Episode 248

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Published on:

5th Aug 2026

Automotive Field Theory: Rebranding the Podcast [E248]

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology and Autel

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Diagnosing the Aftermarket Becomes Automotive Field Theory

Things have changed.

After years as Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z, the podcast has a new name: Automotive Field Theory.

In this episode, Matt explains why the original title was chosen, why it eventually became a problem, and how the new name better represents both the podcast and the range of subjects explored on it.

The original name was intended to leave the show wide open. Automotive diagnostics and technology were always part of it, but so were psychology, economics, relationships, mental health, addiction, movies, sports, professional wrestling, and the people behind the work.

That freedom is not going away.

The problem was simpler: people searching for automotive and auto repair podcasts often could not find the show. Neither “diagnosing” nor “aftermarket” is exclusively connected to the automotive industry, and the word “automotive” did not appear anywhere in the title.

Automotive Field Theory solves that problem while also fitting the show on several levels.

It is a play on quantum field theory, reflecting Matt’s lifelong interest in physics and his tendency to explore how things actually work. It also refers to the entire automotive field, from vehicle design and manufacturing through sales, service, collision repair, locksmithing, programming, calibration, modification, and eventually recycling.

Finally, there is the theory itself: automotive theory, diagnostic theory, economic theory, psychological theory, and the hypotheses and ideas that shape how people understand the profession.

The name is changing. The podcast fundamentally is not.

In This Episode

  • Why Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z was originally chosen
  • The searchability problem with the old title
  • Why “automotive” needed to be in the name
  • The connection between automotive field theory and quantum field theory
  • The enormous range of careers contained within the automotive field
  • Where independent repair overlaps with collision, locksmithing, programming, and ADAS
  • Why the new title may make it easier to invite guests and reach new listeners
  • What listeners can expect from the show going forward
  • The people and podcasts that helped inspire and support the change

Matt also recognizes several shows across the Automotive Repair Podcast Network, including:

  • Remarkable Results Radio Podcast
  • Business by the Numbers
  • Speak Up! Effective Communication
  • The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast
  • The Weekly Blitz

A special thank-you goes to Tracy for the work behind the new logo, to Carm Capriotto and the Automotive Repair Podcast Network, and to sponsors Pico Technology and Autel.

Take a look at the new logo and let Matt know what you think. Guest suggestions are also welcome as Automotive Field Theory begins its next chapter.

Thanks to our Partner, Pico Technology

Are you chasing elusive automotive problems? Pico Technology empowers you to see what's really happening. Their PicoScope oscilloscopes transform your diagnostic capabilities. Visit PicoAuto.com

Thanks to our Partner, Autel

From drivability diagnostics and TPMS service to ADAS and advanced safety systems, Autel helps technicians follow OEM procedures and repair with confidence. Learn more at Autel.com

Contact Information

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Download and Listen on Our Mobile App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

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Show artwork for Automotive Field Theory

About the Podcast

Automotive Field Theory
From Automotive Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health
Automotive Field Theory explores the forces that shape automotive repair, including the ones measured with a meter or oscilloscope and the ones that cannot be found on a wiring diagram.

Hosted by automotive diagnostic specialist, shop manager, and instructor Matt Fanslow, the podcast begins in the automotive aftermarket but rarely stays inside its traditional boundaries. Diagnostics, electricity, technology, leadership, psychology, economics, game theory, history, music, movies, family, and human behavior may appear unrelated. Look closely enough, however, and connections begin to emerge.

A vehicle may arrive with a technical fault, but the work surrounding it is rarely technical alone.

Information is incomplete.

People make decisions under pressure and uncertainty. Incentives shape behavior. Standards gradually drift. Good intentions produce unexpected results. The official process may say one thing while the system quietly rewards another.

Automotive Field Theory is an attempt to understand those interactions.

Drawing from real diagnostic work, shop management, industry conversations, personal experience, and an occasionally inconvenient level of curiosity, Matt examines not only how things work, but why they work that way, how they became what they are, and what apparently unrelated subjects might teach us about repairing vehicles, leading people, running businesses, and improving the automotive industry.

Some episodes begin with a failed component. Others begin with Metallica, quantum physics, professional wrestling, a historical disaster, a round of golf, or a question that refuses to leave Matt alone.

Eventually, they all enter the same field.