DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with longtime event promoter Randy Yoho to break down the massive success of Florida Bug Jam 2025 — one of the largest Volkswagen gatherings on the East Coast, drawing over 10,000 attendees.
We dive into what it really takes to organize a show of this scale, from permits and insurance to managing over 60 car classes and thousands of participants. Randy shares insights from his 47 years in the event world, including his experience with Red Bull Day in the Dirt, and how that knowledge translates into building unforgettable VW events.
We also talk about what’s next…
From new ideas like a Friday night cook-off, expanded stereo competitions, and a “Pimp Your Campsite” contest, to possibly moving the stage indoors — this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insight and future plans for Bug Jam 2026.
More importantly, we get into the bigger picture:
How do we grow the Volkswagen community, attract the next generation, and keep the culture alive while evolving with the times?
If you’re into VW culture, car shows, or building community through events — this episode is for you. We cover : 
Florida Bug Jam 2025 recap (10,000+ attendees)
What it takes to run a major car show
Behind-the-scenes challenges (permits, insurance, weather)
Ideas and upgrades for 2026
Growing the VW community and attracting younger enthusiasts
Event logistics, judging, and organization
The future of Volkswagen culture
Shout Outs : 
Volksmania Magazine
Salty Dub
Vara Upholstery
Follow along for updates, future events, and more episodes of DubLife Diaries.

Final Thought:
This isn’t just about cars… it’s about community.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with legendary Volkswagen builder Jeff Spearn to dive deep into a journey that defines passion, grit, and craftsmanship.
Jeff shares how it all started with a burned-out $45 Super Beetle—and how that humble beginning led to a career filled with award-winning builds, magazine features, and a Top 10 finish at SEMA Battle of the Builders. From his iconic Diamond Green ’57 ragtop to the show-stopping “Dark Horse” ’56 Beetle in custom Merlot Red, Jeff breaks down the mindset, discipline, and attention to detail that separate good builds from unforgettable ones.
We also get into:
The difference between high-end restorations and garage builds
Lessons learned working on exotic cars like Ferraris and Porsches
His time in SCCA racing and the evolution of car culture
The story behind his most recognized builds
The power of documentation, craftsmanship, and legacy
Plus, Jeff shares his role in organizing the iconic Eureka Springs VW Weekend and how the Volkswagen community has evolved into a more unified, family-driven culture.
Whether you’re a hardcore VW enthusiast, a builder, or just someone chasing excellence in your craft—this episode delivers real insight from someone who’s lived it at the highest level.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Bren Hartman — a true backbone of the modern air-cooled Volkswagen scene. From grassroots beginnings to reviving some of Michigan’s most iconic VW events, Bren’s story is all about passion, persistence, and keeping the culture alive.
Bren shares how a simple introduction to a 1973 Beetle sparked a lifelong obsession that grew into a fleet of classic VWs, including buses, Beetles, a drag car, and a Baja project. But this episode goes way beyond cars — it dives into what it really takes to build and sustain a community.
We unpack how Bren helped bring events like Eurofest and local cruise nights back from the dead, creating spaces where enthusiasts can connect, race, and keep the spirit of air-cooled Volkswagens thriving. He also pulls back the curtain on his success in bracket racing, where consistency beats speed and mindset is everything.
This conversation also hits on some real truths about the hobby today — rising costs, the impact of high-end flipping, and what it means for the next generation trying to get into the scene.
If you’re into Volkswagens, racing, or just love hearing how someone turns passion into impact, this one delivers.
In this episode, we cover:
Bren’s journey into the VW world and his current collection
The revival of Eurofest and Michigan VW drag racing
What it really takes to win in bracket racing
The power of grassroots events and community building
Concerns about the future of air-cooled culture
Advice for anyone looking to get into Volkswagens
Whether you’re a seasoned VW enthusiast or just getting started, this episode is a reminder that it’s not just about the cars — it’s about the people behind them.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

What happens when you take pain, purpose, and a Volkswagen… and build something bigger than yourself?

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Colton “ ” Williams — founder of Bug Invasion — to unpack a raw and real journey of transformation.

Colton opens up about battling depression, alcoholism, and the weight of a difficult childhood marked by bullying… and how the Volkswagen community became the unexpected turning point that changed everything.

Now 3 years sober, Colton shares how finding belonging in the VW scene gave him purpose — and ultimately inspired him to create Bug Invasion, one of the most community-driven, family-friendly VW events around.

We get into:

The moment everything shifted in his life

How the VW community helped him rebuild from the ground up

The real story behind launching Bug Invasion

Why he keeps the event affordable and family-focused

The struggles with sponsorships and growing an event

And how giving back became his mission

This episode is about more than cars — it’s about redemption, resilience, and finding your people.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, alone, or searching for purpose… this one hits different.

To find Colton Bugman Williams online visit : sumerduckdragway.com or email  [email protected]

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with Kristopher Hayes to dive into one of the most unique Volkswagen builds you’ll hear about. What started as a simple roof rack trade turned into the acquisition of a Karmann Ghia with a story of its own—and Kristopher is taking it to an entirely new level.

Growing up in Grand Junction, Colorado, Kristopher shares his journey from small-town roots to working on oil rigs, and how that path ultimately led him to discover a deep passion for restoring classic Volkswagens. Along the way, he uncovers a rare Porsche 356 roller crank hidden within the motor—setting the stage for an ambitious transformation into a full-blown drag car.

Joe and Kristopher get into the realities behind the build: the late nights, the learning curves, and the challenge of balancing family life while chasing a vision. They also talk about what makes the Volkswagen community so different—the camaraderie, the creativity, and why so many people find restoration work to be therapeutic.

With plans to debut the finished build at Volkswagens on the Green in 2026, this episode is packed with inspiration, passion, and the kind of story that reminds you why we all love the VW scene.

Whether you're into air-cooled classics, custom builds, or just love a good underdog story—this is one you won’t want to miss.

 

 

 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations