{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Magic Freedom & Life in a VW Bus Elijah Paulie (Uncle Funk) Ep67","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/magic-freedom-life-in-a-vw-bus-elijah-paulie-uncle-funk-ep67","audioUrl":"https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/59d39e83-32d4-403d-9c2b-19e03c9de66c/stream.mp3","description":"What happens when you trade comfort for freedom and turn a vintage Volkswagen bus into your full-time home?In Episode 67 of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with Elijah Paulie, better known as Uncle Funk—a professional magician, festival performer, ice cream man , videographer, and full-time VW bus dweller. From buying his first Volkswagen bus as a teenager to building a life centered around magic, travel, and community, Elijah shares the incredible journey that led him to become one of the most recognizable personalities in the VW scene. In this episode, we discuss:✨ How a $250 Volkswagen bus changed the course of his life🚌 Living full-time in a vintage VW bus for years🎩 The path from opera training to professional magician🎪 Building a career performing at festivals and events across the country🔧 The realities of bus life, breakdowns, repairs, and life on the road❤️ The power of community within the Volkswagen world📖 Being featured on the cover of Volksmania Magazine🌎 Why he chooses freedom over comfort and conventional livingElijah's story is equal parts inspiring, entertaining, and unconventional. Whether you're a Volkswagen enthusiast, a dreamer chasing a different path, or someone who loves hearing stories about people living life on their own terms, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and plenty of magic.Connect with Uncle FunkFollow Elijah \"Uncle Funk\" Paulie and keep up with his magic shows, VW adventures, and festival appearances. \"Groovy Uncle Funk\" on all socials except Facebook.  He's just \"Uncle Funk\" on Facebook.  Enjoying the show?Please leave a review, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow VW enthusiast. Your support helps us continue telling the stories that make the Volkswagen community so special.#DubLifeDiaries #VolkswagenBus #VWLife #UncleFunk #MagicShow #VanLife #VWBus #VolkswagenCommunity #Podcast #ClassicVW #BusLife #Episode67Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations"},"annotations":[{"startTime":59.2,"endTime":73.3,"type":"concept","title":"home on wheels","url":"/glossary/home-on-wheels","quote":"Now fast forward, that same kid's travel in the country live in full time out of that bus, performing magic at festivals, running his own lifestyle, and somehow he turned out peace and junk into a fully functional home on wheels.","canonicalId":"concept:home-on-wheels","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Home on wheels” describes converting a vehicle into a livable space—typically with sleeping, storage, and basic living functions. In the context of a VW bus, it’s a common enthusiast approach to full-time van life.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Home on wheels” means turning a vehicle into a place you can live in—like sleeping and storing your stuff inside. It’s basically van life."}},{"startTime":59.2,"endTime":73.3,"type":"concept","title":"full time","url":"/glossary/full-time","quote":"Now fast forward, that same kid's travel in the country live in full time out of that bus, performing magic at festivals, running his own lifestyle, and somehow he turned out peace and junk into a fully functional home on wheels.","canonicalId":"concept:full-time","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Full time” here means living out of the vehicle as your primary residence rather than using it only for trips. That distinction matters because it changes what the build has to support day-to-day.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Full time” means they’re living in the bus most or all of the time, not just taking it on weekends. That’s why the vehicle has to be set up to handle real daily life."}},{"startTime":478.0,"endTime":478.0,"type":"term","title":"VW bus","url":"/glossary/vw-bus","quote":"What made you actually want a VW bus instead of something that, well, most 15 year old kids these days, they want lambos and Ferraris and Bentley's and all this other flashy stuff.","canonicalId":"term:vw-bus","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“VW bus” is shorthand for a Volkswagen Transporter/Type 2-style van, commonly called a “bus” or “microbus” in enthusiast culture. In the U.S., these are especially associated with the classic camper interior and laid-back road-trip vibe.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “VW bus” is a Volkswagen van that people often turn into a camper. It’s famous for its classic look and for being used on road trips."}},{"startTime":496.3,"endTime":496.3,"type":"term","title":"camper interior","url":"/glossary/camper-interior","quote":"the, you know, the camper interior was always so cool to me.","canonicalId":"term:camper-interior","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “camper interior” refers to the inside layout of a vehicle converted for camping—typically including sleeping space, storage, and sometimes a small kitchen setup. On VW buses, this is a big part of why owners love them: the van becomes a home base on trips.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “camper interior” means the inside of the van is set up for camping. It’s like having a small home inside the vehicle."}},{"startTime":499.6,"endTime":505.2,"type":"concept","title":"home is where you park it","url":"/glossary/home-is-where-you-park-it","quote":"And it's like home is where you park it, you know, I always down the street from where I lived.","canonicalId":"concept:home-is-where-you-park-it","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Home is where you park it” is a camper/van-life philosophy: the vehicle is treated as a portable home. It captures the idea that the experience matters more than the destination—especially with VW bus culture, where people bond over road trips and camp setups.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a saying that means your van can feel like home when you stop and park. The trip and the camping experience are the point."}},{"startTime":524.7,"endTime":524.7,"type":"term","title":"burnout","url":"/glossary/burnouts","quote":"Sometimes people especially when driving the bus that will rev their motor really hard and to do a burnout, my cat doesn't impress me, otherwise that wouldn't be driving a Volkswagen bus.","canonicalId":"term:burnout","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “burnout” is when a driver forces the tires to spin rapidly while the vehicle is stationary or barely moving, usually to heat the tires or show off. In enthusiast talk, it’s often contrasted with more relaxed driving styles—like cruising a VW bus rather than revving it hard for spectacle.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “burnout” is when you spin the tires on purpose to make smoke and heat them up. People sometimes do it just to show off."}},{"startTime":535.3,"endTime":535.3,"type":"concept","title":"low and slow","url":"/glossary/low-and-slow","quote":"It's low and slow, baby.","canonicalId":"concept:low-and-slow","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Low and slow” is a driving/attitude phrase meaning you cruise gently rather than chasing speed. In the context of a VW bus, it reinforces the culture of enjoying the ride—keeping revs down and driving for vibes rather than aggressive performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Low and slow” means taking it easy instead of driving aggressively. It fits the idea of enjoying the trip rather than trying to go fast."}},{"startTime":537.5,"endTime":543.8,"type":"concept","title":"enjoying the ride","url":"/glossary/enjoying-the-ride","quote":"That's how we get this is kind of you it's not about getting it's not about getting there It's about enjoying the ride.","canonicalId":"concept:enjoying-the-ride","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Enjoying the ride” is a mindset common in classic van and road-trip communities: the point is the experience, not just speed or bragging rights. It’s used here to contrast with flashy, performance-focused behavior (like hard revving and burnouts).","simplifiedExplanation":"It means the trip itself is the fun part, not just how fast you get there. It’s about enjoying driving and the vibe."}},{"startTime":918.4,"endTime":919.8,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen bus","url":"/cars/volkswagen/bus","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/VW-Bus_T1.jpg","quote":"They had a Volkswagen bus. We played percussion together.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:bus","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A Volkswagen bus (often called a VW Microbus/Transporter) is a classic air-cooled VW van known for its roomy interior and laid-back, community-focused lifestyle. In VW culture, it’s a centerpiece for camping, road trips, and meetups.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Volkswagen bus is a classic VW van. People love it because it’s roomy and perfect for road trips and VW meetups.","imageAttribution":"Hydro (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":922.223,"endTime":923.923,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Beetle","url":"/cars/volkswagen/beetle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/2011_Volkswagen_Beetle_R_Concept_%286158707986%29.jpg","quote":"And he had a Volkswagen Beetle. Zach Showman.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:beetle","priority":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic VW model with a rear-engine, air-cooled layout (in most classic generations) and a huge enthusiast following. In this story, it’s the car Zach used for cruising and VW events, showing how the Beetle fits into the broader VW community.