Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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Matt takes a break from technical talk to discuss a critical issue affecting both society and the automotive aftermarket: the growing inability to engage with differing perspectives. Triggered by recent events, including the tragic death of commentator Charlie Kirk, Matt explores the importance of challenging our own ideas, the dangers of socia...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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In this thought-provoking solo episode, Matt Fanslow tackles the complex and personal question: "What is success?" Drawing a fascinating parallel to Einstein's theory of relativity, Matt argues that there is no universal definition of success, just as there is no universal clock. Success, like time, is personal and relative.

He explores how a "s...

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express

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In Our Episode Today:

Many of our loyal listeners have heard me mention my older, little, brother Shaun, or you have heard me jesting with host of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A-Z, Matt Fanslow…

Today you get to see us sit in the room and have a genuine conversation!

I notice in my day-to-day interactions with aftermarket prof...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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Welcome to the 200th episode of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z! In this milestone episode, Matt reflects on the journey of recording weekly shows for nearly four years straight. He shares listener questions, personal insights, and some of the most surprising lessons learned along the way.

From the variety and complexity of the automotive repa...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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Matt Fanslow and guest Margaret Light, a licensed marriage and family therapist, unpack common misconceptions around psychosis and psychopathy.

The conversation also tackles the stigma surrounding mental health and stresses the importance of validation and empathy when supporting someone experiencing psychotic symptoms, rather than trying to arg...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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In this episode of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z, Matt Fanslow takes a detour from his usual pop culture quotes and instead pulls wisdom from an unlikely source: Tom Brady.

Brady’s recent interview stirred up some debate, but Matt digs into why technicians, shop owners, and service advisors should pay attention. It’s not about football stats...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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The Role of Content in the Automotive Industry

• Matt reflects on his own content creation (radio ads, podcasts) aimed at demystifying auto repair for customers.
• The importance of transparency: explaining shop practices (e.g., credit card fees, brake fluid exchanges) without vilifying other shops.

"Chest-Thumping" vs. Educational Conte...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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Key Discussion Points:

Two Types of Angry People

• Explosive: Outwardly aggressive (e.g., yelling at a cashier).
• Implosive: Bottled-up anger that can lead to extreme reactions (e.g., the quiet cashier who "snaps").

No One Starts at 100% Anger

• Anger escalates in stages—people don’t go from 0 to 100 instantly.
• Triggers (work st...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this episode, Matt Fanslow reflects on the recent passings of two cultural icons—Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan—and draws parallels between their careers and the automotive aftermarket industry. Both figures revolutionized their respective fields (music and professional wrestling) through innovation, perseverance, and an unparalleled connection with their audiences. Matt explores what w...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Matt Fanslow dives into an unexpected but fascinating comparison between Jurassic Park and the auto repair industry, exploring themes of chaos theory, unintended consequences, and the importance of foundational knowledge. Drawing parallels from the iconic film (and Michael Crichton’s novels), Matt discusses how small decisions—like cutting corners or skipping fundamentals—can lead to big...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Episode Highlights:

Metal Music & Culture

• Matt opens with a quote from the documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey by Sam Dunn, discussing how metal celebrates what society often denies and why it remains a culture of outsiders.
• Shares his experience attending the Summer of Loud festival with his 10-year-old son, Christian, where they saw The Devil Wears Prada, Beartooth,...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Fanslow draws parallels between the tragic failures of the Titan submersible and the Space Shuttle Challenger and the common pitfalls in the automotive aftermarket industry. He discusses how ignoring expert advice, dismissing data, and letting ego drive decisions can lead to catastrophic consequences—whether in deep-sea exploration, space travel, o...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this technical deep-dive, Matt Fanslow tackles the misconceptions surrounding Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) in modern engines. Far from just a NOx-reduction tool, EGR plays a critical role in thermal efficiency, throttling losses, and combustion control. Matt dismantles common myths (like "lean burns hotter") and explains why engineers use EGR—even as technology evolves.

Key Topics C...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction & Personal Anecdote

• Explains his motivation for visiting a quick lube shop: to observe different shop practices and customer experiences.

The Quick Lube Experience

• Initial Interaction: Shop employee questions the high mileage (300,000) on Matt’s Honda and suggests a possible engine replacement.
• Upsell attempts begin immediatel...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Takeaways:

Survey Demographics & Limitations

• Skewed Representation: 62% of respondents had 20+ years of experience, while entry-level and mid-career techs were underrepresented. Geographically, responses were heavy in the East/Midwest but sparse in central/western U.S.
• ASE Certification Bias: 80% of respondents held ASE certifications, contrasting with the broader industry (only...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Takeaways:

Ubuntu – What It Means

• Ubuntu is an African philosophy that translates to "I am because we are."
• It emphasizes collective success: "I succeed because you succeed."
• Matt discovered the concept through a documentary on the Boston Celtics.

Lessons from the Boston Celtics

• The Celtics’ success was built on teamwork, sacrifice, and shared goals.
• The ...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this episode, Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering a wide range of automotive diagnostic and repair topics. From personal influences in the industry to technical advice on exhaust gas analyzers, catalytic converter testing, and ADAS calibrations, Matt shares his insights and expertise.

1. Who Do You Try to Emulate?

Matt reflects o...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Discussion Points:

What is Reverse Benchmarking?

• Traditional benchmarking focuses on studying what competitors do well, but reverse benchmarking involves analyzing what they do poorly and capitalizing on those weaknesses.
• Two interpretations:
• Looking at other industries for innovative ideas (e.g., team-building activities from tech companies).
• Example: Some shops now adopt spontaneous...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Matt Fanslow discusses ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which he refers to as a neurodivergent condition. He highlights the negative aspects of the condition, such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but also emphasizes the positive "superpowers" associated with it, including hyperfocus, creativity, problem-solving, empat...