The Smoking Tire Podcast - Episode Featuring Sam Fane of Seen Through Glass
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Guests: Sam Fane (Seen Through Glass)
Hosts: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman
1. Welcome and Introduction
Matt Farah kicks off the episode by introducing Sam Fane, known for his automotive content under the moniker "Seen Through Glass." Sam joins from the UK, embarking on his traditional pilgrimage to Monterey for Car Week.
Matt Farah [00:00]: "On this episode of the podcast, my pal Sam Fane... is visiting from the UK... it's a great show with Sam of Seen Through Glass."
2. Content Creation and Side Hustles
The conversation begins with Matt and Sam discussing their content creation processes and side hustles. Sam reveals that besides YouTube and his podcast, his main side hustle is running a driving tour business.
Sam Fane [02:25]: "I have one main side hustle, which is the driving tour business that we spoke about last time."
Sam emphasizes that his driving tours are still minor but contribute to his overall endeavors.
3. The Dynamics of YouTube vs. Podcasting
Matt and Sam delve into the challenges of maintaining a YouTube channel amidst ever-changing algorithms. They contrast this with the consistency of podcasting, which doesn’t rely on algorithms for listener engagement.
Sam Fane [05:19]: "You have to go in like eyes open... YouTube, they don’t pay you a lot for your time."
Matt Farah [07:24]: "Podcasting is non-algorithmic... it's harder to grow, but if you get somebody, you tend to keep them."
Sam reflects on how Matt's early advice about valuing time over chasing algorithms has influenced his approach to content creation.
4. Live Shows and Driving Tours
Sam shares his experiences with live shows and driving tours, highlighting their role in fostering community and reigniting his passion for automotive content.
Sam Fane [19:44]: "We've done a tour of Australia... we average 150 tickets per show."
Matt points out the energy and interaction of live events as a refreshing break from the solitary nature of content creation.
Matt Farah [20:36]: "We are trying to figure out the angle... But you like doing it."
5. Ferrari 360 Restoration Experience
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Sam’s ambitious project to restore a Ferrari 360. He recounts the challenges faced, particularly with the body shop's extended timeline and unexpected issues.
Sam Fane [24:20]: "The process began mid-November 2024... It was supposed to take three months, but took seven and a half months."
Sam details the extensive respraying and interior work, aiming to make the Ferrari resemble his dream car, the Stradivella.
Sam Fane [32:03]: "I wanted it to be like, this is my Stradiva... [Ferrari] didn't like that I was changing the exhaust."
Matt empathizes with the trials of restoration projects, sharing his own experiences with various cars.
6. Monterey Car Week Auction Preview
As Car Week approaches, Matt and Sam express excitement about the upcoming auctions, discussing some of the standout cars expected to be featured, including rare models like the R34 GTR Nismo and various Lamborghinis.
Sam Fane [41:26]: "This is Nissan Classic... It's the sole one of this color."
Matt Farah [45:00]: "If you could get one for under half a million bucks, you're getting an incredible deal."
They analyze the high valuations and the exclusivity of certain models, anticipating intense bidding wars.
7. Audience Questions and Topics
The hosts address listener-submitted questions, covering a range of topics from Jaguar’s future models to the best modifications for the Ferrari 360.
Gavin’s Question [74:00]: "Sam, how did you come out financially with the Boxster?"
Sam candidly shares his less-than-ideal experience auctioning his Boxster, highlighting lessons learned about timing and auction dynamics.
Sam Fane [83:08]: "I got kind of screwed on that. It went for just under nine, seven thousand."
Matt offers practical advice for aspiring content creators and car enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of balancing passion with business acumen.
8. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
As the episode concludes, Matt and Sam recap their discussions, express mutual appreciation, and tease future episodes featuring guests like Larry Kasilla of Ammo NYC. They also highlight the importance of Patreon support for sustained content creation.
Matt Farah [89:25]: "If you want to ask us questions on the show... Patreon.com/theSmokingTirePodcast."
Sam encourages listeners to follow his ventures, including his YouTube channel and Instagram, ensuring seamless cross-promotion between their platforms.
Sam Fane [89:17]: "Follow Sam on his Instagram, his YouTube channel, his podcast. Seen Through Glass is all of them, right?"
Notable Quotes Highlight
- Matt Farah [05:56]: "You have to pay me. I hate it because I feel like... subscribers are doing matter."
- Sam Fane [07:24]: "Podcasting is non-algorithmic. Apple podcasts... you're not hunting some invisible monkey of an algorithm."
- Sam Fane [24:20]: "Flies a Ferrari 360... took longer than a three-month job."
Conclusion
This episode of "The Smoking Tire" offers an engaging deep dive into the life of an automotive content creator, exploring the nuances of content creation, the restoration of classic cars, and the vibrant atmosphere of Monterey Car Week. Sam Fane’s insights and anecdotes provide valuable lessons and entertaining stories for both seasoned car enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
For more detailed car reviews and content, visit www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire
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