In this episode of the Cars and Kicks Show, Jacques Slade, along with Nick Engvall and Erik Valdez, dive into the intersection of sneaker culture and car enthusiasm with Michael Rapetti, the founder of The Motoring Club and Motoring Coffee, one of the coolest a community-driven coffee shop and creative space for car lovers. Michael shares the challenges of entrepreneurship and what drove him to start The Motoring Club, which has evolved to include events and a unique car rental experience. Michael shares insights on building a community, the importance of passion in business, and his aspirations for future growth, and talks about some of his favorite sneakers as well.

https://www.instagram.com/motoringcoffee/

More episodes: https://www.carsxkicks.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Motoring Club

02:01 The Journey of a Sneaker and Car Enthusiast

04:45 Building a Community Around Cars

09:57 Evolving the Business Model

14:46 Lessons Learned as an Entrepreneur

19:20 Creating Unique Events and Experiences

24:06 Engaging Younger Audiences

29:32 The Rental Fleet Dilemma

34:47 Future Plans and Aspirations

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, hosts Jacques Slade, Nick Engvall, and Erik Valdez welcome Jarod DeAnda, the voice of Formula Drift for over 20 years. The conversation explores the intersection of cars, sneakers, and pop culture, delving into the evolution of drifting, its cultural significance, and the role of fashion in motorsports. Jarod shares his journey from announcing Formula Drift to collaborating with various brands, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and networking in the industry. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and the value of relationships in life.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

02:57 Meet the Guest: Jarod DeAnda

05:57 The Evolution of Drifting and Its Culture

08:58 The Intersection of Cars, Kicks, and Pop Culture

12:08 The Role of Fashion in Motorsports

14:58 Authenticity and Networking in the Industry

17:52 The Future of Drifting and Collaborations

21:00 Life Lessons and Personal Growth

23:57 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

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 & Kicks Show, Erik Valdez and Nick Engvall are joined by Armando De La Torre Jr., owner of Guisados and G's On Sunday car events. Armando shares the story of his businesses, as well as how he got into cars, how he got into kicks, and how important giving back to the community is.

Connect with Armando: https://www.instagram.com/dela_art/?hl=en

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

01:22 Meet Armando: A Car Enthusiast's Journey

02:58 Growing Up in L.A.: Car Culture and Influences

05:15 Finding Your Niche: The Allure of Low Riders

09:49 The Art of Car Design and Personal Expression

14:37 Entrepreneurship and the Car Addiction Connection

15:06 Building a Restaurant Empire

18:25 The Evolution of G's on Sunday

22:07 Creating Community Through Car Meets

26:51 The Importance of Inclusivity in Car Culture

31:58 The Journey of Car Enthusiasm

34:15 Embracing Subcultures and Community

35:38 Cultural Exchange Through Cars

39:10 The Evolution of Car Customization

41:06 Daily Drivers and Personal Preferences

43:35 The Quest for the Holy Grail of Cars

45:06 Future Aspirations and Community Growth

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 & Kicks Show, Erik Valdez and Nick Engvall are joined by Pro Bowl linebacker Eric Kendricks, whose passion for cars and sneakers makes him the perfect guest for the show. They discuss his NFL career, how he got into sneakers, his first car purchase after entering the league, and much more. Then they dive into his growing car collection, an incredible story about his family's connection to the Dodge Viper he owns, and how he enjoys working on cars himself. Eric also talks about his latest car purchase, one that might surprise you.

Connect with Eric: https://www.instagram.com/erickendricks/?hl=en

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Cars and Kicks Podcast

02:26 Eric Kendricks: From Football to Car Enthusiast

04:47 The Intersection of Cars and Sneakers

10:12 The Itch for Cars: A Lifelong Passion

14:33 First Big Purchases: From Jeep to GT3 RS

22:20 Family Legacy: The Viper Story

26:33 Preserving Family Legacy Through Cars

28:28 The Thrill of the Hunt: Car Collecting Adventures

30:21 The Joy of Diverse Automotive Interests

32:30 Career Reflections and Future Aspirations

34:39 Dream Cars: The Ultimate Automotive Wishlist

40:50 Sharing the Passion: The Next Generation of Car Enthusiasts

43:06 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Giving Back

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, hosts Jacques, Erik, and Nick explore various themes surrounding sneakers and cars, including the legacy of the Air Jordan, the authenticity in storytelling, and the recent rebranding efforts by Jaguar. They also discuss the acquisition of Foot Locker by Dick's Sporting Goods and the implications of such corporate moves on the sneaker culture. The conversation is lively, with personal anecdotes and insights into the evolving landscape of both industries, culminating in a surprise guest appearance!

Chapters

00:00 Creative Beginnings and Sneaker Culture

02:57 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling

05:51 Jaguar's Rebranding Journey

12:02 The Impact of Rebranding in the Automotive Industry

17:59 Sneaker Pricing Trends and Market Dynamics

27:20 The Price of Nostalgia

30:12 The Impact of Nostalgia on Value

33:35 Authenticity and Personal Connections

39:43 Consumerism vs. Nostalgia

46:49 The Foot Locker and Dick's Sporting Goods Acquisition

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 podcast, hosts Jacques, Erik, and Nick dive into the latest trends in the automotive and sneaker worlds. They discuss the excitement surrounding the recently announced Slate truck, its unique customization options, and how it reflects a shift in consumer preferences. The conversation also touches on the potential for crowdfunding and pre-orders in both the automotive and sneaker industries, exploring how these models could reshape the way consumers engage with products. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights, making for an engaging and informative discussion. In this conversation, the hosts explore the evolution of sneaker culture and its intersection with automotive customization, particularly focusing on the new Slate electric vehicle. They discuss the changing dynamics of sneaker purchasing, the appeal of customization in both sneakers and cars, and the potential impact of electric vehicles on the market. The conversation highlights the importance of personal expression in both sneaker and car cultures and how new technologies are shaping consumer experiences.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Energy Boost

02:54 The Slate Truck: Hype and Customization

06:02 Customization in the Car World

09:13 The Slate's Unique Approach to Vehicles

12:04 Crowdfunding and Pre-Orders in the Automotive World

14:55 Sneaker World: Could Pre-Orders Work?

18:07 The Future of Sneaker Drops and Deposits

22:16 The Evolution of Sneaker Culture

25:02 Customization in Sneakers and Cars

28:49 The Intersection of Passion and Performance

32:46 Electric Vehicles: The Slate Approach

39:07 The Future of Automotive Customization

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, Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall explore the intersection of technology and lifestyle, focusing on the unique experience of attending the Masters golf tournament and the advancements in automotive technology with the introduction of the Sony Honda Mobility AFEELA. They discuss the traditions of golf, the impact of technology on user experience in cars, and the future of automotive innovation. In this conversation, the hosts explore the evolution of car technology, emphasizing the balance between innovation and driver safety. They discuss the future of autonomous vehicles and the integration of technology in cars, while also reflecting on Nike's recent digital shift in sneaker culture. The conversation highlights the intersection of automotive design and sneaker trends, questioning the direction of innovation in both industries.

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks

07:41 Experiencing the Masters: A Unique Golf Tradition

10:14 The Future of Automotive Technology: Sony and Honda's Afila

15:20 Balancing Technology and User Experience in Cars

18:26 The Evolution of Car Technology

21:52 Balancing Technology and Driver Safety

24:55 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles

27:34 Nike's Digital Shift and Sneaker Culture

30:55 The Intersection of Cars and Sneakers

33:36 The Quest for Innovation in Tech

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 podcast, hosts Jacques, Erik, and Nick explore the intersection of sneaker and car culture, focusing on the implications of retro releases. They discuss the recent re-release of the Undefeated 4s and how it parallels the automotive industry's approach to reviving classic models. The conversation delves into the impact of these re-releases on collectors, the importance of storytelling in marketing, and the potential disconnect with the next generation of enthusiasts. Ultimately, they question whether brands are losing touch with their audiences by prioritizing nostalgia over innovation.

Connect with us: https://www.carsxkicks.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Glizzy Hat Reveal

02:17 The Sneaker and Car Connection

04:56 Retro Releases: Sneakers vs. Cars

09:10 The Impact of Re-Releases on Collectors

12:19 Modern vs. Retro: The G Wagon Example

17:54 The Importance of Storytelling in Releases

21:52 Cultural Relevance and the Next Generation

28:45 Closing Thoughts and Future of Collecting

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, host Jacques, Erik, and Nick welcome Aaron Cooper, a former Nike designer known for creating some of Nike Basketball's most iconic sneakers. The conversation delves into Aaron's journey from a creative upbringing to becoming a renowned designer, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of mentorship, and his design philosophy. Aaron shares personal stories about his family, his experiences at Nike, and how he navigates dark days while finding inspiration in creativity. In this conversation, the speakers explore the emotional connections people have with footwear and cars, emphasizing the importance of focusing on people rather than profit. They discuss the role of empathy in design, the balance between intellectual and emotional intelligence in creativity, and the significance of collaboration in the creative process. The conversation also touches on the unique appeal of the Firebird and the solace found in creative pursuits. In this engaging conversation, Aaron Cooper discusses his vision for the future of sports and culture, emphasizing the importance of creativity, community, and listening to the younger generation. He reflects on the transition from play to work, the significance of cultural artifacts, and the legacy he hopes to leave through his design work. The discussion highlights the need for safe spaces for children to play and the power of imagination in fostering creativity.

Connect with Aaron Cooper: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.ac.cooper/

Connect with us: https://www.carsxkicks.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

03:03 Aaron Cooper's Journey to Design

05:48 Creative Upbringing and Early Influences

08:58 The Path to Nike and Early Career

11:56 Overcoming Personal Challenges

14:59 The Importance of Mentorship and Support

17:54 Design Philosophy and Career Choices

21:04 Navigating Dark Days and Finding Light

23:20 The Emotional Connection to Footwear and Cars

24:43 The Importance of People Over Profit

26:50 The Role of Empathy in Design

29:14 Balancing IQ and EQ in Creativity

33:05 Reading Between the Lines in Design Briefs

35:13 The Collective Responsibility in Product Creation

40:03 The Importance of Collaboration in Creativity

41:50 The Unique Appeal of the Firebird

44:32 Finding Solace in Creativity

48:11 Envisioning the Future of Sports and Culture

51:30 The Role of Creativity in Youth Sports

52:40 Listening to Children: The Power of Imagination

54:47 The Transition from Play to Work

56:47 Cultural Artifacts and Community

01:01:23 Legacy and Impact in Design

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 podcast, hosts Jacques, Erik, and Nick welcome Samantha Tan, a professional sports car racer. They discuss her journey into racing, the challenges she faced as a female driver in a male-dominated sport, and the business side of motorsport, including sponsorships and team management. Samantha shares her experiences transitioning from racing Hondas to becoming a global ambassador for BMW, highlighting the importance of success in securing sponsorships and opportunities in the competitive world of racing. In this engaging conversation, Samantha shares her insights on the world of racing, discussing the differences between driving and racing shoes, the importance of custom racing suits, and her aspirations in motorsports. She addresses the pressure she feels as a female driver and team owner, the growing presence of women in racing, and the mental and physical challenges of the sport. Samantha also talks about her training regimen, the specifications of racing cars, and her life off the track, including her passion for music and art. She offers advice to young female racers and discusses how she balances her racing career with her social media presence, all while looking forward to future goals in mentorship and racing success.

Connect With Samantha:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthaatan/?hl=en

IMSA Driver Profile: https://www.imsa.com/drivers/samantha-tan/

Race Team: https://www.st-racing.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

03:01 Samantha Tan: The World of Sports Car Racing

06:09 Journey into Racing: From Passion to Profession

09:09 Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Sport

12:03 Building a Racing Team: The Business Side of Motorsport

15:06 Sponsorships and the Economics of Racing

18:01 Transitioning to BMW: A Full Circle Moment

21:09 The Importance of Winning in Motorsport

23:58 Racing Gear: The Intersection of Style and Function

26:25 The Art of Custom Racing Suits

28:27 Aiming for the Top: Racing Aspirations

30:12 Pressure and Responsibility in Motorsports

32:01 The Growing Presence of Women in Racing

32:55 Challenges of Racing: Mental and Physical Demands

37:07 Training for Racing: Building Mental Fortitude

39:33 Understanding Car Specifications and Performance

44:17 Samantha Off Track: Beyond Racing

45:26 Advice for Young Female Racers

46:14 Balancing Racing and Social Media Presence

47:05 Future Goals: Mentorship and Racing Success

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.