My First Car
Hey, I’m Elija Kirby. After spending years playing in garage bands and podcasting, I decided to start a new show where I talk with people about their first car. A podcast all about the vehicle that started it all: the first ride that got us on the road and set the course for the adventures that followed. Each episode, I sit down with friends, fellow musicians, and guests from all walks of life to talk about their first car. From a beat-up hand-me-down to a shiny new dream car, I want to hear the stories, the memories, and the lessons that came with that first set of wheels. That first car is never just a car.... it’s a rite of passage, a symbol of freedom, and usually, a little bit of chaos.
Episodes
9 hours ago
9 hours ago
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Richard Torrance takes us on a thrilling ride through his incredible 60+ years in the music industry. In 1965, Richard cruised into the scene in his parents' sleek 55 Black Cadillac, hitting up drive-in theaters and Big Boy burger joints before leveling up to a Porsche. From his early days of rocking out in The Tradewinds to touring with the Canadian group Gettysbyrg Address, Richard's musical journey is nothing short of legendary. After making the bold move to LA, he signed with Shelter Records, riding the highs and lows until its untimely demise, before joining forces with Capitol Records. With vivid stories of his time as a recording artist, collaborating with legendary musicians, and unforgettable live performances, Richard shares what it truly means to live and breathe music. And now, he's back in the spotlight, promoting his exciting new album alongside Jennifer Lynn and the Groove Revival.
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Kameran Ali of The Funky Arabs takes us back to the early days of forming bands with friends. Kam takes an epic road trip to Denver for Lollapalooza 96 and we end up just BSing about our shared love for concerts despite the skyrocketing ticket prices. Stories of unexpected run ins with musicians, grabbing KFC with Vanilla Ice, and launching 40s at a group of rowdy rednecks. Kameran also opens up about his fascinating journey, born in a refugee camp in Iran, and how that shaped his path.
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Ben Weisinger takes us back to when he got his license at 14 and drove off in his grandmother’s 84 Honda Accord, complete with a rusted out floorboard where you could see the road beneath him. A snake decides to hitch a ride ending up in his underwear while he's barreling down the highway. We also dive into the golden days of our roommate shenanigans and Ben explains how cruising Main was the Facebook of the 90s.
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Join Tom Hill as he shares the brief but unforgettable story of his 1984 Honda Civic. This 5-speed hatchback was totaled in a head on collision just three months after he got it leaving him with a broken neck. We dive into working as food delivery drivers and the risks of joy riding motorcycles. Along the way we veer off into nostalgic memories of high school, playing in bands, and the friendships that shaped his journey.
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Meet Tayler Billings. Former bassist of The Vexed and the current lead guitarist and vocalist for Wasting Tape. When Tayler's parents gift him a 1989 Buick Riviera to share with his sister, he does what any older brother would do and claims it for himself. With a trash filled interior and a hood featuring custom painted boobs, he is geared up to tackle every icy bridge in his path.
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Nolyn Falcon’s 1990 Ford Escort GT endures a few wild trips to California. Decked out with a Shoop decal, a trusty tape deck, and the funk of a cooler gone rancid after a brutal summer explosion, this car has seen it all. Nolyn ushers us through the experience of recording his debut album on a 4-track, powering through sleep-deprived nights in a snowstorm, and sharing the stage with none other than Vanilla Ice.
Pairs well with a complimentary soundtrack of Led Zeppelin, Pantera, Nirvana, The Beatles, Sound Garden, Mozart
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
After countless performances and extensive tours across the nation, musician Danny Savage of Mooncats takes us through his journey from the gritty days of breaking down in his beat-up '90s Chevy Suburban to cruising cross country in his trusty 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. A master of rock, grunge, and bluegrass, Danny has not only captured hearts with his eclectic sound but also stunned audiences with his music videos, paddle fishing adventures, and even ventriloquism. With a talent that knows no bounds, Danny proves time and again that he's a true renaissance man of the music world.
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Jon Quijano recalls his 1989 Chevy Cavalier wagon as having no floor heat, windows that won’t stay up, and a cassette player that devours tapes. He shares that his passion for drumming began after hearing a Jimi Hendrix song in a car commercial during a Channel 1 news broadcast. During a road trip, a wrong turn left Jon and his brother lost in Nebraska.
Pairs well with a complimentary soundtrack of Nirvana, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Sound Garden
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
In this episode, my buddy Kyle Haman reflects on the ultimate taste of freedom - hitting the open road and cruising through neighboring small towns. With a trunk full of beer, the music cranked up, and nothing but blue skies ahead, Kyle takes us along for the ride. It’s country cruising at its finest, with stories of spontaneous adventures, wild nights, and the kind of carefree spirit that comes with small town roaming. Grab a cold one and join us for a journey that’s all about living for the moment.
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
In this episode, my friend Pedro Pizarro dives into the wild, reckless days of his first car. From spray-painting a cop car (yep, you read that right) to almost getting shot at, Pedro’s Tallahassee adventures were filled with mischief, close calls, and unforgettable moments. Time well spent making mixtapes, making windshield washer squirt guns and making out with girls, all while keeping an eye out for the lurking alligators.