Look, we’re all in favor of the thrill of a fast car on an open road. But in today’s world, where climate change and environmental concerns dominate conversations, it’s essential for families to consider the impact of their vehicle choices and driving habits. The good news? Small, conscious decisions can lead to significant changes. Here’s how you can steer your family toward a more sustainable automotive lifestyle.
Author: Mickey
In a world increasingly dominated by high-tech electric vehicles and autonomous driving, there’s a nostalgic charm in the rumble of a classic car engine. The resurgence of vintage vehicles in modern culture is not just a passing trend; it reflects a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and community. Let’s take a closer look at why classic cars are capturing the hearts of a new generation.
We’re looking forward to our conversation. We’ve summarized this list of Recording Preparations in case it may be useful as you get ready for our recording session.
Fast Fifteen?
If you haven’t already had a preliminary conversation with us (Mickey) about your appearance on The Thing About Cars, please schedule some time for us with this Calendly link. >>
Things We Need Before We Record
If you have already met with us for a Fast-Fifteen, you know we usually ask for three things from each of our guests:
- A high-res photograph to use on The Thing About Cars website. This can be a shot of you driving, working, or even a headshot, but high-res, please.
- A handful of talking points to keep us in orbit around our chosen topic(s). Nothing scripted. Our conversation will be extemporaneous. We’ll pretend we’re just a bunch of people talking over coffee.
- An hour of time. We always record on Sundays at 10am Eastern Time. We will schedule the specific date with you.
Recording Preparations
Headphones are your friend. Mickey was going to write a magnum opus on how to get ready for making a great episode that addressed the technical aspects of making a recording like microphones and soundproofing. But the Podcast Wizardry blog has two great entries that we think are worth reading for anyone who appears on any kind of podcast:
How To Be A Good Guest
and
Making A Good Recording
(We confess, Mickey wrote those blogs, too.) Here’s a few Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you edit the episode?
We try to keep editing to a minimum, only dealing with major flubs.
When will my episode go live?
There is generally no way to chart a specific date for publishing your episode. It will depend on many factors. If you need your episode to go live on or before a specific date, please tell us so we can make sure we meet your target.
How will you market my episode?
The episode will go live and will be accessible on a variety of platforms. Once the episode goes live, we’ll make sure it’s posted on the The Thing About Cars website. Then we’ll do our “social media rounds” on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages, tagging you where appropriate. Please let us know if there are other ways you would like us to help market your episode.
What can I do to help market my episode?
Thank you for asking. We don’t need to tell you the importance of generating excitement around you and your work. Let’s amplify the reach of your episode, ensuring it resonates with a wider audience. Here are some effective ways to promote your episode:
- Social Media Buzz: On recording day, share your experience on social media and tag The Thing About Cars.
- Engage with Us: Like, comment on, and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn (and your social media channels of choice) to help spread the word.
- Rate and Review: Take a moment to rate and review The Thing About Cars wherever you listen to the podcast.
- Share your episode’s link on your social media accounts and tag The Thing About Cars.
- Add a permanent link to your episode on your organization’s website or blog.
- Include your episode’s URL in your next newsletter.
- Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues via text or call to let them know about your episode.
Your efforts will help ensure that your message reaches more people, both within and beyond your network.
Contact TTAC
If anything comes up please contact us via the method we used for initial contact. Otherwise, please find us on LinkedIn and drop us a line there. Thank you!
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, fall presents the perfect backdrop for car lovers to indulge in their passion. Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual driver, or someone who just enjoys the open road, there’s something for everyone this season. Here are some exciting ways to embrace the Autumn vibes.
Scenic Drives to Witness Fall Foliage
Nothing compares to the beauty of fall foliage. Plan a scenic drive through your local countryside or along a famous scenic route. Look for roads that wind through forests, mountains, or along lakes where you can soak in the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. Pack some snacks and enjoy a leisurely drive—perhaps even bring a camera to capture the stunning views!
Recommended Routes:
The Southeastern US is home to some beautiful scenic driving routes. Here are a few must-see options:
Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina and Virginia): Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, this route offers stunning views, especially during fall foliage. There are plenty of overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic spots along the way.
Florida’s A1A Coastal Highway: This scenic route runs along Florida’s east coast, showcasing beautiful beaches, charming towns, and coastal parks. Don’t miss the historic St. Augustine and the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee): This historic route spans 444 miles and features beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Cherohala Skyway (Tennessee and North Carolina): This 43-mile route winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, offering panoramic views and lush greenery, especially in spring and summer.
Coastal Highway 17 (South Carolina): This drive takes you from Charleston to Beaufort, passing through beautiful marshes, historic towns, and scenic lowcountry landscapes.
Hwy 441 through the Georgia Mountains: This route takes you through picturesque small towns, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas, particularly near the North Georgia mountains.
Each of these routes offers unique scenery and experiences, making them perfect for a leisurely drive.
Attend Car Shows and Meetups
Fall is a popular time for car shows and meetups, where enthusiasts gather to showcase their vehicles and share their passion. Check local event calendars for car meets, festivals, or even charity drives. These events are a great way to connect with fellow car lovers, swap stories, and maybe even pick up some tips for your own ride.
Work On a Restoration or Modification Project
With cooler temperatures, fall is an ideal time to dive into that restoration or modification project you’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s a classic car in need of some TLC or a modern ride you want to customize, use this time to roll up your sleeves and make some progress. Gather your tools, research the latest techniques, and enjoy the satisfaction of working on your vehicle.
Go for a Road Trip
Plan a weekend road trip to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit. Whether it’s a nearby national park, a quaint town, or a famous automotive museum, there’s something liberating about hitting the open road. Don’t forget to bring along your favorite playlists, and make stops along the way to explore hidden gems. A couple of southeast options:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee and North Carolina) The Cades Cove Loop Road is a popular drive with picturesque mountain views, wildlife, and historic homesteads. The Newfound Gap Road also offers breathtaking vistas.
Savannah, Georgia. This historic city is known for its picturesque streets, beautiful squares, and stunning architecture. You can stroll along River Street, visit Forsyth Park, and explore the many historic homes and museums. Plus, the nearby Tybee Island offers a lovely beach escape if you want to soak up some sun!
Organize a Fall-Themed Car Rally
Get your friends together for a fall-themed car rally! Create a route that includes fun stops like cider mills, haunted houses, or picturesque viewpoints. Incorporate challenges or scavenger hunt elements for added excitement. This is a great way to bond with fellow car enthusiasts while enjoying the beautiful fall scenery.
Prepare for Winter with Maintenance
As fall approaches, it’s a good time to prepare your vehicle for the winter months ahead. Take this opportunity to perform maintenance tasks like checking your tires, fluids, and battery. Consider scheduling a tune-up to ensure your car is ready to handle colder weather.
Explore Off-Roading Adventures
If you enjoy off-roading, fall is a fantastic time to hit the trails. With the cooler weather and stunning fall colors, it’s the perfect backdrop for an off-road adventure. Make sure to check trail conditions and pack essential gear for a safe outing.
Embrace the Autumn Vibes
Fall is a fantastic season for car enthusiasts to enjoy their passion in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re hitting the road, attending events, or diving into projects, there are countless opportunities to Embrace the Autumn Vibes. Please send us pictures! In the meantime, buckle up, stay safe, and embrace all the adventures this autumn has to offer!
Mickey confesses Ford-lust, but it wasn’t enough to entice our guest to show up. Misty shifts wet noodles trying to haul a loom across The Netherlands and learns what we all knew already: she won’t like any car as much as her MX-5. Cognitive issues going from one car to another has Ben using his wipers to signal turns, while Misty’s car has lady-humps to guide the way. Tim has the rational and historical perspectives as always, and we learn about the automotive origins of QR codes.
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