In this episode of the Talkin' Shop Podcast, we sit down with Jamie Sonuga from Officially Gassed— the man who built a YouTube channel from making content on his own Mercedes A45 AMG into a million-subscriber automotive powerhouse. Jamie opens up about the calculated risk of leaving his stable job as a mobile mechanic for the London Fire Brigade to pursue YouTube full-time. He talks candidly about the grind of editing videos in his van while on the clock , and how consistency was key to growing his audience. Jamie lifts the lid on the changing YouTube landscape, discussing the pressures of constantly pushing boundaries , battling for views against a million subscribers , and the need for story-driven content over simple car reviews. He dives into his insane, multi-hundred-thousand-pound car builds, the emotional connection they hold , and the dark side of high-horsepower tuning, sharing the tragic crash that turned his M240i project into an emotional homage. We also dive into his automotive passion born from his time as an HGV mechanic fixing dust carts , the wild success of his Gassed on Track events , and the difficulty of finding a work-life balance while being an "adrenaline junkie" seven days a week. If you want laughs, hard truths, real talk about the automotive scene, and the story behind one of the industry's most dedicated creators— this episode delivers.

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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

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Jamie (Officially Gassed):
https://www.youtube.com/@officially_gassed
https://www.instagram.com/officially_gassed/
https://www.tiktok.com/@officially_gassed?lang=en


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To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/Gv643QUxqdg

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*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UxD2b7HT3E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATFvR3oXK10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS70F-vE6cU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UxD2b7HT3E

In this episode of the Talkin’ Shop Podcast we sit down with Paul Fox of Fox Group— the man who took over his family business at just 23 and turned it into one of the UK’s fastest-growing construction and materials groups. Paul opens up about the pressure of stepping into leadership so young, the grief that shaped him, and the “sink or swim” moments that defined Fox Group’s rise. He talks candidly about the dark days no one saw, what it was really like to run a business while learning on the job, and how self-sufficiency, smart acquisitions, and the right people transformed a small local operation into a 350-truck, 1,000-machine powerhouse. Paul lifts the lid on the acquisitions they got right (and wrong), the culture he’s fought to build, and why numbers and people are the real secret to scaling.We also dive into his no-nonsense leadership style, the loneliness of being a CEO, the lessons from COVID that changed everything, and the legacy of the man who inspired him. If you want laughs, hard truths, real business talk, and the story behind one of the industry’s most resilient leaders — this episode delivers.
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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

-

Paul Fox:
https://www.instagram.com/foxbrothersltd/?hl=en
https://uk.linkedin.com/company/fox-brothers-group
https://www.facebook.com/foxbrothersltd

--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/phg86_iQi_Y

--

*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

-

YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGnJG7O70E0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEUYjCvAA88&t=473s

In this episode of the Talkin’ Shop Podcast we sit down with YouTuber Alex Kersten (AutoAlex) — the man who walked away from the hugely successful Car Throttle to build his own automotive empire. Alex opens up about the pressure of going solo, what it was like to launch AutoAlex Cars and hit over 300,000 subscribers in just three weeks, and how he almost gave it all up before it even began. He talks candidly about the backlash from fans when he bought a “too nice” car (yep- the Porsche Macan story!), why he sold it, and how he’s learned from his mistakes.We also chat about restoring forgotten classics, dream road trips, the magic of old-school motoring, and how he and his team are shaping the next generation of British car shows. This one’s packed with laughs, honesty, nostalgia and some home truths about YouTube life, the car scene, and what success really means.

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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

-

Alex Kersten:
https://www.youtube.com/@AutoalexCars
https://www.youtube.com/@Autoalexv2
https://www.youtube.com/@AutoAlexPodcast
https://www.instagram.com/autoalex/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Autoalex-Alex-Kersten/100076398660374/#
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/JJEG84DBd88

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*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

-

YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfCF-Ws2dlI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbX1V46I9LQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7hq_4mhRc4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zptUEj-E13E

In this episode of Talkin’ Shop we’re joined by Taylor from TaylorMade Cars & AutoAlex, the man who went from fixing cars in a leaky chicken shed to becoming one of YouTube’s most-loved mechanics. Taylor opens up about how it all started, selling a £25 BMW that changed his life, meeting Alex Kirsten in a Costco car park, and how one unplanned video became a 1.8 million view viral hit. He shares the real side of YouTube: the stress, the pressure, and the sleepless nights trying to finish builds before road trips, including the emotional story of the one car that broke him. You’ll also hear hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, from cake-covered workshops to unforgettable road trip chaos across Europe. If you love cars and honest conversations about success, burnout, and passion, this episode is a must-listen.

-

Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

-

Taylor Hetherington:
https://www.instagram.com/taylorhetherington_/
https://www.instagram.com/taylormadecarsandclassics/
https://www.youtube.com/@taylormadecarsofficial

--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/SLCOK5N1Sy8

--

*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

-

YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mztv1NqZH1c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTHfZCgTb0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m3mk9dn_GY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efc3It_51rc

In this episode of the Talkin' Shop Podcast, we sit down with trucker, social media star and all-around funnyman, David Crossley. He fills us in on the ups and downs in his life over the last two years since he originally joined us on the podcast. He talks about how he lost his dream job at United Autosports (McLaren), giving us the full, unfiltered story on why he was let go and how it affected him personally. He also shares with us some unbelievable, hilarious and unhinged stories from his recent trips to India, Thailand and more! And he discusses why he's now decided to start his business up again, DC European, and his plans for his company's success.

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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

-

David Crossley:
https://www.instagram.com/davidcrossley126/
https://youtube.com/@Davidcrossley126
https://linktr.ee/david.cr127

--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjuQ2nCNFT_r82U6pblEMMhlqi7416p7X

Follow us on social media:

Talkin’ Shop:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

On Talkin' Shop this week, we sit down with Ben Collins (ex-Stig), where he shares Top Gear's craziest moment, how he hid his identity (including the famous Michael Schumacher cameo), and why modern F1 cars are too heavy for great racing. We dig into Ben's racing background, teammate rivalry, favourite road car (Porsche Carrera GT), and how blockbuster stunts in Bond, Star Wars and Fast & Furious get planned for real, using little to no CGI.

There's plenty of Top Gear lore – from rocket cars to the Winter Olympics Mini Jump – and candid talk about leaving the show after his identity leaked. Ben also shares what's next, doubling down on YouTube and planting a cider orchard.

-

Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/jaltest-software/

-

Ben Collins:
https://www.instagram.com/bencollinsstig/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9V9pNeL49_40j3g-11OYEQ
https://www.youtube.com/@BenCollinsGaming
https://linktr.ee/bencollinsstig

Ben's Cider:
https://www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/product/sandford-orchards-x-bens-cider/

--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjuQ2nCNFT_r82U6pblEMMhlqi7416p7X

Follow us on social media:

Talkin’ Shop:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

In this episode of Talkin' Shop, we sit down with Edwin and Will of Top Dead Center (TDC), where they talk all things cars, content and chaos! From buying a fire-damaged Porsche 911 straight from a scrapyard to having their humble FTO auctioned up to a ridiculous £150 million on eBay, the lads share the highs, lows, and laugh-out-loud moments of building a YouTube channel around their passion for cars.

They open up about what success really means, recently getting to drive their dream cars, and why YouTube can be both brutal and rewarding. Plus, we get the inside story on how Will and Edwin first met and built the bond that fuels TDC today.

Top Dead Center:
https://www.youtube.com/@TopDeadC
https://www.instagram.com/topdeadc/

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Take the guesswork out of vehicle, vessel or machine repair with Jaltest from Eclipse, the No.1 multi-brand diagnostic tool. Get a FREE cable saver with your Jaltest order when you quote promo code "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry.
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/jaltest-software/

--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjuQ2nCNFT_r82U6pblEMMhlqi7416p7X

Follow us on social media:

Talkin’ Shop:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

In this episode of Talkin' Shop, Louis and Aaron sit down with Max Haftavani from Driven+ to talk about his journey from hosting car meets at his family’s pub in Wales to building a 50,000-strong YouTube community.

Max opens up about the review that put him on JLR’s radar — releasing his take on the Range Rover Sport SV before the embargo lifted, and documenting the car’s shocking drivetrain failures. The fallout? Angry emails, viral videos, customers demanding refunds… and even rumours of an internal JLR memo warning dealerships about his content.

Beyond the drama, Max shares his passion for attainable performance cars, the chaos of 120 cars turning up to his parents’ pub, why relatable BMWs and Audis outperform supercars on YouTube, and the unforgettable moment German police fined his road trip convoy €3,000 each on the Autobahn.

Topics include:
- The Range Rover SV review JLR didn’t want you to see
- How Driven+ grew from a village pub to 50K subs
- Supercar Sundays & community-driven content
- Autobahn chaos: police stops & €3K fines
- Why relatable cars beat supercars on YouTube
- Dream cars that aren’t supercars (M5 CS, Land Cruisers, F12 TDF)
- Future plans: buying a Lada in Armenia & driving it back to the UK

Thanks to Max for coming on the podcast!
-

Take the guesswork out of vehicle, vessel or machine repair with Jaltest from Eclipse, the No.1 multi-brand diagnostic tool. Get a FREE cable saver with your Jaltest order when you quote promo code "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry.
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/jaltest-software/

Driven+:
https://www.youtube.com/@DrivenPlus
instagram.com/drivenplusuk
tiktok.com/@drivenplus
kingssupercarsunday.com

--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjuQ2nCNFT_r82U6pblEMMhlqi7416p7X

Follow us on social media:

Talkin’ Shop:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/