Podcast
Drive
Hosted by HandledNow · EN
Welcome to Drive by HandledNow, the podcast for truck drivers who are looking to enhance their lives both on and off the road, and for carriers looking for that perfect-fit trucker. Co-hosted by Zac Elsts and Chelsea Faulkner, they're here to bring you conversations that will help you keep moving forward in every area of your life. Whether you're a seasoned trucker or just starting out in the industry, this show is for you.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Building a Healthier Future for America’s Trucking Workforce with Stephen Kane, Rolling Strong
Aug 1400:38:26Tap to summarizeCan your health keep up with the demands of life on the road? In this episode, Chelsea Faulkner connects with Stephen Kane, President of Rolling Strong, 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 everyone in the cab or office. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How to create routines that work with a demanding schedule Why knowing your “why” makes lasting change possible Ways technology can make healthy decisions easier on the road Resources: Stephen Kane on LinkedIn HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Introduction (00:30) From hardship to finding purpose on the road (02:24) Lessons from decades across every seat in trucking (04:52) How health challenges inspired a new mission (06:29) Building a wellness platform tailored for the industry (12:09) Breaking barriers to healthy habits on the road (17:40) Tools that make wellness easier and more rewarding (25:22) Creating a culture that truly values its people (33:37) Signs someone feels supported in their work
Transcribe →How to Stay Steady When the Freight Market Shifts with Tim Norlin, Roehl Transport
Aug 700:30:31Tap to summarizeIs your trucking career giving you the stability you deserve? On this episode, Chelsea Faulkner sits down with Tim Norlin, Vice President at Roehl Transport, 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, you’ll hear about: How to spot a stable carrier before you make your next move Why work history matters more than ever in today’s market What it really means to be part of a team that values its drivers Resources: Tim Norlin on LinkedIn HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (01:12) How Tim found his calling in trucking (03:13) The truth about recruiting and retention today(07:35) Why this recession feels different than past cycles(09:44) Advice for drivers when carriers shut down(12:59) The impact of job hopping on driver success(15:49) Building a team-first mindset in trucking(20:46) Celebrating 6 million safe miles behind the wheel(23:26) How to build real relationships with your drivers
Transcribe →Driving Trust in Testing and Background Screening with Marc Bourne and Grady Phillips, Workforce QA
Jun 1200:45:25Tap to summarizeUnderstanding 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, Chelsea Faulkner sits down with Marc Bourne, Vice President of Background Screening, Training, and Compliance Services at Workforce QA, and Grady Phillips, 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 can move beyond just ticking boxes to fostering honest, respectful relationships. You’ll hear them bust common myths about drug and background testing, explain why drivers should take charge of their own records, and share how ongoing education and advocacy help create a safer, better-informed trucking community. Marc and Grady stress the importance of treating drivers like people and giving them clarity about what’s tested and why it matters. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why trust is the foundation of driver testing and records How to advocate for yourself with MVR, PSP, and background checks How digitization can improve the hiring process Resources: Grady Phillips on LinkedIn Marc Bourne on LinkedIn HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode highlights: (00:00) Intro and background of Marc Bourne and Grady Phillips (00:07:00) Why trust matters between drivers and companies (00:14:00) The power of clear communication and candidate experience (00:16:00) Debunking common myths about background checks (00:22:30) Understanding MVR, PSP, and clearinghouse records (00:32:00) Keeping up with policy changes and regulations (00:37:00) How digital tools are changing testing and record keeping (00:39:00) Rapid fire: driver questions and redesigning testing (00:43:00) Making drivers feel supported, not singled out (00:44:30) How to connect with Marc and Grady
Transcribe →How Drivers Stay and Thrive with Erin Crawford, HandledNow
May 29, 202500:20:50Tap to summarizeWhen was the last time someone really listened to you? For Erin Crawford, supporting drivers starts with trust, follow-through, and remembering the little things. In this episode, Chelsea Faulkner talks with Erin, Market Development Manager of HandledNow, 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 trust in an industry where it’s often lacking, and why her approach isn’t just good business, it’s personal. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why honesty matters more than a perfect pitch How to make drivers feel seen in a system that often overlooks them What advocacy looks like from someone who actually listens Resources: Erin Crawford on LinkedIn HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (01:18) Starting out in recruiting and growing into a leadership role (03:08) Why relationships and trust matter in trucking (05:08) Giving drivers a second chance and seeing them succeed (06:25) Helping drivers grow beyond the road (06:45) Building trust from the very first call (08:09) Creating memorable touchpoints like newsletters and recognition (10:21) Why honesty matters more than sugarcoating (17:39) The Now Difference and empowering drivers through advocacy
Transcribe →What It Takes to Stay in Trucking for the Long Haul with Zac Elsts, HandledNow
May 15, 202500:36:20Tap to summarizeIs your trucking career built to last? In this episode, Chelsea Faulkner talks with HandledNow CEO Zac Elsts 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 finding a mentor and being curious about your industry How to develop skills beyond just driving Why thinking like a “business partner” is key to longevity Resources: Zac Elsts on LinkedIn HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (02:22) Starting a career in trucking (10:08) What new drivers should prioritize in their first few years (12:21) The importance of continuous skill development (13:34) Certifications and specializations that matter (15:12) How drivers can become valuable assets and grow their careers (21:09) Managing setbacks on the road (23:49) Building relationships for career growth and leadership opportunities (30:05) Practical steps for aspiring business owners
