BCG Therapy Session Podcast with Jeff Bailey & Imthishan Giado
Somewhere between haunted roads, electric cars, and the eternal fight between influencers and journalists, a very honest discussion broke out. In the latest BrownCarGuy Therapy Session Podcast, I was joined by Jeff Bailey – long-time motoring writer, serial car buyer, and author – and Imthishan Giado, my partner-in-crime from our Car Middle East and Motoring Middle East days. We didn’t plan to solve the mysteries of the universe, but somewhere between the nostalgia and the banter, we might just have done that – or something…
Car Journalism: Dead or Rebooted?
Let’s be honest – the motoring media world has completely changed. Back in the day, Jeff and I were lugging borrowed cars to airfields, taking photos, and filing copy that might take weeks to appear in print. Now, people want snappy Shorts, viral reels, and punchy thumbnails.
“Some influencers are brilliant – others just talk about themselves. The difference is, a journalist writes for the reader; an influencer performs for the algorithm.”
So, is car journalism dead? Maybe not – maybe it’s just rebooted. Adapted to a faster, more interactive world where stories are told in minutes, not months.
“The influencer isn’t wrong – they’re just playing a different game. They’re telling you what they like. A journalist tells you what you need to know.”
EVs, Range Anxiety & Modern Madness
Of course, we couldn’t resist diving into the big electric elephant in the room. Jeff has an electric Mini and loves it – most of the time.
“Try finding a working charger in the rain when you’re low on range — you’ll swear louder than your exhaust used to.”
We laughed about it, but it’s true. Range anxiety isn’t just a number – it’s a mindset. Yet, we also admitted that EVs are technically brilliant. The problem isn’t always the car – it’s the infrastructure, the emotion, and the loss of sound.
“Any idiot can bolt a loud exhaust on an old Fiesta, but even I love a fake EV sound if it’s done right!”
Old Cars, Real Cars, and Haunted Roads
We also got nostalgic – because of course we did. From BMW E30s and Lincoln Continentals to Capris and Celicas, we reminisced about the days when cars were smaller, simpler, and somehow more soulful.
And because it was Halloween week, the talk turned to haunted roads. I asked the question: If you had to drive down one of the world’s most haunted highways — which car would you take?
Jeff chose a Lamborghini Murciélago (“because it means bat”), Imthishan went for a Buick Grand National GNX, and I picked the Dodge Challenger Demon.
Because let’s face it – if you’re going to face ghosts, you might as well bring a monster.
The Psychology of Driving and Why We Still Love It
One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion was Jeff’s insight into behavioural psychology – how people choose cars not just for practicality, but for personality.
He pointed out that some cars – like his tiny Smart – make you “classless” on the road, while others, like a Porsche, trigger envy or anger.
I added that when I bought my ’84 Celica Supra back in the 90s, it literally changed how I dressed and carried myself. Cars shape us – and we shape them. It’s identity on four wheels.
So, What’s the Future of Car Culture?
We agreed that car culture isn’t dying – it’s just evolving. The passion, the storytelling, the sense of belonging – it’s all still there. It’s just moved to YouTube, podcasts, and TikTok.
People don’t just want reviews anymore. They want connection, conversation, and content that makes them feel something.
And that’s exactly what this podcast – and everything I do as BrownCarGuy – is about.
If you found this useful, interesting or fun, consider supporting me via Patreon, Ko-Fi, or even grabbing a copy of one of my books on Amazon. Every bit helps me keep creating independent automotive content that actually helps people.
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