ABB E-mobility’s Rebecca Vollmann sits at the intersection of innovation and accessibility — engineering the future of public charging while helping shape the next generation of STEM leaders.
In this episode, Rebecca joins The BeDifferential Podcast to share how her unconventional path into engineering began with limited access to STEM education, and how that experience fuels her mission to make the field more inclusive. She opens up about mentorship through SAE, the lessons learned from bridging technology and people, and what excites her most about the future of electric mobility.
From redefining car culture to rethinking how we build opportunity, Rebecca’s story reminds us that the most powerful connections — whether electric or human — are the ones that keep us all moving forward.
From go-karts in New York to instructing at ProFormance and DirtFish, Jack Ramie has turned his passion for driving into a career that blends racing, coaching, and storytelling. In this episode, we dive into Jack’s journey — from discovering that motorsport could be more than a hobby, to shaping the next generation of drivers, to creating Cascade Edge Motorsport, a platform highlighting the people and stories that make motorsport come alive.
Jack shares what he wishes every new performance driver knew before hitting the track, the lessons rally and road racing have taught him about control and focus, and the moments that made him rethink his approach to racing and teaching. We also explore how his generation is reshaping motorsport culture, why vulnerability and failure are becoming essential parts of the conversation, and the advice he carries through every lap.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast, a budding driver, or just curious about the human side of motorsport, Jack’s insight offers guidance, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at the sport’s evolving landscape.
Tune in to hear:
How Jack turned a hobby into a full-time career in driving and coaching
The most rewarding moments of teaching and mentoring students
Stories from the track that challenged him, inspired him, and reshaped his perspective
What’s next for motorsport’s next wave of storytellers
For Alex Massey, restoration isn’t just about rebuilding vehicles — it’s about honoring the stories they carry. From his beginnings in Queensland, Australia, to establishing CKD Shop in the UK, Alex has devoted his craft to preserving the spirit of early Land Rovers and the people who shaped them. In this conversation, he shares how CKD began, what makes these vehicles so enduring, and why the heart of preservation lies in both engineering and empathy.
What really happens behind the scenes at a professional racing team? Kristina Giovanis, Director of Operations at Team TGM, joins Be Differential to demystify the inner workings of race weekend logistics, team culture, and strategic leadership. From balancing the family-oriented spirit of Team TGM to carving out her voice in a high-stakes role, Kristina reveals how operational excellence is as crucial as horsepower on the track.
Learn more about Team TGM here:
https://www.teamtgm.com
For Ted Giovanis, progress on the racetrack and in the lab share the same DNA: data, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. As the owner of Team TGM and founder of the Giovanis Institute for Translational Cell Biology, Ted reveals how lessons from motorsport—precision, adaptability, and collaboration—fuel advancements in medical research. In this episode, he shares his approach to balancing passion and performance, the parallels between engineering and scientific innovation, and why curiosity remains the driving force behind both competition and discovery.
Learn more: https://www.teamtgm.com/
The motorsport world thrives on relationships — and knowing how to network can open doors you didn’t even know existed. In this solo episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Eva Gregory shares her best strategies for building connections in racing and automotive.
Discover how curiosity, showing up at the right places, and consistent follow-up can help you stand out. This episode is your roadmap to turning conversations into career opportunities in the motorsport industry.
Learn more at BeDifferentialPodcast.com
In this episode of BeDifferential, we sit down with Gail Longstreth—automotive content creator, style curator, and the voice behind @gailsgarage296. Gail opens up about what first sparked her passion for cars and how that led to launching a platform that blends car spotting, personal style, and community storytelling.
We trace her journey from a past career into the fast lane of social media influence, dig into what makes New Haven’s car scene so magnetic, and hear how partnerships like her collaboration with Cars & Bids came to life. Gail shares the high points and hard lessons from growing a 30K+ following, how she stays creative even during slow seasons, and what’s next for Gail’s Garage—from new content formats to dream cities to explore.
This episode is about more than just cars—it’s about purpose, perspective, and how authentic passion can build unexpected bridges.
Torsten Gross is proof that limits are meant to be redefined. After a life-changing accident at 15, he refused to let circumstances dictate his story. Today, he’s a competitive adaptive racer, marketing executive, and co-founder of the Just Hands Foundation, where he’s opening doors for adaptive athletes in motorsport. He also happens to be the world’s only quadriplegic Rescue Scuba Diver and has completed 12 marathons in 12 months.
