The Cars and Kicks Podcast

Latest Episodes:

When The Price of Admission Is Really Worth It At A Car Show Oct 14, 2024

On this episode of the Cars and Kicks podcast, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from the creative process behind their theme song to the impact of NIL deals on women's sports. They discuss the significance of the Curry Brand in sneaker culture and the evolution of signature shoes in basketball. The conversation shifts to the automotive industry, highlighting retro designs and the importance of engaging leadership. The hosts also share their experiences with the Ineos Grenadier and upcoming community events, emphasizing the connection between cars and culture. In this episode, the hosts delve into various themes surrounding automotive innovation, particularly focusing on the use of alternative materials in car design, the evolution of electric vehicles, and the dynamics of weight in racing. They also discuss the Luftgekühlt event, celebrating air-cooled Porsches, and the Porsche Classic Challenge, which highlights the importance of preserving automotive heritage. The conversation wraps up with a comparison of customization in the automotive and sneaker industries, exploring how brands can better engage with their communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Theme Song Creation

02:56 Quick Hit News: NIL and Women's Sports

06:03 Sneaker News: Curry Brand and Signature Shoes

08:53 Automotive News: Retro Designs and CEO Engagement

11:52 Discussion on Leadership and Vulnerability

15:05 Event Recap: Ineos Grenadier Experience

18:10 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

27:05 Innovative Materials in Automotive Design

29:43 The Evolution of Electric Vehicles

31:11 Weight Dynamics in Racing

34:20 Balancing Performance in Racing

39:07 Luftgekühlt: A Celebration of Air-Cooled Porsches

45:42 Porsche Classic Challenge: Preserving Automotive Heritage

51:16 The Future of Customization in Sneakers and Cars

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Jacques Slade is a multifaceted creator that explores the world of footwear and sports through the lens of culture. Through sneakers and golf, Jacques has cultivated an industry leading voice in the industry that can be seen online and on television. Or he is just an idiot. The jury is still out on that.

Erik Valdez is a husband, father, actor, producer, and creator, whose passion and knowledge for cars is unmatched. You might have seen him on shows like General Hospital, Graceland, or Superman & Lois. He’s driven in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Baja 1000, and the number of cars he’s owned would rival the how collections of many sneakerheads.

Nick Engvall is a consultant and creator who helps brands make more authentic connections with their customers. His obsession with cars and sneakers both toe the line of unhealthiness that is best described as, overly passionate. If he’s not recording podcasts, he’s probably at the burrito shop or chasing down ocean sunsets.

Jacques Went To China For Kyrie Irving's New Sneaker Launch Sep 30, 2024

On this episode of Cars and Kicks, hosts Jacques, Nick, and Erik delve into the future of sneakers, focusing on ANTA's partnership with Kyrie Irving and the challenges the brand faces in the U.S. market. They discuss the quality of ANTA's products, the cultural perceptions surrounding Chinese goods, and the strategies needed for successful brand positioning. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Luftgekühlt Porsche event, highlighting the intersection of automotive culture and sneaker trends.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cars and Kicks Podcast

03:51 Exploring ANTA and Kyrie's Journey

09:49 ANTA's Market Position and Challenges

16:04 Cultural Perceptions and Brand Identity

22:02 The Future of ANTA in the U.S. Market

27:58 Luftgekühlt Event and Closing Thoughts

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

NEWS: Hoonigan Bankruptcy, Nike CEO Changes, Forgotten Cars & Kicks Collabs, Genesis Prepares For Le Mans, and More Sep 23, 2024

In this episode of Cars and Kicks, the Jacues Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall, discuss a range of topics from childhood memories to grievances with electric cars, particularly Tesla's 12-volt battery issues. They delve into Nike's leadership challenges and the implications of recent changes in the sneaker industry. The conversation shifts to the automotive world, highlighting the impact of leadership on company culture and performance, with a focus on Hoonigan's bankruptcy and Genesis's commitment to racing. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of details in both the sneaker and automotive industries, emphasizing the connection between performance and brand success.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Cars and Kicks

02:36 Grievances in the Electric Car World

08:12 Nike's Leadership Challenges

15:54 The Impact of Leadership in Automotive

23:47 Hoonigan's Bankruptcy and Its Implications

50:13 Genesis Racing Commitment and Future Prospects

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

When Cars and Kicks Collaborate: The Crossover Between Our Favorite Hobbies Sep 16, 2024

In this episode of The Cars and Kicks Show, Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall discuss the intersection of cars and sneakers. They talk about the recent collaboration between Porsche and Puma to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo. They also discuss the trend of wearing merchandise from events or brands that people haven't actually experienced, and how it relates to the car and sneaker world. They touch on early collaborations between the sneaker and automotive world, such as the Reebok Insta Pump Fury Carbon Fiber and the Lotus Formula One team shoes. They also mention recent collaborations like the Nissan x New Balance 327. Overall, they express their excitement for the blending of the car and sneaker worlds and the potential for future collaborations. The conversation explores the differences between European and American car culture and the lack of sneaker and automotive collaborations in the US. It mentions the collaboration between Crocs and NASCAR, as well as the partnership between Puma and European car brands. The hosts discuss the functional design of driver-centric shoes like the Puma Speedcat and the history of Nike's involvement in NASCAR. They also touch on the potential for future collaborations with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. The episode concludes with a reminder to subscribe to the podcast and follow the hosts on social media.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Random Intro Songs

02:29 Introducing the Cars and Kicks Podcast

02:58 Collaboration between Porsche and Puma

05:47 Wearing Merchandise from Events or Brands You Haven't Experienced

11:38 The Blending of the Car and Sneaker Worlds

18:31 The Evolution of Car and Sneaker Collaborations

23:17 The Mainstream Appeal of Car and Sneaker Collaborations

28:29 Looking Forward to Future Collaborations

30:01 Excitement for the Blending of the Car and Sneaker Worlds

30:08 NASCAR and Car Collaborations

31:05 The Kobe Bryant and Nike Aston Martin Collab

32:29 Ken Block and DC Shoes

33:25 European Car Culture vs. American Car Culture

36:14 The Association Between K-Swiss and Gang Culture

38:15 Puma's European Car Collaborations

44:18 Nike's Involvement in NASCAR

48:15 The Difference Between European and American Car Culture

51:47 Crocs and NASCAR Partnership

56:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Get in touch: carsxkicksshow@gmail.com

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Peter Chaney On How He Got His Dream Porsche 911, Hyundai's N Line, Sneakers, and More Sep 09, 2024

In this episode, the hosts introduce their guest, Peter Chaney, who shares his passion for both cars and kicks. Peter discusses his background in sneakers and cars, including his love for Jordans and his early experiences with modifying cars. He also talks about his role as the director of content creation for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, where he oversees a team of content creators. The hosts and Peter discuss their shared interests and the importance of storytelling in both the sneaker and automotive industries. Peter Chaney started his career in the automotive industry by working at a dealership and helping with various tasks. He eventually landed a job as a product specialist for Hyundai, where he became involved in the creative process and started doing photography and video work. With his expertise in cars and production, he helped start the content creator role at Hyundai and now leads a team of seven content creators. Hyundai has been focusing on electrification and has made significant strides in the past decade. However, the lack of charging infrastructure and limited access to charging stations are still barriers to widespread adoption of electric vehicles. In this conversation, Peter Chaney discusses the shift towards electrification in the automotive industry and the challenges and opportunities it presents. He mentions that companies like Honda and Toyota are not fully embracing electric cars and are instead focusing on plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. He also talks about the importance of making electric cars exciting for enthusiasts and the role of sound and other features in creating a unique driving experience. The conversation also touches on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and its innovative features, such as virtual gears and simulated engine sounds. Peter offers advice for aspiring car photographers and emphasizes the importance of starting with what you love and experimenting with different techniques. The conversation concludes with a discussion about sim racing and the growing popularity of virtual racing experiences.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Cars and Kicks

02:55 Nick's Bucket List Trip

05:07 Touring Nike Campus

08:01 Community and Cars

13:12 Introducing Peter Cheney

18:08 Peter's Transition to Hyundai

22:34 Shared Interests and Full Circle

23:59 From Dealership to Content Creator

28:05 Hyundai's Strides in Electrification

32:08 Hyundai's Embrace of Performance and Tuning

36:21 The Importance of Charging Infrastructure

47:02 The Shift Towards Electrification

48:30 Making Electric Cars Exciting

53:18 The Innovative Features of the Hyundai IONIQ 5

01:02:46 Tips for Aspiring Car Photographers

01:06:30 The Growing Trend of Sim Racing

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

About Peter Chaney:

“Growing up as a kid of the 80’s and 90’s I was a big Jordan fan and my obsession with sneakers was after the Jordan 3. As a kid I started to play sports at 4 and my parents got me the flyest shoes based on my favorite athletes at the time. Deion Sanders and Bruce Smith cleats and sneakers. I had the Rodman gloves and by the time the Jordan 12’s came out my dad and I wore the same size shoes and Sportsmart had a buy 1 get the 2nd pair 50% off and my Jordan obsession started. I still wear and buy a lot or Jordan’s til this day but am more of a dunk guy and obscure drops that nobody really cares about. I wear what I like and can care less about following the trend.

My love and passion for cars didn’t really start until I was 13. My family were never big car enthusiast just used them for transportation even tho my dad was from Michigan and a big Cadillac guy. The movie Bad Boys came out in 1995 and the fact that a black man could own a Porsche really gave me the idea that one day I would own one. Almost 2 decades later and about 9 cars later I had the means to buy one and got a black 997.1 Turbo.

Currently I have been in the automotive industry for roughly 19 years and my Job title is Director on Content Creation for Hyundai and Genesis agency of record.”

The Cars and Kicks Podcast is hosted by:

The Insane Car Launches and Passion Driving the Car Community at Monterey Car Week Aug 26, 2024

Monterey Car Week is a diverse and eclectic event that welcomes car enthusiasts of all levels and on this episode, Erik, Jacques, and Nick discuss this year's event. Car Week features various shows, meetups, auctions, and events that cater to different interests within the car community. From high-end concours events to informal gatherings, there is something for everyone. The event has also embraced the appreciation for Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars, highlighting their significance and popularity. Car enthusiasts can engage in conversations, share stories, and connect over their shared passion for automobiles. The event fosters a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity, where it doesn't matter what car you drive or what you wear, as long as you're passionate about cars. Monterey Car Week is a cultural event that showcases the passion and authenticity of car enthusiasts. It has become a platform for manufacturers to unveil new models and connect with their fans. The event offers accessibility, allowing people to get up close and personal with high-end cars and even sit in them. The car community values the depth of knowledge and shared experiences, which is lacking in the sneaker world. There is a need for a similar event in the sneaker industry that focuses on authenticity and community.

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Podcast is hosted by:

What If Cars Were Retroed Like Sneakers? Could It Work? Would You Buy? Aug 19, 2024

This episode of The Cars and Kicks Podcast explores the concept of retro cars and retros in the sneaker world. It discusses the challenges of creating retro cars, including changes in materials, technology, and safety standards. The conversation also touches on the demand for nostalgia and the potential for manufacturers to offer retro versions of older cars. It highlights the success of companies like Singer and Porsche in creating modernized versions of classic cars. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of maintaining the authenticity of retro namesakes when reintroducing them in the market. The conversation explores the topic of retro cars and updated sneakers, discussing the challenges and benefits of bringing back iconic names and designs. The hosts and guest share their opinions on the importance of staying true to the original product and the potential disconnect between nostalgia and modern technology. They also discuss the appeal of customization and the potential for hybrid and electric conversions of older cars. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for brands to create excitement and passion among consumers.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Chanting Cars and Kicks

01:31 Introducing the Hosts and Their Roles

02:46 The Concept of Retro Cars and Sneaker Retros

06:02 Challenges of Creating Retro Cars

12:26 The Possibility of Retro Versions by Manufacturers

18:24 Success Stories: Modernized Versions of Classic Cars

23:53 Maintaining Authenticity: Reintroducing Retro Namesakes

29:47 Bringing Back Retro Car Names

31:10 The Impact of Nostalgia on Sneaker Purchases

32:08 Balancing Nostalgia and Modern Technology

45:42 The Appeal of Retro Car Designs

50:46 The Importance of Exciting and Passionate Consumers

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

The Most Valuable Collection of Cars and Kicks Ever 🤯 Aug 12, 2024

In this episode of The Cars and Kicks Podcast, Erik Valdez, Jacques Slade, and Nick Engvall discuss a recent auction at Sotheby's called the Dare to Dream collection, which featured rare and valuable items related to cars and sneakers. They talk about the high prices of some items, such as a pair of Nike waffle shoes that sold for $306,000, and the fluctuating market for collectible sneakers. They also mention the sale of rare cars, including a Ferrari 288 GTL that sold for $3.88 million and a Porsche 911 Speedster that sold for $307,500. The hosts reflect on the motivations behind selling these items and the impact on the market. In this conversation, Erik and Jacques discuss their love for both cars and sneakers, and how the stories and nostalgia attached to these items make them valuable. They talk about the cult-like following of certain car models, such as the FJ40, and the rarity and uniqueness of certain sneakers. They also share their experiences of wanting to explain the details and stories behind their collections to others, even if they don't share the same level of enthusiasm. They end the conversation by discussing the possibility of bringing on guests who share their passion for cars and sneakers.

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Intro Song

03:00 The Fluctuating Market for Collectible Sneakers

06:02 High Prices for Rare and Valuable Cars

13:02 Motivations for Selling Rare Items

23:02 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities

25:52 The Appeal of Vintage Cars

26:23 The Cult-Like Following of Certain Car Models

27:16 The Rarity and Uniqueness of Sneakers

28:20 Sharing the Details and Stories Behind Collections

46:11 Exploring the Possibility of Guest Interviews

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

We Brought In Legal Help To Break Down Nike vs. The Shoe Surgeon Aug 05, 2024

On this episode of Cars & Kicks, Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall, are joined by lawyer Zak Kurtz, principle at Sneaker & Streetwear Legal, to find out the details of the unprecedented lawsuit between Nike and their former partner, The Shoe Surgeon.

Connect with Zak: https://sneaker.legal

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and New Show Intro

03:04 The Need for Accurate Information and Concrete Facts

05:23 Defining Counterfeit and Infringing New Products

07:43 The Difference Between Infringing New Products and Counterfeit

09:43 The Legal Threshold for Mass Production

16:19 Protecting Brand Identity and Avoiding Confusion

18:20 The Marketing Aspect of Lawsuits and Empire Building

26:24 The Litigious Nature of Luxury Brands

31:30 The Surprising Aspects of the Conversation

35:00 Nike's Underground Collaboration with Dom

38:25 The Disconnect Between Legal and Business Perspectives at Nike

43:22 Balancing External Clout and In-House Talent

52:51 The Potential Precedent of the Nike vs. Dom Lawsuit

58:14 Finding Your Unique Voice as a Creator

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

The Future Is Electric Vehicles, Power Lacing Sneakers, or Just An App Jul 29, 2024

In this episode of The Cars and Kicks Podcast, Erik Valdez, Jacques Slade, and Nick Engvall discuss personal style, electric vehicles, and the buying experience of a Rivian R1T. It also delves into the parallels between the car and sneaker industries, as well as the user experience of modern technology in cars. The conversation covers the challenges of direct-to-consumer sales in the automotive and sneaker industries, consumer behavior, brand loyalty, and the impact of company decisions on consumer experience. It also delves into the role of CEOs, the wow factor in product design, and the importance of taking creative risks.

All of the links you need from this episode: https://www.carsxkicks.com

Get In Touch: carsxkicksshow@gmail.com

Chapters:

00:00 The Art of Podcast Intros and Personal Style

03:07 The Electric Vehicle Experience: Rivian R1T and Beyond

09:41 Parallels Between Cars and Kicks: User Experience and Purchasing

13:48 Modern Technology in Cars: User Experience and Satisfaction

27:15 Consumer Behavior and Brand Loyalty

30:30 CEO Impact on Consumer Experience

50:33 The Wow Factor in Product Design and Creative Risks

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

The Porsche 911 and Nike Air Max Are More Alike Than You Think Jul 22, 2024

This episode dives into the evolution of iconic sneakers and cars, the impact of hybridization, and the significance of nostalgia and design in both industries. It delves into the parallels between the sneaker and car worlds, exploring the themes of performance, nostalgia, and the evolution of iconic products. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the transition of the Porsche 911 to a hybrid model, the impact of technology on sneakers and cars, the use of carbon fiber in performance, and the intersection of aesthetics and performance in automotive and footwear design.

Chapters:

00:00 Nostalgia and Design

29:45 The Evolution of the Porsche 911: A Shift to Hybrid

36:02 Technology and Performance: The Sneaker-Car Connection

38:53 Carbon Fiber: Enhancing Performance in Cars and Kicks

53:46 Aesthetics vs. Performance: The Intersection of Design

All of the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Nike Sues One Of Their Most Important Partners...Like Porsche and Ferrari Sue Creators Jul 16, 2024

In this episode of the Cars and Kicks Podcast, Erik Valdez, Jacques Slade, and Nick Engvall discuss recent lawsuits, including Nike suing the Shoe Surgeon and Porsche suing Singer. They also discuss other lawsuits of the past like Ferrari suing Justin Beiber and Deadmouse. The conversation dives into the relationships between brands and creators, and how quickly things can change. This episode is also available in video form through the links below.

Nike Lawsuit - https://bit.ly/NikeSurgeonLawsuit

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Musical Vibes

02:48 Nike's Lawsuit Against Shoe Surgeon

11:55 Perspectives on the Lawsuit

20:50 Comparisons with the Car Industry

29:31 The Role of Creativity and IP

39:17 Corporate Hypocrisy and Consumer Impact

55:36 Conclusion and Audience Engagement

All of the links you need: https://linktr.ee/carsxkicks

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by:

Introducing The Cars and Kicks Show with Jacques Slade, Erik Valdez, and Nick Engvall Jul 16, 2024

Our first episode of the 'Cars and Kicks' show dives into the backgrounds of each of the hosts, Erik Valdez, Jacques Slade, and Nick Engvall, their experiences with cars and sneakers, and the intersection of these two worlds. It also delves into their individual journeys, interests, and the unique perspectives they bring to the show. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including car racing, driving schools, sneaker culture, and the podcast's format and direction. The hosts share personal stories, discuss their expertise, and express their excitement for the upcoming episodes. They also touch on future episode topics such as the Porsche 911 and the Tesla Cybertruck.

Chapters:

00:00 Formation of 'Cars and Kicks' Show

02:02 Hosts' Background and Experiences

08:03 Exploring the Intersection of Cars and Kicks

25:56 Sneaker Culture and Its Impact

29:08 Excitement for the Podcast Journey

39:34 Future Episode Teasers: Porsche 911 and Cybertruck

All the links you need: https://www.carsxkicks.com

The Cars and Kicks Show is hosted by: