Life With Middie, Our Tesla Experiences
83 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★ - 2 ratingsWant to know more about the car that is disrupting the Automotive Industry? Listen to our frequent Tesla ownership experiences. You'll learn valuable tips on getting the most out of the car as well as be entertained by our adventures. And check out our Audible audiobooks available for sale, just search Audible.com for "Douglas Birk" to preview our ever growing selection!
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Episodes
Episode 83: Episode 83 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 6 - 40 Years Together
June 11, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 19 MBOne year ago TODAY we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. Hear the details of a day we will never forget as we describe our experiences of Yellowstone Lake, the ScenicCruiser, and Gull Point Drive.
Episode 82: Episode 82 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 5 - Old Memories
April 13, 2024 00:00 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MBToday's episode in the #MiddyGoesToYellowstone series shares some tips and tricks for your trip to Yellowstone. I'm sure it's on your bucket list. You need to schedule it! Yellowstone is an ever changing, amazing place that is truly unique in the world. Enjoy hearing how things went on Day 5 of our trip!
Episode 81: Episode 81 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 4 - New Roads
December 29, 2023 00:00 - 8 minutes - 12 MBOur first full day in Yellowstone doesn't disappoint. We check out the Marina where we'll soon ride the SceniCruiser on our anniversary day as well as travel to the east entrance for the first time. And the adventures never end in Yellowstone as I have to avoid the female elk to safely get to the free charging stations at Teal Dorm across the street from the Lake Hotel.
Episode 80: Episode 80 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 3 - New Friends
November 25, 2023 00:00 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MBWe arrive at Yellowstone and meet another couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary! And seven more days await us as we make this road trip our most epic ever!
Episode 79: Episode 79 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 2 - Rain Rain Rain!
October 21, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MBThis episode continues our retro style episodes for #MiddyGoesToYellowstone, telling the story of our epic roadtrip back to Yellowstone to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. While we had a little different route than back in 2018, we again stopped to Supercharge at Rawlins WY and ate at the same Pizza Hut. FSD on the highway continued to make the trip even easier than it was in 2018.
Episode 78: Episode 78 - Apple Shortcuts Make Creating Your Own Tesla Voice Commands Possible!
August 19, 2023 00:00 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MBAmazing new iPhone version of the Tesla App (V4.24.0 or newer) gives you the power to create your own voice commands using the Apple Shortcuts app! And... we have setup a new Crowd Sourced list of these shortcuts that you can use and to which you can contribute your own!
Episode 77: Episode 77 - EV Dave Shares His Passion For EVs and His EV History
July 24, 2023 00:00 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBI've been following EV Dave since 2020 when I first found out he had given his then new 2020 Tesla Model Y to Kyle Conner of Out of Spec to test and experience. After several attempts, we were able to meet in person for the first time. I asked some questions about how he got started in EVs and the amazing list of cars he's owned in the last eight years. I learned some things I never knew before! You'll learn why you too should follow EV Dave on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@ev...
Episode 76: Episode 76 - #MiddyGoesToYellowstone - Day 1 - Runza Runza Runza!
June 20, 2023 00:00 - 14 minutes - 19.9 MBThis episode we start our retro style episodes for #MiddyGoesToYellowstone, telling the story of our epic roadtrip back to Yellowstone to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Day 1 we drive 566 miles to our night stop in Kearney, NE and we experience Runza for the first time.
Episode 75: Episode 75 - FSD V11.3.4 - Tesla Did It, They Really Did It!
April 02, 2023 00:00 - 28 minutes - 39 MBFinally! Middy gets FSD Version 11, and did Tesla actually make a better Autopilot? Just listen and find out if "FSD on the Highway" is a true successor to Autopilot and (N)avigate (O)n (A)utopilot... And... is "Average" the best word I can use to describe it?
Episode 74: Episode 74 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Days 6 and 7, Let’s Go Home
March 05, 2023 00:00 - 11 minutes - 15.2 MBEvery good roadtrip has a destination and finishes back home. This one was no different. I wished it would never end. But it had to.
Episode 73: Episode 73 - Tesla's New Mobile Tire Service Truck Is A Great Innovation and Why My Tesla CCS Adapter Will Stay In The Trunk
February 05, 2023 00:00 - 19 minutes - 26.4 MBThis episode we talk about our recent experience with Tesla’s new Mobile Tire Service Truck that brings tire repair and replacement directly to you, either on the road or at home. Also, we’ll discuss our experience with Tesla’s CCS Adapter and key things we’ve learned from those experiences in light of other manufacturers’ vehicles getting bricked at Electrify America chargers.
