Destinations From PodWheels

This Friday (March 27th), Long Haul Paul Marhoefer will see the fulfillment of a dream that has been 39 years in the making when steps on the Freedom Hall stage at the 2026 Mid-America Truck Show. For this edition of Destinations, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson caught up with Long Haul Paul to discuss the honor of serving as the opening performer on the main stage that will be headlined by Frank Foster on Friday night. Long Haul Paul also takes us inside his journey to reach this special moment in a career that has combined working as a professional driver while continually developing his musical talents and building a loyal group of fans. It’s been almost a decade since Long Haul Paul recorded his first album at the age of 57. During the podcast, we’ll hear 30-Weight Coffee and The Old Cumberland from his early releases. We’ll also hear two songs from his latest live album release, The After Party Sessions. CONNECT WITH LONG HAUL PAUL:  If you would like to learn more about Long Haul Paul, including upcoming tour dates, how you can access his albums and the variety of LHP merchandise that is available for sale, visit LongHaulPaulMusic.com. The post Long Haul Paul’s Journey To MATS Big Stage Is A 39-Year Run appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode of our Destinations Podcast Series, we will be spotlighting Eugene Mulero, a Senior Reporter from Transport Topics, who you can also hear on the National Truck Driving Championships Podcast from PodWheels. As you will hear through this episode, Eugene is also a part of the faculty at George Mason University. On February 24th, Eugene was a featured guest on the Dave Nemo Radio Show, which is broadcast nationally on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio. As part of his interview with Eugene, veteran broadcaster Dave Nemo took some time to place a spotlight on Eugene’s work with his students at George Mason University who are seeking to become the next generation of journalists and communications professionals. The post Spotlighting Eugene Mulero’s Teaching Work With Students At George Mason University appeared first on PodWheels.

With this musical edition of our Destinations series, veteran professional driver and accomplished musician Long Haul Paul Marhoefer is our featured guest. As you will hear, Long Haul Paul will be previewing the Thanksgiving Day release of his new album, Floodwaters & Fires. During our interview with Long Haul Paul, he recalls the near-death experience he endured while running over the road on Christmas Eve in 2023. As Paul shares, that moment of near tragedy served as the inspiration to record a collection of original works and cover songs, including Adam Carroll’s Highway Prayer and Leonard Cohen’s Bird On A Wire. Floodwaters & Fires, with a tone and overall feel that is reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, is a true masterwork from Long Haul Paul, who began his professional recording career in his mid-50s. As you will hear, the podcast conversation takes listeners inside the process of making the album, discussing the songs and much more. This episode also features full-length previews of four original LHP songs that are a part of Floodwaters & Fires, including Four Million Miles Deep, a powerful ode that looks back at the life of a fellow driver. If you are interested in buying a copy of Floodwaters & Fires, we invite you to visit LongHaulPaulMusic.com. The post Long Haul Paul Previews His New Floodwaters And Fires Album appeared first on PodWheels.

This episode of Destinations is being shared by PodWheels to pay tribute to Dickey Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. It’s been almost six months since Betts’ passing at the age of 80 in mid-April. Earlier this year, PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson revisited his personal archives and the 1983 interview he had set up with Betts and Chuck Leavell, the one-time keyboard player for the Allman Brothers who has also been a part of the Rolling Stone for 42 years and counting. Thompson was in Minnesota at the time of Betts’ passing and he was able to connect with Al Neff, the Program Director for WXYG, The Goat, which is an album rock radio station located in Central Minnesota. Thompson and Neff, along with Danny Berg, had been part of the 1983 interview with Betts and Leavell when they were students at St. Cloud State University and part of the staff at KVSC-FM. In this edition of Destinations from PodWheels, we will share the 1983 interviews with Chuck Leavell and Dickey Betts. At the time of the interview recordings, they were a part of the short-lived, but great band, BHLT & Friends, which featured Dickey Betts, Jimmy Hall, Chuck Leavell and Butch Trucks. You will also hear the behind-the-scenes story of how Thompson had developed a successful approach for landing interviews with musical acts by contacting their management companies through long-distance calls made from his dorm room at St. Cloud State. Above all, we hope you will enjoy this trip back to 1983 that offers a moment in time featuring two consequential musical artists with the main spotlight paying tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time. The post Honoring Music Legend Dickey Betts By Revisiting 1983 Interview appeared first on PodWheels.

