This week we chat with prolific automotive journalist Sam Smith about his new book "Smithology: Thoughts, Travels, and Semi-Plausible Car Writings, 2003 – 2023" and what it's like to make a living working with words about cars and car culture. TTAC contributor Matthew Guy also stops by to discuss power inverters and a NASCAR race at Darlington that included retro color schemes and a post-race beef on pit road.

This week, we talk to Ben Preston from Consumer Reports about the cheapest and most expensive car brands to maintain -- as well as why consumers might favor independent repair shops over dealerships. TTAC contributor Matthew Guy drops by to discuss trunk struts and the closest finish in NASCAR history.

We talk with Alex Roy, principal at Johnson and Roy Advisors, a company that provides strategy for companies in the AI, robotics, and transportation space, about why autonomous cars aren't so scary. Roy, a former TTAC contributor, walks us through it all. Meanwhile, current TTAC contributor Matthew Guy stops by to talk jump starters and NASCAR at Dover. Thanks for listening!

We chat with Karl Brauer, iSeeCars executive analyst, about the cars you should buy new -- and those you'd be better off buying used. Matthew Guy also drops by and we discuss side marker lights and how last week's NASCAR race at Talladega once again ended with The Big One.

In the latest episode, we chat with Greg Brannon from AAA about consumer fears that surround autonomous vehicles -- and how the industry can address them. We also check in with our resident auto-parts and accessories expert Matthew Guy to learn about headlight restoration kits. Plus, Matthew sticks around to chat about what happened when NASCAR came to Texas.

Electric vehicles are generally pretty heavy, thanks to their batteries, so how does that affect infrastructure and safety? We chat with Cody Stolle from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility about this issue. We also discuss car ramps for use in your garage, and the latest goings on in NASCAR.

We sit down with John Vincent, senior editor of vehicle testing at U.S. News & World Report, to discuss their best cars for families for 2024. We also discuss the New York Auto Show, the Fisker Ocean, and more. TTAC contributor Matthew Guy drops by to discuss a controversial NASCAR finish at Richmond, our experiences testing Michelins in California, and his use of Rain-X for our "Stuff We Use" segment.

We chat with AutoTrader's Brian Moody about the best and worst of the New York Auto Show. Our own Matthew Guy also drops by to give his opinions. Mr. Guy also discussed battery booster packs in our Stuff We Use segment.

We take some time to chat with Kia's head of corporate communications, James Bell, about how automakers navigate an ever-changing regulatory world.

We sit down with Tyson Jominy Vice President, Data & Analytics at J.D. Power to discuss why certain brands do so well when it comes to dependability, how user experience and technology factors in, and much more.

Last week we spoke with an EV evangelist (say that five times fast). This week we dig deeper into the truth surrounding EV adoption.

We chat with BJ Birtwell, founder of Electrify Expo about the growth of EVs and Consumer Reports' Alex Knizek about why so many electrified vehicles make their Top 10 for 2024 list Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Tonn and Tim Healey chat about the future of the PHEV, our racing past (as fans, not drivers), the 2025 Ram 1500, and the latest Tesla controversy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We chat about a possible ban on gasoline cars in one particular East Coast state. We also discuss Super Bowl ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We chat with Jen Morand, President, Chicago Automobile Trade Association and General Manager, Chicago Auto Show, and automotive content creator Jill Ciminillo about the future of auto shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sit down with analyst Karl Brauer from iSeeCars.com and TTAC contributor Chris Tonn to discuss the best and worst used cars for the money, why one automaker is crying foul on EV goals, a very bad proposed law in a very large and influential state, and the automakers we miss. We also cover a new crossover and the best way to foam up your car while cleaning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we sit down with Consumer Guide Automotive publisher Tom Appel and TTAC contributor Chris Tonn to talk about frozen Teslas, the challenges of EV charging, dream cars, the best and worst of the '90s, and the all-new Kia EV9. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We chat with Consumer Reports Senior Director of Auto Testing about the best and worst cars of 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We chat about the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show with analyst Robby DeGraff and TTAC contributor Chris Tonn.

We chat with Chad Kirchner about the 2023 Dodge Hornet, Ford EV woes, and more.

Talking the 2023 Chicago Auto Show with automotive journalist Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive and industry analyst Robby DeGraff from AutoPacific.

Talking Mazda, EV pricing, and more.

Chatting Toyota Prius and Kia EV6 GT with analyst Robby DeGraff.

Welcome to episode number 7 of The Truth About Cars podcast! This time around we have as our guest Chad Kirchner, the boss of EVPulse.com and FlatSixes.com. He's also contributed to TTAC and other VerticalScope properties. He and TTAC managing editor Tim Healey chat LA Auto Show and EVs in general. Give it a listen today!