In Episode 11 of VW Garage Talk, we sit down with my longtime friend Dave McFarland, co-founder of Local Volks, Florida’s largest Volkswagen group. For nearly 20 years, Dave has been a central figure in building and growing the VW scene in the Sunshine State, long before Facebook groups and viral reels.
We talk about:
Dave’s VW origin story: from his dad’s Baja adventures to his first Beetle at 16
The early days of car culture: how we organized meets without social media (hello, Yahoo chat rooms!)
The rise of Local Volks: what started as two guys in a parking lot turned into a 5,000+ member group
VW ownership highs & lows: accidents, restorations, rail buggies, and his current ‘82 Diesel Jetta
10 years of Taco Tuesdays and building community over cold drinks and pit bulls playing in parking lots
Why the community still matters, what’s changing, and how we keep it going into the future
We also talk about our favorite VW events, like No Dough Weekend, and reminisce about the days of flipping through Hot VWs, VW Trends magazines and CIP1 catalogs.
Dave’s leaving Florida soon, but his legacy in the VW scene here will always roll strong.
🎧 Tune in to hear how the VW scene was built before smartphones, how Local Volks became a staple in Florida, and why community still drives everything we do.
Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast app!
VW Garage Talk, VW Podcast, Volkswagen podcast, Local Volks, Classic VW, Air-Cooled VW, VW Beetle, VW Bus, VW Community, VW Florida, VW car meet, Car Culture, Classic Car Community, VW restoration stories, Florida VW scene, vintage VW, Type 3 VW, Rail Buggies, VW Jetta, Early Diesel VW, Classic Car Podcast, Car History Podcast, Hot VWs, VW events, BugJam, VW meets #VWGargeTalk #VWPodcast #LocalVolks #VWCommunity #AirCooledVW #VintageVW #ClassicCars #VWStories #VolkswagenPodcast #VWHistory #BugJam #FloridaVWScene #VWLife #CarPodcast #VanLife #VWCulture #VWMeets #NoDough #SplitWindow #VWBeetle #VWBus #TacoTuesday #VWMeets #AircoolVW #ClassicCarCommunity
No Dough Weekend is THIS WEEKEND, and we’re kicking things off with Bill, the man behind one of Florida’s biggest VW events and our friend Dan.
In this episode, we dive into:
✅ Bill & Dan's journeys in the VW scene & first-ever VW
✅ The craziest swap meet finds we’ve each seen!
✅ How No Dough Weekend has evolved over the last 14 years
✅ Must-do events for first-timers
✅ How No Dough stays FREE for everyone & why YOU need to buy a t-shirt
No Dough is just a part of Bill’s story. He’s also been deeply involved in the minitruck world, Miami VW scene and VolksBlast.
Tune in to hear his take on the culture, events, and the future of Florida’s VW community. Don’t miss this VW Garage Talk podcast episode as we gear up for No Dough Weekend! If you're heading to Daytona, drop a comment and let us know!
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube!
#NoDoughWeekend #VWLife #VWCommunity #VWBus #AircooledVWs #VWPodcast #DaytonaVW #VolksBlast #FirstCar #SwapMeet #VWshow #VWscene
In this solo episode of VW Garage Talk podcast, I’m bringing you up to speed on all the latest VW project updates, including my 1961 SO23 Subhatch Bus restoration, maintenance plans for my 1973 Beetle and some tweaks I want to make, goals for the ‘71 Westy that’s still out West, and my vision for the ‘72 Squareback. Plus, I reveal a BIG surprise about one of my VWs… one you may not see coming!
We’ll talk:
🔧 Progress on the ‘61 SO23 Bus – Rust repair, welding updates, parts on order, and what’s next
🚗 Still driving my first car – My ‘73 Beetle after 27 years – What’s planned for it?
👀 BIG surprise about one of my VWs – You’ll have to listen to find out!
Whether you’re deep into VW restorations, love hearing about classic Volkswagen builds, or just want to stay up to date on our latest adventures, we hope you’ll tune in!
Subscribe & Follow for more VW content!
Watch the full episode on YouTube
#VWGarageTalk #VWPodcast #VWBus #VWRestoration #VintageVW #VWBeetle #AirCooledVW #VWLife #ClassicCars #VWProject #VWCommunity #VWDailyDriver #CarRestoration #VWStory #Type2 #VWCollector #Volkswagen #Car #Cars
In this episode of VW Garage Talk, we catch up with our friend Dave, VW traveler, lantern collector, and all-around cool guy. With nearly 30,000 miles put on KrustBus in just the last year and a half, he’s got plenty of stories to share. We talk about his incredible VW collection, our unexpected first meeting in the middle of the U.S., camping adventures, and what’s next on his journey.
Tune in for road trip stories, VW community connections, and some laughs along the way!
📢 Listen now!
🎥 Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube!
#VWGarageTalk #KrustBus #VWBusLife #VanLife #VWAdventures #RoadTripStories #LanternCollector #VWCommunity
In this episode of VW Garage Talk podcast, we sit down with our friends Tom & Cyntra who hit the road often in their VW Vanagon!
You’ll hear:
- What it’s really like traveling & camping in a VW
- Their best road trip tips & highlights
- Funny stories from life on the road
- The amazing VW community that makes it all worthwhile
Join us for laughs, great conversation, and insight into the unique world of VW travel!
#VanLife #VWVanagon #VWBus #RoadTrip #VWLife #Camping #VanLifeCommunity #VintageVW #VWGarageTalk #Synchro #VWcommunity #VWpodcast
In this episode of VW Garage Talk, I’m hanging out with my friend Gary, aka @VWJawbreaker talking all things VW! Learn about his cool builds to his new bus, favorite VW events, and what makes this VW community so special. We have some good laughs and also connect about camping, road trips, and the best VW shows worth traveling for. Plus, I’m sharing, EXCLUSIVELY here, where our next big adventure in the ‘71 bus is taking us! Want to find out? You’ll have to listen! Watch this VW Podcast full video on YouTube! #VWGarageTalk #VWLife #AirCooledVW #VWJawbreaker #Sickxty #VWBus #VolkswagenLife #VWCommunity #VWShows #RoadTrip #VWBuilds #ClassicVW
We made it! After thousands of miles, we finally reached Lake Havasu for Buses by the Bridge, but not without some wild moments along the way!
In this episode of VW Garage Talk, Dan joins us to recap the final leg of our cross-country VW adventure, from Arizona desert highways to camping with 300+ VW buses.
We talk about:
• Roadside surprises & last-minute detours
• The magic of VW camping events vs. traditional car shows
• The insane lineup at BBB & our favorite buses we spotted
• Why this event is not just for VW lovers, but a must for anyone
• What it’s like to travel in a VW with friends.
From quirky roadside stops to sunsets over the desert and meeting amazing VW friends, this journey has been one for the books. Tune in for laughs, road trip tales, and all the great VW community vibes!
Follow Dan on IG: @ murderwife
Missed the first half of our roadtrip? Watch here: https://youtu.be/4XdKFWMsRW8?si=RBjXavtXZ25w0Mfw
The challenges and joys of cross-country travel in an air-cooled vehicle.
Roadside attractions, quirky stops, and the best places to camp.
Stories from the road: Unexpected adventures and VW community connections.
Favorite roadside attractions and scenic routes for van life travelers.
Balancing restoration projects and making memories on the road.
Follow Dan on IG: @ murderwife
VW Garage Talk
VW Podcast
Volkswagen podcast
Car podcast
Air-Cooled Podcast
VW Restoration Stories
Classic VW Adventures
VW Stories
VW Westfalia Bus Restoration
Cross-Country road trip
Van Life
Car shows
VW camping
VW Enthusiasts
VW lifestyle and culture
Florida VW Scene
FL Volkswagen community
Southeast air-cooled culture
VW rescue and restoration projects
#VWGargeTalk #AirCooledVW #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #CarPodcast
#VWBusLife #BusesByTheBridge #RoadTripStories #VWCommunity #VintageVW #AirCooledVW #Arizona #Havasu #LakeHavasu #BBB2025
In this episode of VW Garage Talk, Angie and I dive into the highs, the twists, and the off-the-wall moments of the second leg of our cross-country adventure. From Houston to Phoenix, we packed in plenty of memories: quirky roadside attractions, joining a VW convoy to Big Bend National Park, exploring the scenic beauty of Saguaro National Park, and facing some challenges along the way (including a stolen gas tank and a series of storage unit mishaps!).We’re gearing up for the final stretch to Lake Havasu City for the annual Buses by the Bridge event in just over a week, and we’ll have friends joining us for the ride! Tune in for all the laughs, road trip tales, and VW love.
VW Garage Talk
VW Podcast
Volkswagen podcast
Car podcast
Air-Cooled Podcast
VW Restoration Stories
Classic VW Adventures
VW Stories
VW Westfalia Bus Restoration
Cross-Country road trip
Van Life
VW camping
VW Enthusiasts
VW lifestyle and culture
#VWGargeTalk #AirCooledVW #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #CarPodcast
#VWBusLife #BigBendNP #SaguaroNationalPark #BusesByTheBridge #RoadTripStories #VWCommunity #VintageVW #AirCooledVW #Texas #NewMexico #Arizona
In this episode, I’m joined by my VW brothers: Tony, Jimmy, and Dan. Together, we make “Boombatz,” and we’re spilling the story behind the name!
