Enjoying Life OTR

“How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life.” Sounds bold, right? But Dr. Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit , swears it’s not just theory—it’s science. He shares how fun beats burnout, sharpens focus, and helps you stay human, even when you’re living life OTR. We dig into why fun isn’t fluff—it’s fuel—and how building small moments of joy can help you focus better, stress less, and...

Cindy takes the mic solo this week to share exciting updates for the Enjoying Life OTR community! From the newly revamped website to a growing blog featuring guest stories and behind-the-scenes content, there's more ways than ever to connect. She also dives into the difference between the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook page and private group , sharing why both are valuable for drivers looking to...

Thinking about starting your own trucking company? Before you take the leap, let’s get real about the costs, challenges, and strategies for making it work. In this episode of Enjoying Life OTR , Cindy Tunstall and Kyle Hutchinson break down the real steps to going independent—from getting your own MC authority to securing freight and building relationships with shippers. Kyle shares insider strate...

You're already negotiating—whether you realize it or not. Every day, you're making deals, setting terms, and advocating for what you want. Whether it's negotiating pay, home time, freight rates, or just convincing your family where to go on vacation, the skills of negotiation affect every part of your life. The question is—are you using them to your advantage? In this episode of Enj...

🚛💩 Let’s talk about the one thing every driver deals with but no one wants to discuss—your gut. Whether you’re dodging rest stop roulette, battling heartburn hotter than truck stop chili, or hoping gas isn’t louder than your stereo , gut health is serious business . That’s why we brought in Alyssa Simpson , a Registered Dietitian and Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist , who has helped hundr...

 Butch Phelps Shares Life-Changing Solutions for OTR Drivers Long hours behind the wheel don’t have to mean chronic pain and stiffness. Butch Phelps, a licensed neuromuscular massage therapist and former trucker, understands the toll driving takes on your body—and he’s here with simple, practical solutions that fit into your day. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to stop pain before it starts...

What if one simple change could redefine your health and energy? In this episode of Enjoying Life OTR, we explore the powerful impact of intermittent fasting with Gin Stevens, NY Times best-selling author and expert on intermitten fasting. Gin shares game-changing strategies for incorporating fasting into the unique challenges of the trucking lifestyle—breaking down barriers and offering practical...

What’s better than swapping holiday stories with friends who just get it ? In this festive episode, the Enjoying Life OTR team is sharing their favorite Christmas memories—whether from childhood, precious family time, or the open road. It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and celebrate the season together. Your hosts Cindy Tunstall and Malinda Fox-Wellington are joined by our "Roadie and Guide...

Imagine having a co-pilot for your trucking journey, not made of flesh and bone, but of circuits and code. Join Cindy Tunstall and Melinda Fox Wellington as they recount their own paths from skepticism to reliance on artificial intelligence. They've invited AI into their lives as a trusty assistant, helping with everything from composing emails to planning meals and even crafting holiday jing...

What if quitting smoking, vaping or drinking could be as easy as flipping a switch in your brain? On Enjoying Life OTR, join us for a transformative conversation with Wayne Spaulding, who shares his compelling journey of overcoming addiction through the Alan Carr method. We unravel the misconceptions about addiction and discuss the idea that quitting doesn't have to be an arduous, painful pro...

In this special episode of Enjoying Life OTR , we celebrate YOU—our incredible drivers—with heartfelt messages from both four-wheelers and fellow truckers across the country. Tune in to hear touching tributes, genuine expressions of gratitude, and stories that highlight just how much you’re appreciated. Plus, we’ve curated a dynamic mix of music to make your listening experience even more enjoyabl...

Have you ever wondered how a lifelong dream can blossom into a fulfilling career, even amidst life's challenges? Meet Joe Lee, a passionate trucker whose journey from carpentry to the open road is a testament to perseverance and transformation. Joe's heartfelt poem, Living the Dream, encapsulates his unwavering love for trucks—a passion ignited in his childhood and reignited in his 40s....

Long hours, tight schedules, and unpredictable situations—truckers face these challenges daily, often leading to stress, decision fatigue, and sleepless nights. This episode of Enjoying Life OTR brings in professional counselor Atara Parkinson, who offers practical, science-backed tools to help you manage the mental load of life on the road. Learn quick techniques like the physiological sigh and p...

