“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 actually enjoy the life you’re working so hard for. Dr. Rucker explains how tiny “micro-moments” of fun can reset your energy, strengthen impulse control, and shift your mindset from surviving to thriving. We also talk about how to find two hours of true enjoyment each day, no matter where you are.

Then we roll into a rapid-fire highlight reel from the road: drivers share the many ways they’re enjoying life OTR—from geocaching and zip-lining to helicopter rides on a 30-minute break, national park pit stops, and cookouts with new friends. Different personalities, different budgets—same outcome: more resilient, more present, more you.

Huge thanks to Dr. Mike Rucker for the wisdom—and to every driver who shared their stories and ideas. Your creativity is why this community works.

Listen in, steal a few ideas, and try one this week. Progress, not perfection.

Guest: Dr. Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit
Connect with Mike: [Website] | [Instagram] | [LinkedIn] |
Buy the Book: [The Fun Habit – Purchase Link]

#EnjoyingLifeOTR #HealthierTruckers #TheFunHabit

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Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

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 engage.

Plus, a heartfelt thank you to all who have left reviews and shared the podcast—you’re making this community stronger every day! Brian will be back next episode, but in the meantime, Cindy invites you to explore past episodes, check out the blog, and stay involved.

If you enjoy the show, the best way to support it is to share with a fellow driver! 

🔗 Join the Conversation:
🌎 Website & Blog: EnjoyingLifeOTR.com
📌 Facebook Group: Enjoying Life OTR (Private)
📌 Facebook Page: Enjoying Life OTR (Public)

#EnjoyingLifeOTR #HealthierTruckers #TruckerCommunity

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

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 strategies on negotiating rates, finding the best lanes, avoiding bad brokers, and how he built relationships with brokers and shippers to secure higher-paying freight—without relying on load boards. He also breaks down how to determine real market rates (not just what brokers tell you!) and how to negotiate fair layover fees so you’re properly compensated for downtime.

Cindy talks about her biggest lessons learned in launching her own authority and the biggest mistakes new owner-operators make. Plus, they tackle the age-old debate: Is it really the right time to start a trucking company?

If you’ve ever wondered whether owning a trucking business is for you, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

Get Cindy’s Free Guide: A step-by-step checklist for launching your own trucking company. Just click "Send Us a Text" in the show notes and send Cindy your email address.

Connect with Kyle Hutchinson--Follow The Tall Garage Facebook group and Youtube Channel.

Enjoying Life OTR Podcast drops new episodes on the 1st and 15th!  Hit subscribe and keep rolling with us.

#EnjoyingLifeOTR #HealthierTruckers #OwnerOperator #TruckingBusiness #FreightHauling

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

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 Enjoying Life OTR, Cindy Tunstall and Brian Wilson sit down with Kenny and Elizabeth Long, trucking industry powerhouses who run a brokerage, a fleet, and know exactly what it takes to negotiate with confidence. And here’s the best part—negotiation isn’t just for certain personality types. It’s a skill anyone can master. Getting out of your comfort zone and improving these strategies will benefit your career, relationships, and everyday interactions.

You'll learn:
✅ How to negotiate higher pay, better loads, and preferred routes
✅ Why who makes the first offer has more power than you think
✅ How to read the other person’s energy and mirror it to build rapport
✅ The #1 mistake drivers make when negotiating—and how to fix it
✅ Simple strategies to make negotiation feel natural (even if it makes you nervous)

Mastering negotiation isn’t about being pushy—it’s about problem-solving, building trust, and confidently advocating for yourself. And in this episode, we’re giving you real-world strategies that work.

🔹 Connect with Kenny & Elizabeth Long:

• Facebook Group: Rates and Lanes
• YouTube: You Drive U (Kenny Long)
• Trucking & Brokerage Company: Patriot Star
• Facebook: Elizabeth Long

📢 Challenge: Try just one of these negotiation techniques this week—whether it’s for a raise, a better load, or a family decision. Then come share how it went in the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook group!

🔗 Join the conversation: Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group

#Enjoyin

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

🚛💩 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 hundreds of people finally get relief after struggling with digestive issues for years. Specializing in IBS, SIBO, and gut dysfunction, Alyssa is an expert at uncovering the root causes of gut problems and offering practical, long-term solutions—without forcing you to survive on plain chicken and lettuce.

She’s been featured in Forbes, Medical News Today, and Everyday Health, and hosts The Gut Health Dialogues, where she shares the science behind digestion in a way that actually makes sense. In this episode, she’s breaking it all down just for drivers—so you can stop playing restroom roulette and start feeling better every day on the road.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ The gut-stress connection—why long hours, crazy schedules, and fast food are wrecking your digestion
✅ Easy, driver-friendly diet tweaks (that don’t involve turning into a rabbit)
✅ Hydration hacks and the right way to take fiber
✅ What your stool is actually telling you—yes, we’re going there

This episode is packed with simple, actionable strategies you can use today—because a happy gut makes for a happier, healthier driver.

🚨 Want to work with Alyssa?
👉 Book a free 15-minute consultation: NutritionResolution.com
👉 Download her FREE Healthy Gut Restoration Guide for a cheat sheet on everything we covered!
👉 Follow Alyssa on Instagram: @nutritionresolution

🎧 Hit play now—because no driver should be losing the battle against their own belly!

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

 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 with quick stretches that can be done in minutes—even at a stoplight.
• Why small adjustments in posture, grip, and footwear can make a big difference for your comfort.
• The surprising link between emotions and muscle tension—and how to break free from the cycle of discomfort.