From VWs we’ve bought and sold, crazy restoration projects, road trips, and hilarious memories, this one’s packed with nostalgia, laughs, and classic car passion.
Three Italians and an Irishman from New England walk into a podcast… what could possibly go wrong? 😂 Buckle up for a laid-back, holiday-themed edition of VW Garage Talk.
💬 Drop a comment—what’s the best or funniest car story you have with your friends?
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube
Give them a follow ⬇️
Tony | Shell Head Toys
Jimmy | Gnome Leather Works
Dan | @MurderWife
VW Garage Talk
VW Podcast
Volkswagen podcast
Car podcast
Air-Cooled Podcast
VW Restoration Stories
Classic VW Adventures
VW Stories
VW Westfalia Bus Restoration
Cross-Country road trip
Van Life
Car shows
VW camping
VW Enthusiasts
VW lifestyle and culture
Florida VW Scene
FL Volkswagen community
Southeast air-cooled culture
VW rescue and restoration projects
#VWGargeTalk #AirCooledVW #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #CarPodcast
#VWCommunity #Boombatz #VintageVW #ChristmasSpecial #VWLife #AirCooledVWs #Holiday #Podcast #VWStories #Humor #Funny
The adventure begins!
We just wrapped up Leg 1 of our cross-country road trip in our 1971 VW Westfalia, and we’re breaking it all down on this episode of VW Garage Talk!
This journey has already been one for the books:
💬 Have you ever taken a long road trip in an old car? Drop your favorite travel memory in the comments!
Join us as we talk about our experiences, lessons learned, and what’s next for the road ahead—next stop: Lake Havasu for the Buses by the Bridge event!
Stay tuned for future episodes and updates on YouTube as we continue to share our VW life. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow along for more VW adventures!
VW Garage Talk
VW Podcast
Volkswagen podcast
Car podcast
Air-Cooled Podcast
VW Restoration Stories
Classic VW Adventures
VW Stories
VW Westfalia Bus Restoration
Cross-Country road trip
Van Life
Car shows
VW camping
VW Enthusiasts
VW lifestyle and culture
Florida VW Scene
FL Volkswagen community
Southeast air-cooled culture
VW rescue and restoration projects
#VWGargeTalk #AirCooledVW #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #CarPodcast
#VWBusLife #Westfalia #Adventures #VanLife #RoadTrip #VWCommunity #AdventureAwaits #BusesByTheBridge #VWFamily #WestyLife #vwscene #podcast #traveling #roadtripusa #Florida #Alabama #Mississippi #Louisiana #Texas
Welcome to the first-ever episode of VW Garage Talk! 🎙️
In this episode, I share my VW story… how I got into Volkswagens, why I still have my first car (a ‘73 Beetle), and how that passion led to BrewDub VW Adventures.
You’ll also meet Angie, my wife and the creative mastermind behind our social media and content.
Together, we talk about:
• The VWs I’ve owned (and the ones that got away)
• Air vs. Watercooled – where do you stand?
• My favorite VW events & shows
• A sneak peek at our upcoming cross-country trip 🚐
• How BrewDub became more than just a hobby, it became a community!
💬 What was your first car? Drop it in the comments!
Stay tuned for future episodes and updates on YouTube as we continue to share our VW life. 🎧
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow along for more VW adventures! Watch this podcast
VW Garage Talk
VW Podcast
Volkswagen podcast
Car podcast
Air-Cooled Podcast
VW Restoration Stories
Classic VW Adventures
VW Stories
VW Westfalia Bus Restoration
Cross-Country road trip
Van Life
Car shows
VW camping
VW Enthusiasts
VW lifestyle and culture
Florida VW Scene
FL Volkswagen community
Southeast air-cooled culture
VW rescue and restoration projects
#VWGargeTalk #AirCooledVW #ClassicVW #VWPodcast #VWLife #CarPodcast
Exciting news! The VW Garage Talk podcast is almost here. Tune in for car stories, VW restoration tips, and fun conversations with fellow enthusiasts. Watch on YouTube for garage updates, car shows, and VW adventures. Don’t miss out… subscribe now and get ready to join the ride!
Follow along on YouTube HERE
Welcome to VW Garage Talk where we talk all things VW, from air-cooled classics to water-cooled rides. Whether we're wrenching on my '73 Beetle, '71 Westy, or '61 SO23 Subhatch, hitting up car shows, cruising with friends, or local VW meets, it's all about the VW lifestyle and culture. Join me, Craig (BrewDub), as I share my car stories, roadtrip experiences, rescues, chat with fellow VW peers, and welcome guests into the garage to talk about their rides.
Whether you're restoring a classic or showing off a sick GTI, we've got a spot for you in the garage.
Florida VW Scene
FL Volkswagen community
Southeast air-cooled culture
VW rescue and restoration projects
