About Find The Apex - Car Culture Discussions with Christophe Wakefield
Explore the world of racing and car culture through an ethnographic lens, dialogues, behind-the-scenes insights and advice from those experienced in the industry, and the personal journeys of a young racer, with your host, Christophe Wakefield
Derek Jenkins: A look back to Miata ND, Air's EV aesthetic, and tomorrow's autonomous mobility
Explore how designers learn their toolkit then find their voice that ends up shaping the trends we experience, from the retro reaction of the 80's culminating in the Miata, New Beetle and Viper, to EV aesthetic that the Lucid Air brought in of sleek and unfussy features. Derek Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Design and Brand at Lucid Motors, discusses his journey through car design, the evolution of automotive trends, and the impact of electric vehicles on design philosophy.
Mr. Jenkins explains how cars are an expression of technology, performance, style, nostalgia, utility, and ultimately, freedom. He describes how he evolved the Miata into a modern roadster, how the Air broke out of the aggressive grill era, and how iconoclastic cars sold today will become classics in 30 years.
27 Aug 2026
Dr. Chris Lezotte: Rethinking Car Culture, Gender and Identity
Cars are more than machines: They can shape identity, independence, community, and even our understanding of who belongs behind the wheel. In this conversation, automotive scholar Dr. Chris Lezotte joins me to explore women and cars, from Detroit’s car culture and automotive advertising to muscle cars, Barbie's influence, to women enjoying their cars in autocross.
Dr. Lezotte traces how growing up in Detroit, excelling in automotive advertising, and later studying stereotypes about women as drivers and how they really were as enthusiasts. Her ethnographic research examines women who use cars not simply as practical tools, but as expressions of freedom, power, personality, and connection to the past.
1 Jul 2026
John McElroy: A conversation about freedom machines
In a world where cars are increasingly about efficiency, technology, and individual expression, the world’s foremost automotive journalist John McElroy joins me in conversation about how the profound connections we once had with cars are evolving and why the impact of the car on our lives is changing as well. He reveals how this shift could bring positives, and a new type of freedom machine where people that did not have mobility in the past are liberated, and challenges, like the sameness of today’s designs and technological overreach may be making it harder to have a relationship with your car
Why does this matter? As cars become smarter, more streamlined, and more isolated, we risk losing the shared experiences that once built communities. But McElroy predicts a future where autonomous tech unlocks a new era of customizing interiors, bringing back personalized, communal spaces that foster connection, not division. Perfect for automotive enthusiasts, casual drivers, and curious innovators alike, this episode challenges you to reconsider what your car says about you, and how the next generation of vehicles could bring us closer together rather than farther apart. Get inspired to see beyond the dashboard and imagine a future where cars are not just machines, but personal expressions and social hubs.
13 Apr 2026
Matt Anderson: Car culture through the decades at the Henry Ford Museum
This conversation explores the transformation of mobility into cars and then their evolution from personalized vehicles with massive cultural significance as social and political statements, to a less engaged society today. Matt Anderson dives into the Henry Ford Museum's leading approach to bringing car culture to life with scholarly exhibitions and among the best archives and collections in the world.
Follow along for my conversation with Matt Anderson, the Curator of Transportation at the Henry Ford Museum.
1 Mar 2026
Saad Chehab: Part II - Marketers: The Curators of Car Culture
In this part of the interview, we dive into the marketer's role in shaping Car Culture, with Saad Chehab, someone who has seen all sides of the automotive consumer. Mr. Chehab shares insights on the impact of car design on identity and society, and the emotional attraction in car marketing. The conversation explores the practical considerations that influence car choices, the way marketers can profile consumers and tailor messages to them, and the significant impact marketing campaigns have in shaping car culture.
30 Jan 2026
Saad Chehab: Part I - Car Culture, Identity and Design
The conversation with Saad Chehab delves into the fascinating world of car culture, identity, and marketing. In this first part, he explores the allure of cars and their impact on identity, and the evolution of car design from classic Alfas to new Kia EVs.
8 Nov 2025
Ralph Gilles: Iconic Cars from Passion, Leadership and Racing
Dive into the world of automotive design with Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer at Stellantis. Discover his journey through the creation of iconic vehicles, from the Chrysler 300, to Rams, Minivans, and of course, the legendary 5th Gen Viper. Mr. Gilles shares invaluable insights on the evolution of car technology, the strategic importance of halo projects, and the relationship between racing and road cars. He champions the power of passion and collaboration, and credits genuine communication and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives as the cornerstones of his success. Mr. Gilles explains how his fervent passion for racing and performance permeates every design, offering an exclusive look into the delicate balance of creativity, ingenuity, and pragmatism required to bring cars like the Viper to life.
24 Sept 2025
Graham Henckel: Dodge Viper History and Secrets + Career Advice for Kart Racers
Have you ever wondered how the V10 beast known as the Dodge Viper came to be? Learn the surprising connection between the Viper, the Mercedes SLS and the Chevrolet Corvette in this behind-the-scenes discussion with the Chief Engineer of the last gen Viper, who was there at the beginning of the Viper story as well.
He also has excellent advice for kart and car racers looking into careers in the automotive industry, from his Engineering path, to the business and marketing path of Bob Lutz.
Hear about the father of the Viper, Roy Schoberg, the person who restarted the Viper, Ralph Gilles, and the interesting rivalry with Corvette from one of my early mentors in racing, Graham Henckel.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
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