Takona Tlks.
By Takona
Every two weeks Takona founder Lewis Warren sits down for a casual conversation with an interesting guest, normally someone from within the automotive world. These conversations are designed to act as an example; talking can be casual and conversations can lead us in a variety of directions. If mental health and well-being comes up, its okay. After all, ITS OK TO TLK.
By Takona, the brand driving mental health awareness through cars.
Takona Tlks.Apr 13, 2022
George Williams - GF Williams Automotive Photographer- Episode 51
This Episode Takona Tlks with George Williams, commercial car photographer and builder of a particularly purple Lotus Exile known as Hell Slow.
George has been shooting commercial grade photography for many years now, having worked with the likes of Zenvo, Maserati, Rimac, and Czinger to name a few.
To find out more about George and what he does you can visit his site here or search GFWilliams on socials.
For all things Takona head to our site here.
Mark Rose - Redline Magazine - Episode 50
This Episode Takona Tlks with Mark Rose, founder of the new Redline Magazine.
Mark and I met up at the original coffees and cars location, Squisita, to talk about how he started, what he's up to now, and what he's hoping the future holds.
You can learn more about Redline and get your hands on the mag here.
As always find out more from Takona here.
Jack Cavanagh - Stjarna Gloss - Episode 49
This Episode Takona Tlks with Jack Cavanagh, the face of the Stjarna Gloss detailing brand. Jack has become pretty well known for his engaging and entertaining to camera pieces talking about detailing and the brand he's building. It was an absolute pleasure to sit and chat with Jack about where the brand came from, how it's grown and how he ended up filming for Top Gear! We go down into a deep chat about mental health, some of life's struggles, and some ways to manage when things get tough, a true example of how casual chat can be the gateway into a properly meaningful conversation.
For all things Stjarna Gloss head Here.
For more from Takona head Here.
Jonny Smith & Richard Porter aka Smith and Sniff - Episode 48
A special two guest episode!
Takona Tlks with both Jonny Smith and Richard Porter, together! We sat down ahead of their On That Live Of things recording at Bicester Heritage to have a chat about what they do, how they got started, and some of the weird and wonderful stories that have happened along the way.
This is practically a bonus episode of their own Smith and Sniff Podcast, with a Takona twist.
To learn more about Smith and Sniff head to their website Here.
For all things Takona head here.
James Cameron - Mission Motorsport - Episode 47
This episode Takona Tlks with James Cameron, the founder of Mission Motorsport.
James shares the story of how Mission Motorsport came to be, some of the amazing work that they're doing, and a bit of back story into how it's so close to home for him.
You'll have seen both James and Mission Motorsport at various events around the country, what you might not have seen is the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in working to help former military personnel re-enter the civilian working world.
In their own words "MISSION MOTORSPORT, THE FORCES’ MOTORSPORT CHARITY AIDS IN THE RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION OF THOSE AFFECTED BY MILITARY OPERATIONS BY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH MOTORSPORT AND THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY"
You can learn more about Mission Motorsport Here.
And more about Takona Here.
Matt Prior - Autocar - Episode 46
You can find out more about Matt Here:
And more from Takona Here.
Al Clark - Automotive Film Director - Episode 45
This episode Takona Tlks with Al Clark, automotive film director behind some of the most interesting and exciting videos you may have seen. Including one with a rather fast moving Bugatti...
Al and I sat down for a good ol chat about what he does, how he got started, and how the automotive world can be a great connector.
You can find out more about Al and his work over on his website : outrun.tv and as always you can find out more about Takona at Takona.co.uk
Jonny Ambrose - Automotive Artists - Episode 44
We sat down for a chat ahead of the Classic Nostalgia event at Shelsley Walsh on the 22nd and 23rd of July where Jonny has gathered some of the finest automotive artists together to display their work. You can find out more here.
You can also learn more about Jonny and his work here.
Edward Lovett - Collecting Cars - Episode 43
This episode Takona Tlks with Edward Lovett, founder and CEO of the collecting group which includes both Collecting Cars and Watch Collecting.
We look into the origins of collecting cars and some of Edwards story to how it came about, along with some of the ups and downs of creating a platform from scratch. Shorter than usual episodes as Edward is a pretty busy chap, insightful and entertaining throughout with less of my meandering off on tangents.
To learn more about the collecting group head here.
Matt Goodwin - High Peak Autos - Episode 42
This episode Takona Tlks with Matt Goodwin of High Peak Autos. Matt runs a YouTube channel alongside his car dealership, giving people a pretty transparent insight into just what it takes to make that business successful. We go through his story of starting from scratch buying 7 cars for £1,000, to running a successful business along with a YouTube channel, and everything in between.
To learn more about High Peak Auto, click Here.
For all things Takona, head Here.
Joe Achilles - Car YouTuber and Video Journalist - Episode 41
This Episode Takona Tlks with Joe Achilles. From his start working in the fashion industry, his time spent on BMW forums, to now working full time on content creation, video journalism, and partnering with the likes of Michelin. Joe shares his story and we go off on a few interesting tangents here and there.
Find more of what Joe does over on his YouTube Channel
As always find more from Takona Here.
Charlotte Vowden - Journalist (Hagerty, Mike Brewer Motoring, the Times)- Episode 40
This episode Takona Tlks with Charlotte Vowden, freelance journalist for the likes of Hagerty and Mike Brewers Motoring amongst other diverse outlets. Charlotte and I have been around a fair few of the same events and people for the last couple of years giving us quite a bit of familiarity to catch up on. We explore what it's like to be a freelance journalist, life with a classic MGA and how it almost got trapped out at sea, and go down her previous works for the like of the Times.
A real pleasure to sit down and have a casual chat with someone who's name is growing pretty quickly within the automotive world, and rightly so.
Find Charlotte on Instagram Here.
As always find out more about Takona Here.
Vanessa Ruck - The Girl on a Bike - Episode 39
This episode Takona Tlks with Vanessa Ruck aka The Girl on a Bike, motorbike endurance rally rider, Bowler Motors racing driver, and presenter.
After a tragic accident on her pushbike followed by 7 surgeries over 7 years, Vanessa discovered the world of motorcycling, and just as importantly the thrill of exploring the world on them. As a rider she’s pushing the boundaries in a huge array of motorcycle disciplines. From full blown desert rallies, to hard enduro and road touring, to knee down track days, and trials. If it’s got an engine and wheels, Vanessa will be excited.
Vanessa is on a mission to show that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough, even as a slightly reconstructed person following the accident. Instead of adding to the sometimes-toxic media landscape filled with ‘all so perfect’ lives, she’s real and honest, sharing the highs and the lows. Showing the strength needed to come out stronger against life’s curve-balls. She believes it’s about realising that wanting to quit is normal, that anxiety and stress can be overcome and that with the right mindset and strategies anything is possible. Born from real life experiences, she brings highly relatable lessons and tools to help face the battles and challenges of life.
As a force to be reckoned with, she's an rider, racer and adventurer living with ongoing pain, and is determined to make the most of every day despite her past, and help others do the same. Vanessa will be joining us with her energetic real life experiences following her life changing story from accident to becoming a rider and international racer who has now ridden in over 28 countries.
Find out more about Vanessa Here.
Sam Moores - Car Chat Podcast - Episode 38
Takona Tlks with Sam Moores, Podcaster, photographer, and car enthusiast. Sam very kindly invited me down to sit and chat with him about his life behind the camera shooting some pretty amazing cars, his podcasting with interesting people from within the automotive world (feels familiar), and we have a chat about some of the interesting and exciting cars he's had the good fortune to own and drive.
You can find Sam's podcast where you found this one by searching "Car Chat"
As always you can learn more about Takona on our website www.takona.co.uk
Mikey Harvey - Road Rat Magazine - Episode 37
This episode of Takona Tlks is with Editor in Chief of Road Rat Magazine, Mikey Harvey. With a varied background within journalism and news we had an intriguing conversation into the back catalogues of Mike's working career, how Road Rat came to be, some of the challenges he and the team have faced and what's in store for the future. We also headed into a proper conversation about mental health and some rather close to home stories around the topic.
You can find out more about the Road Rat here.
As always you can learn more about Takona and what we do here.
Ian Cook - Pop Bang Colour - Episode 36
This episode of Takona Tlks.: I sit down with Ian Cook, automotive artists best known for his painting with remote control cars. Ian has been a regular face throughout the automotive community, having done his live art at events such as the Silverstone Grand Prix, Goodwood festival of speed, and shows across the planet. We sat and chatted about all things pop bang colour, Ian's story, and what life is like as an artist.
You can see more about Ian and his work here.
Paul Cowland - Salvage Hunters (amongst many things) - Episode 35
This episode of the Takona Tlks.: I sit down with Paul Cowland to talk all things cars, being on the TV, and some rather interesting tangents!
An hour and 25 minutes in Pauls Mic dies, I have tried my best to make him as clear as I can from what my mic picked up, it's noticeable initially but does get easier to listen to for the 10 or so minutes it took for me to realise. If I can fix it, I'll update the audio. If I can't, you'll have to soldier through.
You can find all things Paul Cowland Here.
Dan Macken - Co Founder of Caffeine and Machine - Episode 34
This Episode of the Takona Tlks.: I sit down with Dan Macken, one of the two founders of Caffeine and Machine, the automotive hub in Warwickshire.
We talk about a variety of things including Dans life leading up to C&M, how C&M came to be, what the future is holding, and some of the highs and lows all those things bring.
Never did get those Nachos...
You can find out more about Caffeine and Machine here.
Frank Cassidy - Boxengasse - Episode 33
This episode I sit down with Boxengasse founder Frank Cassidy.
Frank is known for his absolute love of all things Porsche, and is regularly seen out on alpine tours, continental road trips, and at various events in some rather tasty bits of kit.
We sat down at his "ultimate man cave" garage on site at Boxengasse to talk all things cars, community, and Porsche, a real treat to be able to sit down with someone who's grown to be a personal friend, all thanks to our love of cars.
Find more of Boxengasse here.
Will Beaumont - Werke Magazine - Episode 32
This episode I sit down with Werke Magazine founder Will Beaumont to talk about how he went from doing things at EVO Magazine, to starting his own high quality quarterly magazine focused around BMW's and the automotive lifestyle.
You can find out more about Werke and even order yourself a copy of issue one here.
Roger Chan - Photographer, Content Creator, Social Media Person (his words) - Episode 31
This episode I sit down with Photographer, content creator and social media person (not influencer), Roger Chan.
We met up at Squisita for a great chat about living through some tough times, working in the automotive world, and what it's like being around cars all the time.
Find more of Rogers work over on his instagram.
Stephen Dobie - Automotive Journalist - Episode 30
This episode of the Morning Drive: I sit down with automotive Journalist Stephen Dobie to talk about his adventures as an automotive journalist, from writing for Evo Mag to going freelance, we explore it all.
Richard Tuthill - Tuthill Porsche - Episode 29
This episode of the morning drive: I sat down with the wonderful Richard Tuthill, of Tuthill Porsche. We had a chat about all things Tuthill, Porsches, safari, and more! Richard was an absolute pleasure to chat with and shared some really insightful stories of the history of Tuthill and where things are heading in the future.
We do have a small break in the middle as Richard needed to shake down a customer car and was kind enough to invite me along for the ride.
You can find out more about Tuthills here.
As always you can find all Takona things at www.takona.co.uk
Seán Matthews - Renneleven - Episode 28
This episode of the morning drive: I headed to the flat sixes and flat white car meet with host and all round great guy Seán Matthews, founder of Renneleven. Seán's Porsche 996 was having some work and so he hopped in the passenger seat of the GT86 and we headed over together. It was about half an hour in to the drive Seán brought to light he had mic's with him and that we could record directly to them, so what better opportunity for a podcast!
This was recorded in the rather noisy GT86, and using microphones I've not used before, to put this together I had to download and learn a whole new piece of software! As is often the case, you're on this learning journey with me.
There may be some road noise, and there's two parts to the recording, hopefully it's all pretty coherent.
I also snook in a bit of an advert for Werke Mag in the intro to say thank you for them featuring a Takona ad in the mag, you should check them out here.
Jon Bentley - The Gadget Show / Top Gear - Episode 27
This episode of the morning drive: I sat down with the wonderful Jon Bentley, a man I'd grown up watching on the likes of the Gadget Show and Fifth Gear, bumping into him at the Bicester Scramble was surreal, sitting with him for an hour and a half for my own podcast was a treat younger me would never have expected to happen.
Jon and I recorded this episode in a Skoda Yeti which was actually pretty good to record in, but there may still be some background noise from time to time.
As always keep up with all things Takona at www.takona.co.uk
Jim Magill - Automotive Adventurer - Episode 26
This Episode of the morning drive: I sat down with Jim Magill, best known for his adventures in interesting and quirky cars across the planet, from driving an XL1 across the US to driving a 1993 fiat panda practically around the globe, Jim has had some fantastic adventures and shares some brilliant stories. Oh, and we recorded this in said fiat panda so there may be some background noise.
Find Jim at @thealso
Find Takona at www.takona.co.uk and @takona_official
Ben Pearson - Police Interceptors - Episode 25
This episode of the morning drive: I sit down with Ben Pearson, best known for his time on the police interceptors. Ben met with me at the Motorist, after one of our coffees and cars meets, to have a chat about life as a police officer and how he came away from that career due to PTSD. Ben is now working hard to raise awareness for PTSD especially within the police force, by hosting events, writing books, giving talks, and more! He's really using his own experiences to help others and it was great to sit down and have a good chat about it all.
We do touch upon some quite dark places, please consider this a trigger warning ahead of listening.
You can find more about Ben and the work he's doing at his website benjamin-pearson.co.uk
For all things Takona head to www.takona.co.uk
Alex Denham - Motorsport Photographer - Episode 24
We had a trip up to our coffees and cars meet at The Motorist in Yorkshire which turned out to be the perfect meeting place to sit down with our brand ambassador Alex denham.
Alex is a fantastic photographer, with a portfolio of stunning work to her name. Currently known for her motorsport work mainly, with a more diverse range on the horizon. Alex is someone I personally followed on social media and found to be inspiring, skilled, and openly talking about mental health in an honest and encouraging way.
We sat down and had a great chat about all things cars, cameras (and driving a C8 corvette to Le Mans)
You can see more of Alex and her work over on her Instagram.
Ian Callum - Car designer and founder of Callum Designs - Episode 23
This episode the morning drive: I sat down with Ian Callum, somewhat of a personal hero and an automotive icon. Ian is most known for his car designs, being the main man behind the Aston Martin Vanquish amongst other amazing projects which we discuss. Now running Callum designs making all sorts of amazing things along with writing for the Intercooler. You can find Callum Designs at - callumdesigns.com and on instagram @callum_designs
Shami Kalra - Omologato Watches - Episode 22
This episode the morning drive: I sit down with Shami Kalra, founder of Omologato watches. We met up at his offices in Windsor to chat cars, watches, and life running an automotive business along with being an automotive enthusiast. Heads up that there are two breaks in the audio, one for the changing of the guard at Windsor castle which was across the road, and the other due to a microphone running out of battery. You can find Shami and Omologato on Twitter - @ShamiKalra @OmologatoOro and Omologato at - omologatowatches.com
Paul Gardner - Speed Broker - Episode 21
You can find Speedbroker at - speedbroker.co.uk
Terry Putman - Illustrator Maker - Episode 20
You can find Illustrator Maker on Instagram @illustrator_maker and Twitter @illustratormake
Henry Catchpole - Carfection, Evo etc.... - Episode 19
We talk his career, how his Carfection work came about, and some of the interesting stories from his career, a highlight episode for me personally, and a great listen. (Although I am biased)
You can find Henry on Twitter @HenryCatchpole and Instagram @HenryCatchpole
Tim Oldland - Bespoke Chargers (amongst many things) - Episode 18
We met thanks to former podcast guest and all round nice guy Luke Harding (episode 10, go listen if you haven't already), and have been pals ever since.
You can find Tim on Twitter @Tim_Oldland Go follow him and enjoy his entertaining ranting and brilliant work.
John Marcar - Driven Chat - Episode 17
John is one of the hosts of the Driven Chat podcast and Radio show, amongst other things..
It was an absolute pleasure talking to John and putting him in the interviewee seat for a change, from his time working on the Gumball Rally, to running his own car tours business, there's some real gems to listen to.
Adam Gompertz - Revs Limiter - Episode 16
We sat down together at Bicester Heritage, where Adam is the resident chaplain, to go through his past, and look to where Revs is heading.
Alberto Moreno Garcia - founder of the Roadstr App - Episode 15
I first came across Roadstr a couple of years ago and instantly got involved, an app designed for car enthusiasts, that provides tools to organise meets and events, plan routes and drives, and share automotive content, what more could a car enthusiast want!
Since then, Roadstr and Takona have gone on to work together, utilising the app to create easy access for the coffees and cars meets, along with creating drives around the meets themselves.
It was a real pleasure to sit down with the man behind the app and talk about where it came from, what it's doing, and where things are heading for the future. Anyone who's two car garage is made up of a GR Yaris and a 718 Cayman, is definitely someone who's about driving fun.
You can find the Roadstr app on Apple and Android, along with the usual social media outlets.
Helen Stanley - Goblin Garage - Episode 14
It was a real treat to sit down and just chat all things cars, art, and mental health, especially with someone so honest and open about their life. Helen shares both the highlights and the challenges, and isn't afraid to say that things can get tough, right up the Takona avenue then.
You can find more of Helens work over on her Website.
As always you can find Takona at www.takona.co.uk and Takona_official on most social media.
Craig Cheetham - Practical Classics - Episode 13
Craig came over to visit for a shoot involving the plucky little Renault 5, and being the opportunist I kidnapped him for an hour to sit down and chat.
A brilliant episode fun of interesting stories and insights into the motoring journalism world.
Keep an eye out for the Takona feature in Practical Classics Magazine.
Alex Goy - Automotive Journalist - Alex Goy
A man who has supported Takona practically from it's inception, it was a proud moment when my "will you come on my podcast?" text got a yes.
Alex is a freelance automotive journalist who's pretty much written for every automotive outlet going, highly regarded amongst the automotive world and a genuinely great guy. An absolute pleasure to sit down and chat.
You can find Alex on Instagram and Twitter.
As always Takona is Here along with Instagram and Twitter.
Episode 11 - Ciro Ciampi - Petrolheadonism
This week I managed to sit down with one of the busiest guys in the automotive world.
When he's not running his hotel, he's creating car events, or maybe doing music videos in his Aventador, or quite possibly creating an episode of his mental health awareness YouTube series. The guy doesn't stop. Well, until I asked him to sit and chat.
You can find Ciro on instagram here and on Youtube here.
As always you can find Takona at www.takona.co.uk and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, YouTube, coffees and cars, most car shows, outside on the street, on the road, and because of this podcast, directly into your ears.
January 2022 Bonus Episode
It's a Bonus episode!
The format for the Morning Drive is firmly rooted in guests and conversation. As a brand promoting talking it makes sense to lead by example and talk to people.
That's why this is a bonus episode, it's just me.
As 2022 has started in a very positive way, coming out the blocks quickly. I wanted to take a minute to have a look back at 2021, go through how the year has started, and share some plans for the year ahead.
Episode 10 - Luden Automotive
Today I'm joined by a very special guest. Internationally acclaimed Jaguar XJ connoisseur, classic car "collector", personal classic car saviour, and my good friend; Luke aka Luden Automotive.
In a few of the podcasts I've been involved with, I've talked of the amazing connections I've made through the car world. I've spoken of the classic car world bringing people together and of the kindness and support I've received from the community. Luke is the embodiment of all of this, a very kind and generous guy, with a wealth of knowledge and a good sense of humour to boot.
This was a pleasure to record as well as being insightful and directly touching upon the core values that Takona stands for.
You can find Luke as Luden Classics predominantly on twitter and instagram as well as his website.
Episode 9 - Louie Martin
I sat down with a hugely inspiring young man, Louie Martin, his story is one of determination, overcoming huge adversity, and keeping a positive spirit throughout.
We met at a car morning down at goodwood motor circuit and I was blown away by both the story and by Louie.
The first half of the Audio isn’t the smoothest as the microphones failed when we recorded, but the story eclipses my technological shortfalls and provides for a great journey.
I hope it brings you inspiration.
Episode 8 - David Spickett - The Car Crowd
I sat down with David, creator of The Car Crowd to talk about this exciting new automotive investment platform. In a world of crypto currency, stocks and share, and bewildering investment opportunity, the Car Crowd have an investment product you can actually look at, sit in, and appreciate.
See more about The Car Crowd Here
Episode 7 - Liam Freeman - The Back Roads
I sat down with Liam from The Back Roads to talk about the mighty return of the 944 after it's 2 years of being fixed.
We looked into the origin of Charity Corner and the amazing friends that connect us.
We also got an interruption about halfway through were someone walked into the cafe, so you are forewarned.
You can find more from Liam and The Back Roads - Here
Episode 6 -Mike Mason - the “blank” podcast
I sat down with Mike, owner of 4T/ Squisita and Matt of SFJ Photography after the cars and coffee morning to chat cars, coffee and just general life, the intention is for this to become a regular thing to give us the potential for an episode every two weeks.
It's barely edited, and quite long. Enjoy!
Takona Tlks - Episode 5 - Marc O’Shea
Thank you to Mike at 4T in Sawbridgeworth for hosting cars and coffee with me and for allowing us to record in the café.
Takona Tlks - Episode 4 - the first guest!
To see more photos of the car head to Sams instagram page: www.instagram.com/samwise_excl/
And for videos on the build check out his YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/EXCLgarage
Takona Tlks - Episode 3
In episode 2 I talked about looking at old cars to accompany the GT86, well I've bought one, and you can have a look!
I also tell a story on some times spent with the Aston Martin Vulcan that featured on the Grand tour!
For everything Takona : www.takona.co.uk
To see the Vulcan spin chasing a P1 on track: https://youtu.be/1bHcwB5B9ig