Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeMatt riffs on a surprisingly quiet moment from Rocky—the late-night scene where Rocky admits he can’t beat Apollo and Adrian simply asks, “What do we do?” From that question, Matt draws a blueprint for technicians and shop owners: set realistic, self-assigned wins and stack them. Instead of living and dying by big, binary outcomes (“fixed/not fixed,” “hit benchmark/missed benchmark”), build momentum with attainable goals that compound into competence, confidence, and better shop results.Big Ideas“What do we do?” beats “You can do it!” Swapping empty hype for practical next steps creates traction.Redefine winning: Rocky doesn’t win the fight; he wins by “going the distance.” Translate that to your day: hit achievable targets that move you forward.Stack small, durable improvements: The path to 40+ billed hours or top-quartile shop productivity runs through many smaller, consistent wins.Perfection limits joy: Ambition is good; impossible standards starve you of pride and progress.Benchmarks aren’t commandments: Continuous improvement may matter more than someone else’s KPI.Practical Takeaways for TechsScope reps, not scope heroics: Use the oscilloscope on easy cars and routine checks—pair voltage with time until it’s second nature, then add a second channel and a low-amp probe where it makes sense.Thermal imager habits: Pull it out on brake inspections, wheel-bearing complaints, and on known-good vehicles to calibrate your eye for “normal.”Micro-goals to build hours: If you’re billing ~20 hrs/week, aim for 25 (≈+1 hr/day). Then 30. Ask: Where can I reclaim two hours? (economy of motion, fewer tool trips, better setup).Practical Takeaways for Shop Owners/LeadsAim for +10–15% improvements first: If techs are ~60% productive, target 70%, not 100% overnight. Design the system to enable the next step.Design wins into the week: Encourage daily scope/thermal reps, short debriefs, and “wins boards” that recognize process improvements—not just hero fixes.Coach with the Adrian question: When someone says, “I can’t hit that,” respond with: “What do we do?” Identify the next two concrete actions.Memorable Lines“We can define our own successes—it doesn’t have to be everyone else’s.”“Set wins somewhere earlier in the process, not only at the final repair.”“I hope you’re proud of yourself—and that you let yourself feel it.”Chapter Guide Cold open &amp; sponsors — NAPA Auto Tech Training, Pico TechnologyWhy Rocky still hits — the “What do we do?” sceneDefining ‘going the distance’ at workTech micro-wins — scope reps, thermal habits, pairing voltage &amp; currentShop micro-wins — stepwise productivity goals, system design &gt; pep talksPerfection vs. pride — making room to feel accomplishedThanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to <a href="https://napaautotech.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeMatt wrestles with a lifelong pattern of shame, defensiveness, and downplaying wins—and how naming it (out loud) is helping him show up better at work and at home. This one’s part confessional, part field guide: practical, unglamorous steps for accepting compliments, advocating for your value, and being safer to confront in relationships.Content note: brief, heartfelt discussion of infant loss (the story of Matt’s son, Benjamin).Why listenIf you instinctively swat away compliments or feel “pride” is off-limits, this gives language—and a few reps—to shift that.Shops, teams, and families run better when we replace shame/stonewalling with honesty and curiosity.HighlightsThe “shame tank”: how early patterns trained Matt to equate mistakes with identity (“I did something dumb” → “I am dumb”) and how that fueled resentment cycles with employers and loved ones.Stonewall → spill → reset → repeat: the loop that forms when you won’t self-advocate until pressure boils over.Compliment deflection ≠ humility: jokes like “you need to get out more” felt safe, but quietly devalued real wins.Owning value without arrogance: learning to state what you bring to the table without feeling like your mouth is on fire.Two proud moments (finally named):Benjamin’s birth: staying present, stopping futile interventions, and making sure mom and family had time with him. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/overcoming-the-loss-of-a-child-finding-a-silver-lining-e035Post-divorce boundaries: noticing red flags early and exiting a relationship kindly (growth in real life, not theory).Professional growth he’ll actually own: the podcast, teaching, equipment dev/beta, EEPROM/board-level work, and expanding beyond “just drivability.”Result of doing the work: markedly better conversations with his boss; marriage moving from “fine” to genuinely “great.”Practical takeawaysLanguage swap: “I did something dumb” ≠ “I am dumb.” Keep identity out of error statements.Three-beat compliment drill: Hear it → pause → say “thank you” → full stop. (Joke later if you must.)Mini inventory: keep a running note of 3 specific things you did well this week; read it before hard conversations.Advocacy prep: write a one-page “value brief” before comp talks: outcomes, examples, and how they helped the shop/client.Repair the feedback channel: agree with your partner/teammate on a critique ritual (time, signal word, and goal).Get a spotter: a counselor/therapist helps reveal blind spots faster than white-knuckling it alone.People &amp; mentionsBob (AAPEX episode—“shame tank” origin point in prior convo) https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/episode/exploring-relationships-health-and-personal-growth-with-bob-heipp-e109Equilibrium Therapy Services — Margaret Light (Minnesota) <a href="https://www.equilibriumtherapyservices.org/"...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeLive 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 coverWhy one weak class can poison a whole event—and how to prevent itThe difference between a presenter and an educatorBrandon’s CTI “boot camp” lessons: pacing, body language, audience interactionTeaching your experience vs. reading someone else’s slidesThe “pico math channel” vs. relative compression—start simple, earn the complexityReal-world prep: building a class, flow, case study sourcing, time costs no one seesSponsor dynamics: class quality vs. class quantityVetting ideas: short audition decks, Zoom mini-presentations, real Q&amp;APathways for new trainers: Techs Informing Techs, vision-style tech talks, co-teaching/mentorshipFeedback that helps: beyond Scantron; what to write so organizers can actAttendee playbook: note-taking, pacing yourself, lobby networking, post-event reviewQuick takeawaysFor trainersIf 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 organizersDon’t let sponsorship replace standards. Vet instructors with a 10–15 slide audition + live Q&amp;A.Reward quality: fewer tracks &gt; more mediocre tracks.Follow up for feedback after the event; invite longer-form comments.For attendeesBring 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.” — BobShout-outs &amp; mentionsMobilityWorks — Bob’s focus on vehicles modified for physically disabled drivers/passengersCTI/Worldpac instructor boot camp (presenter craft)Techs Informing Techs / vision-style tech talks — great first stage repsPico Technology concepts referenced (math channels, relative compression)Who this episode helpsTechs deciding whether to spend the time/money to travel for trainingNew and aspiring trainers looking for the right entry pathOrganizers who want higher attendee retention and better word-of-mouthCall to actionBeen 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...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeLive(ish) from ASTA 2025 in Raleigh, I “borrow” a guest from a Keith Perkins immobilizer class: Mike Maleski of PSK Automotive and Rosedale Technical College. We dig into the business of keys/immobilizers—what drew him in, locksmith gatekeeping, where OE tools beat aftermarket for workflow, flat-rate incentives (hello, Cobra Effect), cloning/EEPROM realities, and teaching diagnostics to the next generation. Also: yinzer linguistics, Applebee’s barters, and Tibbe-key kryptonite.Mike Maleski — Owner/tech at PSK Automotive (Pittsburgh, PA) and instructor at Rosedale Technical College.Topics we hitGetting into keys: margins, ROI, and focusing the service lineLocksmith gatekeeping → locksmiths moving into module programmingMarket realities: dense dealer competition vs. being “the only game in town”Inventory truth: FCC IDs, chip types, look-alikes that aren’tAftermarket vs. OE: when GM/Volvo VIDA and other OE paths are faster/cleanerCutting machines: Dolphin starts; Triton support/updates; Tibbe/Jag quirksCloning &amp; EEPROM: freeing used key slots (e.g., BMW), virginizing/clone vs. dealer orderService mix &amp; referrals: “different, not better,” building two-way trustPay plans &amp; culture: misaligned incentives, base-plus-performance sanityWages vs. geography: think cost-of-living ratios, not raw dollarsTeaching at Rosedale: bench → car, lightbulb moments, ScannerDanner lineageQuotes“OE software isn’t always about coverage; sometimes it’s about friction.”“Flat rate isn’t evil; misaligned incentives are.”“You can stock 200 keys and still not have the right one.”TakeawaysAdding keys/immobilizer? Plan inventory, price subs, know your dealer landscape, lean OE when it reduces rework.Build referral networks; you won’t go broke sending work to the right specialist.Audit incentives in your pay plan.In teaching/mentoring, bridge breadboards to the messy reality of in-car faults early.Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA 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 TechnologyAre 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&nbsp;PicoAuto.com&nbsp;and revolutionize your diagnostics today!&nbsp;Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe &amp; Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyThe Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/<a

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeMatt Fanslow explores the complex relationship between passion, purpose, and the realities of working in the automotive repair industry. Inspired by a story of a successful businessman who rediscovers his childhood joy fixing bicycles, Matt reflects on how easily passion can fade — and what shop owners and managers can do to help their teams rekindle it.He tackles the classic debate of “follow your passion” versus “follow the money,” examines how shop culture and leadership can either nurture or crush enthusiasm, and shares candid thoughts on his own journey to keep that sense of wonder alive through advanced diagnostics, ADAS calibrations, EEPROM work, and more.From systemic demotivators like inadequate tooling and broken pay structures, to the transformative power of genuine leadership excitement, Matt invites listeners to reconsider how they approach motivation and fulfillment in their shops — and in their own careers.Key Takeaways:A Lesson in Passion: A story about a man who spent decades in a corporate career before returning to his childhood love — repairing bicycles — illustrates how deeply rooted passions can resurface and transform our lives.Passion vs. Paycheck: Matt discusses the tension between following your passion and pursuing financial stability — and why the answer isn’t always as simple as motivational slogans make it seem.Keeping the Spark Alive: For technicians and shop owners alike, maintaining interest and curiosity often requires growth: new tools, deeper training, challenging work, and continuous learning.Demotivators in the Shop: Being “set up to fail” — whether through lack of equipment, poor information, inadequate training, or broken systems — is one of the most effective ways to kill enthusiasm and productivity.The Leadership Role: Leaders who show excitement about the work and actively celebrate their team’s wins help create a culture that sustains passion rather than drains it.Shops as Schools: Matt draws a comparison to how schools can drain curiosity from kids, urging shop owners to avoid building environments that strip away the same energy and wonder from their technicians.Notable Quotes:“Those who do not believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl“Sometimes work sucks the wonder right out of us — the same way school can strip curiosity from kids.”“I get into advanced diagnostics, ADAS, EEPROM work — not just because I can, but because it keeps that childlike wonder alive.”“Setting someone up to fail isn’t just about tooling or training. It’s about robbing them of the chance to succeed — and that kills passion faster than anything.”Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA 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 TechnologyAre 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&nbsp;PicoAuto.com&nbsp;and revolutionize your diagnostics today!&nbsp;Contact InformationEmail Matt: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this episode, Matt Fanslow takes on a common source of confusion in automotive diagnostics: pressure, vacuum, and the difference between gauge and absolute readings.What starts as a discussion on PSI and inches of mercury quickly expands into how technicians interpret scan tool PIDs, why definitions matter, and where misunderstandings creep in—especially in the U.S., where we often mix measurement scales. Along the way, Matt also detours (in true Matt fashion) into physics, quantum mechanics, and the origins of universes from near-perfect vacuums.Yes, really. And yes, it still ties back to cars.Key Topics Covered:The two main pressure scales used in the U.S.:PSI (pounds per square inch) above atmosphericInches of mercury below atmospheric (vacuum)Where confusion starts:Vacuum gauges vs scan tool dataPSI vs inches of mercury and how both can technically read positive or negativeGauge vs Absolute pressure:Gauge pressure treats atmospheric as zeroAbsolute pressure references a sealed, near-vacuum chamberWhy MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensors often confuse techsRules of thumb:2 inHg ≈ 1 PSIAtmospheric pressure at sea level ≈ 14.7 PSI (≈ 30 inHg, ≈ 100 kPa)Engine vacuum at idle ≈ 18–20 inHg (≈ mid-30 kPa absolute)How to tell what your scan tool is showing you:Quick test: Key On, Engine Off → atmospheric pressure value reveals if it’s gauge or absoluteMetric perspective:Why kilopascals (kPa) often simplify thingsThinking of vacuum as “low pressure,” not “negative pressure”Physics detour (because Matt can’t help himself):Schrödinger’s Cat and quantum absurditiesHeisenberg’s uncertainty principleAbsolute zero pressure, absolute zero temperature, and why universes may form from vacuum energyWhy It MattersA clear understanding of how pressure is defined, displayed, and measured allows technicians to:Interpret scan tool PIDs correctlyAvoid misdiagnosis caused by unit confusionCommunicate more precisely with peers and customersGain confidence when moving between PSI, inHg, and kPaNext time someone’s arguing inches of mercury vs PSI on a forum, remember: it’s all about knowing whether you’re looking at gauge or absolute. And if the conversation stalls, just casually mention that universes may have formed from absolute zero pressure. It probably won’t help you win the argument—but hey, it’s a good story.Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA 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 TechnologyAre 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&nbsp;PicoAuto.com&nbsp;and revolutionize your diagnostics today!&nbsp;Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected]<a...