Merry Christmas, Slick Talk fans! Today marks a complete year of this podcast, and we couldn't have made it this far without you! In this episode, Blackstone Joe and Kyle (executive producer) break down what it's like to start a show from scratch, how we've kept this show on the road throughout a very chaotic year, and dish on our favorite episodes thus far. Stay tuned till the end of the episode for a bonus segment: Albums of the Year (if you wanted to hear Blackstone Joe dish some hot takes about Led Zeppelin and the Beatles, well this is the show for you!). Thanks for joining us.

As much as Blackstone Joe likes hearing himself talk (which isn't too much, frankly -- hearing yourself talk is nothing short of awkward), he's even more inclined to bring on a guest to help carry the load, so to speak. With that in mind, it was a relief to bring on yet another guest from the world of Blackstone: Josh. He's a report writer, and in this round of introductions Blackstone Joe and Josh talk their favorite reports to write, past gigs, how to handle an odd sample, and more.

Can we find a problem, even one that you didn't ask us to look for? Yes indeed. In this latest sample of Slick Talk, join Joe and Ben as they delve into two separate aircraft samples, wherein we identified some concerning finds and what they suggested. The responses from the customers offered more than just a little vindication for our analysts - it's evidence to anyone out there wondering about used oil analysis and if it's worthwhile. More than worthwhile, it's money well spent in our book.Episode Guide:Intro includes a Ben fun-fact, and what to expect from Blackstone during and just after a holiday - 0-7:00.An aircraft sample with high wear and silicon - what was going on? 8:13-16:57.High aluminum and iron in a Lycoming - 17:36-21:09.Bonus points: Finding and fixing/managing a coolant leak (21:10-26:00), Albums of the Week (26:17-33:05).

For Blackstone customers with an automatic transmission, the frequently asked question has to be "Should I change it?" Listen as Blackstone Joe details the answer, and the data we rely on when making an oil change suggestion.Bonus points: Tattoos and oil reports -- what do these have in common? You'll also find out Blackstone Joe's football team (hint - the mascot is a wild animal but their offense is more akin a stick in the mud). Thanks for listening!

As the title suggests, this episode is a motley mix of topics, both directly about our testing but also what makes us a unique batch of analysts in the industry we call home. Joe is joined once again by Ben, and the two take you through diesel fuel testing, what we look for and why it's important to have diesel fuel tested. This episode also makes the start of a new segment, "Tough Questions" where Joe and Ben details instances where the questions can go a little beyond the data, and how we work to address those situations. Lastly, to help you get to know us a little more, Joe and Ben talk their album of the week. Enjoy!

A tale as old as the industry itself - metals are high in a used oil sample and the next question is: Is this too much? Or, maybe the question will go more like "Is my engine finished?" In some cases the data will be clear, and offer a definitive yes/no to these questions. But what about situations where we have to wait and see if metals don't improve from a sample with high levels? This episode is here to detail the process in determining high levels, the various sources (e.g. poor wear, additives, wear-in) and how it's important to contextualize a high level before writing it off as the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Appetizer: Blackstone Joe returns to the focus of many FAQs, extended oil use and how to approach it. This time Joe found an interesting connection between man and machine, and why we're not all that different when it comes to finding our limits.Main course: To change the oil, or not to change the oil -- that is the question facing many owners of aircraft, vehicles, and boats as the winter season approaches. There is no hard/fast rule for every engine, though. Before proceeding with an oil change, give this show a listen to find out if you really need to, or if it's fine to leave the oil in use until after the winter season is done for.

Exciting news first: We have another Slick Talk giveaway! Steps for entry are easy, you just need to listen to our podcast for the details!Now the topic at hand: The Analyst Mindset. It's common for customers to ask questions that go something like "So, what did you really want to tell me?" Or, the question might be "Give it to me a straight, what's *really* going on here?" With that our host, Blackstone Joe, thought it was a good opportunity to dive into exactly how we approach samples, the information we want to give, and why we'll always give you an honest assessment no matter the good or bad news that might come with.

Do you know when to sample, and why it's important? If not this episode is for you! Join Joe as he breaks down three common scenarios that bring folks into the business, and what keeps them sampling going forward. So if you're an owner of anything that needs oil to do its job, chances are good this episode has more than a few helpful hints and examples to guide you into the wide world of oil analysis.You'll also hear a very important, apparel-related announcement. Thanks for listening!

We use the flashpoint test to determine fuel and how much is present in used engine oil. This test has deep roots in the history of used oil analysis at large, and Blackstone's personal history. If you're interested in uncovering fuel dilution or tracking down a fuel system issue, this episode gives the breakdown of fuel testing and how the entirety of the standard analysis tells you about how contamination might be impacting the engine and oil itself.Episode Guide: Listener Appreciation Segment (1:58)Slick Talk T-shirts! (4:15)Flashpoint definition (5:40)How to find a flashpoint (8:45)Fuel testing in the 50's (10:50)Importance of additives (14:40)Is it a problem to sample cold? 19:00