Car Stories with Sung Kang and Emelia Hartford
Car Stories with Sung Kang and Emelia Hartford

<p>Fast and Furious star Sung Kang and car builder and driver Emelia Hartford take us into the wild and eccentric world of car people, the gear heads and fanatics who live and breathe car culture, and what their obsession tells us about ourselves, whether we’re car people or not.</p>

In this season finale wrap-up, Sung and Emelia catch up on their recent trip to Japan for Formula E. They open up about personal insecurities and discuss methods to cope with struggles. They also reflect on conversations and guests from the past season, and Sung provides updates on attempts to golf with his wife... Follow on Instagram and watch episodes on YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with one of the founders of performance parts company Evasive MotorSports, Mike Chang. Mike offers his street-level perspective on how the car community has evolved, from his beginnings selling lug nuts out of his parent's garage through to the industry titan Evasive has become today. They talk about Evasive's S2000R, passion and dedication, and they also have a candid discussion about sharing hobbies with their significant others as Sung considers getting in to golf...Follow on Instagram and watch episodes on YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with actor turned race driver turned movie producer, Ali Afshar. Ali shares how struggles in his younger years as an immigrant family laid the foundation for his drive, focus, and ultimately his incredible success. They also talk about representation and diversity in films, finding passion, and Subarus.This episode was recorded in February 2023.Follow on Instagram and watch episodes on YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with fellow actor and Fast and Furious star, Jordana Brewster. In an episode full of insight for aspiring actors, Jordana opens up about her career and everyone shares unique perspectives from their involvement in the acting world. They also talk about the importance of family and leading with positivity.Follow on Instagram and watch episodes on YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with the President and CEO of SEMA, Mike Spagnola. Mike talks about the car community's future and SEMA's role in supporting an evolving industry, they express views on both sides of the EV argument and discuss keys to a successful marriage. Sung and Emelia also share their best ghost stories.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with rally-cross competitor and ESPN’s first-ever female motorsport analyst, Jen Horsey. Jen shares her path from her beginnings in journalism, through an accomplished career in rally-cross, to her current passion supporting creativity in others. They also talk about what it takes to be a co-driver, the ugly side of social media, and Sung and Emelia weigh in on their favorite pizza places...Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with commercial film director, photographer, and racer Jeff Zwart. Jeff shares how his accomplished career in the car world started with a camera at veterinarian school in Germany. They also talk about their perspectives to maintaining passion and the late great Ken Block.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with three-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg. Chris shares his journey from self-taught beginnings through numerous accomplishments in Formula D as well as his new passion for off-road racing. They also talk about setting goals and strengthening relationships. #winningestFollow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia's interview with Brian Scotto is back for a rebroadcast to coincide with the video version debut on the @CarStoriesPodcast YouTube channel.Sung and Emelia sit down with Hoonigan co-founder, Brian Scotto. Brian shares how his early dual passions for cars and storytelling were foundational for his future in the car world. They also talk about creative evolution, legacy building, as well the late great Ken Block. And if you live in a nice neighborhood, Sung might be sleeping outside your house...Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're back with a new one! Sung and Emelia sit down with Motor Trend's Senior Feature Editor, Jonny Lieberman. Jonny shares his experience attempting 200mph in a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport and racing Pike's Peak. They also discuss death and aging, the benefits of therapy, and Sung shares a very memorable (and possibly very recent) dealership experience he had with his nephew.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rolling out this rebroadcast to accompany the video version being released today over on our Youtube channel @CarStoriesPodcast, here is our episode with Magnus Walker! Brand new episode next week, stay tuned...Sung and Emelia talk with noted Porsche aficionado but true enthusiast of all cars, Magnus Walker. Magnus shares how his life has woven through fashion, the film location business - and of course, cars - and how his common thread is a relentless pursuit of passion. They also get personal about fathers and dealing with loss.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The time has finally come: we are rebroadcasting our episode with James Pumphrey as a simultaneous release with the video version! Head to our channel @CarStoriesPodcast on YouTube to see what you only heard the first time! New episodes of Car Stories will be back soon.Sung and Emelia sit down with the side of James the cameras don't get to see; introspective and mellow, but unsurprisingly just as funny. James shares how his roots in comedy and his passion for cars serendipitously converged in his current role as Editor in Chief of Donut Media. They also talk about their shared experience of a parent absence and the impact is had on their individual perspectives.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's true - we are rebroadcasting the debut episode of Car Stories! Not only do Sung and Emelia have demanding schedules, but they're also working hard to bring you video episodes of Car Stories starting next week - so follow @CarStoriesPodcast on YouTube and stay tuned because new episodes of Car Stories will be back soon!And in case you missed it the first time or want to hear it again, check out this episode with accomplished sound designer, Peter Brown.Sung and Emelia talk to Peter about the journey that brought him into the world of sound design and made him one of the most sought after and highly respected Hollywood "sound guys". Peter shares his expertise and gives us a behind the scenes look (and listen) into the recording and creation of the Fast and Furious car sounds we all love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with MotorTrend Head of Editorial, Ed Loh. Ed shares not only his chicken chili verde recipe, but also his insight about seismic shifts on the horizon with SDVs (software defined vehicles) and the impact this will have on the car industry, from manufacturers to enthusiasts. They also get into gardening, compost, and Sung and Ed do their best to convince Emelia on the virtues of the minivan.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with industry veteran and car community legend, RJ de Vera. RJ shares his journey from his early beginning selling car parts out of his mom's condo, consulting on (and appearing in) the first Fast and Furious films, through his current position as SEMA's marketing vice president. They also share their upcoming car projects and talk about the future of car films.