nterestingly, I find the name of my monthly editorial (Starting Over) closely connected to this month’s theme. I’m fascinated by how podcasts have gained popularity and how influencers seem to influence everything from hot rod parts to makeup. To me, modern podcasts are like mini radio shows. We all, or at least many of us, remember the days of transistor radios and radio programs. We had favorite channels, music stations, sports, and talk shows from long ago up to today. Modern influencers are the next step from early magazine writers and photographers who shared what was happening across the country, providing us with insights and opinions.

Magazines and radio shows have evolved, but we still return to the classics. Just as before, they are printed and shared nationwide. Both print media and influencers help keep our hobby connected. Now, we have social media—quick snippets of our hobbies shared at lightning-fast speeds. In the past, the number of “reporters” was limited. Today, the number of “influencers” isn’t—social media has given everyone a platform. I suppose it’s good that everyone can be heard, but oftentimes I think that maybe this individual didn’t have anything worthwhile to say.

In the age of rapid technological advancements, it’s easy to believe that traditional forms of media have become relics of the past, overshadowed by the omnipresence of social media and podcasts. Indeed, for many years, automobile enthusiasts have gravitated toward digital platforms for their fix of hot rod news, products, events, and a sense of community. It was the early car magazines that promoted the “art of community” by discussing and showcasing how car clubs could be formed and the benefits they offered.

Yet, a fascinating trend has emerged: a resurgence of interest in classic automotive media—specifically radio shows, television programs, and car magazines—that once served as the primary sources of information and entertainment for car aficionados. (In The Garage Media, Inc. is celebrating 5 years of success. What was once an idea and a risk has proven itself, while always a risk, to be viable in this day and age.)

Once popular radio shows like “Car Talk” and television programs such as Top Gear distinctly shaped automobile culture in the mid-20th century. These platforms attracted millions of listeners and viewers, offering more than just reviews and technical insights—they provided humor, adventure, and a shared passion for cars. Car magazines, however, became the holy grail for auto enthusiasts, filled with glossy images, in-depth articles, and a snapshot of the latest innovations on the market. Publications like Hot Rod, Popular Hot Rodding, Rod & Custom, and, my personal favorite, Street Rodder, were not just sources of information; they were cultural artifacts that captured the spirit of their time, influencing consumer behavior and trends. Today, Modern Rodding, Classic Truck Performance, and All Chevy Performance, along with their active social media outlets, continue to engage gearheads. However, as the Internet gained momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, attention shifted toward websites and forums that offered instant access to information. The rise of social media created an environment where personal interactions and user-generated content flourished. There’s no doubt that local car shows can now be viewed in real time, as attending rodders post their photos. At the same time, podcasts allowed for long-form discussions that attracted a new generation of listeners, often much younger enthusiasts with a growing passion for hot rods. For years, it seemed as though traditional car radio shows and magazines were on the verge of obsolescence. Many of us remember when 19 of our most popular and historically significant magazine titles were “killed” in one day. I was at the opening of the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show on a Friday at 10 a.m. when my phone started buzzing.

But today, we encounter a paradox: even as digital content consumption continues to rise, there’s a genuine desire to explore and recreate the nostalgia and authenticity that our hot rods from the 1930s through the 1980s embody. Car magazines are experiencing a resurgence as enthusiasts seek tactile experiences, valuing the high-quality production and curated content that screens simply cannot match. Amid the overwhelming flood of digital content, the structured and intentional nature of print offers a refreshing escape. It allows readers to delve deeper into their passion for rodding and the types of cars that truly hold meaning for them.

Similarly, radio shows—with their inherent intimacy—are finding a renewed audience. In a world dominated by visual content, the ability to listen to the radio while driving or working in your own garage offers a different kind of connection. Old radio programs are still available through rebroadcasts. I have a rather large collection of old television shows featuring hot rods, as well as movies for when I’m feeling nostalgic. I also have too many car magazines still in boxes, bending many a temporary wooden bookshelf.

There’s also a growing awareness that the media is most effective when it uses multiple platforms. At our offices, we have adopted a hybrid model that incorporates social media content, newsletters, YouTube videos, and a continuous stream of podcast appearances.

While podcasts and social media continue to dominate the scene, the resurgence of traditional automotive media reveals a broader desire among enthusiasts for community and authenticity. Whether it’s flipping through a car magazine, listening to a familiar voice on a radio show, or watching a hot rod documentary, Modern Rodding is doing more and more of these, and this revival proves there’s still space for classic communication forms in our fast-moving digital age.

The love for hot rods is deeply rooted in the stories we share about them, and as we move into an increasingly digital future, embracing our automotive heritage continually deepens our appreciation for the hot rods we admire. As we accelerate into this new era of media, let’s not forget to tap into the nostalgia that once guided us down the road of discovery and innovation. After all, in the garage of life, there’s always room for both the old and the new. Unless, of course, you are Ron Ceridono; the world according to ol’ Ronnie ended in about 1967.