Life With Middie, Our Tesla Experiences: Recent Episodes
Douglas Birk
Want 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!
Amazing 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!
I'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/@evdave528)
This 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.
Hear 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!
Find 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!
There'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.
We 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.
Performed 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.
In 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.
In 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).
In 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!
This 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!
What?? 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!
This 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!
Deployment 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.
What 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!
Many 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
Are 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.
While 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.
Time 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!
This 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!
While 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.
Off 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!
More 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?
As 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.
We 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!
A 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!
We'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!)
First 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"!
We'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!
It'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!
You'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.
Along 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.
Learn how to solve these common problems to increase enjoyment of your Model 3 and soon... Model Y!
- Completing Google Login for Web Browser and YouTube Entertainment App
- Voice Commands List, highlighting Google commands you can use on road trips
- Accessing Your Saved YouTube Channels and YouTube TV from the YouTube Entertainment App
- Unlocking YouTube TV Shows That Require Location (Sporting Events)
- Changing the Navigation's Home or Work Addresses
To 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!
Imagine 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!
Time 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".
Wow, 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!
In 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.
As 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.
Starting 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
Tesla doesn't update all cars at the same time. So, getting new software isn't like how it works on your phone.
Time to look back and realize the change we've already experienced now that we've driven a Model 3 for 31 days.
Bedside assembly was where Middie caused us to be this Sunday morning. And Alexa couldn't save the day.
Our first car show, and while the focus would be exotics, you know who is the star of every parking lot she graces with her presence!
It's time for Middie's first "Cars and Coffee", and we can't show up with Yellowstone dirt! Besides, any car drives better when it's clean...
Today was a tale of two chargers, one ultra dependable, super fast and in demand, the other my old Voltec that finally gives up the ghost.
With our 35th Wedding Anniversary trip now a cherished memory, time to go back to work. And Creep Mode gets engaged as I barely avoid a minor fender bender.
Finally, our two weeks of vacation are at an end. But a stop for a charge and lunch at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Jasper Indiana made our last day special and brought back many fond memories.
Wow, Jasper Indiana is an EV oasis in Southern Indiana, and I'm so proud to say it's my hometown!
It's another day of travel, and time to see if a Model 3 can really go 310 miles on a charge.
861 miles driving in one day with a Model 3? Oh yes, this isn't just a commuter car, it's the one that does it all!
As with every vacation, it was time to go back home. And the wildlife came out early to clear the way and send us off in style.
Our last full day in Yellowstone, and it was more amazing than we could have ever expected. A lone pronghorn defends her territory against two coyotes, and we were there to see it!
With Middie taking advantage of the descent, we encounter what makes Yellowstone so unique, the 300+ geysers that blanket the southwest portion of the park. And a visit to "Old Faithful" validates that this is an official trip.
While not a part of the original "plan" for the day, our Tesla Model 3 gets broken in a little too soon!
It's our 35th wedding anniversary, and it's the first (and likely last time) we'll ever see snow fall on our special day!
Today we experienced the Upper Falls' power and fury and enjoyed Middie's cold weather creature comforts for the first time. Then, it was time to venture out on a frosty trail for an old fashioned cowboy cookout.
Three days on the road to Yellowstone results in the smell of Hydrogen Sulfide , bubbling mud, a bison siting, and free electricity for Middie!
Our second day reminds us of God's blessings and the beauty of His creation. And free Pizza Hut caps off a wonderful day on the road.
We begin our 1,400+ mile drive to Yellowstone with a full Frunk and Trunk and six Supercharger stops later, we're ready for more!
We're one day away from starting the biggest adventure of our lives so far, and it's far longer than what 310 miles of range can take us!
Not a normal drive to work as I witness an accident right in front of me. But Middie has my back!
While meeting new friends and sharing a good time photographing our new Model 3s, we later perform a shakedown cruise in preparation for our #MiddieGoesToYellowstone roadtrip. And she reminds us who's the sheriff of Autopilot!
Middie is quite the Diva but willingly leaves her friendly confines (the garage) to take me to the ballgame!
Today my wife of 35 years joins Middie as being responsive and positive once again.
And don't miss participating in our free audiobook giveaways with an email to lifewithmiddie@gmail.com, starting this month!
With my wife in the hospital and Middie at the Tesla Service Center, the day started rough, but I discovered that absence truly makes the heart grow fonder, for both of the ladies in my life! And one of them makes it back home...
Listen as I detail Middie's first and hopefully last flat bed ride to the Service Center!
Enjoy the music that accompanied our first day (May 26th) with Middie
Gift on the Altar Praise - Praises on the Altar, Volume II
https://open.spotify.com/album/4dRTyTus1y3R5foDxSxJKt?si=xDm_eZ1ySvKBIXbQrr3BUQ
Model 3 Midnight Silver Roadtrip Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/user/dbirk/playlist/2QY7RaYuCqb0cstiCAGStd?si=EXjTmrQ_Rpes1_id2h5eoQ
Ready to learn about an EV lifestyle with a Tesla Model 3? Join us as we share our ups and downs, our joy and our pain with "Middie", our Midnight Silver with Aero wheels Tesla Model 3.