Episode 72: Episode 72 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 5 - Tesla Universe Happy Hour Live in Austin, TX
December 14, 2022 00:00 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MBHear the behind the scenes story of the toughest ticket to get during Cyber Rodeo... Well, maybe the 2nd most... Tesla Universe's Happy Hour Live at the Cedar Door Bar and Grill in downtown Austin April 8th, 2022! Also, we give a brief history of Tesla Universe and how it all got started! Finally, what's next for Tesla Universe events and how you can join us!
Episode 71: Episode 71 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 4 - Chasing The Golden Ticket
November 06, 2022 00:00 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBHear never before shared details on the chase for the Cyber Rodeo "Golden Ticket". It was a memorable day with my friend Craig, members of Tesla Universe from around the world, the Mansion, what an adventure! Yee Haw!
Episode 70: Episode 70 - CEO of EVowy.com Shares Why You Should Join Middy To Get Free Battery Health Reports
October 04, 2022 00:00 - 39 minutes - 54.3 MBFind out more as I interview the CEO of EVowy.com about their company. EVowy is focused on providing EV car owners free battery health reports!
Episode 69: Episode 69 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 3 - The First Time We Saw Giga Texas
August 24, 2022 00:00 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MBThere's just something special about the number "69" in the Tesla Community, and episode 69 turns out to be one of my favorites where we retell the story of seeing Giga Texas for the very first time! Much thanks to Sara J Awesome and Erum who shared the experience with my wife Deborah and my good friend and Convoy partner Craig.
Episode 68: Episode 68 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 2 - The Things We Do for BBQ
July 01, 2022 00:00 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBWe continue telling the story of #MiddyGoesToAustin, focusing on April 5th's driving and meeting other Tesla owners and enthusiasts at Terry Black's BBQ, TeslaCon's first event.
Episode 67: Episode 67 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - Day 1 - Back On The Road Again
May 31, 2022 00:00 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBPerformed in the older story-telling style of our original podcast episodes, we start telling the story of #MiddyGoesToAustin. This episode also includes some background info in the almost two months that lead up to the start of the roadtrip.
Episode 66: Episode 66 - TeslaCon Interviews - Part 3
May 04, 2022 00:00 - 39 minutes - 54 MBIn our third of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we interview our friend Sara J Awesome! Whether you're already a subscriber to her YouTube channel or hearing her tell her story for the first time, you'll soon know how she initially got interested in Tesla and what keeps her passionate.
Episode 65: Episode 65 - TeslaCon Interviews - Part 2
April 24, 2022 00:00 - 14.3 MBIn our second of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we visit Terry Black BBQ for TeslaCon on April 5th and interview Erick The Dream Guy (@ericthedreamguy on Twitter, search for "Erick the Goat Guy" on YouTube"). Also, we interview Julia Love, the owner of the Doge McLaren (@realjulialove @dogeclaren on Twitter).
Episode 64: Episode 64 - #MiddyGoesToAustin - The TeslaCon Interviews - Part 1
April 16, 2022 00:00 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBIn our first of a series of #MiddyGoesToAustin episodes, we interview Matthew Wallace (@MattWallace1701 on Twitter, search for "Matthew Wallace Tesla" on YouTube"). We met at the Clive Bar during TeslaCon's 1st stop on their Pub Crawl. We share a passion for Tesla, Model Y, and FSD Beta. I ask what got him started with his interest in Tesla and what keeps him passionate concerning all things Tesla. Enjoy the interview and please check him out on YouTube and Twitter!
Episode 63: Episode 63 - Tesla Software Deployments
February 22, 2022 00:00 - 12 minutes - 17.8 MBThis episode we’ll talk about Tesla Software deployments and why your car isn’t lying to you when it says you have the latest version when everyone else on Twitter says you don’t!
Episode 62: Episode 62 - We Sold Middie to VRoom!
December 31, 2021 00:00 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MBWhat?? Sold Middie? What about the podcast? Is this the end? Of course not! We'll share why it was time to sell and how to sell your car on VRoom!
Episode 61: Episode 61 - More Safety Tips for FSD Beta Testers and New Voice Commands
November 04, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 14.6 MBThis episode we’ll talk about a few key safety tips when testing FSD Beta, one in particular that you need to be aware of. Not all disengagement methods work the same. And, we’ll review some useful additions to the Voice Commands List!
Episode 60: Episode 60 - More Opportunities To Get FSD Beta and Tips for New Testers
October 22, 2021 00:00 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MBDeployment of FSD Beta happens more often than some people realize. Faster than "Two Weeks"! Learn about this new pattern emerging and how it gives you more chances to receive FSD Beta. AND, important tips for new testers. Of course, all tips are provided for entertainment purposes only and do not guarantee to prevent accident. You are responsible for the vehicle.
Episode 59: Episode 59 - What It's Like To Be a New FSD Beta Tester and What You Can Do NOW To Join Us In The Next Wave
October 13, 2021 00:00 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBWhat a privilege to become an FSD Beta Tester and a dream come true! But now, the work begins, either driving to test, or testing while driving. And I'll share what you can do NOW to join the next wave of FSD beta testers!
