Podcast Summary: Supply Chain Now

Episode: A Sitdown with Legendary Supply Chain Storyteller Dave Nemo
Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Scott Lewton
Guest Host: Tony Shirota
Guest: Dave Nemo, Radio Personality and Host of Radio Nemo

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Dave Nemo, a legendary supply chain and trucking-focused broadcaster whose career spans over 55 years from AM radio through satellite to today’s digital streaming era. Nemo is known for his storytelling, dedication to truck drivers, and ability to adapt his message for new audiences and technologies. The hosts, Scott Lewton and Tony Shirota, explore Nemo’s career evolution, share insights into the trucking industry, and discuss broader lessons on authenticity, innovation, and the art of connecting with one’s audience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Innovation and Adaptation in Broadcasting

• Dave’s Journey: From AM radio at WWL in New Orleans to satellite radio’s Open Road/Road Dog on XM, and now to digital streaming with Radio Nemo Nation.

• On Constantly Evolving:

  "Always be looking for the next things that's coming up so you don't fall off a cliff or get swallowed up. Do what you do as well as you can, embrace it and make it yours. But always kind of keep your eye on that door over there. Red door opening or closing. And if it's opening, maybe you want to go through that and see what's next."
  – Dave Nemo [00:00, 58:56]

• Changing Technology: Dave describes experiencing seismic shifts in radio—AM to FM to satellite to streaming—and emphasizes continual learning and flexibility.

• Adapting for New Audiences:
  Scott notes how satellite and digital streaming expanded access for fans and brought new audiences—like office workers and industry insiders—to previously “niche” trucking content.

  “It broadened the tent. No longer was it for a very specific demographic...new folks could learn more trucking lingo, trucking information, they could piece together what was important to the trucking community.”
  – Scott Lewton [40:09]

2. The Power of Storytelling:

• Roots in Music and Community:
  Dave’s musical upbringing in New Orleans, his time as a percussionist and his passion for sharing regional culture, all heavily influenced his approach to broadcasting.

  "When I came to New Orleans...I woke up Saturday morning, and I heard music...I opened the front door and there is a funeral procession going past my house...And I said, I have arrived."
  – Dave Nemo [10:44]

• Story as Connection:
  Nemo’s shows blend music, trivia, road news, and personal stories, creating a space where listeners feel seen and understood.

• On Career Beginnings & Mentorship:

  “The only thing that I needed to be was myself. If you try to be something you’re not, pretend you know something that you don’t, these guys [drivers] will spot you in a second because they’ve been lied to, cheated, shortchanged every day of their life. If you’re just yourself, it’s all you can do. They’ll either like you or not.”
  – Advice from Orley Douglas to Dave Nemo [13:19]

3. Truckers: The Beating Heart of Supply Chain

• Scott, Tony, and Dave all emphasize the essential role truckers play in the economy, supply chain health, and society at large:

  “This country runs on trucking.”
  – Tony Shirota [21:27]

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Dave’s appreciation for truckers was cemented at a young age when, stranded on the highway after running out of gas, he was rescued by two truckers. [17:46]
  • Later, Nemo shares deeply meaningful listener interactions, including:
    • Receiving a heartfelt poem, I Am the American Trucker [46:56]
    • Supporting listeners through personal and health crises, like bringing on-air awareness to prostate cancer [51:47]

4. Industry Technology: Progress and Pitfalls

• On Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs):
  Dave critiques over-regulation—specifically automated ELDs—arguing they stifle driver autonomy and humanity:

  "The electronic logging device has become the core reason and the catalyst for a lot of supply chain problems...The ELD is the right tool for the job if you are a regulator, but human beings and the environment of the highway does not allow for that..."
  – Dave Nemo [54:48]

• Workforce Utilization:
  Tony comments on inefficiencies and wasted time:

  “We have to get a little more efficient...I just know that the wait times that these truckers...that’s what a czar should be working on, let's get rid of the waits and let these people do what they do.”
  – Tony Shirota [56:57]

5. Advice for the Next Generation of Creators

• Be Authentic, Keep Learning:

  "Do what you do as well as you can, embrace it and make it yours. But always kind of keep your eye on that door over there..."
  – Dave Nemo [58:56]

• Adapt to Change, Tell Great Stories:
  The trio agrees on the importance of flexibility, lifelong learning, and storytelling as critical tools for future success.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------------|--------| | 00:00 | Dave Nemo | “Always be looking for the next things that's coming up so you don't fall off a cliff or get swallowed up..." | | 10:44 | Dave Nemo | “I opened the front door and there is a funeral procession going past my house...” | | 13:19 | Orley Douglas (via Dave Nemo) | “If you try to be something you’re not...these guys will spot you in a second...” | | 21:27 | Tony Shirota | "This country runs on trucking." | | 46:56 | Dave Nemo | (On receiving "I Am the American Trucker" poem and listener's passing) "Every cell in my body just went boom..." | | 54:48 | Dave Nemo | “The electronic logging device has become the core reason and the catalyst for a lot of supply chain problems...” | | 58:56 | Dave Nemo | "Do what you do as well as you can, embrace it and make it yours. But always kind of keep your eye on that door…” |

Timestamps: Important Segments

• [00:00] – Dave Nemo’s opening philosophy on adaptation & embracing change
• [03:52] – Introduction to Dave’s radio career and his contributions
• [07:08] – Dave’s musical influences and New Orleans roots
• [13:19] – Early career and the advice to “be yourself”
• [17:46] – Memorable story of being helped by truckers
• [22:45] – Origin story: Starting at WWL and early radio landscape insights
• [31:54] – Transition from AM to satellite radio and uniting former competitors
• [41:09] – Embracing streaming and how drivers listen today
• [46:56] – Listener impact stories (trucker poem, health advocacy)
• [54:48] – Regulator technology (ELDs) and its impact on drivers
• [58:56] – Closing lessons and advice for future content creators
• [61:21] – Where to follow Dave Nemo’s shows and content
• [65:20] – National Truck Driver Appreciation Week reminder

Where to Find Dave Nemo and Radio Nemo

• Website: radionemo.com
• Platforms: iHeartRadio, Spotify, Odyssey, Live 365, YouTube (with live chat), and more
• Newsletter: “Gauge Illumination” – subscribe via the Radio Nemo website
• Show Schedule: Live Monday – Friday, 7am–11am CT; special feature “We Should Write” Wednesdays at noon CT

Closing Lesson

Keep evolving, keep sharing authentic stories, stay open to the next technological or creative wave, and always honor the humanity and hard work at the heart of supply chain: the truckers.

“Tell the story, connect with people, and don’t be the last one through the door when it opens.”
– Dave Nemo, paraphrased

For More Resources, Community, and Podcasts

Visit: supplychainnow.com

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week:
September 13–19, 2026 — mark your calendar and thank a driver!