Automotive

Be Differential

The automotive and motorsport world has always had a seat at the table — it just hasn’t always been yours. BeDifferential is the podcast for newcomers, outsiders, and anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in car culture.

Each week, host Eva Gregory goes behind the scenes with racers, engineers, executives, and industry insiders to share the stories, career paths, and hard-won lessons that don’t make it into the mainstream. From grassroots motorsport to the paddock, from vintage cars to cutting-edge tech — if you’re curious about where you fit in this world, you found the right show.

New episodes every Tuesday, plus solo industry takes every Thursday.

Latest Episodes:

Capturing Speed with Jonathan Grace Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean to tell motorsport stories from every angle—audio, visual, and written?

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Grace: a dynamic motorsports broadcaster, journalist, writer, and photographer whose work spans Sportscar365, IndyCar Radio, and IMSA video coverage. Jonathan shares his journey from an aspiring creative to becoming one of the most versatile voices in modern motorsports media.

We explore how he developed his creative rhythm, what it’s really like working behind the scenes on race weekends, and how he captures the emotion, speed, and atmosphere of the sport across multiple formats. From storytelling in the paddock to trends in fan engagement and content creation, this episode dives deep into the evolving media landscape of professional racing.

Whether you're a fan, a future motorsport journalist, or a creative looking to break into the industry, you'll take away real-world insight on building a media career in racing—and how content creators are shaping the future of motorsport culture.

Featuring:

• Behind-the-scenes insight from the worlds of IndyCar, IMSA, and endurance racing

• The balance between creative freedom and commercial work

• Tips for aspiring journalists, content creators, and motorsport photographers

• Reflections on racing culture, media access, and finding your voice

Listen now and discover what it really takes to tell great motorsport stories—from trackside to timeline.

🚗 Follow his journey on Instagram @jmgrace.media

🎧 More episodes: bedifferentialpodcast.com

Mentorship, Marketing & Making Impact with Gill Campbell Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Gill Campbell is known for her fierce leadership and kindness—qualities that propelled her through two decades of trackside leadership and now drive her success in motorsports-adjacent marketing at AERO Marketing Group.

In this inspiring episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Gill shares mentorship lessons, team-building wins, and how she translates deep racetrack experience into business development strategy and brand growth.

We explore:

Creating inclusive culture on and off the track
Leading teams through high-pressure events
What makes motorsport marketing partnerships successful
How her time at Laguna Seca shaped her business lens
Balancing authenticity and authority as a mentor
Her bold vision for the future of women in motorsport and marketing

Follow Gill’s journey and hear how fearless leadership takes many forms—on the grid, in the boardroom, and beyond.

Subscribe to follow more women shifting the status quo in automotive and motorsport.

More: bedifferentialpodcast.com

Aero Marketing Group: https://www.aeromkg.com/

Legislation Meets Horsepower with Karen Bailey-Chapman Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Karen Bailey-Chapman has built a powerhouse career at the intersection of public affairs, policy, and passion—now serving as Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs at SEMA, where she champions the automotive aftermarket and enthusiast community on Capitol Hill and beyond.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Karen shares how her career evolved across gaming, beverage, and now automotive—and why advocacy is essential for the future of car culture, motorsports, and small business innovation.

We explore:

How SEMA and PRI work to protect access to racetracks and aftermarket products
What the recent end of federal EV mandates means for enthusiasts and businesses
Balancing EV innovation with ICE preservation in a changing automotive landscape
The behind-the-scenes wins that safeguard enthusiast rights
How legislation affects the average modifier, builder, or racer
Ways young people—especially women—can get involved in policy and advocacy
Karen’s passion for the outdoors, her Jeep, and why her personal life fuels her mission
Her advice for the next generation of changemakers in automotive

If you’ve ever modded a car, tracked a build, or care about where the industry’s headed—this episode is for you.

🛠️ Learn more about SEMA’s advocacy work: sema.org

🎧 More episodes: bedifferentialpodcast.com

Driving, Co-Driving, and Dominating with Michelle Miller Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Michelle Miller is a powerhouse in motorsports—an accomplished driver, co-driver, instructor, and team manager whose career spans everything from rallycross to autocross to national championship campaigns.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Michelle shares how she got her start in motorsports, how her roles have evolved over time, and why she’s passionate about creating more access and representation in the sport.

We explore:

Her first taste of competition—and the spark that started it all
What it’s like switching between driving and co-driving roles
How team management shaped her leadership approach
The biggest lessons learned behind the wheel and under pressure
Tips for newcomers who are rally-curious but not sure where to begin
Her favorite cars, dream builds, and most defining race moments
The role of mentorship and instruction in building future talent
Why advocacy, inclusion, and visibility matter in motorsports

Whether you're an aspiring racer or just motorsport-curious, Michelle brings insight, encouragement, and deep expertise to every corner of the conversation.