In this special episode of Destinations recorded on location in Indianapolis during the National Truck Driving Championships, we had the opportunity to catch up with Courtney George from Wreaths Across America. Courtney, who oversees transportation, logistics and industry relations for the organization, had a booth at NTDC 2024. In the booth and across the event, Courtney talked to the attendees about the mission of Wreaths Across America, which is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. During our podcast conversation with Courtney, we discussed the planning for this year’s WAA run in December that will deliver thousands of wreaths that will be placed on the headstones of military veterans across the country.  If you would like to learn how you can join the Honor Fleet to support the wonderful mission of the organization, please visit, WreathsAcrossAmerica.org The post Courtney George & Wreaths Across America Gearing Up For December appeared first on PodWheels.

Todd Carroll, the President and Founder of United Axle, spent some time with Dave Nemo, Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler on the final morning of MATS to talk about the important work Todd’s company does in keeping the trucks utilizing their services rolling across the country. To learn more about United Axle, we invite you to visit the company’s website UnitedAxle.com. The post MATS Rewind: Meet Todd Carroll, President & Founder of United Axle appeared first on PodWheels.

Terry Wurzer, the Co-founder and Vice President of Iowa Customs, joined the conversation with the RadioNemo Team on Friday of MATS 2024. Terry shares the company’s origin story and how it is catering to the after-market needs and wants for big rig owners. One of the fun parts of this segment can be heard when Terry is talking to DAT’s Dean Croke, who joined Dave Nemo, Lindsay Lawler and Jimmy Mac for this interview. Dean is the owner of a Peterbilt that he drove to MATS, and Terry is able to share part of the spirit that is displayed on the company’s website that says, “If you can dream it, we can build it. The post Iowa Customs Tailoring After-Market Accessories To Big-Rig Owners’ Needs appeared first on PodWheels.

One of the Friday conversations presented by the RadioNemo Team featured Dr. Mark Manera, who is the founder and CEO of Offshift. Dr. Manera will be chatting with Dave Nemo, Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler on the work he is doing through Offshift to assist professional drivers to live healthier and happier lives both on the road and at home. As you will hear, Dr. Manera also has a connection with Dean Croke, a friend of the RadioNemo Team who is the Principal Analyst for DAT. Dean was at the table with Dave, Jimmy and Lindsay as they talked with Dr. Mark, who holds a true passion for working to improve the overall health of professionals behind the wheel. The post Dr. Mark Manera Dedicated To Improving The Health of Professional Drivers appeared first on PodWheels.

When Gina Jones made the decision to join her husband, Steve, on the road, she knew it would be a life-changing career move. However, as Gina shares with Dave Nemo and Lindsay Lawler during her TA Citizen Driver of the Year interview, she had no idea how her efforts within the trucking industry could make such a positive impact on others. Gina, who is a Captain on the ATA’s America’s Road Team, has discovered how trucking can make a difference in people’s lives on a number of levels. Gina was in the running for the TA Citizen Driver Award in 2023, and she was thrilled to earn the honor alongside Steve as team drivers in 2024. The post Trucking Opens New Doors For TA Citizen Driver Gina Jones appeared first on PodWheels.

As you will hear, Steve Jones was deeply touched and extremely humbled in being selected along with his wife, Gina, as a TA Citizen Driver for 2024. Steve shares his observations with Dave Nemo and Lindsay Lawler that the trucking industry has provided him with countless opportunities over the years. It was 12 years ago that Steve asked Gina to start a new career and join him on the road. As Steve notes, they’ve had many memorable experiences, including being behind the wheel to deliver the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in 2023. The post Veteran Driver Steve Jones Reflects On Earning TA Citizen Driver Honors appeared first on PodWheels.

One of three TA Citizen Drivers chosen in 2024, Tim Taylor joined Dave Nemo and Lindsay Lawler to talk about his trucking career that spans nearly three million safe driving miles in his work as a company driver and trainer at FedEx. Tim, who hosts a weekly podcast on trucking, is also a Captain on America’s Road Team. As you will hear, Tim discusses what trucking has meant to him and his family as well as his philosophy of giving back to the industry. The post Tim Taylor Looks Back at His Route To Become A TA Citizen Driver Award Winner appeared first on PodWheels.

On the first day of MATS 2024, Jimmy Mac took a moment to talk to Dave Nemo about Dave’s own personal history at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Over the course of their conversation, Dave had the opportunity to look back at his 39 total visits to MATS that have been part of his 53-year career in trucking radio. The post Dave Nemo Reflects On His 39 Visits To MATS Over The Years appeared first on PodWheels.

As you will hear in this segment, Pittsburgh Power has held an annual presence at the Mid-America Trucking Show for over 30 years, and Service Manager Eric Moser has been with Pittsburgh Power for 14 years. However, Eric had never made the trip to Louisville until MATS 2024. During his conversation with Dave Nemo and Jimmy Mac, Eric shares details on the new product introduction of Pittsburgh Power’s Flashpoint Fuel Additive as well as other products that were featured by the company at MATS 2024. The post Pittsburgh Power’s Eric Moser On His First Visit To MATS appeared first on PodWheels.

Shannon Currier, the Director of Philanthropy for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund visited with Dave Nemo and Jimmy Mac during the first day of RadioNemo’s coverage of the Mid-America Trucking Show. Along with discussing the ongoing work and programs of SCF, Shannon shared some of the plans that SCF had in place for MATS 2024 as well as some upcoming events, including the return of SCF’s Virtual 5k. The post SCF’s Shannon Currier Talks Virtual 5K During MATS 2024 Rewind appeared first on PodWheels.

In this opening segment from the 2024 Mid-America Trucking Show, Brad Bentley from Fastport joins Dave Nemo and Jimmy Mac as they welcome Neurable’s Adam Molnar. You’ll hear Brad and Adam talk about what’s happening with their respective companies and what’s ahead at MATS 2024. Adam will also be sharing some details on the upcoming launch of the MW75-Neuro, including how the technology works as well as the benefits and features of the system. The post MATS 2024 Rewind: Fastport’s Brad Bentley & Neurable’s Adam Molnar appeared first on PodWheels.