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Torsten shares how adventure and resilience shaped his life, the adaptations that make racing at the highest level possible, and why he believes “everyone has a wheelchair.” We also dive into the barriers adaptive athletes face, the progress being made in motorsport, and the impact Just Hands is having on the racing community.
Whether on track, in the water, or crossing a marathon finish line, Torsten’s story is about more than competition — it’s about resilience, reinvention, and breaking barriers.
Learn more about the Just Hands Foundation at https://www.justhands.org/
Learn more about Torsten's journey at https://www.torstengross.com/
At just 18 years old, Jordan DaCosta is already making his mark in drag racing. From earning his NHRA license in only three days to clocking a blistering 7.75-second quarter mile, Jordan’s journey is fueled by speed, determination, and resilience.
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Jordan shares his earliest racing memories, why drag racing became his passion, and the mindset it takes to compete under pressure. He also opens up about securing 20+ sponsorships before turning 20, balancing life on and off the track, and the legacy he hopes to leave in the sport.
Follow Jordan’s journey on Instagram: @jordandacostaracing
For more information and to explore other inspiring episodes, visit bedifferentialpodcast.com
Whether you’re chasing a career in motorsport or just curious what it takes to rise fast in racing, Jordan’s story offers insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of drag racing’s brightest young talents.
Irana Ahmadova is the force behind one of Formula 1’s most dynamic human resources operations—serving as the Head of HR and Workforce for Formula 1 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan Grand Prix. From managing tens of thousands of volunteer applications to developing meaningful, people-first strategies, Irana is redefining what leadership looks like behind the scenes in global motorsport.
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Irana shares how she found her way into motorsport, how HR became her calling, and what it takes to lead a large-scale, high-pressure operation with empathy and purpose.
We explore:
If you've ever wondered what it takes to run one of the world’s most complex racing events from a people-first perspective, this episode offers rare insight from someone leading the charge.
🏁 Learn more about the Azerbaijan GP: bakucitycircuit.com and https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2025/azerbaijan
🎧 More episodes: bedifferentialpodcast.com
What does it mean to tell motorsport stories from every angle—audio, visual, and written?
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Grace: a dynamic motorsports broadcaster, journalist, writer, and photographer whose work spans Sportscar365, IndyCar Radio, and IMSA video coverage. Jonathan shares his journey from an aspiring creative to becoming one of the most versatile voices in modern motorsports media.
We explore how he developed his creative rhythm, what it’s really like working behind the scenes on race weekends, and how he captures the emotion, speed, and atmosphere of the sport across multiple formats. From storytelling in the paddock to trends in fan engagement and content creation, this episode dives deep into the evolving media landscape of professional racing.
Whether you're a fan, a future motorsport journalist, or a creative looking to break into the industry, you'll take away real-world insight on building a media career in racing—and how content creators are shaping the future of motorsport culture.
Featuring:
• Behind-the-scenes insight from the worlds of IndyCar, IMSA, and endurance racing
• The balance between creative freedom and commercial work
• Tips for aspiring journalists, content creators, and motorsport photographers
• Reflections on racing culture, media access, and finding your voice
Listen now and discover what it really takes to tell great motorsport stories—from trackside to timeline.
🚗 Follow his journey on Instagram @jmgrace.media
🎧 More episodes: bedifferentialpodcast.com
Gill Campbell is known for her fierce leadership and kindness—qualities that propelled her through two decades of trackside leadership and now drive her success in motorsports-adjacent marketing at AERO Marketing Group.
In this inspiring episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Gill shares mentorship lessons, team-building wins, and how she translates deep racetrack experience into business development strategy and brand growth.
We explore:
Follow Gill’s journey and hear how fearless leadership takes many forms—on the grid, in the boardroom, and beyond.
Subscribe to follow more women shifting the status quo in automotive and motorsport.
More: bedifferentialpodcast.com
Aero Marketing Group: https://www.aeromkg.com/
Karen Bailey-Chapman has built a powerhouse career at the intersection of public affairs, policy, and passion—now serving as Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs at SEMA, where she champions the automotive aftermarket and enthusiast community on Capitol Hill and beyond.
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Karen shares how her career evolved across gaming, beverage, and now automotive—and why advocacy is essential for the future of car culture, motorsports, and small business innovation.
We explore:
If you’ve ever modded a car, tracked a build, or care about where the industry’s headed—this episode is for you.
