VW Garage Talk Podcast - Classic Volkswagen Stories

Chad says he was basically born into Volkswagens. His mom traveled the country in a Westy, visited the Volkswagen factory in Germany, and even watched a new Beetle go down the assembly line. Years later, when Chad got out of the Army, one of the first things he did was buy a 1971 Bay Window. That Bus became his introduction to the local VW community, learning how to rebuild an engine, doing bodywork, painting, welding, and eventually restoring and customizing Volkswagens himself. In this episode of VW Garage Talk , we sit down in Chad’s garage in front of his ’65 Beetle and talk about the VWs he’s owned and built over the years, including multiple split-window Buses, a ’61 Double Cab, his seriously lowered Volkswagen Thing, water-cooled projects, and the Volkswagens he still wants to own. We also get into his years building custom cars, how Volkswagen ideas still find their way into his American hot rods, the people who helped him along the way, and why giving back to the local car community matters to him. It’s a conversation about much more than the cars. It’s about learning the craft, the people who helped along the way, and staying connected to the Volkswagen community decades later. Suburban Coffee Company is a veteran-owned specialty brand that blends a passion for premium coffee with classic car culture. Check it out Real talk about aging and navigating home care and today’s healthcare system. Tune in HERE 🎙️ VW Garage Talk , produced by BrewDub. Tell us in the comments: What Volkswagen started it all for you?

What happens after decades in the Volkswagen hobby and more than 60 VWs owned?For this episode of VW Garage Talk, I’m hanging out with my friend Jeff in his Florida garage, surrounded by cars and decades of stories.Jeff has owned roughly 125 vehicles, including around 67 Volkswagens, and his VW history goes all the way back to growing up around Beetles in Pennsylvania. We talk about how his dad helped spark the obsession, buying and fixing Volkswagens before the internet made parts and information easy to find, and how that interest eventually turned into some seriously interesting cars.We get into his long-term Karmann Ghia restoration, early VW history, rare parts, stock restorations, Brazilian Buses, his son carrying on the hobby, and why preserving original details matters to him.And because garage conversations rarely stay on one subject, we also get into some of the unusual vehicles Jeff has owned over the years, including a rare Falcon-bodied VW and even a WWII-era amphibious DUKW.We also talk about something every Florida classic-car owner thinks about: hurricanes, flooding, insurance, garage storage, and protecting cars after Jeff’s garage took on more than two feet of water.This episode is exactly what VW Garage Talk is about. Pulling up a chair, looking around the garage, and hearing the stories behind the cars and the people who keep them alive.In this episode:Growing up around Volkswagens in PennsylvaniaOwning roughly 67 VWs over the yearsBeetles, Buses, Things and Karmann GhiasRestoring and researching an early Karmann GhiaWhy Jeff prefers stock Volkswagen restorationsRare VW parts and pre-internet restoration researchHis Brazilian VW BusPassing VW knowledge to the next generationFlorida hurricane flooding and protecting collector carsVW shows and communityThe unusual Falcon VWOwning and driving a WWII amphibious DUKWThe Volkswagens Jeff would still like to ownIf you’ve owned Volkswagens for years, have a project sitting in the garage, or simply enjoy hearing how other people found their way into this community, there’s a lot to relate to in this conversation.Tell us in the comments: What Volkswagen have you owned that you wish you still had?🎙️ VW Garage Talk is produced by BrewDub and available on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms.#VWGarageTalk #ClassicVW #Volkswagen #AircooledVW #VintageVW #KarmannGhia #VWBus #VWBeetle #VolkswagenCommunity

