DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast

What does it take to become one of the most recognizable personalities in the air-cooled Volkswagen world?
In this episode of DubLife Diaries, I sit down with Glenn Obert, better known as The Duckman from Duckman Cycles & VW Garage. With over two decades of creating VW content and a loyal YouTube following of more than 90,000 subscribers, Glenn shares the stories, successes, and challenges that have shaped his journey.
We talk about his legendary chopped 1956 Oval Beetle, how he learned to fabricate using whatever materials he had available, the evolution of YouTube, and why authenticity still matters in today's creator economy. Glenn also shares the inspiration behind founding the Oil Slicker Society International, a Volkswagen club built around positivity, inclusion, and bringing enthusiasts together.
Along the way, we discuss creativity, resourcefulness, the future of the Volkswagen hobby, the impact of AI on learning real-world skills, and what keeps Glenn motivated after decades in the community.
Whether you're restoring your first Beetle, fabricating your dream build, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people who make the Volkswagen community special, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
In This Episode
Glenn's journey to becoming "The Duckman"
Building the iconic chopped Oval Beetle
20+ years of YouTube and content creation
Growing Duckman Cycles & VW Garage
The story behind Oil Slicker Society International
Why creativity and resourcefulness still matter
The changing Volkswagen community
Advice for builders and content creators

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow DubLife Diaries, leave a review, and share it with another Volkswagen enthusiast. Your support helps us continue sharing the stories of the people who keep the air-cooled community alive.
Connect with Glenn
Youtube : Duckman Cycles & VW Garage
Facebook : Oil Slicker Society International
www.DuckShit.net (All Glenns contact Info is here).
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New episodes featuring builders, collectors, racers, restorers, and Volkswagen enthusiasts from around the world.

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What does it take to build an award-winning upholstery business from the ground up?
In this episode of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with Alan of Vara Upholstery to talk about the journey behind one of the most respected names in custom Volkswagen and marine interiors.
Alan shares how buying a boat with damaged upholstery sparked an unexpected career, leading him to apprentice for free, open a tiny shop known as "The Shack," and eventually earn recognition as Best Upholstery Shop in Tampa Bay. Along the way, he opens up about failed businesses, taking risks, learning from costly mistakes, and why creativity has always driven everything he builds.
The conversation also dives into:
·       How Alan discovered the Volkswagen community
·       The story behind some of his favorite custom builds
·       Winning multiple classes at Bug Jam
·       Building the Salty Dub community and the vision for its future
·       Lessons every entrepreneur can learn about taking chances and keeping your word
·       Why success today means more than just making money
Whether you're into Volkswagens, custom fabrication, entrepreneurship, or simply love hearing the stories behind passionate builders, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
🎙 Guest: Alan Guevara– Vara Upholstery www.VaraUpholstrey.com
🛒 Support our sponsors:
Use code DUBLIFE10 for discounts on Salty Dub merchandise, including the popular vent window clips. www.Saltydub.com
Same discount code applies to Volksmania Magazine www.VolksMania.com
If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another VW enthusiast. Every download helps us continue sharing the stories that make the Volkswagen community so special.
#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWLife #AirCooled #VaraUpholstery #CustomInteriors #ClassicVW #BugJam #SaltyDub #Entrepreneurship

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

What happens when you take a 1960 Volkswagen panel bus, point it toward the horizon, and refuse to stop?
In Episode 70 of Dub Life Diaries, Joe sits down with Dave Broenen, better known as the pilot of the legendary KRUST BUS, to talk about an incredible journey that has taken him more than 78,000 miles across 38 states in just 23 months.
Dave shares how a lifelong love of Volkswagens, inspired by his family and his first rusty Beetle, eventually led him to purchase and transform a weathered split-window bus into one of the most recognizable adventure vehicles in the VW community. Along the way, he has crossed mountain passes, explored remote backroads, camped across America, and built friendships that prove the Volkswagen community is unlike any other.
In this episode, you'll hear:
✅ The story behind the KRUST BUS and the “Bus Pilot” nickname
✅ How Dave prepared a vintage VW for cross-country travel
✅ The engine combinations and upgrades that survived nearly 80,000 miles
✅ Breakdowns that became unforgettable adventures
✅ Incredible stories of kindness from VW enthusiasts across the country
✅ Essential advice for first-time vintage Volkswagen owners
✅ Why “Drive Your Bus” has become more than just a hashtag
From snow trips on Mount Shasta to award-winning cross-country adventures, Dave's story is a reminder that the best memories often happen when things don't go according to plan.
If you've ever dreamed of hitting the open road in an air-cooled Volkswagen, this episode is for you.
🎙️ Guest: Dave Broenen
🚌 Vehicle: The KRUST BUS (1960 VW Panel Bus)
📍 Journey: 78,000+ Miles | 38 States | 23 Months
🏁 Goal: 100,000 Miles by the end of the year
Listen now and discover why sometimes the breakdowns create the best stories.
#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWBus #SplitWindowBus #AirCooledVW #RoadTrip #KrustBus #VintageVolkswagen #VWCommunity #DriveYourBus #Podcast #DaveBroenen #VolkswagenAdventure #BusLife #CrossCountryRoadTrip

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

What happens when a childhood surrounded by Volkswagens turns into a lifelong passion that brings families, friends, and an entire community together?
In Episode 69 of DubLife Diaries, Joe sits down with José Rodriguez of Factor Volkswagen to explore his incredible journey from growing up in Puerto Rico to becoming a driving force in the Volkswagen scene in Florida.
José shares stories of learning mechanics alongside his father, the influence of his brother Juan, and how Factor Volkswagen grew from a simple idea into one of Puerto Rico’s premier VW events—bringing together camping, live music, beach vibes, incredible cars, and lifelong friendships.
From restoring his beloved 1983 Vanagon and building a stunning 1962 Beetle with his wife, to overcoming breakdowns in 105-degree heat and discovering that the VW community is always there when you need it most, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and genuine passion.
We also dive into:
🇵🇷 The rich Volkswagen culture of Puerto Rico
🚐 The story behind Factor Volkswagen’s incredible events
🔧 Learning to wrench from family and experience
❤️ How building Volkswagens strengthened family bonds
🏕️ Camping, road trips, and adventures in a Vanagon
🤝 Why the VW community feels more like family than a hobby
🌴 The vision for bringing Puerto Rican VW culture to the mainland U.S.
🚗 José’s dream Volkswagen and rapid-fire VW questions

Whether you own a Beetle, Bus, Vanagon, Karmann Ghia, Golf, or simply love hearing stories about people whose lives have been transformed through cars and community, this episode is for you.
Connect with Factor Volkswagen and keep an eye on their upcoming events as they continue building bridges between Puerto Rico and the U.S. VW scene.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another VW enthusiast. Every share helps keep the DubLife alive.
#DubLifeDiaries #FactorVolkswagen #PuertoRico #Volkswagen #VWCommunity #Vanagon #Beetle #AirCooled #VWLife #ClassicCars #RoadTrips #Family #Podcast #JoseRodriguez

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations

From a $300 Beetle at age 14 to a garage full of VW memories, Jeff Pierce shares the story behind his beloved Super Beetle, Butters, and a lifetime spent living the VW lifestyle.
What starts as a childhood memory of a family Beetle turns into a lifelong Volkswagen addiction.
In this episode of Dub Life Diaries, Joe sits down with Volkswagen enthusiast Jeff Pierce, owner of a beloved 1973 Super Beetle named Butters. From buying his first Beetle at just 14 years old while working at McDonald's to owning nearly 20 Volkswagens throughout his life, Jeff shares the stories, lessons, successes, and mistakes that shaped his VW journey.
Joe and Jeff dive into what makes the Volkswagen community different from every other automotive scene. They discuss the friendships, roadside rescues, garage-built projects, and the welcoming culture that keeps people coming back generation after generation.
Topics include:
• The story behind Butters the 1973 Super Beetle
• Jeff's first VW purchase at age 14
• Owning nearly 20 Volkswagens over the years
• Why the VW community is unlike any other car culture
• Air-cooled vs. water-cooled Volkswagens
• Rare finds, barn finds, and estate auction discoveries
• Major VW events including Eureka Springs and Port City Volkswagen Show
• The challenges of finding skilled air-cooled mechanics today
• Why younger generations aren't entering the hobby at the same rate
• Jeff's dream Volkswagens still on his bucket list
Whether you're restoring your first Beetle, cruising in a Bus, building a Cal-Look car, or simply love hearing stories from passionate enthusiasts, this episode is packed with Volkswagen memories and community spirit.
🎙️ Follow DubLife Diaries for more stories from the people who keep Volkswagen culture alive.
#DubLifeDiaries #Volkswagen #VWLife #SuperBeetle #AirCooledVW #VolkswagenBeetle #VWCommunity #ClassicVolkswagen #VWPodcast #ButtersTheBeetle

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations