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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of the MF Show, we sit down with Chris Ashton, founder of Ruffian Cars, to talk about the unlikely path from video game development to building some of the most distinctive performance driven cars on the road today.Chris shares how a decades-long career in game design at companies like Valve and Turtle Rock Studios working on titles such as Counter-Strike and Left 4 Dead ultimately gave him the freedom to chase a lifelong obsession with cars. What started as personal projects in a garage evolved into Ruffian, a shop built around the idea of blending race inspired engineering with real world drivability.The conversation digs deep into what makes a great car beyond paint and horsepower. Chris explains why usability, serviceability, and performance matter more to him than traditional show car perfection, and how autocross and track driving influence nearly every design decision. From building dream cars like his wide body Mustang and GT40 to creating client builds that still carry a strong Ruffian identity, he breaks down the thinking behind each project.Chris also opens up about shop culture, training fabricators from the ground up, and why personal project time was critical to building a skilled and motivated team. He shares honest insight into the challenges of running a high end custom shop, balancing passion with sustainability, and carving out a unique lane in a crowded industry.This episode is a deep dive into car enthusiasm, creative problem solving, and building cars that are meant to be driven hard, not just admired from a distance.

In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Dennis McCarthy, legendary automotive coordinator and builder whose work has shaped some of the most recognizable cars in film and television history. With decades of experience behind the scenes, Dennis has been responsible for bringing cars to life on screen, often under extreme timelines, tight budgets, and controlled chaos.Dennis breaks down how he got his start building cars long before Hollywood entered the picture, and how that hands-on background naturally led him into the film industry. He explains the realities of movie car builds, from the differences between hero cars and stunt cars to why durability, repeatability, and safety often matter more than perfection. The conversation pulls back the curtain on what audiences do not see, including multiple versions of the same car, rapid turnarounds, and the unique challenges of designing vehicles meant to perform for the camera.The guys also dive into how automotive films influenced car culture at large, the responsibility of honoring enthusiast expectations, and the balance between creativity and logistics when working on massive productions. Dennis shares perspective on collaboration, problem solving, and what it takes to consistently deliver under pressure in an industry where failure is not an option.This episode offers a rare look at the intersection of car culture and filmmaking, told by someone who has spent a lifetime building machines that live forever on screen, even if they only had to survive long enough to get the shot.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.

In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Shawn Davis, lifelong car enthusiast and the voice behind Autotopia LA. Shawn’s passion for cars has always been rooted in how a car feels, communicates, and connects with its driver, long before cameras or content entered the picture.Shawn talks about the cars that shaped his taste, how his perspective evolved over time, and why certain vehicles stand out well beyond horsepower figures or spec sheets. The conversation naturally weaves into Autotopia LA, how the show grew from that genuine enthusiasm, and why the focus has always remained on honest driving impressions rather than trends or hype.The guys dive into analog versus modern driving experiences, what makes a car memorable, and how being behind the wheel of so many different builds has refined Shawn’s appreciation for balance, feedback, and character. They also touch on the realities of sharing that passion through media, building trust with an enthusiastic audience, and staying true to what excites you as tastes and platforms change.This episode offers a thoughtful look at car culture through the lens of someone who values seat time above all else, and how that mindset helped shape one of today’s most respected enthusiast-driven automotive shows.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.

In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden are joined by Courtney Hansen, television host, automotive enthusiast, author, and longtime advocate for car culture. With a career that spans hosting major automotive television shows, writing, and hands-on involvement in the industry, Courtney brings a perspective that blends media, passion, and real connection to the automotive world.Courtney talks about growing up around cars, her early entry into automotive television, and what it’s been like navigating an industry that has changed dramatically over the years. She shares stories from behind the scenes of major productions, how the role of automotive media has evolved, and why authenticity matters more now than ever. The conversation also touches on her personal enthusiasm for cars, storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with being a visible voice in the space.Rich and Jerry dig into the realities of hosting, building trust with audiences, and staying relevant in a fast-moving digital era, while Courtney reflects on the moments that shaped her career and the lessons learned along the way.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.

In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Steve Strope, the master builder behind Pure Vision and one of the most respected craftsmen in the world of custom cars. For more than two decades, Steve has set the benchmark for high-end, detail-driven builds that blend design, engineering, and storytelling into one-off machines that stand out everywhere, from SEMA to the pages of major automotive magazines.Steve talks through his early influences, the path that led him to start Pure Vision, and the philosophy behind his approach to building cars: no shortcuts, no compromises, and a relentless focus on design cohesion. He shares stories from some of his most well-known projects, how he works with clients to develop a vision, and why certain builds take years to complete. The conversation goes deep into craftsmanship, design discipline, and the evolving expectations of automotive enthusiasts.Rich and Jerry also explore the creative process behind major feature cars, the realities of running a high-end shop, and what it means to survive in a custom industry that demands constant reinvention. Steve’s perspective is grounded, experienced, and brutally honest—offering insight into what it really takes to produce cars that people talk about for decades.This episode of The MF Show is hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Rich Waitas and powered by MagnaFlow.