Best TechMobility Productions Inc Podcasts (2025)

1
Robotaxi Reality Check: The Competitors, the Tech, and the Roadblocks Ahead 10:48

Play Pause

6d ago10:48

10:48

For this episode, I explore the emerging “Robotaxi Wars.” Waymo, long considered the gold standard for autonomous ride-hailing in the U.S., now faces new competition from Amazon’s Zoox and the latecomer Tesla. I discuss how Waymo has spent years and billions building a multi-city fleet using modified vehicles from established automakers, while Zoox…

1
Hybrids Win, EVs Lose: Inside the Quiet Retreat Happening in Detroit 11:12

6d ago11:12

11:12

In this episode, I discuss the increasing trend of canceled or restructured electric vehicle (EV) programs. As tax credits diminish and consumers shift their preferences toward hybrids instead of pure EVs, automakers are quietly discontinuing or adjusting some electric models. I highlight unexpected decisions, such as Acura canceling the ZDX after …

1
2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn: A Capable, Comfortable Truck With a Few Surprises 10:10

6d ago10:10

10:10

This episode provides a detailed review of the 2026 Ram 1500 Bighorn pickup truck. It begins with a brief history of how the old Dodge D/W pickups evolved into today’s Ram brand, then explains engine options, towing and payload capacities, and real-world driving impressions. With its mild-hybrid V6 or Hemi V8, smooth ride, bold styling, and a pract…

1
The Best New Volvo You Can’t Have: Inside the ES90 11:17

6d ago11:17

11:17

This episode begins with a look at Volvo’s new ES 90, a sleek, full-electric luxury car aimed at drivers who are tired of SUVs but still want space, comfort, and ground clearance. Combining sedan elegance, fastback versatility, and SUV practicality, the ES 90 targets professionals who prefer understated, confident design over flashy excess. The cha…

1
Whisper Stops, Secret Lists, and No Oversight: A Civil Liberties Crisis in Plain Sight 10:40

6d ago10:40

10:40

During this episode, I critically examine a secretive U.S. Border Patrol surveillance program that monitors millions of American drivers well beyond traditional border areas. Ken explains how “suspicious” travel patterns—undefined and unregulated—are leading to detentions, “whisper stops,” and invasive questioning of law-abiding citizens. I raise u…

1
Smarter Water Use, Smart Farming & Better Farm Economics 11:20

6d ago11:20

11:20

For this episode, I explore the next stage of precision agriculture: controlled drainage and subsurface irrigation. Using a high-value Indiana farm sale as a case study, Ken explains how farmers are employing underground water management systems to reduce runoff, conserve nutrients, recapture irrigation water, and increase crop yields by 10–20%. In…

1
Flying Cars Are Real. Seriously. 10:16

6d ago10:16

10:16

Ken explores the emerging world of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs)—and whether the long-imagined “flying car” is finally real. He breaks down the Pivotal BlackFly ultralight aircraft, its intuitive joystick controls, its safety-first automation, and why federal regulations—not technology—may be the biggest barrier to widespr…

1
The Amtrak Revival: Record Riders, Rising Revenues, and a New Future 11:17

6d ago11:17

11:17

During this episode, I explore Amtrak’s resurgence, emphasizing the railroad’s record-high ridership, increasing revenues, and long-overdue investments in equipment and facilities. After decades of neglect, Amtrak is finally experiencing renewed public interest—driven by high airfares, highway congestion, and the popularity of rail as a calmer, mor…

1
2026 Ram 1500 Review, Volvo ES-90 Heartbreak, Canceled EVs, and the Coming Robotaxi Wars 43:53

6d ago43:53

43:53

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! In this episode of the TechMobility Podcast, Ken Chester connects the dots between design, powertrains, and autonomy across a rapidly shifting auto landscape. He opens with a look at Volvo’s new ES-90, a sleek full-electric premium car aimed at drivers who are burned out on SUVs but sti…

1
Amtrak’s Comeback, Flying Cars, Smarter Farming, and Silent Surveillance: Why Your Road Trip Might Raise a Red Flag 43:50

