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
Sep 24, 2025
Sep 24, 2025
1 hr 4 min
Musician Pat Phillips joins me to share the story of his first car a 79 Datsun. Back then Pat wasn’t focused on driving or playing piano as his real passion was skateboarding until he picked up a guitar and started honing his musical skills. Eager to leave his hometown of Sydney MT, Pat headed to college in Moorhead where he found his stage presence and began showcasing his talents. He talks about winning an MTV sponsored internship with a Minnesota based merchandise company. It was there he met his future wife and eventually relocated to North Dakota after a decade. Pat’s musical career continued to soar as he became a key figure in the local scene, performing with bands like Fatdad and Anonymous Phenomenon leaving a lasting impact on the music community.
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Sep 17, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
43 min
Bassist Nick Ternes joins me to talk about his first ride, an '89 Ford Tempo and the deal he struck with his dad to keep a clean record for six months to earn a new sound system. That didn’t stop him from tearing up the streets like a maniac though. Nick takes us through his musical roots, the formation of the punk outfit Wasting Tape, and the evolution of Midwest Remedies, now gearing up for their second album. Beyond the stage, Nick talks about his love for hunting, fishing and camping under open skies.
Upcoming shows:Midwest Remedies playing October 31st at Laughing SunWasting Tape performs November 26th at Laughing Sun
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Sep 3, 2025
Sep 3, 2025
22 min
For this impromptu episode I am joined by my mom Diane Kirby who steps in at the last minute to be my guest. She reminisces about her first car, a 1960ish Cadillac, the time she marched in Georgia for the Civil Rights Movement, and getting to ride on Phil Jackson's pink Harley. We chat about our Norwegian heritage, the classic teen tradition of dragging main, and whether I was a dumb kid. Spoiler, I was.
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Aug 27, 2025
Aug 27, 2025
1 hr 11 min
In this episode, I'm kicking back with artist Jeremiah Palacek, whose 1978 Volvo 240 was gifted to him by his grandpa for his first car. Originally from Bismarck, ND, Jer now calls Prague, Czech Republic home where he runs Dead Shirts Society a creative haven and shop. He shares stories of his family’s ATV adventures, a junkyard full of forgotten vehicles, and even a pet mountain lion. Jerimiah takes us through his journey of moving across the globe for art education before finally settling in Prague where he also teaches art history. We also talk about selling and creating in the art world, reminisce about coffee houses, cable access TV, and the local music scene that shaped us.
https://jeremiahpalecek.com/
https://www.youtube.com/paintingcourse
https://deadshirtssociety.com/
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Aug 20, 2025
Aug 20, 2025
1 hr 8 min
Producer/DJ Ryan Netterville aka New Reign comes into the studio to talk about his first ride a 1991 Geo Prizm. Long before he hit the stage, Ryan was behind the wheel learning to drive at just nine years old by washing cars and watching Fast & Furious. Growing up immersed in hip hop and car culture, he was rewiring sound systems and shaking up his neighborhood with booming bass and a roaring muffler. Ryan opens up about his journey from quiet kid to confident performer hosting concerts, sharing the stage with national acts, and staying grounded through it all. We talk about finding his voice through music, the story behind his moniker New Reign, and why gratitude and authenticity remain at the heart of everything he does.
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Aug 13, 2025
Aug 13, 2025
58 min
Legendary musician Mike Endrud joins me in studio this week. His first car was a 57 Chevy that got him through college until the day it finally gave out. With a soul that reflects his Western North Dakota upbringing Mike shares how he started on a ukulele at the age of 9 and eventually graduated to a 59 Fender Duo-Sonic. Mike talks about his early musical inspirations and his passion for traveling and cruises. We share thoughts on golf, songs that should never be covered, and misheard lyrics.
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Aug 6, 2025
Aug 6, 2025
29 min
In this episode I sit with musician Steve Wolff who shares his story into music. Beginning with his first car, an 89 Mercury Tracer that lasted a mere two weeks before his brother rolled it and totaled it. Steve always sought out music and began playing when a piano too big to move was left behind in his new home. Eventually picking up the guitar and forming the crust punk group Systems Victims. We chat about recording, tipping canoes, and his current bands Ling and The Artificial AI's. Steve also talks about the rough life of touring but still has passion for the road and the stage hasn’t waned.
Fight Club | the Artificial A.I.s
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Jul 30, 2025
Jul 30, 2025
46 min
Overlord of Unconventional Cookies, Witney Nielsen joins me in studio to share her unconventional path of packing up her first car a 2001 Toyota Echo and heads to California. Upon returning home to North Dakota she narrowly avoids flying off a bridge. Witney opens up about the origins of the Cookie Haus a creative space filled with vintage Pyrex, clowns, and My First Car cookies. We discuss the return of the beloved Lil Cannoli mascot, hosting a quinceañera for a Lady named Mo, and the exciting announcement of Unconventional Cookies’ nationwide shipping launch.
and starting fires.
Order some kickass cookies herehttps://www.unconventionalcookies.com/
hey@unconventionalcookies.com
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Jul 23, 2025
Jul 23, 2025
57 min
While in Minneapolis I sit down with bassist extraordinaire Noah Schafer a seasoned player with credits in bands like Toxic Shock Syndrome, Bonesaw, War On God, The Funeral And The Twilight, and many more. Noah and I trade chairs and reflect on our time playing music and touring together. He shares memories of his first car, a 1990 Mazda MPV, and we exchange stories about life on the road including bike wrecks, icy 360s on the interstate, and navigating the punk scene as a vegetarian. Equal parts nostalgia, noise, and near-death experiences.
Jul 16, 2025
Jul 16, 2025
1 hr 3 min
This week on the show I'm joined by Justin Cancilliere, the radio host of ParaTruth: Reborn. Justin kicks things off by reminiscing about his first car a 1989 Toyota Corolla that met an untimely end in New Jersey. From there we discuss his journey into the world of podcasting including some of his personal paranormal experiences. We also get into some intriguing discussions about cryptids, conspiracy theories, and the pros and cons A.I. Justin opens up about his time joining Dakota Media Access and bringing his expertise to the table.
ParaTruth: Reborn
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com







