Advertise on podcast: The MF Show

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.

In this episode of The MF Show, Rich Waitas and Jerry Zaiden sit down with Nick Isenhouer, driver, builder, fabricator, drifter, rock crawler, and one half of Isenhouer Brothers Racing. Nick’s story is the modern off-road blueprint: a kid from San Diego who grew up staring at photos of his dad’s desert cars, growing up on the internet learning about prerunners, and building his first F-100 in a small garage with his brother Chris and their dad.Nick walks through the early days of racing 1450, the garage-built trucks that taught them everything, and how those childhood obsessions turned into a full-time operation building, prepping, and racing trucks for other off-road teams. He shares stories about racing with his family, the evolution of truck classes, why 1450 was such a special era, and how today’s desert races have become full sprint battles from start to finish.The guys also dive into Nick’s world beyond traditional desert racing; His KA-powered S13 drift car, his ’95 Ford Lightning rock crawler, and what he’s learned from juggling multiple disciplines focused on car control. They talk about trips to Baja, Moab, and Midwest Dirt Fest, as well as the full-circle moment of bringing an early Camburg race truck back into the shop for a modern rebuild.This episode highlights the blend of creativity, grit, and family-driven passion that defines Nick Isenhouer and the off-road community he represents.

On this episode of The MF Show, Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas sit down with Blake Wilkey — off-road racer, fabricator, and cofounder of Shreddy. Known for his high-energy personality and creative approach to off-road culture, Blake has built a reputation for pushing limits both behind the wheel and in the shop.Blake talks about his early days in the San Diego off-road scene, how he got into building Baja Bugs, and the process of creating his well-known Trophy Bug, Jaws. He shares stories from his experiences racing in Baja, the challenges of fabrication and vehicle building, and how he’s turned his passion for off-road into a full-time way of life. The conversation also dives into the mindset it takes to chase unconventional ideas and carve your own lane in the industry.This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by world-renowned automotive photographer and filmmaker Larry Chen. Over the past two decades, Larry has become one of the most recognizable names in car culture, documenting everything from grassroots builds to international motorsport. His work has helped define the visual identity of modern drifting, time attack, and off-road racing. Larry talks about how a lifelong passion for cars turned into a full-time career behind the camera — from shooting local meets and small events to traveling the world with some of the biggest names in the industry. He shares stories from his early hustle, how he built a signature style, and what it’s like capturing everything from Formula Drift to Pikes Peak. We also dig into his own car projects, from his 240Z to his GR Supra and A90 drift car, and how building and driving have become part of his creative process.This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by announcer, host, and all-around car culture ambassador Jarod DeAnda. Known for his unmistakable energy and presence at motorsport and lifestyle events around the world, Jarod has spent the past two decades bringing fans closer to the action. We dive into his journey from a passionate fan in the stands to building a career behind the mic, and how his style helped shape the way audiences experience drifting and other emerging motorsports. Jarod shares stories from the early days of Formula Drift, the growth of the sport into a global phenomenon, and what it’s like traveling the world to represent car culture at its highest level. Beyond FD, we also talk about his work in rallycross, off-road, and the broader automotive lifestyle, plus his own passion for building cars and staying true to the scene he represents. This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we dive in with Chris Forsberg — three-time Formula Drift champion, self-taught drift pioneer, and founder of Forsberg Racing. Born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Chris helped spark the northeast drift scene before relocating to Southern California. Since 2004 he’s competed in every round of the Formula Drift series, racking up dozens of wins, over fifty podiums, and building a legacy as one of drifting’s most consistent and respected figures.In this episode, he breaks down what it takes to stay at the top: car builds, fab work, tuning, and how mental grit plays as big a role as horsepower. We get into his relationship with Nissan, the evolution of his signature drift cars, and what it means to build R&D-backed parts through Forsberg Racing. Chris also talks about expanding beyond drift — off-road racing, NORRA, and pushing into new terrains that test not just car setup, but adaptability. Expect stories of trials, triumphs, smoke, and what keeps him excited after so many years behind the wheel.This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by automotive personality, producer, and co-host of CarCast—Matt D’Andria. From his early days working in media to building one of the most listened-to car podcasts alongside Adam Carolla, Matt has carved out a unique lane in the automotive world. We talk about his journey into podcasting, memorable guests and stories from CarCast, and his own passion for building and driving fast cars. Matt shares details about his Mustang projects, the challenges of modern media in the car space, and why authentic storytelling still cuts through in a crowded landscape. We also dive into the future of automotive enthusiasm, EVs, and where the aftermarket is headed. This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we sit down with professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ryan Sheckler. Rising to fame as a teen prodigy, Ryan’s life has been lived in the public eye—from winning X Games gold medals to starring in his own MTV reality show. He opens up about his evolution from competition skater to business owner and mentor, and the lessons learned along the way. We dive into stories from his early skate career, the realities of growing up in the spotlight, his passion for off-road trucks and action sports crossovers, and the work he’s doing today through the Sheckler Foundation. Ryan shares candid thoughts on discipline, recovery, and building a life that balances adrenaline with purpose. This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by one of the most iconic figures in off-road history, Ivan “Ironman” Stewart. With a legendary career spanning stadiums, deserts, and decades, Ivan shares stories from his journey behind the wheel of some of the most famous off-road machines ever built. From winning the Baja 1000 solo to dominating the Mickey Thompson Stadium Series, Ivan helped define what it means to be a champion in the dirt. We dive into his early years racing buggies, his long-running relationship with Toyota and PPI, and the origin story behind the Ironman nickname. He also talks about the impact of the Super Off Road arcade game, the evolution of the sport, and what keeps him connected to off-road culture today. This is a rare sit-down with a true living legend—The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, and powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we sit down with Constance Nunes—builder, TV personality, and founder of Cars by Constance. Constance shares how growing up in her father’s garage sparked a lifelong passion for wrenching, and how that passion evolved into a full-blown career in the automotive world. We talk about her early days working behind the scenes in LA shops, the vision behind her signature rose gold Mustang build that debuted at SEMA, and how she carved out a space for herself in the industry through hard work and creativity. She also discusses the transition from reality TV to building her own brand, and what it’s like to connect with a new generation of car enthusiasts through hands-on builds and content. This is a story about following your vision, building your own lane, and staying grounded in what you love. Hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas—this is The MF Show, powered by MagnaFlow.

On this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by off-road champion, Dakar Rally winner, and third-generation gearhead Casey Currie. From a childhood spent around Currie Enterprises and riding dirt bikes in SoCal, to conquering Dakar with Can-Am and Monster, Casey walks us through his life of nonstop motorsports evolution. We dig into his family legacy, building a career on passion and grit, and the wild story behind his rise from short course to global rally racing. Casey also shares what it takes to build the ultimate “Trophy Jeep,” his love for high-powered hot rods, and how exploring America’s backroads continues to inspire him. This is The MF Show, hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas, powered by MagnaFlow.

In this episode of The MF Show, we’re joined by automotive designer and artist Sean Smith. From sweeping floors in his family’s garage to shaping some of the most recognizable custom builds on the road today, Sean shares his journey through the world of hot rods, muscle cars, and beyond. We dive into his time at Art Center, his work with Ringbrothers and SpeedKore, and the stories behind show-stopping builds for clients like Kevin Hart. Sean talks design philosophy, how CAD and composites are changing the game, and the delicate balance between creativity and functionality. We also discuss the evolution of analog performance, the rise of resto-modded European cars, and what timeless design really means. Hosted by Jerry Zaiden and Richard Waitas—this is The MF Show, powered by MagnaFlow.