Talking with the School of Transportation

In this episode, we catch up with former students Zafir, Madison, and Joss to find out where life—and the automotive industry—has taken them since leaving the classroom. We talk careers, licensing adventures, unexpected detours, and the lessons that only seem to arrive after something goes sideways. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, some questionable planning, and a reminder that the skills learned in the shop tend to follow you wherever you go. 

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Cheers folks!

In this episode, Harnek and Ian are joined once again by the one and only Jason D’Amico to take some of the mystery out of basic hydraulics. We talk Pascal’s Law, master and slave cylinders, pumps, pressure, spool valves and torque converters—before deciding that anything we still don’t understand must be witchcraft and/or voodoo. Along the way, we learn why you should never battle Pascal with your arm through a steering wheel and somehow end up debating Alien versus Aliens. Listen in—if hydraulics still feels like magic, at least now you’ll know which kind!

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Cheers folks!

We talk with Emma Giordano right after the Centennial skills competition and unpack what it feels like to compete as a new apprentice. We get into confidence, learning habits, and why the urge to rebuild and understand systems can shape the kind of technician you become. 

• taking on a 200 question automotive test as a level one student 
• navigating stations that include unfamiliar diagnostics and automatic transmissions 
• showing up because instructors encourage you and backing yourself anyway 
• using the competition certificate to stand out on a resume or LinkedIn 
• relearning how to study after time away from school and asking questions early 
• what makes fuels and electrical click and why diesel basics surprise people 
• pushing back on the replace it mindset and finding pride in rebuilding 
• dealing with a long commute and building a routine around early studying 
• dream vehicle picks and the TV show that never gets boring 

All right, folks, if you have any questions or comments or recommendations about things we can talk about, you can leave an email. The email is below. 

If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected]. 

Cheers folks!

In this episode we have Arturo Campos on to chat about steering types and components. Be sure to listen in on how the movement gets transferred from the steering wheel to the actual wheels. 

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If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected]. 

Cheers folks!

Join us for a fun conversation about the auto body industry with Daniel. If you don’t know who Mr. Chudy is, he is an accomplished auto body technician and one of the many prolific professors that centennial has in the auto body technician, techniques and repair programs. Stay tuned to the end for some interesting insights on what makes Mr. Chudy… well… Mr. Chudy!

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Cheers folks!

In this episode Harnek travels to the Toronto Congress Center to live podcast from the Centennial College booth! Tune in for some fascinating interviews with students, competitors, faculty and even the President of Centennial College, Craig Stevenson! As always, every year we talk to Aaron Schoenmaker about the Centennial booth and to complete the episode we interview David Weatherhead, Associate Dean at the School of Transportation. Thanks for listening! 

If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected].

Cheers folks!

If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected]. 

Cheers folks!

In this episode Harnek and Ian get the privilege of chatting with the one and only Alex Grupp. Alex is the coordinator for the Motorcycle and Power sports department at Centennial College. We learn about the different programs in the department and have a fun discussion about technology in the trade. Be sure to listen until the end to hear some fantastic answers to the famous final questions!

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If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected]. 

Cheers folks!

In this episode we have returning guests Garrett Nalepka and Justin Gullison back to discuss an important tool that some students can find challenging the DVOM or Digital Volt Ohm Meter. Garrett and Justin both teach the AUTO 106 course that the DVOM is an integral part of. 

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If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected]. 

Cheers folks!

In this episode Harnek and Ian discuss a simple planetary gear set and review some basic gear theory. This episode of the Talking with SOT podcast will be licensed in a special way! Using a Creative Commons license this podcast is open source to be used in any way for students to help understand a simple planetary gear set across the globe! For more information on Open Educational Resources contact [email protected]. 

If you enjoy the podcast or just feel like giving us a 5 star review... It would mean the world to us!

If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected]. 

Cheers folks!

In this episode we have the notorious Jason D'Amico back to chat about master cylinders and the start of the brake system. D'Amico is going on a run to be the most frequent guest!

If you enjoy the podcast or just feel like giving us a 5 star review... It would mean the world to us!

If you have any content or discussion topics contact us at [email protected]. 

Cheers folks!