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This Isn't A Good Start.

This Isn't A Good Start.

By Ben and Mike

If you have any interest in cars, the techy talk that regular technicians and engineers speak amongst themselves, and the in’s and out’s of just general automotive industry, this is the podcast for you. Mike has over 10 years of OEM certified training and 15 years of general automotive repair experience. Ben has 7 years of experience in powertrain engineering and 5 years restoring air-cooled Volkswagens.

Email us at ThisIsntaGoodStart@gmail.com
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Currently playing episode

EP36: America Wants Long Short Drives

This Isn't A Good Start.Oct 06, 2021

00:00
01:26:45
EP36: America Wants Long Short Drives

EP36: America Wants Long Short Drives

Today we discuss the Karma and it's "special" features. We also discuss some sales figures of EV's and the future direction of the car market. Are sedans actually dead?  We also briefly discuss the direction of the work force, careers and urban sprawl. America wants long short drives!

Oct 06, 202101:26:45
EP35: Rivian Unboxing

EP35: Rivian Unboxing

We open up the Rivian RT1 the best way you can! By reading the owners manual, we will post some of the key screenshots of the manual on our Instagram. We find it to be a regular old manual but do fine that the all truck must have many cubbies. After that we talked about how Ben needs for a new ratchet and Mike's experience with tool vendors and all the free tools he finds in car he services. 

Sep 29, 202101:41:35
EP34: How Did We Get Here

EP34: How Did We Get Here

Today we discuss education and whether a 4 year or longer degree helps you in the long run or is it to get the piece of paper proving you have drive and ambition.

Sep 15, 202101:41:47
EP33: Math With Ben

EP33: Math With Ben

Today we discuss Electric cars, some of which launch in the coming weeks. Ford F-150 Lightning is coming in September 2021. We also discuss how to apply a manual transmission in an EV.

Sep 01, 202101:35:38
EP32: The Don Formaggio Special Edition

EP32: The Don Formaggio Special Edition

Today, we talk about special edition cars and one off special brand example models.
Aug 25, 202101:02:12
EP31: You Are Going To Be Upset For Sure

EP31: You Are Going To Be Upset For Sure

Today we continue our discussion of climate change, dams and personal reasonability of life. 


Aug 19, 202146:03
EP30: Men Don't Get A Manual

EP30: Men Don't Get A Manual

Today we talk about Ben's health, working out and general health for men. We also discuss personal health records. We laterally discuss cabin filter location. 

Aug 11, 202156:45
EP29: Giving Yourself A Porpoise

EP29: Giving Yourself A Porpoise

Today we open the conversation with local television and over the air antennas. We also discuss Facebook, YouTube & Facebook market place. Junk yards again again AGAIN.

Aug 03, 202101:10:00
EP28: What Happened To The America

EP28: What Happened To The America

There is something wrong with the ending EP27 between our hosting side and where you all listen (Google, Apple, Spotify). We are working to resolve the issue.

Picking up from episode 27 where we left off talking about the homeless and they tax fraud. Transitioning into a discussion about tools and American manufacturing. 

Jul 28, 202159:34
EP27: Yes I Would Like Some Skittles

EP27: Yes I Would Like Some Skittles

Today we discuss space and Blue Origin. We say hello to our dearest friend Sean, and how he refuses to return to our podcast. We also discuss charities and donations. And why the homeless should be locked up.

Jul 22, 202141:41
EP26: Santa Monica The Edge of Space

EP26: Santa Monica The Edge of Space

Today we open up with not a good start. Also space and wealth and the money it takes to get to space. Sir Richard Branson via virgin galactic went 50 miles into the atmosphere. Bezos plans to go 62 miles which is arguably the true edge of space. Are man made structures sketchy?  Would you stay in a space hotel? 

Jul 14, 202101:14:06
EP25: Lost In A Field

EP25: Lost In A Field

Today we discuss Ben's birthday and, the abundance of people out and about due to COVID. We also discuss long weekends and 4 day work weeks. Brakes! Traveling and seeing the spots in the south and small town America! We also discuss getting lost in rural ("grassy") America.

Jul 09, 202101:02:08
EP:24 Don't Trust The Guy Selling You

EP:24 Don't Trust The Guy Selling You

Today we have a special request episode. We are discussing STOLEN CATS!!!! Especially with the rise in prices for precious metals. We also discuss junk yards because of course we did. We also spend a good amount of time discussing and searching for a Dodge Dakota for Ben to use for his parts haul jobs. Please enjoy and Share with your friends.
Jun 30, 202101:14:38
EP23: Always Comes Back to BMWs Being Shit

EP23: Always Comes Back to BMWs Being Shit

Today we discuss a popular video series from YouTube about automotive benchmarking where they talk about the VW's ID4 electric motor. We also discuss fasteners and why they're great, not. Lastly we again discuss the amazing world that is junk yards. Please don't forget to share this with your friends. 

Jun 24, 202101:11:59
EP22: This Is The Music Episode

EP22: This Is The Music Episode

Today is another special guest episode. Cruise is a long time friend of Ben and Mike. He is an enthusiast, a Miata dude and avid off roader. We discuss music and selecting the perfect playlist. Sometimes life gives you Kenny G sometimes you get the songs you listened to in high school via an IPOD.

Jun 16, 202101:05:08
EP21: All About The Airflow

EP21: All About The Airflow

Today we discuss the news of the new Ford maverick. We also talk about pulling your electronic park brake at 55mph. we finish up todays episode with a brief conversation about battery issues while doing vehicle flashes. Please share the episode with your friends and give us feed back so we can continue to deliver you the best podcast!

Jun 09, 202101:06:45
EP20: Professional Amateur Podcaster

EP20: Professional Amateur Podcaster

Today we have a very special guest, a long time friend of Ben and I. Sean Davis. He is an active listener and commenter. He joins us with literally no podcast experience. We discussed several topics including SOWO and skate board platforms .

Jun 02, 202101:08:25
EP19: Lightning Joe

EP19: Lightning Joe

Today we discuss EV's!!! We talk about President Joseph Biden driving the new F150 Lightning. We also briefly talk about why the amount of vehicle a brand produces doesn't matter in todays age.

May 26, 202147:38
EP18: Don't Look Back

EP18: Don't Look Back

Today we discussed side mirrors, side cameras, back up cameras and special tools making commission life not hell. Or at least less hellish.

May 19, 202101:07:43
EP17: Touareg Time

EP17: Touareg Time

Today the boys discuss how some listener metrics for This Isn't A Good Start but hold on because we also discuss the greatest vehicle in the world! You guessed it! Its the Volkswagen Touareg. We talk a little about the projects Mike has in the shop. We also very VERY briefly discuss how you the listener can affect the podcast you are listening to! Please Like, Share, Comment! Also we have a new email! Thisisntagoodstart@gmail.com

May 05, 202153:30
EP16: What Happened To Your Ankle

EP16: What Happened To Your Ankle

Today we discuss how seemingly all vehicles have gotten exponentially larger. We also discuss chip shortages for ECU’s and EEPROMS and how they work. An excellent episode for a look into how the vehicle computers work.
Apr 28, 202156:02
EP15: Accidental Diagnostic

EP15: Accidental Diagnostic

Sorry about missing last week, but Ben got COVID!! Probably. So clearly we are going to talk about getting COVID and how sales guys pass that info along a little to late. We also briefly discuss traveling by land and sea. And of course a dozen other topics that we forgot about once we starting writing this.
Apr 20, 202150:40
EP14: Internet Wizards

EP14: Internet Wizards

Sorry about the delay this week but allergies have decided to act like Covid.


Hope you enjoy this continuation of episode 13.

Apr 09, 202101:07:20
EP13: Chips, Pits, And Dips

EP13: Chips, Pits, And Dips

We aren't talking snack food but rather what your windshield will look like in a few years. In today we discuss interior quality, touch and feel specifically. when comparing a 2004 Touareg to a 2002 Durango, the winners aren't always clear but we do bring up some good points of interest, but we can all agree a MK4 Jetta has the nicest interior. its a good one so tune in!

Mar 31, 202149:56
EP:12 No Engagement

EP:12 No Engagement

Do you ever just want to flat tow your jeep across America? Well listen to this episode and learn why it's probably better to put it in 4 gear than 1st.

Mar 23, 202147:45
EP11: Ten Minutes Arguing Over A Bunch of Visuals

EP11: Ten Minutes Arguing Over A Bunch of Visuals

Today we discuss Eos roofs, using used parts. We do a deep dive into torque curves and why flat ones are best and ice cream scoops are bad as well as turbo vs supercharger. We also discuss the "prettiest" engine bays. drop us a comment or email on which one you think is the best. The photos discussed will be shared on our Instagram.
Mar 11, 202150:19
EP10: Why Can't We Throw Money At The Potholes

EP10: Why Can't We Throw Money At The Potholes

Today we discuss potholes and how your government chooses not to fix them. Why concrete can't just be better? Don't set tools on your hoist arms and the best food to eat before prison. 

Feb 24, 202150:24
Hogan Intro Trailer

Hogan Intro Trailer

Sorry about last week, we are changing things up because of it.

Feb 23, 202100:51
EP9: Ranty

EP9: Ranty

Today Mike shares with us all of his highway gripes and why he get ranty after driving on the interstate. Ben shares a story about a supercar hideout on his quest for another VW bus. We also discuss how "technicians" should take back the word "mechanic" from the grease monkeys and tire slingers of the world. Enjoy!

Feb 19, 202151:19
EP8: Technical Difficulty Learning

EP8: Technical Difficulty Learning

Coming to you live yesterday from the Denver and Detroit Metro. Ben and Mike discuss, school classes for mike this week, initial quality and reliability rankings with Japanese and Europeans compared to USDM. It wouldn't be a TIGS episode without us mentioning some previous trips and reminiscing of the times when we were allowed to be around other people.  WE ALSO ANNOUNCE OUR LIVE YOUTUBE EPISODE 10!!!!! 

Feb 09, 202148:20
EP7: Don't Let The Rodents In Your Bay

EP7: Don't Let The Rodents In Your Bay

Today we talk about working with union mechanics at American automakers, if those tendencies bleed over to tech shops, software and the pitfalls of not making everything perfect. Also wait for next week, to see if Mike is still around.

Feb 02, 202149:37
EP6 Bonus: PBR is for Hipsters

EP6 Bonus: PBR is for Hipsters

Hopefully this trailer taste better than PBR and Busch Light.

Jan 27, 202100:55
EP6: Tape Your Door Shut

EP6: Tape Your Door Shut

Well we figured out that we have a formula for topics and that doesn't create good starts. But we continue our conversations on brakes and of course Ben doesn't believe something Mike says is true. So please try it out on your own and sent us the videos.

Jan 24, 202101:01:15
EP5: Don't Let Hans Drop Your Rotors

EP5: Don't Let Hans Drop Your Rotors

Today we briefly discuss the things that are involved in brakes and braking. We get a little off topic here and there but that's what makes things fun.

Jan 19, 202101:09:22
EP4: Fall Of The Public Forum

EP4: Fall Of The Public Forum

What would you expect us to discuss in an episode recording in January 2021? 

Well you won't find that, instead reminisce with us on how great automotive internet forums are, and how the lost of them brought us to now.

Jan 12, 202154:59
EP3: Replace your Timing

EP3: Replace your Timing

Today we discus aliens, timing drives ,and how no one really understands either of them.

Jan 04, 202159:02
EP2: Slightly Better Than a Lot

EP2: Slightly Better Than a Lot

Since we jumped head first into the deep end of the podcasting pool in our last episode, we figured we might need to introduce ourselves. Mike will explain why he is forever going to be confused by push-to-start buttons, and Ben's background in Formula SAE.


Dec 31, 202058:42
EP1: Hot Start

EP1: Hot Start

How does the first episode of your podcast go when you refuse to listen to the first episode of any other podcast? Similarly to constructing a garage in the middle of the pandemic, purchasing a new car with a full glass sunroof, and buying $1000 G60s no one needs.

Dec 21, 202049:56