Episodes

What happens when a song about a Volkswagen Beetle wins an international songwriting competition—and eventually leads you to the exact car you wrote about? In Episode 78 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with 18-year-old Volkswagen enthusiast Aiden Fleischman to hear the incredible story behind his 1972 Super Beetle, Maggie. Aiden takes us from falling in love with a Beetle he couldn't afford, to writing a song about it, winning an international competition, and eventually finding and purchasing...

What happens when you trade the 9-to-5 grind for life on the road in a 1962 Volkswagen panel bus? In Episode 77 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Vanessa Cassada, a longtime Volkswagen enthusiast, pinstriper, hand painter, and full-time traveler who has spent more than a year exploring the country in her vintage VW bus with her husband, Adam. Vanessa takes us back to where her Volkswagen journey began at just 16 years old with her first air-cooled Beetle, and how that early love for Volkswa...

What happens when a $300 Volkswagen Beetle at 18 years old turns into a lifelong obsession? Meet Jason Wharton — better known as JBug — a Volkswagen enthusiast, collector, artist, BMX racer, land surveyor, club founder, husband-to-be, and one of the longtime personalities helping shape the VW community. In Episode 76 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with JBug to hear the story behind nearly three decades of Volkswagen obsession. From his first 1969 Beetle in 1995 to owning more than 200 Volkswa...

Some classic Volkswagens have history. Others have legends. In Episode 75 of Dub Life Diaries, Joe Person sits down with Tony Hall to tell the unbelievable story of his 1958 Glacier Blue Volkswagen Beetle—a project that became a years-long rollercoaster of missing paperwork, title nightmares, restoration scams, legal battles, and ultimately redemption. What started as a seemingly simple $1,800 eBay purchase quickly turned into one of the wildest restoration stories you'll ever hear. The Beetle...

In Episode 74 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Buddy Demers, a lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast whose passion for air-cooled VWs began in the Pacific Northwest and continues today with one of the most recognizable Type 3 Notchbacks around—his 1964 Notchback affectionately known as "Baby Got Sauce." Buddy takes us on a journey through the Volkswagen scene of the 1990s in Salem, Oregon, where friendships with legends like Ed Edwards of Northwest Metal Works helped shape his love for Volkswagens....

What does it take to build one of the most respected names in the air-cooled Volkswagen restoration world? In this episode of DubLife Diaries, I sit down with Morrie Hozen of Silver Lining Auto Restoration along with his nephews Moisei Prohoroff and Phil Prohoroff, the team behind West Coast Classic Interiors and Loose Nut Safaris. Together, they're preserving the craftsmanship, quality, and passion that keep classic Volkswagens on the road for generations to come. We dive into how Morrie left...

What does it take to become one of the most recognizable personalities in the air-cooled Volkswagen world? In this episode of DubLife Diaries, I sit down with Glenn Obert, better known as The Duckman from Duckman Cycles & VW Garage. With over two decades of creating VW content and a loyal YouTube following of more than 90,000 subscribers, Glenn shares the stories, successes, and challenges that have shaped his journey. We talk about his legendary chopped 1956 Oval Beetle, how he learned to fab...

What does it take to build an award-winning upholstery business from the ground up? In this episode of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with Alan of Vara Upholstery to talk about the journey behind one of the most respected names in custom Volkswagen and marine interiors. Alan shares how buying a boat with damaged upholstery sparked an unexpected career, leading him to apprentice for free, open a tiny shop known as "The Shack," and eventually earn recognition as Best Upholstery Shop in Tampa Bay...

What happens when you take a 1960 Volkswagen panel bus, point it toward the horizon, and refuse to stop? In Episode 70 of Dub Life Diaries, Joe sits down with Dave Broenen, better known as the pilot of the legendary KRUST BUS, to talk about an incredible journey that has taken him more than 78,000 miles across 38 states in just 23 months. Dave shares how a lifelong love of Volkswagens, inspired by his family and his first rusty Beetle, eventually led him to purchase and transform a weathered s...

What happens when a childhood surrounded by Volkswagens turns into a lifelong passion that brings families, friends, and an entire community together? In Episode 69 of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with José Rodriguez of Factor Volkswagen to explore his incredible journey from growing up in Puerto Rico to becoming a driving force in the Volkswagen scene in Florida. José shares stories of learning mechanics alongside his father, the influence of his brother Juan, and how Factor Volkswagen grew...

From a $300 Beetle at age 14 to a garage full of VW memories, Jeff Pierce shares the story behind his beloved Super Beetle, Butters, and a lifetime spent living the VW lifestyle. What starts as a childhood memory of a family Beetle turns into a lifelong Volkswagen addiction. In this episode of Dub Life Diaries, Joe sits down with Volkswagen enthusiast Jeff Pierce, owner of a beloved 1973 Super Beetle named Butters. From buying his first Beetle at just 14 years old while working at McDonald's to...

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...

From a backyard BBQ during one of the hardest seasons of life… to building one of Colorado’s fastest-growing air-cooled VW communities — this episode tells the story behind 303 Dubs. Joe sits down with founder Josh Williams to talk about how a small gathering created to lift his father’s spirits during his cancer battle turned into a movement centered around classic Volkswagens, brotherhood, culture, and community. They dive into: • The origins of 303 Dubs • Colorado VW culture and the Denve...

Episode 65 of DubLife Diaries brings on longtime Volkswagen enthusiast, drag racer, event promoter, and professional DJ (Insane) Scott Sain for an unforgettable conversation packed with classic VW culture, racing history, music, and community. From buying his first Bugs for just $70 in the 1980s to building some of the most recognizable grassroots VW events in the Southeast, Scott shares the journey that turned a passion into a lifestyle. We dive into the evolution of the Volkswagen scene, Scot...

Episode 64 of DubLife Diaries is all about family, legacy, resilience, and the Volkswagen lifestyle that connects generations. Joe sits down with Drew Estep from Tennessee to talk about growing up around Volkswagens, learning life lessons through old Beetles, and how air-cooled VWs became more than just transportation for his family. From $300 Bugs with wooden bumpers to his dream 1963 double cab Splitty, Drew shares stories that are funny, emotional, nostalgic, and deeply relatable to anyone w...

Episode 63 – Kyle Badertscher | Port City VW Car Show & Burn Camp Mission In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Kyle Badertscher, the heart behind the Port City Volkswagen Car Show—one of the most meaningful VW events in the country. Kyle shares his incredible journey into the Volkswagen world, from not owning his first car until his late 20s to becoming a driving force in a thriving VW community. What started with a single 1970 Bay Window bus named Bonnie turned into something m...

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with automotive artist Johnny Jalopy to unpack the story behind the style that’s turning heads across the custom car scene. Johnny shares how his journey started with childhood inspiration, shaped by his father’s artistic influence and a passion for cars that never let up. What began as sketches and side projects evolved into a full-blown creative business—one rooted in honoring legacy, pushing boundaries, and refusing to follow traditional rules ...

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with longtime event promoter Randy Yoho to break down the massive success of Florida Bug Jam 2025 — one of the largest Volkswagen gatherings on the East Coast, drawing over 10,000 attendees. We dive into what it really takes to organize a show of this scale, from permits and insurance to managing over 60 car classes and thousands of participants. Randy shares insights from his 47 years in the event world, including his experience with Red Bull Day...

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with legendary Volkswagen builder Jeff Spearn to dive deep into a journey that defines passion, grit, and craftsmanship. Jeff shares how it all started with a burned-out $45 Super Beetle—and how that humble beginning led to a career filled with award-winning builds, magazine features, and a Top 10 finish at SEMA Battle of the Builders. From his iconic Diamond Green ’57 ragtop to the show-stopping “Dark Horse” ’56 Beetle in custom Merlot Red, Jeff ...

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Bren Hartman — a true backbone of the modern air-cooled Volkswagen scene. From grassroots beginnings to reviving some of Michigan’s most iconic VW events, Bren’s story is all about passion, persistence, and keeping the culture alive. Bren shares how a simple introduction to a 1973 Beetle sparked a lifelong obsession that grew into a fleet of classic VWs, including buses, Beetles, a drag car, and a Baja project. But this episode goes way beyon...

What happens when you take pain, purpose, and a Volkswagen… and build something bigger than yourself? In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Colton “ ” Williams — founder of Bug Invasion — to unpack a raw and real journey of transformation. Colton opens up about battling depression, alcoholism, and the weight of a difficult childhood marked by bullying… and how the Volkswagen community became the unexpected turning point that changed everything. Now 3 years sober, Colton shares ...

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with Kristopher Hayes to dive into one of the most unique Volkswagen builds you’ll hear about. What started as a simple roof rack trade turned into the acquisition of a Karmann Ghia with a story of its own—and Kristopher is taking it to an entirely new level. Growing up in Grand Junction, Colorado, Kristopher shares his journey from small-town roots to working on oil rigs, and how that path ultimately led him to discover a deep passion for resto...

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast Leo Van Delft, whose passion for air-cooled VWs spans more than five decades. Leo’s journey began in 1972 with a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle. What started as a simple love for the iconic cars quickly turned into a career. While still in college, Leo opened his own Volkswagen repair shop, building a reputation for keeping classic air-cooled machines on the road. He later transitioned into education, spending 23 year...

What does it look like to chase a dream when you fully understand that time is finite? In Episode 55 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Volkswagen enthusiast John Krahulec to talk about his extraordinary Memento Mori journey — a cross-country adventure built around redemption, reflection, and the machines that shaped his life. What began with a beautifully restored 1967 Volkswagen Beetle has evolved into a full three-vehicle expedition featuring a Ford Bronco Raptor, an open trailer, and a m...