Butch’s advice isn’t about overhauling your routine or ditching your steel-toe boots. It’s about giving your body what it needs to feel better with practical, easy steps that anyone can do. From improving flexibility to easing muscle tension, these techniques can change how you feel every day on the road.

🎧 Don’t let pain hold you back. Tune in and take the first step toward feeling better, driving safer, and enjoying life on the road. Share this episode with a fellow driver who deserves relief, too!

Connect with Butch Phelps and The Muscle Repair Shop:
The Muscle Repair Shop Website
The Muscle Repair Shop Youtube Channel

Butch Phelps on Social Media:
Instagram- musclerepairshop
Facebook- @musclerepairshop
LinkedIn- @butchphelps

"Stretch n' Release: The Missing Piece to a More Pain-Free Life" book by Butch Phelps.  This book is a godsend for people who suffer from muscle aches and pains and want to live a more pain-free life. Whether you are a 14-year-old soccer player who wants to garner a college scholarship, a weekend warrior on the golf or tennis court, or a happy retiree puttering around in your garden—Stretch n' Release is for you! If you've been in pain and have seen doctors and specialists, if you've tried braces and injections, pills and potions, or you're facing surgery, try Butch Phelps's revolutionary Stretch n' Release Technique! Developed over a 20-year massage and muscle ther

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

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 tools for real results.

You’ll hear stories of transformation, including Brian Wilson, an OTR driver who lost 85 pounds and hear more inspiring stories from OTR drivers: Lamar Myart, Gemma Ford, and Marie Ward. Whether you’re looking to shed weight, manage diabetes, reduce brain fog or simply feel better, we unpack the science of fasting.  Gin explains the importance of a clean fast and why your zero-calorie sweeteners sabotage your efforts.  We share ways to build discipline without overcomplicating the process.

This episode delivers more than advice—it’s packed with hope, community, and actionable steps to help you take control of your health. Tune in to learn about Gin’s "28-Day Fast Start"  and "Delay Don't Deny" audiobooks and discover why intermittent fasting is more than a trend—it’s a sustainable way to thrive on the road and beyond.

This episode dives deep into how intermittent fasting offers truck drivers a lifeline in their health journeys, showcasing personal stories of transformation and success. With insights from Gin Stevens and real-life experiences from drivers, we'll gain practical tools and motivation for adopting intermittent fasting, regardless of our challenging schedules.

• Exploring the unique challenges of maintaining health as a truck driver
• Personal success stories demonstrating the benefits of intermittent fasting
• Gin Stevens elaborates on the importance of a clean fast
• Addressing hunger and maintaining energy levels during fasting
• Community support as a vital aspect of any health journey
• Practical tips to start intermittent fasting while trucking

Find more books and additional resources at GinStephens.com 

Tune into Gin's podcast each week for more inspiration:
 https://www.intermittentfastingstories.com/   https://www.fastf

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

What’s better than swapping holiday stories with friends who just get it? In this festive episode, the Enjoying Life OTRteam 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 on the Side" Dino Grigoriadis, along with our fun-loving team: Jess Graham, Joe Lee, Brian Wilson, and Gemma Ford. We’re taking a break to laugh, reminisce, and wish you all a "Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!"

Tune in to feel a little holiday magic, trucker style—it’s a celebration of the hardworking drivers who make every mile count and every holiday brighter.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Enjoying Life OTR!

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

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 jingles. This episode promises to enhance your understanding of AI, showcasing how it's not just a novelty but an integrated part of everyday life on and off the road.

Ever wondered how AI can supercharge your communication skills? We unlock the potential of tools like ChatGPT, illustrating their unique ability to remember conversations and provide tailored support for truck drivers. From practical tips for crafting effective emails to maximizing productivity in podcast production, the hosts share real-life success stories. They emphasize the importance of verifying AI-provided information while spotlighting its role as a creative problem-solver—be it negotiating offers or brainstorming menu ideas for events.

Cindy and Melinda don't shy away from discussing AI's limitations alongside its benefits. By adjusting settings and learning effective prompting, they tailor AI interactions to reflect personal values and preferences, transforming AI from a passive assistant into an insightful collaborator. The episode also covers the ethical and legal considerations of AI, urging caution and critical engagement with its outputs. As a delightful finale, enjoy a festive tune born from an AI collaboration, celebrating the holiday spirit and the vibrant journey of truckers everywhere.

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

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 process. With personal anecdotes and a touch of humor, Wayne and I explore the initial allure of smoking in youth and how it quickly spirals into a lifelong struggle.

For those thinking about vaping as a safer alternative, think again. We explore the truth about nicotine withdrawal and the insidious nature of vaping, emphasizing the enduring psychological tug-of-war that often leads to relapse. Wayne's narrative offers hope and practical insights, as he recounts how the Alan Carr method helped him redefine his relationship with smoking and drinking. Even if you're not battling these habits yourself, the mindset shifts discussed provide valuable tools for personal growth and could be your key to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Throughout the episode, stories of success with Alan Carr's method shine a light on the power of changing one's mindset. Whether you're a truck driver like our featured guest or someone facing the pressures of life's demands, the insights shared in this conversation highlight the ease and empowerment of quitting without feeling deprived. A healthier lifestyle is within reach, and this episode serves as your guide to finding freedom from addiction and embracing a new perspective on what it means to truly enjoy life.

Visit www.usa.allencarr.com to find more information about how to quit the easy way!

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance