Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning

Desi Allazetta on Sports, Baseball Nephew, Car Sketches & Copperstate Plans (starts at 1:52:06)

In this easygoing Hard Parking episode, Jhae Pfenning chats with Desi Allazetta (@dez0019) about growing up playing basketball and club soccer, why he never became a huge spectator, and the joy of watching his talented 14-year-old nephew crush it in baseball — including time on the USA national 12U team. They also dive into creative car sketches from high school students and look ahead to grabbing beers at the Copperstate 1000.

Timestamps:

• 1:52:06 — "I love sports, dude. I'm the sports guy" + childhood basketball & soccer stories
• 1:58:00 — Never watching sports like his peers
• 2:00:30 — Nephew's baseball all-star journey & USA national team
• 2:06:00 — Baseball never clicked for Desi as a kid
• 2:11:45 — High school students' cool (and abstract) car sketches
• 2:17:30 — Challenges of drawing complex car shapes
• 2:20:15 — Wrapping up & Copperstate 1000 plans

Links:
Desi Allazetta on Instagram (car-focused): https://www.instagram.com/dez0019/
Copperstate 1000 Car Show & Rally: https://cs1000.gorallying.com/

On My Block & S.W.A.T. Star Steve Villegas: No BS Episode Description

Actor Steve Louis Villegas (known for "Sad Eyes" on Netflix's On My Block and recurring roles on CBS's S.W.A.T.) joins Jhae Pfenning in the Hard Parking Pod studio right after the Lowrider Show for a raw, no-holds-barred conversation. From grinding as a background extra, balancing family life with auditions, to landing major recurring gigs without changing who he is, Steve breaks down Hollywood's real side—including fake friendships, influencer dominance, typecasting, and AI threatening background work. He stays grounded, refuses to kiss ass, and shares what drives him as a father while still chasing meaningful opportunities.

Chapters

1. 00:00 – Studio Intro & Lowrider Show Arrival
2. 02:16 – Catching Up & First Meeting Memories
3. 05:19 – Fame, Humility & Fan Interactions
4. 10:42 – Origin Story & Early Inspiration
5. 15:47 – Breaking In: Background Work & SAG Journey
6. 23:59 – Key Connections & Church Networking
7. 30:36 – Landing On My Block & S.W.A.T. Breakthrough
8. 35:52 – On-Set Stories & Table Reads
9. 45:00+ – Hollywood Realities: Fake vs. Real, Social Media Shift
10. 1:33:31 – What's Next, Family Focus & Closing Thoughts

About Steve Villegas

Steve Louis Villegas is best known for "Sad Eyes" on On My Block and Marcos Guzman on S.W.A.T.. A dedicated father active in the lowrider scene, he remains one of the most authentic voices in acting today.

IMDb | Instagram

Shows & Movies Discussed

• On My Block (Netflix)
• S.W.A.T. (CBS)
• The Tax Collector (2020)

Contact

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hardparking.com
Patreon: patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardparkingpod/
YouTube: youtube.com/@HardParking

In the latest Hard Parking episode, Jhae dives into big automotive headlines: the NHTSA's investigation into over 137,000 Acura TLX and MDX models for intermittent all-wheel-drive failures, sharing his own experiences with the glitch on a 2023 MDX. He breaks down Honda's shocking cancellation of the Zero Series EVs—including the 0 SUV, 0 Saloon, and Acura RSX—citing EV market struggles, infrastructure limits, and a smarter pivot to hybrids. Jhae recounts the family vehicle hunt, from Toyota test drives to landing a sleek new 2026 Acura MDX A-Spec with Advance package upgrades like massaging seats. He also delivers a fun, honest review of renting a Suzuki Jimny in Costa Rica, praising its off-road prowess despite its quirks like slow acceleration and CarPlay delays. What do you think about Honda ditching those EVs—smart move or missed opportunity?

