Carstories by The Petersen Automotive Museum

Latest Episodes:

Spike Feresten - Working with Letterman, Seinfield in the 90s and CA Car Culture Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Dan and Bea catch up with Podcast Host and Car Personality Spike Feresten.

In honor of our current exhibit, Totally Awesome, Spike takes us back to the 90s and shares with us how he bonded over cars with both Letterman and Sienfield. We also talk a little about culture in California.

Check out Spike on Instagram Spike’s Car Radio (@spikescarradio) • Instagram photos and videosor his show on YouTube: Spike's Car Radio - YouTube

Alois Ruf: The Yellowbird, a Road & Track Article, and the Birth of a Legend Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this special solo episode of Car Stories, Dan sits down with none other than Alois Ruf—the visionary behind Ruf Automobile—to dive deep into the origin story of the legendary Yellowbird.

Alois shares how a now-iconic Road & Track article nearly featured a Ruf car painted a completely different color, how that last-minute decision changed everything, and what the ripple effect of that article was on Ruf’s global reputation. They also revisit the groundbreaking Faszination on the Nürburgring video, a viral sensation before the internet even knew what “viral” meant.

It’s a rare, firsthand look at the moments that made Ruf a cult icon—and a must-listen for any enthusiast of performance, history, and automotive storytelling.

Please check out Ruf at: RUF Automobile: Sports cars in perfectionOr on Instagram:

RUF Automobile GmbH (@rufsince1939) • Instagram photos and videos

Thanks to Kahn Media for enabling the interview: www.kahnmedia.com

Lamborghini Fenomeno: A discussion with the CTO at CarWeek 2025 - mini epiosde. Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

Lamborghini Fenomeno is the latest groundbreaking super sports car in the Few-Off series. The model will be produced in 29 units, celebrating the exclusivity of the brand and the 20-year anniversary of Lamborghini Centro Stile.
Under the hood is the most powerful Lamborghini V12 ever, paired with three electric motors, for an overall maximum power of 1080 CV.

The Petersen was one of the first granted access to Rouven Mohr to tell us about the design philosophy of this leading edge hypercar. This is a lite episode but quite technical.

#LamborghiniFenomeno #Lamborghini #CentroStile #FewOffSeries #Hypercar #V12Power #ElectrifiedPerformance #FutureOfSupercars #ItalianDesign #AutomotiveExcellence #CarDesign #SuperSportsCar #Exclusivity #DreamCars #1080CV #LimitedEditionCars #RouvenMohr #PetersenMuseum #CarEnthusiast #LuxuryPerformance

Totally Awesome: Behind the Scenes of the Petersen’s New 80s & 90s Exhibit Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Car Stories, hosts Dan and Bea sit down with Petersen insiders Autumn and Jonee to go behind the scenes of the museum’s latest exhibit, Totally Awesome. Celebrating the bold design, analog thrills, and pop culture flair of the 1980s and 1990s, the exhibit explores everything from rad supercars to era-defining trends.

Learn how the idea came to life, which cars made the final cut, and why this era still resonates with car lovers today. Whether you’re a child of the 80s or discovering the magic for the first time, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

The exhibit will be open until April 2026 and you can secure your tickets at www.petersen.org or check out our YouTube channel if you are unable to visit: (1) Petersen Automotive Museum - YouTube

Justin Bell Talks ’90s Motorsports, Media, and the Bell Racing Legacy Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

The Petersen Automotive Musuem podcast - Car Stories is back with two new host and a set of new guests. Dan Pilling - Director of Marketing and Social Media Lead Beatrice (Bea) Ross will be your host for stories and conversations with some of these most interesting car people.

Tune in every week!

In this episode of Petersen Car Stories, hosts Dan and Bea sit down with racer, broadcaster, and motorsport personality Justin Bell—son of five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell—for a fast-paced and heartfelt conversation.

From the golden age of GT racing in the 1990s to his transition into television and storytelling, Justin shares candid insights into life on and off the track. Hear behind-the-scenes tales from racing circuits around the world, the pressures and privileges of growing up in a legendary motorsports family, and how he’s carved his own path in media and motorsport.

Whether you’re a fan of racing history, passionate about car culture, or curious about the personal side of motorsport fame, this episode is full of stories that go well beyond the finish line.

You can follow Justin on Instagram: Justin Bell (@justinbelltv) • Instagram photos and videosor his own podcast Drive To Wynn at Drive to Wynn (@drivetowynn) • Instagram photos and videosCheck him out if you want to hear special access interviews or get his perspectives on the last race!

Monster Jam Driver, 2x Rockcrawl Champ & YouTube Host | Nicole Johnson Aug 04, 2024

Show notes

Join Daniel Valdez on Petersen's CarStories podcast as he sits down with Nicole Johnson, a true powerhouse in the automotive world. Nicole Johnson isn't just a Monster Jam driver; she's also a two-time Rockcrawl champion and the dynamic host of her own YouTube channel, Nicole Johnson Detour. In this captivating episode, Daniel and Nicole delve into her adrenaline-fueled journey behind the wheel, from conquering monstrous trucks in stadiums to navigating treacherous rock formations. They explore her passion for automotive adventures, the challenges she's overcome as a female competitor in male-dominated arenas, and the exciting projects she has in store for her growing audience. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that takes you into the heart of extreme motorsports and the determination of one of its most fearless pioneers.

Hall of Fame Wrestler & Host of Goldberg's Garage | Bill Goldberg Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

This week, we're thrilled to have a very special guest: Hall of Fame Wrestler and host of Goldberg's Garage, Bill Goldberg!

Join us as Daniel Valdez sits down with Bill Goldberg as he shares his journey from the wrestling ring to the garage, revealing his deep-rooted passion for cars. Get ready for an engaging conversation filled with exclusive insights, personal anecdotes, and a behind-the-scenes look at Goldberg's impressive car collection. Discover what drives this legendary wrestler and car enthusiast, and hear about his latest projects and adventures on and off the road.

Designer of the BMW M2 & Director of Automotive Design at BMW Designworks | Hussein Al-Attar Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Daniel Valdez sits down with Hussein Al-Attar, a director of automotive design at BMW Designworks. Discover the inspiration and challenges that shape his iconic creations, from the sleek curves of the M2 to the innovative interiors of the iX. Hear firsthand about his journey from sketch to showroom, and how his passion for blending artistry with cutting-edge technology continues to redefine what it means to drive a BMW.

Lead Editor of Hodinkee & Automotive Enthusiast | James Stacey Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we're diving into the intersection of automotive passion and horological finesse with James Stacey, Lead Editor of Hodinkee and a dedicated automotive enthusiast. Join us as James shares his journey from the world of high-end watches to his deep-rooted love for cars, exploring how these two realms of craftsmanship intertwine in his life and work. From iconic timepieces to legendary automobiles, get ready for a conversation that delves into the essence of precision engineering and timeless design.

Senior Design Director at Nissan Global | Ken Lee Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

This weeks episode of Petersen's CarStories Podcast, host Daniel Valdez sits down with the brilliant mind behind Nissan's innovative designs, Ken Lee. In this engaging conversation, Ken takes listeners on a journey from his formative years to his current role at Nissan, offering a rare glimpse into the inspirations and influences that shaped his career path. As the discussion unfolds, Ken shares anecdotes from his childhood, revealing how his early fascination with cars ignited a passion that would propel him into the world of automotive design. From sketching his dream vehicles as a youngster to leading design teams at Nissan, Ken's story is one of dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

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