Cash On The Hood - Art, Hustle, & Demolition Derby
Cash On The Hood - Art, Hustle, & Demolition Derby
Jason Sauer
Jason Sauer, artist, entrepreneur, and demolition derby driver; known nationally in arenas for his graffiti style art cars; brings you a podcast about the creation of fine art from demolition derby cars and the hustle that goes into it.
It Costs $19,000 Just to Show Up: The Real Price of Being a Professional Artist
A $14,000 booth. A $5,000 box truck. Spray paint shipped across America.  Mowing grass in July to fund a December art fair in Miami. This is the actual  dollar-and-cents breakdown of being a professional artist at 50. 💸🎨 Jason Sauer (Most Wanted Fine Art) opens the books — landscaping schedules,  demolition derby gigs, screen printing millions of shirts, and why the art  world's gallery system is designed to keep independent artists out. Plus: the  moment a teenager finally bought his first painting after years of waiting.   In this episode: → The real cost of an Art Basel booth in Miami ($14K+) → Why Jason mows grass 8 days a month — and exactly what it funds → How demolition derby spray painting across America pays the bills → The gallery investment system that freezes out independent artists → 99% of art never resells — and the 1% Jason is chasing → What it means to build a fan base year after year in one spot → Why "Covid Pornhub money" is now his biggest competition in the art market ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro: "It's expensive" 0:25 – How does Jason finance being an artist at 50? 1:10 – Chasing Art Basel: the $14K booth + $5K truck breakdown 1:55 – The landscaping hustle: why mowing ends by Thanksgiving 3:25 – Screen printing 3 million shirts & bad shoulders 4:00 – Writing grants for ex-prisoners to help with landscaping 5:00 – The demolition derby spray paint circuit across America 6:00 – Being the "originator of original content" in an uncreative world 7:00 – How the gallery investment system really works ($250K in, locked out) 9:00 – The secondary art market: the 1% dream 10:30 – The teenager who finally bought his first painting 12:00 – "The art road is designed for F1, not demolition derby" 13:30 – "Covid Pornhub models" are beating him in the marketplace 14:30 – Outro: the grind continues Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- @briancottington/@psychosshow      
Jun 1
15 min
I Built Without a Permit and Spent 6 Years in Court (Here's What Happened)
I built a carport during COVID... and spent the next 6 years in court over it. Here's the full story — the permit mistake, the geology surveys, the 120 hours of community service, and how it finally ended. 🏗️⚖️   Jason Sauer (aka Most Wanted Fine Art) breaks down the 6-year legal nightmare that started with a wrong dropdown menu on Pittsburgh's grant-funded permit website. If you've ever thought about building something without pulling a permit — watch this first.   In this episode: → The COVID-era permit portal that buried his drawings → Why getting a permit NUMBER doesn't mean you're approved → Geological surveys, core drilling & hoops no one warned him about → 120 hours of community service for a shed roof → The real lesson: "The gunslinging days are over"   ⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Intro & "Have you ever been to court?" 0:31 – The art gallery / museum dream 1:42 – COVID changes everything 3:30 – The wrong dropdown menu mistake 5:00 – Getting a permit number ≠ getting a permit 6:15 – Core drilling, excavators & geological surveys 8:10 – 6 years of feeling like a criminal 9:50 – Community service & jumping through every hoop 11:30 – The sculpture that needed its own architect 13:30 – The lesson: pull the permit, hire the contractor 14:20 – Outro Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- @briancottington/@psychosshow    
May 25
15 min
We're Back! & I Just Got Ghosted Out of $12,000 | Being an Artist in 2026
We've been gone a while. Here's why. Jason Sauer is back on Cash on the Hood after months off the air — and he's coming in hot with the story of how he drove through a blizzard in West Virginia, hauling a sculpture on an open trailer, to deliver it to a woman who never answered the door. A $12,000 sale. Fully negotiated. Family approved. Hotel rebooked. And then — nothing. This episode is the real economics of being a professional artist: the 90% failure rate, the $8,000 Miami booth gambles, the cycle of highs and lows that makes this life look insane from the outside. If you've ever bet everything on something and had it pulled out from under you — this episode hits different. CHAPTERS: Introduction: Being an Artist in 2026 [00:00] Podcast Intro and Shoutouts [00:37] Trials, Tribulations, and the Artist Grind [00:55] Setting Up Life for the Highs and Lows [01:44] How I Broke into Miami Art Scene [03:38] The High Cost of Art Fairs [05:02] Sacrifices: Selling Building and Going Mobile [06:38] Competing Against Global Wealth [08:58] Why Risk Miami Over Local Galleries [12:30] Chasing the Legacy of Greats [14:53] The $12,000 Sculpture Ghosting Story [18:22] Ongoing Struggles and TV Show Tease [26:40] Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington Recorded in Pittsburgh, PA    
Mar 15
16 min
From County Fair to NASCAR: The Business of Combat Motorsports | Dustin Woods & Todd Cioppa
On this episode of Cash on the Hood, we dive deep into the high-octane world of professional demolition derby with two of the sport's biggest names, Dustin Woods and Todd Cioppa. They're rebranding the sport as "Combat Motorsports" and taking it to a whole new level. We discuss: 🏁 The Vision: Creating a path for kids to dream of becoming professional demolition derby drivers. 💥 The Business: The challenges of promoting, organizing, and writing the rulebook for a growing sport. 🎪 The Evolution: How the sport is transcending its "county fair" image and landing major events at venues like Bristol Motor Speedway and on NASCAR race weekends. 🤝 Heroes & Villains: The importance of storylines and entertainment value in building a fanbase. FEATURED GUESTS: Dustin Rhodes - Founder of Demo Combat Motorsports Website: Demo-Motorsports.com  Todd Cipooa - Iron City Promotions & Psyop Racing Website: IronCityPromotions.com MENTIONED EVENTS: Florida Southern Nationals: Feb 7, 2026 at Mosaic Arena, Arcadia, FL Atlanta NASCAR Weekend: Demo show in the Peach Pit (Late Feb) Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- https://soundsolutionspod.com/    
Oct 13, 2025
21 min
Inside Demolition Derby: NASCAR, Big Shows & Pro Drivers (w/ Dustin Woods & Todd Cioppa)
From county fairs to NASCAR weekends, demolition derby is evolving fast. In this episode of Cash on the Hood, Jason Sauer interviews Dustin Woods and Todd Cioppa about building a national stage for derby drivers, running massive shows, and what's next for the sport. Demo 3- Bristol Motor Speedway - October 1-4th - https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/events/demo-3/ Florida Southern Nationals - Feb. 7th, 2026 Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- https://cinemapsychosshow.com Recorded at Harris Event Group - Pittsburgh, PA    
Sep 17, 2025
20 min
1500 Stickers in 24 Hours and The World Famous Schwinn Stick with Tommy from AV Cat Tech
Join the crew on Cash on the Hood as they spotlight Tommy from AV Cat Tech, the sticker-bombing legend who plastered 1500 stickers across Miami in just 24 hours! This episode dives into Tommy and Jason's wild adventures, from auto parts to demolition derbies and street art chaos.  Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- @briancottington/@cinemapsychospod Recorded at StudioME- Pittsburgh, PA    
Mar 3, 2025
10 min
TJ Harris and TJ Function of Harris Event Group: Building Community Through Creativity and Collaboration
Join the Cash on the Hood crew as they sit down with TJ Harris and TJ Function of Harris Event Group in a unique Allentown, Pittsburgh warehouse. This episode shines a spotlight on The TJ's innovative approach to event production, community building, and creative collaboration. From designing immersive art shows and DJing unforgettable parties to supporting local artists and exploring new ventures like demolition derbies, and how they are pushing boundaries in Pittsburgh's creative scene. Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- @briancottington/@cinemapsychospod Recorded at StudioME- Pittsburgh, PA      
Feb 17, 2025
19 min
Cookies, Cars, and Christmas: A Pittsburgh Derby Adventure with Clutch Marles and Devin Schmidt
Join us on this special episode of the Cash on the Hood Podcast as we chat with demolition derby legends Clutch Marles and Devin Schmidt. Hear about their cross-country travels, derby adventures, and upcoming plans, including smashing cars in Australia! Plus, we talk about saving Christmas, Pittsburgh's cookie table tradition, and an exciting new TV show. Don't miss this action-packed conversation! Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- @briancottington/@cinemapsychospod      
Dec 31, 2024
16 min
From Furnaces to Fender Benders: HVAC Secrets and Derby Dreams
Buckle up for a wild ride as Cash on the Hood's Episode 2 takes you on an unexpected journey through the world of HVAC and demolition derbies. Jason and Steven again welcome Nicole Glass from JA Sauer Heating and Air, uncovering the hidden complexities of climate control systems. From explosive furnace encounters to the looming threat of flammable refrigerants, this episode reveals the dangerous dance of HVAC professionals. Discover why your next derby car might just become a ticking time bomb, and learn about the mysterious "green stuff" that could spell disaster in the arena. As the conversation heats up, you'll hear tales of daring DIY disasters, secret trophy stashes, and the birth of a derby phenomenon that's sweeping the nation. With a tantalizing tease of demolition derby drama to come, this episode promises to be a high-octane blend of technical know-how and adrenaline-fueled excitement. Don't miss out on the action – tune in now! Learn more about JA Sauer Heating and Air Conditioning- https://jasauerco.com/ Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- @briancottington/@psychosshow Recorded at StudioME- Pittsburgh, PA  
Sep 15, 2024
23 min
From HVAC to Derby: How J.A. Sauer Heating and Air is Heating Up the Community
This week, Jason and Steven sit down with Nicole Glass from J.A. Sauer Heating and Air Conditioning. Discover how this family-owned HVAC company is making waves beyond just keeping homes comfortable. From sponsoring high-octane derby events to giving free furnaces to those in need, J.A. Sauer is redefining community involvement. Learn about their "Heat the Burgh" program, their support for autism awareness, and get an exclusive scoop on the company's future leadership. Plus, hear insights on the HVAC industry as a career path and some behind-the-scenes stories that'll make you see ductwork in a whole new light. Whether you're a derby fan, an HVAC professional, or just someone who loves community-focused businesses, this episode is sure to warm your heart and maybe even inspire you. Learn more about JA Sauer Heating and Air Conditioning- https://jasauerco.com/ Follow Cash On The Hood Website - https://pittsburghartcar.com/ Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/cashonthehood/ TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@mostwantedfineart Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cashonthehood Contact Cash On The Hood [email protected] Crew Produced By Brian Cottington- @briancottington/@psychosshow Recorded at StudioME- Pittsburgh, PA    
Aug 27, 2024
17 min
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