Nicole Johnson (YouTuber, Monster Truck driver)
About this episode
Nicole Johnson, a dynamic YouTuber and monster truck driver, joins Matt Farah to discuss her journey with her Porsche 911 and her experiences in the automotive world. The conversation covers her baking skills, the challenges of attending events like King of the Hammers, and her plans for upcoming car shows. They also delve into the intricacies of car culture, the evolution of events, and the balance between enjoying cars and the pressures of social media. With plenty of laughs and insightful anecdotes, this episode captures the vibrant spirit of automotive enthusiasm.
Nicole Johnson is a YouTuber and former Monster Jam driver (yes, as in monster trucks) who is on a mission to drive everything that is cool, weird, different, and fun. Her channel, Nicole Johnson's Detour, demonstrates that she's accomplishing her mission; from 1,000HP rat rods to crazy EVs and everything in between, she never drives the same thing twice.
https://www.nicolejohnsonsdetour.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleJohnsonsDetour
Recorded September 18, 2025
Show Notes:
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Porsche 911
"...her journey with her Porsche 911, which I can most certainly relate to. The cool stuff she's driving for her YouTube channel..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people love for its speed and unique shape. It's been around for a long time and is known for being fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has a long history of being a favorite among car enthusiasts and is celebrated for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
side by side
"...you need like a side by side or something to get you up there. And even then you're there."
A side by side is a small vehicle that can carry passengers next to each other, often used for driving on rough terrain or for fun in outdoor areas.
A side by side is a type of off-road vehicle designed for two or more passengers, featuring a side-by-side seating arrangement and often used for recreation and racing.
Ford F-150 Raptor
"...aunch yourself. Well, it was only because I had a raptor and I had the advantage of horsepower and speed, ..."
Jeep Cherokee
"...n like some old offroad shit, like a, you know, a Cherokee or something that had been sunk. But it would win..."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that can drive on rough roads and trails. It's popular because it can go almost anywhere, making it great for adventures.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a long history dating back to the 1970s and is often discussed for its versatility and ability to handle tough terrains.
Renault Wind
"...e've had we've seen hail, sleet, if it rains, the wind, the wind is probably the one of the hearts. Yeah..."
The Renault Wind is a small car that can turn into a convertible, meaning you can drive it with the top down. It's known for being fun to drive and has a unique look.
The Renault Wind is a compact convertible sports car that was produced in the early 2010s, known for its unique design and fun driving experience. It is often discussed for its quirky styling and practicality as a small convertible.
Ferrari major service
"...please help need money for Ferrari major service. I keep going. I got it..."
A Ferrari major service is a big maintenance check-up for Ferrari cars. It costs a lot of money because it involves changing important fluids and checking many parts to keep the car running well.
A Ferrari major service is a comprehensive maintenance procedure that typically includes replacing essential fluids, filters, and inspecting various components to ensure the vehicle operates optimally. These services can be quite expensive due to the high-performance nature of Ferrari vehicles and the specialized knowledge required to perform them.
Hyundai Santa Fe
"...o, which is on Saturday down in San Diego. Rancho Santa Fe cars and coffee on Saturday. That's a very good c..."
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a medium-sized SUV that has plenty of room for passengers and luggage. It's known for being a good value and is a popular choice for families.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that offers a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and a range of features. It is often discussed for its value and reliability in the competitive SUV market.
cars and coffee
"I'm going to Big SoCal Euro, which is on Saturday down in San Diego. Rancho Santa Fe cars and coffee on Saturday. That's a very good car and coffee, actually."
Cars and coffee is a type of event where people bring their cars to show off and meet other car lovers while enjoying coffee. Some happen every week, while others might be once a month.
Cars and coffee events are informal gatherings where car enthusiasts meet to showcase their vehicles, socialize, and enjoy coffee. These events typically happen on weekends and can vary in frequency from weekly to monthly.
Bilstein
"So I have a relationship with Bill Stein. And they are going to have a booth or whatever display at the Big So Cal Euro event."
Bilstein makes parts that help cars handle better and ride smoother. They're popular among car enthusiasts and racers.
Bilstein is a well-known manufacturer of high-performance shock absorbers and dampers, often used in both street and racing applications. Their products are designed to improve vehicle handling and ride quality.
dampers
"They give you some dampers. Swag and dampers."
Dampers are parts of a car's suspension that help make the ride smoother by controlling how the car moves over bumps and dips in the road.
Dampers, also known as shock absorbers, are components that control the movement of a vehicle's suspension. They help to reduce bounce and improve ride quality by absorbing and dissipating energy from road bumps.
Dodge 3500
"So I have a Dodge 3500, a 2006 Cummins diesel, which is good."
The Dodge 3500 is a strong truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for work. The 2006 version has a powerful diesel engine that many people trust for its strength.
The Dodge 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and durability, often used for commercial purposes. The 2006 model features a robust design and is equipped with a Cummins diesel engine, which is renowned for its reliability and performance.
diesel exhaust fluid
"...it was the last year before you had to put the diesel exhaust fluid in it."
Diesel exhaust fluid is a special liquid that helps clean up the smoke from diesel engines. It makes the air cleaner by turning bad gases into safe ones.
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a liquid used in diesel engines to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is injected into the exhaust stream to help convert harmful pollutants into harmless nitrogen and water.
Porsche Cayenne
"But don't you, you said you also have a cayenne diesel."
The Porsche Cayenne Diesel is a luxury SUV that is designed for comfort and performance. It uses a diesel engine, which can be more fuel-efficient than regular gasoline engines.
The Porsche Cayenne Diesel is a luxury SUV that combines Porsche's performance heritage with the practicality of an SUV and the efficiency of a diesel engine. It offers a spacious interior and advanced technology.
dipstick
"The Audi one has a dipstick. And you can pull a plug, and you can get a genuine Audi $30, isn't it?"
A dipstick is a long, thin tool that you can pull out of a car's engine to check how much oil is inside. It helps you know if you need to add more oil.
A dipstick is a tool used to measure the level of oil or other fluids in an engine. It helps ensure that the engine has enough oil for proper lubrication and operation.
Audi Q7
"You just get the Q7 part and put it in. So I just got it from a genuine Audi dealer."
The Audi Q7 is a large luxury SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort. It's designed for families and has many high-tech features.
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and strong performance. It's a popular choice for families and those seeking a premium driving experience.
pound-feet of torque
"...and $406 pound feet of torque. So what's the rig?"
Pound-feet of torque is a way to measure how strong an engine is. It tells you how much force the engine can use to turn things, which helps with speed and pulling heavy loads.
Pound-feet of torque is a measurement of rotational force. In automotive terms, it indicates how much twisting force an engine can produce, which affects acceleration and towing capacity.
Chevrolet 2500
"You got an 06, 2500. So I used to tow our 3500."
The Chevrolet 2500 is a strong truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for towing trailers or other heavy items.
The Chevrolet 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and durability, making it suitable for various work and recreational purposes.
Bentley V8S
"The Bentley V8S has more power and more torque than that truck and has two more gears as 8 speed."
The Bentley V8S is a fancy car that goes really fast and has a powerful engine, making it a luxury choice for driving.
The Bentley V8S is a luxury sports car known for its powerful V8 engine, delivering high performance and a premium driving experience, often featuring advanced technology and luxury amenities.
backup camera
"You know what I like about the Cayenne and it's the first car I've had with the backup camera."
A backup camera is a small camera on the back of a car that shows you what's behind you when you're backing up, making it safer to park.
A backup camera is a safety feature that provides a view of the area behind a vehicle when reversing, helping to prevent accidents.
OZ Racing
"drives a cayenne diesel on big like OZ Rally wheels with off-road."
OZ Racing makes special wheels for cars that are lighter and stronger, which helps improve performance, especially for racing.
OZ Racing is a well-known manufacturer of high-performance wheels, often used in motorsports and by car enthusiasts for their lightweight and durable designs.
Porsche Panamera
"...I have the 20 inch nice like the ones on the Panamera or something. Sure. But like Porsche stuff..."
The Porsche Panamera is a fancy car that has four doors and is designed for both speed and comfort. It's a popular choice for people who want a high-performance vehicle that can also be used for everyday driving.
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan that combines performance with comfort and advanced technology. It's known for its powerful engine options and sporty handling, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
off-road
"...You can do small things to make those things very good off-road."
Off-road means driving on surfaces that aren't smooth, like dirt or rocks. Cars that are good for off-road driving are built to handle these tough conditions better than regular cars.
Off-road refers to driving on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt, gravel, or rocky terrain. Vehicles designed for off-road use typically have features like higher ground clearance, specialized tires, and reinforced suspension to handle rough conditions.
head studs
"...decided to rebuild the motor on our own first rodeo here. And we had some broken head studs."
Head studs are the bolts that hold the top part of the engine in place. If they break, it can cause serious engine problems.
Head studs are bolts that secure the cylinder head to the engine block in an internal combustion engine. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the engine's combustion chamber and ensuring proper sealing.
carbureted
"So that turned into, let's turn it into a three two short stroke carbureted. And yeah, it turned out beautiful."
