We Are Motor Driven

In this episode we meet with Nik Miles to discuss Operation Frodo, a dog rescue/transport operation started by Miles back in 2022. It all started with one dog. Frodo, one of the first pups to be rescued by Animal Rescue Rigs, inspired a cross-country mission that now saves dozens of dogs every winter — a journey of love, hope, and second chances.” 2,000 miles of heart. Each December, a convoy of volunteers, journalists, and rescuers hits the road from Omaha to the Pacific Northwest — braving snow, long nights, and mountain passes to bring dogs home for the holidays. Fueled by kindness. Every driver covers their own costs; every volunteer gives their time — because every mile matters when you’re saving lives. Together, we make it happen. From the Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland to Asher House and Seattle Beagle Rescue, this mission is proof that teamwork really can change the world — one wagging tail at a time. A road trip that changes everything. Operation Frodo isn’t just about transport — it’s about hope, community, and the belief that every dog deserves a furever home this holiday season. Follow the journey at #OperationFrodo. To learn more: Operation Frodo: www.animalrescuerigs.com WAMD: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven  

In this week’s episode we pull out the crystal ball to look at what might be coming down the automotive pipeline in 2026. From new tech to new cars, to sales numbers and everything in between, we take an in-depth look at what the future may hold. And, of course, we would love to hear what new cars or new tech you might be looking forward to in the new year! So please make sure to comment! For more: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven

In this week’s episode we speak with Consumer Guide Automotive’s Tom Appel on the company’s 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buys. This is a comprehensive and insightful list covering everything from subcompact crossovers to SUVs and pickups to sporty cars and more. The list doesn’t just name one best buy either, it gives you a few options in each category to really compare. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! We were fortunate to get an early looks at Tom’s complete list, but to learn more visit consumerguide.com. The 2026 list will be there in early December. For more: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven

Inspired by the return of the ubiquitous HEMI, in this episode we discuss the best sounding engines of all time…and why it is the V10 from Porsche’s Carrera GT. At least in Jennifer’s opinion! What is it that makes a good sounding engine? Listen in as we discuss the living, breathing nature of engines and what makes them such an important part of the driving experience. We want to know what engines YOU think are the best sounding of all time. Let us know in the comments! For more visit: www.wearemotordriven.com On YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven Here are links to a number of the cars/videos we discuss: Brendan and Chris in the GT350 at Road America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wVGMb-93OA&list=PLYkbK3AM742Xe-J63H2-lYzU_F5mqnAy8&index=22 Ferrari 458 Speciale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19NpwJiLWxU Rendezvous 2020 (Shelby GT350) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01qQlLtQ5wo&list=PLYkbK3AM742WJ0H1yztv8hl0NbiFufdLV&index=6 Brendan LC500 V8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXOmx4_vU0o&list=PLYkbK3AM742Vyh0Pi-gnpsbw_EF90qisu&index=46 Aston Martin Vantage 4-Liter Twin-Turbo V8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcwR4jzL5MM&list=PLYkbK3AM742WJ0H1yztv8hl0NbiFufdLV&index=13  

This week's episode takes a little political turn as we discuss Americas roadways, gas taxes, road use taxes, wheel taxes, and pretty much all the taxes on taxes that we pay to maintain our roadways. It's a rip-roaring romp that we hope you enjoy! Make sure to leave your comments on what you think about all these taxes and how we might make things better!  For more: www.wearemotordriven.com Find us on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven 

In this episode we dig into Harvey’s background working for agencies that created some memorable ads for the auto industry. We also discuss some of our favorite automotive ads both in print and commercial formats. Here are links to some of the ads we discuss: Jeep Grand Wagoneer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOyfMeqtFPk Imported From Detroit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYsFUFgOEmM The Force (Volkswagen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdZMypElBpo That Thing Got A Hemi? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CnhW9V5euc Brendan’s Favorite Ad: 1990 300ZX Twin Turbo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePz0wunJRJM Jennifer’s Favorite Ad #1: Nissan Z – GI Joe and Barbie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGMI_mWmb7g Jennifer’s Favorite Ad #2: Ford GT – The One https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G85Qs7e2Cbo Harvey’s Favorite Ad: Jeep - Snow Covered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iGefoBffLo Paul’s Favorite Ad: Honda – The Cog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4XiaP-WhNw What are your favorite car ads? Whether it’s a commercial or a print ad! Let us know! For more: Online: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven  