Broadcasting and trucking industry pioneer will spend this year saying goodbye with “Last Ride Of The Road Gang” themed parties, broadcasts, and special events. OCEAN SPRINGS, (Miss.) – March 25, 2024 – After over 50 years of keeping truck drivers entertained with music, jokes, and news, radio personality Dave Nemo is retiring from his full-time duties as host of The Dave Nemo Show on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Channel 146. While he will continue to lend his name, expertise, and distinctive voice to the broadcast, Nemo is stepping back to play percussion, travel, and in his own words, “Do what I wanna to do when I wanna to do it.” Dave Nemo The radio legend will spend this coming year not only continuing to host his show, but also increasing his travel schedule to thank his many friends throughout the industry. Calling these appearances “The Last Ride of The Road Gang,” RadioNemo of North America will be celebrating the career of their namesake co-founder with parties, live broadcasts, and special events. The connected events will be sponsored through generous partnerships with United Axle, Drivers Legal Plan, and JobsinTrucks.  “The Last Ride of The Road Gang” got underway at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville when Nemo made the official announcement from the SiriusXM broadcast booth on March 23rd. But Nemo has made it clear that this is not goodbye but merely “another new direction in what has been a long journey.” For the better part of five decades, Nemo focused on the informational needs of his truck driver listeners. Regardless of the topic of conversation or the subject of the interview, his broadcasts placed the men and women who delivered goods and services throughout the country squarely at the center of the show. Beginning principally as a disc jockey and humorist on WWL’s legendary up-all-night “The Road Gang” broadcast, Nemo proved resilient through multiple changes in his formats, locations, and audiences. He transitioned from his early days of spinning records and generating laughs into a trusted, non-partisan voice for the industry.  Nemo’s radio roots extend all the way back to the end of the sixties. While still in his senior year at Loyola University of New Orleans in 1969, Nemo became the weekend host at WWL 870 AM. He continued in that position until October of 1970 when he joined the Army. The following year, he continued to hone his skills by reading copy and playing music for AFKN in Seoul, South Korea, while stationed at the Yongsan Army/Air Force base.  Returning from the Army in 1972, Dave was rehired at WWL, where he met broadcaster Charlie Douglas. Douglas had launched “The Road Gang” the previous year with the desire to use late-night programming as a way to reach and entertain truck drivers across America. With the addition of Nemo, the already celebrated show took off as Nemo brought his deep reverence of the subgenre of trucking music to couple with both his and Douglas’ love of country and rock-n-roll.   However, it was with the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973 that “The Road Gang” gained its true cultural importance. Along with keeping drivers awake with comic bits and music, the show became an informational hub of trucking-focused news relaying diesel prices, safe areas for parking, and on more than one occasion, individual messages sent directly to drivers about loads, family emergencies, and even childbirth. By the end of the seventies, the show’s influence could be felt throughout popular culture with movies like “Smokey and The Bandit,” television shows like “BJ and The Bear,” and popular songs like CJ McCall’s “Convoy.”  1984 was the first big shift in “The Road Gang” programming. Just as the trucking industry began deregulating, Douglas left the show he had helped create to join The Grand Ole Opry at WSM Radio in Nashville. Despite doubts in some corners about the show’s continued viability, Nemo assumed leadership of the program. Under his guidance, “The Road Gang” expanded its reach to five more stations, including broadcasts in Salt Lake City and Buffalo. This time was also the beginning of his ongoing approach of extensive travel to conferences, truck stops, and trucking shows to connect to the listeners in person. By the time the nineties rolled around, trucking was in the midst of a great upheaval. Regulation changes, mergers and acquisitions, and the implementation of the commercial driver’s license destabilized the industry and fostered an atmosphere of creative destruction.   Just like the drivers he served, Nemo was also subject to the vagaries of that shifting market.  From 1991 to 2000, “The Road Gang” moved its services and programming into 11 different radio companies as right-wing talk shows and large radio conglomerates threatened the independent identity the show had forged. The biggest of these changes came in 1995 as business mogul Kerby Confer moved WWL to Nashville, rebranding it as WLAC. “The Road Gang” focused on both truck drivers and country music, and Confer believed the show would thrive in an atmosphere where many listeners and much of the music played called home.  “The Road Gang” was firmly ensconced in Nashville by 1998 when Nemo had a fortuitous encounter. It would change the trajectory of his fortunes and, ultimately, his position in the industry. Introduced to Dave by RoadKing Magazine editor Bill Hudgins, songwriters and entrepreneurs Michael and MaryKay Burns were interviewed by Nemo about their song “Christmas Comes on 18 Wheels,” and the three immediately hit it off. The Burnses secured Nemo’s musical content and guests for the show while deepening their friendship over this time. Their arrival coincided with “The Road Gang” again in transitional status.  Soon after the meeting between Nemo and the Burnses, Clear Channel Communication acquired Nemo’s home company of AM/FM Inc, and with the popular Truckin Bozo already attached to Clear Channel, the broadcaster soon found himself with a large audience but nowhere to call home.   Immediately Michael Burns leapt to work. In 1999, The Burnses initiated the formation of Dave Nemo Entertainment (DNE) and worked with Nemo to place the company on sound footing financially and programming-wise. Along with Dave’s wife Cheryl, the three would forge a partnership around a love of music, trucking, and radio that lasts to this very day. As the company entered the 2000s, the show underwent rapid change driven by the same technological advances that trucking experienced. That change would define Nemo’s program in its current form. Firm in his belief that “the future was yesterday,” Nemo, along with Michael Burns, saw the fledgling form of satellite radio as an opportunity to reach an audience that would never lose its signal and stay with him from coast to coast. Allowing their affiliate contracts to expire, DNE made the permanent move to XM Radio after long deliberation and Nemo’s insight that the company had “one foot on the boat and one foot on the dock.”  They stepped onto the boat and into the future. Along with his partnership with the Burnses, Nemo considers his decision to move to satellite radio to be one of the most important of his life.  In 2008, XM merged with Sirius to become SiriusXM and switched Nemo’s programming from a music format to an informational one. In that moment, “The Dave Nemo Show” was born and has continued to this day. Over those 16 years, the man who provided laughter and song has transformed into a trusted source of information for truckers looking for a voice beholden to no one but their needs. What began in New Orleans has returned to the Gulf Coast, as Nemo moved his studio back to The Crescent City, and the Burnses relocated DNE headquarters to Ocean Springs, Miss., where it has since become RadioNemo of North America. Moving forward, “The Dave Nemo Show” will continue with Nemo lending support to his trusted colleagues Jimmy Mac, Lindsay Lawler, and Tim Ridley, as well as the many contributors who make the program the most comprehensive in trucking. The show can continue to be heard weekdays on SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking (channel 146) from 7 to 11 AM ET. LISTEN TO DAVE’S ANNOUNCEMENT: PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo would like to invite you to listen to Dave Nemo as he announced his retirement plans and what he is looking forward to doing through the Last Ride of The Road Gang. Dave’s announcement was the final segment on the March 23rd edition of the Dave Nemo Weekends Show, which can be heard every Saturday and Sunday morning on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio. You can hear Dave’s announcement as it was broadcast by scrolling down to the bottom of this page and accessing the podcast player featuring the PodWheels Destinations series. Jimmy Mac, Lindsay Lawler, and Dave Nemo The post Legendary Trucking Radio Personality Dave Nemo to Retire from Full-Time Duties Next Year appeared first on PodWheels.

For an Exit Ramp episode of our series, we’ll take you to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and we’ll take a walking tour of the Chattanooga Whiskey Company, a craft bourbon distillery that has been in operation for the past decade. Tim Piersant, the Founder and President of Chattanooga Whiskey, will be our guest and our tour guide. We’ll take you inside the distillery and you’ll hear how the company got its start. The tour took place shortly before Chattanooga Whiskey celebrated its fifth anniversary. Today, Chattanooga Whiskey ranks as one of the top tourist attractions in Chattanooga, which has earned a reputation as the Scenic City of the South. The post Exit Ramp: Our Walking Tour of the Chattanooga Whiskey Company appeared first on PodWheels.

On this Father’s Day Weekend, we’ll be taking the Exit Ramp to feature some lasting memories and impactful moments that celebrate fathers from three sons – Jimmy Mac, Long Haul Paul and Greg Thompson. This episode also has a special treat, a live recording of Long Haul Paul’s song about his Dad, entitled Good, Strong, Quiet Man. The post Sharing Memories Of Our Dads appeared first on PodWheels.

How are you planning on spending your Summer? While it can be challenging to find the ideal time to take an extended breather from the road, there is real value to taking advantage of the opportunities to get away from our weekly routines within the industry to recharge our personal batteries. Jimmy Mac, the host of Dave Nemo Weekends, your Weekend 34, inspired the subject for this edition of the Exit Ramp with his shows this weekend, discussing summer vacations and the importance of making the time to find ways to enjoy our lives outside of work. The post Vacations: Value of Getting Away appeared first on PodWheels.

Long Haul Paul and Jimmy Mac return for another thought-provoking ride on the Exit Ramp. Jimmy’s interview with London-based writer and director Julian Simpson on the June 4th edition of Dave Nemo Weekends serves as the primary catalyst for this week’s conversation. Long Haul Paul and Jimmy are joined by Greg Thompson from PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo for a discussion that explores the early days of the BBC and the power that audio has to paint mental pictures across various platforms, sparking our imaginations. The post Exploring The Power Of Audio appeared first on PodWheels.

Jimmy Mac, the host of Dave Nemo Weekends, leads the latest edition of the Exit Ramp as we mark the 45th anniversary of the movie release for Smokey & The Bandit. Veteran professional driver and accomplished musician Long Haul Paul, who is also a contributing writer for Overdrive, is Jimmy’s featured guest. Jimmy is also joined on this edition of the Exit Ramp by Greg Thompson, Executive Producer for PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo. As you’ll hear, the iconic film’s anniversary is the starting point for the conversation, which also explores Paul’s creative process for writing music. You’ll also hear a sample of Paul’s music, and the conversation also includes the group spending some time talking about the fifth anniversary of the passing of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman. The post Smokey & The Bandit Turns 45 appeared first on PodWheels.

In this edition of the Exit Ramp, you’ll hear our interview with Matt Cutler, the founder of the Joshua Chamberlain Society. JCS is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded veterans and families of deceased veterans feel the support and appreciation of their community for life. Matt will be telling us more about the work of JCS and the special focus that the organization provides when it comes to assisting veterans and the families of veterans. You’ll also hear about the connection JCS feels with the trucking industry, and Matt highlights the organization’s annual Price of Freedom Gala, which will be held in St. Louis on April 30th. The post How JCS Delivers For Wounded Veterans appeared first on PodWheels.

In our debut episode of the Exit Ramp from PodWheels Powered By RadioNemo, we learn about the strong connection that Country Music legend Merle Haggard developed with professional drivers and the trucking industry. Jimmy Mac, the host of Dave Nemo Weekends, talks with Greg Thompson, the Executive Producer of PodWheels, about the brief performance that Merle Haggard and his band gave at the 1998 U.S. Xpress company picnic. You’ll hear Greg tell Jimmy the story behind how Merle was a guest at the picnic and why he and his band decided to play a five-song set for a group of stunned truck drivers and support staff. The post Merle Haggard’s Connection To Trucking appeared first on PodWheels.