Carbureted means the car's engine uses a device called a carburetor to mix air and fuel. This was how many older cars got their fuel before newer systems were invented.
Carbureted refers to an engine that uses a carburetor to mix air and fuel for combustion. This technology was common in older vehicles before fuel injection became the standard.
distributor
"The distributor had some issues. We've been chasing electrical problems while we've been carb tuning."
A distributor is a part of the car's ignition system that helps send electricity to the engine's cylinders to make them fire. It's important for the engine to run smoothly.
A distributor is a component in an ignition system that directs high voltage from the ignition coil to the correct cylinder in the engine at the right time. It plays a crucial role in engine performance.
electrical problems
"We've been chasing electrical problems while we've been carb tuning. So as we, you know, as we would be dialed in one day, this car is like an 80s car."
Electrical problems in a car are issues related to the battery or wires that can cause the car not to work properly. This can affect things like starting the engine or using lights.
Electrical problems in cars can refer to issues with the battery, wiring, or electronic components that can affect the vehicle's performance and functionality.
Continental
"...I have tires from Continental to put on..."
Continental is a company that makes tires for cars. They are known for making good quality tires that help cars perform better.
Continental is a well-known tire manufacturer that produces a wide range of tires for various vehicles, including performance tires for sports cars. They are recognized for their innovation and quality in tire technology.
BMW 328S
"...rari 328. Those are the best options for 308s and 328s, so they're good. Yeah."
The BMW 328 is a fancy car that is fun to drive and has a lot of nice features. It's known for being both comfortable and sporty.
The BMW 328 is a luxury sports sedan known for its performance and driving dynamics. It is often discussed for its blend of comfort, technology, and sporty characteristics.
Peugeot 308S
"...on my Ferrari 328. Those are the best options for 308s and 328s, so they're good. Yeah."
Shelby Cobra
"...the permit. And they camped out of Zach's replica cobra. Where did they put the stuff?"
The Shelby Cobra is a classic sports car known for being very fast and powerful. It's a favorite among car enthusiasts because of its racing history and unique style.
The Shelby Cobra is a high-performance sports car that became famous in the 1960s for its powerful engine and lightweight design. It is often discussed for its impact on American muscle car culture and its racing pedigree.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"...n it, I don't know because Zach's parents live in Santa Cruz and that's where the cobra was."
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small truck that is designed to be both useful like a truck and comfortable like an SUV. It's great for people who need to carry things but also want a nice ride.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that blends the utility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. It is often discussed for its innovative design and versatility, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
Lister Bell SDR
"No, no, no, that's a Lister Bell SDR. But yes, I'm driving that in a few weeks when I get to North Carolina, by the way, for an episode."
The Lister Bell SDR is a type of sports car that's built to be very light and fast. It's popular among people who love driving and want a car that looks cool and performs well.
The Lister Bell SDR is a lightweight sports car known for its performance and agility, often built on a custom chassis. It's designed for driving enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of classic styling and modern engineering.
Lamborghini Kuntosh
"...to supercars and hypercars the way I was into the kuntosh and shit. But I also like, and but they also are ..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous supercar with a very unique and flashy design. It's known for being extremely fast and is a dream car for many people.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar that was produced from the 1970s to the early 1990s, known for its striking design and incredible performance. It is often discussed as a symbol of automotive excess and innovation.
Ford Mustangs
"...there'd be no fucking videos like, I'm sorry, there's like four cars left that people can afford. You've got your Corvette, your Mustangs, your, your 86 twins, you know,"
The Ford Mustang is a well-known American car that is sporty and powerful. It's popular because it's fun to drive and has a classic design.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since the 1960s. It is known for its performance, style, and affordability compared to other sports cars.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...cars left that people can afford. You've got your Corvette, your Mustangs, your, your 86 twins, you know, th..."
Honda Civic Type-R
"...your Mustangs, your, your 86 twins, you know, the civic type bar kind of stuff. There's not much really left a..."
The Honda Civic Type-R is a sporty version of the regular Honda Civic that is made for people who love fast cars. It has a powerful engine and is fun to drive.
The Honda Civic Type-R is a high-performance version of the popular Honda Civic, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It is often discussed among car enthusiasts for its balance of practicality and performance.
Toyota Sequoia
"...tell you, when I got my Cayenne, I had to sell my Sequoia. When I bought my Toyota Sequoia, it had 130,000 ..."
The Toyota Sequoia is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and things. It's known for being very dependable and is often used by families or for trips.
