The Cars and Kicks Podcast

On this episode of the Cars and Kicks Show, Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall, welcome Brett Golliff, a multifaceted designer in the sneaker and automotive industries. The conversation explores Brett's journey from a young artist fascinated by sneakers and cars to his current role in the footwear industry and his experiences at General Motors. The discussion also delves into the current state of the footwear market, Brett's design philosophy, and insights into automotive design, particularly the Corvette. The episode highlights the intersection of passion, design, and community in both industries. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricate processes of design in both the automotive and footwear industries. They discuss the lengthy timelines involved in bringing a product from concept to market, the balance between aesthetics and performance, and the importance of communication and collaboration among team members. Mentorship and the influence of key figures in the design world are also highlighted, emphasizing the need for healthy debate and the willingness to challenge ideas to achieve the best outcomes. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of collaboration in creative processes, emphasizing the importance of communication and healthy discussions among team members. They explore the balance between passion and professionalism, highlighting the need for parameters to channel creativity effectively. The discussion transitions into the journey of learning and teaching, with insights on how personal growth influences teaching methods. The speakers also reflect on generational differences in sports and design, discussing how to connect with younger generations. Finally, they wrap up with quickfire questions that reveal personal insights and experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

06:20 Brett's Journey into Sneakers and Cars

10:00 Current Endeavors and Career Path

15:07 The State of the Footwear Industry

19:02 Brett's Design Philosophy and Background

24:08 Insights on Automotive Design and Corvette Development

25:05 The Long Road to Design

31:06 Balancing Aesthetics and Performance

40:02 The Art of Communication in Design

44:02 Mentorship and Influence in Design

49:48 The Importance of Collaboration in Creative Processes

52:23 Balancing Passion and Professionalism

53:43 The Journey of Learning and Teaching

57:14 Connecting Generations Through Sports and Design

01:03:38 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

On this episode of the Cars and Kicks podcast, hosts Jacques, Erik, and Nick delve into various themes surrounding cars, sneakers, and sports. They discuss the rising costs of electricity in California, the emotional impact of father-son moments in sports, particularly focusing on LeBron and Bronnie James. The conversation shifts to sneaker culture in the NBA, highlighting the influence of players like PJ Tucker. The hosts explore the dilemma of brand loyalty in both the sneaker and car worlds, debating whether to commit to one brand or embrace variety. They also touch on the evolution of personal taste and the practicality of vehicle choices, concluding with thoughts on the future of brand relationships in sports and beyond. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of athlete endorsements, the impact of NIL deals on young athletes, and the global influence of international superstars like Shohei Otani. They delve into Lewis Hamilton's decision to move to Ferrari, the rise of signature sneakers in sports, and the intersection of car culture and content creation. The conversation also touches on the legalities surrounding custom builds and brand protection, concluding with a discussion on creative solutions in brand disputes.All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Electric Cars

03:04 Father-Son Moments in Sports

05:57 Sneaker Culture and NBA Trends

08:58 The Dilemma of Brand Loyalty

12:03 The Evolution of Personal Taste

14:55 The Practicality of Vehicle Choices

18:10 The Future of Brand Relationships

28:07 The Evolution of Athlete Endorsements

30:55 The Impact of NIL Deals on Young Athletes

33:50 International Superstars and Their Global Influence

36:49 Lewis Hamilton's Move to Ferrari

41:07 The Rise of Signature Sneakers in Sports

44:09 The Intersection of Car Culture and Content Creation

50:07 The Legalities of Custom Builds and Brand Protection

55:55 Creative Solutions in Brand Disputes

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

On this episode of the Cars and Kicks Show, Erik, Jacques, and Nick are joined by tuner culture pioneer, RJ de Vera. From buiding cars for the world's biggest brands, to bringing import tuner culture to the mainstream, RJ de Vera has been an integral part of the automotive seen for nearly 3 decades. While you might know him for his role in the original The Fast and The Furious, a film he also consulted on, RJ's influence on the automotive world is as storied as it gets and in his current role as Vice President of Marketing for SEMA, he's bringing the automotive industry into the digital age.

Follow RJ: https://www.instagram.com/rj_devera/?hl=en

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

On this episode of the Cars and Kicks Show, Erik, Jacques, and Nick are invited to a handful of events, including Discount Tire's Treadwell Experience, Hypedrive's Cars & Kicks event at The Motoring Club, as well as the Formula Drift finals at Irwindale Speedway. Plus, this episode is recorded in person on location in Los Angeles!