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Beetle is the famous VW “bug.” It’s a classic car with a big fan community, and here it’s the car Zach drove to meetups and local spots.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":963.0,"endTime":969.5,"type":"topic","title":"Volkswagen show","url":"/glossary/volkswagen-show","quote":"He actually took me to the Eureka Springs Volkswagen show my first year. We went to another.","canonicalId":"topic:volkswagen-show","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A Volkswagen show is a car meet focused on VW models, where owners bring their cars for display, judging, and community hangouts. These events are a big part of how VW owners find parts, learn fixes, and meet other enthusiasts."}},{"startTime":1120.6,"endTime":1126.2,"type":"term","title":"swap meet","url":"/glossary/swap-meet","quote":"I hung out with the people at the swap meet, which is the whole other side of the show. And I made really good friends with the people there, and they invited me to come camp with them.","canonicalId":"term:swap-meet","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A swap meet is an event where people buy, sell, and trade parts and accessories—often used or enthusiast-sourced—usually for specific car communities. In the segment, the host describes hanging out with people at the swap meet as a separate “side of the show,” emphasizing the parts-and-community culture around VW ownership.","simplifiedExplanation":"A swap meet is like a car-parts flea market. People come to trade or buy parts, and it’s also a place to meet other enthusiasts."}},{"startTime":1292.4,"endTime":1292.4,"type":"term","title":"break, bleed the brakes","url":"/glossary/break-bleed-the-brakes","quote":"ready, you know, maybe a few things to get things going. I think, you know, just to break, bleed the brakes, you know, get the gas pedal working, because none of the pedals were even attached at the time.","canonicalId":"term:break-bleed-the-brakes","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Bleeding the brakes” is the process of removing air from the brake hydraulic system. Air in the lines can cause a spongy pedal and weak braking, so you bleed the system after opening it or doing brake work.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bleeding the brakes means getting trapped air out of the brake fluid lines. It helps the brake pedal feel firm and makes sure the brakes work properly."}},{"startTime":1303.3,"endTime":1303.3,"type":"term","title":"wiring","url":"/glossary/wiring","quote":"And, you know, shot a wiring, just different things because it's never, you know, probably 20 years before this thing was even resurrected.","canonicalId":"term:wiring","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In a long-dormant vehicle, “wiring” work often means repairing or re-connecting damaged circuits so the engine, ignition, and lights can function. Old wiring can fail due to corrosion, rodent damage, or brittle insulation after years of sitting.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about the electrical system. If a van has been sitting for a long time, the wires can be damaged or disconnected, so you have to fix them before it will run and drive."}},{"startTime":1361.6,"endTime":1361.6,"type":"term","title":"1600","url":"/glossary/1600","quote":"it probably wasn't getting me full throttle, you know, because at the time, you know, I only had a 1600 in it and, you know, it didn't go very fast.","canonicalId":"term:1600","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“1600” here refers to a 1.6-liter engine displacement, commonly used in Volkswagen air-cooled applications. A smaller displacement typically means less power than larger engines, which matches the speaker’s point that it “didn’t go very fast.”","simplifiedExplanation":"They mean the engine size was about 1.6 liters. A smaller engine usually makes less power, so the van wouldn’t feel as quick."}},{"startTime":1361.6,"endTime":1361.6,"type":"term","title":"full throttle","url":"/glossary/full-throttle","quote":"And so, you know, it worked, it wasn't great, it probably wasn't getting me full throttle, you know, because at the time, you know, I only had a 1600 in it and, you know, it didn't go very fast.","canonicalId":"term:full-throttle","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Full throttle” means the engine is receiving the maximum opening of the throttle body/carburetor linkage, allowing the engine to produce its highest power potential. If the pedal linkage or pedal mounting is improvised, you may not reach full throttle, limiting performance."}},{"startTime":2088.6,"endTime":2093.7,"type":"term","title":"AC","quote":"You got AC, you got a shower, what do you have on this bus?","canonicalId":"term:ac","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“AC” here means air conditioning, which is the climate-control system that cools the cabin. On a VW bus camper, having AC is a big comfort upgrade because you’re often parked in hot weather for long stretches.","simplifiedExplanation":"“AC” means air conditioning—basically the system that cools the inside of the bus. It helps a lot when it’s hot outside."