6d ago43:50

43:50

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! This episode of the TechMobility Show travels across three big conversations shaping America’s future: rail, air, and agriculture—then lands on a stark warning about digital surveillance at home. Ken opens with a deep dive into Amtrak’s resurgence, highlighting the railroad’s record-set…

1
The Battery Breakthrough That Could Change Everything 10:49

13d ago10:49

10:49

In this episode, I discuss the future of batteries that every EV enthusiast cares about. Solid-state EV batteries provide higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety. Toyota targets a 620-mile range and under-10-minute charges; Stellantis moves toward deployments with Factorial; GM's three-chemistry strategy of LFP, lithium-enriched…

1
AI vs. Job Seekers: Who Wins the Resume War? 11:16

13d ago11:16

11:16

It's a cyber battlefield! Careers and code intersect as I explore AI in hiring. Recruiters rely on AI to sift through large volumes of resumes; job seekers use hidden prompts to influence the screeners. I explain how this works, why platforms are adapting, and the ethics of countering automation with automation. The main idea is straightforward: op…

1
Inside the 2025 Audi A3: Wins, Woes, and One Simple Upgrade 10:18

13d ago10:18

10:18

During this episode, I get behind the wheel of the 2025 Audi A3. It’s more compact, smarter, and more digital, with a refined interior, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a smooth, capable ride that feels more premium than its price suggests. We highlight the wins—balanced handling, useful MMI upgrades, ambient lighting—and discuss the issues th…

1
Russia Leads, China Expands, America Rethinks: The Arctic Reality 11:24

13d ago11:24

11:24

The Arctic isn’t just ice and maps—it’s a test of national power and supply chains. In this episode, I offer a clear look at the global icebreaker gap: Russia’s eight nuclear heavy ships, China’s growing fleet, and a U.S. plan focused on medium icebreakers that may struggle through four-foot ice. We examine what mediums handle well, why heavy icebr…

1
Smart Cows and Smarter Fields: Farming’s New Frontier 10:51

13d ago10:51

10:51

In this episode, I explore how technology on the farm is solving real problems. AI-powered collars monitor cow health in real time, alerting farmers days before illness reduces milk production. Paired with precision agriculture—GPS mapping, auto-steer, drones, and sensors—these tools reduce waste, labor demands, and input costs. When seventy percen…

1
The Wooden Skyscraper Revolution 11:12

13d ago11:12

11:12

During this episode, I explore how housing and climate intersect in an unexpected place: wood. Mass timber—such as cross-laminated timber and engineered wood—enables 12-story buildings that meet building codes, resist fire, and reduce embodied carbon while cutting costs and speeding up construction. Lighter components mean smaller cranes, shorter s…

1
The $1,000 Car Payment Era Is Here—Now What? 10:07

13d ago10:07

10:07

In this episode, I explore the sticker shock of current new vehicles in dealer showrooms. With average new-car prices around $50,000, more buyers are surpassing the $1,000-per-month payment, often financing negative equity and stretching loans beyond 70 months. Trucks and SUVs constitute the majority of these high payments, which strain household b…

1
The Hard Truth About America’s Power Grid 11:21

13d ago11:21

11:21

In this episode, I share the honest truth about the grid: reliable power remains essential when demand increases and wind or sun are limited. Recent federal funding decisions will help upgrade aging coal plants for better efficiency, water reuse, and, importantly, switching fuels to natural gas. It’s not a revival for coal but a transitional measur…

1
More Power, Cheaper Buildings, Smarter Farms—The New Reality 43:55

13d ago43:55

43:55

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! Power bills, car payments, and grocery expenses don’t happen in isolation—they’re connected to choices about energy, vehicles, buildings, and the technology we use to operate them. We connect these threads to show how reliability, cost, and carbon influence everyday decisions, from the …

1
From Icebreakers To Audi A3: Tech, Geopolitics, And The Next EV Battery Bet 43:52

13d ago43:52

43:52

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The Arctic isn’t just ice and maps—it’s a test of national power and supply chains. We start with a candid look at the global icebreaker gap: Russia’s eight nuclear heavy ships, China’s expanding fleet, and a U.S. plan focused on medium icebreakers that may struggle through four-foot ic…

