Tag: Gail’s Tesla Podcast

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep. 144: Experiencing V 14 Autonomy with Lightning-Fast Parking!

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Hey Tesla Autonomy fans, Gail Alfar from Gail’s Tesla Podcast! Episode 144 is a live X broadcast from my Tesla Model 3, showcasing the jaw-dropping power of FSD V 14. Jump into the video (linked on X) for the full ride—especially the parking magic at 6:15. Here’s the scoop: blazing autonomy, Mad Max mode to County Line BBQ, and why this is going to change everything.

At 6:15 in the livesream, V 14 backs into the perfect parking spot!

Live Ride: Austin to BBQ

I set up Livestreaming in X in my Model 3 in Austin, and began cruising to County Line BBQ. FSD 14’s neural nets are better than ever—smooth merges, sharp lane switches, zero fuss. We flipped to Mad Max mode for that bold, Texas vibe, slicing through traffic with safe precision.

What I thought was a disadvantage (I’m currently unable to upload any videos to X) turned into something fun and also fast, I have no post production editing to do for this pod, as livestream’s are what they are!

Mad Max Parking Heroics

The showstopper hits at 6:15 in the livestream—FSD 14 in Mad Max mode spots a tight parking space at County Line BBQ and nails it. Lightning-fast, the Model 3 locks onto the spot, reverses, and backs in with surgical speed, inches from perfection. No hesitation, no corrections—just pure AI brilliance parking faster than any human could. This moment had me floored, and I was thinking how wild it is to experience this. This that will one day be normal. Steps away from BBQ heaven, I truly love Tesla, Texas, AND BBQ!

At 6:15 in the livesream, V 14 backs into the perfect parking spot!

Tech Takeaways

  • FSD Elite: V14’s end-to-end learning makes Mad Max a parking wizard—safe, swift, stunning.
  • Autonomy Freedom: Hands-free rides like this redefine travel.
  • Live Buzz: The broadcast captures the thrill—6:15 is your must-see.

Catch the live ep on X and fast-forward to 6:15 for that parking flex.

—Gail

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep. 139: Robotaxi to Sushi by Scratch (across from Driskill Hotel) & Seamless Austin Cruise

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Welcome back! This is Gail Alfar from Gail’s Tesla Podcast! Episode 139 captures a smooth Robotaxi run to Sushi by Scratch near the Driskill Hotel, plus an Austin cruise where we spot another Robotaxi ahead. The X video (about 8 minutes) dives into safety, security, and affordability chats. Here’s the quick breakdown for you busy engineers.

The Summon and Cruise

Started with a Robotaxi summon for a seamless downtown Austin glide. FSD handled traffic like a pro—precise merges, no hesitations. Spotted another Robotaxi leading the way, highlighting Tesla’s growing fleet presence. Perfect demo of network effects in action.

Sushi Stop and Vibes

Dropped off across from the historic Driskill Hotel at Sushi by Scratch. Quick, curbside precision parking let us jump straight into the meal. Chatted on the ride about Robotaxi’s edge: Top-tier safety via AI sensors, secure Bluetooth access, and unbeatable affordability—no tips needed, total for THREE rides just $11.53.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep. 139: Robotaxi to Sushi by Scratch (across from Driskill Hotel)

Tech Takeaways

  • Safety & Security: AI owns edge cases, Bluetooth locks add peace of mind.
  • Affordability Win: Low cost, high convenience—beats traditional rideshares.
  • Fleet Future: Spotting peers shows scalability; autonomy’s here.

Catch the ep on X. What will happen to Lyft and Uber when people have the choice on a wide basis to save up to 75% on ride costs consistently?

—Gail

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep. 138: Tesla Robotaxi Austin Autonomous Rollout Elon Musk Q2 Earnings Insights

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Hey Tesla supporters, this is Gail Alfar from Gail’s Tesla Podcast! Episode 138 pairs Elon Musk’s Q2 earnings highlights with real Austin Robotaxi footage.

The X video (under 7 minutes) is packed—check it for the full audio and drives. Here’s the breakdown: rollout wins, regulatory pushes, and autonomy’s edge.

Key Rollout Updates

Elon details Robotaxi’s Austin launch: Unsupervised rides for paying customers, no driver needed. Service area’s expanding fast—bigger than competitors, with more growth in weeks. Footage shows Model Ys navigating urban streets, parking, and night drives flawlessly.

Expansion and Regs

Permissions pending for Bay Area, Nevada, Arizona, Florida. Goal: Cover half US population with autonomous hailing by year-end, safety first. Europe and China FSD approvals incoming—expect sales spikes once supervised mode unlocks.

