Podcast Summary: The John Clay Wolfe Show #485 – January 4, 2025
Episode Title: John Clay Wolfe Show 12.28.24
Host: John Clay Wolfe
Description: In this engaging episode of The John Clay Wolfe Show, host John Clay Wolfe dives deep into the world of cars, sharing insights on buying and selling classic vehicles, interacting with listeners, and discussing broader topics like electric vehicles (EVs) and sports. Broadcasting solo due to his crew’s time off, John delivers a mix of technical advice, personal anecdotes, and spirited commentary that keeps listeners entertained and informed.
1. Introduction and Opening Remarks (00:21 – 05:06)
John Clay Wolfe kicks off the show with his characteristic blend of humor and enthusiasm. He discusses the opening of the new cantina in Walnut Springs, Texas, and hints at upcoming events like the “Rattlesnake Roadhouse.” John shares a brief personal setback involving a logistics problem in Pennsylvania, which prevented him from working the previous week and resulted in a less-than-ideal experience against Penn State's team.
Notable Quote:
[00:40] John Clay Wolfe: “We weren't supposed to work today. But last week I didn't get to work because I had a logistics problem in Pennsylvania and that problem was getting our ass kicked by Penn State. Holy hell. That was rough, dude.”
2. Caller Interactions: Car Offers and Evaluations (05:06 – 24:27)
John interacts with multiple callers offering their vehicles for sale. A significant portion of this segment revolves around assessing the value and condition of classic cars. For instance, a caller from Bend, Oregon, offers a 1972 Chevy pickup. John evaluates its condition, discussing aspects like rust and functionality, ultimately deeming it a "rust bucket" not worth the asking price.
Notable Quote:
[03:40] John Clay Wolfe: “I have the same truck that's absolutely perfect in a short bed that I'd sell you for 60 grand. That's, like, probably would bring 80 at Barrett, but it would cost 60 grand to get your truck to this condition.”
Another highlight is the discussion of a rare 1963 Z06 Corvette with a limited production history, which John sold for $600,000. He emphasizes the rarity and potential future value of such classic models.
Notable Quote:
[05:16] John Clay Wolfe: “That's one of those Alabama cars. Oh God. Hang on, hang on, hang on. Yeah. Jesus Christ. Sorry, we had a little problem. Okay. Hey, and next time get that set before we get on the air.”
3. Discussion on Classic Cars and Valuation (24:27 – 54:08)
John delves into the intricacies of valuing classic and vintage cars. He highlights the challenges of restoring and appraising vehicles, emphasizing the importance of original parts and proper maintenance. The conversation touches on the variability of car prices based on condition, mileage, and historical significance.
A memorable interaction involves a listener named Little Hickey from Austin, Texas, who praises John for his compassion during a callback involving a caller dealing with a sick mother. John expresses his willingness to help, showcasing the empathetic side of the show.
Notable Quote:
[14:16] Caller (Little Hickey): “...you have the biggest heart, and I just wanted to let you know that it is truly appreciated.”
John’s Response:
[15:25] John Clay Wolfe: “What he was saying was real, man. It's tough. And there was a guy the other day that called something like that, and I'm... we make plenty of money, you know, helping somebody in need here and there. I didn't want to...”
4. Listener Appreciation and Personal Stories (54:08 – 77:53)
The episode features heartfelt interactions where listeners share personal experiences and express gratitude. John reflects on his journey in the automotive industry, discussing the highs and lows of managing a car business and the emotional investment in restoration projects. He recounts the story of a 1980 Dodge Challenger and his decision to retain a meticulously restored 1967 GTO due to its sentimental value.
Notable Quote:
[106:33] John Clay Wolfe: “That's why I was afraid I was gonna throw it away. I looked at the cost on... I was like, that's low. And I went...”
Listeners like Mark from Tulsa share their struggles, such as dealing with Alzheimer's in the family, and receive supportive responses from John, highlighting the show's community-driven ethos.
5. Commentary on Electric Vehicles (EVs) (27:41 – 42:35)
John offers a critical perspective on the rise of electric vehicles, arguing that EVs are unsuitable for America outside metropolitan areas due to infrastructure limitations. He compares the EV trend to failed public transit projects in small towns, asserting that the automotive market is better served by traditional combustion engines.
Notable Quote:
[26:30] John Clay Wolfe: “EV suck. And we'll get to that later in the show. But I've got more proof. I've been saying it for a long time. EVs are terrible. EVs suck. They're good for metro drivers. But I mean, anything outside of that's a joke. We don't have the grid for it. We don't have the electricity for it.”
6. Two Minute Drill: Listener Vent Sessions (87:46 – 98:08)
In the “Two Minute Drill” segment, listeners are invited to vent their frustrations without pleasantries. This rapid-fire interaction allows for candid and raw conversations on various topics, from personal grievances to broader societal issues.
Notable Quote:
[90:00] John Clay Wolfe: “You just have to ask if they want the meat, man. That's what it's all about.”
Listeners express a range of emotions, including frustration with workplace dynamics, family tensions during the holidays, and political opinions. John maintains a responsive and engaging demeanor, addressing each caller swiftly.
7. Sports and Football Picks (65:07 – 66:35)
John and his producer Sean engage in a spirited debate over college football picks. They discuss recent performances, player capabilities, and game predictions, highlighting their differing viewpoints. John expresses confidence in Boise State covering a significant spread against Penn State, while Sean challenges this with his own analysis.
Notable Quote:
[61:58] John Clay Wolfe: “I know Penn State looked good last week. I...”
This segment showcases the lively and competitive nature of the show’s discussions, catering to sports enthusiasts among the listeners.
8. Personal Anecdotes and Business Insights (77:53 – 106:53)
John shares personal stories about his experiences in the automotive business, emphasizing the challenges of restoring classic cars and dealing with restoration shops. He discusses the emotional toll of handling projects with sentimental value, such as a 1967 GTO built as a tribute to a deleted daughter.
Notable Quote:
[102:35] John Clay Wolfe: “...he just told me this whole story about his daughter. And I'm like, I mean, okay, how the hell can I sell that?”
John also touches upon his ventures into the restaurant industry, highlighting the importance of delegation and effective management in business success.
9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (106:53 – End)
In the closing segments, John reiterates the importance of his partnership with GiveMeTheVIN.com for buying and selling cars. He reflects on the episode's interactions, emphasizing the community and support among listeners. The show concludes with a mix of humor and genuine appreciation for the audience, encouraging continued engagement through various platforms like YouTube and live chats.
Notable Quote:
[108:01] John Clay Wolfe: “I'm going to go to a quick music break and we'll be back with the final segment of this show. And then the west coast gets one more after that because you're running two hours behind us. Be right back.”
Key Takeaways:
- Classic Car Valuation: Understanding the true value of classic vehicles requires assessing condition, originality, and market demand.
- Community Engagement: The show thrives on listener interactions, fostering a sense of community and support.
- Business Insights: Effective delegation and emotional intelligence are crucial in managing successful businesses.
- Critical View on EVs: John maintains a skeptical stance on the widespread adoption of electric vehicles beyond urban centers.
- Personal Resilience: Stories of overcoming setbacks highlight the importance of perseverance in both personal and professional realms.
Supporting Resources:
- GiveMeTheVIN.com: Sponsor of the show, facilitating car buying and selling.
- Podbean: Platform for launching and optimizing podcasts, recommended by John for aspiring podcasters.
This episode of The John Clay Wolfe Show exemplifies the host’s ability to blend technical automotive knowledge with personal storytelling and engaging listener interactions, making it a must-listen for car enthusiasts and fans of dynamic radio shows alike.