<![CDATA[Driven by Enthusiasts]]>Driven by Enthusiasts is the official podcast from CJ Pony Parts, celebrating the people, stories, and passions that power the automotive world. Hosted by Melanie Henry, each episode goes beyond the build to sit down with car owners, industry experts, creators, and professionals working across the auto industry.

While you’ll hear plenty about Mustangs, classic trucks, restorations, restomods, and performance builds, the conversation doesn’t stop there. We explore what it’s really like to work in the automotive industry, how careers are built, how the hobby is evolving, and what fuels the passion behind the scenes, from the garage to the shop floor and beyond.

Because at CJ Pony Parts, we know that behind every wrench turn and every build is a story worth telling. Whether you’re restoring a classic Mustang, building a vintage truck, working in the auto industry, or simply living the enthusiast lifestyle, Driven by Enthusiasts connects you to the people who keep the hobby moving.

]]>www.cjponyparts.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 07:52:48 GMTWed, 21 Jan 2026 19:00:35 GMT60CJ Pony Parts<p><b>Driven by Enthusiasts</b> is the official podcast from <b>CJ Pony Parts</b>, celebrating the people, stories, and passions that power the automotive world. Hosted by <b>Melanie Henry</b>, each episode goes beyond the build to sit down with car owners, industry experts, creators, and professionals working across the auto industry.<br /></p><p>While you’ll hear plenty about Mustangs, classic trucks, restorations, restomods, and performance builds, the conversation doesn’t stop there. We explore what it’s really like to work in the automotive industry, how careers are built, how the hobby is evolving, and what fuels the passion behind the scenes, from the garage to the shop floor and beyond.<br /></p><p>Because at CJ Pony Parts, we know that behind every wrench turn and every build is a story worth telling. Whether you’re restoring a classic Mustang, building a vintage truck, working in the auto industry, or simply living the enthusiast lifestyle, <i>Driven by Enthusiasts</i> connects you to the people who keep the hobby moving.</p>episodicCJ Pony Partsjhoke@cjponyparts.comno<![CDATA[The Evolution of Car Passion: Drake Donovan's Automotive Journey]]>Drake Donovan shares his journey into the world of car enthusiasts, from his first car, early enthusiast experiences, and discovering the car show life. He discusses the evolution of his car projects and shares his favorite projects and unforgettable experiences, highlighting the passion for cars and the building of a car community. Drake Donovan shares the influence of his family on his automotive interests. He also discusses the car culture and enthusiast community, highlighting the challenges he faces and the support he receives. Additionally, he talks about the innovations in car show life and his future plans for the business.

Takeaways

  • Passion for Cars
  • Building a Car Community Passion for Custom Car Builds
  • Community Support and Collaboration

📌 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Drake Donovan and Car Show Life
06:08 Drake's Journey into Automotive Enthusiasm
11:27 Evolution of Drake's Relationship with Cars
15:31 Lessons Learned in the Car Community
21:21 Phantom Project and Customization Experiences
26:57 Memorable Events and Honoring Family Legacy
30:16 Memorable Car Adventures
32:00 Inspiration from Automotive Podcasts
35:21 Challenges of Being a Car Enthusiast
37:59 Understanding the Passion for Cars
40:40 Changes in Car Culture
44:59 Community and Storytelling in Car Shows
45:53 Advice for New Car Enthusiasts
47:19 Unexpected Moments at Car Events
52:35 Future Plans and Innovations in Car Show Life

]]>05cb7c5e-001c-4658-8406-1f6e1fe243f1Fri, 15 May 2026 15:27:29 GMT<p>Drake Donovan shares his journey into the world of car enthusiasts, from his first car, early enthusiast experiences, and discovering the car show life. He discusses the evolution of his car projects and shares his favorite projects and unforgettable experiences, highlighting the passion for cars and the building of a car community. Drake Donovan shares the influence of his family on his automotive interests. He also discusses the car culture and enthusiast community, highlighting the challenges he faces and the support he receives. Additionally, he talks about the innovations in car show life and his future plans for the business.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Passion for Cars</li><li>Building a Car Community Passion for Custom Car Builds</li><li>Community Support and Collaboration</li></ul><p></p><p>📌 Chapters: <br />00:00 Introduction to Drake Donovan and Car Show Life<br />06:08 Drake's Journey into Automotive Enthusiasm<br />11:27 Evolution of Drake's Relationship with Cars<br />15:31 Lessons Learned in the Car Community<br />21:21 Phantom Project and Customization Experiences<br />26:57 Memorable Events and Honoring Family Legacy<br />30:16 Memorable Car Adventures<br />32:00 Inspiration from Automotive Podcasts<br />35:21 Challenges of Being a Car Enthusiast<br />37:59 Understanding the Passion for Cars<br />40:40 Changes in Car Culture<br />44:59 Community and Storytelling in Car Shows<br />45:53 Advice for New Car Enthusiasts<br />47:19 Unexpected Moments at Car Events<br />52:35 Future Plans and Innovations in Car Show Life</p>no01:13:4314The Evolution of Car Passion: Drake Donovan's Automotive Journeyfull<![CDATA[From Hobby to Industry Leader: Moira Zinn's Motorcycle Journey]]>Moira Zinn, an adventure rider and event producer, shares her journey in the motorsports industry, from track school certification to event production and social media consulting. She discusses her love for motorcycles and her upcoming venture in Europe. Moira also highlights the challenges she has faced as an enthusiast and the unique community of enthusiasts she has encountered. The conversation covers a range of topics related to the automotive enthusiast community, event management, and the experience of being an enthusiast. Moira Zinn shares insights on event management, participant behavior, and the importance of creating a positive experience for enthusiasts. She also discusses the changing landscape of the automotive industry and the need for more young people to join the community.

]]>4c25c2c3-56e4-4d65-a7ae-6711d9c90f7fFri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Moira Zinn, an adventure rider and event producer, shares her journey in the motorsports industry, from track school certification to event production and social media consulting. She discusses her love for motorcycles and her upcoming venture in Europe. Moira also highlights the challenges she has faced as an enthusiast and the unique community of enthusiasts she has encountered. The conversation covers a range of topics related to the automotive enthusiast community, event management, and the experience of being an enthusiast. Moira Zinn shares insights on event management, participant behavior, and the importance of creating a positive experience for enthusiasts. She also discusses the changing landscape of the automotive industry and the need for more young people to join the community.</p><p></p><p></p>no00:52:1813From Hobby to Industry Leader: Moira Zinn's Motorcycle Journeyfull<![CDATA[Building a Car and a Career: The Story Behind Tim King's Automotive Journey ]]>Discover how Tim King transformed his classic Chevelle and what it means to build your dream car in the automotive world. Perfect for enthusiasts and aspiring builders alike.

]]>44f5de82-4e36-453d-a78b-84a713e13adcFri, 13 Mar 2026 16:40:28 GMT<p>Discover how Tim King transformed his classic Chevelle and what it means to build your dream car in the automotive world. Perfect for enthusiasts and aspiring builders alike.</p>no00:50:07Building a Car and a Career: The Story Behind Tim King's Automotive Journey full<![CDATA[From Passion to Profession: Matt Graves' Automotive Journey]]>In this conversation, Matt Graves from American Powertrain shares his journey in the automotive industry, discussing his early passion for cars, career beginnings, and the influences that shaped his path. He reflects on the challenges faced in the industry, the evolution of automotive technology, and the unique offerings of American Powertrain, particularly in manual transmissions. Matt also shares insights on mentorship, the importance of relationships in business, and advice for aspiring automotive professionals, culminating in a discussion about his favorite car projects and the future of the automotive industry.

]]>7e8cef10-4962-4678-8c0b-6eedd47f7da3Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:42:02 GMT<p>In this conversation, Matt Graves from American Powertrain shares his journey in the automotive industry, discussing his early passion for cars, career beginnings, and the influences that shaped his path. He reflects on the challenges faced in the industry, the evolution of automotive technology, and the unique offerings of American Powertrain, particularly in manual transmissions. Matt also shares insights on mentorship, the importance of relationships in business, and advice for aspiring automotive professionals, culminating in a discussion about his favorite car projects and the future of the automotive industry.</p>no01:07:501From Passion to Profession: Matt Graves' Automotive Journeyfull