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

On this episode of the Cars and Kicks podcast, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from the creative process behind their theme song to the impact of NIL deals on women's sports. They discuss the significance of the Curry Brand in sneaker culture and the evolution of signature shoes in basketball. The conversation shifts to the automotive industry, highlighting retro designs and the importance of engaging leadership. The hosts also share their experiences with the Ineos Grenadier and upcoming community events, emphasizing the connection between cars and culture. In this episode, the hosts delve into various themes surrounding automotive innovation, particularly focusing on the use of alternative materials in car design, the evolution of electric vehicles, and the dynamics of weight in racing. They also discuss the Luftgekühlt event, celebrating air-cooled Porsches, and the Porsche Classic Challenge, which highlights the importance of preserving automotive heritage. The conversation wraps up with a comparison of customization in the automotive and sneaker industries, exploring how brands can better engage with their communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Theme Song Creation

02:56 Quick Hit News: NIL and Women's Sports

06:03 Sneaker News: Curry Brand and Signature Shoes

08:53 Automotive News: Retro Designs and CEO Engagement

11:52 Discussion on Leadership and Vulnerability

15:05 Event Recap: Ineos Grenadier Experience

18:10 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

27:05 Innovative Materials in Automotive Design

29:43 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles

31:11 Weight Dynamics in Racing

34:20 Balancing Performance in Racing

39:07 Luftgekühlt: A Celebration of Air-Cooled Porsches

45:42 Porsche Classic Challenge: Preserving Automotive Heritage

51:16 The Future of Customization in Sneakers and Cars

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

On this episode of Cars and Kicks, hosts Jacques, Nick, and Erik delve into the future of sneakers, focusing on ANTA's partnership with Kyrie Irving and the challenges the brand faces in the U.S. market. They discuss the quality of ANTA's products, the cultural perceptions surrounding Chinese goods, and the strategies needed for successful brand positioning. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Luftgekühlt Porsche event, highlighting the intersection of automotive culture and sneaker trends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

03:51 Exploring ANTA and Kyrie's Journey

09:49 ANTA's Market Position and Challenges

16:04 Cultural Perceptions and Brand Identity

22:02 The Future of ANTA in the U.S. Market

27:58 Luftgekühlt Event and Closing Thoughts

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

On this episode of Cars and Kicks, hosts Jacques, Nick, and Erik delve into the future of sneakers, focusing on ANTA's partnership with Kyrie Irving and the challenges the brand faces in the U.S. market. They discuss the quality of ANTA's products, the cultural perceptions surrounding Chinese goods, and the strategies needed for successful brand positioning. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Luftgekühlt Porsche event, highlighting the intersection of automotive culture and sneaker trends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

03:51 Exploring ANTA and Kyrie's Journey

09:49 ANTA's Market Position and Challenges

16:04 Cultural Perceptions and Brand Identity

22:02 The Future of ANTA in the U.S. Market

27:58 Luftgekühlt Event and Closing Thoughts

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

In this episode of Cars and Kicks, the Jacues Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall, discuss a range of topics from childhood memories to grievances with electric cars, particularly Tesla's 12-volt battery issues. They delve into Nike's leadership challenges and the implications of recent changes in the sneaker industry. The conversation shifts to the automotive world, highlighting the impact of leadership on company culture and performance, with a focus on Hoonigan's bankruptcy and Genesis's commitment to racing. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of details in both the sneaker and automotive industries, emphasizing the connection between performance and brand success.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Cars and Kicks

02:36 Grievances in the Electric Car World

08:12 Nike's Leadership Challenges

15:54 The Impact of Leadership in Automotive

23:47 Hoonigan's Bankruptcy and Its Implications

50:13 Genesis Racing Commitment and Future Prospects

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

In this episode of The Cars and Kicks Show, Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall discuss the intersection of cars and sneakers. They talk about the recent collaboration between Porsche and Puma to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo. They also discuss the trend of wearing merchandise from events or brands that people haven't actually experienced, and how it relates to the car and sneaker world. They touch on early collaborations between the sneaker and automotive world, such as the Reebok Insta Pump Fury Carbon Fiber and the Lotus Formula One team shoes. They also mention recent collaborations like the Nissan x New Balance 327. Overall, they express their excitement for the blending of the car and sneaker worlds and the potential for future collaborations. The conversation explores the differences between European and American car culture and the lack of sneaker and automotive collaborations in the US. It mentions the collaboration between Crocs and NASCAR, as well as the partnership between Puma and European car brands. The hosts discuss the functional design of driver-centric shoes like the Puma Speedcat and the history of Nike's involvement in NASCAR. They also touch on the potential for future collaborations with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. The episode concludes with a reminder to subscribe to the podcast and follow the hosts on social media.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Random Intro Songs

02:29 Introducing the Cars and Kicks Podcast

02:58 Collaboration between Porsche and Puma

05:47 Wearing Merchandise from Events or Brands You Haven't Experienced

11:38 The Blending of the Car and Sneaker Worlds

18:31 The Evolution of Car and Sneaker Collaborations

23:17 The Mainstream Appeal of Car and Sneaker Collaborations

28:29 Looking Forward to Future Collaborations

30:01 Excitement for the Blending of the Car and Sneaker Worlds

30:08 NASCAR and Car Collaborations

31:05 The Kobe Bryant and Nike Aston Martin Collab

32:29 Ken Block and DC Shoes

33:25 European Car Culture vs. American Car Culture

36:14 The Association Between K-Swiss and Gang Culture

38:15 Puma's European Car Collaborations

44:18 Nike's Involvement in NASCAR

48:15 The Difference Between European and American Car Culture

51:47 Crocs and NASCAR Partnership

56:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Get in touch: [email protected]

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

In this episode, the hosts introduce their guest, Peter Chaney, who shares his passion for both cars and kicks. Peter discusses his background in sneakers and cars, including his love for Jordans and his early experiences with modifying cars. He also talks about his role as the director of content creation for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, where he oversees a team of content creators. The hosts and Peter discuss their shared interests and the importance of storytelling in both the sneaker and automotive industries. Peter Chaney started his career in the automotive industry by working at a dealership and helping with various tasks. He eventually landed a job as a product specialist for Hyundai, where he became involved in the creative process and started doing photography and video work. With his expertise in cars and production, he helped start the content creator role at Hyundai and now leads a team of seven content creators. Hyundai has been focusing on electrification and has made significant strides in the past decade. However, the lack of charging infrastructure and limited access to charging stations are still barriers to widespread adoption of electric vehicles. In this conversation, Peter Chaney discusses the shift towards electrification in the automotive industry and the challenges and opportunities it presents. He mentions that companies like Honda and Toyota are not fully embracing electric cars and are instead focusing on plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. He also talks about the importance of making electric cars exciting for enthusiasts and the role of sound and other features in creating a unique driving experience. The conversation also touches on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and its innovative features, such as virtual gears and simulated engine sounds. Peter offers advice for aspiring car photographers and emphasizes the importance of starting with what you love and experimenting with different techniques. The conversation concludes with a discussion about sim racing and the growing popularity of virtual racing experiences.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Cars and Kicks

02:55 Nick's Bucket List Trip

05:07 Touring Nike Campus

08:01 Community and Cars

13:12 Introducing Peter Cheney

18:08 Peter's Transition to Hyundai

22:34 Shared Interests and Full Circle

23:59 From Dealership to Content Creator

28:05 Hyundai's Strides in Electrification

32:08 Hyundai's Embrace of Performance and Tuning

36:21 The Importance of Charging Infrastructure

47:02 The Shift Towards Electrification

48:30 Making Electric Cars Exciting

53:18 The Innovative Features of the Hyundai IONIQ 5

01:02:46 Tips for Aspiring Car Photographers

01:06:30 The Growing Trend of Sim Racing

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

About Peter Chaney:

“Growing up as a kid of the 80’s and 90’s I was a big Jordan fan and my obsession with sneakers was after the Jordan 3. As a kid I started to play sports at 4 and my parents got me the flyest shoes based on my favorite athletes at the time. Deion Sanders and Bruce Smith cleats and sneakers. I had the Rodman gloves and by the time the Jordan 12’s came out my dad and I wore the same size shoes and Sportsmart had a buy 1 get the 2nd pair 50% off and my Jordan obsession started. I still wear and buy a lot or Jordan’s til this day but am more of a dunk guy and obscure drops that nobody really cares about. I wear what I like and can care less about following the trend.

My love and passion for cars didn’t really start until I was 13. My family were never big car enthusiast just used them for transportation even tho my dad was from Michigan and a big Cadillac guy. The movie Bad Boys came out in 1995 and the fact that a black man could own a Porsche really gave me the idea that one day I would own one. Almost 2 decades later and about 9 cars later I had the means to buy one and got a black 997.1 Turbo.

Currently I have been in the automotive industry for roughly 19 years and my Job title is Director on Content Creation for Hyundai and Genesis agency of record.”

The Cars and Kicks Podcast is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.