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While a lot of auto makers have origins where you might expect, Mazda may surprise you. This Japanese car maker doesn't exactly fit the stereotypical mold of automotive beginnings. Join Ben and Heather as they take you into the past of the car maker who brought us the rotary engined sports car and the well-known sports coupe, the MX-5 Miata. Uncork em if ya got em! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Buying a car is not necessarily the easiest thing to do. But what about for those first time drivers? Is there a better car or more appropriate vehicle for that first time driver who is just getting started in their driving experience? Ben and Heather discuss some of the best features and possible models for that kid that is just aching to get behind the wheel.

In this second installment of Iconic Cars, the Batmobile goes full-out tank and then American muscle. Ben and Heather discuss the "Tumbler" from Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy and give you all the details behind its inception and design. After that, it's the latest iteration from Matt Reave's "Batman" with a Dodge Charger inspired, asphalt-chewing monster. Robert Pattinson sold separately. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

After attending the STX Conference, Ben and Heather bring you some very interesting insights into what's happening in the industry today. Also, an in depth discussion about EV batteries, their impact on the environment and the future of recycling and manufacturing. Find out why not relying on other countries for fossil fuels may just mean relying on someone else for other reasons.

What are the benefits of having a dash cam in your vehicle? Ben and Heather give you the lowdown on why you might consider purchasing a dash cam for your vehicle, all the benefits, and even some models to choose from. Definitely hang out till the end of this one because you don't want to miss where to find some of the best things ever caught on dash cams!

There have been many iterations of the Batmobile over the years and there is a reason a few have been firmly imprinted in our collective entertainment culture. Even if you're not a comic book fan, you would most likely instantly recognize this iconic vehicle. Now because there's been more than one over the years, Ben and Heather will discuss a few of the earlier versions before getting into our modern day ones in Part 1 of this iconic car series. Music and Production: Mike Muscarella Batman Theme 1966 - Original Composer - Neal Hefti, arranged by Mr. Dooves & F1shard (Triforce Films Sound)

The recent spike in gas prices has garnered a lot of speculation on the reasons why. While it is certainly related to the Russian invasion into Ukraine, it's not the only reason. Ben and Heather explore recent events and dissect what affects gas prices and the reasons governments may not be as well equipped to deal with them in the way we'd like. Also website launch!!!!!!! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella www.gearrelated.com https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikepatton/2022/03/09/the-real-reason-behind-surging-gas-prices/?sh=654eb2526ded

Aftermarket extended warranties; are they worth it? Ben and Heather break down several of the top aftermarket warranty companies, how they work, and what you need to know. Also, Ben relates some experiences dealing with warranty companies that might make Ice-T rethink his spokespersonshipness. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella Sponsor: Blah Blah Blah Insurance

Todays gasoline engines are about 30 to 35% efficient. That means every time you put a dollar of gas into your tank, a lot of it is getting wasted. What are manufacturers doing to mediate this and what can you do to alter your driving habits that might help? There's also a thing called hypermiling. Tune in to find out what exactly it is. Hint: It's not going faster. Sad face. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

In 2020, the voters of Massachusetts spoke and their "Right to Repair" Act was initiated. 2022 model year vehicles would require some specific equipment to be sold in the state of MA. Well, its 2022 and it doesn't look like one manufacture was able to comply. However, there were two that found an interesting solution. Listen in to hear how auto makers are having a hard time sharing telematics and how this may affect you soon. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella Bonus Track - "Naughty Rhymes" Super Magic WubDub Remix

Car repairs can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars. These repair bills are broken down into two sections: parts and labor. It's easy to understand how a part would cost a certain amount, but how is labor determined? A mechanic cannot know how long it takes to remove every part from every vehicle that enters the shop, so how and where is that information obtained? It's a deep dive in to the labor guide! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

Let's start off with a license plate debacle in Ohio and then move on to one of the most exciting concept EV cars that absolutely, positively needs to be built. After that, the NHTSA gives you the top ten most dangerous foods you probably shouldn't eat in your car, but most likely do. At least some of them anyway. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella Featuring AC/DC "Thunder Struck" Pharos Dubstep Remix by Pharos EDM

Have you ever described a noise to your mechanic and totally been embarrassed by the experience? Well, this is your chance to hear a mechanic succumb to the same embarrassment. Ben puts his pride aside, much to Heather's delight, and describes some noises your car may make and why they are happening. Don't miss this episode of Gear Related and let the wonderful reproduced sounds your car may make wash over you. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

The Gear Related Gift Giving Guide is back! Find something special for the automotive enthusiast in your life, or even just that special someone that, you know, drives a car. Check out some of the best car related gifts that 2021 has to offer! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella https://boostnatics.com/products/clutch-gas-socks https://www.thespruce.com/best-car-seat-cushions-4771556 https://chgeekdirect.com https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a32293114/get-crafty-with-these-amazing-classic-car-coloring-pages/ https://www.cuff-daddy.com https://hotwheels.mattel.com/shop https://www.meguiars.com/#/ https://www.getkeysmart.com https://mybestsurvivalproducts.com/product/grizzly-gear-emergency-food-rations-3600-calorie-bar-3-day-supply/ https://linearedge.com https://smartchargeamerica.com/electric-car-chargers/home/juicebox-40/ https://www.thextremexperience.com https://virginexperiencegifts.com

It's another edition of Iconic Cars! Ben and Heather tell you all about the V8 Interceptor Pursuit Special featured in the Mad Max movies. Find out everything you didn't know you needed to know about this Australian beauty, built by the Ford Motor Company and modified by some brilliant designers and fabricators. Also, find out where you can buy it! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

The theft of catalytic converters from vehicles has increased exponentially. What exactly is it that makes catalytic converters so valuable and why are more and more disappearing? Ben and Heather discuss the cruel and "exhausting" thieving practice and what you can do to protect your vehicle. Featuring “2020 Vision” by Makaih Beats Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

The automotive repair industry will be short approximately 640,000 technicians between now and 2024. Ben and Heather sit down with Chris Langswager and Ray Otto of Monroe Community College's Applied Technology Center to discuss the impact of the shortage and why being in the industry is an excellent career choice. For more information, see the contact information below. Monroe Community College Applied Technology Center https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/auto/ Ray Otto - Recruiter for the Automotive Programs (585)292-3735 rotto3@monroecc.edu Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

It's the 2021 edition of Fear Related! Continuing the Halloween tradition, Ben and Heather bring you some more terrifying automotive tales to celebrate this spooky time of year. Gear Related listeners share their "horrifying" stories of what happened to them while driving. It's just plain scary. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

It's another fan favorite! "They Almost Fixed It," and some repairs you really shouldn't try at home - with some (hilarious?) consequences. You can call it creative or maybe unique, but whatever it may be, it's definitely not by the book. Discover some not necessarily recommended or approved repairs on this episode of Gear Related! Production and Music: Mike Muscarella

It's another installment of Solid Car Company, Bad Idea. Ben and Heather discuss some cars that made many of the industry's least coveted lists of "Worst Cars Ever." Perhaps it was poor planning or lack of funds, but whatever the reasons, this list of vehicles is one to avoid. Listen in to some of the worst platforms that auto manufacturers may have come to regret. And yes, it's time to talk about the Yugo. Production and Music: Mike Muscarella