True Confessions of a Car Guy
Buckle up. This is the car business like you've never heard it before.
Hosted by John Gavin and co-hosted by Richard Luciano — two veterans with a combined 80+ years in the industry — True Confessions of a Car Guy pulls back the curtain on the wild, unfiltered world of automotive sales. The highs, the lows, the stories they don't put in the brochure.
John brings 40+ years of old-school wisdom. Richard brings 42 years of experience, East Coast roots, and a family background you don't ask too many questions about.
Alongside producer Bagi, they deliver the perfect mix of real stories, real laughs, and real guests who've lived it — whether you're a seasoned pro or just love everything cars, this show is for you.
Episodes
25 episodes
This Needed to Be Said -- John Gavin & Richard Luciano
There are stories from the car business that never get told. Not because they aren't real — but because nobody thought anyone would care.We do.True Confessions of a Car Guy is a podcast built around the people, the deals, and the mo...
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5:04
EP020: - The Van Job -- John Gavin & Richard Luciano
In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Richard LucianoSponsored By: Zenzio AIhttps://www.zenzio.comJohn Gavin and Richard Luciano have 80+ years in the car business between them. This week they talk about the on...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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47:20
EP019: - Car Biz Legend Richard Luciano Is Our New Co-Host -- John Gavin & Richard Luciano
In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Richard LucianoSponsored By: Zenzio AIhttps://www.zenzio.comRichard Luciano has 42 years in the car business — and a family background you don't ask too many questions abou...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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42:56
EP018: - Back Lot Hustle -- John Gavin & Anthony Palermo
In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & Anthony PalermoSponsored By: Zenzio AIhttps://www.zenzio.comBefore the apps, before the algorithms — deals were done with a handshake and a stack of titles in the glovebox....
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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51:44
EP017: - No cars. No excuses -- John Gavin & Bagi
In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & BagiSponsored By: Zenzio AIhttps://www.zenzio.com In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we break down how top dealers stay profitable during inventory shor...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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39:17
EP016: - Metrics Dealers Can’t Ignore -- John Gavin & Bagi
In this episode we are joined by John Gavin & BagiSponsored By: Zenzio AIhttps://www.zenzio.comUnits and gross still matter—but they’re no longer the whole story. In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we br...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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43:27
EP015: - The AI Shift: What Dealers Can’t Ignore -- John Gavin & Lane Campbell
In this episode we are joined by Lance Campbell CEO of Zenzio AISponsored By: Zenzio AIhttps://www.zenzio.comlance@zenzio.comAI isn’t coming for your job… but the dealer down the street using it might be. In this episo...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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55:35
EP014: - F&I: The Real MVPs of the Dealership -- John Gavin & Bagi
In this episode its John and BagiSponsored By: Zenzio AIhttps://www.zenzio.com/Sales gets the applause, managers get the credit—but F&I cashes the checks. In this episode, we break down why the finance office is the ba...
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42:35
EP013: - The December to Remember Hustle -- John Gavin & Bagi
It’s December on the lot—cold coffee, colder weather, and everyone swearing this is their last deal before Christmas. In this holiday edition of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we take you back to the days when year-end meant no days off, manage...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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29:04
EP012: - Month-End Madness -- John Gavin & Bagi
In this episode its John and BagiMonth-end at the dealership: where pencils fly, egos clash, and every ‘almost sold’ car suddenly becomes a miracle. Watch managers sweat, salespeople hustle, and coffee disappear faster than a Suburban i...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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35:20
Live Q&A 001 -- John Gavin, Pat Gavin & Bagi
Step onto the showroom floor with us for a live Q&A about the car business where the deals are wild, the stories are crazier, and the challenges are all too real. We’re talking to people in the car business past and present: sales pros, man...
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Season 1
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39:23
EP011: - The Long Haul to Close the Deal -- Tom McGovern
In this episode we are joined by Tom McGovernSome deals come together quick… and then there’s this one. In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we tell the tale of a customer who “just had a few questions” and somehow stayed u...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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48:23
EP010: - Wild West on the Dealership Floor -- Glen Connor
In this episode we are joined by Glen ConnorStep back in time to the untamed golden era of car dealerships—when the engines were loud, the deals were fast, and the showroom smelled like gasoline, cigars, and aftershave. Wild West on the...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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39:30
EP009: - Binder Bandits: Insurance Hustles from the '80s Lot -- Larry Malitz
In this episode we are joined by Larry Malitz an insurance professional. Before fax machines and compliance departments ruined the fun, insurance binders in the ’80s were a dealership's side hustle goldmine. In this episode, we’re talk...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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42:08
EP008: - Finance Office Fiasco -- Pat Gavin & Vic Chavarria
A no-BS ride back to the finance desks of the 1980s car business. This show dives into the high-octane world of dealership F&I when interest rates were wild, deals were done on cocktail napkins, and every customer was “a laydown if yo...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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53:47
EP007: - We’re All on Trial Now -- The James Douvas Interview (Part 2)
In this episode, we dive deep into the $216 million lawsuit filed by the FTC against auto industry figure James Douvas. What led to one of the biggest consumer protection cases in recent memory? We break down the allegations, the reactions from...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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26:20
EP006: - Driven to Succeed -- Tim Mathisen
In this episode we are joined by Tim Mathisen—whose journey started as a young man in the car business. From the showroom floor to launching his own company, Tim shares how the lessons he learned in sales, service, and hustle helped him build F...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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44:16
EP005: - We’re All on Trial Now -- The James Douvas Interview
In this episode, we dive deep into the $216 million lawsuit filed by the FTC against auto industry figure James Douvas. What led to one of the biggest consumer protection cases in recent memory? We break down the allegations, the reactions from...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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38:55
EP004: - Service Writers Run the Drive -- Frank Gavin
In this episode, we hang out with Frank Gavin — a service writer who’s been in the dealership game for over 12 years. He’s done a bit of everything, from sales to finance, and brings some great stories and solid insights from life on the drive....
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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37:33
EP003: - Inside the FTC-Car Dealership Showdown -- John Gavin
In this episode, we explore the CARS Rule, its recent legal challenges, and the significant effects it is having on the automotive industry. We discuss how the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to regulate auto retail practices were halted by ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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30:45
EP002: - Chassis Under Fire: Automotive Industry vs. Government - John Gavin
In this episode of True Confessions of a Car Guy, we continue our coverage of the Jimmy Douvas case, spotlighting the increasing public support surrounding his situation. We also report on a significant vote in Congress that could shap...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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33:09
EP001: - "Profit"—Now a Dirty Word? Since When?! -- John Gavin
Welcome to EP001, our fist show. Today we introduce ourselves to the world and also talk about an important legal case concerning dealers, The Jimmy Douvas story. We also have a few laughs and share some crazy stories
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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31:27
EP001: Sneak Peak -- 5/1/2025
The podcast will officially launch May 1, 2025. Here is a sneak peak
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1:50
Intro: Who is John Gavin, and why do this podcast?
This show is about a time gone by of how it was really like to work in the car business. This show is not about how to get a great deal on a new car, or tips and tricks for car dealers to use to maximize profits.The Host of the sh...
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Season 1
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Episode 0
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14:55
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