Good Carma Podcast
Cars are complicated, but they don't have to be a complete mystery. Have peace of mind—not panic—when it comes to your car. Good Carma teaches you the basics in plain language so you can feel confident popping the hood and understanding what you see. Learn about everyday components and fluids, how to use a scanner to decode what’s really going on, and what simple things you can check yourself. Host Jennifer Ryan talks with seasoned professionals to bring you easy-to-understand conversations that demystify car care and put you back in control.
Episodes
24 episodes
Breaking Down Brakes - Part 2
In this episode of Good Carma Podcast, I continue my conversation with automotive instructor Mr. Jordan Cantillano from LA Trade Tech as we go further into brake system basics. We talk about why brake fluid ...
Breaking Down Brakes - Part 1
In this Part One episode, I’m at LATTC with professor Jordan Cantillano talking through some basic and not-so-basic information about brakes that's helpful for everyone to know. We talk about pads, rotors, what normal wear actually looks like, ...
PCV: One Little Valve Can Save You Dollars and Headaches
Oil leaks, rough idle, P0171 lean codes, and oil contamination on the air filter can all point to one small, often overlooked component: the PCV valve.In this episode, I sit down with José Ramirez from LATTC to break down how this inexpe...
Five Easy Pieces - Surprisingly Easy Component Replacements
In this episode I will discuss five components that, depending on your car, might be very easy to replace. I'm going to talk about engine air filters, cabin air filters, fuses, ignition coils and the mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
About Your Car's Fluids
Cars have a lot of different fluids. It's great to know how often they need changing, and to be aware of issues related to low fluids.In this episode I talk to Kelly, a master technician at Station of the Stars in the Pico Robertson area...
DIY Repairs: Peace of Mind Tips - Part 2
Support the sponsor of this episode Vivi Sun JewelryVivi's gorgeous jewelry is available at a 10% discount to listeners by using code GOODCARMA at checkout! You will also receive a free small travel ...
DIY Repairs: Peace of Mind Tips - Part 1
Ozzy is back! In this episode, Ozzy and I get into tips that make DIY car work go a lot smoother—and a lot less stressful. We talk about lifting your car, changing tires, and oil changes. Not a how-to, but focusing on the small habi...
Buying a Used Car: Check It, Don't Chance It
Buying a used car can be a stressful gamble. This week I am rejoined by José Ramirez (from LATTC). We discuss some things you can inspect to gain a little more peace of mind when deciding whether to buy the car or pass on it.Some topics ...
Three Great Tools To Keep In Your Car
Thanks for joining me for this episode where I share some suggestions for great tools to keep in your car. Both for emergencies and for staying on top of your car's general condition.In this episode I want to make sure everyone is aware ...
Ways To Be Wise About Your Wheels With Wimmer's Automotive
I'm joined by Ritchie Wimmer of Wimmer's Automotive. Ritchie is a shop owner and mentor to the next generation of technicians, teaching at Morro Bay High School. Community and integrity is important ...
Your Car Could Use A Morning Stretch: Warming Up the Car
Mr. José Ramirez from LATTC and I talk about the reasons we're adivsed to let your cars warm up for about 20-30 seconds before we start driving in the morning.Just like your body, the car needs to get fluids circulating, and breathing re...
Trust, Transparency & Tune-Ups -- Part 2
In this episode, Mariano and I continue our conversation about how trust develops with customers. Clear explanations, transparency about what’s being recommended, and helping drivers understand how different systems in their cars actually work ...
Trust, Transparency, and Tune-Ups
This week I meet with the wonderful Mariano from FixCarNow in West Los Angeles! We talk through many topics including what builds customer loyalty and trust, how to prioritize repairs, and some specific good maintenance tips.Local people...
Hi Maintenance Part 2
Part 2 with Ozzy!! Don't miss this great conversation where Ozzy shares more tips and info about basic car care. We touch on tires, brakes, coolant and of course oil changes. He gives great insight into the importance of keeping good service re...
Hi Maintenance: Small Steps to Prevent Big Repairs
Getting to know some basic maintenance steps, we can keep our cars from becoming high-maintenance. This is part one of a two-part conversation with Ozzy, a friend, a former fellow student, and an automotive technician with many years now in the...
Your Car Depends On You Pt 3
One of the best things to happen to the environment was the catalytic converter. It reduced the toxicity of car exhaust to a small fraction of what it used to be. Before it, cars released carbon monoxide, unburned fuel, and oxides of nitrogen d...
Your Car Depends on You Pt 2: Oil Changes
This week I continue my conversation with the great master tech and professor Mr. José Ramirez from LATTC! We talk about a few more topics related to the most important thing you can do for your car: keeping up with regular oil changes.<...
Your Car Depends on You Pt. 1 : Importance of Oil Changes
We don't just need our cars. Our cars need us. They depend on us to change oil on a regular basis. For people who live in cities, drive in stop and go traffic, repeatedly drive short trips, waiting for 10k miles is too long! Once a year is too ...
Your Car Needs A Chiropractor: Alignments
What do energy healers, chiropractors and automotive techs have in common? They all know the importance of alignment! Without it, you're fighting resistance. You and your car need to work harder to get through the day. Without proper alignment,...
Your Car Can Cram For Its Exam: California Smog Testing
Smog testing isn't just an every-two-years thing. If your engine light comes on, the car won't pass a smog test. So really your car tests itself every day that you drive your car!Always pay attention to a check engine light. ...
Your Car Needs To Keep Its Cool : Overheating
Talena Handley from Girlie Garage joins this week and shares a whole bunch of super useful things we should know about overheating.Talena is the founder of Girlie Garage, an amazing...
Your Car Breathes: Clean Air Filters Help It Breathe Easy
Cars don't just consume gas, they breathe air. The engine air filter keeps dirt and debris from pulling into the engine. There's no warning light that comes on when that filter gets dirty. Instead, problems slowly develop that can turn into exp...
Your Car Has A Rubber Sole: Some Basics About Your Tires
With Good Carma Podcast, host Jennifer Ryan hopes to help demystify cars one conversation at a time. Each week, Jennifer speaks with an automotive professional to discuss a car topic in simple, plain language so you can understand your...