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk sit down with Playstation Productions producer, Carter Swan. Carter talks about the persistence and patience behind bringing the film Gran Turismo to life. They also reminisce about Paul Walker, discuss good (and bad) directors, and share their perspectives for aspiring actors.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with drift champion and driving legend, Dai Yoshihara. Dai shares his journey, from a self-taught driver on local canyon roads in Japan, through his highly accomplished career in Formula D and to his recent passion of stunt driving for film and television. They also talk about personality traits for success, financial perspectives, and the impact of having kids.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with noted Porsche aficionado but true enthusiast of all cars, Magnus Walker. Magnus shares how his life has woven through fashion, the film location business - and of course, cars - and how his common thread is a relentless pursuit of passion. They also get personal about fathers and dealing with loss.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with Creative Director and Artist, Rod Chong. Rod shares his journey directing music videos and designing racing games to his current position as Race Service's Chief Creative Officer. They also talk about representation in the car community and what it takes to be successful.Note: the building was testing fire alarms when this episode was recorded.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with Hoonigan co-founder, Brian Scotto. Brian shares how his early dual passions for cars and storytelling were foundational for his future in the car world. They also talk about creative evolution, legacy building, as well the late great Ken Block. And if you live in a nice neighborhood, Sung might be sleeping outside your house...Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with drift driver, builder and content creator Hert. After his departure as an influential force with the Hoonigan team, Hert shares how his new partnership with T-Pain aims to build representation and promote inclusivity in the car community. Sung talks about how his connection to cars is more about the people behind them.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Car Stories is wishing you a Happy Holiday season and taking two weeks off for the break.Also, our New Years resolution is to get serious with our socials, so get a head start and subscribe on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcast. Tune back for a new episode on January 4!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the interview that started it all, Sung and Emelia talk about where their connection originated. Emelia shares how her introduction to the car community came after the passing of her father and they both share perspectives on the acting process, the pros and cons of social media, and the future of wrenching.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with racing legend Stephan Papadakis. Stephan shares how his pursuit of knowledge shaped his journey through the automotive world, moving from drag racing to drifting and earning not only numerous records but an unmatched level of respect among the racing community.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with master car builder, Dennis McCarthy. Dennis shares stories from his career turning conceptual designs into on-screen realities as one of the top Picture Car Coordinators in Hollywood, including for the Fast and Furious franchise. They also discuss the effects of CGI in film and discover who is probably responsible for popularizing street takeovers...Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down for a quick catch up before the Thanksgiving holiday. They talk about F1 in Las Vegas, visiting Poland, mastering the egg, and the many, many wonders at Costco. Join us for another full length interview episode on November 30th.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with race car driver, engineering genius and mad scientist Bisi Ezerioha. Bisi shares how his relentless pursuit of knowledge guides his path through the automotive world, from his street racing beginning to becoming a trailblazer of classic car EV conversions. They also talk about sharing knowledge to keep the car community alive, and reminisce about Circuit City and AOL.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with co-founder of Donut Media and Race Service, James Kirkham. James shares his path beginning in real estate and an early stint with GoPro, to now working with F1 and NASCAR. They have an honest discussion about their individual failures, talk about maintaining optimism and reframing negativity as a force for motivation and purpose.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with professional drift driver and highly accomplished stunt driver, Samuel Hübinette. Samuel shares his journey starting as a Volvo test driver in northern Sweden, to the upper echelon of Formula D racing, to one of the legendary names in Hollywood stunt driving. They also talk about pursuing your passion and the lack of recognition for Hollywood's stunt drivers.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with NASCAR driver Jesse Iwuji. Through his relentless dedication to hard work and perseverance, Jesse shares his journey from the highest levels of college football to Lieutenant Commander in the Navy to becoming a pro NASCAR driver. They also talk about maintaining optimism and purpose in the face of adversity, dealing with racism and negativity, and maybe someone will even explain why electrolytes are so important.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with expert craftsman and true artisan, Rod Emory. Widely regarded as the world's preeminent specialist and custom builder of the Porsche 356, Rod shares how his childhood and family work ethic laid the foundation for his career in the car world. They also talk about adaptability through Rod's business pivot after the 2008 recession and maintaining perspective on what truly matters.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with the Wikipedia of cars himself, host of The Smoking Tire podcast and Road & Track's Editor at Large, Matt Farah. Matt talks about how his memorization of car magazines and an early job at an exotic car rental company gave him a jump start in the car world. They share perspectives on navigating the YouTube grind and also get into Vespas, minivans, and cupholders.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia sit down with the side of James the cameras don't get to see; introspective and mellow, but unsurprisingly just as funny. James shares how his roots in comedy and his passion for cars serendipitously converged in his current role as Editor in Chief of Donut Media. They also talk about their shared experience of a parent absence and the impact is had on their individual perspectives.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk with John about his biggest passion outside of music - cars. John shares stories from his incredible career, including touring in a GTO, racing karts and snaking Rod Stewart's 930 Turbo. They also dive into the parallels of craftsmanship between musicians and car builders, and discuss the rapid acceleration of technology from area codes to AI.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sung and Emelia talk to Peter about the journey that brought him into the world of sound design and made him one of the most sought after and highly respected Hollywood "sound guys". Peter shares his expertise and gives us a behind the scenes look (and listen) into the recording and creation of the Fast and Furious car sounds we all love.Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Follow on Instagram and YouTube @CarStoriesPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.