🚗 Follow her journey on Instagram @mmillerracing

🎧 More episodes: bedifferentialpodcast.com

Built to Haul, Made to Lead with Melanie Hellwig-White Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Melanie Hellwig-White is a trailblazer in the automotive aftermarket—leading Hellwig Products, advocating for industry policy, and shaping the future of off-road innovation as Chair of SEMA.

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Melanie shares her journey from growing up in the family business to leading one of the industry’s most respected American-made brands. We dive into product innovation, policy advocacy, and the evolving world of off-roading, towing, and overlanding.

We explore:

Carrying forward a multi-generational legacy at Hellwig Products
Staying competitive in a technical, fast-moving suspension market
The value of U.S. manufacturing in today’s automotive economy
How her role as SEMA Chair is driving change in the aftermarket
Insights on overlanding, trail life, and trends in adventure travel
Why advocacy matters—and how enthusiasts can get involved
What inspires her podcast Hitched & Haulin’ and her favorite off-road spots

Whether you're in the garage, on the trail, or in the boardroom, Melanie offers powerful insights on leading with integrity, pushing for progress, and paving the road ahead for the next generation.

Learn more: bedifferentialpodcast.com

Learn more about Hellwig: hellwigproducts.com

Instagram: @hellwig_products

Facebook: @hellwigproducts

YouTube: @HellwigProducts

Rising Racer with Ella Wu-Heilman Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Ella Wu-Heilman is a rising force in motorcycle racing—competing against older, more experienced riders and carving out her place on the grid with grit, skill, and passion.

In this episode, Ella shares her journey from her first time on two wheels to racing in series like Northwest Mini Moto, Cascadia Supermoto, and WMRRA. We talk about growing up in a motorsports-loving family, how her dad supports her as her mechanic and RV driver, and what she’s learned from her mom’s experience in F1 sponsorship.

She opens up about balancing school with the demands of racing, why representation matters to her, and the big dreams that keep her pushing forward—on and off the bike.

Follow Ella’s journey on Instagram: @ellawuheilman

Learn more about WMRRA: wmrra.com

Learn more about the podcast: bedifferentialpodcast.com

Inside IMSA with President John Doonan Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, IMSA President John Doonan joins us to explore the future of American sports car racing. From his early days at Mazda to leading IMSA into its hybrid era, John shares what it takes to evolve a world-class racing series.

We discuss the launch of the GTP class, the role of manufacturers like Porsche and Cadillac, and how IMSA balances tradition with innovation. John also speaks on the importance of inclusion in motorsport, the impact of IMSA’s Diverse Driver Development program, and offers advice for young professionals—especially women—looking to break into the racing industry.

Whether you're a longtime fan or just motorsport-curious, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and a look at what’s next for IMSA.

To learn more, visit IMSA.com and HSRRace.com, and follow @IMSA_racing and @hsr_imsaclassic on Instagram.

More Than a Driver with Erin Vogel Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Erin Vogel returns to the grid in more ways than one—as both a driver and the leader of her own racing team. In this episode, she shares her evolution from enthusiast to competitor to owner, and what it’s like to build a program that reflects her values of performance, representation, and mentorship. We explore how Erin is creating space for more women in the paddock and shaping a team culture grounded in purpose and passion.

Learn more about AE Victory Racing https://www.aevictoryracing.com/

Follow along to stay updated on their journey on Instagram @ae.victory_racing

Iconic Motorsport Operations with April Henderson Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we head to the heart of California’s racing culture with April Henderson, Vice President of Events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. With over a decade in the automotive and motorsport space, April shares what it takes to produce world-class events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Monterey Car Week. From managing paddock logistics and overseeing raceway licensing to serving as the public-facing ambassador of one of America’s most iconic tracks, April offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complexity and creativity that drives her work.

We also explore April’s journey into motorsports, her experiences working on The Quail events, and how she leads with a balance of strategy, adaptability, and hospitality. Whether you're an events professional, motorsport fan, or aspiring industry leader, this episode will leave you inspired by the incredible work that happens off-track to make the magic happen on it.

Live From the Pits with Amanda Busick Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we go trackside with Amanda Busick—pit reporter, motorsports broadcaster, and one of the most recognized voices in racing media. Amanda shares her unconventional path into motorsports, from navigating early career setbacks to landing on live television. Tune in as she discusses the fast-paced world of drag racing, NASCAR, and more, as well as the challenges of being a woman in the industry, and the power of perseverance. Whether you're a motorsports fan or chasing your own bold career pivot, Amanda’s story will leave you inspired and fired up.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Be Differential

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected