Podholic: It’s dirty work, but …

Thinking about polishing up your car cleaning game?

IT’S a love-hate affair, right?

 Some of us crave having our cars look picture-perfect, yet cleaning the damn things is such a faff.

Not everyone feels this way. There are those who love the vehicle detailing process to the point that it becomes a way of life, a hobby, and a business opportunity.

 If you’re one of the latter, the Auto Detailing Podcast has you covered. Broadcast weekly, this American show is hosted by Jimbo Balaam – an entrepreneurial detailing expert who has endured many years of hard graft to get to where he is today.

 Initially, this writer was sceptical about diving into a pod about vehicle detailing – if people find car cleaning boring, then surely this podcast will be too? Right? Nope, it isn’t the case at all.  

Pleasantly, it turns out the show offers a bucket load more. If you’re looking to start any small business, Balaam’s journey from nothing to success arguably makes a better listen than many of those self-fulfilling TED Talks you may have seen. Impressively, the pod covers a wealth of information surrounding marketing strategies, pricing and how to score those all-important big jobs. 

Balaam's interviews with other top detailers highlight how passion and attention to detail are the founding pillars within the vehicle grooming industry. Make no bones about it; these are genuine car enthusiasts who are lucky enough to wax their craft on some of the world's most exotic cars.

Of course, detailing basics from preparation to the final presentation are covered too. I found the podcast an excellent tool for learning about safe washing techniques (to prevent unsightly swirls), paint correction processes, wax vs ceramic coatings, paint protection film, and so much more.

Will I quit my day job for a career in auto detailing? Probably not. But if this sounds like you, then chuck in those headphones, grab a notepad and have a listen! 

The Auto Detailing Podcast Homepage https://www.autodetailingpodcast.com/podcast

Podholic: The Autoblog podcast

Our weekly podcast pick is an American institution.

IN an American-centric view on automotive news, the Autoblog team offer a weekly must-listen podcast chaperoned by Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore.

With a focus on new vehicle product (some of which we get to see in little old New Zealand), the crew talk shop about everything from the pint-sized (they love Mazda MX5s) to all the usual massive full-size pickups. 

 Asides from the usual musings on news and reviews, Autoblog’s “spend my money” segment is a great way to sit back and ponder your next vehicle purchase. Here, listeners write in and ask the podcast panel for vehicle buying suggestions with accompanying criteria ranging from sensible to stupendous.

EV vehicles and their owners are not left out either; the podcast regularly debates the merits of new all-electric newcomers, discussing everything from range anxiety, fast-charging and performance, to Teslas and other aspirational EV brands. So chuck on your ‘Murica’ cap and have a worthwhile listen.

The Autoblog Podcast Homepage: https://www.autoblog.com/audio/