Robotaxi App is elegant and beautiful to use.

Sales and Tech Edge

Model Y tops global charts, even without full autonomy. Supervised FSD’s a huge draw; production lags Robotaxi AI but catching up soon. Loosening driver attention rules will fix odd disengagements, boosting safety.

Tech Takeaways

  • Hyper Growth: Fleet ops scaling exponentially.
  • Global Push: Regs unlocking Europe/China demand.
  • AI Polish: Step-change improvements ahead for all users.

Watch on X for Austin vibes and Elon’s full take. Thoughts on rollout? Comment below. Next: Cyber updates. Stay electric!

—Gail

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep. 137: Cybertruck Tour & Robotaxi Ride with Aaron Cash in Austin

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Hey Tesla FSD fans, Gail Alfar from Gail’s Tesla Podcast! Episode 137 features Aaron Cash, founder of ABetterTheater and Tesla enthusiast, showcasing his over the top Cybertruck and joining me for a Robotaxi cruise in Austin. The X video (20 minutes, pure Cyber magic) is a must-watch. This post breaks down the tech, vibes, and why this ride-along is significant. Let’s watch!

Cybertruck Tour: Rugged Innovation Unleashed

We kicked off near Five Guys Burgers in Northwest Austin—no Giga Texas lot here. Aaron walked us through his Cybertruck, its stainless steel exoskeleton wrapped in matte black. Inside: a cavernous vault bed with power outlets, adaptive air suspension smoothing bumps, and steer-by-wire making tight turns a breeze. He explains Instant camper mode, which I mistakenly thought were solar panels on top of the truck! Note: The 48V system cuts wiring by 70%, boosting efficiency. Aaron’s take—500+ mile range, 11,000-lb towing—had me sold.

Cybertruck Tour & Robotaxi Ride with Aaron Cash in Austin

Robotaxi Run: Austin Autonomy in Action

We swapped to a white Model Y Robotaxi near Planet Fitness. It glided through Northwest Austin’s evening traffic—flawless merges, pedestrian dodges. Aaron and I chatted rollout: Elon’s fleet vision, cars earning, all while the Robotaxi took on the streets of Austin during rush hour with NO problems! Bonus: Aaron geeked out on his ABetterTheater app, an easy to use hub for streaming Netflix, YouTube, and Tesla tools right from the car’s screen—check it at members.abettertheater.com for seamless in-ride entertainment.

Tech Takeaways

  • Cybertruck Power: Built tough, wired smart—perfect for anyone ready to push the limits.
  • Robotaxi Flow: Very low cost rides maximize focus, minimize stress.
  • Aaron’s Vision: Autonomy’s close, and Tesla’s leading the way!
Cybertruck Tour & Robotaxi Ride with Aaron Cash in Austin

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep. 136: First Public Robotaxi Freeway Ride in Austin

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Hey tech enthusiasts, Gail Alfar from Gail’s Tesla Podcast! Episode 136 captures a historic Sept 1 ride—our first public Robotaxi freeway cruise in Austin. The X video’s a must-see (under 5 minutes). Here’s the breakdown: tech, sunset vibes, and why this changes everything.

The Launch: Freeway Bound

Summoned a Model Y from central Austin, aiming for I-35. With a safety monitor aboard, the car merged onto the freeway like a seasoned pro—smooth acceleration, perfect lane discipline. FSD’s end-to-end AI predicted traffic flow, weaving past semis with ease. This ride came as a complete surprise to me, I expected a streets only Robotaxi, so when it hopped up onto the freeway, I was elated!

Sunset Cruise: Visual and Tech Win

Cruising north, the car handled lane switches and construction zones flawlessly. Then, the sunset stole the show—orange and purple painting the sky. No gripping the wheel, just soaking it in. Exiting toward downtown, it took a scenic bridge route over Lady Bird Lake. Zero interventions, pure chill.

Back to Base: City Street Mastery

Summoned another Robotaxi for the return. Surface streets? Handled—potholes dodged, lights synced. City lights flickered as we cruised Rainey Street. This is FSD Supervised evolving into Robotaxi’s core.

Tech Takeaways

  • Highway Ready: Safe, confident merges and exits.
  • Scalable Future: Fleet data refines every mile, hinting at mass rollout.
  • Stress-Free Joy: Sunset rides without distraction—game on.

