AutoFame Podcast – Episode 8: The 1950s – The Golden Age of American Automobiles In this episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady takes listeners back to the 1950s, a decade that defined American car culture like no other. With the post-war boom, suburban expansion, and the rise of the highway system, the automobile became more than just transportation—it became a symbol of freedom, success, and style. Key highlights from this episode include: The impact of economic prosperity on car ownership and the explosion of bigger, faster, and flashier cars. Tailfins, chrome, and Jet Age styling, influenced by aviation and the space race. The birth of the Corvette (1953), marking the dawn of American sports cars. The rise of hot rods, custom car culture, and early drag racing. The Federal-Aid Highway Act (1956) and how it revolutionized road trips, fast food, and suburban expansion. As the 1950s came to a close, the stage was set for the muscle car era of the 1960s. But before moving forward, the next episode will highlight the visionary designers who shaped this incredible decade, from Harley Earl to Virgil Exner. Tune in to explore the decade that cemented America's love affair with the automobile!

Episode 7: My Journey Through Cars, Business, and Automotive Culture In this special episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady takes a personal detour from automotive history to share his own journey—from working at a gas station in high school to becoming a business leader, car collector, and passionate advocate for automotive culture. Kevin reflects on his early years as an auto mechanic, managing an auto parts store, and working in automotive manufacturing before shifting gears to build Kegspediter, a logistics system for the global beer industry. This success gave him the opportunity to collect and restore cars, including a 1926 Model T, a 1953 Studebaker, several Corvettes, and a Tesla Plaid. Beyond collecting, Kevin shares his experiences as a board member of his local Corvette club, an ambassador for the National Corvette Museum, and a regular at car shows and the Indy 500. This episode dives into how Kevin's business and technology expertise helped shape AutoFame.com, a platform designed for enthusiasts to preserve their car's legacy, find events, and connect with like-minded people. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, business, and racing culture that fueled the creation of AutoFame!

AutoFame Podcast – Episode 6: The Auto Industry Goes to War – Cars, Conflict, and Innovation In this episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady explores how World War II forced automakers to halt civilian car production and shift their focus to military manufacturing. From Ford's B-24 bomber assembly lines to GM's tanks and aircraft engines, the auto industry became a key player in the war effort. Key topics include: How Ford, GM, and Chrysler converted factories to build military equipment. The rise of Jeep, tanks, and 4x4 technology during the war. How wartime innovations, like stronger materials and automatic transmissions, shaped post-war car designs. The return to civilian car production in 1945 and the beginning of a new automotive era. This episode uncovers how the auto industry helped win the war, while laying the foundation for the booming car culture of the 1950s.

AutoFame Podcast – Episode 5: Surviving the Great Depression – Innovation in Hard Times In this episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady explores how the Great Depression (1929–1939) reshaped the auto industry, forcing carmakers to innovate or risk extinction. As the economy collapsed, car sales plummeted, smaller manufacturers disappeared, and even industry giants like Ford, GM, and Chrysler had to adapt to survive. This episode covers: Ford's struggles and the introduction of the first mass-produced V8 GM's rise to dominance with design, luxury, and financing options Chrysler's innovations in safety and aerodynamics How Hollywood, hot rodding, and pop culture kept car enthusiasm alive The 1939 New York World's Fair and a glimpse into the future of automobiles Despite economic hardship, automakers persevered, setting the stage for the next great transformation—the wartime production boom of the 1940s. Tune in to hear how resilience, engineering, and a love for the automobile kept the industry alive during its toughest decade.

AutoFame Podcast – Episode 4: The Roaring Twenties & the Rise of Automotive Competition In this episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady explores the Roaring Twenties, a time when automobiles became faster, sleeker, and more competitive than ever. With Henry Ford's Model T losing its dominance, a new wave of automakers stepped in to revolutionize the industry. Key topics include: The end of the Model T's reign and Ford's response with the Model A. General Motors' game-changing strategy, introducing annual model updates and a tiered brand structure (Chevrolet to Cadillac). The rise of Chrysler Corporation (1925), bringing high-compression engines and hydraulic brakes into mainstream cars. The birth of performance and luxury, with brands like Duesenberg, Packard, and Cadillac pushing the limits of speed and elegance. Prohibition's unexpected impact on car culture, as bootleggers modified their cars for speed, planting the seeds for stock car racing and NASCAR. The stock market crash of 1929, marking the end of the decade's prosperity and challenging the auto industry like never before. The 1920s saw the shift from basic transportation to performance, luxury, and marketing-driven sales, shaping the future of car culture. Tune in to see how fierce competition, innovation, and changing consumer demand pushed the automobile industry into the modern era.

AutoFame Podcast – Episode 3: The Brass Era & The Ford Revolution In this episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady takes listeners through the Brass Era (1896–1915), a transformative period when automobiles evolved from experimental machines into a mass-market industry. This was the era when early automakers competed fiercely, but one man would change the game forever—Henry Ford. The episode explores: How the Model T revolutionized transportation, making cars affordable and accessible for the average person. The impact of Ford's moving assembly line, which reduced car production time from 12 hours to just 93 minutes. How Ford's innovations transformed society, from road expansion to the rise of a car-owning middle class. The decline of brass-era luxury cars, as practical and affordable automobiles took over the market. Listeners will discover how Henry Ford's vision helped shape the modern auto industry, leading to the rise of mass production, infrastructure growth, and car culture as we know it today. Tune in to learn how the automobile became more than just a machine—it became a way of life.

AutoFame Podcast – Episode 2: The Birth of the Automobile & The Pioneer Era In this episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady takes listeners on a journey back to the pioneer era of the automobile, exploring the origins of self-propelled vehicles and the visionaries who made them a reality. From the early steam-powered contraptions of the 18th century to Karl Benz's revolutionary Patent-Motorwagen in 1885, this episode delves into the breakthroughs, challenges, and milestones that paved the way for modern cars. Listeners will hear about Bertha Benz's legendary road trip, which proved the automobile was more than just an experiment, as well as the rise of early manufacturers who set the stage for the automotive industry we know today. This episode is perfect for history buffs, car enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the evolution of transportation. Tune in to discover how a world once dependent on horses and steam engines transitioned into the automobile age, and stay until the end to learn how you can preserve your own car's legacy on AutoFame.com. Buckle up—this is where the story of the car truly begins!

AutoFame Podcast – Episode 1: The Drive Begins In this premiere episode of the AutoFame Podcast, host Kevin Brady introduces listeners to AutoFame.com, the platform dedicated to preserving automotive history, car culture, and the personal legacies of enthusiasts worldwide. We kick things off by exploring the mission of AutoFame—a digital hall of fame where every car has a story worth telling. Learn how AutoFame helps car owners showcase their vehicles, find events, and connect with a passionate community of enthusiasts. Then, get a sneak peek at what's ahead in the podcast series, including deep dives into: The evolution of the automobile—from the earliest horseless carriages to modern performance machines. The cultural impact of icons like the Corvette, muscle cars, and classic hot rods. How technology and AI are shaping the future of car collecting and storytelling. Finally, we invite you to get involved—add your car to AutoFame.com, discover car events near you, and join a thriving community that celebrates everything automotive. Buckle up—our journey through automotive history begins now!