Life Plus Cars

#38: How the Car Crazy Passion was Passed Down to Brendan (Part 1)

Hello Life Plus Cars community! We are back this week with a very special guest: Brendan's dad, Bob Bailey! Recorded back during the holidays, Brendan and Ian were able to record in person together with his dad. Join us as Bob tells us about: -Fixing up an old Peugeot that he bought for $40 -buying his first car, a 1971 Simca, from his parents -Discovering the Willys Jeep in an old barn that he still has fifty years later -How a man in Paris discovered a Jeepster that he was selling in New Hampshire -the plethora of GM pickups he has rotated through over the years Plus, tune in to find out the story of how one of Bob's trucks had a Ferris Bueller valet moment in Montreal... Thank you to Brendan's dad, Bob, for joining us for this great car conversation! Want to join the chat on the Life Plus Cars podcast? Email us at [email protected] or, say hello over on Instagram @lifepluscars Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

S1E38 May 23, 2026 39 min 54 annotations

#37: Covetable Convertibles

Welcome back to another episode of the Life Plus Cars podcast! Inspired by the summer weather ahead, Brendan and Ian talk about convertibles on this week's episode. Listen in as the hosts discuss: -Recommended care and maintenance for convertible tops -a brief history of the convertible and some noteworthy examples -their favorite hard top and soft top convertibles -the quirkiest convertibles out there -which cars made the cut for the Craigslist find of the week Plus, did you know that you could once buy a convertible pickup truck? They existed! Join in as we talk about these curious vehicles and much more on this week's episode. What do you think, listener? Do you have a convertible story? Do you drive a Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet? Let us know and write to us at [email protected] Or say hello over on Instagram @lifepluscars Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

S1E37 May 15, 2026 54 min 98 annotations

#36: 900 or 9000? Our Favorite Saab Stories

Welcome back, Life Plus Cars Community! For this week's episode, Brendan and Ian talk all about SAAB. Listen in as the hosts discuss: -a brief history of Saab -growing up with Saabs, particularly the wagons -Brendan's ownership history of Saabs from the past -some of their all time favorite Saabs over the years -rare Saab models that were rebadged vehicles from other automakers -two surprise Craigslist finds from the Saab brand Plus, Ian shares a memory of experiencing a turbocharged car for the first time! What do you think, listener? Do you have a Saab story of your own? Let us know and write to us at [email protected] Or say hello over on Instagram @lifepluscars Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

S1E36 Apr 23, 2026 25 min 71 annotations

#35: All Wheel Drive, How it Works, Plus Our AWD Favorites

Welcome back to the Life Plus Cars Podcast! Winter appears to finally be over in New England. As they bid farewell to the cold weather, Brendan and Ian talk all wheel drive. On this week's episode: -Brendan shares his tech tips on how an all wheel drive system works and a brief history of how AWD became popular in mainstream cars. The two hosts share their top picks for all wheel drive cars, both past and present. Plus, Brendan and Ian share their Craigslist Find of the Week, the All Wheel Drive edition! What do you think, listener? What are some of your favorite all wheel drive vehicles? Let us know and write to us at [email protected] Or say hello over on Instagram @lifepluscars Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

S1E35 Apr 16, 2026 41 min 30 annotations

#34: From Volvos to Military Big Rigs, Part 2

Welcome back, Life Plus Cars Community! Join us this week for part 2 of our conversation with Kaitlin, friend of the show, who joined us to talk about her experience operating tractor-trailer trucks and other heavy equipment while serving abroad in Europe with the U.S. Army. In this part 2 of our conversation, Ian, Brendan, and Kaitlin talk about: -Kaitlin's favorite places where she was stationed abroad in Europe -interacting with locals while on tour through small towns and large cities throughout Europe -trucking culture in Germany -special assignments outside of her regular duty as a truck operator in the military Plus, Kaitlin shares helpful safety tips for everyday drivers to be aware of when encountering tractor-trailers out on the road. We thank Kaitlin for her military service as well as for taking the time to join us on the show! We always welcome new voices on the podcast to share more life plus cars moments. What do you think, listener? Do you have car, truck, or other vehicle stories like Kaitlin's? Let us know and write to us at [email protected] Or say hello over on Instagram @lifepluscars Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

