To All The Cars I’ve Loved Before

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From a childhood surrounded by RX-7s to steering vehicle launches at Mazda USA https://www.mazdausa.com, Jon Leverett's automotive journey proves that passion can drive unexpected career paths.
Growing up with a family collection totaling twenty Mazda RX-7s and an older brother who rebuilt rotary engines, Jon developed an early, intimate connection with the brand that would eventually employ him. His first car—a 1988 RX-7 GXL with an engine rebuilt by his brother—established rotary power as his mechanical baseline, making conventional piston engines feel foreign when he later switched to a BMW 525i and then Volvo C30 R-Design.
Despite pursuing architecture in college and beginning his professional career in that field, Jon couldn't shake his automotive enthusiasm. The pivotal moment came when architectural colleagues expressed surprise that cars were designed at all, revealing the disconnect between his passion and profession. This realization prompted a bold move—leaving his architecture career to start at a Mazda dealership, positioning himself for an industry transition.
This strategic career pivot paid off quickly. Within eight months, Jon landed a position at Mazda North America, beginning a seven-plus year journey through four different roles culminating in his current position as Launch Strategy Manager. Now orchestrating vehicle launches for the brand that first sparked his passion, Jon particularly treasures working on the MX-5 projects, including recent updates and the 35th anniversary edition - https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/mx-5-miata/heritage
Jon's story highlights how childhood influences can shape professional trajectories in unexpected ways, and how stepping back temporarily can sometimes propel you forward toward your true calling. His experience demonstrates that when it comes to career paths, sometimes the most rewarding journeys don't follow a straight line.

#carsloved #everycartellsastory #automobile #automotive #podcast #carcast #everycarhasaculture #everycartellsastory #toallthecarsivelovedbefore #mazda #rx7 #zoomzoom #rotary #wankel #mazdausa #dreamjob #fc #bmw #5series #e39 #volvo #volvoC30 #C30

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Please Follow, Like, and Subscribe to be the first to hear our latest content and past episodes - https://linktr.ee/carsloved

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UPCOMING EPISODE ALERT - we were fortunate enough to catch up with Jeff Bloch aka SpeedyCop this week and wanted to share this clip where Jeff tells us about the excitement as a track full of Nascar fans go nuts as they watch his Pop-up Camper shell on an Suzuki X-90 chassis race on a Nascar track. You don't see this everyday or ever!
#speedycop #podcast #carcast #everycartellsastory #everycarhasaculture #carsloved #nascar #suzuki

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Please Follow, Like, and Subscribe to be the first to hear our latest content and past episodes - https://linktr.ee/carsloved

Click here to send a text to Christian and Doug with your contact info

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Please Follow, Like, and Subscribe to be the first to hear our latest content and past episodes - https://linktr.ee/carsloved

Click here to send a text to Christian and Doug with your contact info

Ever wondered how a simple car could shape a family's bond and individual passions? This week on "All the Cars I've Loved Before," we're joined by a guest who's near and dear to us —Christian's sister Danielle, or Dee, as she's affectionately known. Dee unpacks the origin of her nickname and shares some of her most cherished family stories. Despite the usual sibling teasing, the episode underscores the strong familial ties that have been strengthened through a shared love of cars.
Listen to the heartwarming story of Dee's first car, a white 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity. This wasn't just any car; it was a gift from her tough but loving mother that symbolized trust and independence. Listen to the hilarious and heartfelt tales of teenage rebellion, like Dee’s unforgettable performance of Madonna's "Material Girl" at a strict Catholic school.
As we move forward, the episode explores the trials and triumphs of learning to drive stick shift in a green 1996 Honda Civic, and the eventual upgrade to a silver 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. Danielle gets emotional discussing her red 2006 Honda Accord, a gift from her late mother that carries sentimental value with every mile. We also have a good laugh over Christian's past ride, the brown 1984 Buick Skyhawk, which he tried to transform into a masterpiece with Mardi Gras beads and even a skull. These narratives highlight the deep emotional connections and unforgettable memories tied to these cars, making this episode a heartfelt celebration of family and the vehicles that have been part of the journey.

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Please Follow, Like, and Subscribe to be the first to hear our latest content and past episodes - https://linktr.ee/carsloved

Click here to send a text to Christian and Doug with your contact info

Ever wondered how a car enthusiast could turn a hobby into a thriving YouTube channel with 19,000 subscribers? Meet Richard, our special guest with a wealth of experience in auto mechanics, teaching, and digital content creation. In this episode of "All the Cars I've Loved Before," Richard shares his incredible journey from writing for MotorAge Magazine to producing educational videos that demystify car repairs. His fascinating blend of hands-on expertise and passion for sharing knowledge makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone passionate about cars and continuous learning.
We'll also travel back in time, reminiscing about the quirky adventures we've had with vintage cars. From a near run-in with the law while cruising in a Corvair to transforming a 1958 Volkswagen Bug into a surprise street racer, each tale is brimming with humor and nostalgia. Richard's heartfelt stories highlight the unique bonds formed with each vehicle, reminding us that every car has its own story. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, and you might even get a bit sentimental as we relive these unforgettable moments on the road.
This episode isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's an exploration of the deep connections we form with our cars. Join us as Richard delves into the cherished vehicles of his past, sharing poignant memories and the life lessons learned along the way. From his early days to his latest projects, Richard's insights are a treasure trove of automotive wisdom. Don't forget to check out his YouTube channel for more tips and stories, and stay tuned for more exciting content in Season 2 of "All the Cars I've Loved Before.
#McCuistian #RichardMcCuistian #VW #Corvair #MotorAge #MotorAgeMagazine
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Richard McCuistian grew up in Alabama learning about cars from his father who ran an automotive repair shop. Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000).
Be sure to visit Richard's YouTube Channel which debuted in 2008 and has some impressive stats:
19.3K subscribers
1,483 videos
7,705,195 views
www.youtube.com/@McCuistian

New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Please Follow, Like, and Subscribe to be the first to hear our latest content and past episodes - https://linktr.ee/carsloved