In Episode 80 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Spud Hughes for a deeply personal conversation about Volkswagens, family, loss, rebuilding, and the lifelong memories that make these cars so much more than metal and machines.

Spud’s connection to the Volkswagen world started as a kid, riding off-road with his father and learning the skills that would eventually shape his career and his life. His father—known as “Uno Mas”—was always working on one moreproject, and that name would eventually become the perfect tribute for Spud’s beloved 1965 Beetle, Uno Mas.

From Baja builds and lowered Volkswagens to bodywork, paint, custom interiors, and years spent chasing the perfect build, Spud shares the stories behind the cars—and the people behind them.

We talk about losing his father, finding a 1965 Baja at exactly the right moment, and discovering that the money to buy it came unexpectedly from his father's estate. That car, The Beach Bum, became a rolling tribute to his dad and a way to keep his memory alive.

We also get into the reality of rebuilding after tragedy. After an accident left Uno Mas badly damaged, Spud refused to let the car go. He rebuilt it piece by piece and got it back on the road in time for a show, proving once again that sometimes rebuilding a Volkswagen is about much more than fixing a car.

Along the way, we talk about the unmistakable smell of an old Volkswagen, why these cars seem to find their owners, the personalities we give our Volkswagens, becoming a father himself, and what it means to pass the passion on to the next generation.

And, of course, we finish with a little DubLife Diaries rapid fire—favorite VW year, color, engine, and more.

This is a story about Volkswagens, but ultimately it's about family, legacy, memories, and the people who keep us moving forward.

Episode 80 features:

• Spud Hughes

• Uno Mas — 1965 Volkswagen Beetle

• The Beach Bum — 1965 Volkswagen Baja

• Volkswagen Baja builds & restoration

• Air-cooled VW culture

• Custom VW interiors, paint & bodywork

• Rebuilding after an accident

• The legacy of a father

• Fatherhood and passing the VW passion forward

• Colorado & Southern California VW culture

• The emotional connection between people and their cars

If you've ever owned a Volkswagen that meant more to you than it probably should have… this episode is for you.

🎙️ DubLife Diaries — the VW lifestyle podcast celebrating the cars, the culture, and the stories behind the people who live it.

Subscribe, follow, and leave us a 5-star review—and send us the story of the VW person you think should be on DubLife Diaries next.

#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VW #AirCooledVW #VWBeetle #VolkswagenBeetle #VWBus #BajaBug #VWLife #AirCooled #VWCommunity #VolkswagenCulture #VWBuild #VWRestoration #ClassicVW #1965Beetle #VWStories

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode 79 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Mark Laue, one of the founders of Dubsplash, to talk about Volkswagens, skateboarding, business, community, and what it really takes to build a successful car show.

Mark takes us back to his early days growing up in Southern California, discovering Volkswagens as a teenager, and balancing his love of cars with skateboarding and hockey. His passion for skateboarding eventually led him into the skate park business, where he helped build and operate parks across California and Texas.

From there, Mark found his way into the Volkswagen event world and helped grow Dubsplash into one of the premier Volkswagen gatherings in the country, now drawing hundreds of cars, thousands of attendees, and dozens of vendors.

We talk about how Dubsplash evolved, the challenges of putting on large-scale VW events, the impact of social media and YouTube on the Volkswagen hobby, and why keeping the community welcoming and inclusive matters.

Mark also shares his thoughts on the future of VW culture, supporting younger enthusiasts, leadership, sponsorships, and the importance of simply stepping back and appreciating what you've built.

Whether you're into air-cooled Volkswagens, VW shows, skateboarding, event promotion, or the community behind the cars, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Follow Dubsplash: dubsplash.com

Episode Topics:

Volkswagen • Dubsplash • VW Shows • Air-Cooled VW • Classic Volkswagen • Skateboarding • Skate Parks • Car Culture • VW Community • Event Promotion • Volkswagen Events • VW Lifestyle

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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 that same 1972 Super Beetle for $4,000. From oil leaks and broken fuel pumps to pulling the engine multiple times, Aiden didn't just buy a classic car—he taught himself how to build, repair, and understand it.

We talk about his journey through the Volkswagen community, his experience at a 48-hour tech session with Glenn, the people who helped him along the way, and the lessons he's learned about humility, perseverance, and following your dreams.

Aiden also shares his plans for the future as he heads to college on a full scholarship to study aviation maintenance and engineering—and how his passion for air-cooled VW engines connects surprisingly well with aircraft engines.

We'll talk Beetles, restoration, car shows, future builds, the VW community, and why Aiden plans to keep Maggie for the long haul.

This is a story about more than an old Volkswagen. It's about following a dream, learning by doing, and finding your people along the way.

🎙️ DubLife Diaries Episode 78 — Aiden Fleischman

Aidens Song Contest Winning Tune : https://youtube.com/shorts/tcvR95jmODU?si=8579HIFlqF6pQpTI

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with another VW enthusiast!

Sponsors & Friends of the Show:

VolksMania Magazine www.volksmania.com

Trippin' Seed Tie-Dye check them out on Facebook

Salty Dub Events www.SaltyDub.com

Vara Upholstery www.VaraUpholstery.com

#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VW #VWBeetle #SuperBeetle #AirCooledVW #VolkswagenBeetle #ClassicCars #VWLife #VWCommunity #CarRestoration #DubLife

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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 Volkswagens eventually led her to a completely different way of life.

We talk about what it's really like to travel in a vintage VW bus, from keeping a 1962 panel bus running across thousands of miles to navigating mountain roads, camping, attending VW events, and discovering some of the most beautiful places in the country.

Vanessa shares stories from driving the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, exploring Oregon and Idaho, attending Volkswagen campouts, and experiencing firsthand the incredible generosity of the VW community. From fellow enthusiasts offering a place to work on her bus to someone lending her a Volkswagen for a campout, Vanessa's stories are a reminder that the Volkswagen community is about so much more than cars.

We also dive into Vanessa's journey as a pinstriper and hand painter, her inspiration from legendary artists like Ed Roth, and how a hobby eventually opened doors.

And of course, we talk about the philosophy behind it all: simplicity, freedom, adventure, and just doing it.

Vanessa and Adam have embraced a minimalist lifestyle, downsized their possessions, and built a life centered around experiences rather than things. Her message is simple: you don't have to wait for the perfect time to start living the life you've dreamed about.

If you've ever dreamed about VW bus camping, traveling the country in an air-cooled Volkswagen, living a minimalist lifestyle, or simply taking the leap into your next adventure, this episode is for you.

🚐 One bus. Two people. An open road. And a whole lot of Volkswagen culture.

In This Episode:

• Vanessa's first Volkswagen at 16
• Life in a 1962 VW panel bus
• Traveling full-time with her husband
• VW bus camping and minimalist living
• Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
• Volkswagen campouts and the VW community
• The people who helped keep her bus on the road
• Pinstriping, hand painting, and Ed Roth inspiration
• Building and maintaining a vintage VW for long-distance travel
• Favorite destinations and road-trip discoveries
• Why simplicity can lead to a richer life
• Vanessa's advice for anyone dreaming about their own adventure
• Keeping Volkswagen culture alive for the next generation

Follow DubLife Diaries for more stories from the people, cars, adventures, and communities that make the Volkswagen lifestyle so special.

#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWBus #VWBusLife #AirCooledVW #VolkswagenBus #VWCamping #VanLife #VWCommunity #VintageVW #VWLife #VolkswagenCulture

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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 Volkswagens, Jason shares the cars, people, memories, and experiences that made VW culture such a huge part of his life.

We talk about restoring his first Beetle with his dad, growing up around sign painting and art, discovering pinstriping and custom graphics, and how skateboarding, BMX, and Volkswagen culture all became connected along the way.

Jason also takes us through the history of Strictly VW's Auto Club, the club he founded in 1998 that has survived for nearly three decades by keeping things simple: good people, cool cars, and absolutely no unnecessary drama.

And there's plenty more.

We talk about:

• Jason's first Volkswagen and the $300 Beetle that started it all

• Collecting more than 200 Volkswagens

• The cars he wishes he had never sold

• Finding and saving Volkswagens that others had given up on

• Pinstriping, custom graphics, and his work as a licensed Rat Fink artist

• BMX racing, skateboarding, and their connection to VW culture

• Balancing a 25-year career as a land surveyor with his creative pursuits

• The history and philosophy behind Strictly VW's Auto Club

• Building a welcoming, drama-free Volkswagen community

• His eight kids and his family's role in his VW journey

• His upcoming Volkswagen-themed wedding, "Pistons and Rings"

• His current 1964 Single Cab project

• The people who have influenced him throughout the VW community

• His favorite Volkswagen styles and why patina never goes out of style

• What he hopes his legacy will be within the Volkswagen community

This episode is about much more than Volkswagens.

It's about the people behind the cars, the friendships built along the way, and what happens when a passion that starts with one old Beetle becomes a way of life.

If you've ever owned a Volkswagen, raced BMX, built a car, painted a stripe, started a club, or simply found your people through car culture, you're going to want to hear this one.

This is JBug's story.

Welcome to Episode 76 of DubLife Diaries — the VW Lifestyle Podcast.

Follow DubLife Diaries for more conversations with the people who make the Volkswagen community what it is.

#DubLifeDiaries #JBug #JasonWharton #Volkswagen #VW #VWLife #VWCommunity #AirCooledVW #VolkswagenBeetle #VWBus #BMX #Pinstriping #CarCulture #VolkswagenCulture

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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 arrived completely disassembled, hidden VIN issues nearly made it impossible to title, and Tony launched a nationwide search to find the original owner in hopes of correcting a decades-old paperwork mistake.

Just when things seemed to be moving forward, the project took another devastating turn after being entrusted to a builder who would later face fraud charges. Tony shares the warning signs he missed, the costly lessons learned, and the emotional journey of eventually tracking down the completed Beetle after it had been sold to someone else.

Whether you're restoring your first classic VW or have lived through your own project-car nightmare, this episode is packed with real-world advice about patience, choosing the right builder, protecting yourself during restorations, and why some cars become part of your family's story forever.

In this episode:

• The story behind Tony's rare 1958 Glacier Blue Beetle
• Buying a disassembled VW sight unseen from eBay
• Solving a costly VIN and title mistake
• Tracking down the original owner years later
• Avoiding restoration scams and dishonest builders
• Recovering from one of the biggest setbacks a VW enthusiast can face
• Lessons every project-car owner should hear
• Tony's current VW projects, including his 1961 Ragtop
• Rapid-fire VW favorites and future dream builds

If you love Volkswagen Beetles, air-cooled VWs, restoration stories, classic cars, and the incredible people behind them, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Dub Life Diaries, where we share the stories, people, and passion that make the Volkswagen community one of a kind.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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. From his first matte black '64 Beetle to the hood ride culture, custom suspension builds, and the tight-knit VW community that influenced him, Buddy shares stories that every air-cooled enthusiast will appreciate.

We also dive into the remarkable history of Baby Got Sauce—a Florida-born Notchback that made its way to Hawaii before returning home, eventually becoming the incredible restoration it is today. Buddy opens up about preserving the car's legacy, assembling it with rare period-correct parts, and the unforgettable engine built by the legendary Scooter.

Whether you're into Type 3s, Cal-Look culture, vintage Volkswagens, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people who make this hobby special, this episode is packed with history, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.

In This Episode:

• The story behind Baby Got Sauce, Buddy's iconic 1964 Type 3 Notchback
• Growing up in the legendary Oregon VW scene
• Memories of Ed Edwards, Wagons West, and Wagon Works
• Buddy's first 1964 Beetle and how it sparked a lifelong obsession
• Rare Volkswagen parts, vintage engine builds, and craftsmanship
• East Coast vs. West Coast VW culture
• How social media has changed the air-cooled community
• Advice for first-time Volkswagen owners
• Upcoming VW events and the future of the hobby

If you enjoy celebrating the people who keep the Volkswagen community alive, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow VW enthusiast.

🌐 Learn more about the show and apply to be a guest at DubLifeDiaries.com

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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 a successful career to follow his passion for restoration, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and how the family has grown their companies into a thriving operation specializing in some of the finest restorations and parts in the classic VW industry.

We also discuss:

• The truth about running a family business

• What separates an average restoration from an award-winning one

• Why quality craftsmanship still matters in today's world

• The evolution of the air-cooled Volkswagen hobby

• The future of Safari windows and classic VW interiors

• Lessons learned from acquiring legendary VW brands

• Advice for anyone restoring their first Volkswagen

Whether you're restoring your dream Beetle, Bus, Ghia, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people shaping the VW community, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories.

🎙️ Guests:

• Morrie Hozen – Silver Lining Auto Restoration

• Moisei Prohoroff – West Coast Classic Interiors

• Phil Prohoroff – Loose Nuts Safaris

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another VW enthusiast. Every share helps keep the air-cooled community growing.

Follow DubLife Diaries for more conversations with the builders, restorers, racers, collectors, and personalities who make the Volkswagen lifestyle unlike any other.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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 fabricate using whatever materials he had available, the evolution of YouTube, and why authenticity still matters in today's creator economy. Glenn also shares the inspiration behind founding the Oil Slicker Society International, a Volkswagen club built around positivity, inclusion, and bringing enthusiasts together.

Along the way, we discuss creativity, resourcefulness, the future of the Volkswagen hobby, the impact of AI on learning real-world skills, and what keeps Glenn motivated after decades in the community.

Whether you're restoring your first Beetle, fabricating your dream build, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people who make the Volkswagen community special, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In This Episode

• Glenn's journey to becoming "The Duckman"
• Building the iconic chopped Oval Beetle
• 20+ years of YouTube and content creation
• Growing Duckman Cycles & VW Garage
• The story behind Oil Slicker Society International
• Why creativity and resourcefulness still matter
• The changing Volkswagen community
• Advice for builders and content creators

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow DubLife Diaries, leave a review, and share it with another Volkswagen enthusiast. Your support helps us continue sharing the stories of the people who keep the air-cooled community alive.

Connect with Glenn

Youtube : Duckman Cycles & VW Garage

Facebook : Oil Slicker Society International

www.DuckShit.net (All Glenns contact Info is here).

Follow DubLife Diaries

New episodes featuring builders, collectors, racers, restorers, and Volkswagen enthusiasts from around the world.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

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. Along the way, he opens up about failed businesses, taking risks, learning from costly mistakes, and why creativity has always driven everything he builds.

The conversation also dives into:

·       How Alan discovered the Volkswagen community

·       The story behind some of his favorite custom builds

·       Winning multiple classes at Bug Jam

·       Building the Salty Dub community and the vision for its future

·       Lessons every entrepreneur can learn about taking chances and keeping your word

·       Why success today means more than just making money

Whether you're into Volkswagens, custom fabrication, entrepreneurship, or simply love hearing the stories behind passionate builders, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🎙 Guest: Alan Guevara– Vara Upholstery www.VaraUpholstrey.com

🛒 Support our sponsors:

Use code DUBLIFE10 for discounts on Salty Dub merchandise, including the popular vent window clips. www.Saltydub.com

Same discount code applies to Volksmania Magazine www.VolksMania.com

If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another VW enthusiast. Every download helps us continue sharing the stories that make the Volkswagen community so special.

#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWLife #AirCooled #VaraUpholstery #CustomInteriors #ClassicVW #BugJam #SaltyDub #Entrepreneurship

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations