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, unpredictable outcomes in business, careers, and life.
Key Topics Discussed:
"Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether They Could, They Didn’t Stop to Think If They Should"
- How the pursuit of innovation without foresight mirrors challenges in the automotive industry.
- The dangers of prioritizing profit or speed over sustainability and safety.
Chaos Theory & The Butterfly Effect
- Small, seemingly insignificant actions can have massive consequences (e.g., a poorly coded security system in Jurassic Park → dinosaur chaos).
- Applying this to business: How initial conditions (hiring, training, ethics) shape long-term success or failure.
The Perils of Skipping Fundamentals
- Ian Malcolm’s critique in Jurassic Park: "You stood on the shoulders of giants but never learned the underlying theory."
- Why technicians can’t jump straight to advanced diagnostics (e.g., lab scopes) without mastering electrical fundamentals.
- "Fundamental ≠ easy. It’s the foundation everything else relies on."
Unintended Consequences in Auto Repair
- Nedry’s sabotage: How underpaying for critical services (e.g., software, training) backfires.
- Diet analogy: One unhealthy choice can undermine progress—just like one overlooked repair detail can lead to comebacks.
Awareness & the "Little Things"
- The importance of paying attention to details in workflows, customer service, and team dynamics.
- Why hindsight often reveals blind spots—and how to cultivate proactive awareness.
Notable Quotes:
- "Chaos theory isn’t about randomness—it’s about how tiny, early decisions create unpredictable outcomes."
- "You can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket, but you also can’t master diagnostics without understanding electricity."
- "Respect the journey. Mastery isn’t just about skill; it’s about humility and earned wisdom."
Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training
NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.
Contact Information
- Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
- Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
- Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/
Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.