Episode 206

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Published on:

15th Oct 2025

Training That Actually Trains with Brandon Steckler & Bob Leonard [E206]

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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Live from “pre-ASTA,” Matt sits down with two “industry nobodies” (his words) who… are anything but. The trio gets honest about what makes training worth the time and money—and what ruins it. They dig into presenter prep (yes, 40 hours for a 4-hour class), class vetting, sponsor pressure, why a sexy scope trick isn’t always the right first move, and how to bring new voices onto the stage without burning attendees. They also share practical advice for first-timers at training expos so you learn more and regret less.

What we cover

  • Why one weak class can poison a whole event—and how to prevent it
  • The difference between a presenter and an educator
  • Brandon’s CTI “boot camp” lessons: pacing, body language, audience interaction
  • Teaching your experience vs. reading someone else’s slides
  • The “pico math channel” vs. relative compression—start simple, earn the complexity
  • Real-world prep: building a class, flow, case study sourcing, time costs no one sees

Sponsor dynamics: class quality vs. class quantity

  • Vetting ideas: short audition decks, Zoom mini-presentations, real Q&A
  • Pathways for new trainers: Techs Informing Techs, vision-style tech talks, co-teaching/mentorship
  • Feedback that helps: beyond Scantron; what to write so organizers can act
  • Attendee playbook: note-taking, pacing yourself, lobby networking, post-event review

Quick takeaways

For trainers

  • If you didn’t write the class, make it your own—prep until you could answer questions without the deck.
  • Lead with the right test, not the flashiest one. Wow factor is not a learning objective.
  • Ask a veteran to review your flow. Co-teach if you can.

For event organizers

  • Don’t let sponsorship replace standards. Vet instructors with a 10–15 slide audition + live Q&A.
  • Reward quality: fewer tracks > more mediocre tracks.
  • Follow up for feedback after the event; invite longer-form comments.

For attendees

  • Bring a notebook/app, a highlighter, and capture 3 “do-this-Monday” items per session.
  • Don’t try to copy every slide—listen for the why and the decision tree.
  • Network on purpose. Introduce yourself. Follow up a week later as you review notes.

Notable moments/quotes

  • “Teaching is the fun part—I’d do that for free. You’re really paying for the prep.” — Brandon
  • “You can’t preach ‘training matters’ and then short-change the delivery.” — Matt
  • “We need an on-ramp for new presenters—safe reps before three-hour sets.” — Matt
  • “Start with the test that answers the question fastest.” — Bob

Shout-outs & mentions

  • MobilityWorks — Bob’s focus on vehicles modified for physically disabled drivers/passengers
  • CTI/Worldpac instructor boot camp (presenter craft)
  • Techs Informing Techs / vision-style tech talks — great first stage reps
  • Pico Technology concepts referenced (math channels, relative compression)

Who this episode helps

  • Techs deciding whether to spend the time/money to travel for training
  • New and aspiring trainers looking for the right entry path
  • Organizers who want higher attendee retention and better word-of-mouth

Call to action

  • Been to a class that changed your workflow—or wasted your time? Send Matt what made the difference and why.
  • If you’re an aspiring presenter with a killer case study, draft a 10-slide mini and reach out—let’s get you reps at a tech-talk format.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

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. Pinpoint faults in sensors, wiring, and components with unmatched accuracy. Visit PicoAuto.com and revolutionize your diagnostics today! 

Contact Information

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

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Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

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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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.