Best Mike Spagnola Podcasts (2025)

1
#269 - Impact, and How to Choose Work That Actually Matters 16:20

Play Pause

2h ago16:20

16:20

This solo episode is about a question that sits at the center of my work and my life. What is real impact. Not the buzzword. The kind that actually changes the direction of someone’s life. I break down impact from first principles. What it is. How you create it. Why it is more than reach or scale. Impact comes from the quality of what you are doing…

1
Cooling, Camaraderie, and the Cayman GT4: Jon Miller's Motorsports Mastery 48:18

11d ago48:18

48:18

Send us a text In this episode of the Late to Grid podcast, we sit down with Jon Miller—autocrosser, rally racer, and performance cooling expert from Mishimoto. Jon shares his deep-rooted motorsports journey, which began with his grandparents racing SCCA rallies in the '50s and '60s, and an early secret lesson in driving a manual transmission Ford …

1
Zero Experience, 24-Hour Race: Nigel Boyce's Jump Into Wheel-to-Wheel 35:58

23d ago35:58

35:58

Send us a text In this episode of Late to Grid, we talk to Nigel Boyce, a mechanic who went from zero wheel-to-wheel experience straight into a 24-hour endurance race! Nigel shares his unique path, starting with a lifelong love for cars, graduating to autocross and time trials in his Honda Civic Si, and finally finding his track car in a Dodge Neon…

1
#268 - The Compounding Effect of Meaningful Work | Why “Work-Life Balance” Misses the Point 14:30

1M ago14:30

14:30

Most conversations about work-life balance start with the wrong question. We assume the goal is to limit work, to keep it from taking too much of our lives. So we optimize for time, energy, and boundaries, all while treating work as something to manage or escape. In this solo episode, Brandon challenges that premise. He steps back to ask a more fun…

1
From GTI to Miata: Nisa Borghi’s Autocross Journey 45:50

1M ago45:50

45:50

Send us a text This week on Late to Grid, Bill sits down with Nisa Borghi to talk about her path into motorsports—from giving her VW GTI a personality on Instagram, to celebrating 100K miles at her first autocross, to taking on the challenge of a rear-wheel-drive Miata. Nisa shares what it was like stepping into the SCCA community, co-driving with …

1
#267 – Scott Snider | Exit Planning Institute - Building Companies That Thrive Beyond the Owner 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

What does it take to build a business that isn’t just profitable today, but valuable, resilient, and meaningful over the long term? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Snider, President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI). Scott and his team work with advisors across the country to help business owners align their business, personal, and financ…

1
Event Success with Gary Case of the Triple Crown of Rodding | SEMA HRIA Hammer Down! Podcast 56:36

2M ago56:36

56:36

Event Success with Gary Case of the Triple Crown of Rodding | SEMA HRIA Hammer Down! Podcast Gary Case is no stranger to organizing and participating in automotive events, building award winning hot rods and trucks, and selling parts. On the latest "Hammer Down" podcast, Case joins host Kevin Oeste to chat about his journey from building hot rods a…

1
It’s Never Too Late to Chase Your Racing Dream 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

Send us a text This week on Late to Grid, we sit down with Jon Krolewicz to dive into his incredible motorsports journey. He shares how a third-grade book report on the Indy 500 sparked a lifelong passion , and how a chance meeting with a pro driver his own size transformed his dream into a plan. Jon offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to ge…

1
What exactly is SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance and what do they do? SEMA 101 | Hammer Down Podcast 37:10

2M ago37:10

37:10

What exactly is SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance and what do they do? SEMA 101 | Hammer Down Podcast This episode of Hammer Down hosted by Kevin Oeste sheds answers the question "Just what exactly is SEMA and what do they do?" with special guests SEMA Board Of Directors Member and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Past Chair Tim McCarthy and c…