Shane and Emilie have shared many Volkswagens over the years, and they’ve got the stories to go with them. In this episode of VW Garage Talk, we go back to where it started for each of them, the VWs they’ve owned together, their Beetle, Notchback, Bus, and their newest addition… a 1953 Porsche 356. Then there are the road trips. One of their biggest adventures was taking their 1964 VW camper Bus all the way to Alaska, with a goal of reaching the Arctic Circle before June 21st to experience the Midnight Sun. And, as you might expect when traveling that far in a 60-year-old Volkswagen, things didn’t exactly go according to plan. We talk about what happened along the way, how Shane and Emilie work together when something breaks, and why sometimes those unexpected moments become the stories you remember most. Their love for old Volkswagens has taken them well beyond the road too. They’ve traveled to Germany for VW events and spent years finding vintage manuals, signs, tools, parts, and pieces of Volkswagen memorabilia that you simply don’t come across every day. There was a lot to talk about in this podcast. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube New episodes of VW Garage Talk every other Monday. #VWGarageTalk #Volkswagen #VWBus #AircooledVW #Porsche356 #VWCommunity

We sat down with our friend Rocky in a garage full of projects, stories, and plenty of plans for what comes next. You’ll meet Lucille, his 1964 Volkswagen Beetle, check out the MK6 GTI he recently picked up, and hear the vision for a Mercedes-Benz bus project that’s currently little more than a shell. Rocky already has plans to customize it, bag it, and turn it into something completely his own. There’s also a very cool tow-behind camper tucked into the mix that may be rarer than any of us realized. But the cars are only part of Rocky’s story. We talk about how we met, VW shows we’ve experienced together, convoy memories, and how Rocky originally found his way into the Volkswagen scene. His path hasn’t been a straight one. He’s stepped away and found his way back more than once, with JDM cars, trucks, and other interests becoming part of the journey along the way. It’s the kind of conversation VW Garage Talk was made for: friends hanging out in the garage, talking about the cars we’ve owned, the projects we’re dreaming about, the places we’ve been, and the people we’ve met because of Volkswagens. In this episode: • Rocky’s 1964 VW Beetle, Lucille • His plans for a custom, slammed and bagged Mercedes-Benz bus • Picking up an MK6 Volkswagen GTI • A potentially rare tow-behind camper • Getting into, leaving, and rediscovering the VW scene • JDM cars, trucks, and Rocky’s automotive journey • How we met through the Volkswagen community • VW shows, convoys, and memories we’ve shared • The vision behind Rocky’s current projects VW Garage Talk preserves the stories of the people who make the Volkswagen community what it is. Pull up a chair. There’s a spot for you in the garage.

Welcome back to VW Garage Talk Podcast! Season 2 kicks off with Lynn and Vince Anderson, a couple whose lives have been intertwined with Volkswagen for more than 40 years. They met while working at Volkswagen of America, built careers at VW corporate, collected countless Volkswagens, traveled thousands of miles, and continue sharing the hobby through magazine writing, road trips, and the incredible VW community. In this episode we talk about: ​Working at Volkswagen of America ​The VW advertising campaigns of the 1980s ​Meeting through Volkswagen and building a life together ​Air-cooled vs. water-cooled Volkswagens ​Herbie the Love Bug ​Their 1971 Sportsmobile camper "Woodstock" ​Why the VW community feels like family ​Road trips, breakdowns, and unforgettable memories ​The future of the Volkswagen hobby VW Garage Talk is a podcast dedicated to preserving the stories of the people that make up the Volkswagen Community. Every car has a story, and every owner does too. Subscribe for new episodes every other Monday. Watch more BrewDub adventures on YouTube Follow BrewDub: Website | Facebook | Instagram

This isn’t your average recap, it’s a full-on VW family reunion.We went live to close out Season One of the VW Garage Talk Podcast, and what started as a quick 30-minute wrap-up turned into 90 minutes of laughs, memories, and incredible conversation with you, our community.✅ Recap of all 18 episodes🚐 Westy cross-country stories🛠️ Behind-the-scenes of future ideas🎤 Highlights of our favorite guests🌎 Viewer shoutouts from all over📣 Live Q&A + VW community connectionsDrop a comment with your favorite VW memory, tag your crew, and let us know who you want to hear on Season Two!🛎️ Subscribe for new episodes, road trip stories, and VW content!📍Find us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WordPressVW Garage Talk Podcast available on all streaming platforms, or watch here on YouTube!