S1E34 Mar 19, 2026 36 min 28 annotations

#33: From Volvos to Military Big Rigs, Part 1

Hello Life Plus Cars Community! We are back after a late winter hibernation away from the mic. Hey, we've had a LOT of snow up here in New England! For episode 33, we are excited to share part one of our conversation with listener Kaitlin, who is a friend of the show and discovered our content from the Life Plus Volvo episode (episode 19). Join Brendan and Ian as they chat with Kaitlin about Volvos: -A black 850 sedan that survived a tree limb falling on it -A blue V70 wagon that survived a collision with a moose with little damage -A silver Volvo S80 that was Kaitlin's personal favorite -A black XC60 that Kaitlin drove to 238,000 miles! But that's not all... -Kaitlin shares her stories of joining the military and learning to drive military-spec semi-trucks. -Brendan and Ian learn about Kaitlin's proud family history in the military and what inspired her to drive these heavy duty trucks abroad in military missions. Plus, find out the funny story on why Kaitlin learned to sleep in the sleeper cab of her truck instead of a tent! All these stories and more in this week's episode! What do you think listener? Do you have any stories with big rigs or trucking? Let us know and write to us at [email protected] Say hi over on Instagram @lifepluscars Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations!

S1E33 Mar 12, 2026 34 min 33 annotations

#32: The Venerable Suburban Plus Coolant Lessons and a Weird Hatchback

Hello, Life Plus Cars Community! Welcome back to another episode where we talk about what's new in our car world, learn about some car tech, explore the history and culture of an iconic car, and discover some unusual Craiglist vehicles. Join hosts Brendan and Ian on this episode as they discuss: -how your car's coolant system operates and why it matter so much -how coolant is also responsible for heating your car's interior -the history of the Chevrolet Surburban, their favorite generations, and which Suburbans Brendan currently owns (yes, plural!) -their Craiglist car finds of the week, including a quirky hatchback and a 95-year-old Ford Plus, is Brendan buying Ian's Alltrack? Is Ian buying a Jeep Wrangler? Tune in to this week's episode for all this and much more! What did you think, listener? Did you grow up in the back of a Suburban? Road trip stories? Tales of an overheating car? Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars

S1E32 Feb 13, 2026 59 min 31 annotations

Teenage Dream Cars, Need For Speed, and Silver Strider: High School Plus Cars, Part 2 | Ep. 31

Hello Life Plus Cars Community! Welcome to part two of our conversation with Ian's high school friends Martin, Alex, and Colby. Join us as the group discusses: -how Alex became horribly lost in New York City in a broken down Honda Odyssey on his way back to college in Pennsylvania -The mystery of a Honda Civic named Silver Strider -the poster cars that we all dreamed of owning when we were teenagers -the cars we are now driving now that we have "grown up" -the joys of our Need for Speed video games and the many hours we shared racing each other in customized street cars Plus, will Brendan convince Colby to buy a Surburban so he can reconnect with his childhood roots? Listen in to find out... What do you think, listener? What was your dream car as a teenager? Did you have a favorite racing game? Email us with your car stories at [email protected] Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Find us on Instagram: @lifepluscars

S1E31 Jan 29, 2026 44 min 47 annotations

#30: Convertible Pickups, Square Headlights, and Will the ID Buzz Return?

Hello Life Plus Cars Community! We are back and are experimenting with a new segmented episode format. On this episode, we explore Life Plus... Car News! Brendan and Ian discuss the latest and craziest Shelby Mustang that is set to debut in 2026, the possibility of the Subaru WRX STi returning, and the demise of the VW ID Buzz after just one model year in the U.S. Tech Tips with Brendan! In this mechanic's special segment, Brendan teaches Ian and the listener about the coolant system. Tune in to find out how the system works, how essential it is, and how it keeps your car's interior warm as well as cool (go figure!) Jeep Wrangler! Waving hello to all our Wrangler fans in the audience! The hosts take a deep dive into some history, facts, and favorite models of the Jeep Wrangler. Yes, including the often scorned square headlights of the YJ generation. Craiglist Finds! Among other favorites, Brendan shares a wild find: a convertible Chevy S-10 pickup. Ian is still laughing about it. Plus, has Brendan finally convinced Ian to buy new Jeep Wrangler? Tune in to find out! What do you think, listener? Did you learn something new from Brendan? Which Wrangler is your favorite? Do you want the ID Buzz to come back? Email us with your car thoughts and stories at [email protected] Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars

S1E30 Jan 23, 2026 68 min 33 annotations

#29: High School Plus Cars, Part 1

Brendan and Ian welcome three guests to the Life Plus Cars Podcast for this special episode! Ian's three high school friends, Alex, Martin, and Colby, joined the conversation to look back, laugh, and regale about the shenanigans connected to their high school cars. In this special episode, tune as the hosts and their guests discuss: -the glory of Subarus from the 90s and how fun to drive they were -why 1998 might be considered a peak year for hand-me-down high school cars -pancakes, tailgating, and other mischief at a college hockey game -testing the limits of a certain Suburban with loud exhaust headers -camping trip tomfoolery and one very smelly Outback Plus, will the guys figure out the mystery of the Honda Civic they call Silver Strider? Wait, who is Silver Strider? Listen to this week's episode to find out! What do you think, listener? Which car did you drive in high school? What memories do you have with your high school friends? Email us with your stories at [email protected] Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ Update: New episodes will now be published on Thursdays instead of Tuesdays.

S1E29 Jan 08, 2026 42 min 31 annotations

#28: New Year, New Cars!

Happy New Year from the hosts of the Life Plus Cars Podcast! To kick off 2026, hosts Brendan and Ian run through the list of every new car that you can buy with manual transmission. That's right, folks- you can still buy a car with a stick shift in 2026! Which cars, do you ask? It may be more than you think! Plus, is Brendan getting any closer to convincing Ian to buy a new Jeep Wrangler? Listen in to find out... What do you think, listener? Which of these brand new stick shift cars are your favorite? Do you think you will buy one of these cars in 2026? Email us with your car stories at [email protected] Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ Update: New episodes will now be published on Thursdays instead of Tuesdays.

S1E28 Jan 02, 2026 39 min 48 annotations

#27: The Holidays Plus Cars

It's the holiday season, and Brendan and Ian are back for a special episode celebrating the holidays...plus cars! On this holiday episode airing on Christmas Eve, the two hosts: -remininsce on their favorite Christmas morning memories -fondly remember the toys and playsets they received as a kid (spoiler: they all have to do with cars) -discuss the best kinds of gifts for the car people in your life -share which brand new car is at the top of their wish list PLUS: Which car do you think Santa would drive? Brendan and Ian have a few ideas. Tune in to find out their picks! Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? What are your favorite car-related Christmas or holiday memories? Email us with your stories at [email protected]

S1E27 Dec 24, 2025 49 min 32 annotations

#26: 'Tis the Season for Shopping for...Cars?

After a brief break following Thanksgiving here in the US, we're back! It's the holiday season, and for many, that involves holiday shopping. On this episode, join Ian and Brendan as the partake in one their preferred form of shopping...browsing for cars on Craigslist! Tune in as they discover: -a rare Eagle Talon (and no, we're not talking about the raptor) -a well worn Honda Del Sol, which Brendan equates to an old shoe -a myriad of Volvos, because, well, it's Life Plus Cars and we love Volvo -some signature V12 BMWs and Mercedes from the '90s and '00s -a car that harkens back to Ian's past and a car that he hopes to be his future PLUS: Did Brendan stumble upon the ultimate (and most unlikely) track car? Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? How much time do you spend scrolling through Craiglist car ads? Have you found an amazing car on Craigslist? Email us with your stories at [email protected]

S1E26 Dec 09, 2025 39 min 45 annotations

#25: Life Plus BMW

Brendan and Ian are back with another Deep Dive episode, this week starring...BMW! Already well into a conversation about their favorites, the two hosts decided to hit record and make a full episode about Life Plus BMW. Tune in this episode to find out more about: -Brendan and Ian's favorite vintage and modern BMWs -the quirkiest of BMWs from their history -BMW's SAV (the X5) and how it changed the SUV scene -which M car would be their respective go-to pick -BMW's motorcycle history -BMW of today and what the hosts are hoping to see in the future (hint: more manuals!) PLUS: Ian and Brendan talk about fish bowls and clown shoes. Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? Which of your favorite cars from BMW did we miss? Email us with your BMW stories at [email protected]

S1E25 Nov 25, 2025 47 min 45 annotations

#24: Life Plus Vanagon

We love to invite new guests to join the podcast, and this week we welcome Ian's good friend and fellow VW enthusiast Aidan Yoder! The two friends sat down to record this episode in Aidan's 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia. [Please note: due to the unique (and very cool!) recording setup, the audio is a little fuzzy. Thankfully the story is all there!] Aidan tells us the story of how the Vanagon came into his life, how he and his grandfather have a shared bond through the van, and the adventures he's taken with it. Through it all, Aidan returns to a common theme of the van: slowing down (literally and otherwise) and appreciating the moment you're in. PLUS: Aidan's Vanagon has one of the raddest interior names, and from the factory no less! Tune in to find out about this and so many other fun elements of the van that just make you smile. Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? Do you have a Vanagon like Aidan? Email us with with your stories at [email protected]

S1E24 Nov 18, 2025 29 min 17 annotations

#23: Life Plus Volkswagen

On this episode, Brendan and Ian take another automaker deep dive. Next up: Volkswagen! Tune in as they talk about: What comes to mind as their favorite vintage Volkswagens The Beetle and the icon it remains today VW's comedic and memorable ad campaigns throughout the years The R performance models from VW and the unusual engines that made these cars unique Volkswagen of today and what they would like to see from the brand in the future Bucket-list Volkswagens that Ian and Brendan would each like to own PLUS: Has Life Plus Cars actually turned into a show about pirates? Listen to this week's episode to find out! Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? Which of your favorite cars from VW did we miss? Email us with your Volkswagen stories at [email protected]

S1E23 Nov 12, 2025 55 min 44 annotations

#22: Writing Plus Cars

Brendan and Ian are excited to welcome another special guest to the Life Plus Cars Podcast! Joining us for this episode is Niel Stender, a seacoast New Hampshire-based automotive journalist. Tune in as the hosts interview Niel and learn about: -Niel's introduction to the car hobby and later the automotive industry -The winding road that led to Niel writing full-time as an automotive journalist -Niel's lineup of current cars as well as past vehicles (including several wagons!) -Niel's blog and his aspirations for future content and featured cars -A recent press event that involved many enthusiast cars, driving rain, and New England seafood PLUS: Niel shares the story behind his blog title, The Knocking Rod. Yes, he is aware that the name generally is a bad thing when it comes to cars. Tune in to find out his what inspired the name and the car content he likes to create. While you're at it, check out Niel's articles, reviews, and recent podcast episodes: https://theknockingrod.substack.com/ Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? What car would you want to review if it were delivered to your driveway? Let us know and drop us a line at [email protected]

S1E22 Nov 04, 2025 61 min 56 annotations

#21: The Carlisle Fall Auction Results & Recap

Brendan returns from the Carlisle Fall Auction and has stories to tell! If you listened to episode 20, What to Look For at Car Auctions, you'll know that Brendan had his eye on several vehicles. Which ones did he end up buying? Hint: Ian is particularly excited about one of the cars Brendan brought home from the auction. Tune in to hear the full story and more! Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? Did Brendan buy the cars you expected? Should Brendan share more updates on these new cars in future episodes? Let us know and drop us a line at [email protected]

S1E21 Oct 28, 2025 34 min 31 annotations

#20: What to Look for at Car Auctions

In this episode, Brendan prepares to head to Carlisle, PA for the fall car auction and swap meet. Ahead of the trip, Brendan sits down to talk with Ian about cars he is most excited about along with other tips and tricks to know when buying a car at auction. Tune in as the hosts discuss: Brendan's top picks from the Carlisle auction, along with a few surprises Brendan's experience selling a car on Cars and Bids Ian's time spent working for Bring a Trailer and what he learned as an auction writer for the company Things to be aware of when considering a car at auction, whether online or in-person PLUS: Will Brendan convince Ian to buy a McLaren? Will Brendan buy all the Suburbans at Carlisle? Listen in this week on the Life Plus Cars Podcast! Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? Which car(s) do you think the Bailey family will drive home? Have you ever considered buying a car at auction? Drop us a line at [email protected]

S1E20 Oct 21, 2025 60 min 41 annotations

#19: Life Plus Volvo

In this episode, Brendan and Ian begin a series of "deep dive" conversations, where they pick an automaker and discuss it at length. To start things off, let's talk VOLVO! Tune in as they talk about: What they think of when they picture an old Volvo Volvo's safety innovations that continue to this day Volvo's longevity as a brand (and in quality) The R performance models from Volvo and why they are so special Volvo of today and where they think the brand will be in the future Their favorite Volvos Plus, will Volvo ever bring back a stick-shift? Brendan and Ian make a case for it in Life Plus Volvo! Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? Do you have a Volvo story? Is Volvo also one of your favorite brands? Which Volvos did we miss? Let us know and drop us a line at [email protected]

S1E19 Oct 14, 2025 53 min 31 annotations

#18: Corsicas to Corvettes, Plus a Side of Volvo

After sharing the tales of Bob Beatty and the Burns family cars, special guests Robin and Nancy are back! The car stories continue: Nancy remembers how she got stuck in an overheating Chevy Corsica on the Tappan Zee Bridge Robin shares how a mice-infested Honda Civic led to her first Volvo Brendan tries to convince Nancy to buy an E-Ray, the all electric Corvette Plus, will there be a drag race between a Chevy Silverado and a Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the future? Tune in to hear the full story and more! Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ What do you think, listener? Did you drive a Corsica once upon a time? Do you come from a Volvo family? Let us know and drop us a line at [email protected]

S1E18 Oct 07, 2025 41 min 32 annotations

#17: Movies Plus Cars

On this episode of Life Plus Cars, the hosts delve into the cinematic side of the car world. Brendan and Ian discuss their favorite movies that are all about cars, including Gone in 60 Seconds, The Fast and the Furious franchise, and, of course, Disney Pixar's Cars. Ian also takes a different route to share movies that have a car as a leading character, including Little Miss Sunshine and Tommy Boy. Plus, should Brendan become a voice actor? Tune in to find out! What do you think, listener? Which car movies did we miss that are your favorites? Let us know and drop us a line at [email protected] Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/

S1E17 Sep 30, 2025 53 min 22 annotations

#16: To Keep or Let Go

Hosts Brendan and Ian are back with an episode that asks the question: would you keep a car forever? Which car? Is there even such a thing as a "forever car"? The two discuss what makes a car worth keeping versus getting rid of, including factors such as maintenance, value (both monetary and sentimental), and usage. They look back on cars from their past and honor some of those cars that they have had to say goodbye to over the years. Plus, will Brendan convince Ian to buy a new daily driver? Please don't tell the Alltrack... Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ Do you have a car that you want to hold on to forever? Email us with your stories! [email protected]

S1E16 Sep 23, 2025 52 min 18 annotations

#15 The Beatty Collection: Cars From The Corner Garage

The cars that we drive in high school and college have so many memories attached to them. This week's episode is no exception! Life Plus Cars welcomes two very special guests to join the conversation: Ian's mom, Robin, and his aunt Nancy! Robin and Nancy share stories of the infamous "Beatty Bombers", which were a series of old cars from the '60s and '70s that their dad bought for them down at Beatty's Garage in Connecticut. Laughter ensues as Brendan and Ian sit back to hear all the mishaps and mayhem that went along with each of these cars. All the while, Nancy and Robin still look back and smile thinking of these cars...well, except for the mystery blue car. Tune in to find out why the Beatty Blue Car was such a handful along with so many other hilarious tales from their teenage lives plus cars from Beatty's. Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ Email us with your car stories! [email protected]

S1E15 Sep 16, 2025 53 min 9 annotations

#14: Cars We Can't Help But Love

Do you have a car that you have a soft spot for? You know, the car that-whenever you see one- you have to stop and look? Maybe old Mercedes wagons. Maybe turquoise-colored Ford Rangers. Or maybe Subaru Outbacks from the 90s. Whatever the car may be, it's the one that you've always admired. As you can imagine, Ian and Brendan have more than a few cars that they admire. In this episode, the two hosts share stories about the cars they just can't get enough of and light up any time they see one. Plus, tune in to find out which car brand Brendan fell in love with unexpectedly. Life Plus Cars: Curating Car Conversations! Instagram: @lifepluscars For more of our car content, visit https://www.lifepluscars.com/ Email us with your car stories! [email protected]

S1E14 Sep 09, 2025 58 min 25 annotations