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that offers spacious seating and strong towing capabilities. It is known for its reliability and durability, making it a popular choice for families and those needing a robust vehicle.
buying power
"...people can't keep up with inflation. Like, there's just people, regular people have, have less buying power. And though trucks that are known for reliability..."
Buying power is how much you can buy with your money. If prices go up but your income stays the same, you can buy less than before.
Buying power refers to the amount of goods or services that a consumer can purchase with a given amount of money. It is influenced by factors such as income levels and inflation rates.
supply chain
"Well, yeah, I mean, yes, I think there's still like lingering supply chain stuff from COVID that and new cars are just really, really expensive."
The supply chain is how products are made and delivered. If there are problems in this process, it can make cars more expensive and harder to find.
The supply chain refers to the entire system of production, processing, and distribution of goods, including the flow of materials and information. In the automotive context, disruptions in the supply chain can lead to shortages of parts and increased vehicle prices.
Lotus Exiege
"...'re talking about like a late model sports car, a Lotus Exiege, one of the hopped up Lotus Exiege. I mean, that'..."
The Lotus Exige 410 Sport is a very light and fast sports car that is built for racing. It's known for being really fun to drive on tracks.
The Lotus Exige 410 Sport is a lightweight sports car known for its exceptional handling and performance. It is often discussed for its track-focused design and the driving experience it offers.
Renault R5 Turbo
"and feelings and feedback. Renault R5 Turbo. Oh, sure."
The Renault 5 Turbo is a sporty version of a small car that was made for racing. It's known for being fun to drive and has a cool, unique look.
The Renault 5 Turbo is a high-performance version of the Renault 5 hatchback, known for its rally heritage and distinctive styling. It is often discussed among enthusiasts for its unique character and driving experience.
Volkswagen Beetle
"My favorite old Volkswagen, uh, was probably the, uh, why the sleeper bug that I drove that..."
The Volkswagen Beetle, often called the 'Bug', is a famous small car with a unique round shape. It was made for many years and is loved by many car enthusiasts.
The Volkswagen Beetle, also known as the 'Bug', is an iconic compact car that was produced by Volkswagen from the late 1930s until 2003. It is known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout.
Ferrari 250 GTO
"No. I was in a 250 GTO on a racetrack, not driving it, riding it with a ..."
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a famous sports car from the 1960s that many people admire for its speed and design. It's very rare and expensive, making it a dream car for many enthusiasts.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is a legendary sports car produced in the early 1960s, renowned for its performance and beauty. It is considered one of the most desirable and valuable classic cars in the world, often discussed in automotive circles for its racing heritage.
Pontiac GTO
"No. I was in a 250 GTO on a racetrack, not driving it, riding it with a ..."
Ferrari 308
"...s no such thing. I don't think it's so I saw this Ferrari 308 GTL. It's not."
The Ferrari 308 GTS is an iconic sports car from the late 70s and early 80s that many people recognize from TV shows. It's loved for its stylish look and fun driving experience.
The Ferrari 308 GTS is a classic sports car produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its distinctive styling and performance. It gained fame through its appearances in popular culture, particularly in the television series 'Magnum, P.I.'
Chevrolet C10
"... do it so that other people see it. So the NASCAR C10 and the NASCAR Nova are both owned by the same gu..."
The Chevrolet C10 is an old pickup truck that's loved by many for its cool design and usefulness. People often restore and customize these trucks to make them unique.
The Chevrolet C10 is a classic pickup truck that was produced from the 1960s to the early 1990s, valued for its style and versatility. It is often discussed in the context of classic car restoration and customization.
Ford Mustang GTD
".... I had a full track to myself eight hours with a Mustang GTD, the new one and the GT three Lamar car."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a super-fast version of the classic Mustang that is made for racing. It has special features to help it go really fast on a track.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed for track use and featuring advanced aerodynamics and technology. It is often discussed for its racing pedigree and modern engineering.
Maruti Swifts
"But it'd be like a hundred K for a sourdough Uh, yeah, right? What do you think someone I bet you some frequent pay for Taylor Swift's sourdough? Let's talk about the intensely time-consuming commitment it is to sourdough bread because my"
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is a small car that is very popular in India because it's cheap to buy and easy to drive. It's a good choice for everyday use.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is a compact hatchback that is popular in markets like India for its affordability and efficiency. It is often discussed for its practicality and value for money.
Ford Taurus
"...wo o'clock California time with Motoman George no Taurus and Thanks, Nicole. Thank you, Matt. Bye"
The Ford Taurus is a family car that was very popular in the past because it was comfortable and had a lot of space. It’s a typical car you might see used by families.
The Ford Taurus is a midsize sedan that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It is often discussed as a representation of American family cars during its heyday.
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