In this episode we discuss our personal favorite drives in the most recent model year. Some of these may be a surprise to you so stay tuned for the whole thing! Here are links to some of the video reviews of models we discuss: VW ID.Buzz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSHM2uisHPo&list=PLYkbK3AM742Uj6QPSXH9_I-zDRPLY_4SR&index=4&t=320s   VW Golf R Comparo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJMlW-hafEU&t=198s   Ford Bronco Offroadeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmfDlY-50Wc&list=PLYkbK3AM742Vyh0Pi-gnpsbw_EF90qisu&index=7&t=65s   BMW M5 Touring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAenzaNuvC8&list=PLYkbK3AM742Vyh0Pi-gnpsbw_EF90qisu&index=4   Volvo EX90: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVAViybIOs&list=PLYkbK3AM742Vyh0Pi-gnpsbw_EF90qisu&index=5   Cadillac Escalade IQ Luxury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaABfSipC_w&list=PLYkbK3AM742Vyh0Pi-gnpsbw_EF90qisu&index=2   For more, visit us at: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven  

In this episode we get a little emotional about not only our favorite TV and movie car chases, but the cars themselves and how they become beloved characters just like the stars that drive them. What is your favorite movie or TV car chase? What about your favorite movie or TV car? Let us know in the comments below! For more: www.wearemotordriven.com Rendezvous 2020 (our own take on the classic Rendezvous): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01qQlLtQ5wo&list=PLYkbK3AM742WJ0H1yztv8hl0NbiFufdLV&index=6  

In this week's episode, we discuss (vent about?) electric vehicles, the lack of infrastructure, and the government's push for OEM's to move to EVs. We agree that their are use cases for EVs, but they simply won't work for all applications. What are your thoughts on EVs? Would you buy one? If so, which one? Let us know in the comments! For more: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven Hyundai Ioniq5 N press launch at Laguna Seca: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0grHLAeWBg&t=369s Hyundai Ioniq5 N versus Elantra N: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpO9k7BNs9w&list=PLYkbK3AM742Vyh0Pi-gnpsbw_EF90qisu&index=6 Scout Motors walk around: https://www.tiktok.com/@realsonsofspeed/video/7507037909241941294  

Three out of four We Are Motor Driven podcast hosts have recently purchased pickup trucks. Why?! In this episode we discuss pickup trucks and why they are so popular in America. Special guest Aaron Bragman, Detroit Bureau Chief for Cars.com, educates us on some of the reasoning behind the success of pickup trucks. Our question of the week: Which pickup truck would you buy and why? For more: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven RAM TRX reviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xefszd3HTBI&list=PLYkbK3AM742WJ0H1yztv8hl0NbiFufdLV&index=22 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSI27VbMAJw&list=PLYkbK3AM742Vyh0Pi-gnpsbw_EF90qisu&index=20  

Do you speed? Should you speed? Are speed limits high enough in the US? Does Brendan get mad at left lane squatters? We answer all these questions and many more in this episode of the WAMD podcast. Tempers flare, attitudes are checked, and we have one of our most animated conversations yet in this fast-paced discussion on all things speed. Question for our listeners this week: What laws would you change about speed limits? For more: www.wearemotordriven.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven

In this week's episode we discuss how to step up your performance driving game. From autocross to full-on racing we talk about what it takes to prepare for these experiences and how they will make you a better driver. And speaking of better drivers, we also have a chat with Randy Pobst on his racing experiences and his thoughts on performance driving. You don't want to miss this one! This week's question: What one track do you want to drive? What would you drive on that track? For more: www.wearemotordriven.com https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven

In this episode, we discuss technology in cars. Is it making things "safer" for drivers, or is it really enabling drivers to be more distracted? From touchscreens to sifting through menus for your HVAC controls, we have a little heated discussion on what does and doesn't work in modern car technology. This week's question for our listeners: What technology do you feel should always have a hard button or knob? For more: www.wearemotordriven.com https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven

In this week's episode, we discuss several defunct car brands and why they may have disappeared. From Packard to DeLorean, Vector to Oldsmobile...even Paul, Brendan, and Harvey's favorite Eagle...we have a heated discussion on how and why these brands went away. Our hosts also ponder which current car brands should, perhaps, go away. Question for the week: What car brand do you wish was still around? OR which car brand do you think should go away? For more, visit: www.wearemotordriven.com

In this episode we talk about the most beautiful and impactful car designs. From posters on bedroom walls, to magazine covers, to the cars that were TV stars, what is it that makes a car attractive? We also speak with Alessio Minchella who currently works at Automobili Pininfarina...one of the most well-known design houses in the world...to hear what it is like to be a part of the car design process. Visit www.wearemotordriven.com for more!

In this episode we discuss the three-pedal option...the manual. Why are they going away? Why won't OEM's give enthusiasts what they want? We also bring in Megan Closset, Sales Operations Manager at Volkswagen Group of America...and manual transmission supporter...for an expert opinion on this hot topic. Don't forget to visit https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreMotorDriven for our video reviews and www.wearemotordriven.com for much more! Also, #savethemanuals!!

Meet the hosts in this first episode of the We Are Motor Driven podcast. Learn how and why we all got into the automotive industry and all about our first cars. We want to know...what was your first car?