Mustang Owner's Podcast

Smoked at Ponies: Mustang Community Helps Rescue T-Boned GT350 & its Owner

Mustang enthusiasts “in the know” already know that the annual Ponies In The Smokies show is one of the top must-see events in the country. (To see why, check out our Podcast Playlist to see John and Mike’s own coverage from last year’s Ponies show.) With its assortment of fun activities, spectacular venue at the Sevierville Convention Center and close proximity to the famed “Tail Of The Dragon” driving route, PITS has become a bucket-list event. So it should be no surprise that Show Me Mustang Club President Jerry Watkins and club co-founder Mitch Mitchell decided to jump in Jerry’s Shelby GT350 and head for Pigeon Forge, TN, to join in the fun. But while heading out to take on the Tail Of The Dragon before the show, catastrophestruck: They got broadsided by a Kia! They both survived the crash but the GT350 was totaled. How would they get back to their hotel from the hospital? What’s going to happen to the car? How will they get home so far away from their home in St. Louis? Listen in as Jerry explains how some fellow club members and the Mustang Brotherhood and Sisterhood stepped in – not only to help them get around and experience the show, but also to even find a replacement ride for the smashed GT350. Listen in as Jerry reveals this incredible story (plus his new car) while John and Mike confirm what great friends we all have in the Mustang enthusiast community!Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe and leave a Comment. Plus, show that you’re a true Mustang insider by wearing Mustang Owner’s Podcast branded apparel, available on TheSVTstore.com!

May 19, 2026 31 min 20 annotations

How Frank Spinella’s Venom Outlaws Invaded – and Conquered – the Carlisle Ford Nationals

The greatest Ford festival party on the planet – the annual Carlisle Ford Nationals – is all about Blue Oval camaraderie and vehicle clubs and celebrating the myriad of Fords produced over the past century. After John created the Ford Performance Club Connect program for Ford Racing more than a decade ago, the Carlilse Ford Nats became his “Super Bowl” of car shows as he could meet up with dozens and dozens of Ford clubs all in one place over a single weekend.John even got to choose Carlisle’s “Coolest Club Hangout” award each year as he and Mike visited as many of the club tents on the show field as they possibly could. But a few years ago, something big happened: Frank Spinellla’s Venom Outlaws Mustang Club showed up and turned the club hangout experience into a themed happening with a massive tent and custom-decorated footprint that dwarfed everything else that clubs gad set up on the CarlisleFairgrounds. In this episode, Mike and John visit with Frank to get the inside story of his club, and how being founded on family fun has powered the annual “Venom Invasion” at Carlisle.Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe and leave a Comment. Plus, show that you’re a true Mustang insider by wearing Mustang Owner’s Podcast branded apparel, available on TheSVTstore.com!

May 12, 2026 23 min 6 annotations

GET (Jim) SMART: What’s Mustang’s True Anniversary Car Start Date -- 1964 or '65

When Mustang celebrated its 60 th birthday with a special Anniversary Edition model for 2025, John and Mike fielded an email that asked why Ford counted the 60 years from 1965, just the way the company counted it for the 50th anniversary. First, it just seemed logical since first- generation Mustangs were all 1965 models. But when you consider that all previous Mustang Anniversary cars were counted from 1964 – the year that Mustang was introduced to the general public – it begs the question, Why the change? From that first Mustang 20 th Anniversary model back in 1984 all the way through the 45 th Anniversary Edition in 2009, the start date had been 1964. So John and Mike decided to “Get Smart” – as in reaching out to longtime Mustang author and expert Jim Smart – to help figure out which date is correct. Listen in as Jim and the guys explore some possible answers, and reveal Jim’s claim that he may have influenced the whole “Anniversary Car” idea that spawned the 1984 Mustang GT350 20 th Anniversary model.Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe and leave a Comment. Plus, show that you’re a true Mustang insider by wearing Mustang Owner’s Podcast branded apparel, available on TheSVTstore.com!

May 05, 2026 31 min 55 annotations

Amy Rebecca: How a Fox Body Love Affair Turned into her Mustang Mega-Collection

If you’ve been in the Mustang hobby for a while, then you’ve likely heard about extensive Mustang collections that some fortunate fellows have been able to put together over the years. But it’s not too common to come across women with personal Mustang collections that they’ve grown well into the double digits. That’s precisely why John and Mike decided to catch up with Mustang enthusiast-turned-collector Amy Rebecca, whose eclectic stable of Ford pony cars is both notable and remarkable. Listen in as Amy traces the story behind each and every Mustang she owns – and why she loves them. While John knew Amy from her Mustang II Ghia’s appearance at a show, Mike’s interest stems from Amy’s favorite Fox Bodies, including the super-rare early-80’s Cobras. And just wait until you hear what’s next!

Apr 28, 2026 30 min 65 annotations

Mailbag April 2026: 60th Car in Brittany Blue Snafu; Hello’s from Oregon & Paris; Award Cling Mystery

In this month’s mailbag episode, John and Mike own up to how they misidentified a 60th Anniversary Edition in Brittany Blue during the New Ford WHQ Grand Opening episode (well, more like they give an excuse), and then unsuccessfully field a question about how many of those were produced in that color. The guys then handlea request to discuss a publishedcomment about the latest Ford LED headlamp assembly and module replacement costs (about $600 for some new Mustangs but up to $3,000 on other Fords) vs. just replacing a $10 bulb. John also discovers a years-old email from his Spam file asking about the Ford Performance Pick Car show award cling. If you’veever received one of these ultra-rare Recognition Award window clings at a car show, you cannow get the full story on what thse were all about. Finally, John and Mike reveal some photos that Podcast followers have shared – one from across the country and another from across The Pond. You’re encouraged to get mentioned inthe next Mailbag session by posting in each the YouTube episode Comments section or sending us an email to [email protected].

Apr 21, 2026 31 min 50 annotations

Shelby GT350 Legend Chuck Cantwell Shares Inside Stories You Gotta Hear!

Yes, it’s true that the Mustang Owner’s Podcast was previously able to sit down for a long interview with Chuck Cantwell, the legendary project engineer for the original Shelby GT350, back in the spring of 2002. That’s when our podcast’s founder, the late Steve Hall, steered Cantwell through a load of questions with Chuck offering up story after story on this historically significant Mustang. But that was also when we were only on Spotify, and didn’t have the video to witness Chuck’s smile as he fondly recalled what went on behind the scenes introducing the Shelby GT350 to the motoring public. This time around John and Mike were able to get Cantwell join us for a recording session where we were able to ask his views on things we’ve never heard others ask him before. Listen in as we celebrated Chuck’s 92 nd birthday with more great stories behind the development of the Shelby GT350 that you won’t want to miss.

Apr 14, 2026 33 min 60 annotations

2nd Gen Advocate-turned-Author Robert Kennedy Reveals Updated ‘Mustang Unbridled’ Hardcover

We discovered Robert Kennedy a few years ago, thanks to his rather unique ability to put the Ford Mustang’s generational history into the context of the times when each version was introduced and sold in the marketplace, rather than the all-too-common apples-to-oranges comparisons of models that came before or after. Kennedy’s self-produced “Adapt Or Die” YouTube video about the significant impact that the 1974-78 Mustang II had on the successful lineage of Mustang’s product history was the kind of perspective put in context that helped the Mustang II shed those “Worst Mustang” and “Pinto Stang” labels that today’s internet wannabe historians incorrectly regurgitate ad nauseum. John reached out to enlist Kennedy in a growing Mustang II movement that John and Mike founded in August of 2016. That’s when Mike’s “MOCSEM Mustang Memories & All Ford Show” at Ford World Headquarters hosted nearly 100 Mustang II’s from across the country for the first-ever national second-gen reunion. In this podcast interview, Kennedy reveals how that involvement had inspired him to pen a massive self-published Mustang history book he called “Unbridled,” whose success has now led to an updated remake published by Motorbooks International alled “Mustang Unbridled” Listen in as Kennedy explains what makes his new hardbound Mustang history book so unique, while John commends him for some other children’s books he’s created and Mike salutes him for taking charge of the Mustang II Reunions that will mark their 10th anniversary event this summer.

Apr 06, 2026 36 min 6 annotations

Mustang Club Trends or Tragedies? We Get a View From the Top by Ex-Pres Mark Bedel

If you’ve had any experience in the Mustang club world and have been following the collector car hobby of late, then you’ve likely already heard that traditional, dues-paying Mustang clubs have been suffering substantial losses in membership over the past decade. Some say it’s just natural attrition based on an aging club member population, while others think it’s due to an irreversible downward spiral in the number of young people who are interested in cars. As the hobby is seeing a shift toward social-media based clubs and Cars & Coffee events, is this just a temporary trend or is it indicating a tragic end to the Mustang club universe? We ask two experienced former presidents of large, established Midwest clubs – Mark Bedel of the Greater Pittsburgh Mustang Club and our own co-host, Mike Rey of the Mustang Owner’s Club of SouthEastern Michigan – for some real-world insight on the future facing Mustang clus and young people inthe hobby. Listen right to the end to hear their surprising predictions!

Mar 30, 2026 44 min

Cars Are the Stars for the Grand Opening Gala at the New Ford World Headquarters

When Ford put out the word that it was planning a huge open-to-the-public gala for thegrand opening of the all-new Ford World Headquarters on the Ford engineering campusin Dearborn last November, Blue Oval fans were excited. While some seemed moreconcerned about the impending demolition of The Glass House, others were interestedin bringing their collectible Fords to a hastily assembled “Community Car Show” on thesite. While John toured the show lot on that brisk and blustery day and talked to owners,Mike got to go inside and check out the futuristic state-of-the-art facility. Both share theirexperiences and photos from the event in this episode – with some celebrity surprisesincluded!

Mar 23, 2026 32 min

An Exclusive Tour Inside Mike Berardi’s ‘MotorCity Mustang’ Private Collection

Ford insiders know Mike Berardi from his years serving as the Director of Ford’s Field Service Engineering operations. But enthusiasts from across the Midwest may know him more from his personal collection of 70-plus Mustangs (along with some interesting Fords). Thanks to the work of former FordPerformance.com photographer Joe Deladvitch, John and Mike take you on a picture tour of Berardi’s cars, with some cool backstories adding to the eclectic mix. Find out about Mike & Sue Berardi’s involvement with Good Humor Ice Cream, distributed at select events via their fleet of restored classic Ford Good Humor trucks – it’ll make you instantly understand why Berardi is a well-respected and beloved enthusiast collector who just recently took the helm of MOCSEM, replacing Mike Rey as president of Detroit’s mega-Mustang club.

Mar 16, 2026 31 min

Mailbag March 2026: Is a Resource Center Needed? No Club Summit? Engaging Youth

In this latest Mustang Mailbag episode, John and Mike respond to an email filled with a whole host of suggestions – including the perceived need for the creation of a web-based “Mustang Resource Center.” Then they combined several inquiries into one response to answer what happened to the annual Midwest Club Summit that John and Mike had hosted for the past decade. Should it be resurrected as a live seminar at the Carlisle Ford Nationals? Finally, a podcast viewer from the Thunderbird club world offers his ideas on how to best interact with young enthusiasts. Lots of great info and insight here, and make sure to listen to the very end to get word on Thunderbird Appreciation Day 2026!

Mar 09, 2026 26 min

GET (Jim) SMART: No, the Mustang Was NEVER Named after a WWII Fighter Plane!

It keeps on happening, so we decided to put a stop to it – the myth that the Ford Mustang was named after the WWII fighter plane just won’t go away. After a podcast subscriber spotted a big-name website pushing the falsehood, we knew we had to get Smart! No, not get wiser, but to get noted Mustang author, historian and expert Jim Smart to come on the podcast and reveal what Lee Iacocca and others had told him about the Mustang being named after a horse, John and Mike share their own insider info – from the likes of Gale Halderman and Hal Sperlich – to finally shoot down this Mustang myth once and for all.

Mar 02, 2026 27 min

Youth Movement: Millennial Jacob Werner Powers the Greater Pittsburgh Mustang Club

If you think the traditional Mustang club world is only for old-timers and retirees -- it’s time you think again. Turns out the Greater Pittsburgh Mustang Club (GPMC) just got a new president – Jacob Werner -- and he’s just 33 years old! We sit down with Jacob to find out how he and his Mustang landed in the leadership position with the GPMC (along with other Thirtysomethings on the Board), what he plans to take the club into the future, and then discover that our paths had actually crossed years ago!

Feb 25, 2026 28 min

Quick Study: Young College Grad Eric Richards Goes from GT350 Fanatic to Club Board Member

We met up with Eric Richards when John was booked as the Guest Speaker for the Show-Me Mustang Club’s 40th Anniversary banquet just outside of St. Louis in January. John remembered Eric as being a huge Dave Pericak fan after he and fellow club members had previously attended Mike Rey’s Mustang Homecoming event in Dearborn, but we’ve since found out that Eric has an even deeper dedication to the Mustang hobby.

Feb 16, 2026 23 min

‘The Crazy Mustang Man:’ How Did Tindol Ford’s Lyle Sturgis Earn His Reputation?

Whenever someone is known as “The Crazy Mustang Man,” you know there’s a story to tell. So Mike and John tracked down Lyle Sturgis, the famed SVT / Roush / RTR Performance Manager at Tindol Ford in Gastonia, NC for an explanation on just how he earned that name. Since Mike Rey had worked at Roush a while back, you can be sure that he and Lyle will have some insider “remember when?” stuff to share with all of us!

Feb 09, 2026 27 min

Couple Buys a Dark Horse, Attends Track Attack, Then Buys Another One!

