DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast

Episode 63 – Kyle Badertscher | Port City VW Car Show & Burn Camp Mission
In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with Kyle Badertscher, the heart behind the Port City Volkswagen Car Show—one of the most meaningful VW events in the country.
Kyle shares his incredible journey into the Volkswagen world, from not owning his first car until his late 20s to becoming a driving force in a thriving VW community. What started with a single 1970 Bay Window bus named Bonnie turned into something much bigger—an annual event that now brings together hundreds of enthusiasts from across the country.
But this show is about more than just cars.
The Port City VW Car Show is built on purpose—raising money for the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp, a life-changing program that supports children who have suffered severe burns and disfigurements. Kyle opens up about his personal connection to the cause, his role as a camp counselor, and how this mission fuels everything he does.
We dive into:
The story behind Bonnie and Kyle’s VW journey
How the Port City VW Show grew into a 500–700 car event
The unique “Fab 15” awards and community-driven culture
Why the Volkswagen community feels more like family
The real impact of the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp
What it takes to build an event with purpose, heart, and longevity
This episode is a powerful reminder that cars can bring people together—but purpose is what makes it unforgettable.
If you love VW culture, community, and stories that actually matter… this one hits different.
📍 Port City VW Car Show
Held annually the first Saturday in June in Catoosa, Oklahoma
🎯 Mission: Supporting children through the Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp
🎙️ DubLife Diaries
Real stories. Real builds. Real people.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves the VW lifestyle.

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

In this episode of DubLife Diaries, we sit down with automotive artist Johnny Jalopy to unpack the story behind the style that’s turning heads across the custom car scene.
Johnny shares how his journey started with childhood inspiration, shaped by his father’s artistic influence and a passion for cars that never let up. What began as sketches and side projects evolved into a full-blown creative business—one rooted in honoring legacy, pushing boundaries, and refusing to follow traditional rules of automotive art. 
We dive into:
His evolution from traditional drawing to digital art
The mindset behind his signature “detail without detail” style
How stance, attitude, and personality define great automotive design
The reality of being a self-taught artist breaking into the scene
His experience collaborating on builds and even appearing on TV
This episode is more than art—it’s about identity, creativity, and carving your own lane in a world full of copy-and-paste culture. Whether you’re into Volkswagens, custom builds, or just love hearing how people turn passion into purpose, this one delivers.
Tune in and get inspired to see cars—and creativity—through a whole new lens.
Follow & Support:
Be sure to follow, rate, and share the show—and keep an eye out for more stories from the people shaping car culture worldwide.
Connect with Johnny www.johnnyjalopy.com

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

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