THE GRILLE is being hosted by Greg Rust, Shane Jacobson and VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym with a focus on mixing education with fun and entertainment.
The show is designed to become a favourite among automotive professionals, motoring enthusiasts and motorsport fans.
The first episode will be available from August 10 and includes a special guest interview with UK motoring personality, Jeremy Clarkson.
Each episode will be between 45 minutes and 60 minutes and consists of various segments primarily of interest to those who make their living one way or another from motor vehicles.
The podcast, which is sponsored by Bendix and DENSO, is available from the VACC website, podcast website LiSTNR, Spotify, the Apple Store and many other locations hosting podcasts.
David Dowsey, head of marketing, media, communications and publications at the VACC told GoAutoNews Premium: “It’s a little bit like an FM morning breakfast radio show in that there’s news and views along with a panel discussion.
“There are interviews of a well known interview subject. We are getting people from different sectors of the industry. So: car dealers, recyclers, mechanical repair, body repair, tyres and so on so they can have a bit of a discussion about the industry because the podcast is industry focused.
“But what we have set out to do with the show is we want it to bring entertainment along with the industry education and discussion because what we realise is talking about tyre recycling can be incredibly interesting for some people, but not for all people.
“That’s why we have a lineup of hosts like Greg Rust who can steer the ship. We’ve got Shane Jacobson, who can bring that sort of passion and motoring enthusiasm. Shane Jacobson is immediately identifiable and a well-loved actor, presenter and knowledgeable automotive enthusiast.
“And then we have Goeff Gwilym who will bring rigour to the discussion. He’s the one who knows all the stats and figures and information, so he can talk with authority about the shape of the auto industry.
“It’s a really good mix because you need something meaty and you need to have a laugh as well. And that’s what we’re trying to bring to the concept,” Mr Dowsey said.
“So it is pacey and fun but, importantly, it has authority. Having such a respected industry commentator like Geoff Gwilym on board, and the resources and know-how available to VACC, really gives THE GRILLE a point of difference.”
From left: Shane Jacobson, Greg Rust and Geoff Gwilym
Mr Dowsey added that the show would have a well known guest every month.
“We’ll always have someone well known in the motoring world. Our first guest is Jeremy Clarkson,” he said. ‘That’s not a bad start. For Jeremy to say yes to appearing on THE GRILLE shows the commitment we have to quality.”
“We have invested, not only money, but considerable thought around it to give it the best chance of success because it will be something you can listen to and learn from, while being entertained.”
Mr Dowsey said that Greg Rust would be familiar to the audience from his motorsport commentary and through his own well-known podcast called Rusty’s Garage.
“Greg was bought in for a number of reasons. One, because we thought he was a credible host, in the sense that he has a strong motoring background and genuine connection to the industry. But he also has that professional hosting ability. And I also wanted access to his skills in podcasting.
“When we got Greg we also got LiSTNR who produce most of Australia’s best known podcasts with lots of big name people. They’re a professional organisation. They’re part of the Southern Cross network. And they’re experts in producing podcasts.
“It’s not an amateur production. We’re not just sitting in a room with one microphone and trying to make a podcast. It’s a fully professional production with studios, professional gear and audio engineers working on it.”
Mr Dowsey said that, as part of his role, Greg Rust was using his contacts to access people to take part in the show.
“There is a host of motorsport-type people, industry people, entertainers, and also people like scientists and engineers and design developers, so that we can talk about hydrogen vehicles and why that’s difficult at the moment. We can talk about flying cars, and why that may or may not be the future. We want authorities. We want the show to be an authority. So all of the people are top class people.”
Greg Rust, who is one of Australia’s best-known motorsport journalists and commentators with years of experience behind the microphone and in front of the camera said of his co-host Shane Jacobson: “When they told me my old mate Shane Jacobson was onboard I just had to be part of it. He’s got this proper, deep enthusiasm for cars and bikes that is infectious and, as you know, he lives life with a laugh so that’s a bit of a mantra that underpins THE GRILLE.”
Shane Jacobson said: “It’s such a rare thrill to be working with the best in the business, and THE GRILLE team really is the best. Greg Rust is so knowledgeable and well-connected within the automotive world, and Geoff Gwilym is Australia’s go-to guy for industry comment. What he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing.
“I’m really geared up for THE GRILLE. Talking about all things automotive? Try to stop me.”
VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym, an automotive professional with decades of industry experience, is bringing rigour and a business perspective to the show.
Mr Gwilym said: “There’s a good reason for teaming with Greg Rust and Shane Jacobson for THE GRILLE. We completely understand there are two components to a good podcast. One is great content, delivered in an authoritative way. The other essential element is entertainment. THE GRILLE delivers both.”
By John Mellor
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