1
600,000 Drivers at Risk: The Supply Chain Shock No One Is Ready For 10:17

20d ago10:17

10:17

In this episode, we examine a freight market facing significant challenges, characterized by declining shipping volumes, increased enforcement on drivers, and the potential loss of up to 600,000 drivers. This situation is likely to lead to fewer trucks on the road, rising freight rates, and widespread ripple effects that impact everything from groc…

1
From SMRs to Supercomputers: Why the U.S. Is Betting Big on Nuclear Power 10:45

20d ago10:45

10:45

During this episode, energy policy takes center stage as the federal government allocates significant funding to Westinghouse nuclear power technology, including large reactors and small modular reactors, to meet the rising demand from data centers. We explain why nuclear power is making a comeback, what it means for the grid, and how fuel infrastr…

1
Brilliant Chassis, Flawed Details: 2025 Subaru WRX tS 10:05

20d ago10:05

10:05

For this episode, we take the wheel of the 2025 Subaru WRX tS. With Brembo brakes, STi-tuned damping, and a flat-four engine that keeps the center of gravity low, the WRX tS is a lively, precise partner on back roads. It’s not perfect— driver assist systems feel heavy-handed, the manual shifter lacks Germanic precision, and storage space is limited…

1
493 Miles and $35K: Why EV Arguments from 2020 No Longer Apply 11:24

20d ago11:24

11:24

From Chevy’s affordable sub-$35,000 Equinox EV and the Silverado EV with a 493-mile range to Toyota’s long-term battery strategies, we clarify why traditional debates about price and range are now outdated and how advancements in software and battery chemistry continue to propel electric vehicles forward.…

1
When Batteries Drain the Farm: AI, Lithium, and the Future of Water Wars 10:30

20d ago10:30

10:30

In this episode, we explore a future agricultural scenario in which AI-driven lithium mining exacerbates aquifer depletion during drought conditions. This leads to disrupted irrigation, strained rural infrastructure, stressed livestock operations, and a cascade of economic impacts. We present practical strategies to address these challenges, includ…

1
Boeing’s Comeback Play 10:56

20d ago10:56

10:56

In this episode, I take a detailed look at Boeing’s quiet resurgence in the aerospace industry and explore the early development stages of a new, next-generation narrow-body aircraft. With increased oversight from the FAA, input from airlines, and mounting pressure from Airbus, we analyze the core factors that truly drive innovation in aerospace te…

1
The Rise of Super Shoes: Power, Instability, and the Future of Smart Running 9:59

20d ago9:59

9:59

In this episode, I delve into the world of high-stacked running shoes, featuring carbon-fiber plates, and explain how energy return works. I will also discuss why instability increases as stack heights rise and how "smart shoes" could adapt to fit better, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This is a compelling example of how performance innovatio…

1
GM Kills BrightDrop—And Blindsides RV and Fleet Builders 11:30

20d ago11:30

11:30

In the episode, I start with GM’s sudden decision to stop the Chevrolet BrightDrop EV vans, just as fleet upfitters and RV manufacturers were getting involved. We explore why the Zevo 600 platform — with AWD, a large battery, OTA updates, and Chevrolet’s national service network — appeared to be a smart bridge strategy for electric RVs and commerci…

1
Affordable EVs Reshape the Auto Market; Rally DNA Meets Reality: The 2025 Subaru WRX tS; Feds Bet on Nuclear, Trucking’s Great Capacity Purge 43:49

20d ago43:49

43:49

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! What happens when EVs finally offer real range and value, nuclear power receives a major vote of confidence, and trucking prepares for its biggest shakeup in years? We connect the dots between cars, kilowatts, and cargo to show how these shifts collide at the checkout line and on your d…

1
The Future Isn’t Linear: Vans, Shoes, Jets, and Water Wars 43:49

20d ago43:49

43:49

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The future rarely moves in a straight line—and this week’s episode proves it. We explore four stories that reveal how technology, markets, and human behavior collide in unexpected ways. We begin with GM’s sudden decision to halt the Chevrolet BrightDrop EV vans, just as fleet upfitters …

1
Dirt, Snow, and Silence: The Rise of Electric Adventure Bikes 10:49

1M ago10:49

10:49

In this engaging episode, we delve into the world of dirt and snow riding with an innovative Audi-branded electric mountain bike, crafted by the renowned manufacturer Fantic. This bike features four assist modes to tailor the riding experience, offers an impressive range to conquer long adventures, and boasts a design inspired by the rugged and adv…

1
Performance Theater: The Hidden Cost of Return-to-Office Mandates 11:13

1M ago11:13

11:13

Return-to-office mandates were widely implemented with the expectation that requiring employees to work on-site would lead to increased productivity and a more cohesive work environment. However, in many cases, these policies resulted in performance theater—where employees focus more on appearing busy or being seen by management rather than actuall…

1
How the 2025 Mazda3 AWD Hatchback Tried my Willpower (I lost!) 10:11

1M ago10:11

10:11

When it comes to the Mazda3, Zoom-zoom is more than just a corporate tagline! This week, I share my experience behind the wheel of a 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus AWD hatchback. Unfazed during high-speed interstate driving at night in heavy rain, it remained quiet and balanced, demonstrating how a solid chassis can subtly influence handling. …

1
Selling EVs in a Skeptical Market: Mercedes Chooses Strategy Over Sizzle 11:29

1M ago11:29

11:29

The headlines claim car buyers don’t want EVs, yet Mercedes-Benz just introduced a fully electric CLA that rides on a flexible platform designed to support hybrids and gas models as well. In this episode, we explain why platform strategy—not hype—determines winners: amortized R&D, faster model updates, and the ability to meet demand without risking…

1
Jobs 2035: Winners, Losers, and What’s Next 10:34

1M ago10:34

10:34

What jobs will be in demand over the next ten years? We analyze the job outlook for the coming decade. Warehousing and transportation will keep growing, but automation and autonomous trucks are changing the need for human workers and reshaping job roles. Healthcare expands to meet demographic demands, with technology handling routine tasks so worke…

1
Sailing Smarter: Wind Power Meets Modern Shipping 10:42

1M ago10:42

10:42

During this podcast, we introduce you to the Neoliner Origin, a modern wind-powered RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) cargo ship that just completed an Atlantic crossing with rigid sails and a diesel-electric backup. It transports vehicles, containers, and refrigerated goods while aiming for up to 80 percent lower emissions than traditional ships. The motiv…

1
Farm Strong, Algae-Fueled 10:11

1M ago10:11

10:11

In this episode, we move to the farm where simple green algae serve as a probiotic for soil. Live Chlorella vulgaris jump-starts microbial activity through rhizophagy, enhancing nutrient cycling, strengthening roots, and increasing yields while cutting synthetic fertilizer use by a third to half. Farmers can tank-mix it into existing spray passes, …

1
Hybrid, Electric, or Hydrogen — Toyota Corolla’s Radical New Look Plays All Sides 11:26

1M ago11:26

11:26

In this episode, we talk about a well-known automotive nameplate that is being prepared for a bold update. Toyota aims to make the Corolla stand out with a low, wide, sporty look paired with a platform that can support gasoline, hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen powertrains. Instead of focusing on a single future, Toyota is developing many opti…

1
Mercedes Bets On Electric Cars, A Turbo Mazda Tests My Willpower, Performance Theater, and Two-Wheeled Mobility Off-Road 43:45

1M ago43:45

43:45

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! The headlines claim car buyers don’t want EVs, yet Mercedes just approved a fully electric CLA and a flexible platform to support hybrids and gas models as well. We explain why platform strategy—not hype—determines winners: amortized R&D, quicker model updates, and the ability to meet d…

1
Flexible Futures: Toyota’s Bold Bet, Algae Farms, and Wind-Powered Freight 43:45

1M ago43:45

43:45

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A familiar automotive nameplate gets a bold update. We start with Toyota’s plan to make the Corolla impossible to ignore: a low, wide, sporty design paired with a platform capable of supporting gasoline, hybrid, battery electric, or hydrogen powertrains. Instead of relying on a single f…

1
No Taxes, No Waste, No Problem: West Virginia’s Orphan Oil Well Solution 10:39

1M ago10:39

10:39

In this episode, we spotlight a notable policy innovation: West Virginia’s Mountain State Plugging Fund, a public–private partnership created to cover thousands of orphaned oil and gas wells without using taxpayer money, transforming scattered liabilities into a structured, scalable solution.

1
GM’s Next Act: Cars That Get Smarter Over Time 11:08

1M ago11:08

11:08

In this episode, we explore General Motors' innovative approach to automotive technology, focusing on their development of a driver-assist system based on a centralized computing platform. This platform is designed to receive regular over-the-air updates, allowing the vehicle to enhance its functionality and features over time, similar to software …

1
Refined but Not Flawless: Inside the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography 10:14

1M ago10:14

10:14

In this episode, we examine the 2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography, a luxury SUV that combines smooth performance and a commanding view with serious capabilities: adaptive off-road modes, air suspension, real fording depth, and a notable EV-only range on the plug-in hybrid. The highlights are impressive—ride quality, quiet cabin, thoughtful loadi…

1
From iPhones to EVs: Foxconn’s American Car Play 11:30

1M ago11:30

11:30

A phone manufacturer building your next “American” EV might seem crazy—until you see the plan. We explain how Foxconn shifted from making iPhones to building electric cars, why rebadging through a U.S. automaker could unlock scale, and how tariffs, incentives, and dealer networks influence what actually ends up in your driveway. The past offers clu…

1
Bollinger Reboots—But Can It Still Compete? 10:51

1M ago10:51

10:51

It's time for a Bollinger update! We examine Bollinger’s evolution from no-frills EV concepts to medium-duty chassis cabs. After lawsuits, a cash infusion, and a restructuring into Bollinger Innovations, the company is consolidating manufacturing and cutting costs while competing in a crowded field of medium-duty commercial EVs. The lesson is clear…

1
Why Birds Target Some Cars More Than Others 11:06

1M ago11:06

11:06

This episode explores why certain cars are more frequently targeted by birds, highlighting factors such as car color—brown, red, and black—which tend to attract more bird strikes—and the urban parking habits that increase exposure, especially for street-parked vehicles. It also offers practical advice on how to park more intelligently to safeguard …

1
How Costs, Capacity, and Caution Move the Price at the Gas Pump 10:08

1M ago10:08

10:08

In this episode, we also clarify why oil prices are rebounding without falling into conspiracy theories. U.S. producers report break-even points near $65 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude remains below that level, leading to reduced new drilling and a pause in rig counts. Factors like OPEC and Saudi strategies, seasonal changes in gas…

1
The Truckle: Branding, Bling, and the Business of Belonging 11:24

1M ago11:24

11:24

A $200 belt buckle for your Ford F-150 key fob, it's the automaker's limited-run “Truckle,” a handcrafted buckle that keeps your key fob visible. It’s clever and clearly a brand flex, but we question the practical trade-offs: is hands-free access worth the security risk of your keys sitting on your waist, and who is this actually for beyond superfa…

1
Range Rover Sport Goes Hybrid, GM Goes Digital, Foxconn Goes All In and West Virginia Plugs Orphan Wells 43:42

1M ago43:42

43:42

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A phone manufacturer building your next “American” EV might seem crazy—until you see the plan. We explain how Foxconn shifted from making iPhones to building electric cars, why rebadging through a U.S. automaker could unlock scale, and how tariffs, incentives, and dealer networks influe…

1
The Buckle, the Blazer, and the Bird: This Week in TechMobility 43:47

1M ago43:47

43:47

Drop me a text and let me know what you think of this episode! A $200 belt buckle for your Ford F-150 key fob, police cruisers going electric, and oil prices refusing to sit still—this isn’t noise, it’s a map of how mobility really changes. We open with Ford’s limited-run “Truckle,” a handcrafted buckle that holds your key fob in plain sight. It’s …