Automotive Podcasting: What You Need to Know

Podcasting in the automotive industry is not just about creating content; it's about connecting, sharing, and driving change. My journey into podcasting began about 2 years ago, and it has evolved into something much more profound than I ever anticipated. Let me take you through the essentials of automotive podcasting, from my perspective, and what I've learned along the way.

My venture into the car business started when I was managing a Subway restaurant, and a chance opportunity from my regular customers led me to re-join PartsEdge in 2016 as Sales and Marketing - that’s a story for another time. I discovered the immense value of parts inventory—dealerships' largest cash investment—and the often underappreciated parts departments. This realization sparked the idea for The go-to Parts Girl which led to "The Parts Girl Podcast," where I began sharing stories from top industry performers. Two years and over 100 episodes later, the podcast has evolved, leading to a rebrand and the birth of "Trailblaze Your Path Podcast" and "The Parts Management Podcast." Each of these podcasts serves a unique purpose in addressing specific aspects of the automotive industry.

Key Lessons Learned

Podcasting is a significant part of my role in marketing and sales for PartsEdge. One crucial lesson I've learned is the importance of organization. Managing multiple podcasts, along with other responsibilities, requires a structured approach. I rely on my team and tools like monday.com or Asana to manage my projects and keep everything on track. Without organization, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Whether it's planning episodes or coordinating with guests, everything is a mini-project with its own set of tasks. Figure out what works then repeat!

Another lesson is to embrace the evolution of your podcast. After reaching 100 episodes with "The Parts Girl Podcast," I realized the conversations I was having had outgrown the original concept. It was time for a change, and that’s perfectly okay. Don’t worry about perfection—podcasting is an evolving process, and it’s fine to shift your focus as you grow.

Content Creation & Strategy

When it comes to content creation, the strategy differs between my two podcasts. For "The Parts Management Podcast," I focus on specific topics and intentional conversations, primarily with Chuck Hartle, founder of PartsEdge. This podcast is designed to be a must-listen for anyone involved in parts departments, offering practical tips and insights to help dealerships improve.

On the other hand, "Trailblaze Your Path Podcast" continues the tradition of interviewing industry leaders, focusing on their passions, challenges, and the problems they solve in or for dealerships. The goal is to provide relatable, inspiring content that resonates with listeners.

From each recording, we create multiple video clips, blog posts, and LinkedIn articles, promoting them across social media. This not only maximizes the reach of each episode but also caters to different audience preferences—whether they prefer to listen, watch, or read. Promoting a podcast is also all about consistency and excitement. I make sure to share what excites me about each episode—whether it's the topics, the guests, or the insights we uncover.

It’s not just about the downloads; it’s about the conversations and connections that happen around the podcast.

Overcoming Challenges

Finding my podcasting style was a journey, and I’ve learned that it's okay not to have everything figured out from the start. The key is to start, be open to change, and let your podcast evolve naturally. For me, the hardest part was naming the podcast, but eventually, it all fell into place.

Another challenge was managing the technical aspects. I use Riverside for recording, and I’ve streamlined the process by scheduling recordings on set days. This way, I can batch interviews and avoid scrambling if a guest needs to reschedule. While I don’t handle the editing myself, I’ve seen how AI tools have significantly improved the efficiency of this process, making it easier to produce high-quality content.

Why Automotive Podcasting Matters

In the automotive industry, podcasting has created a space for real conversations and connections. Historically, our industry hasn’t always been the best at sharing information, but podcasting is changing that. It’s about coming together, sharing experiences, and moving the industry forward. Topics that resonate most with my listeners often involve personal stories, challenges, and creative solutions in areas like technology, and process improvement.

I see podcasting becoming an even more vital source of news, information, and personal connection within the automotive industry. More dealerships are starting their own podcasts, and it’s a powerful way for audiences to get to know the host and the topics that matter most. For my podcasts, the future is about deepening the focus on personal stories in "Trailblaze Your Path Podcast" and establishing "The Parts Management Podcast" as the ultimate resource for parts departments.

If you’re considering starting an automotive podcast, my advice is simple: just go for it. Don’t get caught up in trying to be perfect or following what others are doing. Be authentic, let your podcast evolve naturally, and remember that your audience is there to get to know you, the guests and perspectives. Automotive podcasting is more than just a marketing tool—it’s a platform for connection, education, and growth. Whether you’re sharing industry insights, personal stories, or technical advice, the key is to stay true to your passion and let your voice be heard.