Episodes

  • 🎙️ The Untold Stories Behind Hot Wheels, Micro Machines, and More | Featuring Doug Arcuri

    🎙️ The Untold Stories Behind Hot Wheels, Micro Machines, and More | Featuring Doug Arcuri
    Dec 7 2025
    In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck and David sit down with Doug Arcuri, author of Undercover Toy Stories: An Anthology of Real American Inventions. Doug brings to light some of the hidden histories and unsung heroes behind some of the most iconic toys of the last century.
    From behind-the-scenes stories of Hot Wheels, Micro Machines, and other nostalgic brands to surprising revelations about how these toys were developed and marketed, this episode offers a fresh look at the engineering, innovation, and even controversies that shaped the toy industry.
    If you’re a collector, a toy historian, or someone who grew up racing diecast cars across the kitchen floor, this is a deep dive you won't want to miss.
    🧠 In this episode, we explore:
    ✅ The origin stories behind Hot Wheels and Micro Machines
    ✅ How engineering shaped the toys we still love today
    ✅ Forgotten inventors and industry shakeups
    ✅ Nostalgia and its lasting influence on collectors
    ✅ What inspired Doug to uncover these hidden stories
    📘 Grab Doug’s book: Undercover Toy Stories
    📺 Watch now on YouTube.com/@DiecastBreakdown
    🕠 New episodes Sundays at 5:30 PM ET
    #DiecastBreakdown #DougArcuri #UndercoverToyStories #HotWheelsHistory #MicroMachines #DiecastCollectors #ToyIndustrySecrets #DiecastCommunity #VintageToys #1to64 #ToyCollecting #DiecastCars #ToyHistory
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    50 mins
  • 🚗 Amy Boylan on KILO Wheels, RLC History & Elevating the Diecast Hobby

    🚗 Amy Boylan on KILO Wheels, RLC History & Elevating the Diecast Hobby
    Nov 9 2025
    In this must-watch episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck and David sit down with Amy Boylan, one of the most influential figures in diecast history. From helping launch Mattel’s Red Line Club to her latest venture with the high-end diecast brand KILO Wheels, Amy has helped shape the direction of the hobby for collectors around the world.
    We dive into Amy's fascinating journey, from working in video games to managing iconic automotive brands like Shelby American and bringing that same level of passion and precision to KILO Wheels, a new company focused on true-to-scale, intricately detailed diecast cars for serious collectors.
    She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time at Mattel, the creation of the Red Line Club, and how she’s building KILO Wheels with a collector-first mindset. If you care about where the diecast hobby is headed, this is essential viewing.
    Check out Kilo Wheelz: https://kilowheelz.com/
    And their Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2329924264074954
    🔥 In this episode, we cover:
    ✅ The origin story of the Red Line Club at Mattel
    ✅ What makes KILO Wheels different from other brands
    ✅ Amy’s work with legacy franchises like Shelby and Hot Wheels
    ✅ Why collector feedback is essential in product development
    ✅ The future of premium diecast and where the hobby is heading

    🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/
    🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/
    💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/
    🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/

    🌐Diecast Media Network is:
    🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org: @drivendreamsorg
    🚙 David TWYCE Diecast: @twycediecast
    🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions
    💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/
    🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign
    🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com

    #AmyBoylan #KILOWheels #RedLineClub #HotWheelsRLC #DiecastCommunity #PremiumDiecast #DiecastCars #DiecastCollectors #1to64 #HotWheelsHistory #ShelbyAmerican #CustomDiecast #DiecastCulture
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    53 mins
  • LIVE! Diecast News, Casting of the Year, and Diecast Day of Giving Update

    LIVE! Diecast News, Casting of the Year, and Diecast Day of Giving Update
    Oct 27 2025
    We're LIVE talking about the latest in diecast news plus, we're talking Diecast Day of Giving plus we're opening up submissions for the best casting of 2025. Join the conversation with your picks for the best new cars and trucks in 1/64th scale.

    🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/
    🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/
    💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/
    🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/

    🌐Diecast Media Network is:
    🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org: @drivendreamsorg
    🚙 David TWYCE Diecast: @twycediecast
    🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions
    💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/
    🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign
    🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com
    Want to make your own show? It's a lot easier with StreamYard. Check them out here and if you subscribe it helps support DiecastBreakdown. https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6751882945757184
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    59 mins
  • Behind the Incredible Acme City: 1/64 Dioramas & Custom Drag Racing with Tom Kalinowski

    Behind the Incredible Acme City: 1/64 Dioramas & Custom Drag Racing with Tom Kalinowski
    Oct 12 2025
    In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck and David take you on a tour of @acmesdiorama9301 an insanely detailed 1:64 scale diecast diorama created by builder and customizer Tom Kalinowski.
    From scratch-built buildings and hand-painted signage to functional streetlights and drag strips, Tom has crafted an entire miniature world that captures the spirit of American car culture—one brick at a time. He also gives us a sneak peek at his latest custom drag racing setup, featuring fully detailed custom Hot Wheels and other 1/64 scale castings ready to throw down!
    Whether you're into diorama building, custom diecast cars, or just love seeing creativity in action, this episode is packed with inspiration, techniques, and ideas for collectors and builders of all levels.
    🛠️ In this episode, you'll learn:
    ✅ How Tom builds realistic 1/64 scale cityscapes from scratch
    ✅ Lighting, signage, and photography tips for diorama realism
    ✅ How custom drag racing works in miniature scale
    ✅ Behind-the-scenes of Acme City's evolution
    ✅ Advice for new builders entering the diorama side of the hobby
    🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/
    🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/
    💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/
    🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/

    🌐Diecast Media Network is:
    🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org: @drivendreamsorg
    🚙 David TWYCE Diecast: @twycediecast
    🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions
    💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/
    🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign
    🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • How to Collect Diecast Cars the RIGHT Way LIVE with Harry Crosland

    How to Collect Diecast Cars the RIGHT Way LIVE with Harry Crosland
    Sep 30 2025
    We’re going LIVE for a special episode of Diecast Breakdown where we’re talking all about how to collect diecast the RIGHT way—with tips to make your hobby more fun, more fulfilling, and less frustrating.
    Our guest is Harry Crosland, a lifelong collector with experience across multiple hobbies—comics, sports cards, action figures, and now diecast! He’s sharing what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to building a collection you actually love, instead of chasing hype.
    Plus, we’re sharing the latest diecast news, community updates, and doing a full unboxing of Jada’s Majorette Collection Series 1 cases LIVE on the show!
    💬 Come hang out in the live chat, share your thoughts, and join the discussion!
    ✅ Topics we’ll cover:
    • Collecting tips from lifelong collectors
    • Avoiding burnout and collector regret
    • How to buy smart and stay passionate
    • Diecast news from around the hobby
    • LIVE Majorette Series 1 case unboxing
    #DiecastTips #DiecastCommunity #Majorette #JadaToys #DiecastCars #DiecastCollectors #1to64 #ModelCars #HotWheels #DiecastNews
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 🚗 Inside the Launch of Kilo Wheels with Bryan Pope | Diecast Breakdown 🔧🔥

    🚗 Inside the Launch of Kilo Wheels with Bryan Pope | Diecast Breakdown 🔧🔥
    Sep 14 2025
    In this episode of Diecast Breakdown, Chuck, David, and Mark sit down with Bryan Pope, award-winning customizer and co-founder of the exciting new diecast brand Kilo Wheels.
    From his roots in graphic design and automotive painting to making waves in the custom diecast world, Bryan shares his journey from passionate hobbyist to full-fledged diecast manufacturer. With collaborators like Mike Zarnock and Michael Heralda on board, Kilo Wheels is aiming to shake up the 1:64 scale market with true-to-scale, highly detailed models that blend passion, precision, and personality.
    We dive into the behind-the-scenes challenges of launching a new diecast brand—from navigating licensing and working with first-time factories to building community through an exclusive membership club. This episode is all about big dreams, bold moves, and the drive it takes to build something new in the competitive world of diecast.
    🔥 In this episode, we cover:
    ✅ Bryan’s path from custom builder to brand founder
    ✅ How Kilo Wheels is raising the bar in 1:64 scale
    ✅ Working with factories new to diecast manufacturing
    ✅ Why attention to detail and authenticity matter
    ✅ Building a brand with icons like Zarnock and Heralda
    ✅ How YOU can be part of the Kilo Wheels community

    #KiloWheels #CustomDiecast #DiecastCars #DiecastCommunity #DiecastCollectors #ModelCars
    🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/
    🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/
    💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/
    🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/

    🌐Diecast Media Network is:
    🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org: @drivendreamsorg
    🚙 David TWYCE Diecast: @twycediecast
    🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions
    💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/
    🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign
    🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com
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    50 mins
  • What's New In Diecast? Show and Tell August 31, 2025 LIVE!

    What's New In Diecast? Show and Tell August 31, 2025 LIVE!
    Sep 8 2025
    We’re BACK with another Diecast Breakdown Live, and today we’re diving into what’s hot in diecast for Summer 2025—and what’s still on the horizon for the rest of the year!
    Join Chuck, David, and friends as we break down the latest diecast releases, share some new additions to our own collections, and highlight the brands, castings, and collabs we’re most excited (or concerned) about as we head into fall.
    🎯 Whether you’re hunting the latest chase, building customs, or just love talking shop, this is your chance to hang out live, share your thoughts, and get a closer look at what’s driving the hobby forward.
    💬 Join the chat, show us your latest finds, and let us know what YOU'RE excited about!
    🕠 Streaming LIVE – August 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM Eastern / 2:30 PM Pacific
    📍 YouTube.com/@DiecastBreakdown
    #DiecastBreakdown #DiecastLive #WhatsNewInDiecast #DiecastCollectors #DiecastNews #HotWheels #Matchbox #JadaToys #MiniGT #DiecastCommunity #1to64 #DiecastCulture #ModelCars

    🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/
    🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/
    💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/
    🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/

    🌐Diecast Media Network is:
    🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org: @drivendreamsorg
    🚙 David TWYCE Diecast: @twycediecast
    🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions
    💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/
    🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign
    🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com
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    57 mins
  • Behind the Scenes with Jada and Majorette: Darryl Li Returns!

    Behind the Scenes with Jada and Majorette: Darryl Li Returns!
    Jul 27 2025
    In this episode of Die Cast Breakdown, Darryl Li from Jada Toys is back to discuss the latest from their iconic diecast brand. They cover their recent successes, including the popular pink slips series and the upcoming majorette collection. Darryl shares behind-the-scenes stories from major events like Supercon (and Comic Con!) and talks about the meticulous process behind Jada Toys' collaborations with renowned franchises like Fast & Furious, Ghostbusters, and Jurassic Park. This episode offers an authentic glimpse into the passion and creativity driving one of the biggest names in diecast.
    🏁🏎️Help us collect 25,000 cars for kids in need. Learn more at https://www.drivendreams.org/
    🚘🎥 Support Diecast Media Network, buy merch, and more!: http://diecastmedianetwork.com/
    💰Save 15% on all orders from SK75 Works with code "DMN." https://www.sk75works.co.uk/
    🎨 Get some amazing automotive art here: https://fireballtimgarage.art/

    🌐Diecast Media Network is:
    🚗 Mark Driven Dreams Org: @drivendreamsorg
    🚙 David TWYCE Diecast: @twycediecast
    🏎️ Phia Madd Visions: @maddvisions
    💁‍♀️ Kimber: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberw/
    🎨 Jepeg Designs - https://www.teepublic.com/user/jepegdesign
    🛠️ Chuck: https://www.chuckellis.com
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    55 mins