In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben welcome Stephen Whitton from [M]enable, a movement dedicated to raising awareness of mental health within the automotive industry. They delve into the concept of "mental wealth" and discuss the importance of fostering a supportive culture in workshops, dealerships, and offices. Stephen shares his personal journey in the trade, the challenges faced by individuals in the industry, and how [M]enable is working to create a safe space for open conversations about mental wellbeing.

Guest:

• Stephen Whitton ([M]enable), discussing the mission of [M]enable, the impact of mental health on the automotive workforce, and practical steps for creating a supportive environment.

What you’ll learn:

• Why mental wealth is crucial in the automotive sector and how it affects overall performance and wellbeing.
• The significance of creating a culture where employees feel safe to express their struggles and seek support.
• How leaders can adopt empathy and vulnerability to better connect with their teams and foster a positive workplace.
• Innovative initiatives like the Mental Wealth Champions programme that encourage proactive mental health discussions.

Get in touch with us at hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

If you’re part of the automotive industry or simply interested in mental health awareness, this episode is filled with valuable insights to help shift the culture towards greater understanding and support.

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, Sponsored by BM Catalysts, Vicky and Ben delve into the world of tyres for Tyre Safety Month. They discuss the critical importance of maintaining tyre health, from checking pressure and tread depth to understanding the impact of defective tyres on road safety. With insights from the passionate tyre expert, Sophie Lyden, known as The Tyre Lady, listeners will gain valuable knowledge on how to keep their vehicles safe on the road.

Guests: - Sophie Lyden (The Tyre Lady), sharing her journey from the family tyre business to becoming a prominent advocate for tyre safety, and her experiences in educating drivers about the significance of tyre maintenance.

What you’ll learn: - The essential checks every driver should perform on their tyres and how often these checks should happen. - Why understanding tyre specifications is crucial, especially for electric vehicles (EVs), and the common misconceptions surrounding them. - How Tyre Safety Month aims to raise awareness about the dangers of neglected tyres and promote safer driving practices. - The importance of community involvement in tyre safety initiatives and how garages can play a role in educating customers.

Get in touch with us at hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

If you’re a driver, technician, or simply someone interested in vehicle safety, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to ensure your tyres are roadworthy and safe.

In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, Vicky and Ben dive into the history and future of oil - the lifeblood of every car. From animal fats and whale oil to 20W-50 on the garage shelf, right through to today’s highly specified lubricants and EV fluids, we explore how oil has shaped motoring.

Guests and highlights:

• Fuzz Townshend (CarSOS), recorded at the British Motor Show, on why fixing cars has become more complex, how oil specs changed over time, and what really happens behind the scenes of the long-running TV show.
• Andy Wait (Motul), recorded at Motul HQ in Bath, on Motul’s 172-year history of innovation, the role of motorsport in developing modern lubricants, and the specialist fluids now being designed for EVs.

What you’ll learn:

• Why oil went from simple mineral blends to complex, car-specific formulations.
• How multigrades, additives and synthetic oils transformed performance and longevity.
• Why the oil garages choose matters for reliability, reputation and even warranties.
• How motorsport innovation filters down into everyday road oils.
• What’s next for lubricants: sustainable products, additives and EV battery cooling fluids.

Get in touch with us at hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk

Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

If you’re a garage owner, technician, parts supplier or just curious about the slippery business of oil, this episode is packed with insight into motoring’s most overlooked essential.

In this first episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast, Ben and Vicky take a practical, trade-focused look at electric vehicle (EV) charging in the UK. We unpack why some drivers — including us — haven’t yet switched, examine real-world EV charging costs and accessibility, and explain why the UK lags behind other European countries.

Guests and highlights:

• Matt Cleevely on why he moved into EV work, recorded at the Schaeffler REPXPERT Conference 2024.
• Matthew Teudor on his company EVDC and a peer-to-peer approach to charging that could disrupt the UK market.
• Andy Savva (The Garage Inspector) shared a frank view on whether garages should prioritise EVs today, recorded at the Schaeffler REPXPERT Conference 2024.

What you’ll learn:

• Real charging cost examples and how accessibility affects EV adoption in the UK.
• How major players are embracing EV maintenance and what that means for independent garages.
• Practical implications for technicians and business owners in the aftermarket.

Get in touch with us at hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk.

Don't forget to check out our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline

If you’re a garage owner, technician, parts supplier or simply EV-curious, this episode gives straight-talk insight into charging, costs and the aftermarket’s evolving role.

In this short introductory episode, Vicky and Ben say hello and share what Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast is all about.

We talk about why we’ve launched the show, how it connects with our YouTube channel, and what listeners can expect in future episodes — from trade news and product updates to exclusive interviews, tech deep dives, and practical workshop advice.

To kick things off, we also look back at a few of our favourite moments from Garage Talk Unwrapped on YouTube — including celebrity interviews, inspiring voices from the industry, and clips that made us laugh (and sometimes left us speechless!).

Our first full episode drops on 9 September, covering EV charging made simple. New episodes will then release every two weeks on Tuesdays.

Get in touch with us at hello@garagetalkonline.co.uk.

Don't forget to check out our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@garagetalkonline