Episode 135 Part 2: Exploring Austin After Dark with a Robotaxi Adventure to the Elephant Room and Beyond

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Hey everyone, Gail here from Gail’s Tesla Podcast! If you’ve tuned into Episode 135 Part 2: “Austin After Dark – Robotaxi to Jazz Club & Exotic Gem Store,” you know it was all about embracing the night life in Austin using Tesla’s Robotaxi service. For those who haven’t watched the video yet (check it out on X!), this blog post dives deeper into the experience, sharing behind-the-scenes thoughts, key moments, and why Robotaxi is revolutionizing how we get around safely after dark. Let’s break it down.

The Setup: Summoning the Perfect Ride

The evening started with summoning a white Robotaxi—stunning under the city lights. After a red one earlier, this switch felt fresh and futuristic. Austin’s streets were buzzing, but hopping into the autonomous Tesla felt like stepping into a personal sanctuary. No worries about parking, traffic stress, or even designating a driver. The app’s seamless integration made it effortless: just tap, and the car arrives, ready to whisk you away.

One observation that hit me during the ride? Why aren’t there more Teslas on the road? People are missing out on this level of convenience and safety. Robotaxi handles everything with precision, from navigating busy intersections to adjusting for pedestrians. It’s not just transport; it’s freedom.

Destination 1: The Elephant Room Jazz Club

Arriving at the Elephant Room around 9:22 PM was magical. This underground jazz spot in downtown Austin is a hidden gem (pun intended for later), with live bands jamming under dim lights. We headed downstairs to soak in the vibes—think soulful saxophones, a smoky atmosphere, and crowds swaying to the rhythm. The Robotaxi dropped us right at the door, no circling for spots or dealing with valet hassles.

In the podcast, I captured the transition from the quiet ride to the lively club. It was a perfect demo of how Robotaxi enables spontaneous nights out. Safety-wise, it’s unbeatable: the car’s sensors and AI ensure smooth, incident-free travel, even in low-light conditions. If you’ve ever hesitated about going out late due to driving concerns, this changes everything.

Destination 2: The Exotic Gem Store

In addition to jazz, I also hopped into another Robotaxi for a quick ride to an exotic gem store—think crystals, amethysts, and all sorts of sparkling minerals under neon glows. Browsing the shelves felt like a treasure hunt, with geodes and pendants catching the light. It was a whimsical contrast to the jazz energy, and the short hop to the shop highlights Robotaxi’s efficiency.

The store’s owner even chatted about how autonomous rides could boost late-night business by making it safer and easier for people to explore. I picked up a small gemstone clock as a memento—symbolizing the clarity and peace that comes with not worrying about the drive home.

Key Takeaways and Reflections

  • Safety First: Throughout the three rides, Robotaxi demonstrated superb handling. No hesitations, no close calls—just smooth autonomy. It’s the safest way to navigate Austin after dark, especially with potential distractions like nightlife.
  • Freedom and Fun: This tech lets you focus on the experience, not the logistics. Hang out with friends, shop, or club-hop without a second thought.
  • Game-Changer Ahead: I can’t wait for widespread Robotaxi adoption. It’ll transform cities, making them more accessible and vibrant.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Episode 135, Part 1: Robotaxi Safety in Action with Bluetooth Unlock and Smart Drop-Offs Tested

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Hey folks, Gail here from Gail’s Tesla/X Podcast! Episode 135 Part 1: “Robotaxi Safety and Smart Features in Action” spotlights Tesla’s latest upgrades through real Austin rides. If you caught the video on X, you saw the demos; this post breaks down the tech, safety wins, and rapid AI learning. Check the episode for full footage—it’s under 7 minutes.

Ride 1: Dynamic Pickup Change

Started by summoning a red Model Y Robotaxi near Torchy Tacos, but realized I meant H-E-B. As it approached, I updated the destination via app. It rerouted seamlessly with a roundabout, pulling up precisely. Key tech: Real-time path adjustment via FSD, enhancing user flexibility without safety lapses.

Ride 2: Bluetooth-Only Unlock Test

To demo security, a friend approached the summoned Robotaxi in a parking lot. Doors stayed locked—no Bluetooth match.

Robotaxi will NOT open for other bystanders, as I prove in this video.
Robotaxi will NOT open for other bystanders, as I prove in this video.
Robotaxi will NOT open for other bystanders, as I prove in this video.

When I neared, it unlocked instantly. This feature ties access to your phone, preventing unauthorized entry. Pro tip: Pairs in seconds, adding a layer of personal safety for solo riders.

Ride 3: Adaptive Parking and Departure

At a Japanese restaurant, the Robotaxi parked neatly, then backed out and drove off post-drop-off. Contrast to an earlier glitchy garage maneuver—AI fixed it same night, showing Tesla’s fleet-wide learning. No interventions needed; it handled confusion by parking safely and resuming.

Tech Takeaways

  • Safety Boost: Bluetooth locks and auto-departure minimize risks like theft or loitering.
  • AI Speed: Behaviors improved in hours, thanks to end-to-end neural nets processing fleet data.
  • User Impact: Effortless for anyone on the go—focus on work, not worries.

This episode proves Robotaxi’s ready for general use in Austin.

Thanks for tuning in—safe drives ahead!

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep 128: Alexander Kristensen in Austin from Sweden to Spill the Tea on Stockholm’s FSD Battle

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Welcome to the full scoop on Episode 128 of Gail’s Tesla Podcast, where I talked with the unstoppable Alexander Kristensen. Alexander flew all the way from southern Sweden to Austin just to chat about his epic campaign to bring Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) to the streets of Stockholm. If you’re into tech revolutions, bureaucratic drama, and saving lives on the road, this one’s for you.

The Setup: From Sweden to Austin Vibes

He’s not from Stockholm (my bad on the intro slip-up – he’s from the south of Sweden), but he’s laser-focused on getting FSD approved there.

Elon Musk himself noticed his project, which is all about pushing the city to greenlight testing, validation, and eventual rollout of FSD for everyday Swedes. We dove right in, starting with his mind-blowing first ride on FSD here in the States.Alexander shared: “I came here from my friend… He picked me up from the airport. We kind of got a look at FSD for the first time. Never driven on FSD, driven on autopilot which is allowed in Europe.” His buddy punched in the hotel address, and boom – the car handled everything from airport chaos to lobby drop-off. No interventions needed. Then, the next day, Alexander hopped in the driver’s seat for some city traffic action. “I’m not… I don’t need to do anything. I’ve never driven in the U.S. before… The car just took us there so.” As someone who’s part Swedish (shoutout to my heritage!), I was geeking out. Austin’s freewheeling vibe makes FSD feel like second nature, but Sweden? Total opposite.

The Bureaucratic Buzzkill: Why Sweden’s Saying “Nej” to FSD

Here’s where it gets real. Alexander broke down the red tape holding back progress. In the U.S. (Austin), the default is “yes” – innovate first, regulate. But in Sweden, it’s “no” until you prove it’s safer than safe. Tesla applied to test FSD with a safety driver (just like our Supervised FSD here), and they got the thumbs-up from the national Transport Administration. But the local Stockholm government? Flat-out “no.” Why? It’s all politics. The current left-leaning crew – Social Democrats and the Green Party (the ones pushing EVs) – control the Traffic Board. Alexander’s plan? Rally votes for the opposition in the 2026 elections (September, mark your calendars if you’re Swedish!). Get tech-savvy folks in power who see FSD’s potential. “We gotta cast our votes on them… on the candidates that are more technical,” he said.And let’s talk safety – the real heart of this. Alexander nailed it: FSD could slash accident risks by 9-10 times compared to manual driving.

Drawing from Tesla’s data and real-world stats, it’s a game-changer. He compared it to Volvo’s 1959 invention of the three-point seatbelt, which they made standard in all cars. “FSD is the next three-point seatbelt… And like now we are saying no to the next 3 points… What is wrong with your brains with people? Come on!”

Bureaucracy gone wild is blocking life-saving tech. As Alexander put it, Sweden prioritizes traffic safety above all, so denying FSD – which is safer – is straight-up counterproductive.

First Impressions and the Future of Autonomy in Europe

Alexander’s fresh eyes on FSD were gold. Coming from a place where even basic autopilot is the max, he was blown away by how it navigated unfamiliar U.S. roads. “Some time I was like, is the car gonna do the right thing here?”

Spoiler: It did, every time.

We wrapped with me hyping his hustle: “All Swedish people are very lucky to have this guy. He is fighting for the good fight… He wants people to be safe.” Alexander shrugged off potential hate – he’s in it for the win. Elections bring drama, but hey, progress ain’t easy.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Autonomy Global Watch the interview here!

Episode 128 is a wake-up call for how politics and tech collide. If Sweden can flip the script, it could pave the way for Europe-wide FSD adoption, saving lives and supercharging sustainable transport. Big thanks to Alexander for the insights, and shoutouts to the crew:

@LinkN01 (great meeting you!),

@TheCaptainEli for the intro,

@RimaSukhadia on camera,

@JohnChr08117285 for the FSD demo, and

@Muskstaycalm plus the gang.This episode is under 8 minutes and pure inspiration. If you’re in Sweden, join the push! Everywhere else? Activate FSD Supervised and feel the future.

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep. 127: A Thrilling First Robotaxi Ride in Austin

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I’m excited to share Episode 127 of Gail’s Tesla Podcast, where I take my friend, Eli (@TheCaptainEli on X), who travelled from Israel, on his very first Robotaxi ride right here in Austin, Texas.

What started as a simple evening outing turned into an unforgettable adventure filled with surprises.

We hopped into a brilliant RED Tesla Robotaxi, and set off into the night. Almost immediately, we noticed another Robotaxi trailing us closely— was it a coincidence, or something more coordinated?

We were puzzled and intrigued as it even waited for us at a traffic light. The real jaw-dropper came at the end when our Robotaxi flawlessly parked itself in a 2-hour spot, a feature we hadn’t seen before.

The ride was smooth, safe, and a testament to how far Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology has come.

Captain Eli’s reactions were priceless—he was amazed by the seamless navigation through Austin’s bustling streets, the intuitive interface, and the overall futuristic feel. We chatted about everything from the tech behind Robotaxi to its potential impact on urban mobility.

If you’re curious about the future of transportation, check out the full episode video on X here. It’s about 7 minutes of pure excitement!

I’m currently Beta testing the Robotaxi in Austin, Texas, and looking forward to wide release of this incredible product from Tesla made here in Austin!

Gail’s Tesla Podcast Ep 126: Robotaxi in Austin, An Early Robotaxi Ride Through UT Campus to Hancock Golf

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Hey everyone, Gail here – your go-to early Robotaxi tester, Tesla FSD podcaster, and professional poaster! If you’ve been following my adventures on X, you know I’m all about Tesla. Episode 126 of my Robotaxi series is a wild one. I took Tesla’s autonomous beast for a spin through the heart of Austin, Texas, and let me tell you: this thing handled the University of Texas campus like a pro, conquered a ridiculously steep driveway, paused for a feathered friend, and even had a brief meeting with another Tesla Robotaxi.

The Setup: Hailing the Future

I summoned Robotaxi via the app (who needs to drive when AI can do it better?), and within minutes, out cab came. No driver small talk, no awkward radio choices – just autonomy. This is Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta in action, with a safety rider on board for those extra peace-of-mind vibes during testing. I headed to Hancock Recreation Center, right through the bustling UT campus. You’ll notice on the screen, the estimated arrival was 4:32 PM.

Spoiler: It nailed it.

Zipping Through UT: Pedestrians, Buses, and Zero Stress

As we cruised into the University of Texas area, the real test began. Picture this: pedestrians darting across paths, buses lumbering along as expected and traffic that’s equal parts chaotic and charming. My Robotaxi? Cool, both with the AC inside and the relaxed vibe. . It seamlessly shifted lanes, prepped for left turns on busy streets, and even adjusted speed when a big Austin Metro bus cut in front. I couldn’t help but narrate the whole thing (check the video below – I turned it into a mini-podcast episode on the fly). One highlight? We passed under a pedestrian bridge and navigated around more buses than I could count. It got me thinking: How long until these empty daytime buses get replaced by fleets of efficient, Robotaxis? Safer for everyone, cheaper for society, and zero emissions. Elon Musk and the Tesla team are onto something revolutionary here – rethinking not just cars, but entire transit systems.

The Steep Challenge: Hancock’s Hill of Doom

Now, for the pièce de résistance: the driveway up to Hancock Recreation Center. If you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about – it’s steeper than many rollercoaster drops! I held my breath as we approached, but the Robotaxi swung left with precision, letting another car go first in a super polite move (take notes, human drivers). Then, up we went: smooth acceleration, no scraping, no drama. We pulled into the parking lot, dodging golfers and a guy with his cart, and parked right on time. As the ride ended and I gathered my stuff, the Robotaxi gently rolled away… and slowed down for a bird in the road. A BIRD! That’s next-level AI empathy right there. Safety isn’t just about avoiding crashes; it’s about protecting all life on the road.

Watch the Full Adventure

Don’t just take my word for it – dive into the action yourself. Here’s the video from my X post, embedded for your viewing pleasure:

Why This Matters: The Robotaxi Revolution

Rides like this aren’t just fun – they’re a glimpse into a world where traffic jams are history, accidents are rare, and getting around is effortless. As a beta tester, I’m blown away by how far Tesla’s tech has come. From interacting with other autonomous vehicles to handling urban unpredictability, it’s clear we’re on the brink of something massive. If you’re in Austin, keep an eye out for these bad boys – and if you’re not, stay tuned because Robotaxis are coming to a city near you soon. Would you hop in a driverless Tesla tomorrow? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast for more episodes. Robo dreams are real, y’all! Until next ride,
Gail Alfar
Writer, Podcaster, and Mom of Five Great Kids!