• 00:00 - 00:45 - Intro & opening banter
• 00:45 - 01:43 - Sponsor segment (tech/business service)
• 01:43 - 02:19 - Episode focus intro & transition to car topics
• 02:19 - 05:06 - Acura AWD investigation & personal MDX experience
• 05:06 - 07:56 - Honda cancels Zero Series EVs (0 SUV, Saloon, Acura RSX) & host's take on EV/hybrid future
• 07:56 - 09:49 - Scottsdale photo ticket story & Barrett-Jackson anecdote
• 09:49 - 15:23 - New vehicle shopping process & leasing another 2026 Acura MDX A-Spec Advance
• 15:23 - 23:22 - Suzuki Jimny rental review in Costa Rica (pros, cons, driving experiences, recommendations)
• 23:22 - End - Closing thoughts, calls to action, Patreon/supporter mentions, sign-off

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.hardparking.com
• Patreon: patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast
• Instagram: @hardparkingpod
• YouTube: youtube.com/@HardParking

Thanks for listening! Subscribe, rate/review, and join us next week. Drop your thoughts on Honda's EV shift below!

EP315

Costa Rica Trip Recap: Jimny Rental, Volcano Resorts & Kat Cox In Studio

In this episode, Jhae Pfenning is back from Costa Rica and breaks it all down with in-studio guest Kat Cox (Katherine Cox), a longtime supporter who's also spent time there. From Suzuki Jimny rental adventures, cold showers at Magic Mountain Resort, ATV tours, natural hot springs at Baldi, making chocolate from cocoa beans, monkey sightings, beach days at Playa Conchal, insane roads & Waze fails, to airport traffic nightmares — plus side tangents on movies, skiing, and a classic Nicaragua joke.

We also touch on Ford's huge 4.4 million vehicle recall (mostly F-150 & Super Duty trucks) due to a trailer software glitch — check the link below.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Intro & laughs
• 00:44 - Ford recall news (4.4M vehicles)
• 01:55 - Spark Forge ad
• 03:14 - Kat Cox joins + Costa Rica coffee lure
• 05:20 - CR income disparity & San Jose chaos
• 07:19 - Suzuki Jimny rental review
• 09:11 - Skiing vs. snowboarding stories
• 10:55 - Movie review: One Battle After Another
• 16:15 - Resort fails: Magic Mountain cold showers
• 19:51 - Couples massage & hot springs (Baldi)
• 21:33 - ATV tour, iguanas, sloths
• 24:24 - Chocolate tour & making our own
• 28:25 - Roads in CR, Waze fails
• 32:26 - Monkeys, coati, beaches (Playa Conchal)
• 37:24 - Food, drinks, prices in CR
• 46:18 - Resort parking design rant
• 49:35 - Cars in CR (Everest, Prado, Kia trucks)
• 50:46 - Nicaragua joke & no military fun fact
• 52:21 - Hot tub kids, Canadians fleeing Trump?
• 56:41 - Airport traffic nightmare & Waze distrust
• 01:00:28 - Travel reflections & future plans
• 01:19:58 - Kat Cox wrap-up & thanks
• 01:24:32 - Closing sponsors, Patreon shoutouts

Ford Recall Reference

Ford recalls 4.4 million vehicles over faulty software (CBS News, Feb 2026):
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ford-vehicle-recall-software-issue-february-2026

Main Show Sponsors

• Right Honda: https://righthonda.com/
• Right Toyota: https://www.righttoyota.com/
• Arcus Foundry: https://arcusfoundry.com
• Autocannon Official Gear: https://shop.autocannon.com/

Contact Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.Hardparking.com
• Patreon: www.patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast/
• Instagram: instagram.com/hardparkingpod/
• YouTube: youtube.com/@HardParking

Thanks for listening! Subscribe, rate/review, and join us next week.

Hard Parking Podcast – Episode 314

Puerto Vallarta Chaos, StopTech Shutdown & One Less Car Show Success

Jhae shares thoughts and prayers for friends in Puerto Vallarta amid explosive cartel violence following the killing of "El Mencho" [](https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/16/americas/pokemon-card-logan-paul-record-auction-intl-hnk). Full recap of the 8th One Less Car Show & Food Drive – nearly 100K meals raised toward 150K goal (donations still open: give.unitedfoodbank.org/event/2026-oneless-car-show). Shoutouts to community partners, ELG Accident Attorneys and NFL Offensive Lineman, Will Hernandez. Relationships and full context over viral clips – as always.

Key Chapters

• 00:00 – Intro & Puerto Vallarta Thoughts/Prayers
• 02:30 – Spark Forge Sponsor
• 04:32 – StopTech Brakes Shuts Down
• 07:20 – Logan Paul $16.5M Pokémon Card Sale
• 08:12 – One Less Car Show & Food Drive Recap + Donation Info
• 12:40 – Power of Partnerships & Community
• 21:37 – Clips vs. Full Context + Show Thoughts
• 27:21 – Wrap-Up, Sponsors & Contact

Support & Connect

Brought to you by: Right Honda, Right Toyota, Spark Forge, Autocannon Official Gear

Patreon: patreon.com/hardparking ($3/month unlocks perks!)

Website: www.HardParking.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @hardparkingpod

YouTube: @HardParking

One Drink Wednesday lives – follow for updates!

Thanks for listening – drive safe, stay real. 🚗🎙️

Hard Parking Episode 313

Jhae Pfenning is back with his high-energy solo intro and special guest Andre "Dre" Mullins (aka Dre Day) for another unforgettable episode of Hard Parking. This one fires on all cylinders—cars, culture, controversy, and real talk.

Jhae delivers a no-holds-barred rant on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show: the electric energy, set design, crowd reactions, political hypocrisy on both sides, and why it still ranks as one of the all-time greats despite the backlash. He compares it to legendary (and bizarre) past performances, including the 1995 Disney/Indiana Jones halftime spectacular.

Dre jumps in for wide-ranging conversation: the decline of originality in music (heavy sampling vs. the one-artist/producer era of the 80s/90s Grammys), the NFL’s Pro Bowl turning into flag football, and his standout experience at the Southwest Speed Festival—track action, time attack, open-wheel racing, and why it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Car fans eat good too: Dre’s daily-driven Acura NSX philosophy (maintainer, not show queen), upcoming Arizona car events, an honest take on the new 2026 Honda Prelude (design, target buyer, and actual sales numbers), plus real-world advice on Dre’s wife’s next vehicle search (MDX lease ending— Kia Telluride? Lexus TX? Acura MDX Type S?).

The vibe is fun, honest, and charismatic—exactly why listeners love having Dre on the show.

Key moments include:

• Unfiltered Super Bowl halftime analysis

• Mind-blowing AI video demos (celebrity fight scenes and more realistic than ever)

• Car culture, charity events, and community

• Lease vs. buy debates and dealership insights

Whether you’re into JDM icons, modern performance cars, or just great conversation, this episode is a must-listen.

Chapters (Timestamps)

• 00:00:00 — Intro & Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Rant (Energy, Politics & Hypocrisy)
• 00:13:38 — Psy Dance 2.0 / AI Breaks the Internet
• 00:16:08 — Dre Mullins on the Grammys Then vs. Now
• 00:22:22 — Pro Bowl Flag Football Era & NFL Changes
• 00:23:57 — Dre Mullins recaps the Southwest Speed Festival
• 00:31:58 — Honda Prelude Hot or Not
• 00:42:02 — Wife’s Next Car Search: Telluride, Lexus NX, MDX Type S
• 00:51:05 — Lease vs. Buy Philosophy

