HEATSOAKED Podcast

Every Project Car Owner Goes Through These 10 Stages – HEATSOAKED Podcast Ep. 10

In this episode of HEATSOAKED Podcast, Cris and KT celebrate reaching their tenth episode by diving into the ten stages of owning a project car. The guys share personal anecdotes and insights, starting with the excitement of acquiring a new project car and moving through phases like delusion and false confidence. They spotlight the challenges and joys of project car ownership, but also the catastrophic failures and the eventual resurgence of motivation. The importance of community support and the continuous cycle of improvement and enjoyment is what keeps us enthusiasts going. Now that you’ve decided to become a car builder, this episode will prepare you for the psychological and emotional rollercoaster that awaits you.

How to Choose Your First Project Car – HEATSOAKED Podcast Ep. 9

In this episode of HEATSOAKED Podcast, Cris and KT dive into logistics of getting into a project car, sharing essential lessons on choosing the right vehicle within your budget and aligning your build with your passion. From setting clear goals—whether for a daily driver or a track-ready monster—to understanding the impact of your lifestyle on decision-making, the guys offer real talk on costs, unexpected expenses, and the value of community advice. With personal stories like KT's first turbocharged Miata and Cris's journey with his most recent E36 BMW, this episode is packed with insights on managing expectations, technical upgrades, and the emotional side of car projects. Perfect for beginners and seasoned builders alike, it’s about crafting a passion, a lifestyle, and a story worth telling.

Controlled Chaos: Our First Drift Class Experience – HEATSOAKED Podcast Ep. 8

In this episode of HEATSOAKED Podcast, fresh from their day at Lead Foot City’s group drift class, Cris and KT dive into the thrilling world of drifting. They explore its origins, from Japan's mountain roads, to becoming a global motorsport phenomenon. This episode unravels the art of controlled chaos, revealing essential techniques like handbrake pulls and clutch kicks. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned driver, discover how to transform your car into a drift machine. Join the guys as they share their personal stories of their first time drifting and unique insights from their day at an organized drift class. The guys also offer tips on building a budget-friendly drift car and mastering the skills needed to slide with confidence. Embrace the adrenaline and start your drifting journey today!

Chasing A $2K Challenge and Transforming Our Definition of Car Culture – HEATSOAKED Podcast Ep. 7

In this episode of HEATSOAKED Podcast, Cris and KT pull back the curtain on their future goal of participating in the infamous Grassroots Motorsports $2,000 Challenge. They reveal how they plan to craft a competitive autocross and drag race car with just $2,000—yes, $2,000! But it’s not just about racing; it’s about community, authenticity, and the pure thrill of wrenching with friends. The guys share how they’re balancing work, life, and the wrench, all while documenting the journey for their growing audience. With a passion for authenticity and helping others, Cris and KT emphasize the importance of community and sharing knowledge—whether it’s installing suspension parts or making new friends at car shows. They reveal their plans for involvement in more car events, the emphasis on creating more short-form social media content through collaborative projects, and even the challenge to bring a car to life on a shoestring budget. This episode fuels your passion and reminds you why we love the car culture at its core.

How a Random Afternoon Car Hunt Turned Into a 2JZ Project (IS300) - HEATSOAKED Podcast Ep. 6

In this episode of HEATSOAKED Podcast, Cris and KT share the down-to-earth story of how an unexpected car hunt led to Cris’ new project: an '02 Lexus IS300 with a 2JZ engine, good bones, and more surprises than they bargained for. From the adrenaline of last-minute negotiations and wild lowball offers to inspecting a car in the middle of a Dollar General parking lot at 10pm on a Sunday night only to later discover makeshift fixes, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the highs and lows of buying a used project car. Tune in for the honest, humorous, and chaotic journey from that memorable day. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned builder, Cris and KT show that the best cars start with a story—plus, a lot of grease, patience, and good conversation.