Two Life-Changing Moments on the Road: How Robert Pound Overcame Unimaginable Tragedy In this heartfelt episode, seasoned trucker Robert Pound opens up about the life-altering impact of two devastating accidents, sharing his story of resilience and strength with Cindy Tunstall, host of Enjoying Life OTR . Robert’s journey offers a powerful reminder that we often have no idea what others are enduri...

What if your toughest challenges became the stepping stones to your greatest triumphs? Join us as we sit down with Ben Grunenwald, a remarkable figure in the trucking industry, who shares his incredible journey from hardship to success. From dropping out of high school and facing homelessness to becoming the youngest driver in his company, Ben's story is a testament to resilience and determin...

Imagine transitioning to a completely new career at 41 and facing significant health challenges along the way. Meet Eileen Ward, a resilient trucker with over two decades of experience who not only faced mental health struggles and thyroid issues but also found ways to thrive. This episode promises to reveal her secrets for overcoming sleep problems, staying active, and maintaining a healthy diet...

Ever felt like life's challenges were too much to bear? Hear Malinda Fox Wellington recount the day her truck spiraled out of control on I-55, leaving her questioning her resolve and strength as a truck driver. This episode isn't just about a harrowing crash—it's about the incredible journey of recovery and resilience that followed. Inspired by Jess Graham's powerful story of r...

Jess Graham, a thriving independent owner-operator, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention and success in the trucking industry. Join us as Jess recounts her transformative experiences, from creatively homeschooling her daughter in the cab to masterfully navigating the complexities of life on the open road. With confidence and wisdom, Jess offers invaluable strategies for maintaining strong f...

Join Malinda Fox-Wellington on Enjoying Life OTR as she welcomes Angela Griffith, The Christian Sexpert, to explore maintaining strong relationships in the trucking world.  Discover the transformative '12 Intimacies' concept, learn practical strategies for staying connected across miles, and find solutions to common long-distance relationship challenges.  Whether you're a trucker or...

Dive into the fast-paced world of entertainment trucking with veteran driver Dino Grigoriadis. With over 20 years of experience hauling for some of the biggest names in music, Dino shares insider stories from life on the road with rock legends like Bruce Springsteen, ACDC, and Kenny Chesney. Learn about the unique challenges and rewards of concert freight, from tight schedules and high-stakes deli...

Ever wondered how the journey of a podcast begins and evolves? Join us in this special episode of Enjoying Life OTR as we sit down with Cindy, the original host, who takes us through a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Cindy shares her passion for connecting with fellow drivers and the inspiration behind starting the podcast. Together, we discuss the ups and downs of life on the road, highlighting...

Attention OTR truckers! The Enjoying Life OTR podcast is taking a brief hiatus this July as we gear up for an exciting new season. Now's the perfect time to catch up on any episodes you've missed and stay connected through our Facebook groups. Are you an over-the-road trucker battling fatigue, respiratory problems, or chronic pain during those long hauls? This Enjoying Life OTR podcast e...

Truckers, meet Brian Wilson- an inspiring driver who battled smoking, alcoholism, obesity and joint pain but emerged victorious through perseverance. In this candid "Healthier Truckers" episode, long-hauler Brian shares his incredible 55-pound weight loss journey. Hear Brian's motivating story, from struggling with lack of energy to finding determination through a New Year's re...

Ever wondered how a life-altering event can pivot your career and lead to an inspiring new journey? Meet Gemma Ford, a former ER trauma nurse who transformed her grief into an adventurous life as a long-haul truck driver. Listen as she recounts her journey from the ER to the open road after the sudden loss of her husband. Gemma shares her experiences of discovering new places, savoring local cuisi...

Grab your keys and get ready to shift your health into high gear! This episode is your trucking convoy to better nutrition and wellness while hauling loads. You'll hear from two dietary detectives, Rheece & Michale Hartte who have cracked the code on building personalized nutrition plans tailored for life on the road.  Instead of just counting calories, discover how comprehensive lab work...