}},{"startTime":2101.1,"endTime":2105.8,"type":"term","title":"Wi-Fi","url":"/glossary/wi-fi","quote":"I have, you know, I have Wi-Fi, I have a big screen TV.","canonicalId":"term:wi-fi","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Wi‑Fi is the wireless internet connection used to get online without plugging in. For a bus lifestyle, it’s often used for work, streaming, and staying connected while traveling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Wi‑Fi is wireless internet. It lets you use the internet in the bus without needing a cable connection."}},{"startTime":2105.8,"endTime":2112.0,"type":"term","title":"instant hot water heater","url":"/glossary/instant-hot-water-heater","quote":"Probably the best I could ever bought at little robable, foldable shower on the outside, I got hot water, instant hot water heater, I got an air fryer, I got my AC","canonicalId":"term:instant-hot-water-heater","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An instant hot water heater heats water quickly on demand instead of storing it in a tank. In a bus camper, that can mean faster access to hot water for washing without taking up as much space as a traditional water heater.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a water heater that makes hot water quickly when you need it. It’s useful in a camper because it saves space and you don’t have to wait as long for hot water."}},{"startTime":2146.4,"endTime":2159.2,"type":"term","title":"break down","url":"/glossary/break-down","quote":"I mean, I have people always romanticize that they wanna do it until they break down, if that's a big essay.","canonicalId":"term:break-down","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Break down” is used in the automotive sense of a vehicle failing and becoming unable to operate normally. The speaker is pushing back on the romantic idea of bus life by pointing out that mechanical failures can happen and leave you stranded.","simplifiedExplanation":"Here “break down” means the bus can stop working because something goes wrong mechanically. The point is that it’s not always smooth sailing."}},{"startTime":2159.2,"endTime":2166.2,"type":"term","title":"motor","url":"/glossary/motor","quote":"You know, that's for years I would break down and break down, you know, I blew the first motor that I had in here.","canonicalId":"term:motor","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In this context, “motor” refers to the bus’s engine (the power unit that drives the vehicle). The speaker says they “blew the first motor,” meaning the engine failed catastrophically and needed replacement or major repair.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Motor” here means the engine. They’re saying their first engine failed badly and they had to deal with it."}},{"startTime":2509.024,"endTime":2539.79,"type":"car","title":"Dodge Neon","url":"/cars/dodge/neon","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/2000_Chrysler_Neon_%28166931030%29.jpg","quote":"...runched in and the guy that hit me was in a Dodge Neon and so I was at a range full of emotions that was...","canonicalId":"car:dodge:neon","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Dodge Neon is a compact car that was commonly used as an everyday commuter vehicle. It comes up in stories like this because it’s a recognizable, widely driven model, so it can be involved in real-world incidents and roadside situations. In a podcast, it may be mentioned to anchor a personal moment or describe what happened during an accident.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Dodge Neon is a small, everyday car. People often talk about it when something specific happens—like an accident—because it’s a common model you might see on the road. In this context, it’s mentioned to explain what car the other driver was in.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0"}},{"startTime":2574.651,"endTime":2574.651,"type":"term","title":"gas tank","url":"/glossary/gas-tank","quote":"But if you would have been, you know, this far over to the left, it would have taken out my, my gas tank and my rear axle.","canonicalId":"term:gas-tank","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The gas tank is the fuel storage container on a vehicle. In a crash, damage to the gas tank is especially serious because it can leak fuel and increase fire risk.","simplifiedExplanation":"The gas tank is where the car stores fuel. If it gets hit in an accident, it can leak and become a fire hazard."}},{"startTime":2574.651,"endTime":2574.651,"type":"term","title":"rear axle","url":"/glossary/rear-axle","quote":"But if you would have been, you know, this far over to the left, it would have taken out my, my gas tank and my rear axle.","canonicalId":"term:rear-axle","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The rear axle is the assembly that connects the rear wheels and helps transmit drive forces. In a collision, rear axle damage can affect wheel alignment, steering feel, and how the vehicle tracks.","simplifiedExplanation":"The rear axle is the part that connects the rear wheels. If it’s damaged, the car can handle weirdly or the wheels may not line up right."}},{"startTime":2583.4,"endTime":2583.4,"type":"term","title":"front axle","url":"/glossary/front-axle","quote":"If you would have been this far to the front, would have taken out the front axle, you know.","canonicalId":"term:front-axle","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.35,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The front axle is the assembly that connects the front wheels and transmits forces between the wheels and the vehicle. Front axle damage from a crash can cause alignment issues and uneven tire wear.","simplifiedExplanation":"The front axle connects the front wheels to the car. If it gets damaged, the car may pull or the tires can wear unevenly."}},{"startTime":2704.1,"endTime":2704.1,"type":"term","title":"slider track","url":"/glossary/slider-track","quote":"I broke down or I got sidesteped and this is what's wrong, you know, my slider track, it was you couldn't even put a pin in it, it was just crunched to nothing.","canonicalId":"term:slider-track","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.72,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A slider track is the rail system that lets a sliding component move smoothly along the body. On a VW bus, this often refers to the sliding door mechanism; if the track is crumpled, the door can’t open/close properly.","simplifiedExplanation":"A slider track is the metal rail that lets something slide back and forth. If it’s bent or crushed, the sliding door won’t work correctly."}},{"startTime":2717.8,"endTime":2717.8,"type":"term","title":"frame rack","url":"/glossary/frame-rack","quote":"And he said, man, just, you know, we have a frame rack here at the shop, if you just come over, bring the bus over after hours or on a Saturday, I'll see what I can do.","canonicalId":"term:frame-rack","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A frame rack (frame machine) is a heavy-duty alignment system used in collision repair to hold the vehicle’s body/frame in place. It allows technicians to pull damaged structures back to correct geometry before welding and finishing.","simplifiedExplanation":"A frame rack is a big repair stand that holds the car in place after a crash. It helps the shop pull the bent parts back into the right shape so the car can be repaired properly."}},{"startTime":2768.9,"endTime":2768.9,"type":"term","title":"secondary door","quote":"And I think at the time, yeah, I just had to get my secondary door from that double, or my second bus, I stole the door off of it and put it on here.","canonicalId":"term:secondary-door","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A secondary door here refers to an extra door used as a replacement source, likely from another bus. Swapping doors is a common restoration approach when the original door opening or structure is too damaged to repair cleanly.","simplifiedExplanation":"A secondary door means an extra door they used to replace the damaged one. Restorers sometimes take a door from another bus to get the fit and function back."}},{"startTime":2768.9,"endTime":2768.9,"type":"term","title":"double","url":"/glossary/double","quote":"And I think at the time, yeah, I just had to get my secondary door from that double, or my second bus, I stole the door off of it and put it on here.","canonicalId":"term:double","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In this context, “double” appears to mean a second bus used for parts. People doing restorations often keep a parts bus to source doors, panels, and interior pieces.","simplifiedExplanation":"Here, “double” sounds like a second bus they used for parts. If one bus is wrecked, the other can donate usable pieces."}},{"startTime":3384.7,"endTime":3391.4,"type":"term","title":"ASC certified","quote":"They're like ASC certified and they got you know $10,000 worth of tools and they got a lift and they got all this stuff.","canonicalId":"term:asc-certified","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“ASC certified” refers to a certification program for automotive technicians. In practice, it signals the mechanic has been trained and vetted to work on specific vehicle systems to a defined standard.","simplifiedExplanation":"“ASC certified” means the mechanic has been trained and approved by a certification program. It’s basically a way to say they’re qualified to work on cars."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Joe Person","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/magic-freedom-life-in-a-vw-bus-elijah-paulie-uncle-funk-ep67/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}