1
#266 - Ali Kashani | Serve Robotics – Scaling Sidewalk Autonomy 48:08

2M ago48:08

48:08

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Kashani, Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics. Serve is pioneering autonomous sidewalk delivery at scale—with hundreds of robots already operating in major U.S. cities and thousands more on the way. Ali and I dive into the complexity of autonomy: the technical challenges, the economics, the regulatory and consumer…

1
#265 - Drew Allen | Grace Technologies – Building Safer, Smarter Industry 50:47

3M ago50:47

50:47

In this episode, I’m joined by Drew Allen, President & CEO of Grace Technologies. Grace is a family business built on innovation in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, and Drew has carried that forward—shaping the company into a leader in industrial technology and workplace safety. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Drew share…

1
Building Drivers: How Time, Tools & Family Shape Track Performance 1:05:12

3M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Send us a text In this episode of Late to Grid, we sit down with Mike—driver, mentor, and seasoned wrench turner—to explore how seat time, smart preparation, and family support all come together to shape a successful race weekend. Mike shares how his years on track and in the garage have sharpened his approach to racing, teaching him what really ma…

1
#264 - Impact Requires Both Attention and Depth 14:23

3M ago14:23

14:23

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a challenge he sees everywhere — in his own work, at PJ Wallbank Springs, and in the broader world of leadership and business. The tension between attention and depth. It’s easy to get attention without substance. It’s also possible to have real substance without anyone noticing. But if you want to make a lasti…

1
Navigating Challenges & Building Success in the Hot Rod Industry with Rick Love | SEMA Hammer Down Podcast 52:46

3M ago52:46

52:46

Navigating Challenges & Building Success in the Hot Rod Industry with Rick Love | Hammer Down Podcast This episode of Hammer Down hosted by Kevin Oeste features insights on navigating tricky times with special guest SEMA and SEMA HRIA Hall Of Famer Rick Love of Vintage Air! Tune in as they: Chat about maintaining focus and positivity during challen…

1
No Rig? No Problem. Getting to the Grid Anyway 26:31

3M ago26:31

26:31

Send us a text In this episode of Late to Grid, we sit down with Jack Butler—a rising star in grassroots motorsports. What started with video games and weekend karting sessions has transformed into real-world racing experience in Champ Car, open-wheel training at the Lucas Oil School of Racing, and competing in 14-hour endurance events at Daytona. …

1
#263 - Mike Spagnola | SEMA & PRI – How the Automotive Aftermarket Drives Innovation, Policy, and Product Development 40:50

4M ago40:50

40:50

The automotive aftermarket often flies under the radar—but it plays a major role in advancing engineering, manufacturing, and performance. In this episode, Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of SEMA and PRI, joins me to explore how the specialty automotive sector is driving innovation across ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen, and beyond. We dive into how SEMA …

1
From Daily Driver to Track Night: Dexter’s First Step into Racing 39:08

4M ago39:08

39:08

Send us a text In this episode of Late to Grid, we sit down with Dexter Shreve, who shares the story of finally chasing down his motorsports dream—starting with a Track Night in America event…in his daily driver Toyota Camry. Dexter walks us through the nerves, the excitement, and the learning curve of getting on track for the first time. From buyi…

1
#262 - The Work that Really Matters 13:54

4M ago13:54

13:54

In this solo episode, Brandon reflects on a recurring theme in his work and leadership journey. The increasing presence of uncomfortable, ambiguous, and high-stakes problems. He explores how the most meaningful work often comes with the most discomfort, and why learning to sit with that tension is both necessary and worthwhile. This isn’t a glorifi…

1
Good News in Auto Repair - Lee Locklear Donates $20,000.00 Worth Of Tools To School 22:55

5M ago22:55

22:55

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton is joined by Lee Locklear of Cutting Edge Solutions and Missy Stephens of the Auto Care Association. Missy recounts how a high scho…

1
The Solo Survival Kit: Everything You Need to Pack for Track Day Success 18:59

4M ago18:59

18:59

Send us a text In this episode of Late to Grid, we dive into the checklist every racer needs to have before heading to the track. Whether you’re new to autocross or you’ve got a season of wheel-to-wheel under your belt, this is your solo survival kit for stress-free events. Bill shares his essential gear picks, pro tips for packing, and lessons lea…

1
How Battery Technology Is Evolving for Modern Cars with Alan Kohler 22:31

5M ago22:31

22:31

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher sits down with Alan Kohler from Odyssey Battery. Alan breaks down the differences between traditional flooded lead-acid ba…

1
#261 - Ami Spira | Civan Lasers - Precision Welding, Precision Beam Shaping, and the Future of Manufacturing 42:13

5M ago42:13

42:13

Welding isn’t just sparks and heat—it’s an essential (and often misunderstood) part of modern manufacturing. In this conversation, Ami Spira, General Manager of Civan Lasers USA, joins me to talk about the state of the art in welding technology and why laser welding is making such a big impact. We cover how different welding methods work, what make…

1
SEMA President Mike Spagnola on EV Mandates, Right to Repair, and California’s Automotive Laws 42:03

5M ago42:03

42:03

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mike Spagnola, President and CEO of SEMA. Mike offers an insider’s update on three major issues currently sha…

1
#260 – Brandon Bartneck | Redefining Innovation: Building Real Impact, One Iteration at a Time 15:35

5M ago15:35

15:35

What’s the point of innovation? In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck reflects on what innovation actually means—and why the version we celebrate most (flashy tech, hype cycles, moonshots) often misses the point. Drawing from personal experience at Boeing, Bose, and multiple advanced tech sectors, Brandon shares why he’s now more energized leading…

1
Your First Track Day: Everything You Need to Know to Get on Track Safely and Confidently 25:34

5M ago25:34

25:34

Send us a text Thinking about doing your first track day but don’t know where to start? In this episode of Late To Grid, we flip the script—Josh asks the questions that every new track driver wants answered, and Bill delivers a masterclass on getting started in motorsports. From picking the right helmet and prepping your car to managing on-track ne…

1
#259 – Sean McCormack | First Student – Technology, Safety, and Real-World Innovation in Student Transportation 48:36

6M ago48:36

48:36

Big innovation doesn’t always mean big headlines. Sometimes it looks like improving how 5.5 million students get to school every day. In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck talks with Sean McCormack, Chief Information Officer at First Student. They dive into the challenges of routing 45,000 school buses, the role of AI and EVs in impr…

1
TOPDON'S Industry-Wide Growth, and Chad Schnitz's Perspective on The Future of the Industry 22:34

6M ago22:34

22:34

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chad Schnitz, Vice President of TOPDON, and newly appointed board member of the Auto Care Association’s Tool and Equipment board. Chad shares his perspective on the importance of the Right to Repair and the ongoing need for equal access to information for all automotive professionals. He also discusses…

1
Jimmy Lea is Now a Certified Speaking Professional. How Does One Become a CSP? 31:33

6M ago31:33

31:33

In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Jimmy Lea from the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Why? Because Jimmy actually did something newsworthy! Bout time! Jimmy is now, to our knowledge, the ONLY presenter in the automotive aftermarket certified as a Certified Speaking Professional. It was quite the journey to get here, though! He…

1
How SEMA’s Mike Spagnola is Paving New Roads Into Motorsports 51:29

6M ago51:29

51:29

Send us a text In this episode of Late To Grid, we sit down with Mike Spagnola, the President and CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) — one of the most influential organizations in the automotive and motorsports world. Mike shares his incredible journey from his early days tinkering in his family’s garage to leading an industry pow…

1
Good News in Auto Repair | Radical Generosity and Faith TRANSFORMED This Repair Shop 33:55

6M ago33:55

33:55

In this episode, Braxton welcomes Ed and Brandi Caswell to talk about why and how they run their repair shop differently. Faith and generosity is some pretty crazy ways have become the foundation of their business culture, including their response to local disasters and support for employees’ personal growth. They even host a weekly men’s group at …

1
Hundreds of 311 Complaints, Major Tax Breaks, and Christian Brothers Tops Satisfaction Rankings 7:10

6M ago7:10

7:10

In this episode, Braxton Critcher shares the latest news from the automotive repair industry. He discusses a new tax bill passed by the House Ways and Means Committee that offers significant benefits to repair shops and small businesses, including a permanent 23% income deduction and relief on equipment investments. Braxton also highlights the unus…

1
#258 – The Truth About Transparency: Leading Through the Gray Areas 17:43

6M ago17:43

17:43

In this solo episode, Brandon Bartnick explores the messy reality behind transparency and authenticity in leadership. These are buzzwords in many settings, but the day-to-day application is far more complex. Drawing from recent experiences in a manufacturing and audit context, Brandon reflects on: Why total transparency isn’t always helpful The ris…

1
From Garage to Glory: RadAir Racing Takes on Daytona's 14-Hour Enduro 24:01

6M ago24:01

24:01

Send us a text What’s it like racing at Daytona International Speedway with 120+ cars on track and 14 hours ahead of you? In this episode of Late to Grid, host Bill takes you behind the scenes of one of grassroots motorsports' biggest bucket list events — the ChampCar Endurance Series race at Daytona International Speedway. Bill follows the RadAir …

1
Is Automotive Training Worth It? Tom Schearer Says Without Question! 23:19

7M ago23:19

23:19

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Tom Schearer to discuss the value and impact of attending automotive training events, with a special focus on…

1
California Clean Air Act Overturned, Ford Recall, and Good News Today! 12:39

7M ago12:39

12:39

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers several major developments in the automotive industry. He updates listeners on the movement to overturn California’s Clean Air Act, highlighting bipartisan support and implications for gas-powered vehicles. Braxton also discusses the recent recall of nearly 300,000 Ford vehicles due to faulty backup cameras,…

1
Why the NEVI Program Ended and What’s Next for EV Charging with Ryan McKinnon 28:54

7M ago28:54

28:54

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton is joined by Ryan McKinnon from the Charge Ahead Partnership to break down the recent end of the NEVI program under the Trump admin…

1
#257 - Marta Anadón Rosinach | Upway - Scaling Micromobility: How Upway is Changing the E-Bike Market in the US 37:35

7M ago37:35

37:35

Electric bikes are more than a trend—they’re a key part of a more sustainable, accessible, and human transportation ecosystem. But the market is still early, and big challenges stand in the way: trust, affordability, infrastructure, and shifting consumer behavior. In this episode, Brandon Bartneck talks with Marta Anadón, Head of US at Upway, the l…

1
TOOLS Pennsylvania - Should You Go? | Bret Fadely 33:24

7M ago33:24

33:24

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher sits down with Bret Fadley to dive into the growth and unique culture of the TOOLS training event in Lancaster, Pennsylvan…

1
Right To Repair Update, SEMA/AAPEX Registration Opens and More! 12:59

7M ago12:59

12:59

In this episode, Braxton starts with a confession. Evidently, keeping good care of tires is not his strong suit. He then talks about legislative updates on the REPAIR Act (HR 1566) and the latest advocacy efforts in California, along with details on SEMA and AAPEX registration for this year’s Las Vegas events. Plus, Braxton highlights California's …

1
Don't Panic! Your Track Day Prep Guide 33:14

7M ago33:14

33:14

Send us a text Feeling behind as the racing season kicks off? Don’t panic — you’re not alone, and we’ve got your back! In this episode of Late To Grid, Bill shares practical, last-minute tips to get you and your car ready for autocross, track days, endurance racing, and HPDE events — even if your garage projects didn’t exactly go as planned over th…

1
Meet Lauren Langston | Tekmetric's New COO 34:37

7M ago34:37

34:37

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, you'll get to meet Tekmetric's new COO! Lauren Langston shares her journey from a software-focused background to joining the automotive ind…

1
SEMA Fights Tariffs, Missouri To Cut State Inspections? The Latest News! 9:52

7M ago9:52

9:52

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers some of the most pressing developments in the automotive repair industry. He highlights SEMA’s recent appeal to President Trump for a transition period before new tariffs impact US automotive parts manufacturers. Braxton also discusses controversial bills in Missouri that could exempt many newer vehicles fro…

1
#256 – From Generalities to Clarity: How We Actually Solve Problems 9:50

7M ago9:50

9:50

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a powerful idea that keeps surfacing in his work and personal life: we can’t solve problems we don’t understand. And we can’t understand problems until we stop speaking in generalities and start getting specific. The spark came from a bedtime story with his son—What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada—but …

1
Tariffs, Tire Scams, and the Repair Act! Trial Format As Well! 20:37

7M ago20:37

20:37

In this episode, we cover all the things YOU NEED TO KNOW about the automotive repair industry. From the rise in tire scams affecting New Hampshire auto shops, to the progress of the Repair Act in Congress. Braxton Critcher also talks about the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation and all the good things and changes they are working on! Wha…

1
How Did You Get Started in Racing? Best Of Grassroots Motorsports Journeys 32:22

7M ago32:22

32:22

Send us a text How do people really get into motorsports? In this special “Best Of” episode of the Late to Grid Podcast, we throw the green flag on the most inspiring, quirky, and downright passionate origin stories from our favorite grassroots racers. Host Bill takes us on a fast lap through more than a dozen guest highlights—each one sharing how …

1
#255 – Jim Liefer | Ambi Robotics - Real-World Robotics and the Future of Logistics Warehouse Automation 45:00

7M ago45:00

45:00

In the world of logistics, automation is no longer a future concept—it’s happening now. But rolling out robotics in high-volume warehouse environments isn’t as simple as plugging in a machine and walking away. In this episode of Building Better, Brandon sits down with Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, to talk about what it actually takes to build a…

1
Hockey Legend Wayne Gretzky Headlines AAPEX 2025 6:35

8M ago6:35

6:35

In this episode of Auto Repair News Today, Braxton talks about the announcement of Wayne Gretzky as the keynote speaker for Apex 2025! He brings up current challenges in the automotive repair industry, such as evolving technologies and a technician shortage, and that Gretzky will have powerful insight into this because of the things he overcame in …

1
#254 – Mark Reich | Managing on Purpose with Hoshin Kanri and Lean Leadership 50:19

8M ago50:19

50:19

Strategic planning too often becomes an annual ritual that loses meaning as soon as the binders hit the shelf. Mark Reich is on a mission to change that. In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck sits down with Mark Reich, author of Managing on Purpose and one of the foremost experts on hoshin kanri—a strategy deployment system rooted in…

1
SEMA Registration Opens Soon, California Has More EV Chargers Than Gas Nozzles Now and MORE! 8:15

8M ago8:15

8:15

In today's episode, you'll learn about the following stories... Attendee registration for the 2025 SEMA show opens online on April 28th, offering early registration discounts before June 27th. The market share of replacement parts in the light vehicle aftermarket has declined, while accessories, tools, and equipment have experienced significant gro…

1
From Backyard Karting to Championship Wins: Alyssa Korecky’s Racing Journey 32:29

8M ago32:29

32:29

Send us a text In this episode of Late to Grid, we welcome karting champion Alyssa Korecky to the Atomic Autosports studio to share her inspiring and relatable motorsports journey. Starting out on a homemade backyard dirt track, Alyssa evolved from riding a Power Wheels to racing full-speed LO206 karts at premier tracks like Mid-Ohio, Nelson Ledges…