In this episode of the Cars and Kicks podcast, Erik, Jaqcues, and Nick reconnect after a break, sharing personal updates and discussing their passion for cars and sneakers. They explore the differences between tinkering with cars and racing, the significance of father-son car projects, and the excitement of upcoming guests and content for the podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back to Cars and Kicks

03:07 Life Updates and Podcast Plans

06:01 The Tinkerer vs. The Racer

09:00 Father-Son Car Projects

12:02 The Ultimate Father-Son Car Project

15:09 Upcoming Guests and Future Content

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 reflect on the year in sneakers and cars, focusing on significant collaborations, storytelling in sneaker culture, and the personal connections that make certain releases special. They emphasize the importance of self-expression through both cars and sneakers, celebrating the unique narratives behind their favorite moments of the year. In this conversation, the speakers delve into people's emotional connections with their local cultures, cars, and sneakers. They discuss the significance of personal stories behind products, the impact of innovative collaborations in both fashion and automotive industries, and the polarizing rebranding of Jaguar. The conversation highlights the evolution of lifestyle branding and the importance of connecting with younger generations through shared passions. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolving landscape of car marketing, emphasizing the importance of connecting with younger generations through cultural relevance. They reflect on their experiences at the Luftgekühlt event, highlighting the cross-generational appeal of car culture. The discussion also touches on innovations in the automotive industry, particularly focusing on brands like Rivian and Genesis, and concludes with shoutouts to supporters and a look ahead to 2025.

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://news.carsxkicks.com

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Year-End Episode

02:59 Celebrating Collaborations in Sneakers

05:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Sneaker Culture

09:05 Highlighting Special Releases and Personal Connections

12:02 The Role of Self-Expression in Cars and Kicks

24:05 Exploring Local Culture and Connections

25:55 The Emotional Connection to Cars and Sneakers

27:59 Innovative Collaborations in Fashion and Automotive

30:01 The Importance of Personal Stories

33:08 The Jaguar Rebrand: A Polarizing Moment

39:51 The Evolution of Lifestyle Branding in Automotive

46:10 Connecting Generations Through Passion for Cars and Sneakers

47:05 The Evolution of Car Marketing

50:03 Celebrating Car Culture: The Luftgekühlt Experience

55:37 Cross-Cultural Connections in Cars and Sneakers

01:01:16 Innovations in the Automotive Industry

01:05:01 Shoutouts and Reflections on 2024

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 Cards and Kicks podcast, hosts Jacques, Nick, and Erik dive into the latest happenings in the sneaker and automotive worlds. They discuss the exciting preview of the Kobe 6 Protro in the Dodger colorway and Nike's strategy for the Kobe brand. The conversation shifts to the intersection of sneakers and cars, highlighting athletes who bridge these two worlds, and creative charity initiatives that use sports to make a positive impact. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted debate about the trend of decorating cars with Christmas lights, showcasing the hosts' differing opinions on this festive phenomenon. In this conversation, the hosts explore various themes surrounding car culture, sneaker community dynamics, the impact of lists in both industries, and the evolution of journalism in the digital age. They discuss the holiday spirit reflected in car modifications, the importance of representation in sneaker lists, and the shift towards independent content creation. The conversation culminates in a detailed analysis of a rare Porsche 911 Turbo, highlighting its significance in the collector's market. In this episode, the hosts explore the fascinating world of car and sneaker culture, discussing the surprising emergence of rare cars, the parallels between sneaker collectors and car enthusiasts, and the impact of re-releases on the value of collectibles. They also delve into Ford's recent Nurburgring record, the unveiling of a new Ford Escort, and personal reflections on the end of a beloved TV show.

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://news.carsxkicks.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast

03:00 Sneaker News: Kobe 6 Protro and Nike's Strategy

06:00 The Intersection of Sneakers and Cars

09:01 Athletes Bridging Sports and Automotive Worlds

12:04 Creative Charity Initiatives in Sports

14:58 Holiday Spirit: Cars Decorated with Christmas Lights

19:25 Holiday Spirit and Car Culture

21:23 Sneaker Community Voices and Lists

24:29 The Impact of Lists in Car and Sneaker Culture

30:11 Diversity in Sneaker Representation

34:45 The Evolution of Journalism in Content Creation

39:34 The Shift Towards Independent Content Creation

41:38 Porsche 911 Turbo: A Collector's Dream

45:59 The Surprising World of Hidden Car Gems

48:00 Sneaker Culture: Rare Finds and Comparisons

49:44 The Value of Rarity in Sneakers vs. Cars

51:33 The Impact of Re-releases on Collectibles

56:30 Ford's Nurburgring Record and Competitive Spirit

01:04:51 The New Ford Escort: A Modern Classic

01:06:43 Farewell to Superman and Lois: A Personal Reflection

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.

More info and episodes at: https://www.carsxkicks.com

In this episode of the Cars and Kicks podcast, hosts Jacques, Erik, and Nick discuss the latest happenings in the sneaker and automotive worlds. They delve into the relationship between Adidas and Jerry Lorenzo, the challenges faced by Fear of God sneakers in the market, and the recent collaboration between Puma and Porsche. The conversation also touches on the significance of the Andial collection and its connection to Porsche's racing history, highlighting the intersection of sneaker culture and automotive design. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various topics including the evolution of AMG and its branding, Nike's acquisition of RTFKT and the implications of shutting it down, sneaker market trends, and the hype surrounding Jaguar's concept cars. They discuss the impact of branding on consumer perception and the challenges faced by companies in maintaining excitement while delivering on promises. In this episode, the hosts delve into the cultural significance of Kendrick Lamar's GNX album, exploring its connections to automotive culture and the storytelling behind it. They also discuss the anticipation surrounding the Ford Mustang GTD's performance at the Nürburgring, highlighting the importance of lap times in the automotive community. Finally, they reflect on Lewis Hamilton's illustrious career with Mercedes and the impact of his transition to Ferrari, celebrating his contributions to motorsports and the storytelling within the sport.

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://news.carsxkicks.com/

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

03:03 Adidas and Jerry Lorenzo's Relationship

06:08 Fear of God Sneakers: Design and Market Challenges

09:01 Puma and Porsche Collaboration

11:57 The Andial Collection and Its Significance

22:41 The Evolution of AMG and Its Impact

25:20 Nike's Acquisition of Artifact and Its Implications

28:03 Sneaker Releases and Market Trends

34:15 Jaguar's Concept Cars: Hype vs. Reality

47:46 Exploring the Impact of Kendrick Lamar's G & X Album

57:21 The Anticipation of the Ford Mustang GTD

01:09:08 Reflecting on Lewis Hamilton's Career Transition

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 happenings in the automotive and sneaker worlds. They discuss the recent SEMA show, highlighting innovative builds and technologies, the electrification of classic cars, and the ongoing debate about modifying iconic vehicles. The conversation also touches on the artistry of car customization, particularly the work of RWB, and concludes with a discussion on Jaguar's rebranding efforts and the reveal of the TWR Supercat. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the intricate relationship between brands and culture, particularly focusing on Jaguar's identity crisis and the challenges it faces in rebranding. They delve into the ongoing legal battle between The Shoe Surgeon and Nike, highlighting the implications for customization in the sneaker industry. The discussion emphasizes the need for brands to engage with their communities and adapt to changing consumer preferences, while also addressing the backlash against rebranding efforts in the automotive sector.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

03:02 SEMA Show Highlights

06:02 Innovations in Automotive Technology

09:06 Electrification of Classic Cars

11:52 The Debate on Modifying Iconic Vehicles

15:00 RWB and the Art of Car Customization

18:05 Jaguar's Rebranding and the Supercat Reveal

31:22 The Role of Brands in Cultural Creation

34:40 Jaguar's Identity Crisis and Rebranding Challenges

42:10 The Shoe Surgeon vs. Nike: A Legal Battle

55:50 The Future of Customization and Brand Relationships

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, 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.