In Episode 1 of GPT&Me, we take the long way around a short problem — building a Rails scaffold, manually. This episode covers everything from initializing the app and setting up PostgreSQL, to connecting the repo to GitHub and deploying to Heroku. We troubleshoot our way through the setup, fix routes, patch config files, and eventually get a working Task Manager online — no generators, no APIs, no delete button… but it’s live, and it works. It’s not perfect, but it’s real: a fully functional SMART-oriented Task Manager running on the web, built one careful commit at a time.
Welcome to GPT&Me — a new dev series where I build real Ruby on Rails apps side-by-side with ChatGPT. In Episode 0, we kick things off by talking about the series setup, the technologies we’ll use (Rails, WSL, PostgreSQL, Heroku, AWS), and the vision for what’s coming next: a task manager, calendar, blog, gallery, and more. Simple, powerful, and built live — without the bloat.
In this episode, the gang gets cleaned up and ready for dinner. From the traditional haircuts everyone always ends up with, to all the food we cooked and ate, this one captures the pre-dinner chaos and good vibes in true Pickled Pirates fashion.
From burnouts to excuses and drinking too much, this episode has it all. Watch what happens when he decides to lock the keys in the truck, and everything else he does that makes Dan the piece of shit we know and love. Everything in good fun as usual, the only way we know how to do it.
Episode 4 from The Pickled Pirates at Estranged Drags 2025 is all about smoke and minibike mayhem. We kick it off with a sped up version of the burnout that won the competition (full video also available on our channel), then we switch gears to fix and fire up the minibike and take it for a rip. The episode wraps with a POV run down the 1/8th mile minibike drags... Short, fast, and all the way ridiculous.
Episode 3 from Estranged Drags 2025 starts with a ride-along, then we spend some time with Ryder as he explores the “Seven Seas”, later he drives his TRX4M remote control truck around camp. Plenty of laughs, a random cuzi score, and just enough chaos. Another day with the Pickled Pirates.
A full walkthrough of the car show at Estranged Drags 2025. Most every car, front to back. Gassers, classics, LS swaps, muscle cars, and everything in between. Pure POV style, like you were there walking the aisles.
Episode 2 highlights Jason’s Falcon and Hutch’s Bel Air making passes down the 1/8 mile at Estranged Drags 2025. Classic cars, burnouts, and some chaos at the end to keep things interesting.
Episode 1 from Estranged Drags 2025. Rolling in, setting up camp, cracking the first beer, and hitting the strip for the first run of the weekend. Plenty of laughs, burnouts, and a shameless Pit Viper plug to kick things off.
Strapped into a Baja race truck and let loose on the SpeedVegas dirt track for 10 laps of jumps, drifts, and pure chaos. This is (mostly) unfiltered footage. Intro’s sped up a bit, but the rest is raw and gritty, just like the track. Originally featured in my Vegas 2025 reel on Instagram, here's the full story.
This is one of the first fabrication projects I completed in my shop! This WJ Cherokee features a 4-link suspension setup, Dana axle swaps on both ends, coilover suspension up front, and air shocks in the rear, resulting in an impressive amount of flex. It was an exciting project that allowed me to apply my skills and creativity in automotive fabrication. Check out the video to see the finished product in action and get a closer look at the features that make this build stand out!
Another fantastic weekend of camping, 4x4 off-roading, and everything in between! I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to share the experience with. The highlight was definitely taking Ryder on his first real camping adventure; seeing his excitement made it all the more special. Plus, I can’t forget to shout out a happy birthday to one of my best friends, Daniel! It was an amazing way to celebrate and create lasting memories together in the great outdoors.
What a fantastic way to celebrate my birthday weekend! The Nostalgia Drags at Toutle Motorsports Park brought together some of my favorite things—friends gathering to enjoy the thrill of 'old school' drag racing. The event featured an incredible car show, mouthwatering BBQ, and even a scenic river to relax by when we needed to cool off. It was a perfect blend of adrenaline and camaraderie, creating unforgettable memories with good company. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark the occasion!