In this episode John and Mike talk to Tony and Jeni Lucas about their purchase of a 2024 Dark Horse Mustang and their experience of attending Ford’s 2-Day Dark Horse Track Attack Program together. But wait – there’s more: While coming home from Charlotte, we find out that Jeni was so enamored with her newfound appreciation for the Dark Horse that she told Tony she’s keeping their Dark Horse for herself and that Tony would get something else to drive for himself. So what does Tony do? Why, he goes out and buys a 2025 Dark Horse, of course! Listen in to find out how attending the Track Attack was a game-changer for them and what they plan to do with TWO Mustang Dark Horses in the family.

Jan 26, 2026 23 min

Sneak Peek: Mustangs Go MIA at Detroit Auto Show Media Day

For this special episode, John uses his Cars In Context Media Credential to attend the Press Preview Day of the annual Detroit Auto Show and give you an insider's look at the 2026 Mustang footprint there. After covering the show since 1988 when he was with AutoWeek magazine, John found this year's low-key Ford display to be so Bronco-centric that the iconic Mustang seemed like an afterthought. Check out his photos and hear his views on how much this once-dazzling automotive spectacle has now taken on trade-show vibe.

Jan 20, 2026 15 min

It’s Time for Some Mods to Our Podcast – And Your Comments Will Fuel What We Do!

John and Mike have received so many emails about how we can keep growing the Mustang Owner’s Podcast that we think it’s time to make some format enhancements. In this episode, John asks YOU to tell us what “Mods” you’d like to see by putting them in the Comments section. Want us to include things like Mustang and Ford News, History, Tech, Trivia – even add a “My Mustang Story” feature where you can show off your ride? Put it In the Comments or email John at [email protected] and we’ll make the best suggestions happen.

Jan 12, 2026 10 min

Edsel Ford II – The Patriarch of Ford Racing Talks Mustangs, Motorsports – and Clubs

After a fun-filled podcast interview with Henry Ford III, Mike and John catch up with his father, none other than Edsel Ford II himself – the patriarch of Ford Racing. Edsel shares some favorite memories of Ford’s racing victories at LeMans and the Mustang’s product legacy. Plus, he offers his views on the role that enthusiast clubs play in building brand loyalty.

Jan 05, 2026 33 min

Mustang Mailbag – December 2025: No Brochures? Too Much Talk? 4-Door Falcon?

We get letters (OK, technically they’re emails), so when the inbox gets interesting, we read ‘em and weep. Well, at least for one listener who bemoans the lack of Mustang dealer brochures and posters. Another thinks John talks too much – and Mike not enough. Yet another wants to see Ford’s next 4-door sports car called a Falcon. All that and more in this Mailbag!

Dec 29, 2025 29 min

On The Road – Exclusive Tour of Bob Perkins' Collection of Amazingly Original First-Gens!

Mike and John stop in to Perkins Restorations in Juneau, Wisconsin, where the longtime authority on Mustang authenticity, Bob Perkins, offers up real-world stories and close-up looks behind his incredible collection of miniscule-mile, first-generation Mustangs and memorabilia.

Dec 22, 2025 55 min

Mustangs -- and Ford’s Michigan Central Resto -- Shine for Detroit’s ‘Cars At The Station’ Show

Mustangs -- and Ford’s Michigan Central Resto-- Shine for Detroit’s ‘Cars At The Station’ ShowMike and John knew they’d see plenty of Mustangs and collectible Fords during the two-day “Cars At The Station” Show put together by Hagerty and RADwood Detroit. But what they didn’t expect was how cool Ford’s recently restored Michigan Central Station (The Motor City’s iconic, century-old train depot) and the adjacent Roosevelt Park was for a show venue.

Dec 17, 2025 25 min

Birds, Cats & Ponies - Dearborn Homecoming

What does a T-Bird 70th anniversary, a Mercury Cougar reunion and a Mustang club cruise-in have in common? They all partied at the ‘Birds, Cats & Ponies’ Dearborn Homecoming, as did more than dozen notable Ford designers, engineers and execs – including Henry Ford III.

Dec 08, 2025 17 min

Mustang Memories 2025: The Last Car Show at Ford's ‘Glass House’

Mike and John walk you through the photo highlights of Mike’s annual MOCSEM mega-event, the Mustang Owners Club of SouthEastern Michigan’s “Mustang Memories & All Ford Show." Seen via the lens of photog Joe Deladvitch, it was the last-ever show at this iconic Ford WHQ.

Dec 01, 2025 34 min

Mustang Alley 2025

After John had walked Ford’s Mustang Alley for MustangOwner’s Podcast interviews in 2024, Mike asked photog Joe Deladvitch to give us a photo tour of Mustang Alley 2025 to catch some of the hidden gems that you’ll always uncover there during Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise.

Nov 24, 2025 19 min