Podcast Episodes

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a staple in modern transportation. With the tap of a button, you can get a ride to the airport, the office, or your best friend's birthday party. But while the convenience is undeniable, for many women, the experience comes with an unsettling question: "Will I be safe?"

Car insurance. Just reading those two words probably made your eyes glaze over a little. But if you own a car, especially a newer one, you can’t afford not to pay attention. Most people don’t think much about insurance until something goes wrong — and then they’re left asking why their premiums are sky-high or their claim was denied. In a recent episode of The Straight Shift, I invited Jasmine Walker, owner of Brightway Insurance in Charlotte, NC, to help me break down what’

If you’ve noticed your brand-new ride already has swirls, chips, or paint that seems softer than a marshmallow in the sun—you’re not crazy. You’re just driving a car made in the 21st century. In this article, we'll explore why modern car paints suck and what you can do... But there’s a big buzzkill lurking beneath that shiny (or flat) surface: modern car paint is thinner, weaker, and more frustrating than ever before. If you’ve noticed your brand-new ride already has swi

Welcome to the latest automotive apocalypse, brought to you by a new 25% tariff on imported vehicles and car parts. In this blog post, adapted from a recent episode of The Straight Shift podcast, we’re unpacking what these tariffs actually mean for you, your wallet, and the entire car industry. Spoiler alert: it’s not great.

The Tesla Cybertruck has been turning heads since its 2022 debut—not always for the right reasons. Between questionable design choices, functional failures, and a never-ending list of quirks, this so-called “futuristic” truck has had no shortage of critics. But in recent months, headlines have gone from eyebrow-raising to flat-out facepalming. So, is the Cybertruck just misunderstood? Or is it genuinely a terrible vehicle?

When it comes to buying a used car—especially for a teenager or as a budget-friendly second vehicle—many people ask the same question: how old is too old? The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors, including the car’s make and model, how it was maintained, where it’s lived, and how it’s been driven. But one thing is clear: age alone isn’t the whole story.

...We all know cars are getting smarter—but are they getting a little too smart for our own good? In this blog, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of modern car technology and asking a question most people haven’t even thought to ask: Is your car spying on you?

...Mobility, comfort, visibility, and ease of use are often more important than horsepower or infotainment systems. Some seniors are as active as ever—my neighbors put me to shame—but many face issues like arthritis, joint replacements, limited flexibility, diminished eyesight, and slower reaction times. Some use mobility aids like walkers or scooters, which adds another layer of complexity.

...“Are Honda and Toyota still reliable?” It's a fair question. Recent headlines have highlighted some less-than-stellar moments for both brands. Honda has been dealing with everything from excessive oil consumption to gearboxes that seem confused about their job description. Toyota, long considered the gold standard for reliability, has been hit with engine failures in its new Tundras, transmission issues in Tacomas, and even brake problems in the Corolla Cross. So what g

One of the best parts of my job is keeping up with all the new cars, trucks, SUVs, and yes, even minivans hitting the market. It's like a never-ending auto show, and I love seeing where each brand is headed. Especially in this era of fast-paced change, the shifts in technology, consumer demand, and government regulation are rewriting the playbook. And with a wave of all-new and redesigned models coming for the 2025 and 2026 model years, there's a lot to unpack.

...In early 2025, Honda and Nissan signed a six-month agreement to enter formal talks about a potential merger. Think of it like dating exclusively before you get engaged. They aim to finalize a plan by June and begin implementation in August, with the full merger potentially completed by the end of the year.

...Not all limo services are created equal—and unfortunately, some are downright sketchy. Before you hand over your credit card, here are a few simple questions to ask and red flags to watch out for:

...The average new car price in the U.S. is now flirting with $50,000. And that figure doesn’t even include luxury exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis. We’re talking everyday vehicles—SUVs, trucks, sedans. Some mainstream models, like the GMC Yukon or Jeep Wagoneer, now start over $100,000 when fully loaded. That used to be the cost of a house!

...The last few years have been tough for car buyers. Thanks to pandemic-related supply chain issues, there simply weren’t enough cars to sell. That meant dealerships didn’t need to offer discounts—they could barely keep inventory on the lot. But 2024 is different.

...Auto shows have long been a staple of the car enthusiast's world, and for me, they hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been going since I was a kid, often tagging along with my dad to the Chicago Auto Show. Now, decades later, I make it a point to attend the Charlotte International Auto Show in my hometown. But like many auto shows across the country, it’s been shrinking year after year.

...Naturally, because I’m The Car Chick and my husband is both a master mechanic and a sound engineer, we started comparing the sounds of our kittens to engine types. Belle? A silky inline-four. Bert? Full-on muscle car. So that got me thinking: Why do different engines sound so different? Why can gearheads identify a car just by its exhaust note? Let’s talk about it.

So... we had an election last week, and that means it's time for everyone's favorite game: speculating what the new administration might mean for various industries. In the case of the automotive world, that speculation matters more than you might think. Automakers and their suppliers make up the largest manufacturing sector in the U.S., accounting for a full 3% of our gross domestic product. That may not sound like a lot, but for a single industry, it’s a huge slice of the e

There’s a lot of hype around electric vehicles. But what’s it really like to live with one?  I sat down with my longtime friend and Charlotte-based chiropractor, Dr. Glenn Jaffe, to find out exactly that. Glenn spent nearly a year driving a Rivian R1S—the futuristic, over-engineered electric SUV from one of the most intriguing startups in the auto world. If you’ve ever considered buying an EV—or maybe just want to know why some people are falling out of love with them—this i

Hurricane Helene—and then her equally unwelcome cousin, Hurricane Milton—came barreling through the Southeast last week, hammering Western North Carolina and parts of Florida. Here in the Charlotte area, we were lucky. Some wind, some rain, but nothing like the devastation in the mountains. So this week, I want to talk about how these hurricanes are going to impact the automotive industry—beyond just the usual flood car warnings.

After years of chaos and confusion, the automotive industry is finally showing signs of recovery in 2024. From empty dealer lots and outrageous markups to a resurgence in inventory and incentives, a lot has changed. If you're in the market for a new or used car—or just trying to make sense of where things stand—this article will break down the current state of the auto industry and what it means for you as a car buyer.