Transcribe →How Culture Becomes a Driver’s Reason to Stay with Kameel Gaines, Rig on Wheels
Apr 24, 202500:32:33Tap to summarizeIs your recruiting strategy actually helping you retain drivers? Kameel Gaines, Founder of Rig On Wheels, joins Chelsea Faulkner of HandledNow 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 hear about: Why culture must come before recruiting How social media has replaced the CB radio What it takes to rebrand trucking from the inside out Resources: Kameel Gaines's LinkedIn Rig On Wheels Website HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (01:20) Kameel’s journey from sales to launching Rig on Wheels (04:33) How marketing missteps create recruiting problems (06:20) Why company culture has to come before hiring (08:20) The impact of generational shifts on the driver pipeline (10:38) Holding drivers accountable while building respect (14:34) Why fleets must meet drivers where they are on social media (24:24) Retention starts with knowing who you are as a company (28:19) Rebuilding trust with drivers who feel unheard
Transcribe →How Listening to Your Drivers Can Spark Real Change with Dr. Gina Anderson, Luma Brighter Learning
Apr 10, 202500:33:10Tap to summarizeAre driver training programs helping - or just checking boxes? In this episode, Chelsea Faulkner of HandledNow sits down with Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO of Luma Brighter Learning 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 about: Why driver feedback is key to building trust How learning science can improve safety and retention The risks of AI when it replaces real understanding Resources: Dr. Gina Anderson's LinkedIn Luma Brighter Learning HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (01:23) Dr. Gina Anderson’s path to Luma Brighter Learning (04:45) The problem with “check-the-box” driver training (06:20) Bridging generational learning gaps in trucking (08:07) Why fleets need to build trust with drivers (13:35) How content overload and tech create a loneliness loop (17:14) The promise and danger of AI in driver learning (28:09) Rethinking safety training through authentic education
Transcribe →The Road Ahead: New Season, Tackling Isolation, Retention, and Industry Changes
Mar 27, 202500:06:05Tap to summarizeAre 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. Chelsea Faulkner is stepping into the host seat, and she’s bringing a fresh focus to the conversations ahead. In this first episode, Chelsea and Zac Elsts 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 — to their company, their community, and their own goals. Chelsea shares why that connection piece is personal for her and previews what’s ahead this season: conversations with industry leaders, stories that need to be heard, and real steps we can all take to improve how we support drivers from the cab to the C-suite. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why driver connection is the key to solving retention and mental health challenges How industry changes, from policies to workforce expectations, impact drivers What drivers and companies can do to create stronger communication and support systems Resources: HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Zac on LinkedIn Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Welcome to the new season of Drive (01:08) What’s ahead: Key themes and conversations for this season (02:39) Industry trends impacting drivers today (03:57) Why driver connection is more important than ever (04:49) Actionable steps to strengthen connection in trucking (06:03) Where to follow and subscribe for updates
Transcribe →Navigating DOT Compliance Challenges with Brandon Wiseman, TruckSafe
Jan 2, 202500:37:42Tap to summarizeAre you ready to take control of DOT compliance and avoid costly mistakes? In this episode, Chelsea Faulkner of HandledNow talks with Brandon Wiseman, Founder of TruckSafe Consulting 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 falsifications happen and how to prevent them The importance of being proactive in safety programs Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (07:12) Brandon’s journey from attorney to TruckSafe founder (12:30) Top DOT violations and how to avoid them (18:40) Why education is key to compliance (25:10) Bridging the gap between drivers and carriers Resources: Brandon’s LinkedIn TruckSafe Consulting HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Zac on LinkedIn Chelsea on LinkedIn
Transcribe →Putting Drivers First with Jason Douglass from James H. Clark & Sons
Dec 26, 202400:28:49Tap to summarizeAre trucking companies stepping up to really support drivers? In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Jason Douglass, Vice President of Operations at James H. Clark & Sons, 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 benefits, he’s focused on what makes a real difference. He also shares how Project 61, an initiative built around driver health and wellness, is setting a new standard in the industry. Whether you’re behind the wheel, recruiting drivers, or managing operations, this conversation is about putting drivers first and making the job better for everyone. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why honest recruiting and emotional smarts go a long way in keeping drivers around. How EAPs are helping drivers stay mentally strong and feel supported. What makes Project 61 a game-changer for health and wellness in trucking Resources: Jason’s LinkedIn James H. Clark & Sons HandledNow Website HandledNow on Facebook Zac on LinkedIn Chelsea on LinkedIn Episode Highlights: (00:00) Intro (06:58) Jason’s journey from delivery driver to VP of Operations (12:45) Why trust starts with honest recruiting (19:30) Supporting drivers through Employee Assistance Programs (26:00) Project 61 and improving driver health (32:10) Why supporting drivers is personal for Jason
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