Broadcasting live from the 2025 Texas Trucking Association Annual Conference in Austin, Road Gang Radio hosts Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler sit down with Konor Swedberg, Risk Engineering Specialist at Crum & Forster, Surplus and Specialty Lines, to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.

Konor shares a sharp and honest take on the ongoing nightmare of cargo theft, why new leadership like Derek Barrs brings optimism for the industry, and reflects on his time as Chairman of TXTA’s Emerging Leaders Council (ELC). With a look toward the next generation of trucking professionals, Konor delivers both insight and encouragement from the frontlines of risk management.

Topics include:

– The real-world impact of cargo theft on carriers

– What Derek Barrs' leadership could mean for safety and enforcement

– Lessons from serving as TXTA ELC Chairman

– The importance of developing future leaders in trucking

Live from Austin, Texas at the 2025 TXTA Annual Conference, Road Gang Radio hosts Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler sit down with Nick LaFalce and Madison Letts of RaceTrac—one of our proud sponsors of this special broadcast. Big thanks to RaceTrac and RaceWay Travel Centers for making this coverage possible!

In this conversation, Nick and Madison shine a spotlight on RaceTrac’s expanding footprint, including the 100th high-flow diesel store opening, and how they're showing love to America’s truck drivers this Truck Driver Appreciation Month.

With exclusive September deals, a loyalty points boost, and a long-standing commitment to fleet drivers, RaceTrac continues to fuel the road—one mile, one slice, and one cup of coffee at a time.

Highlights include:

– A look at the history and growth of RaceTrac and RaceWay

– Details on the milestone 100th diesel store

– Driver-exclusive perks during Truck Driver Appreciation Month

– How RaceTrac supports fleets and professional drivers across the country

Live from the Texas Trucking Association Annual Conference 2025 in Austin, Road Gang Radio hosts Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler catch up with Bryon Wiebold, Industry Relations expert at Tenstreet.

Bryon shares his boots-on-the-ground insight into the pulse of the trucking industry across Texas and beyond, diving into how Tenstreet continues to innovate while supporting carriers, recruiters, and drivers. From his reflections on the conference to conversations about the future of transportation, Bryon brings energy and perspective shaped by deep industry experience.

What’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next for the Lone Star State and the national stage? Find out in this fun and thoughtful interview straight from the heart of Texas trucking.

Highlights include:

– What makes the TXTA Annual Conference special

– Evolving tech solutions for fleets and drivers

– The role of relationships in industry progress

– How Tenstreet is helping shape the future of hiring and compliance

What do you get when you mix 1.5 million bats, a bridge in downtown Austin, and a high-octane music lineup? You get Bat Fest—one of the most unique and unforgettable festivals in Texas!

In this episode of Road Gang Radio, Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler catch up with French Smith, creator of Bat Fest and fellow CDL holder who also hauls mobile concert stages across the state. French dives into how Bat Fest started, what makes the event one-of-a-kind, the family-friendly features (including free kids’ activities!), and what you need to know if you plan to see the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats take flight.

In this episode of Road Gang Radio, Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler head to South Austin—virtually—to chat with Vince Hannemann, the creative force behind one of America’s most offbeat roadside attractions: the Cathedral of Junk. Built from over 60 tons of discarded treasures, this evolving art structure is tucked into Vince’s backyard and has captured the imagination of visitors from around the world.

Vince shares the story of how the cathedral began in the late '80s, how it’s transformed over the years (including a tower teardown and the creation of new rooms), and how neighbors, the city, and curious tourists have all become part of its story.

With no website or social media, Vince lets the cathedral speak for itself. Explore more about this bizarre, brilliant landmark through these resources:

Trucking Ray (Ray Lampkins) joins Jimmy Mac on Nemo Nation to talk about his journey as a professional driver, entrepreneur, and passionate storyteller. From launching 3-Axle Coffee, a bold brew “built by a driver, for drivers,” to hosting the That’s Delivered Podcast, Ray is on a mission to spotlight the real voices of trucking.

Hear about the inspiration behind his brands, the lessons he’s learned from drivers across the country, and why he believes truckers deserve better representation, recognition, and resources.

In this episode of Nemo Nation, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Elisabeth Barna, founder of EAB Strategies and one of the most respected voices in the trucking and logistics industry. With over 35 years of experience — including a 25-year career at the American Trucking Associations — Elisabeth shares powerful insights on how to cultivate and champion young leaders in transportation.

We explore:

What it takes to inspire the next generation of trucking professionals

Elisabeth’s leadership journey and the creation of EAB Strategies

The role of storytelling in shaping the image of the industry

How programs and mentorship can drive retention and engagement

Why investing in people is the future of freight

Whether you're a veteran in logistics or just starting your career, this conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and action.

Join Jimmy Mac on Nemo Nation for an insightful conversation with Dr. Chris Caplice — Silver Family Research Fellow, Senior Research Scientist at MIT, Executive Director of the Center for Transportation and Logistics, and Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics.

In this episode, Dr. Caplice breaks down the current state of the truckload (TL) market, explores where the industry is heading, and highlights the key trends and indicators trucking professionals should watch closely.

Whether you’re a carrier, shipper, or logistics professional, this discussion offers data-driven insights to help you navigate the evolving freight landscape.

Allen Hodges, President and CEO of the Idaho Trucking Association, joins Jimmy Mac on Nemo Nation to discuss key issues impacting carriers across Idaho.

In this episode, Allen breaks down Idaho statute 67-2901B, covering the safety inspection exemptions for certain intrastate motor carriers — including those transporting sand, gravel, and other mine products. He also shares insights on ELP (Electronic Logging Permit) issues unique to Idaho, and the broader regulatory landscape affecting small operators and heavy haulers.

With a hands-on career that spans excavation, sawmill operations, and now industry advocacy, Allen brings real-world experience and policy know-how to this important conversation.

What do soaring electric bills, climate change, and job creation all have in common? They're all deeply connected — and our elected officials aren’t doing enough about it.

In this episode of Nemo Nation, host Jimmy Mac sits down with David Kieve, President of EDF Action, to explore how climate policy directly impacts Americans' wallets, health, and future. From the cost-saving power of clean energy to the rollbacks threatening environmental progress, Kieve brings sharp insight into what’s at stake — and what we can do about it.

Topics covered include:

How climate policy affects your bottom line

The economic benefits of wind and solar

Why Congress is stalling on clean energy progress

How voters can push for climate reform

The U.S.’s role in the global climate landscape