of sprinting through Geneva with a camera, to the viral “Ronaldo Bugatti” drama, to why Ferrari’s F80 and modern limited-production cars are so misunderstood—this conversation is packed with insight for enthusiasts, collectors, and creators alike.Whether you’re fascinated by supercar markets, YouTube strategy, or the future of car events, this episode delivers real value from start to finish.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/Step inside the extraordinary life of Freddie Hunt, son of Formula 1 legend James Hunt, as he opens up like never before. From a childhood shaped by loss to the pressures of carrying one of racing’s most iconic surnames, Freddie shares how he found his own identity—on the track, on a Scottish farm, and far beyond the world of motorsport.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/In today’s episode, we sit down with JayEmm — filmmaker turned automotive YouTuber — to explore the unpredictable journey that took him from freezing nights on film sets to building a thriving car channel with hundreds of thousands of subscribers.JayEmm opens up about the highs and lows of his career: selling £100k worth of camera gear to start again, navigating burnout in the film industry, spotting the opportunity that launched his YouTube channel, surviving lockdown when his entire schedule collapsed overnight, and creating the most emotional video of his life.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

From selling air fresheners to owning rare Ferraris, Porsches, and Jaguars, TGE has built one of the most fascinating careers on YouTube. But behind the cars and success lies a story of relentless hustle, burnout, and brutally honest lessons about turning passion into profit.In this raw, in-depth conversation, TGE opens up about the years of graft behind his “overnight success” — from juggling cleaning jobs and bank floors to launching a media company and investing in cars that doubled as business tools. He reveals how he manages pressure, why he nearly lost his love for content, and how he’s reignited his creative spark through passion-driven investing.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/Link to Marc's book here - https://amzn.eu/d/4zaPcEnIn this episode, we sit down with Mark “Elvis” Priestley — former Formula 1 mechanic and pit crew leader for McLaren Racing, who worked alongside Lewis Hamilton during his 2008 World Championship season. Today, Elvis is the co-presenter of Wheeler Dealers, Discovery’s global hit car show watched by over 100 million people worldwide.We dive deep into his incredible journey — from chasing his teenage dream of working in Formula 1, to handling the pressure of pit stops, the highs and heartbreaks of championship racing, and what it takes to walk away from the dream job to find a new purpose.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Check out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/Racing driver, coach, and YouTube powerhouse Driver61 (Scott Mansell) sits down to reveal what really separates fast drivers from everyone else — and how anyone can dramatically improve on track with the right approach.From growing up at kart tracks at age two, to racing in Indy Lights, to accidentally building a motorsport education empire with over a million subscribers… Scott shares the untold journey behind one of the most influential voices in modern racing.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Get your finance quote here with Lillian Stanley -https://calculator.lillianstanley.co.uk/journey/vehicle?utm_source=Benfowler08For the first time, Andy Wilman — the creative mind behind Top Gear and The Grand Tour — sits down for a deep, unfiltered conversation about building one of the most iconic shows in television history.From his early insecurities and failed acting career to shaping global motoring culture with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, Wilman reveals the accidents, chaos, and creative genius that turned Top Gear into a worldwide phenomenon.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk

Get your finance quote here with Lillian Stanley -https://calculator.lillianstanley.co.uk/journey/vehicle?utm_source=Benfowler08Check out Susie Wolff's book here -https://amzn.eu/d/c5exCQZFrom karting in Scotland to leading Formula 1’s push for female talent — Susie Wolff’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful conversation, Susie opens up about breaking barriers in motorsport, rediscovering purpose after retirement, and the lessons behind her book Driven.She shares rare insights on resilience, leadership, and the future of women in Formula One — plus honest reflections on navigating public scrutiny, building the F1 Academy, and finding balance with Toto Wolff.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk