Enjoying Life OTR

#60 Thankful for You: Every Mile, Every Day!

• Cindy Tunstall and Malinda Fox-Wellington • Episode 60

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In this special episode of Enjoying Life OTR, we celebrate YOU—our incredible drivers—with heartfelt messages from both four-wheelers and fellow truckers across the country. Tune in to hear touching tributes, genuine expressions of gratitude, and stories that highlight just how much you’re appreciated. Plus, we’ve curated a dynamic mix of music to make your listening experience even more enjoyable.

This show is our way of saying thank you for your hard work, support, and friendship. You keep America moving, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Sit back, relax, and feel the appreciation—we made this just for you!

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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 EnjoyingLifeOTR@gmail.com #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance



Speaker 1:

Welcome to Enjoying Life OTR. We are building a movement for a healthier, more adventurous lifestyle across every mile. Hey everybody, welcome to the Enjoying Life OTR Thanksgiving episode. I'm Dino, your roadie and guide on the side, and today we've got a fun show planned. That's all about gratitude.

Speaker 1:

First off, I want to take a moment to personally thank all the professional truck drivers out there who may be working today. Yep, I'm out here with you rolling down the highway and I've got to say what we do every day keeps this country moving and it doesn't go unnoticed. I've noticed it because of the way they treat us at the truck stops on the holidays. It seems like they go that extra mile to make it better for us, maybe even just the extra smile and a little bit friendlier. Today's episode is packed with heartfelt messages from drivers and even some four-wheelers who called our Thanksgiving hotline to share their appreciation for you. These messages really meant a lot to me and I think they'll mean a lot to you too.

Speaker 1:

Now I know you tough guys and gals might be thinking we don't need a thank you, we're just doing our job. But you know what I disagree. So sit back and enjoy being appreciated, even if it makes you a little uncomfortable. In addition to all the great calls we received, we're mixing it up with some original music from Enjoying Life OTR, all with a special thank you theme. So sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride. We appreciate you and this one's for you. Happy Thanksgiving from the team at Enjoying Life OTR.

Speaker 2:

We're spinning down that endless road, sunset bleeding, as our stories unfold, dusty trails and dreams we chase In your hands, our trust is placed.

Speaker 3:

Miles ahead and miles behind Every highway a state of mind.

Speaker 2:

Through the storm and through the rain, we carry on to fight the strain. Thanks, driver, for every single mile Keeping us moving with a steady smile. From dull first light to the dark of night, your journey makes our world alright. Let's stop coffee to keep you awake. Endless raving of a Saturday's take, lonely nights and crowded lanes. Every sacrifice someone gains. You roll on over hills and plains, fatal, as a constant train. One more mile, it's one more song. Thanks, driver, for driving strong. Thanks, driver, for every single mile Keeping us moving with a steady smile. From dark first light to the dark of night. Your journey makes the world alright. Let's travel for every single mile, keeping us moving with a steady smile. From dawn's first light to the dark of night, your journey makes the world alright.

Speaker 4:

Hey everyone, it's Melinda Fox-Rollington here, co-host of Enjoying Life OCR podcast. I wanted to take a moment to share my gratitude for a few incredible people and for all the drivers out there keeping our country moving. First and foremost, a huge shout-out to my mentor, rob. Rob has been there for me since day one, teaching me the ropes, especially the gray areas in trucking that you don't always read about, because it comes from years of experience, that skill set that gets you through each day on the road, whether it's chatting them miles away, checking in on each other's families or just sharing a good laugh. Rob's been there, just a phone call away, and it's something that I am incredibly grateful for, and I never want to take that connection for granted. So, rob, thank you. You've made a lasting impact, not only on my journey as a trucker but on me personally, and I'm lucky to have your guidance and friendship.

Speaker 4:

Next, I want to give thanks to my co-host, cindy. Cindy and I were like two sides of the same coin. We see things from different perspectives, but together we balance each other out and I can't imagine our show without that balance. I'm grateful for all the miles we spent talking, laughing and figuring it all out. Sydney, I thank you for being such an incredible partner and for sharing this journey with me.

Speaker 4:

And, finally, to all the drivers out there, every single one of you who is out there on the road today, day after day, mile after mile, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the time you spend away from family and the hard work that you put in to keeping everything moving. You're all part of something so much bigger and I hope this Thanksgiving you know how much you're appreciated. This wouldn't be the same without you right there behind the wheel, mile after mile. So here's to Rob Sydney and to every driver who's out there making a difference, thank you. Thank you for all that you do and wishing you safe miles and a very happy Thanksgiving.

Speaker 5:

Very happy Thanksgiving. Hi, this is Jess with Enjoying Life OTR, and I just want to say thank you to all of my trucking friends that have become family, who are out here on the road this holiday. It means so much that you are here and we appreciate everything you do.

Speaker 6:

Hello, I just want to take a moment to thank you for everything you do as a truck driver. Your hard work, dedication and sacrifice make a huge difference in our lives, especially during the holidays. I know many of you are away from your families and loved ones, working hard to keep things moving and just ensuring that we have what we need. So I know your job isn't easy, it's stressful, it's often dangerous and it's a huge responsibility. So please know that you are truly appreciated. Thank you for all the miles that you cover, for every long day you spend on the road. I hope you have a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving and that you know how grateful we are for you.

Speaker 7:

Take care, stay safe and thank you again. Chasing the sun under endless skies, missing home. But I've made my peace, Cause the open road calls and it feels like ease, the hum of the engine. My heart beats tuned, a life in motion. Beneath the moon, good music plays and I sing along. Every mile's a story, every stop's a song.

Speaker 2:

Thousands of miles and I'm still getting it done, through mountain storms and the blazing sun, helping a brother sharing a meal. The camaraderie out here is real, from sunrise greetings to truck stop lore. I'm grateful I'm living.

Speaker 7:

Enjoying life OTR.

Speaker 3:

Heavy traffic or snow on the pass. Keep the wheels turning, making it last Dangerous weather.

Speaker 7:

We know what to do. This life isn't easy, but it's one we choose. Lights in the distance.

Speaker 3:

Another town near Dreams of home, but no room for fear.

Speaker 7:

The road gives freedom, the road gives pride Every load I haul, I feel alive.

Speaker 2:

Thousands of miles and I'm still getting it done, through mountain storms and the blazing sun, helping a brother sharing a meal. The camaraderie out here is real, from sunrise greetings to truck stop lore. I'm grateful I'm living joy like OTR.

Speaker 3:

OTR the rhythm of the highway. It runs in my veins, through the joy and the heartache, the losses, the gains. With every gear shift, another dream's alive. This is the life for me. I thrive. Thousands of miles and I'm still getting it done, through mountain storms and the blazing sun, helping a brother, sharing a meal. The camaraderie out here is real.

Speaker 2:

From sunrise greetings to truck stop lore. I'm grateful I'm living joy in life.

Speaker 3:

OTR. So here's to the drivers, the kings of the road. With hearts full of stories and a heavy load, we're keeping the world turning coast to shore, living and loving, enjoying life OTR.

Speaker 4:

Hi, my name is Joe and I've been a driver for 19 years and I would just like to say to all my brothers and sisters on the road that I appreciate every one of you and, with the holiday season coming up, I know how life can be and being away from the ones you love sometimes and maybe not making it home and added traffic and all the weather that this season starts to bring upon us, and I just like to say that hope you all have a blessed holiday season and stay safe out there.

Speaker 4:

Hey, this is Mark.

Speaker 4:

I just wanted to say happy Thanksgiving to all the drivers out there.

Speaker 4:

I know how difficult it is to be away and the sacrifices you make to keep our country running and to put food and all of the items that I have in my house on the shelves so that I can go to the store and make my life easier, and so I really appreciate all of you guys. I know, especially during the holidays, it makes it even more difficult for especially the over-the-road drivers, but even people who are home on a consistent basis, working long hours and weird shifts where you don't get to spend that quality of time with family, is really tough, and so I just wanted to take time and say I really appreciate you guys. Thank you so much for what you do. I hope you do get to have some time even if it's not on right on Thanksgiving or right on Christmas time with your family this holiday season, and just know that I'll be keeping everyone in my prayers and that someone out here is really appreciative of what you do. Have a great rest of your holiday season and thank you again.

Speaker 10:

Just a great shout out there to all the drivers sacrificing, being away from their families so everybody can enjoy the holidays. I understand the sacrifices you all make, and your families too. Thank you very much for your dedication and you are really appreciated because without truckers there would be nothing in the stores. Thank you, boys and girls, and men and women, and everybody who dedicates their lives to being a driver. My name is Becca Miles. Y'all have a great holiday and thank you, thank you, thank you. And to my two great friends, joe and Melinda, that are out there, stay safe along with everybody else. See ya everybody else.

Speaker 4:

See ya, hey guys. Happy Thanksgiving. My name is Frenchie Gamero and I just want to thank all truck drivers out there for what you do. My dad was a truck driver when I was a kid. He passed in 2011, but I know how much sacrifice it takes holidays missed and being on the road and long hours of being gone but we all get all the cool stuff and technology, because you guys are willing to go, when we're all enjoying holidays, birthdays, to be on the road, to go and deliver to everyone uh, what they're hoping for for those special days.

Speaker 4:

And so thank you, guys for your sacrifice, for your hard work, for your long hours, for your sleepless nights and for being safe on the road and signaling your bright, letting us know it's safe to go, and, yeah, just for being champions and heroes. Bless you guys. Happy Thanksgiving, thank you.

Speaker 2:

I found my home on the open road when the sunrise paints a story untold Through the plains and mountains, rivers wide. The hum of this engine's my faithful goddess. It rigs my compass, my steady hand, rolling wheels, carry me through this land, chasing miles, chasing dreams, through the desert skies with forest streams. Thanks to my tribe that believes in me, I'm enjoying life OTR, wild and free. Resetting hours in some small town lot, grabbing coffee where the world forgot, taking hikes with my four-legged friend. Every turn of the road feels like it never ends. From state to state, I hear the call this open road. It's home after all. Chasing miles, chasing dreams, through the desert skies and forest streams. Thanks to my tribe that believes in me, I'm enjoying life OTR, wild and free. Every sunset's a masterpiece, every mile brings a count of peace and with the stars above, my heart feels whole. This endless highway feeds my soul, chasing miles, chasing dreams, through the desert skies and forest streams. Thanks to my tribe God believes in me I'm enjoying life OTR, wild and free. Resetting hours in some small town life, grabbing coffee where the world forgot, taking hikes with my four-legged friend. Every turn of the road feels like it never ends.

Speaker 2:

From state to state, I hear the call. This open road is home after all. Descending ivory sun, some peace. Every mile brings a kind of peace, with the stars above. My heart feels whole. This endless highway feeds my soul. From state to state I hear the call. This open road is home, after all. Every sunset's a masterpiece. Every mile brings a kind of peace, with the stars above. My heart feels home. This endless highway feeds my soul. Whoa. Every sunset's a masterpiece. Every mile brings a kind of peace, with the stars above. My heart feels whole. This endless highway feeds my soul, whoa.

Speaker 4:

Hello, my name is Mary and I am calling today to just give my great appreciation and thankfulness to those that are delivering goods and things all over the United States the truckers. And you know we take for granted so much the things that we have, and you know when we go shopping at the stores and I know that maybe you could feel forgotten at times or feel like it's just a job, but I want you to know that I do appreciate you and I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving. And I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving and just know that I support you, my husband and I support you as truckers. We have friends that are truckers.

Speaker 4:

I will not name them, but I'm thinking of them in my mind right now and my heart, but this is for all of you that you know have to leave your families. You're traveling, you're on the road, you're going through terrible snowstorms, ice storms, rainstorms, You're dealing with traffic and people driving ridiculous and people driving ridiculous, and I just want you to know that we thank you and may God bless you this Thanksgiving and for the days ahead. I know it's a busy time of year. Thank you so much. Bye-bye, hi, this is Lynette, from Texas, and I just wanted to leave a message to thank all the drivers out there who are moving all of the things we depend on in our stores every day that make our life so much easier. We appreciate your sacrifice and we're very grateful for you this season.

Speaker 2:

Thank you, we'll see you next time. Skies so white. It's here, then gone. Thank you to our enjoy it Life OTR community Miles ahead, faces, old and new, cherishing the moments we get through Round and round, always feeling free, rolling low and engines drown, the silence left behind Around. Always feeling free, rowing lowering engines drown, the silence left behind. Dusty dreams blowing in the wind tonight, airless highways frame the path we walk. Lives like shadows, tales we never talk. Thank you to our enjoyer Life folksy. Our community Miles ahead, faces old and new, cherishing the moments we get through Round and round, always feeling free, wrong, hard drivers push on through the night, brave the storm, chase the morning light Days become weeks but they never fade Through. Grit written in the life we made. And you too are enjoying Life. Folks in your community Miles ahead faces, old and new, cherishing the moments we get through Round and round, always feeling free, always feeling free.

Speaker 10:

Now it's 10.30.

Speaker 4:

Yeah, I'm not an over-the-road driver, but I do drive Monday through Friday and I will be home on Thanksgiving. I just want to reach out to any and all who are driving on Thanksgiving and say thank you for the work you do.

Speaker 4:

We all depend on you, I appreciate not enough what you do, but keep the storage shelves stocked, and you know it's what keeps our country going. So it's much appreciated and God bless you. And this Thanksgiving Good evening. Geneva's need.

Speaker 4:

This is a message to all truck drivers across this nation. I thank you so much for all that you have done to see to it that there's food on the table, that there's groceries on the shelf and that farmers and everybody else's products are moved. Thank you, I do appreciate the time, the service and the long hours. I also appreciate the fact that you have missed and loved ones at home. May the Lord grant you blessings and peace this season and this holiday season coming up. May you be blessed. May your families be blessed at home. May the lord grant you blessings and peace this season and this holiday season coming up. May you be blessed, may your families be blessed at home waiting on you, and may you have traveling mercies and grace. I ask lord in jesus name. Amen, be blessed every truck driver.

Speaker 4:

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Thompson and I'm calling just to say a huge thank you really to all drivers that service our community. I'm thinking many that come to my house personally, of course, are the Amazon drivers and I don't know their names, but I do know the frequency that I see coming not just to my neighborhood, all across I see them on the highway nonstop, and I am indeed very grateful for the service that they provide. They certainly help keep things not just full in our stores but door to door, and I see them rushing about and being very punctual, so I can't imagine what the life of the driver must be, and so, from those of us who don't have to do it, we are very, very grateful for all of you and wish you the very best these holidays. Thank you, thank you.

Speaker 2:

Rolling down the woods. Sun in your eyes, miles behind, miles ahead. Never compromise. We're delivering dreams daily. Troops in the night. Hustle keeps the heart alive, victory in sight. Thanks for the hard work. Saves driving, no risk. Heroes on the road, you're the very best. Steering through chaos. Wisdom shed. White Helping hand's always there In every bump and ride. Radios blaring loud. Sun comes through the bell. Freedom found in motion. Chase that distant trail. Thanks for the hard work. Safe driving, no risk. Heroes on the road. You're the very best. Stealing through chaos. Wisdom shared. Wide Helping hand's always there in every bumpy ride. Radios bearing loud, thunder through the veil. Freedom found. Devotion changed the distant trail. Thanks for the hard work. Safe driving, no less, no less. Heroes on the road.

Speaker 4:

You're the very best. Hi, my name is Dee and I just want to say thank you so much for all that you do. You help us to provide and take care of our families and I want to leave this with you. You help us to provide and take care of our families and I want to leave this with you. My prayer for you is that you find comfort on difficult days.

Speaker 4:

Smiles when sadness intrudes, rambles to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart. And hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendship to brighten your being or your life. Faith so that you can believe. Confidence for when you doubt, and courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth and love to complete your life by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Thank you again, and it's my hope that you will take a moment of your time to smile at the next person that you see. You'll be so amazed at the goodness that you will give and receive. Again, thank you so much to all the drivers for all that you do and I so appreciate you. Thanks, hi, my name is, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all drivers out there.

Speaker 4:

Coming into the holiday season season, especially the winter holiday season, is can be extremely difficult for all drivers, I think, and not only with increased traffic and the winter weather, road conditions and the amount of amount of people out traveling.

Speaker 9:

Being away from family is difficult and in general, I think are difficult for a lot of people, but driving in general.

Speaker 4:

And I would just like to give a shout out to all drivers that are moving and, you know, make life possible for all of us and I'm I'm a driver myself. I have been for 18 years, and so I know firsthand some of the challenges, and but I would like to tell you just, uh, shout out to everybody, and one driver in particular, that I'm extremely grateful, for I met him 18 years ago, a man named Sam Knight.

Speaker 9:

He was my trainer when I first got into truck driving and I spent weeks on his truck learning. He's very experienced, very knowledgeable, excellent trainer and. I'm extremely grateful for that one man, which also brings up the fact that I'm extremely grateful for all good trainers.

Speaker 4:

It's up to those trainers that take the responsibility to train people right to put out good products, shall we say, and ensure that the roads are safer for everyone by providing proper training. So I'd like to wish you all a happy.

Speaker 9:

Thanksgiving, merry Christmas and a blessed New Year all at once.

Speaker 4:

So be safe out there, drivers, and take care. Happy holidays to all of our drivers who travel across the world delivering packages, delivering supplies, delivering whatever it is that they're delivering. I pray that you guys have a prosperous new year and rest of this year and that you guys be blessed in all your travels and that God continues to protect you all. Thank you very much for all that you do and you guys guys be blessed in all your travels and that God continues to protect you all. Thank you very much for all that you do and you guys have a blessed travel. Hey, drivers, as we start the end of the holiday seasons, it's important for us to remember that without your dedication and hard work navigating the concession roadways, none of us would be able to enjoy our time and celebration. It's with this feeling of gratitude that I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart as well as my family's heart. God bless you. God bless the road you're traveling on this holiday season. Thank you.

Speaker 2:

Tied wheels rolling on the blacktop night, empty road humming under highway lights, chasing my dreams fading to weeks, eyes wide shut, mind starts to creak, lost in the hum, keep on moving on. City lights flicker till the dawn is gone. Freight keeps rolling. Truck never sleeps. Pay no mind to the promises it keeps. Thank you to our enjoying life. Otr community, holding strong for the endless journey.

Speaker 2:

Long haul drivers finding life on the road Days turn into weeks, but they bear the load. Radio whisper stories of home, sweet home, carried by voices in the dark alone. Steel horses bringing goods. They bear the strain Through the burn of the sun and the pouring rain Every mile, telling stories of sacrifice, grit and fuel. See them paying the price. Roots unkind, but they push on through Traveling hearts on the midnight blue. Take it to our. Enjoy your life old, to your community, home, strong for endless journey. Long haul drivers finding life on the road Days turn into weeks, but they bear the load. Thank you to our Enjoying Life. Otr community, holding strong the endless journey. Long haul drivers finding life on the road Days turn into weeks, but they bear the load.

Speaker 4:

Hey everyone. This is Tiffany, from Texas, and I just wanted to shout out to all of the truck drivers all over America that do the backbone work of America, bringing us all of our products and all the wonderful things that we get to go shopping for in the store, and to the Amazon drivers and the Prime drivers and the UPS just everybody that's out there on the road hauling stuff around to make this country function, because we couldn't do it without all of you. I appreciate all the hard work that you guys put in the time that you spend away from your friends and family out on the road. I pray for y'all every day to keep you guys safe. I hope all of you have a great time this coming Thanksgiving and are able to spend some time with your friends and family. Thanks so much for all you guys do. Love you a whole whole lot. Thanks again. Bye-bye.

Speaker 4:

My name is Daryl and I hope this message finds you well. I want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. I appreciate the sacrifice you are making during the holiday season and you know sometimes we forget about those who have to be away from family and they have to continue to work, but you're doing a great deed by providing for our communities. Thanksgiving is a time of reflection of our many blessings, and I want to bless you with traveling grace and safety. So keep trucking and smiling and know that we are thinking about you. Have a very, very great Thanksgiving on the road, and this is for all the professional drivers out there. Thank you.

Speaker 13:

Hi, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all the truck drivers out there. Your hard work and dedication keeps this country moving and it's very easy to overlook how essential you all are. But just know how grateful we are for the long hours that you put in, the sacrifices that you make and the role that you play in getting our freight delivered as needed delivered as needed. I'm wishing you all a very happy holiday season and safe travels, and that you all get some well-deserved rest. Thank you for everything you do.

Speaker 4:

Hello, hello, all truckers out there. Natty, coming to you from the beautiful state of Texas. I wanted to say thank you to all of the drivers. I really appreciate the things that you do Remember. Without you, america could not move, whether it come by plane, trains or by boat. Eventually it has to end up on someone's truck, taking it to wherever it belongs. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. I want a special shout out to Cindy. I love her, thank God for bringing her into my life, and I just want to say a quick prayer for all you.

Speaker 4:

Church, father, god, we thank you for the work that they do. Let them know that their work is not in vain. I pray, god, that you would be around them, that you would surround them with love, with mercy, that you would be their rear guard, push them when the wind needs to get up the hills and, lord, that you would be a good breaking when they need to go down the hill. And in the meantime, we pray that you would surround each trucker in their truck as they go their merry way. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen and amen.

Speaker 2:

Amen. I'm Amy, our hearts with yours. Every mile you haul, you brave the wild, the endless lane, weathering storms and sun and rain. Will you leave a light until you return? A beacon bright for a safe return? A beacon bright for your safe return. Thank you for the sweat you share, holding strong with love and care, praying safety where you roam Till you're back, we're here at home.

Speaker 2:

Every honk and every turn you make Is another step for family's sake. Make is another step for family's sake. Journey far. We feel our pride with every beat. We're by your side, bending homes through the dark of night. Keep on keeping on the light, so bright wheels turning our dreams and cue our hero. We believe in you. Thank you for this life you share, holding strong with love and care, praying safety where you roam Till you're back, we're here at home. Thank you for this life you share, holding strong with love and care, praying safety where you roam Till you're back, we're here at home. Thank you for watching. Every honk and every turn you make Is another step for family's sake. Turn you far, but feel our pride With every beat. We're by your side. Engine hums through the dark of night. Keep on keeping on life's so bright Wheels turn in our dreams and you are hero. We believe in you. Thank you for the sweat you share, holding strong with love and care, praying safety where you roam Till you're back. We're here at home.

Speaker 4:

Hi, this is Dee, and this goes out to all of the truckers and fellow transportation specialists. Thank you. It's easy to overlook the impact we have on others, but the truth is your influence is far-reaching. You've made a profound difference in the lives of those around you, touching hearts and inspiring minds in ways you may not have even realized. Your kindness and compassion made a world of difference to those around you. Keep shining your light and making a difference in the world. I appreciate you. This is to all of you, a special uh note of thanks to cindy, robert, john and vernon and jarius.

Speaker 8:

Thank you. Yeah, I just wanted to give a shout out to all the drivers out there on the road 18-wheelers, box trucks, everyone always trying to be so courteous of other drivers and drive safe, and it's really nice to see that. So I just wanted to give a shout-out to all the drivers for trying to be as safe as possible and say thank you very much. Bye.

Speaker 12:

Good evening and happy Thanksgiving drivers. My name is Kim Brooks and I just want to give a shout-out to you guys. You guys are really appreciated. I know that you're on the road without your family, without your loved ones. It's a special time and you guys are special individuals for doing what you do and how you do it. Thank God for you guys.

Speaker 14:

Hey, this is Brad Guy from the Highway Freaks podcast and so many things I could be thankful for, but mostly my road crew that comes on my podcast on a regular basis. I could mention names. The one that I'd send her out first would be Cindy Tunstall from Enjoying Life OTR. She sent me some great people in Seeker Sharon and Roadie Dino. I definitely would like to thank Uncle Tony Snowman, pissed Off Robert Voter, head Mark I mean, there's just so many of them I can't even start. But mostly I'd like to thank God for my health and definitely like to thank, you know, my boy Bandit For providing company on the road, my wife Terrell, who's at home, who is holding down the fort With our two dogs, kelly and Jewel, and also thanks for my new career with Landstar as the newest BCO. So that's really about what I have to say, and thank you to all the truckers out there that are driving over the American Thanksgiving. So thanks, guys, and check us out. Highway Freaks Thanks.

Speaker 2:

Rolling wheels, endless roads fueling our dreams, cargo loads sacrifice family time, miles of black top and line. Thank you, truck drivers out there hauling dreams everywhere, safe miles, one by one. Enjoy life. Ogr. Sun up till it goes down Through the night in each town, raving storms, snow and rain, never asking for fame. Thank you, truck drivers out there Hauling dreams everywhere, safe miles, one by one, enjoying life. Otr, otr, otr. Sun up till it goes down Through the night in each town, raving storms, snow and rain, never asking for fame. Thank you, truck drivers out there hauling dreams everywhere, safe miles, one by one. Enjoy your life. Otr, otr. Lonely nights behind the wheel, radio plays to make it real. Family waits back at home. They're the ones who never roam. Thank you, o-t-r, o-t-r.

Speaker 9:

Hello out there all my fellow truckers. This is Doc Holliday. I've been driving like 48 years over the road and still driving, and I'd like to honor my best friend, Hollywood. It was his name on the radio Hollywood Rick Scott, out of Little Rock, Arkansas. I met Rick oh my God 20-something years ago and we've been best friends ever since. Rick probably had about close to 48, 50 years over the road.

Speaker 9:

He retired a few years ago and the other day I got the bad news last Saturday that he passed away from cancer. So I'd like to send an honor to Hollywood. He helped drivers out. He did a lot for me. He even helped me get my first truck. He bought my first truck for me and financed it himself with no finance charge and he's helped several drivers get their trucks and he was just a great guy. Oh, Hollywood. You could hear him on XM Radio at night on the Steve Summers Trucking Show and the Bozo Show and me and Hollywood we always would call the radio show and cut up and have a good time. And sad to say that my friend Hollywood passed away last Saturday from cancer. So I'm honoring Hollywood, Just calls to honor him for everything he's done for the trucking industry, Just an all-around great guy. We're going to miss you, Hollywood. So this is old Doc Holliday here signing off. Y'all have a good day.

Speaker 11:

Hey everybody, this is Andy Prickett. I was a guest on, I think, episode six of the podcast and I would like to just take a minute to thank Cindy. I'm guessing this is not going to be the first person who thanks Cindy. Cindy, thank you for your constant encouragement to me, even though we hardly know each other.

Speaker 11:

I am a truck driver as well as a photographer, and Cindy is always texting me and messaging me and asking me to post some pictures on the website and on the Facebook group and everything, and you've always just been a ray of sunshine and an encouragement to me and, uh, you're also your tireless efforts in trying to make this a community and this job. That can be really challenging for all of us, as we all know, to try to make it, uh, help us to see a different perspective and that things can just be, uh, really fun out here on the road and if you take advantage of it and have the right attitude, so that's really cool. And I also just want to thank all the drivers out there. If this is being aired on Thanksgiving, I want to say a happy Thanksgiving to everybody, especially those that are stuck in truck stops right now. That part sucks away from your families. Try to make the most of it. Keep your chin up, keep the rubber side down and we'll catch you all. You keep rolling never fall on the highway.

Speaker 2:

Hear the call for the journeys, big and small. Lonesome nights under stars. Headlights beam from afar each mile, marking where you are guiding us like a north star. Thank you, journeys, big and small, lonesome nights under stars. Headlights beam from afar Each mile, marking where you are Guiding us like a non-star. Thank you, truckers. Thank you all. You keep rolling, never fall On the highway. Hear the call for the journeys, big and small us. Thank you, truckers. Thank you all. You keep rolling, never fall on the highway. Hear the call for the journeys, big and small. Thank you.

Speaker 5:

Hi, my name is Delaney Daughtry and I live in Snohomish, washington. I wanted to call today to honor a friend of mine, a very dear friend of mine, who passed away this year, who was, for a brief period of time, a long-haul truck driver, and for a long period of time a delivery truck driver which, as I'm sure you all know, is really intense during the holiday season.

Speaker 5:

So I wanted to leave this message just to say to all of you people out there that are away from your families at the holidays or don't have families to be with just take deep breaths and remember that there's a lot of beauty in the world and that there's a lot of people out there that appreciate you and what you do, and try to make sure you make stops along the way to see some lights or look at the snow or appreciate all the things that the holidays have to offer. And thank you again for what you do. We couldn't do it without you.

Speaker 15:

Hi there, I'm Sandy Sheen, Secretary and one of the founding members of Truckers in Pink Sisterhood. I'd like to thank all of the sisters for their strength, resilience and support as we break barriers together.

Speaker 4:

Hi, this is Bobbi from Katy, Texas. I do a lot of driving between Katy and Dallas so I can help out with my daughter and her brand new baby, and I just pass a lot of trucks.

Speaker 4:

A lot of trucks are on the highway with me between those two cities and it really does make me appreciate how many people serve our country in this very unique way of keeping our supplies going from city to city. And I also feel very safe on the highway knowing that they are there for some reason. To me they are like the warriors, the protectors on the highway. I always feel like if anything would happen.

Speaker 6:

a truck driver would help us, and I just want to say thank you. Since we're in this Thanksgiving season, I am so thankful for the truck drivers in America. Thank you all for your hard work. I know it's hard. I just only drive four and a half hours, but boy, you drive longer, and I do appreciate you.

Speaker 4:

This is Donna Cauley, and I would like to thank truckers for all their hard work. I have a grandson and a cousin who are truckers and wish them all the best. God bless you all.

Speaker 16:

Hey everybody, it's Cindy Tunstall. I just wanted to hop on here and share my own gratitude journey with y'all Y'all. This has been such a fun year. I'm so grateful for the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook group and all of you that are contributing in there and sharing your journey and the fun places that you're finding to good food along the way and good stops, and also life hacks and sharing your healthier journey. I'm just so very grateful for the wonderful people in our community. I also want to give a huge shout out to the Enjoying Life OTR lead team.

Speaker 16:

You know my partner, melinda Fox Wellington. She co-hosts the show with me and she's been a great friend and also helped me on my healthier journey. She just gives me so many great little hacks that make the journey easier for me, so I'm so grateful for all her wisdom and the time and energy she's willing to dedicate to the podcast. She knows we're both running trucking. You know we're out here putting on the miles and then finding time to do podcasts on the side, so it takes a lot of time and I'm really grateful for her. And y'all know I added Dino to the show recently and he had a great episode and I thought, you know I must see if he want to come on the show and help me out. He just has a big personality and just got a fun energy. So, dino, I'm so grateful for you. Y'all don't know this, but you know he does a great job on the podcast, but he also has some really great ideas which we've been implementing. So I'm just so very grateful for him to come along on the journey and again, same thing. And he's running the entertainment freight out there and he's on the road for you know, long weeks and months and months at a time and he's taken time out of his you know downtime to contribute to the podcast. So, dino, thank you for all that you've invested in the show and and thankful for your friendship with me and the good feedback that you give, and you have great ideas and I'm just so very grateful that our paths crossed Well. I also want to give a big thanks to the rest of the lead team.

Speaker 16:

In the Joy in Life OTR community it takes time to moderate the group and keep the group aligned with our values. You know everybody compliments our group, that we have just a great positive energy. Everybody's on a growth mindset, sharing ideas and life hacks, and that takes some leadership. So I want to give a huge shout out to the lead team of the Facebook group. So let me start with Jess Graham, gemma Ford and also Sharon Jola. These are incredible women and they're great friends to me, for one, because I love the way that they do life. They have a positive outlook on life. They have a growth mindset. They're trying to make the most of the opportunity to travel, you know, but also still trucking full time and putting on big miles, and then they truly believe they can make the world a better place. And that takes time and that takes effort and you know, but together we can do great things. So I'm just so very grateful for these women and their friendship and the way that they lead so well and enjoy life. Otr Facebook group.

Speaker 16:

Also want to give a shout out to Todd Cantor. He's been with me since the beginning, does share. Y'all see, y'all need to go look at the pocket and y'all need to go look at the podcast. I mean look at the Facebook group because he has found some great food stops and you're going to want to mark them on your must-see calendars if y'all have a Google calendar, because he's found some great stops lately and he's just really generous to share those things with us and he shares the location, what he did about truck parking, so he's just such a blessing. And then, behind the scenes, y'all don't know this, but he's been a big help for me with the website. We've also talked about ideas to do some things, fun things with an app and you know, just has been a great encouragement to me and just continues to offer to be a help and support and his friendship has meant the world to me.

Speaker 16:

And then, finally, I can't I have to mention Brian Wilson and Joe Lee. I have to mention Brian Wilson and Joe Lee. These two men are over-the-road truckers and they are on a healthier journey and they are so generous to share what's working for them. They've both been on the podcast. Well, actually the whole team has been on the podcast and I'm so grateful for that. But they're sharing the ways that they're finding ways to exercise, get moving out there. You know it's hard. You know we're putting up all these big miles and the hours are long, the days are long, and you know it's easy to have a bunch of excuses why you can't get it done. And then there's people like Joe and Brian that are out there getting it done and finding a way to work and get you know, get the work in, get the miles in, but also take care of themselves while they're on the road. So they're sharing life hacks, they're sharing their good food that they're eating and you know their solutions for the problems that we face. That could be obstacles, but they're sharing the way we can overcome those and still have a healthier journey on the road. So I'm so very grateful for them and their journey and their contributions to the group.

Speaker 16:

Y'all know that in Joy and Life OTR we made some fun music for this episode. But I have one last song I want to share with you. Do y'all remember? On the last episode, joe Lee had written a poem about living the dream and it tells his story about when that that little spark ignited in him when he wanted to start thinking about being a trucker as a young boy. And he just just so beautifully written.

Speaker 16:

So I decided to do a treat for Joe. I put his song to music. So I took his the lyrics that he had written in the poem. I threw on some music that I thought was so perfect and a male vocalist, and it's just a great way to share his story, so I can't think of a better way to end this podcast. So this song is called Living the Dream, by Joe Lee. So I'll let that be our ending for tonight and I just want to say a huge thank you for all the Enjoying Life OTR community. I'm so very grateful for you. I'm so grateful for your support and encouragement and your friendship and that you're willing to share your journey with me. I'm just so very thankful. So y'all enjoy the song by Joe Lee. It's called Living the Dream.

Speaker 3:

When I was a young boy, maybe not I helped to fix a big truck that was down for a time, when the last boat was tight and the fluids were all filled. Then came the moment it was time for the key. The man in the shop said, hey boy, and he tossed it all over me, toss it all over to me. So I climbed in the cab and fired it up with the hum of the motor the smoke and the smell.

Speaker 2:

I'll never forget it. I remember it well. As I sat there in the cab just holding the wheel, I thought to myself man, I love how I feel I pretended to drive it with excitement and joy, and a dream came alive inside that young boy.

Speaker 3:

Well, I've done many things in my life since that day, and although that dream faded. It never went away every time the rain passed me on its way, there was a voice in my head that said maybe someday. Well, here I am, over 40 with a brand new career, and I can hardly believe it as I look in the mirror checking my trailer and the road left behind here I am living my dream, a mile at a time.

Speaker 3:

Well, here I am, over 40 with a brand new career, and I can hardly believe it as I look in the mirror Checking my trailer and the road left behind. Here I am living my dream, a mile at a time. I'm out.

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Cindy Tunstall

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