Talkin' Shop

In this episode of Talkin’ Shop, we sit down with Racing Driver Sam (Sam Maher-Loughnan) and Max Haftavani from Driven + for an exclusive interview.
Sam opens up about a near-death experience on track, his career as a racing driver and instructor, teaching some of the world’s best-known F1 drivers, and why you don’t need to be obsessed with cars to enjoy driving them. He’s also one of the few barista-trained stuntmen you’re ever likely to meet!
Max talks about the exciting next steps for Driven+ and his vision for the future of the UK car community, while the pair reflect on their hilarious track battles that have taken off on YouTube.
Expect racing stories, performance cars, plenty of humour and a completely different side to two familiar faces from the UK car scene.
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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

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Sam
https://www.instagram.com/racingdriver_sam/
https://www.youtube.com/Carwow
https://www.onthemark.co/

Max
https://www.youtube.com/@DrivenPlus
https://www.instagram.com/drivenplusuk/
https://www.facebook.com/drivenplusuk/
https://www.drivenplus.co.uk/

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To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/9xaSg_4ZqJg 
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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z10z_aKtsCU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12150YsV4O4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWL_yqPmRBU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvsHZHqcySk

After building G-tech Motorworks into one of the UK’s best-known BMW performance businesses, Imty joins us on Talkin’ Shop to share the story behind the brand—and what really goes on behind the scenes.
From his journey as an apprentice at BMW and the early days of G-tech to the incredible rise of the famous Smyrna Green M3, Imty opens up about the cars, people and decisions that have shaped the business.
We explore how social media transformed G-tech, the risks involved in building the new motorsport operation, and why staying uncomfortable is key to continued growth. We also dive into modern BMW tuning, the B58 and S58, and Imty’s thoughts on the future of the combustion engine.
It’s an honest look at building a business, chasing bigger ambitions and what it takes to keep pushing when you’ve already come a long way.
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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

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Imty
https://www.youtube.com/@itsimty
https://www.instagram.com/ITS.IMTY/
https://www.tiktok.com/@its.imty
https://gtechmotorworks.co.uk/

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To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/di-FUOtAVzg
--

*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVyFq3HUXNY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LErNGT1MyfA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb3usLI1TOc

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at Carwow? In this episode of Talkin' Shop, we sit down with Rory, the producer behind some of Carwow's biggest and most iconic videos, to uncover what viewers never get to see. From organising record-breaking drag races and filming some of the world's rarest cars to working with manufacturers and navigating the pressure of YouTube's ever-changing algorithm, Rory reveals what it really takes to produce one of the world's most successful automotive channels.
Rory shares the challenges of producing viral content, the realities of working with multi-million-pound vehicles, and why there's far more to Carwow than meets the eye. Whether you're a Carwow fan, or simply curious about how one of YouTube's biggest automotive channels operates behind the scenes, this exclusive interview offers a fascinating perspective you won't find anywhere else.
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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

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Rory White
https://www.youtube.com/Carwow
https://www.instagram.com/rory.white12
https://www.instagram.com/carwow
https://www.facebook.com/carwowuk
https://www.tiktok.com/@carwow

--
To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our Youtube channel:
https://youtu.be/CZ1xv-8HNPI

--

*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXU4hdCtIJA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR8iIMPNqYk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHbUEz0j73M

After one of our most talked-about episodes, Daniel Ashville returns to Talkin’ Shop to share what’s really happened since—and how he’s rebuilding from the ground up. In this follow-up, we go beyond the highs to unpack the reality behind Ashville’s journey. From tough lessons and hard resets to a bold new chapter in St. Lucia, Daniel opens up about the decisions that changed everything, both in business and personally.
This isn’t just an update. It’s a raw look at what it takes to come back stronger: letting go of what no longer works, refocusing on what matters, and rebuilding with clarity, control, and purpose.

We explore the mindset shift behind Ashville’s comeback, why stepping away became necessary, and the risks and vision driving the new St. Lucia project. It’s an honest reflection on success, failure, and the lessons that only come with experience. If you watched the first episode, this is the next chapter you’ve been waiting for. And if you’re navigating your own challenges in business, this one will hit home.

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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

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Daniel Ashville
https://www.youtube.com/@thisisashville
https://www.instagram.com/daniellouisy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellouisy
https://www.facebook.com/DanielAshvilleLouisy/

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To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our Youtube Channel:
https://youtu.be/-29K9DZjLjc

--

*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL6GM0DyNSU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Kzn6t5pAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZzcrpokOoI

In this episode of Talkin’ Shop, we sit down with Guy Nicholls, founder of Tru7 Group, to unpack the reality of building a business in one of the UK’s most demanding and competitive industries.
Guy shares an honest, unfiltered perspective on what it really takes to grow and adapt—diving into the decisions, risks, and mindset needed to navigate constant pressure, push forward, and respond to the growing demand for change across the industry. We explore how Tru7 Group has evolved, the lessons shaped by both success and setbacks, and what it truly means to build something sustainable in today’s landscape. Guy also opens up about leadership, accountability, and the importance of having the right people around you as the business scales.
Whether you’re running a business, looking to grow, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode delivers practical insight and real-world perspective.
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Brought to you by Eclipse Diagnostics. If you work on commercial vehicles, vessels or machinery, check out Jaltest – the UK's leading multi-brand diagnostic tool. Quote "TALKINSHOP" in your enquiry for a free cable saver with your order; on-site training included:
https://www.eclipse-tech.co.uk/talkin-shop/

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Guy Nicholls
https://www.instagram.com/nicholls.guy/
https://tru7.com/guy-nicholls/
https://www.instagram.com/tru7group/
https://www.facebook.com/tru7group

--

To watch the video version of this podcast, visit our YouTube Channel: 
https://youtu.be/uOGpko8Fa5E

--

*Follow us on social media:*

Talkin’ Shop Podcast:
https://www.instagram.com/talkinshoppodcast_/
https://www.tiktok.com/@talkinshoppodcast

Eclipse Diagnostics:
https://www.facebook.com/truck.diagnostics
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipse-automotive-technology-ltd/
https://www.instagram.com/eclipsediagnostics_/

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YouTube videos mentioned in this podcast:
https://youtu.be/GE6uZ-T0d3c
https://youtu.be/phg86_iQi_Y