In this episode, we sit down for a real, honest conversation about the VW life… what keeps us hooked, the incredible community we meet, and the stories that keep us rolling. Huge thanks to Gary from VW Life for joining us, sharing stories, and being such a welcoming force in the VW scene.Be sure to check out the VW Life YouTube channel for more awesome aircooled content, road trips, rescues, events, and plenty of laughs. Follow Gary on Instagram | Facebook VW Life Goodtime Hour ( Vdubradio ) Tuesdays @ 5pm ETIf you enjoyed this episode, give it a like, leave a comment... it helps get this content out to other VW lovers! and don’t forget to subscribe for more stories and guests!#VWLife #TheBusGuru #AircooledVW #VolkswagenPodcast #VanlifeVibes #VWBus #VWpodcast #TexasVWScene #ClassicVW #CommunityDriven #VWcommunity #Podcast #Vanlife #RoadTrip #VintageVolkswagen

In Episode 16, we sit down with Derek Henry , one of the driving forces behind Bugs on the Bayou VW Weekend and Pensacola VW Happenings . We talk about our experience at his show, what makes the Gulf Coast VW community so special, and what’s next... including a new Vanagon show at No Dough VW Weekend he’ll be hosting! Derek also shares a core VW memory from his youth that helped spark his passion for air-cooled life. It was awesome to connect in person. Derek made the trek down to check out our VW projects and join us for this episode. 💬 Drop a comment with your favorite VW memory or a Southeast VW event we should check out! #VWGarageTalk #BugsOnTheBayou #PensacolaVW #VanagonRally #NoDoughWeekend #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #AirCooled #VWCommunity #Camping #VWbus #VWbeetle #Vanagon #PensacolaVWhappenings

We’re back from a wild 8-day VW journey through SoCal VW Week and Sequoia + Kings Canyon National Parks; and we’re going LIVE on our podcast to share it all.- Where should we go next in the bus? - Do you prefer VW content or Travel, or both?- What's in your garage? - Where are you tuning in from?Streaming on YouTube + FacebookLIVE at 6 PM ET on Monday 6.9.2025 at 6 PM Eastern / 3 PM Pacific💬 Got a question now? Drop it in the comments below!Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast app!• Spotify – [https://open.spotify.com/show/1RugpHLl63bscoZKx5Dgls?si=0W3Dsp4WTC2XEbTTfmUuEQ]• Amazon Music – [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f6468cf4-3723-4653-b413-48b798d116e9/vw-garage-talk]• Apple Podcast – [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vw-garage-talk-podcast/id1794326255]• iHeart – [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-vw-garage-talk-podcast-266400555/]• PlayerFM – [https://player.fm/series/vw-garage-talk-podcast]• Audacy – [https://www.audacy.com/podcast/vw-garage-talk-podcast-fd4ec] #VWGarageTalk #VWpodcast #BrewDub #VWBusLife #Sequoia #KingsCanyon #AirCooledVW #VanLife #Westy #Westfalia #SoCalVWWeek #Roadtrip

In this episode of VW Garage Talk , we sit down with the creative power duo Johnny Jalopy and Ity B to talk all things car culture: art, builds, TV, and community. Johnny shares how he got started in the car scene, his experience on Full Custom Garage , and how his artwork has gone from sketchpad to real-life custom builds. Ity B brings her energy and insight into how they connect with the community through stories, events, and their own podcast. We cover a little of everything: 🛠️ VW culture 🚙 Mini trucks 🔥 Hot rods 🎨 The crossover between car art and real metal 📺 Behind the scenes of building cars for TV 👥 How their creative partnership fuels connection in the car world You'll love these stories, we blend creativity with grease, and if you’ve ever seen a sketch turn into a full-blown custom ride, its so dang cool. 🎧 Tune in, drop a comment with your favorite car art moment, and make sure to follow for more! Want to purchase some cool art, merch or want a sketch of your own car? Head over to JohnnyJalopy.com Johnny Jalopy on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Stream " Full Custom Garage "

Craig + Angie are back behind the mic together with a full recap of everything they've been up to since January... coast-to-coast road trips, VW campouts, convoy adventures, and a few surprise leads that popped up along the way (literally at stoplights). In this episode:🚐 The story behind their Phoenix-to-Silverado trip🌵 Joshua Tree National Park, camping at Jose’s, and cruising the PCH🛠️ Restoring and rolling the vintage Coleman caboose trailer👀 VW sightings and leads in the wild🌴 Florida shows like No Dough Weekend and Bugs on the Bayou🔜 Upcoming travels for SoCal VW Week, Blackstar, and beyond If this episode sparked your next road trip idea, leave us a review on Spotify or Apple. It helps other VW lovers find the show. 📬 Got a story or want to be part of one? Reach out: 73brewdub[at]gmail.com #VWPodcast #VanLife #VWBus #RoadTripRecap #VWBeetle #VWCamping #BrewDub #GarageTalk #VWGarageTalk #VWCommunity #VWConvoy

David has owned more than 90 Volkswagens, kept a Herbie replica for over 30 years, and watched the VW community change from the car culture of the 1980s to today’s online groups and YouTube channels. In this episode of VW Garage Talk, David shares how movies helped spark his interest in classic Volkswagens, how his collection grew, and why certain cars stayed while others moved on. We also talk about the history of Herbie replicas, the early VW scene, connecting enthusiasts online, and his plans for the New Creation Garage. In this episode: • Owning more than 90 Volkswagens over the years • Building and preserving a Herbie the Love Bug replica • What the Volkswagen scene felt like in the 1980s • How car movies introduced people to classic VWs • Buying, selling and choosing which Volkswagens to keep • Building the New Creation Garage • Using YouTube and online communities to connect VW owners • Helping future generations become part of the hobby David creates Volkswagen parts reviews, show coverage, how-to videos and project updates through @dubworldvwadventures ⁠ ! VW Garage Talk preserves the stories of the people behind the Volkswagen community. Every Volkswagen has a story, and every owner does too. Watch more VW Garage Talk and BrewDub VW Adventures on YouTube . Follow BrewDub on Facebook and Instagram , and explore more Volkswagen stories on our Website.

In Episode 11 of VW Garage Talk , we sit down with my longtime friend Dave McFarland , co-founder of Local Volks , Florida’s largest Volkswagen group. For nearly 20 years, Dave has been a central figure in building and growing the VW scene in the Sunshine State, long before Facebook groups and viral reels . We talk about: Dave’s VW origin story: from his dad’s Baja adventures to his first Beetle at 16 The early days of car culture: how we organized meets without social media (hello, Yahoo chat rooms!) The rise of Local Volks: what started as two guys in a parking lot turned into a 5,000+ member group VW ownership highs & lows: accidents, restorations, rail buggies, and his current ‘82 Diesel Jetta 10 years of Taco Tuesdays and building community over cold drinks and pit bulls playing in parking lots Why the community still matters , what’s changing, and how we keep it going into the future We also talk about our favorite VW events, like No Dough Weekend, and reminisce about the days of flipping through Hot VWs, VW Trends magazines and CIP1 catalogs. Dave’s leaving Florida soon, but his legacy in the VW scene here will always roll strong. 🎧 Tune in to hear how the VW scene was built before smartphones, how Local Volks became a staple in Florida, and why community still drives everything we do. Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast app! VW Garage Talk, VW Podcast, Volkswagen podcast, Local Volks, Classic VW, Air-Cooled VW, VW Beetle, VW Bus, VW Community, VW Florida, VW car meet, Car Culture, Classic Car Community, VW restoration stories, Florida VW scene, vintage VW, Type 3 VW, Rail Buggies, VW Jetta, Early Diesel VW, Classic Car Podcast, Car History Podcast, Hot VWs, VW events, BugJam, VW meets #VWGargeTalk #VWPodcast #LocalVolks #VWCommunity #AirCooledVW #VintageVW #ClassicCars #VWStories #VolkswagenPodcast #VWHistory #BugJam #FloridaVWScene #VWLife #CarPodcast #VanLife #VWCulture #VWMeets #NoDough #SplitWindow #VWBeetle #VWBus #TacoTuesday #VWMeets #AircoolVW #ClassicCarCommunity

No Dough Weekend is THIS WEEKEND, and we’re kicking things off with Bill, the man behind one of Florida’s biggest VW events and our friend Dan. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Bill & Dan's journeys in the VW scene & first-ever VW ✅ The craziest swap meet finds we’ve each seen! ✅ How No Dough Weekend has evolved over the last 14 years ✅ Must-do events for first-timers ✅ How No Dough stays FREE for everyone & why YOU need to buy a t-shirt No Dough is just a part of Bill’s story. He’s also been deeply involved in the minitruck world, Miami VW scene and VolksBlast. Tune in to hear his take on the culture, events, and the future of Florida’s VW community. Don’t miss this VW Garage Talk podcast episode as we gear up for No Dough Weekend! If you're heading to Daytona, drop a comment and let us know! Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube ! #NoDoughWeekend #VWLife #VWCommunity #VWBus #AircooledVWs #VWPodcast #DaytonaVW #VolksBlast #FirstCar #SwapMeet #VWshow #VWscene

In this solo episode of VW Garage Talk podcast, I’m bringing you up to speed on all the latest VW project updates, including my 1961 SO23 Subhatch Bus restoration, maintenance plans for my 1973 Beetle and some tweaks I want to make, goals for the ‘71 Westy that’s still out West, and my vision for the ‘72 Squareback. Plus, I reveal a BIG surprise about one of my VWs… one you may not see coming! We’ll talk: 🔧 Progress on the ‘61 SO23 Bus – Rust repair, welding updates, parts on order, and what’s next 🚗 Still driving my first car – My ‘73 Beetle after 27 years – What’s planned for it? 👀 BIG surprise about one of my VWs – You’ll have to listen to find out! Whether you’re deep into VW restorations, love hearing about classic Volkswagen builds, or just want to stay up to date on our latest adventures, we hope you’ll tune in! Subscribe & Follow for more VW content! Watch the full episode on YouTube #VWGarageTalk #VWPodcast #VWBus #VWRestoration #VintageVW #VWBeetle #AirCooledVW #VWLife #ClassicCars #VWProject #VWCommunity #VWDailyDriver #CarRestoration #VWStory #Type2 #VWCollector #Volkswagen #Car #Cars

Could you put 30K miles on a classic VW in just 12 months? Dave Broenen did! In this episode of VW Garage Talk, we sit down with him to talk about his crazy travel schedule, his impressive VW collection, and why he’s always down for an adventure. We get into: • The insane amount of miles he’s racked up • His favorite VW camping trips & bucket list destinations • Why he collects vintage lanterns (and how that connects to VW life) • The moment he almost didn’t make it home • How we unexpectedly first met in the middle of the U.S. This episode is packed with road-tripping stories & VW inspiration. Don’t miss it, and what’s next on his journey. 📢 Listen now! 🎥 Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube! #VWGarageTalk #KrustBus #VWBusLife #VanLife #VWAdventures #RoadTripStories #LanternCollector #VWCommunity

What’s it really like traveling & camping in a VW? In this episode of VW Garage Talk, we chat with our friends Tom & Cyntra, who hit the road in their Vanagon to talk about the highs, the lows, and the unexpected moments of life on the road. We cover: ​The best VW-friendly campsites & hidden gems ​Breakdowns, mishaps & the reality of road-tripping in a classic ​How VW events feel more like reunions than car shows ​Why this community is different than any other 🎙️ Listen in for laughs, stories & road-tripping tips! If this episode inspired your next roadtrip, do me a favor, leave us a review on Spotify or Apple. That helps more VW lovers find us! Prefer to watch the full video? Check it out here on YouTube #VanLife #VWVanagon #VWBus #RoadTrip #VWLife #Camping #VanLifeCommunity #VintageVW #VWGarageTalk #Synchro #VWcommunity #VWpodcast

In this episode of VW Garage Talk, I’m hanging out with my friend Gary, aka @VWJawbreaker talking all things VW! Learn about his cool builds to his new bus, favorite VW events, and what makes this VW community so special. We have some good laughs and also connect about camping, road trips, and the best VW shows worth traveling for. Plus, I’m sharing, EXCLUSIVELY here , where our next big adventure in the ‘71 bus is taking us! Want to find out? You’ll have to listen! Watch this VW Podcast full video on YouTube! #VWGarageTalk #VWLife #AirCooledVW #VWJawbreaker #Sickxty #VWBus #VolkswagenLife #VWCommunity #VWShows #RoadTrip #VWBuilds #ClassicVW

We made it! After thousands of miles, we finally reached Lake Havasu for Buses by the Bridge, but not without some wild moments along the way! In this episode of VW Garage Talk, Dan joins us to recap the final leg of our cross-country VW adventure, from Arizona desert highways to camping with 300+ VW buses. We talk about: • Roadside surprises & last-minute detours • The magic of VW camping events vs. traditional car shows • The insane lineup at BBB & our favorite buses we spotted • Why this event is not just for VW lovers, but a must for anyone • What it’s like to travel in a VW with friends. From quirky roadside stops to sunsets over the desert and meeting amazing VW friends, this journey has been one for the books. Tune in for laughs, road trip tales, and all the great VW community vibes! Follow Dan on IG: @ murderwife Missed the first half of our roadtrip? Watch here: https://youtu.be/4XdKFWMsRW8?si=RBjXavtXZ25w0Mfw The challenges and joys of cross-country travel in an air-cooled vehicle. Roadside attractions, quirky stops, and the best places to camp. Stories from the road: Unexpected adventures and VW community connections. Favorite roadside attractions and scenic routes for van life travelers. Balancing restoration projects and making memories on the road. Follow Dan on IG: @ murderwife VW Garage Talk VW Podcast Volkswagen podcast Car podcast Air-Cooled Podcast VW Restoration Stories Classic VW Adventures VW Stories VW Westfalia Bus Restoration Cross-Country road trip Van Life Car shows VW camping VW Enthusiasts VW lifestyle and culture Florida VW Scene FL Volkswagen community Southeast air-cooled culture VW rescue and restoration projects #VWGargeTalk #AirCooledVW #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #CarPodcast #VWBusLife #BusesByTheBridge #RoadTripStories #VWCommunity #VintageVW #AirCooledVW #Arizona #Havasu #LakeHavasu #BBB2025

In this episode of VW Garage Talk, Angie and I dive into the highs, the twists, and the off-the-wall moments of the second leg of our cross-country adventure. From Houston to Phoenix, we packed in plenty of memories: quirky roadside attractions, joining a VW convoy to Big Bend National Park, exploring the scenic beauty of Saguaro National Park, and facing some challenges along the way (including a stolen gas tank and a series of storage unit mishaps!).We’re gearing up for the final stretch to Lake Havasu City for the annual Buses by the Bridge event in just over a week, and we’ll have friends joining us for the ride! Tune in for all the laughs, road trip tales, and VW love. VW Garage Talk ​ VW Podcast ​Volkswagen podcast ​Car podcast ​ Air-Cooled Podcast ​ VW Restoration Stories ​ Classic VW Adventures ​ VW Stories ​ VW Westfalia Bus Restoration ​ Cross-Country road trip ​ Van Life ​VW camping ​ VW Enthusiasts VW lifestyle and culture #VWGargeTalk #AirCooledVW #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #CarPodcast #VWBusLife #BigBendNP #SaguaroNationalPark #BusesByTheBridge #RoadTripStories #VWCommunity #VintageVW #AirCooledVW #Texas #NewMexico #Arizona