Libsyn Directory

Transforming Trauma into Trucking with Kathy Tuccaro, Woman Road Warriors

Release Date: 09/05/2024

Building a Healthier Future for America’s Trucking Workforce with Stephen Kane, Rolling Strong

Drive

Can your health keep up with the demands of life on the road? In this episode, connects with , President of , about building realistic health and wellness programs for people in trucking. Drawing from years behind the wheel and in leadership, Stephen shares how first-hand experience shaped his approach to supporting the workforce through fitness, nutrition, and mindset tools that fit the realities of the job. He explains why cookie-cutter programs fall short, how Rolling Strong removes barriers to healthy choices, and the role of empathy in creating a culture where well-being is possible for...

How to Stay Steady When the Freight Market Shifts with Tim Norlin, Roehl Transport

Drive

Is your trucking career giving you the stability you deserve? On this episode, sits down with , Vice President at , to talk about the real impact of the freight recession and what drivers can do to stay steady through uncertain times. With decades in the industry, Tim shares hard-earned insight on navigating down markets, recognizing red flags, and finding the right carrier for the long haul. He explains how Roehl’s approach to recruiting and retention challenges the norm, why honesty up front matters, and what sets strong drivers apart when freight slows down. In this episode,...

Driving Trust in Testing and Background Screening with Marc Bourne and Grady Phillips, Workforce QA

Drive

Understanding the ins and outs of driver testing and background checks can make all the difference in a trucking career. For Marc Bourne and Grady Phillips, supporting drivers means building trust through transparency and clear communication around testing and background screening. In this episode, sits down with , Vice President of Background Screening, Training, and Compliance Services at Workforce QA, and , CRO at Workforce QA, who both bring a unique background to trucking, to explore how testing processes can be fair, straightforward, and driver-friendly. They discuss how companies...

How Drivers Stay and Thrive with Erin Crawford, HandledNow

Drive

When was the last time someone really listened to you? For , supporting drivers starts with trust, follow-through, and remembering the little things. In this episode, talks with Erin, Market Development Manager of , about how to put drivers first, not just in words, but in action. From her early days in recruiting to becoming a trusted voice behind the scenes at HandledNow, Erin shares how small gestures, honest conversations, and showing up when it counts can turn into long-term relationships and career growth. You’ll hear how she connects with drivers across the country, builds...

What It Takes to Stay in Trucking for the Long Haul with Zac Elsts, HandledNow

Drive

Is your trucking career built to last? In this episode, talks with CEO about what it really means to build a long-term career in the trucking industry. Drawing from personal stories and experience spanning more than 10 years, Zac lays out a vision for drivers who want more than just a job, but purpose and pride in the work they do too. He opens up about what it takes to move forward when momentum feels lost, why respect in trucking starts with the basics, and how having a growth mindset fuels freedom on and off the road. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The importance of...

How Culture Becomes a Driver’s Reason to Stay with Kameel Gaines, Rig on Wheels

Drive

Is your recruiting strategy actually helping you retain drivers? , Founder of , joins of for a conversation that cuts through the noise. With 15 years of industry experience, Kameel unpacks the real reasons drivers leave, what fleets are getting wrong about culture, and why marketing might be the missing link in your retention efforts. She shares how outdated mindsets are holding companies back, what it looks like when accountability and respect go hand in hand, and how fleets can rebuild trust by simply being honest about who they are and who they’re for. In this episode, you’ll...

How Listening to Your Drivers Can Spark Real Change with Dr. Gina Anderson, Luma Brighter Learning

Drive

Are driver training programs helping - or just checking boxes? In this episode, of sits down with , CEO of and a leading voice in cognitive science and adult education. With over a decade of experience in the trucking industry, Gina shares what she’s seen firsthand: information overload, disconnected training, and missed opportunities to build trust. She discusses why traditional driver education is failing, how fleets can create more meaningful learning experiences, and what it takes to bridge the communication gap across generations and roles. In this episode, you’ll hear...

The Road Ahead: New Season, Tackling Isolation, Retention, and Industry Changes

Drive

Are you ready for a new season of Drive, where we get real about the challenges facing truck drivers today — and the practical steps we can all take to make this industry stronger? This season kicks off with a shift. is stepping into the host seat, and she’s bringing a fresh focus to the conversations ahead. In this first episode, Chelsea and talk about what’s next for Drive — and why driver connection is at the heart of it all. From isolation and mental health to communication breakdowns and retention issues, it all circles back to one thing: how well drivers are connected...

Navigating DOT Compliance Challenges with Brandon Wiseman, TruckSafe

Drive

Are you ready to take control of DOT compliance and avoid costly mistakes? In this episode, of talks with Brandon Wiseman, Founder of and an experienced DOT safety attorney. His wisdom is hard-won. His advice for drivers and fleet managers focuses on staying ahead of DOT compliance challenges, cutting violations, and avoiding costly fines and lawsuits. Brandon explains the most common violations, like speeding and log falsifications, and how to solve the root issues. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How to avoid common roadside inspection violations Why log...

Putting Drivers First with Jason Douglass from James H. Clark & Sons

Drive

Are trucking companies stepping up to really support drivers? In this episode, sits down with , Vice President of Operations at , to talk about what it takes to build a trucking industry where drivers feel respected and valued. Jason’s not just about talk—he’s spent 18 years working his way up from local delivery driver to industry leader, and he’s all about keeping it real for drivers. Jason dives into how he’s tackling the issues that matter most to folks on the road. From launching Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to help with mental health to creating better pay and...

More Episodes

We all know that the trucking industry is male-dominated. But nothing beats a badass woman who completely transformed her life and now drives the world’s largest trucks.

In this episode, Zac and Chelsea are joined by Kathy Tuccaro, a woman who beat all odds in a male-dominated field to become a true industry icon.

Kathy shared her astonishing life story in this episode, from overcoming severe trauma and homelessness to driving the world's largest trucks. She also shares her passion for giving back through initiatives like “Operation Hydration” and the powerful impact of using one’s voice to break the chains of shame and guilt. Plus, get an inside look at her unique brand, "Designer Miner," and hear how she balances her tough-as-nails job with a creative side.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Kathy Tuccaro's inspiring journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a successful heavy equipment operator and motivational speaker.
Kathy’s efforts in giving back to the community, including founding "Operation Hydration" to assist the homeless and creating educational resources for young girls and kids.
The significance of using one's voice to combat shame and guilt and the transformative power of sharing personal stories to inspire and empower others.

Resources:

Woman Road Warriors

Kathy Tuccaro’s LinkedIn

Get Kathy’s book here

Connect with Zac, Chelsea, and HandledNow:

HandledNow’s website

HandledNow’s Facebook page

Zac’s LinkedIn

Chelsea’s LinkedIn

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Welcome to Drive Podcast

(08:47) Kathy’s jaw-dropping story from her younger years