Who We Are
We’re drivers first, writers second.
Our Team
Our team has owned everything from ratty project cars to precision sports machines. We’ve flooded engines, burned through clutches, taken wrong turns on track days, and also gotten it perfectly right—feeling that moment when everything connects.
Some of us learned to drive stick on borrowed cars in empty parking lots. Others grew up wrenching with parents or mentors. All of us share one thing: we believe cars should engage you, challenge you, and reward you.
We’re not interested in pageviews or trending topics. We’re interested in sharing the stuff that makes driving worth doing and keeping that passion alive.
Together, we’re part of Superlativ Media Group – a company built to create digital experiences that actually help people. Rex and Christen started Superlativ to cut through the marketing hype, bring total transparency to automotive reviews, and prioritize the needs of enthusiasts. We’re here to stand with drivers, not companies that put selling crossovers ahead of driving engagement.
Think of us as your go-to source that tests every car and tells it like it is. No spin, no fluff – just honest information that helps you make smart choices about what to drive and how to keep the manual transmission alive.
Want to get in touch?
hi@stickshifting.com
Phone: +1 (737) 471-4266
Mail: 1321 Upland Dr., PMB 18642 Houston, Texas 77043, United States
Christen da costa
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Meet Christen, the founder and CEO of Stick Shifting, and the driving force behind everything we do.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Christen’s journey began early—first mastering go-karts, then graduating to manual transmissions—and he’s been chasing that perfect shift ever since.
From vintage classics to modern performance machines, his passion lies in that pure, analog connection between driver and machine that only a proper manual can provide.
Before launching Stick Shifting, Christen established himself in digital media as the creator of Gadget Review, building it into a respected authority on tech and consumer products.
Yet even as he succeeded in the tech world, his heart remained with the mechanical soul of driving. His passion for driving dynamics, performance engineering, and authentic car culture eventually led him to create a dedicated platform for fellow enthusiasts who believe driving should be felt, not just experienced passively.
Born and raised in the Boston suburbs, Christen eventually migrated west in search of year-round driving weather and legendary canyon roads. California delivered on both promises—becoming both his home and the backdrop for his most memorable drives.
When he’s not behind the wheel or running Superlativ’s family of sites, you’ll find him perfecting his heel-toe downshifts, diving deep into vintage car forums, or passionately explaining to anyone who’ll listen why three pedals will always be better than two.
Read the latest posts from Christen.
Rex Freiberger
CEO
Rex is the CEO of Stick Shifting and a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for raw driving experiences.
His passion for cars runs parallel to his broader media expertise as Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Music Minds and The Call Of. Rex also pioneered the True Score and Trust Rating systems on Gadget Review, revolutionizing how consumers evaluate products online.
Rex’s diverse career path has taken him from teaching at Assumption University in Thailand to founding and selling his first company, Highly Relevant, to Wpromote in 2014.
Throughout his journey as an entrepreneur, publisher, actor, and creative producer, one constant remains—his unwavering passion for automobiles and driving culture.
Whether analyzing chassis balance or championing the manual gearbox, Rex brings the same precision and enthusiasm to Stick Shifting that has defined his success across digital media, making the publication not just an outlet but a tribute to the pure joy of driving.
Read the latest posts from Rex.
Jason siu
Advisor & Contributing Editor
With over 20 years in online publishing, Jason Siu is currently a consultant at Autoverse Studios, where he contributes to the development of Auto Legends.
His extensive background includes serving as Content Director at VerticalScope and writing about cars for prominent sites like AutoGuide, The Truth About Cars, EV Pulse, FlatSixes, and Tire Authority.
As a co-founder of Tunerzine.com and former West Coast Editor of Modified Magazine, Jason has also authored two books for CarTech Books.
In his spare time, he founded FullCleared to channel his passion for gaming, with a particular fondness for RPGs.
Read the latest posts from Jason.
Ryan Hansen
Reviews and Features Editor
Ryan Hansen is a journalist with a background in consumer content and product analysis. While cars are a newer beat for him, he brings sharp editorial instincts and a genuine enthusiasm for the industry to every piece he writes.
At Stick Shifting, Ryan covers the latest in automotive news, emerging tech, and industry shifts—with a focus on making complex developments accessible to everyday drivers. With a finger on the pulse of car culture and a passion for storytelling, he’s quickly becoming a trusted voice for readers who want to stay informed without the fluff.
Kenn Muguna
Tech Journalist
I’m Kenn, a Communications Account Manager at WeAdU with four years in tech writing. Born with curiosity about how things work, I’ve spent my career taking apart everything from circuit boards to carburetors. Based in Nairobi, my passion for mechanical systems drives both my professional work and automotive obsessions.
I hold a background in International Business Administration and computer programming from Moringa School. My experience includes Tech Contributor roles at Gadget Review and Email Marketing Specialist work at Raleon Media. I bring the same methodical approach to manual transmissions that I use analyzing emerging technology.
Al Landes
Tech Journalist & Managing Editor
Philadelphia-based editor with 18 years in online writing, specializing in manual transmission culture and stick shift storytelling. When not crafting content, I explore Philly’s winding back roads searching for perfect heel-toe downshift opportunities. My passion for the manual driving experience drives every story I tell.
My extensive background includes contributions to respected publications like Technabob, Ohgizmo, and Geekalerts, establishing me as a trusted voice in automotive journalism. I bring deep understanding of both manual transmission mechanics and the culture surrounding authentic driving experiences to every piece I write.
Alex Barrientos
Managing Editor
With decades of hands-on experience in technology journalism, Alex is currently a managing editor at Stick Shifting, where he applies surgical precision to cutting through automotive and tech industry hype. His extensive background includes serving as a gadget expert at Gadget Review, diagnosing everything from circuit boards to carburetors with the same no-BS approach.
Originally from Southern California with experience troubleshooting across multiple industries, Alex brings blue-collar perspective and workshop wisdom to evaluating both consumer technology and automotive systems. Whether dissecting infotainment systems or explaining manual transmission benefits, he communicates complex concepts with shop-talk accessibility.
In his spare time, Alex maintains his collection of vintage vehicles and classic electronics, applying the same diagnostic mindset to both digital devices and mechanical systems.
tim k
Writer
Meet Timothy, a Nairobi-based writer specializing in technology journalism and digital storytelling that bridges complex innovation with human experience. Growing up during Kenya’s digital transformation era, I witnessed firsthand the country’s leap from analog to mobile-first solutions. This gives me unique insight into how technology reshapes entire societies and drives my passion for revealing human stories behind tech innovation.
My work has captured attention from leading East African publications, startup accelerators like iHub, and prominent tech voices including Kenyan Silicon Savannah pioneers and BRCK innovators. I combine formal IT education with hands-on experience in Kenya’s vibrant co-working spaces, constantly testing newest gadgets while sketching user interface concepts and experimenting with digital illustration tools.
Lucas Androulidaki
Visual Thinker & Graphic Designer
Lucas Androulidakis is a Toronto-based graphic designer with a passion for crafting visuals that connect, communicate, and inspire. A graduate of OCAD University with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Lucas blends conceptual clarity with bold aesthetics across digital and print media.
His design approach is shaped by an ongoing dialogue with the creative community—drawing inspiration from fellow designers, evolving art movements, and the rich visual culture that surrounds him. As a freelancer, Lucas brings fresh perspective and collaborative energy to every project.
Outside of design, Lucas recharges by painting, hitting the gym, gaming, and diving into music that sparks the imagination.
Why We Exist
We’re the #1 source for drivers who refuse to let the art of the manual transmission die.
We started Stick Shifting because we got tired of watching car media celebrate technology that removes us from the driving experience. We’re not just another automotive outlet—we’re the place where people who actually love to drive can feel at home.
When everyone else is raving about the latest autonomous features, we’re the ones asking how the clutch feels. While they’re measuring 0-60 times, we’re savoring the perfect rev match. That’s because for us, driving isn’t just transportation—it’s a conversation between you, the machine, and the road.
Our Commitment
We’ll never waste your time with fluff. No 15-paragraph intros before getting to the point. No regurgitated press releases. No pretending a crossover with paddle shifters delivers “sporty performance.”
What we will give you: honest, detailed insights from people who know the difference between marketing hype and genuine driver engagement. We’ll tell you which sports cars still deliver real feedback through the wheel, which modern cars are worth your attention despite the digital intrusion, and which classics deserve preservation.
Because we’re just like you—we’ll take the long way home if it means more time working through the gears on a good road.
Our Mission
Here’s the truth: we’re losing something special. Every year, fewer cars come with manual transmissions. Every update adds more layers between driver and machine. Every innovation seems focused on making driving less involved, not more.
Our mission is simple: to preserve what matters in car culture. To champion the experiences that make us feel alive behind the wheel. To fight for the mechanical soul of driving in an age that’s trying to digitize it out of existence.
We’re not anti-progress—we’re pro-engagement. And we know there are plenty of you who feel the same way.
Our Values
PASSION
We care about driving, the real kind. The kind where you feel every shift, hear every note of the engine, and connect with the road in a way technology can’t replicate. We celebrate the analog experience because that’s what stirs the soul.
AUTHENTICITY
We’ve been in the forums, under the hood, and behind the wheel.
Everything we publish comes from real experience and genuine love for car culture. We speak your language because we’re one of you.
CULTURE
Stick Shifting isn’t just about cars. It’s about community. We’re here to preserve and amplify a way of life that’s increasingly rare.
We respect the legacy. We support the scene. And we’re building a home for those who live for the drive.
How We Support Our Work
Real talk: good content takes time and money to create. Here’s how we keep Stick Shifting alive:
- Display Advertising: Yes, you’ll see some ads. We keep them relevant and as unobtrusive as possible because we hate when ads ruin the reading experience as much as you do.
We promise that our opinions aren’t for sale. Ever. We’ll never change a review score because someone bought an ad package. We’ll never recommend a car we wouldn’t drive ourselves. Integrity matters more than revenue—just like how the right driving experience matters more than having the fanciest badge on your hood.
Our Editorial Philosophy
We write for people who notice when their tires break traction, who can feel the moment of perfect balance in a corner, who understand why weight distribution matters.
Our team spends real time with cars—not just press junkets and manufacturer events, but living with them, pushing their limits, understanding their quirks. We check and double-check technical details. We challenge each other’s impressions. We’re not afraid to disagree with the mainstream consensus.
We sometimes use AI to keep our articles succinct and polished, but our team of real people write every review, story, and list. Every perspective comes from actual seat time, hours of research and genuine passion.
Found a mistake? Think we missed something? Email us at info@stickshifting.com. We’ll fix it faster than you can heel-toe downshift—and we’ll own up to the correction.