Episode 58: Episode 58 - How To Increase Your Chances Of Getting FSD Beta
September 23, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBMany of us who have purchased or are subscribed to FSD have been waiting for this opportunity for a LONG time. I offer some dos and don'ts that hopefully should increase our chances of getting FSD beta after we "press the button". Image Credit - EveryAmp / The Artists fka LivingTesla / Eva Fox
Episode 57: Episode 57 - Testing DMS in 2021.32.5, How Long Will The Hands Free Bliss Last, and Can I Still Wear Cheap Sunglasses?
September 02, 2021 00:00 - 8 minutes - 11.7 MBAre the days of torquing the wheel over? Maybe soon! Could DMS, or Driver Monitoring System, truly replace touching the wheel to let Autopilot know you're there and attentive? Maybe! Listen to learn more about my experiences driving, er, letting Middy drive with my attentive supervision.
Episode 56: Episode 56 - First Impressions of Driver Inattentiveness Monitoring Using the Cabin Camera in 2021.32.5
September 01, 2021 00:00 - 5 minutes - 7.92 MBWhile not often, I'm getting an early look at the new Driver Inattentiveness feature in Tesla Autopilot in 2021.32.5. I'm sharing some first impressions and look forward to more details in episode 57 as I do more testing tomorrow.
Episode 55: Episode 55 - Middy's 1 Year Anniversary - What We've Learned So Far
July 20, 2021 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MBTime to look back on our first year with our 2020 Model Y named "Middy". Hopefully you'll learn some key details to help you select the right car for you! Ready for order your Tesla, use my referral code https://ts.la/douglas39617 to earn 1000 miles or 1600 kilometers of free supercharging!
Episode 54: Episode 54 - Middy Gets The PWS Retrofit (Boombox!), Service Loaner Tips, Uber Credits, PCS Warranty Info, and Our Partnership with NotATeslaApp!
May 27, 2021 00:00 - 19 minutes - 26.2 MBThis long overdue episode focuses on service tips, the PWS Retrofit (Boombox enabled!), PCS failures covered under the HV Battery Warranty, and our new partnership with NotATeslaApp.com!
Episode 53: Episode 53 - Zero Degree Range and Supercharger Tests, Can You Really Travel in the Dead of Winter?
March 06, 2021 00:00 - 11 minutes - 16.2 MBWhile we share our "in the dead of winter" range and supercharger test results with Middy our 2020 Model Y, we also comment on Tesla's new Engagement Hub called "Engage" as well as vent a little after the Cybertruck RC pre-order fail.
Episode 52: Episode 52 - An Update About Off Peak Charging and How Texas Tesla Owners Can Now Save Money While Also Using Renewable Energy Via EV.Energy!
November 28, 2020 00:00 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBOff peak charging is something Middie does all the time, and it's still as simple as plug it and forget it. Learn more about this growing trend and, if you're a Texas Tesla owner, find out how to save money charging your car at home using the same software Middie uses every night!
Episode 51 - First Fall Range Tests and the Power Of The Heat Pump!
November 04, 2020 00:00 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MBMore range tests, now at lower fall temperatures, give us our first indication of the Power of the Heat Pump! And, are people still submitting new voice commands to teslavoice.glideapp.io?
Episode 50 - I Test Drove a Porsche Taycan, Could This Spell the End of My Tesla Love Affair? And Is The Model Y Quieter Inside Than The Model 3?
October 18, 2020 00:00 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBAs a 9 year old I experienced my first Porsche ride, and driving the new 2020 Porsche Taycan was quite the experience! You'll learn if my love affair with Middie and Middy is over, and find out if the Model Y is quieter than the Model 3.
Episode 49 - Surprising Model Y Range Test Results, Middie and Middy Read Speed Limit Signs, and Results from the Managed EV Charging Pilot
September 11, 2020 00:00 - 13 minutes - 19 MBWe take advantage of having Middie and Middy by performing a range test that produces surprising results. We review Ameren's Managed EV Charging Pilot that just finished along with my first impressions of Speed Limit Sign Recognition in 2020.36!
Episode 48 - Off Peak Charging That Is Finally Set It And Forget It!
August 26, 2020 00:00 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MBA Life With Middie exclusive group podcast with representatives from Ameren, the Electric Power Research Institute, and EV.Energy! We discuss an innovative pilot program focused on making off peak charging literally as easy as set it and forget it!
Episode 47 - Middy's Contactless Delivery, Why Buying Your Second Tesla is Different from the First Time, and Voice Command Changes
July 28, 2020 00:00 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBWe'll share details of our recent delivery of Middy, our new 2020 Tesla Model Y. You'll learn why it's a different experience the second time around, and discover recent voice command updates, ones that don't work on the Model Y (yet), and others that don't exist anymore (that I'll personally miss!)
Episode 46 - Getting Ready for Your Tesla Delivery, How to Know Your Order Status Before Tesla Calls, and the Debut of "And Now, A Word From Another Listener"
July 11, 2020 00:00 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MBFirst of all... MIDDY LIVES!!! We'll talk a little about us getting ready to take delivery of our LR AWD, MSM, FSD, White Interior, Gemini Wheels Model Y named Middy on July 16, 2020. You'll hear how to get ready for your delivery, how to know the status of your order before you hear from Tesla, and our new segment entitled "And Now, A Word From Another Listener"!
Episode 45 - Two Year Delivery Anniversary, Traffic/Stop Pro Tips, and a Voice Commands List Update
May 27, 2020 00:00 - 15 minutes - 20.7 MBWe'll reveal why we named our Model 3 "Middie", what it didn't have as standard equipment in May 2018 that it has now, do a deep dive on Traffic Light / Stop Sign Control, and finish with a Voice Commands List Update!
Episode 44 - Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control Goes Public!
April 25, 2020 00:00 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBIt's not normal for me to produce daily podcast episodes... UNTIL TODAY! I'll share my experience with the latest step towards Full Self Driving and what you have to look forward to when you get this software on YOUR Tesla!
Episode 43 - Two Year Maintenance and Contactless Service - It's Easier Than You Think
April 24, 2020 00:00 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBYou'll learn the specific things that make up a Model 3's two year maintenance cycle as well as how to take advantage of contactless service to maximize your safety during the pandemic.
Episode 42 - COVID-19 and Long Term Storage
April 10, 2020 00:00 - 4 minutes - 5.51 MBAlong with an encouraging word and recognition that we're all going through "Tesla Withdrawal" during the COVID-19 Pandemic, learn how to take care of your Tesla's battery pack while it sits for long periods of time.
Episode 41 - Tips and Tricks Part 1
March 12, 2020 00:00 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBLearn how to solve these common problems to increase enjoyment of your Model 3 and soon... Model Y! 1. Completing Google Login for Web Browser and YouTube Entertainment App 2. Voice Commands List, highlighting Google commands you can use on road trips 3. Accessing Your Saved YouTube Channels and YouTube TV from the YouTube Entertainment App 4. Unlocking YouTube TV Shows That Require Location (Sporting Events) 5. Changing the Navigation's Home or Work Addresses
Episode 40 - Daily Charging Habits
February 27, 2020 00:00 - 13 minutes - 17.9 MBTo celebrate our 21st month anniversary with Middie and in response to literally hundreds of requests via Facebook and other social media sources, easy to follow Dos and Don'ts for daily charging your Model 3. I'll be sharing this from now. Feel free to do the same and save yourself some keystrokes!
Model Y Discount!
January 30, 2020 00:00 - 5 minutes - 8.18 MBImagine pre-ordering a car that will be in high demand. And then Tesla upgrades your wheels AND discounts the price! Who else but Tesla! Middy is now cheaper, better, and more efficient before my first day of ownership, thanks Tesla and Elon!
Episode 38 - Smart Summon Pro Tips and Etiquette
January 07, 2020 00:00 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBTime to share my Top Five “Don’t Use” Smart Summon Locations along with some Pro Tips and Etiquette to get the most out of Smart Summon while not offending other drivers. You'll learn from my experiences and hopefully avoid Smart Summon "Fail".
Episode 37 - V10.2 Voice Commands
December 27, 2019 00:00 - 12 minutes - 17 MBWow, Elon Claus and the Tesla Team made Christmas 2019 one to remember for some time to come! To date, the Tesla Community has found 86 voice commands! Listen where you can find a list of these commands and how you can help us find even more!
Alternative Routes and Adverse Conditions
December 13, 2019 00:00 - 13 minutes - 18.4 MBIn this last episode of our series on road trips, we share how to navigate when charging options are limited or non-existent. We finish with some tips on driving and using autopilot (or not) in adverse conditions.
Episode 35 - Charging During a Roadtrip
September 05, 2019 00:00 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBAs part of our continuing series, we talk about how to make the most out of the supercharging network no matter the variant of Model 3 you have! You'll learn how "the 20% Strategy" will help eliminate range anxiety while speeding you along your route.
Episode 34 - Planning a Roadtrip
August 10, 2019 00:00 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBStarting with this new episode, we're switching from story telling to sharing what we've learned as we drive Middie AND as she drives us! This episode starts a series focused on road trips. Learn how we planned #MiddieGoesToYellowstone, #MiddieGoesToSpringTraining, and #MiddieGoesToMWTG2019 (Midwest Tesla Gathering) @LifeMiddie