We're pumping the brakes on The Straight Shift podcast for a little while, but that doesn't mean you can't still receive important automotive industry updates! Visit my website to sign up for The Straight Shift Newsletter and keep driving safely! https://www.thecarchick.com/ You can view a full list of resources and episode transcripts here . Connect with LeeAnn: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Work with LeeAnn: Course: The No BS Guide to Buying a Car Car Buying Service Copyright ©2024 Women’...
Mar 18, 2026•2 min
SUMMARY Cars are no longer just mechanical machines — they are rolling software platforms. In this episode of The Straight Shift , The Car Chick® breaks down the growing trend of subscription-based car features and what it actually means for consumers. From life-saving systems like OnStar and connected services such as Subaru STARLINK and Hyundai BlueLink, to hands-free driving tech like Super Cruise and BlueCruise, we separate the subscriptions that make sense from the ones that feel like a tol...
Mar 04, 2026•32 min•Season 2Ep. 127
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® discusses the intricacies of car leasing, particularly focusing on what to do at the end of a lease. She shares a real-life example of helping a client navigate lease end options, emphasizing the importance of understanding positive equity and the often-misleading information from leasing companies. The conversation covers the impact of market dynamics on leasing, the importance of transparency when dealing with dealerships, and pract...
Feb 18, 2026•28 min•Season 2Ep. 126
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® discusses the importance of understanding different drivetrains, particularly in the context of winter driving. She reflects on the recent winter storms in the Carolinas and addresses common misconceptions about all-wheel drive vehicles. The conversation covers the differences between rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive, emphasizing the significance of tires and driving skills in snowy conditions...
Feb 04, 2026•27 min•Season 2Ep. 125
Summary Amazon Autos promises to make buying a car as easy as clicking “Buy Now.” But is it actually easier — and more importantly, is it better for car buyers? In this episode, The Car Chick® breaks down how Amazon Autos really works, why Hyundai was the first automaker to partner with Amazon, how the platform has evolved into used and certified pre-owned vehicles, and where dealership bullshittery can still sneak in. We compare Amazon Autos to TrueCar, Autotrader, and Cars.com, explain who thi...
Jan 21, 2026•29 min•Season 2Ep. 124
Summary In this episode, The Car Chick® discusses the current state of the automotive industry as we enter 2026, reflecting on the challenges faced in 2025, including economic uncertainty and shifts in consumer confidence. She shares predictions for the upcoming year, emphasizing a potential shift from electric vehicles (EVs) to hybrids, and highlights the importance of empowerment through mobility, illustrated by a personal story of helping a woman in need. Takeaways Car buying feels uncomforta...
Jan 07, 2026•31 min•Season 2Ep. 123
Summary In this final episode of 2025, The Car Chick® takes a more personal turn—sharing how recent firearms training led to a powerful realization about driving safety. This episode is not about politics or gun rights. It’s about responsibility, training, and what happens when we treat powerful tools too casually. From overwhelming choices and “gear over skill” thinking to why training matters more than gadgets, LeeAnn draws clear parallels between firearms safety and everyday driving. She clos...
Dec 17, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 122
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® shares her experiences and insights from the 2025 Charlotte International Auto Show. She discusses the latest vehicle redesigns from various manufacturers, highlighting the Nissan Armada and Murano, Toyota's Grand Highlander, 2026 Hyundai's Palisade, 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Outback, and the 2026 Honda Passport. LeeAnn emphasizes the importance of usability testing for potential car buyers and shares her thoughts on the evolving...
Dec 03, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 121
Part 2 of the “How to Order a New Car” crossover with A Girl’s Guide to Cars SUMMARY This episode picks up where Part 1 of our crossover with Scotty Reiss left off. On her show, What Drives Her from A Girl’s Guide to Cars , we busted the myth of the “factory order” and why so many buyers are told they can’t custom-order their dream car and how dealer allocations actually control what gets built. Now, in Part 2 on The Straight Shift , LeeAnn Shattuck (The Car Chick®) takes the wheel with the tact...
Nov 19, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 120
Episode Summary Ever wandered through a European parking lot and thought, “Why don’t we get cars like that in America?” In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick, dives into the sleek, smart, and downright sexy European cars that U.S. drivers can’t buy — and all the bureaucratic, political, and marketing nonsense that keeps them off our roads. She covers everything from trade wars and tariffs to global platform sharing, brand confusion, and she reveals the legendary naming fail in aut...
Nov 05, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 119
Summary In this episode, The Car Chick® shares her experiences driving in the UK, highlighting the challenges and joys of navigating on the left side of the road for the first time. She discusses her personal reflections on her trip, some unusual driving challenges and the politeness of British drivers. The conversation covers various aspects of driving culture, including roundabouts, road signs, and the beautiful scenery of the UK. The Car Chick also shares her visit to Stonehenge and her thoug...
Oct 15, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 118
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® and Rudy Samsel, founder of Guys With Rides, delve into the world of classic cars, discussing the emotional and financial aspects of buying and restoring these vehicles. They explore what defines a classic car, key considerations for potential buyers, and the importance of documentation and condition. Rudy shares insights on where to find classic cars, underrated models, and cars to avoid. The conversation emphasizes the need for rati...
Oct 01, 2025•32 min•Season 2Ep. 117
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® delves into the often-overlooked topic of car transmissions. She explains the critical role transmissions play in vehicle performance, detailing the various types including manual, automatic, CVT, dual clutch, and electric vehicle systems. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how each transmission works, their maintenance needs, and the potential issues that can arise. Listeners are equipped with knowledge to make...
Sep 17, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 116
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® discusses her upcoming trip to the UK with her family, focusing on the challenges and excitement of renting a car abroad. She brings in special guest, and rental car ninja, Doug Hofer to get advice. The conversation delves into the nuances of rental car experiences, including tips for navigating the rental landscape, memorable car experiences, and the importance of understanding insurance and liability when renting a vehicle. Listener...
Sep 03, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 115
Summary In this episode, The Car Chick® speaks with Adam Olalde, founder and CEO of Xtreme Xperience, about the exhilarating world of supercar driving experiences. They discuss the importance of bucket lists, the entrepreneurial journey of identifying market gaps, and the thrill of driving high-performance cars on racetracks. Adam shares insights on how Xtreme Xperience operates, the significance of car control, and the philosophy behind living life to the fullest. The conversation emphasizes th...
Aug 20, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 114
Summary In this episode, The Car Chick® discusses the tragic incident involving a teen driver that resulted in multiple fatalities, highlighting the dangers of teen driving and the inadequacies of the current driver's education system. She emphasizes the need for better training and experience for young drivers, as well as the importance of modeling safe driving behavior as parents. The conversation also explores statistics related to teen driving accidents and offers solutions for improving roa...
Aug 06, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 113
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® dives into the world of car air conditioning, debunking common myths and explaining the science behind how A/C systems work. From the importance of maintenance to understanding the components of the A/C system, listeners gain valuable insights into keeping their vehicles cool during the summer months. The Car Chick® emphasizes the significance of proper care and maintenance, including checking the cabin air filter and understanding th...
Jul 16, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 112
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® explores the complexities of what 'Made in America' means in the automotive industry today. She delves into the history of American cars, the evolution of car culture, and the impact of globalization on car manufacturing. The discussion highlights how the definition of American-made cars has changed over the years, especially with the rise of foreign manufacturers producing vehicles in the U.S. The Car Chick® emphasizes the importance...
Jul 02, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 111
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick® explores the current state and future of autonomous driving technology. She discusses the various levels of vehicle autonomy, from manual driving to fully autonomous systems, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the legal responsibilities that come with these advancements. The conversation delves into the implications of AI in driving, the challenges of regulatory environments, and the potential future of personal autonomous...
Jun 18, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 110
In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick explores the world of autonomous vehicles and robotaxis, discussing their origins in science fiction, the major players in the industry, the technology that powers them, and the challenges they face. The conversation delves into the safety concerns surrounding robotaxis, highlighting both humorous incidents and serious implications of their operation on public roads. LeeAnn also addresses the public's perception of robotaxis and the future of ...
Jun 04, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 109
Summary: In this episode of The Straight Shift, LeeAnn Shattuck and automotive journalist Kendra Sommer delve into the evolution of car safety technologies, including airbags, seatbelts, and modern driver assistance systems. They discuss the importance of understanding crash test ratings, the significance of features like blind spot monitoring, and the emerging technologies that monitor driver behavior. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and responsibility among drivers, highligh...
May 21, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 108
Summary: In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick discusses the critical issue of safety in rideshare services with Kimberly Evans, founder of Just Her Rideshare. They explore the alarming statistics surrounding assaults in rideshare, the necessity of a women-only rideshare service, and the unique vetting process that ensures safety for both drivers and riders. Kimberly shares her personal experiences and the challenges of building a women-centric transportation service, emphasizing ...
May 07, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 107
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick© and special guest, insurance expert Jasmine Walker of Brightway Insurance, delve into the complexities of car insurance. They discuss the rising costs of insurance, the importance of understanding discounts, and strategies for saving money without sacrificing coverage. The conversation also covers the unique challenges faced by teen drivers and small business owners when it comes to insurance, as well as the significance of full discl...
Apr 30, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 106
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick© and guest, Dr. Swirl Killer, discuss the decline in the quality of car paint, the challenges of the trendy matte paint finishes, and why GM black paint is the worst in the industry. They explore the differences between ceramic coatings and paint protection films, and emphasize the importance of protecting your vehicle's exterior. Finally, they explain why brush car washes are terrible for your paint, and they provide tips for finding ...
Apr 16, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 105
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, LeeAnn Shattuck, The Car Chick©, discusses the recent implementation of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and its implications for the automotive industry and consumers. She breaks down how these tariffs will affect car prices, which brands will be hit hardest, and the broader economic impact. The Car Chick© also shares her plans to keep listeners informed through a new newsletter and updates to her online course. Takeaways The new 25% tariffs on im...
Apr 02, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 104
In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick provides a critical analysis of the Tesla Cybertruck, discussing its controversial design, material choices, practicality, safety concerns, and cost. The conversation highlights the vehicle's shortcomings and compares it to other electric trucks on the market, ultimately concluding that the Cybertruck is more of a gimmick than a functional vehicle. T akeaways The Cybertruck’s aesthetic has been compared to a dumpster and a DeLorean. Stainless ...
Mar 19, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 103
Summary In this episode, The Car Chick discusses the recent tariff situation affecting the automotive industry, particularly focusing on the one-month exemption granted to major automakers. The Car Chick explains the existing USMCA trade agreement, the challenges posed by new tariffs, and the potential impact on vehicle production and pricing. The episode concludes with which vehicles will be the most affected by tariffs, as well as insights on how consumers should navigate the current market co...
Mar 12, 2025•20 min
Summary In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick discusses the considerations for buying older used cars, especially for teenagers. She explores the factors that determine “how old is too old” for a used car, including the car's make and model, maintenance history, parts availability, and the importance of understanding the car's past. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough research and the acceptance of unpredictability when purchasing older vehicles, while also addressin...
Mar 05, 2025•24 min•Season 2Ep. 102
In this episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick shares why she chooses to drive an “old” car and explores the complexities of modern automotive technology. She delves into the vast amounts of data collected by cars today, the privacy implications of this data collection, and the potential risks associated with sharing personal information. The conversation emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness regarding data privacy and offers practical advice for protecting oneself in a data-driv...
Feb 19, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 101
Summary In this 100th episode of The Straight Shift, The Car Chick reflects on her journey into the automotive world, sharing her origin story, the evolution of her brand, and her commitment to empowering women in car buying. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced, the importance of setting high goals, and her passion for educating others about cars. The episode concludes with an announcement about a shift in the podcast's release schedule, emphasizing quality content over quantity....
Feb 05, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 100
