Advertise on podcast: Diecast Breakdown

In this special episode of Diecast Breakdown, we sit down with Carson Lev, a leading figure in the diecast and Hot Wheels world. Carson shares detailed insights about his journey, starting from his background in industrial design and medicine to becoming a pivotal figure at Mattel, where he played a crucial role in merging car culture with Hot Wheels. He discusses his work on iconic projects like the Twin Mill and the Deora II full-scale creations and elaborates on the psychology behind the diecast collecting community. Carson also talks about his current endeavors with Redfin and offers invaluable advice to young enthusiasts looking to break into the design and automotive industries. This episode is a treasure trove of stories, inspiration, and diecast wisdom. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of diecast cars! 🏁🏎️Help us collect cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com

In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck and David sit down with Doug Arcuri, author of Undercover Toy Stories: An Anthology of Real American Inventions. Doug brings to light some of the hidden histories and unsung heroes behind some of the most iconic toys of the last century. From behind-the-scenes stories of Hot Wheels, Micro Machines, and other nostalgic brands to surprising revelations about how these toys were developed and marketed, this episode offers a fresh look at the engineering, innovation, and even controversies that shaped the toy industry. If you’re a collector, a toy historian, or someone who grew up racing diecast cars across the kitchen floor, this is a deep dive you won't want to miss. 🧠 In this episode, we explore: ✅ The origin stories behind Hot Wheels and Micro Machines ✅ How engineering shaped the toys we still love today ✅ Forgotten inventors and industry shakeups ✅ Nostalgia and its lasting influence on collectors ✅ What inspired Doug to uncover these hidden stories 📘 Grab Doug’s book: Undercover Toy Stories 📺 Watch now on YouTube.com/@DiecastBreakdown 🕠 New episodes Sundays at 5:30 PM ET #DiecastBreakdown #DougArcuri #UndercoverToyStories #HotWheelsHistory #MicroMachines #DiecastCollectors #ToyIndustrySecrets #DiecastCommunity #VintageToys #1to64 #ToyCollecting #DiecastCars #ToyHistory

In this must-watch episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck and David sit down with Amy Boylan, one of the most influential figures in diecast history. From helping launch Mattel’s Red Line Club to her latest venture with the high-end diecast brand KILO Wheels, Amy has helped shape the direction of the hobby for collectors around the world. We dive into Amy's fascinating journey, from working in video games to managing iconic automotive brands like Shelby American and bringing that same level of passion and precision to KILO Wheels, a new company focused on true-to-scale, intricately detailed diecast cars for serious collectors. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time at Mattel, the creation of the Red Line Club, and how she’s building KILO Wheels with a collector-first mindset. If you care about where the diecast hobby is headed, this is essential viewing. Check out Kilo Wheelz: https://kilowheelz.com/ And their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2329924264074954 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✅ The origin story of the Red Line Club at Mattel ✅ What makes KILO Wheels different from other brands ✅ Amy’s work with legacy franchises like Shelby and Hot Wheels ✅ Why collector feedback is essential in product development ✅ The future of premium diecast and where the hobby is heading 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com #AmyBoylan #KILOWheels #RedLineClub #HotWheelsRLC #DiecastCommunity #PremiumDiecast #DiecastCars #DiecastCollectors #1to64 #HotWheelsHistory #ShelbyAmerican #CustomDiecast #DiecastCulture

We're LIVE talking about the latest in diecast news plus, we're talking Diecast Day of Giving plus we're opening up submissions for the best casting of 2025. Join the conversation with your picks for the best new cars and trucks in 1/64th scale. 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com Want to make your own show? It's a lot easier with StreamYard. Check them out here and if you subscribe it helps support DiecastBreakdown. https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6751882945757184

In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck and David take you on a tour of  @acmesdiorama9301   an insanely detailed 1:64 scale diecast diorama created by builder and customizer Tom Kalinowski. From scratch-built buildings and hand-painted signage to functional streetlights and drag strips, Tom has crafted an entire miniature world that captures the spirit of American car culture—one brick at a time. He also gives us a sneak peek at his latest custom drag racing setup, featuring fully detailed custom Hot Wheels and other 1/64 scale castings ready to throw down! Whether you're into diorama building, custom diecast cars, or just love seeing creativity in action, this episode is packed with inspiration, techniques, and ideas for collectors and builders of all levels. 🛠️ In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How Tom builds realistic 1/64 scale cityscapes from scratch ✅ Lighting, signage, and photography tips for diorama realism ✅ How custom drag racing works in miniature scale ✅ Behind-the-scenes of Acme City's evolution ✅ Advice for new builders entering the diorama side of the hobby 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com

We’re going LIVE for a special episode of Diecast Breakdown where we’re talking all about how to collect diecast the RIGHT way—with tips to make your hobby more fun, more fulfilling, and less frustrating. Our guest is Harry Crosland, a lifelong collector with experience across multiple hobbies—comics, sports cards, action figures, and now diecast! He’s sharing what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to building a collection you actually love, instead of chasing hype. Plus, we’re sharing the latest diecast news, community updates, and doing a full unboxing of Jada’s Majorette Collection Series 1 cases LIVE on the show! 💬 Come hang out in the live chat, share your thoughts, and join the discussion! ✅ Topics we’ll cover: • Collecting tips from lifelong collectors • Avoiding burnout and collector regret • How to buy smart and stay passionate • Diecast news from around the hobby • LIVE Majorette Series 1 case unboxing #DiecastTips #DiecastCommunity #Majorette #JadaToys #DiecastCars #DiecastCollectors #1to64 #ModelCars #HotWheels #DiecastNews

In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck, David, and Mark sit down with Bryan Pope, award-winning customizer and co-founder of the exciting new diecast brand Kilo Wheels. From his roots in graphic design and automotive painting to making waves in the custom diecast world, Bryan shares his journey from passionate hobbyist to full-fledged diecast manufacturer. With collaborators like Mike Zarnock and Michael Heralda on board, Kilo Wheels is aiming to shake up the 1:64 scale market with true-to-scale, highly detailed models that blend passion, precision, and personality. We dive into the behind-the-scenes challenges of launching a new diecast brand—from navigating licensing and working with first-time factories to building community through an exclusive membership club. This episode is all about big dreams, bold moves, and the drive it takes to build something new in the competitive world of diecast. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✅ Bryan’s path from custom builder to brand founder ✅ How Kilo Wheels is raising the bar in 1:64 scale ✅ Working with factories new to diecast manufacturing ✅ Why attention to detail and authenticity matter ✅ Building a brand with icons like Zarnock and Heralda ✅ How YOU can be part of the Kilo Wheels community #KiloWheels #CustomDiecast #DiecastCars #DiecastCommunity #DiecastCollectors #ModelCars 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com

We’re BACK with another Diecast Breakdown Live, and today we’re diving into what’s hot in diecast for Summer 2025—and what’s still on the horizon for the rest of the year! Join Chuck, David, and friends as we break down the latest diecast releases, share some new additions to our own collections, and highlight the brands, castings, and collabs we’re most excited (or concerned) about as we head into fall. 🎯 Whether you’re hunting the latest chase, building customs, or just love talking shop, this is your chance to hang out live, share your thoughts, and get a closer look at what’s driving the hobby forward. 💬 Join the chat, show us your latest finds, and let us know what YOU'RE excited about! 🕠 Streaming LIVE – August 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM Eastern / 2:30 PM Pacific 📍 YouTube.com/@DiecastBreakdown #DiecastBreakdown #DiecastLive #WhatsNewInDiecast #DiecastCollectors #DiecastNews #HotWheels #Matchbox #JadaToys #MiniGT #DiecastCommunity #1to64 #DiecastCulture #ModelCars 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com

In this episode of Die Cast Breakdown, Darryl Li from Jada Toys is back to discuss the latest from their iconic diecast brand. They cover their recent successes, including the popular pink slips series and the upcoming majorette collection. Darryl shares behind-the-scenes stories from major events like Supercon (and Comic Con!) and talks about the meticulous process behind Jada Toys' collaborations with renowned franchises like Fast & Furious, Ghostbusters, and Jurassic Park. This episode offers an authentic glimpse into the passion and creativity driving one of the biggest names in diecast. 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com

What's new in the world of diecast? What has us taking note, and what has us hitting snooze? Join us in this live discussion about the Summer of Diecast 2025! 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com Want to make your own show? It's a lot easier with StreamYard. Check them out here and if you subscribe it helps support DiecastBreakdown. https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6751882945757184

In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck and David sit down with the one-and-only Weber Brothers—Warren and Ian—to talk about their incredible journey through the world of custom diecast. From their wildly successful annual custom competition to their standout builds on YouTube and Instagram, the Weber Brothers are not just collectors—they’re creators, innovators, and leaders in the custom diecast community. We dive into their creative process, the power of collaboration, and what it takes to turn small cars into big art. Whether you’re just starting out in customizing or have a paint-stained bench of your own, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and serious diecast love. Follow Ian here:  @djiweb   and here: https://www.instagram.com/djiweb/ Follow Warren here: https://www.instagram.com/gfunk_retro/ 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Warren & Ian got started in the hobby ✅ Behind the scenes of their global custom diecast competition ✅ Building community through content and collaboration ✅ What sets a custom apart—and how they push the limits of creativity ✅ Their mission to elevate the entire custom scene 🎯 Subscribe and join us for more stories from the people behind the builds! #DiecastBreakdown #WeberBrothers #CustomDiecast #DiecastCars #DiecastCommunity #HotWheelsCustoms #DiecastCulture #CustomCarCompetition #ModelCars #1to64 #DiecastInspiration 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com

Diecast collectors are just now starting to see Series 4 in their collections, and there isn't even a release date yet for Series 5, but our friends at MGA have given us a SEALED box of Series 5 cars for us to open LIVE with our favorite #diecast hobbyists. Don't miss this live unveiling!

In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, we sit down with Sei Cho, Director of Product Development at Jada Toys, for an in-depth conversation that spans 25 years of diecast innovation, nostalgia, and collector culture. Sei shares how Jada evolved from brick-and-mortar sales to a digitally driven collector experience, and how the team is meeting the challenge of balancing quality, affordability, and fan expectations. From the viral success of Dom's House to the rise of nano figures, and exciting collabs with franchises like Fast & Furious, Transformers, and Ghostbusters, this is a must-watch for any diecast or pop culture enthusiast. We also get a sneak peek into what’s coming next—including TrueSpec, Homecoming, and a potential dive into 1/64 scale. If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite models come to life, or how companies decide what becomes a chase car or a limited edition, this episode has answers. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✅ Jada's evolution in a changing toy industry ✅ The creation of iconic scenes and collector dioramas ✅ Limited editions, chase car confusion, and rarity in 2024 ✅ The story behind viral hits like Dom’s House ✅ Upcoming events like Homecoming and FuelFest ✅ Jada Next Level and direct-to-collector engagement ✅ Tariff challenges, new scales, and future releases 🏁🏎️Help us collect 24,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com #DiecastBreakdown #JadaToys #SeiCho #DiecastCommunity #FastAndFurious #ToyIndustry #DiecastCars #ChaseCars  #PopCultureCollecting #HotWheels #DiecastCollecting

Just a quick update on what's next for this show. Catch the whole video on our youtube channel.

🎥RECORDED MY 4, 2025 – Diecast News, Rants & Revelations! 🚗💬 We’re going LIVE for another round of Diecast Breakdown Live—and this week, we’re unpacking everything that’s got us excited… and everything that’s driving us up the wall in the diecast world. From the latest model reveals to frustrating trends in the hobby, we’re keeping it real and keeping it fun. Joining us for the ride are two awesome voices from the community: 🔥 Phia from @honestdiecast 🔥 Derek from Honest Diecast We’ll be covering the latest Hot Wheels drops, collector gripes, scalper madness, what’s working, and what we hope gets left behind. It’s the kind of convo you only get when diecast lovers let loose. 💬 Join the discussion live in the chat—tell us what YOU’RE hyped (or heated) about in the hobby right now. 📆 Today | 5:30 PM Eastern / 2:30 PM Pacific #DiecastBreakdownLive #DiecastNews #HotWheels #DiecastCommunity #HonestDiecast #MaddVisions #DiecastCollectors #DiecastRant #JDM #1to64 #Matchbox #HotWheelsCollectors #DiecastCulture #LiveStream 🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/ 🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/ 💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/ 🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/ 🌐Diecast Media Network is: 🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org:   @drivendreamsorg     🚙 David TWYCE Diecast:  @twycediecast 🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions   💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/ 🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign  🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com