The Evolution of Hemmings' Video and UpShift at Pebble Beach Car Week!
Over the past three years, Hemmings has delved deeply into video and live events. This journey began in 2021 with a comprehensive revamp of their main YouTube channel (@hemmingsmotornews) and was followed by the revival of the Musclepalooza live event series. To say things are going swimmingly would not be an overstatement. In this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ Podcast, host Mike Musto chats with Hemmings Creative Director Dan Stoner. They discuss Hemmings' latest and upcoming video productions, as well as an exciting event set to take place during this year's Pebble Beach Car Week in Monterey, California.
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34:23
Talking 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser with Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV!
Frequent Hot Rod BBQ guest Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV has recently made a significant purchase: the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser First Edition, one of today's most coveted SUVs. This latest Land Cruiser marks a complete overhaul after decades of incremental updates. Interestingly, it now positions itself as a direct contender against the upcoming 2025 Toyota 4Runner, sparking curiosity among enthusiasts. Given Ryan's extensive familiarity with both vehicles and his recent feature of the new Land Cruiser on Driving Sports TV, we sought his firsthand impressions to understand just how impressive this new model truly is.
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35:51
Decoding the Modern-Day Pickup Truck
Navigating the diverse landscape of pickup trucks can be quite overwhelming. From the various cab configurations to the array of drive options, the choices seem endless. Add to that the distinctions between compact, mid-size, full-size, light-duty, heavy-duty, and medium-duty trucks, with each offering a range of engine options and construction styles, and the decision becomes even more complex. With prices spanning from the low $20k to well over $100k, selecting the ideal pickup can feel like a daunting task. To help navigate this terrain, Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV teams up with host Mike Musto to delve into the intricacies of modern-day pickup trucks and lend some insights to help you determine which make and model could be right for you.
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42:54
Mike Musto and Vinny Russo discuss the art of finding the Perfect Beater.
The ultimate beater car is one you don't fret over. It's the city street parker, the lot dweller, and the one that liberates you from the worries of daily driving. Whether it's a salt-scarred winter warrior, a pre-dinged deterrent to thieves, or a worn-out farmhand, the beater is a highly underrated motoring gem that many enthusiasts relish. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ podcast host Mike Musto welcomes longtime friend, industry consultant, and one of his closest automotive confidants to discuss the art behind obtaining the perfect beater.
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53:15
DRIVING DEBT: Car Loans Are Out of Control!
Let's break down some eye-opening figures for 2024. According to Fortune.com, the average price of a new car stands at $47,338.00. Pair that with the average new car payment of $738.00 or the slightly lower average new car lease payment of $606.00, as reported by LendingTree.com. Meanwhile, the average payment on a used vehicle comes in at $538.00. These numbers hit hard because they underscore the financial strain many Americans face. To afford these payments, you'd ideally be earning around $60,000 annually, which incidentally is just about what the average American makes at $59,384 per year. And remember, that's before factoring in essentials like housing costs, student loans, insurance, utilities, and the ever-present expenses of raising a family. It's a stark reality: auto loans trail only home mortgages as the largest category of debt in the country. On this episode of the Hemmings Hot Rod Podcast, Mike Musto and Ryan Douthit of Driving Sports TV dissect this phenomenon and try to uncover its roots.
Dan Stoner and Mike Musto have been in this business for quite some time. Stoner comes from the world of big advertising and publishing before coming to Hemmings, while Musto made a name for himself as an automotive journalist and show creator. What do they have in common? Well, everything and nothing. They’ve got different tastes in cars and are both jealous of each other’s grooming habits, YET, they both love everything automotive culture has to offer. Thus, an idea was hatched, and The Hemmings Hot Rod BBQ was born!
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