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeMatt takes a break from technical talk to discuss a critical issue affecting both society and the automotive aftermarket: the growing inability to engage with differing perspectives. Triggered by recent events, including the tragic death of commentator Charlie Kirk, Matt explores the importance of challenging our own ideas, the dangers of social media echo chambers, and how this mindset translates to our professional interactions in the shop.Key Discussion Points:The Core Principle: Matt opens with a powerful quote from former ACLU director Ira Glasser: "Being offended is not a valid reason for silencing someone." He argues that the power to limit speech you dislike can easily be turned against speech you support.The Value of Unsafe Ideas: A healthy society and campus should be physically safe, but intellectually "unsafe," meaning ideas should be openly challenged and debated. This is how we strengthen, modify, or better defend our own positions.The Social Media Trap: Algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, which often means promoting content that enrages us. This leads to:Echo Chambers: We surround ourselves only with people who think like us.Radicalization: A lack of diverse perspectives can push us to extremes.The "Unfriending" Trend: Matt argues it's a mistake to purge our social networks of people with differing, even disagreeable, views. This eliminates valuable challenges to our own thinking.The Professional Parallel: This divisiveness isn't just political. In the aftermarket, we see it when we run down competitors or refuse to consider different technical approaches or business philosophies from our own.Seeing the Person Behind the Avatar: People often project an amplified or modified version of themselves, especially online or in stressful situations (like a customer at a service counter). Matt urges listeners to be curious about who people really are and why they might be acting a certain way, rather than making quick judgments.A Call to Action: Actively seek out and listen to perspectives different from your own. Engage with the ideas, not the person. Foster genuine curiosity to combat division and improve both personal and professional relationships.Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA 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 TechnologyAre 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&nbsp;PicoAuto.com&nbsp;and revolutionize your diagnostics today!&nbsp;Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe &amp; Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyThe Aftermarket Radio Network: <a...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeIn this thought-provoking solo episode, Matt Fanslow tackles the complex and personal question: "What is success?" Drawing a fascinating parallel to Einstein's theory of relativity, Matt argues that there is no universal definition of success, just as there is no universal clock. Success, like time, is personal and relative.He explores how a "successful" outcome for a rookie technician (simply completing a complex job correctly) is vastly different from the definition of success for a seasoned master tech (high efficiency and productivity). Matt urges listeners—whether shop owners, managers, or technicians—to define success on their own terms, celebrate personal victories, and create environments where individuals can chart their own improvement.Key Discussion Points:The Physics Metaphor: How Einstein's theory of relativity—specifically, that time is not universal but personal—provides a powerful framework for thinking about success.No Universal Benchmark: Why comparing your success to billionaires like Elon Musk or elite athletes is a flawed and discouraging exercise.Success in the Shop:For a new tech, success might be finishing a job without help, even if it took three times the book time.For management, success is often tied to metrics like productivity and profit.The importance of acknowledging and validating these different definitions.The Role of Leadership: Managers must communicate clear, reasonable definitions of success and provide the systems and support for their team to achieve it. This includes mentoring on efficiency without dismissing initial accomplishments.Embrace the Learning Process: True growth comes from analyzing failures and missteps. Don't shortchange yourself by only focusing on the end result; take pride in the incremental wins.A Changing Industry: With a smaller pool of naturally experienced talent, shops must focus on building systems that allow a wider range of people to succeed, rather than expecting new hires to "succeed in spite of poor systems."Quotable Moments:"There is no universal success. There's only personal success.""Give yourself credit where credit's due... validate their successes, even as meager as we may find them to be.""This profession is really, really good about pointing out to us is we don't got it.""The failures, the hiccups, the missteps, that's where the learning comes in."Call to Action: How do you define success in your professional and personal life? Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA 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 TechnologyAre 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&nbsp;PicoAuto.com&nbsp;and revolutionize your diagnostics today!&nbsp;Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected]...

Thank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, ExpressWatch Full Video EpisodeIn Our Episode Today:Many of our loyal listeners have heard me mention my older, little, brother Shaun, or you have heard me jesting with host of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A-Z, Matt Fanslow…Today you get to see us sit in the room and have a genuine conversation!I notice in my day-to-day interactions with aftermarket professionals, that many of the businesses I interact with are lacking a real diagnostic specialist on their staff.A diagnostic specialist is one who can troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic issues using advanced tools, resources and experience.&nbsp; The value of their knowledge to ensure repairs are done right the first time, earn the business revenue based on knowledge, and save your clients money by preventing unnecessary repairs, is undisputed.Why are there not more of these types of specialists in our industry?How might communication skills play a part?Are networking skills a critical factor in developing other skills?&nbsp;When you hear Matt and Shaun talk about the investment in time, both in the shop, and outside of it - to develop their skills - some will be energized, some may feel dismayed - but the path is a bright one for those who are willing - and we will hear in this conversation what worked for Matt and Shaun as they began their journey - and we get to hear a bit about where it has brought them now.In this conversation you’ll hear:Times of sacrifice outside the normal hoursThe need for creating space to practice new skills in balance with demands of businessThe impact of mentorsThe value of adopting a learning mindsetSome valuable caveats if you find yourself at a dinner with Matt FanslowShaun always trying to hire people to join MAS - because he just can’t not.The WOTD is a fitting one for the diagnostic backdrop:Nebulous.adj.A formal word used to describe something that is difficult to see, understand, or describe—in other words, something indistinct or vague.I know you’ll enjoy listening to Matt and Shaun!&nbsp; Because of their early friendship, I was led to events and networks I would likely not have found on my own.&nbsp; I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this conversation with you now!Sincerely,Craig O’NeillThank You To Our Partners The Institute, AutoFlow, AutoLeap, Shop Dog Marketing, In-Bound, Express:The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com. &nbsp;"Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.comShop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings. In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound. Express by Facepay <a href="http://myexpress.io"...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico TechnologyWatch Full Video EpisodeWelcome to the 200th episode of Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z! In this milestone episode, Matt reflects on the journey of recording weekly shows for nearly four years straight. He shares listener questions, personal insights, and some of the most surprising lessons learned along the way.From the variety and complexity of the automotive repair profession to the humbling stories that stick with him most, Matt highlights how much this industry continues to evolve and inspire. He also digs into some technical listener questions, offering advice on:Getting started with module repair – training resources, tools, soldering practice, and ROI considerations.Programming laptops – buying pre-configured systems vs. DIY setups, pros and cons of “stacking” car-line specific laptops, and what works in a real-world shop setting.And, of course, Matt acknowledges the community of listeners, colleagues, and friends who have made reaching this milestone possible.Key Takeaways200 episodes in perspective: What stands out most isn’t just the content, but the incredible variety within the automotive field itself.A jaw-dropping insight: Depression in men often manifests as anger—a lesson that reshaped how Matt views past shop dynamics.Module repair basics: Start with training (Mike Christopherson, Kevin Sutter, Keith Perkins) and practice kits; avoid skimping on tools—buy once, cry once.)Programming computers: Choose between convenience (pre-configured laptops from Auto Rescue Tools) or flexibility (multiple inexpensive refurbished systems).Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA 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 TechnologyAre 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&nbsp;PicoAuto.com&nbsp;and revolutionize your diagnostics today!&nbsp;Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe &amp; Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyThe Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. <a href="https://remarkableresults.biz/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...