The MF Show

026 - Mario Andretti

On this episode of the MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Mario Andretti to talk about one of the most influential careers in motorsports history and the mindset that carried him through decades of racing at the highest level.From his early beginnings after immigrating to the United States to becoming one of the few drivers to win across multiple disciplines, Mario reflects on the experiences that shaped his career and his approach to competition. The conversation covers everything from IndyCar and Formula One to stock cars and endurance racing, along with the adaptability required to succeed in completely different types of machinery and environments.Mario shares insight into racing during an era when drivers competed constantly, often across multiple series at the same time, developing a level of versatility that is rarely seen today. He talks about mechanical understanding, risk, preparation, and the importance of confidence behind the wheel, while also reflecting on how motorsports and automotive culture have evolved over the years.Rich, Jerry, and Mario also dive into the emotional side of racing, including the highs, setbacks, and sacrifices that come with competing at the top for so long. Beyond the victories and championships, the discussion becomes a broader conversation about longevity, passion, and maintaining the drive to keep pushing forward.This episode is a rare look into the career and perspective of one of the most respected figures in motorsports, told through decades of experience both on and off the track.

025 - Andy Buckworth

On this episode of the MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Andy Buckworth to talk about the connection between action sports and car culture, and how his background in BMX naturally led him deeper into the automotive world.While Andy built his name in BMX, a lot of his perspective carries directly into how he approaches cars. He talks about getting into vehicles through the same mindset that drove his riding, focusing on feel, control, and progression rather than just specs or trends. What started as an interest outside of riding grew into a genuine passion for driving, modifying, and understanding cars from a driver’s standpoint.The conversation dives into how skills from BMX translate behind the wheel, from reading terrain and reacting quickly to understanding balance and control at speed. Andy shares insight into the types of cars he gravitates toward, how his taste has evolved, and why driving experience matters more to him than numbers on paper.Rich, Jerry, and Andy also get into the overlap between the two cultures, where creativity, individuality, and pushing limits define both worlds. From building confidence through repetition to learning through trial and error, the parallels between riding and driving become a central theme throughout the episode.This episode is a look at how a background in BMX can shape the way someone approaches cars, and how that same mindset carries over into building, driving, and enjoying vehicles at a deeper level.

024 - Jason Campbell & Kyle Jergensen

On this episode of the MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Jason Campbell, co-founder of Camburg, and Kyle Jergensen, the driver of the Camburg race program, to talk about what it takes to build and race at a high level in desert racing.Jason and Jerry break down the origins of Camburg and how it grew from a small operation into one of the most respected names in off road performance. From early fabrication work to developing suspension systems that can handle the demands of modern desert racing, they share insight into the evolution of the brand and the mindset required to stay competitive over time.Kyle brings the driver perspective, walking through his experience behind the wheel and what it takes to consistently perform in some of the toughest racing conditions. With a strong track record across multiple events, he talks about racecraft, preparation, and the importance of trust between driver, vehicle, and team.The conversation moves between the shop and the race course, covering how vehicles are developed, tested, and refined through real world racing. From suspension setup to durability and consistency, Jason and Kyle explain how feedback from competition directly influences the next iteration of their builds, and ultimately in Camburg products.This episode is a straightforward look at the connection between building and racing, and how a team like Camburg continues to evolve by staying rooted in both.

023 - Mickey Andrade

On this episode of the MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Mickey Andrade from Throtl and Round Cat Garage to talk about the evolution from car enthusiast to builder, and ultimately, to running multiple projects within the automotive space.Mickey breaks down how his passion for cars started early and developed through hands-on experience, learning by doing rather than following a traditional path. What began with personal builds and experimentation grew into a deeper involvement with Throtl, where he became part of a team producing high volume automotive content while still staying connected to the core of car culture.The conversation also dives into Round Cat Garage and how that project reflects a more personal approach to building, with a focus on style, execution, and individuality. Mickey talks about balancing creativity with practicality, the differences between building for content versus building for yourself, and how his taste has evolved over time.Rich, Jerry, and Mickey get into the realities of working in and around automotive media, while still maintaining credibility as a builder and enthusiast. From shop life to project direction, Mickey shares insight into what it takes to stay consistent, keep improving, and build cars that actually resonate.This episode offers a straightforward look at the intersection of building, content, and car culture through the perspective of someone actively navigating all three.

022 - Aaron Kaufman

On this episode of the MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Aaron Kaufman to talk about the path that took him from working in a driveway to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in automotive culture.Best known for his time on Fast N' Loud, Aaron became a household name as the lead fabricator at Gas Monkey Garage, translating ideas into builds that reached a massive audience. That exposure eventually led him to step away and launch his own shop, Arclight Fabrication, along with his own series, Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman, where the focus shifted toward more purpose built, performance driven projects.But beyond television, Aaron has consistently pushed into real world competition. From running events in Stadium Super Trucks to taking on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, he has put himself in environments where execution matters more than entertainment, building and driving vehicles in some of the most demanding conditions in motorsports.In this conversation, Aaron breaks down how those experiences have shaped his approach to building and driving. He talks about learning without formal training, developing a mindset rooted in problem solving, and why simplicity and reliability still win over complexity. The discussion moves between fabrication, racing, and the realities of working in an industry where visibility and credibility do not always align.It is a grounded look at someone who has operated across multiple sides of the automotive world including television, the shop, and competition while staying consistent in how he approaches all of it.