🛠️ Learn more about SEMA’s advocacy work: sema.org
🎧 More episodes: bedifferentialpodcast.com
Michelle Miller is a powerhouse in motorsports—an accomplished driver, co-driver, instructor, and team manager whose career spans everything from rallycross to autocross to national championship campaigns.
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Michelle shares how she got her start in motorsports, how her roles have evolved over time, and why she’s passionate about creating more access and representation in the sport.
We explore:
Whether you're an aspiring racer or just motorsport-curious, Michelle brings insight, encouragement, and deep expertise to every corner of the conversation.
🚗 Follow her journey on Instagram @mmillerracing
🎧 More episodes: bedifferentialpodcast.com
Melanie Hellwig-White is a trailblazer in the automotive aftermarket—leading Hellwig Products, advocating for industry policy, and shaping the future of off-road innovation as Chair of SEMA.
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, Melanie shares her journey from growing up in the family business to leading one of the industry’s most respected American-made brands. We dive into product innovation, policy advocacy, and the evolving world of off-roading, towing, and overlanding.
We explore:
Whether you're in the garage, on the trail, or in the boardroom, Melanie offers powerful insights on leading with integrity, pushing for progress, and paving the road ahead for the next generation.
Learn more: bedifferentialpodcast.com
Learn more about Hellwig: hellwigproducts.com
Instagram: @hellwig_products
Facebook: @hellwigproducts
YouTube: @HellwigProducts
Ella Wu-Heilman is a rising force in motorcycle racing—competing against older, more experienced riders and carving out her place on the grid with grit, skill, and passion.
In this episode, Ella shares her journey from her first time on two wheels to racing in series like Northwest Mini Moto, Cascadia Supermoto, and WMRRA. We talk about growing up in a motorsports-loving family, how her dad supports her as her mechanic and RV driver, and what she’s learned from her mom’s experience in F1 sponsorship.
She opens up about balancing school with the demands of racing, why representation matters to her, and the big dreams that keep her pushing forward—on and off the bike.
Follow Ella’s journey on Instagram: @ellawuheilman
Learn more about WMRRA: wmrra.com
Learn more about the podcast: bedifferentialpodcast.com
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, IMSA President John Doonan joins us to explore the future of American sports car racing. From his early days at Mazda to leading IMSA into its hybrid era, John shares what it takes to evolve a world-class racing series.
We discuss the launch of the GTP class, the role of manufacturers like Porsche and Cadillac, and how IMSA balances tradition with innovation. John also speaks on the importance of inclusion in motorsport, the impact of IMSA’s Diverse Driver Development program, and offers advice for young professionals—especially women—looking to break into the racing industry.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just motorsport-curious, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and a look at what’s next for IMSA.
To learn more, visit IMSA.com and HSRRace.com, and follow @IMSA_racing and @hsr_imsaclassic on Instagram.
Erin Vogel returns to the grid in more ways than one—as both a driver and the leader of her own racing team. In this episode, she shares her evolution from enthusiast to competitor to owner, and what it’s like to build a program that reflects her values of performance, representation, and mentorship. We explore how Erin is creating space for more women in the paddock and shaping a team culture grounded in purpose and passion.
Learn more about AE Victory Racing https://www.aevictoryracing.com/
Follow along to stay updated on their journey on Instagram @ae.victory_racing
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we head to the heart of California’s racing culture with April Henderson, Vice President of Events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. With over a decade in the automotive and motorsport space, April shares what it takes to produce world-class events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Monterey Car Week. From managing paddock logistics and overseeing raceway licensing to serving as the public-facing ambassador of one of America’s most iconic tracks, April offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the complexity and creativity that drives her work.
We also explore April’s journey into motorsports, her experiences working on The Quail events, and how she leads with a balance of strategy, adaptability, and hospitality. Whether you're an events professional, motorsport fan, or aspiring industry leader, this episode will leave you inspired by the incredible work that happens off-track to make the magic happen on it.
In this episode of The BeDifferential Podcast, we go trackside with Amanda Busick—pit reporter, motorsports broadcaster, and one of the most recognized voices in racing media. Amanda shares her unconventional path into motorsports, from navigating early career setbacks to landing on live television. Tune in as she discusses the fast-paced world of drag racing, NASCAR, and more, as well as the challenges of being a woman in the industry, and the power of perseverance. Whether you're a motorsports fan or chasing your own bold career pivot, Amanda’s story will leave you inspired and fired up.