Garage Talk

Automotive Aftermarket News

THE PODCAST

Green background with black text reading "Garage Talk Unwrapped" and a blue sign saying "The Podcast" along with two people, a woman and a man, smiling at the camera.

Garage Talk Unwrapped is the fortnightly podcast for the automotive aftermarket, packed with industry news, expert guests, and honest conversations.

Perfect for technicians, business owners, and anyone working in the trade.

New episodes every other Tuesday.

Some episodes feature highlights from our Garage Talk Unwrapped video magazine on YouTube.

Subscribe on your favourite platforms

Want to be a guest? Contact us here.

Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 18 - Inside automotive events with Jo Knowles

We sit down with Jo Knowles, Event Director of Automechanika UK and the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, to explore how she went from aspiring festival organiser to running major automotive industry shows. We talk about what really drives people to attend events, why education matters just as much as exhibitors, and what’s new for this year’s show.

Read More
Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 17 - Don’t let the bullies win: Tony Yates

Tony Yates from Schaeffler shares his journey from early personal challenges to driving change in the automotive aftermarket through the Wrenches & Wisdom initiative. It’s a candid conversation about apprenticeships, confidence, and why the industry must rethink how it develops the next generation of technicians.

Read More
Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 15 - Unleashing the chaos: PR and marketing strategy

Vicky and Ben sit down with the “Chaos Twins,” Cheryl Dean and Annie Sutton from Impression, to explore PR and digital marketing in the automotive aftermarket. From the power of storytelling and managing online reviews to experimenting with social media platforms like TikTok, this episode is packed with practical tips to help garages raise their profile and connect with customers.

Read More
Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 14 - Parts buying made easy with Part Sync

Part Sync is changing the way garages source parts, making it quicker and more transparent to compare quotes from trusted suppliers. In this episode, co-founders Ashley Sutcliffe and Giulio Leone share how the platform was built to solve everyday parts-ordering frustrations, plus real examples of the savings and efficiency gains garages can achieve.

Read More
Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 11 - The art of automotive marketing

Discover how BM Catalysts approaches automotive marketing in this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast. Tom Vallé and Joe O’Neill share expert insights on aftermarket marketing strategies, creative campaigns, social media engagement, digital marketing trends, and how to connect with both trade and consumer audiences.

Read More
Ben Coates Ben Coates

Episode 10 - Chris Wileman on running a modern garage

We speak with Chris Wileman, owner of Castle Garage in Ashby and winner of The Blend’s Garage of the Year award. Chris shares his journey from apprentice to award-winning garage owner, offering insights on running a modern workshop, embracing the shift to electric vehicles, building a strong team, and navigating today’s industry challenges. A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of independent garages.

Read More