Referenced Articles & Videos

• Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Viewership: Nielsen data showed 128.2 million average viewers for the halftime window (one of the top 4 most-watched ever, strong social media records with billions of views).
  Sources: ESPN, ABC News
• Kyle Brandt Commentary on Bad Bunny & Halftime History: His X post highlighting the 1995 show as a wild comparison.
• 1995 Super Bowl Halftime Show (Indiana Jones & the Temple of the Forbidden Eye): Full promotional spectacle with Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett, and Disneyland ride tie-in.
  Watch here: YouTube – 1995 Super Bowl Halftime
• 2026 Honda Prelude Sales: 174 units in December (first full month), 216 in January. Pricing starts around $43,195; annual target 4,000–5,000 units.
  Sources: Honda News, Carscoops, Autoblog
• Toyota GR Supra Early Sales: ~2,884 units in partial 2019 launch year (strong initial demand despite mixed reviews).
  Source: GoodCarBadCar.net sales data

Connect with Jhae Pfenning & Hard Parking

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.Hardparking.com
• Patreon (bonus audio + swag): www.patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast/
• Instagram: instagram.com/hardparkingpod/
• YouTube: youtube.com/@HardParking
• Personal IG: Search @JhaePfenning (or the handle mentioned in episodes)

Drop a review on Apple or Spotify if you enjoyed it, and tell a friend!
New episodes drop weekly. Thanks for parking with us. 🚗💨

Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning – Episode 312

Drew Bunkley is back in the studio! After leaving Carvana, Drew dives into his exciting pivot to AI and app development under his new brand Tread & Torque. We talk:

• How he's using AI (Gemini Pro, Nano Banana Pro & more) to go from zero coding experience to building & testing full apps in months Tread & Torque / AI projects: https://treadandtorqueinvest.com
• The vehicle wrap visualizer app – upload your car photo, apply custom colors/logos, get realistic previews (game-changer for wrap shops & clients – far beyond Tire Rack visuals)
• Couch Play Pro – the couples app designed to fight "couch disconnect" with interactive games, trivia, TikTok challenges, date-night planners, dream trip builders & AI-generated itineraries
• His hilarious AI character Lil Z – a sassy mini Corvette ZR1 doll that comes alive, trash-talks at car shows & stars in short videos (check the intro clip!)

Jhae celebrates turning 50 with an epic birthday weekend recap – huge thanks to Wes Tankersley, the One Drink Wednesday crew, friends from near & far, family, and everyone who made it special.

Also in this episode:

• The real challenges of being NSX Club president & pushing sustainable change
• OneLess charity car show & food drive for United Food Bank – Feb 21, Mesa, AZ (register & donate!)
• Super Bowl thoughts, Drew’s new fantasy plays draft app, and a rant on the flag-football Pro Bowl

Timestamps / Chapters

• 00:00 – Intro & weekend vibes
• 02:24 – Drew’s career shift from Carvana to AI & apps
• 05:55 – Adult learning in AI – from prompts to full app creation
• 08:56 – Vehicle wrap visualizer deep dive
• 11:37 – Couch Play Pro: reconnecting couples through tech
• 15:47 – Fear of change & betting on yourself
• 19:48 – Little Z character & AI video content
• 21:27 – NSX Club presidency, changes & challenges
• 29:04 – One Last Thing United Food Bank car show (Feb 21)
• 35:19 – Jhae turns 50 – epic birthday recap
• 40:05 – Super Bowl app, predictions & wrap-up

Main Show Sponsors

• Right Honda: https://righthonda.com/
• Right Toyota: https://www.righttoyota.com/
• Arcus Foundry: https://arcusfoundry.com
• Autocannon Official Gear: https://shop.autocannon.com/

Contact Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.Hardparking.com
• Patreon: www.patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast/
• Instagram: instagram.com/hardparkingpod/
• YouTube: youtube.com/@HardParking

Hard Parking – cars, culture, real talk. New episodes weekly. Subscribe, like, and share to help grow the show. Let's keep the parking lot full! 🚗💨 #HardParking #AIinCars #CouchPlayPro #LittleZ #JhaeTurns50

Car Kill Switch Debate, Social Manipulation & Super Bowl 2026 Preview | Hard Parking Ep 311 w/ Talk2Q

After missing the Southwest Speed Festival—big thanks to Jorge Aquino from Tormenting Tarmac for covering.

This episode dives beyond cars: blowback from the last show sparks a rant on tribalism, mature conversations, and why Hard Parking covers society-shaping issues. Discussion on social media manipulation via a circulating photo of Alex Pretti (the Minneapolis nurse killed in a January 2026 incident involving Border Patrol agents)

Wild news: A guy impersonating an FBI agent tried to break Luigi Mangione (UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter) out of jail using a barbecue fork and pizza cutter.

Car News: A 2016 Honda Civic in Philly flash-frozen by a water main break—now an impromptu photo op.

Deep dive on the "Car Kill Switch" bill (from 2021 Infrastructure Act, Section 24220)—mandating passive impaired-driving tech in new cars ~2026-2027 to stop drunk driving. Not remote government control; onboard sensors detect BAC/impaired behavior and prevent operation. Pros: Saves lives (MADD support). Cons: Privacy, false positives, costs, slippery slope (critics like Rep. Thomas Massie). Recent repeal efforts failed. (More: congress.gov)

Recurring guest Quincy from Talk2Q Radio Show joins for the big post-season wrap:

• Bill Belichick snubbed from first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026—pettiness over Spygate/Deflategate? (ESPN)
• Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders lands a surprise Pro Bowl spot as a replacement—popularity pick? (ESPN)
• College football: Indiana's historic undefeated 16-0 season ends with first national title, beating Miami 27-21 in CFP final—Fernando Mendoza shines, Carson Beck's late INT hurts. (ESPN Recap)
• NFL Super Bowl LX preview: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (Feb 8, 2026, Levi's Stadium). Leaning Seahawks for dynamic defense, JSN receivers, and Sam Darnold's Cinderella story; Pats strong with Drake Maye stepping up. (Patriots.com Preview)

#HardParking #CarCulture #SuperBowlLX #CarKillSwitch #Talk2Q

Key Chapters:

• 00:00 - Intro & Bronchitis Update
• 03:20 - Blowback on Last Episode & Tribalism Rant
• 05:00 - Social Manipulation: Alex Pretti Photo Breakdown
• 08:30 - Wild News: FBI Impersonator Jailbreak Attempt
• 10:15 - Ice Story & Car Kill Switch Bill Deep Dive (with Grok summary)
• 14:20 - Guest Intro: Quincy from Talk2Q
• 15:00 - Bill Belichick Hall of Fame Snub
• 18:50 - Shedeur Sanders Pro Bowl Surprise
• 20:50 - College Football Wrap: Indiana's National Title Win
• 26:00 - Super Bowl LX Preview: Pats vs. Seahawks

Main Show Sponsors

• Right Honda: https://righthonda.com/
• Right Toyota: https://www.righttoyota.com/
• Arcus Foundry: https://arcusfoundry.com
• Autocannon Official Gear: https://shop.autocannon.com/

Contact Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.Hardparking.com
• Patreon: www.patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast/
• Instagram: instagram.com/hardparkingpod/
• YouTube: youtube.com/@HardParking

Join Jhae Pfenning for a raw solo episode of Hard Parking recorded right after Arizona Car Week 2026. Recap the magic of The Warehouse artists event, the exclusive Radford party at Pat & Linda Velasco's (Yamazaki 18 pours included), meeting automotive legends like Chip Foose, the talented artist Rae Roberts, and insane full-circle coincidences that scream "simulation" — from Grand Rapids ties to Nebraska connections at a Scottsdale house party.

Plus, time at Barrett-Jackson with friends (golf cart adventures included), spotting the red hat in a polarized world, and real talk on tribalism, the American flag, political division, and why genuine conversations beat echo chambers every time. Car community vibes, networking wins, and a reminder to seek context before judgment.

Subscribe for more Hard Parking: automotive stories, reality checks & no-BS takes.

#ArizonaCarWeek #BarrettJackson #carcommunity

• 00:00 Intro & Why I'm Still Introducing Myself in 2026
• 04:15 Radford Party – Yamazaki 18 & Meeting Legends
• 07:20 Convinced We're in a Simulation? The Coincidences Start Piling Up
• 19:00 Barrett-Jackson Day: The Red Hat Moment
• 21:50 Polarization in America: MAGA Hats, First Responder Plates & Tribalism Dangers
• 27:00 American Flag & Why We Need Context
• 30:00 Final Thoughts: Seek Information, Have Conversations, Protect Friendships

Right Honda: https://righthonda.com/

Right Toyota: https://www.righttoyota.com/

Arcus Foundry: https://arcusfoundry.com

Autocannon Official Gear: https://shop.autocannon.com/

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.Hardparking.com

Patreon: www.patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast/

Instagram: instagram.com/hardparkingpod/

YouTube: youtube.com/@HardParking

In this episode of Hard Parking, host Jhae Pfenning sits down with Rebecca Nguyen, co-founder of The Warehouse in Mesa, AZ, to discuss her journey from the Future Collector Car Show in 2016 to building the venue into a premier collector car storage facility, social hub, and event space housed in a historic citrus warehouse. They explore Arizona Car Week's growth, the debut of the six-day Art House Collective art exhibition (January 20-25, 2026), and Rebecca's thoughtful approach to curating inclusive events that welcome enthusiasts from all levels, from exotics to family-friendly gatherings. The conversation delves deeper into personal reflections, including the importance of community connections, memories built over a decade, parenthood, and concerns about AI's societal impact, technology's future, and creating positive change. Jhae closes by praising Rebecca's relentless drive and loyalty, encouraging listeners to revisit her 2021 appearance (episode 99) for more on her origins.

Follow Rebecca on social media:

Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/driven.by.becca/Instagram:⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thewarehouse.az/

Chapters:

• 0:00 Intro, Arizona Car Week Buzz & RAPID Act Discussion
• 4:15 Catching Up with Rebecca Nguyen at The Warehouse
• 9:30 10-Year Full Circle: From Future Collector Car Show to Partner
• 15:45 Building The Warehouse: Storage, Social Hub & Community Vision
• 22:00 Arizona Car Week 2026 – Art House Collective & Elevated Events
• 28:20 Event Curation: Inclusivity from Exotics to Family-Friendly
• 35:10 Challenges, Memories & Making Positive Impact
• 41:30 Deep Dive: AI, Society, Parenthood & Future Worries
• 47:50 Rebecca's Drive & Why Connections Matter
• 51:00 Wrap-Up, Shoutouts & Thanks to Rebecca Nguyen

Discussed in this episode

Rebecca Nguyen's first appearance on Hard Parking (Episode 99 – "Rebecca Nguyen is Print Driven," December 13, 2021):

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNZZV-CqWrY
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebecca-nguyen-is-print-driven/id1477527835?i=1000544786155
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/736w0kYvwcaZnOogSOTwGW?si=ch-UcqgeQbqUiIKc8o1Gnw

(Great for listeners wanting the full-circle backstory from her Future Collector Car Show days.)

Arizona Autobahn Act / House Bill 2059 (RAPID Act):

The Reasonable and Prudent Interstate Driving (RAPID) Act, introduced by Rep. Nick Kupper on January 16, 2026, proposes derestricted daytime speed zones for non-commercial vehicles on select rural interstates (pilot on I-8), with night limits at 80 mph, stricter penalties for reckless driving, and annual safety audits—inspired by Germany's Autobahn but with safeguards.

Full article: https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/new-bill-could-bring-autobahn-style-roads-to-arizona/

Main Show Sponsors:

• Right Honda: https://righthonda.com/
• Right Toyota: https://www.righttoyota.com/
• Arcus Foundry: https://arcusfoundry.com
• Autocannon Official Gear: https://shop.autocannon.com/

Contact Hard Parking with Jhae Pfenning:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.Hardparking.com
• Patreon: www.patreon.com/hardparkingpodcast/
• Instagram: instagram.com/hardparkingpod/
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HardParking

Don't miss The Warehouse's Art House Collective during Arizona Car Week—running January 20-25, 2026! Head to Mesa for automotive art, culture, and community.