Mike Edge is the host of the Gain Traction Podcast, the official podcast for the tire and automotive industry, powered by Tread Partners. With a passion for spotlighting the people behind the business, Mike has spent over four years interviewing tire dealers, shop owners, industry executives, and innovators who keep the industry rolling forward.

Sonny McDonald, National Director of Training at Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., joins Mike for this milestone episode celebrating 200 recordings of the Gain Traction Podcast. Known for his leadership, mentorship, and decades of hands-on experience, Sonny has long been a supporter of the show and an advocate for collaboration, authenticity, and growth within the tire industry.

In this episode…

What does it take for a niche podcast to reach 200 episodes? A milestone that only 2.35% of shows ever achieve? In this special edition of the Gain Traction Podcast, host Mike Edge and guest Sonny McDonald take listeners behind the mic to reflect on the journey from a simple idea in 2021 to a global platform that celebrates the people of the tire and automotive industry.

Mike and Sonny revisit how the show began with a handful of conversations that turned into hundreds of interviews with shop owners, technicians, executives, and thought leaders. They talk about what makes the tire business unique; the people, the relationships, and the shared commitment to service and how teamwork and connection have been central to every story told.

The episode also captures the humor, authenticity, and real-world perspective that have defined the Gain Traction Podcast. From behind-the-scenes bloopers to memorable guest moments, Mike and Sonny look back at the highlights that shaped the show’s growth, the lessons learned along the way, and what’s ahead for the podcast at industry events like SEMA.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

[00:32] How only 2.35% of podcasts make it to 200 episodes

[02:18] The core mission and purpose behind the Gain Traction Podcast

[06:12] The story of how the podcast first began in 2021

[08:26] How the show grew to thousands of monthly downloads

[10:15] Memorable interviews with industry leaders like Mike Spagnola and Mike Graber

[15:21] Funny behind-the-scenes moments from early episodes

[18:09] The teamwork behind the podcast’s success

[20:27] What to expect from the Gain Traction team at SEMA

[23:14] Toyo Tires’ Treadpass display and its one-of-a-kind builds

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tread Partners
• Gain Traction Podcast on YouTube
• Gain Traction Podcast Website
• Mike Edge on LinkedIn
• Sonny McDonald LinkedIn
• Toyo Tires USA Website
• Gain Traction Podcast Episode #1
• Gain Traction Podcast Episode #121
• Gain Traction Podcast Episode #136
• Gain Traction Podcast Episode #178

Quotable Moments:

• “We wanted to elevate the brands and people of this industry and have fun doing it.”
• “At the end of the day, we’re all in the people business.”
• “Only 2.35% of podcasts reach 200 episodes and that’s something worth celebrating.”
• “Teamwork makes everything possible, both in the shop and behind the mic.”
• “Great conversations create impact far beyond the microphone.”

Action Steps:

1. Celebrate your milestones; big or small, and reflect on how far you’ve come.
2. Keep your focus on people: customers, teams, and relationships that build your business.
3. Attend industry events like SEMA to network, collaborate, and stay inspired.
4. Support independent podcasts that share your industry’s stories and elevate its leaders.
5. Listen to more episodes of the Gain Traction Podcast to learn from voices shaping the tire and automotive world.