DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast

Born from a desire to do things their own way, Southsiders VW has grown from four Volkswagen enthusiasts in 2014 into a Florida community of more than 7,400 members. Twelve years later, the group is still bringing people together through a shared love of Volkswagens, Thursday night meetups, road-trip adventures, and a commitment to giving back.

On this episode 86 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Jay Gould, Karl Kihlander, Steven Grant, Mike Plante, John Nida, and the crew behind Southsiders VW to hear the stories that built their community and the friendships that have kept it going.

From classic buses and air-cooled Volkswagens to international connections and memorable road-trip mishaps, the conversation covers plenty of VW history. We get to know the stories behind their rides, including Jay's 1970 panel bus, Icebox; Karl's 1969 bus, High Ball Betty; John's well-traveled bus, Helga; and Mike's bus, DD.

But Southsiders VW is about more than the cars. Their weekly Thursday night gatherings bring enthusiasts together rain or shine, while their approach to keeping the group welcoming and drama-free has helped friendships thrive for more than a decade.

The crew also shares the stories behind two of their biggest charitable traditions:

🧸 Toys for Tots: An annual charity run that has collected toys, bikes, and scooters for children in need.

🐾 Winter Blitz: A Volkswagen gathering supporting a local animal shelter through fundraising and donations.

We talk about the early days, the unwritten rules that keep a large community connected, the people who make the scene special, and the dream Volkswagens they'd bring home if money were no object.

In this episode:

• The origins and growth of Southsiders VW since October 2014
• The people and friendships behind a 7,400-plus-member community
• Weekly Volkswagen meetups on Florida's Space Coast
• The stories behind the crew's buses and other VW builds
• Toys for Tots and the Winter Blitz charity event
• Road-trip adventures, restorations, breakdowns, and VW memories
• Why the people behind the cars are what make this lifestyle special

From four friends with an idea to a thriving Volkswagen community, Southsiders VW is proof that the best part of the VW lifestyle has always been the people you meet along the way.

🎙️ Listen, subscribe, and join the DubLife Diaries community.

Have a Volkswagen story of your own? Visit the DubLife Diaries website to register as a guest and share your VW backstory.

#DubLifeDiaries #SouthsidersVW #Volkswagen #VWBus #VWCommunity #AirCooledVW #VolkswagenBus #VWLife #FloridaVW #ToysForTots

What happens when a childhood obsession turns into a lifelong passion?

On this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with James Vedder, whose love for Volkswagen Beetles started at just four years old. From collecting toy Bugs and hunting for Volkswagens on his bike around Colorado Springs to buying a heavily modified 1968 Beetle at just 15, James has spent much of his life chasing the cars that captured his imagination as a kid.

That yellow ’68 is more than just a car. It has survived major modifications, engine swaps, a devastating wreck, and years of rebuilding. Eighteen years later, James still owns it.

We talk about his early days in the VW scene, the influence of the original Herbie movie, the people who helped him learn to work on air-cooled engines, and why the Volkswagen community feels more like family than a car club.

James also shares stories about his ’57 Euro Oval, his dream builds, the VW he would keep forever, and the advice he would give his younger self.

Whether you love Beetles, enjoy a good restoration story, or simply understand what it means to hold onto something that has been part of your life for decades, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

·       How a four-year-old fell in love with Volkswagen Beetles

·       Beetle hunting around Colorado Springs

·       Buying a heavily modified ’68 Bug at 15

·       Learning air-cooled VW mechanics from fellow enthusiasts

·       The heartbreak of wrecking a beloved Beetle

·       Rebuilding, backdating, and keeping a car for the long haul

·       The ’57 Euro Oval and future VW dreams

·       Why the VW community is truly family

Subscribe to DubLife Diaries for more Volkswagen stories, builds, road trips, and conversations with the people who make the VW community special.

Have a VW story of your own? We want to hear it!

#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #AircooledVW #VWBeetle #VolkswagenBeetle

What do tattoos, Volkswagens, Muhammad Ali, and a historic mink farm have in common? More than you might think.

In this episode 84 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Scottie Morgan, tattoo artist and owner of Homebase Tattoo, for a conversation that goes far beyond cars and ink.

Scottie’s tattoo shop sits on the historic former Pollack’s Mink Farm in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, a property with an incredible connection to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who trained there during his rise in the sport. Today, the same property has been transformed into a tattoo studio—bringing together history, discipline, creativity, and art in a place with a story all its own.

Scottie takes us through his journey into tattooing, his approach to creating art for clients, the evolution of tattoo culture, and the business of building a successful tattoo shop in the age of Instagram, TikTok, and viral content.

Of course, we also dive deep into Volkswagen culture—from Scottie’s first VW to his modified Tiguan, the VW community, car shows, water-cooled Volkswagens, and his plans for future builds. We talk about how car culture has evolved, why the VW community is different, and how creativity connects the worlds of tattooing and automotive customization.

We also uncover some fascinating stories from the property’s past, including the surviving remnants of the mink farm and the history surrounding Muhammad Ali’s time there.

This is a conversation about cars, tattoos, history, creativity, business, social media, family, and simply showing up and doing the work.

Whether you're into Volkswagens, tattoo culture, car builds, automotive lifestyle, or just a great story, there's something here for you.

FOLLOW SCOTTIE

Instagram: @scottie__morgan

Car: @static_tiggy

www.HomeBaseTattoo.com

ABOUT DUBLIFE DIARIES

DubLife Diaries is a Volkswagen lifestyle podcast exploring the people, cars, businesses, builds, events, and stories that make the VW community unique.

Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation.

#Volkswagen #VW #DubLife #DubLifeDiaries #VolkswagenPodcast #VWTuning #CarCulture #TattooArtist #TattooCulture #HomebaseTattoo #MuhammadAli #DeerLake #CarBuilds #VWCommunity #AutomotiveLifestyle

In Episode 83 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Robert "VW Kidd" Velis for a deep dive into the history, people, and culture behind the LA Cal Style Volkswagen scene.

Growing up in East Los Angeles in the 1970s, Robert was surrounded by some of the most influential lowrider clubs and custom car builders in Southern California. From the Dukes and Brown Breed to the Majestics and Imperials, car culture was part of everyday life. Those early influences would eventually collide with his love of Volkswagen and help shape a style that would spread far beyond Los Angeles.

Robert takes us back to the early days of the Bugs Buddies and the Volkswagen builds that helped establish what would eventually become known as Cal Style. We talk about slammed Beetles and Karmann Ghias, polished alloy wheels, European-spec parts, extreme stances, performance engines, and the influence that traditional lowrider culture had on these early Volkswagen builds.

But this episode goes much deeper than the cars.

Robert shares stories about visiting Vintage Volkswagen Parts Inc., learning from people like Rene Redlos of the Dukes, discovering the Volkswagen scene as a teenager, and watching the culture evolve from something happening in neighborhoods around LA into a worldwide movement.

We also get into the history behind the name "Cal Style," how the term became widely used around 1985, the later "Resto Cal" label, and why Robert believes much of the original history and the people behind it have been misunderstood or forgotten.

Robert's story also takes us through his decades in the automotive industry, his career with Mercedes-Benz, his involvement with the Vintage Volkswagen Club of America, his work preserving Volkswagen history, and his commitment to giving back to the car community.

This conversation was so packed with history that we actually had to hit pause when technical issues cut our recording short. Then 2 weeks later we picked back up and continued the conversation.

Every VW has a story. These are the people behind them.

#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #CalStyle #VWHistory #AirCooledVW #VolkswagenCulture #LowriderCulture #ClassicVW #CalLook #VWScene

What happens when a lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast believes the cars are great, but the people behind them are what truly matter?

In Episode 82 of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Shawn Stapp, a Volkswagen enthusiast with 34 years in the air-cooled VW community, an incredible collection of classic Volkswagens, and a passion for giving back that goes far beyond the garage.

Shawn shares his journey from a troubled youth and his first 1971 Volkswagen Beetle to building a life centered around family, hard work, classic cars, and helping others. Today, he balances running a commercial plumbing business, managing a ranch outside Denver, and caring for an impressive collection of vintage Volkswagens.

But perhaps the most powerful part of Shawn’s story is what he’s doing to pass the hobby on to the next generation. From gifting Volkswagen Beetles to two teenage boys to encouraging young people to get their hands dirty and experience the VW lifestyle firsthand, Shawn is helping ensure the air-cooled community has a future.

We also dive into the growth of 303 Dubs, the success of Denver Dubfest at Empower Field, his 32-year marriage to Christina, and the story behind his latest Volkswagen project: a 1963 23-window bus restoration.

In this conversation, we explore what makes the Volkswagen community so special, why kindness and generosity matter, and how one person can make a lasting impact simply by showing up for others.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Shawn’s 34-year journey in the Volkswagen community
• His first VW, a 1971 Beetle, and the cars that followed
• Giving away Beetles to inspire the next generation of VW enthusiasts
• The importance of mentorship, community, and passing down the hobby
• The growth and culture of 303 Dubs
• Denver Dubfest and bringing the VW community together
• His collection of classic buses and Beetles
• Life as a plumber, rancher, husband, and Volkswagen enthusiast
• Restoring and customizing a 1963 23-window bus
• Why helping people is more important than the cars themselves

Shawn’s story is a reminder that Volkswagens are more than metal, paint, and engines. They’re a reason to connect, a way to build friendships, and an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Because at the end of the day, every VW has a story. These are the people behind them.

🎙️ Welcome to DubLife Diaries — Episode 82 featuring Shawn Stapp.

If you love air-cooled Volkswagens, classic VW buses, Beetles, and the people who make this community what it is, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Enjoy the episode? Follow DubLife Diaries, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone who lives and breathes the VW lifestyle.

#DubLifeDiaries #ShawnStapp #303Dubs #AirCooledVolkswagen #Volkswagen #VWBus #VWBeetle #DenverDubfest #VWCommunity #VolkswagenEnthusiast #ClassicVolkswagen #AirCooledVW

On Episode 81 of the DubLife Diaries Podcast, we sit down with Volkswagen collector, entrepreneur, and lifelong VW enthusiast Eliot Vancil.

Eliot has spent years building an incredible collection of rare and historically significant Volkswagens, but this conversation goes far beyond the cars. We dive into the adventures, friendships, and unbelievable stories behind finding some of the most unique VWs in the hobby.

From traveling to the Czech Republic to purchase a rare Fridolin Volkswagen, to chasing down a Hebmüller, acquiring historic Split Windows, and taking unforgettable road trips to bring home another piece of Volkswagen history, Eliot shares stories that every air-cooled VW enthusiast will appreciate.

We also talk about the difference between a Volkswagen that is simply rare and one that is truly important. Eliot shares his passion for originality, preservation, documentation, and protecting the stories behind these historic cars for future generations.

But like so many conversations on DubLife Diaries, this episode is ultimately about more than Volkswagens.

It's about the people you meet, the friendships you build, the memories you create with your family, and the community that keeps the Volkswagen hobby alive.

Whether you're into classic Volkswagens, vintage VW collecting, air-cooled cars, Split Windows, Hebmüllers, Fridlins, or simply love hearing incredible stories from passionate people in the VW community, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Every Volkswagen has a story. Eliot Vancil has spent a lifetime collecting them.

🎙️ DubLife Diaries Podcast — Episode 81

🚗 Guest: Eliot Vancil

Follow DubLife Diaries for more conversations with the people, builders, collectors, and personalities who make up the incredible Volkswagen community.

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

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

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

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