Vehicle Service Experts Best Practice: Podcasts

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Why Podcasts Might Be Your Most Underrated Shop Tool

Disclaimer: The Vehicle Service Experts Resource Hub shares resources, insights, and industry experiences contributed by independent shop owners serving on the Vehicle Service Experts Council of the Auto Care Association (“Association”). The Association offers the information, materials, and resources provided on this page for general informational and educational purposes only. The Association makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information contained herein. Nothing on this resource page constitutes legal, financial, tax, technical, or professional advice. Accessing or relying on such third-party resources is done at your own risk and the Association disclaims all liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of, or reliance on, this resource page or any materials provided herein. Use of this resource page constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.

Why Every Auto Repair Shop Owner Should Subscribe to Podcasts

Running an auto repair shop takes grit, expertise and constant learning. Between managing technicians, keeping up with new vehicle technology, and handling customer expectations, staying ahead of the curve can feel impossible. That’s where podcasts come in. Podcasts are a simple, free and powerful way to fuel your business knowledge while you’re on the move.


Stay Ahead of Industry Trends

The automotive world changes fast, from EV technology to diagnostic tools and new training standards. Podcasts can help you stay current without sifting through endless online articles or manuals. Many hosts interview tool manufacturers, trainers, and association leaders, offering firsthand perspectives on where the industry is headed.

Why it matters: When you know what’s coming, you can invest wisely, train your team proactively and position your shop as a trusted expert in your community.

Learn from Thought Leaders Anytime, Anywhere

Podcasts bring expert advice straight to your ears. Whether it’s marketing insights, customer service strategies or the latest repair technology, there’s a show for every topic. You can listen while driving, catching up on paperwork or even during your morning routine. Popular auto industry podcasts often feature shop owners, business coaches and technicians who share practical lessons from real-world experience.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to a mix of industry-specific podcasts and broader business shows. That way, you’ll gain both technical updates and growth-minded leadership insights. Keep searching until you find the voice that speaks to you and inspires you. It should keep you excited and coming back for more!

Fuel Personal and Professional Growth

Podcasts don’t just help your business, they help you grow as a leader. You’ll pick up communication skills, motivation strategies, and time-management hacks that make running your shop smoother. When you invest in your mindset and learning, your entire team benefits.

Get Started

If you’re new to podcasts, it’s easy: 

  1. Download a free app like Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. 

  2. Search for topics like auto repair business, automotive leadership or shop management. 

  3. Subscribe to a few that catch your interest. 

  4. Listen during commutes, clean-ups, or breaks. Learning on the go is that simple. 


Final Thought

The best shop owners never stop learning. Subscribing to podcasts keeps your mind sharp, your business thriving, and your network growing, all while you keep your hands on the wheel. So, plug in your earbuds, hit play, and let the stories, strategies and inspiration drive your shop’s next big breakthrough.

Discover Fresh Ideas to Grow Your Business

You can think of podcasts as your ongoing business coaching session. From pricing strategies to hiring best practices, podcasts can spark new ideas that you can apply immediately. Listening to how other shop owners overcome challenges often helps you spot solutions you haven’t considered. It’s also important to remember that you’re not alone facing these problems.

Pro Tip: Keep a small notebook or voice memo handy to jot down ideas you hear. Small tweaks inspired by a great podcast episode can make a big impact on profitability or team morale.

Additional Resources

Podcast NameHost / NetworkTopic AlignmentLink
Talking ShopBabcox MediaShop Management, Industry TrendsListen Now
What’s Trending with Tire ReviewBabcox MediaTire Industry, Market TrendsListen Now
Body Shop Business PodcastBabcox MediaCollision Repair, Shop ManagementListen Now
Remarkable Results RadioCarm CapriottoLeadership, Shop Culture, Industry InsightsListen Now
Speak Up with Craig O’NeillCraig O’Neill / Aftermarket Radio NetworkCommunication, LeadershipListen Now
Diagnosing the AftermarketMatt Fanslow / Aftermarket Radio NetworkDiagnostics, Technician TrainingListen Now
Auto Repair Marketing PodcastBrian & Kim WalkerMarketing, Shop GrowthListen Now
Changing the IndustryLucas Underwood & David RomanIndustry Change, Technician AdvocacyListen Now
Business by the NumbersHunt DemarestFinancial Performance, Shop KPIsListen Now
Automotive Diagnostic PodcastSean TippingDiagnostics, Technician DevelopmentListen Now
Beyond the WrenchWrenchWayTechnician Careers, Workforce DevelopmentListen Now
The Great Canadian Aftermarket PodcastIndie GarageAftermarket Industry, Shop OwnershipListen Now
Automotive Repair News TodayBraxton CritcherIndustry News, TechnologyListen Now
Limitless Leadership PodcastJosh ParnellLeadership, Personal DevelopmentListen Now
Confessions of a Shop OwnerMike AllenShop Ownership, LeadershipListen Now
Jobber News PodcastTurnkey MediaIndustry News, DistributionListen Now
GearBox PodcastJimmy PurdyShop Leadership, Technician CultureListen Now
Ratchet + Wrench RadioEndeavor Business MediaShop Management, Industry StrategyListen Now
Auto Care ON AIRAuto Care AssociationIndustry Leadership, AdvocacyListen Now

For Questions

Missy Stephens
Missy Stephens
Community Engagement Manager

missy.stephens@autocare.org

 

(240) 333-1072