DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast

Backyard Builds To Best In Show - Brad Long - Long Restoration Ep35

Brad Long of Long Restoration joins DubLife Diaries to share his journey from late nights in the garage with his dad and son to building award-winning vintage Volkswagens.
Discover how backyard restorations grew into a family-run shop that wins Best in Show at Bug Jam back to back, graces magazine covers, and keeps the VW community alive with passion and craftsmanship. 
Sponsors and Shout Outs : 
• VolksMania Magazine → www.volksmania.com • Use code dublife10 for 10% off.
• Chris White & Riverbank Customs → Watch their builds on YouTube: Riverbank Customs.
• Salty Dub — From the beach to the bay, tearing up the scene with VW swag + epic events → www.saltydub.com • Use code dublife10 (merch only) for 10% off.
🎧 Love this episode? Please follow/subscribe, rate 5⭐️, and share with your VW crew—it helps us keep the stories rolling.
 

Grease, Grit & Girl Power - Annie's VW - Annie Van Orman Ep34

In this episode we meet Annie Van Orman, a filmmaker-turned-mechanic who restored a 1969 Beetle named Helen Wheels entirely by hand while documenting every step. We cover her creative roots, Star Wars prop work, and how her media skills shaped the way she shares car builds.
Annie discusses the challenges of restoration, the support of the VW community, and her hopes to inspire more people—especially women—to pick up tools and start their own projects.
Sponsors and Shout Outs : 
• VolksMania Magazine → www.volksmania.com • Use code dublife10 for 10% off.
• Chris White & Riverbank Customs → Watch their builds on YouTube: Riverbank Customs.
• Salty Dub — From the beach to the bay, tearing up the scene with VW swag + epic events → www.saltydub.com • Use code dublife10 (merch only) for 10% off.
🎧 Love this episode? Please follow/subscribe, rate 5⭐️, and share with your VW crew—it helps us keep the stories rolling.
 

The Patina Prophet - Jason Davis - Davis Customs Ep33

Self-taught craftsman Jason Davis shares his journey from junkyard school to running Davis Customs, specializing in rust repair and body restoration for classic Volkswagens and Porsches.
This episode covers his hands-on techniques, memorable builds like the double-cab walkthrough bus and a rare Datsun 510 from Japan, the VW community spirit, and his advice for the next generation of builders.
 
Sponsors and Shout Outs : 
• VolksMania Magazine → www.volksmania.com • Use code dublife10 for 10% off.
• Chris White & Riverbank Customs → Watch their builds on YouTube: Riverbank Customs.
• Salty Dub — From the beach to the bay, tearing up the scene with VW swag + epic events → www.saltydub.com • Use code dublife10 (merch only) for 10% off.
🎧 Love this episode? Please follow/subscribe, rate 5⭐️, and share with your VW crew—it helps us keep the stories rolling.
 

Through The Lens : No Groups Just Friends : Eric Arnold Photography Ep32

Eric Arnold Photography, owner of a legendary 1977 Westfalia and editor of Vintage Voice, joins DubLife Diaries to share stories from decades in the VW scene. A professional VW photographer with over 300 published features and 75 covers, Eric discusses buses, shows, road trips, award-winning restorations, and the tight-knit community that defines Volkswagen culture.
He also explains his photo process, offers advice for aspiring photographers, and reflects on how VW life shaped him—emphasizing community, neutrality, and passion for the cars and people that keep the culture alive.
Sponsors and Shout Outs : 
• VolksMania Magazine → www.volksmania.com • Use code dublife10 for 10% off.
• Chris White & Riverbank Customs → Watch their builds on YouTube: Riverbank Customs.
• Salty Dub — From the beach to the bay, tearing up the scene with VW swag + epic events → www.saltydub.com • Use code dublife10 (merch only) for 10% off.
• Vintage Voice Magazine — A publication of the Vintage Volkswagen Club of America → www.vvca.com • Become a Pro Member.
🎧 Love this episode? Please follow/subscribe, rate 5⭐️, and share with your VW crew—it helps us keep the stories rolling.
 

VW's are Just "KLUNKY" - Klunk Garage Creator Liam Sianko-Gundlach Ep31

Join host Joe Person and guest Liam Sianko-Gundlach of Klunk Garage as they explore the creators journey from a Toyota upbringing to becoming a leading voice in Volkswagen storytelling. Learn how Liam builds mini-documentaries, the origins of iconic VW models, and what keeps the VW community thriving across generations.
They discuss standout projects (a Golf, Cabriolet, Beetle, and Fox), platform strategy for TikTok/YouTube/Instagram, surprising VW history facts, and the challenges of sourcing parts for classic builds. Tune in for tips on starting VW content, dream builds, and whats next for Klunk Garage.
 
TikTok - klunkgarage
Instagram - klunkgarage
Liam email - liam.sianko@gmail.com
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Volksmania Magazine - www.volksmania.com use dublife10 at checkout 
This episode is proudly sponsored by Chris White and Riverbank Customs.  Check them out on YouTube- www.youtube.com/@riverbankcustoms1127
 
 
 
 

The Freccia Brothers Garage' Fight to Save a VW Legacy Guin Freccia Ep30

Guinevere Freccia of Freccia Brothers Garage opens up about her family’s 103-year Volkswagen legacy—from the early Greenwich dealerships to restoring Beetles, buses, and squarebacks while fostering a tight-knit VW community that feels more like family than customers.
This episode dives into the shop’s current eviction fight, the nonprofit and community efforts underway to save the original location, and how the VW world can come together to help keep this historic garage alive. Now more than ever, the VW family is needed to protect a piece of our shared heritage.
💛 To support the Freccia family’s legacy, you can contribute here: GoFundMe link📧 To connect with Guinevere directly: guineverefinearts@gmail.com
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Volksmania Magazine—the heartbeat of the VW scene. Grab your first issue at www.volksmania.com and use code dublife10 for 10% off.
Special thanks to Chris White and the team at Riverbank Customs for supporting this episode. Check out their builds and stories on YouTube, socials, and at www.riverbankcustoms.com.
 
 
 
 

VW Jawbreaker : Garage-Built Soul - Gary Miller Ep29

On this episode of DubLife Diaries, Gary Miller the VW Jawbreaker on YouTube, shares how a childhood memory of sandrail ignited his love for Volkswagens, how he started filming with his son's encouragement, and how he builds unique, perfectly imperfect projects while fostering community.
Gary discusses his DIY approach, event favorites like No-Dough Weekend, balancing family and content, and giving back—donating YouTube and merch proceeds to his local Humane Society. What a cool guy right ?  He also offers advice for newcomers: plug into clubs, learn from others, and drive your VW.
This podcast is sponsored by Volksmania Magazine.   USA- Subscribers can use DubLife10 at checkout for 10& off your first issue.   www.VolksMania.com 
This episode is sponsored by Salty Dub.   From the beach to the bay Salty Dub is all things VW events and swag.  Check them out at www.saltydub.com 
Find Gary Miller below: 
www.VwJawbreaker.com
Email at: 73jawbreaker@gmail.com
Youtube: @VWJawbreaker 

Born into Dubs: Donnie Prater’s Alabama Dublife Tales Ep28

Donnie Prater, raised literally inside Volkswagen culture, shares his lifetime of VW memories — from being put into a tie‑dye onesie at the hospital to learning brake jobs and engine swaps as a kid. He walks through his earliest builds, the heartbreak of blown engines, and the lessons that shaped his mechanical instincts.
The episode also covers Donnie’s favorite cars and shows, his rare original 1983 Jetta, dream builds, and advice for new enthusiasts. A nostalgic, straightforward conversation about family legacy, patience, and why the VW scene connects people across generations.
 
This Podcast Sponsored by VolksMania Magazine.  www.VolksMania.com use DubLife10 at checkout.   
This Episode is sponsored by Salty Dub - www.saltydub.com also use dublife10 at checkout for 10% off merch only 
 
 

Jaye Foster - Nomads and The Bus Stop - Ep27

In this episode of DubLife Diaries Joe interviews Jaye Foster, a self‑taught VW bus builder and owner of an air‑cooled shop in Chattanooga The Bus Stop, about how a lockdown garage project turned into full‑time nomad life. Jay recounts trading for buses, rebuilding a 1977 “Nugget,” long road trips, close calls, and the vibrant nomadic and VW communities that shaped his journey.
The episode covers wrenching tips, running cars on the road, the realities of van life, and Jaye’s advice to keep these classics driven and cared for — summed up in one simple motto: never give up. Tune in and don't miss this one. 
If you want to check out Volksmania Magazine - Use DubLife10 at checkout for 10% off your subscription (US only) 
 
 

Vancouver and Rolling with The Outlaw - Jaga Rai Ep26

Welcome back to DubLife Diaries! In this episode, we sit down with Volkswagen enthusiast Jaga Rai as he shares the tale of his beloved 1975 Canadian standard Beetle, affectionately known as "The Outlaw." Since purchasing the Beetle in 1997, Jaga has defied trends, poured his heart into its unique build, and developed lifelong friendships along the way.
Join us as we explore the intricacies of Jaga's one-of-a-kind late model VW, delve into the vibrant Volkswagen community, and reflect on how staying true to one's passion can create lasting connections. Alongside stories of friendship and community, Jaga also opens up about personal experiences, mental health, and the powerful role that the air-cooled VW scene has played in his life journey.
Recognizing Men’s Mental Health
On this episode 26, Jaga and I touch on something that matters far beyond cars — men’s mental health. If you’re listening right now and you’ve been carrying more than you can handle, remember: asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s one of the strongest things you can do. It’s one of the coolest things you can do — because it means you’re taking the wheel and steering your life where you want it to go.
 
You are not alone, and there’s help out there, Im available for anyone who wants to talk www.dublifediaries.com also here are some references:
 
Canada
 
📞 Talk Suicide Canada – Call or text 988 | 24/7 free support
🌐 talksuicide.ca
United States
 
📞 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 | 24/7 free support
🌐 988lifeline.org
If you’re struggling — even just feeling “off” — reach out. Your friends, your family, and your fellow VW enthusiasts want you here, sharing the road with us. Even if you are not suicidal and just want to open up and face some internal stuff.  Reach out to a therapist. So many options out there these days online. It's the COOL thing to do.    
 
This Podcast is sponsored by Volksmania Magazine www.volksmania.com use DUBLIFE10 at checkout for 10% off your magazine subscription. 
 
This Episode is sponsored by Salty Dub.  All things VW events and swag.  www.saltydub.com use DUBLIFE10 for 10% off merch.  
 
You can find Jaga @ Jaga Rai on Facebook.  Insta : jaga_rai 
DVKK on Insta : der_volksrennwagen_kafer_klub