Have you ever wondered how a lifelong dream can blossom into a fulfilling career, even amidst life's challenges? Meet Joe Lee, a passionate trucker whose journey from carpentry to the open road is a testament to perseverance and transformation. Joe's heartfelt poem, Living the Dream, encapsulates his unwavering love for trucks—a passion ignited in his childhood and reignited in his 40s. Join us as Joe shares his story of overcoming personal losses and initial resistance to chase the trucking dream, proving that small, consistent steps can lead to big changes.

Joe opens up about maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road, highlighting challenges like DOT physicals and lifestyle adjustments. His candid discussion on managing blood pressure through better food choices and small changes offers practical insights for others navigating similar hurdles. By prioritizing home-cooked meals, Joe's approach underscores the mental and physical benefits of committing to healthier living, even in a demanding profession like trucking.

Discover strategies for a healthier, happier life on the road, from reusable kitchenware to managing grocery shopping on the go. Joe's story resonates with anyone striving for long-term lifestyle improvements, emphasizing mindset shifts over rigid diets. Learn how a positive outlook and new motivations can sustain progress beyond initial goals. This episode inspires those eager to pursue dreams while embracing healthier choices, mile by mile, and finding joy in the journey.

Joe Lee, a member of the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook group and a valued Lead Team member, reflects on the trucking community, encouraging others to pursue their goals.

Living the Dream, a touching poem by Joe Lee, reflects the journey of rekindling a childhood passion:

When I was a young boy 8, maybe 9, I helped to fix a big truck that was down for a time. When the last bolt was tightened 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 on over to me. So I climbed in the cab and fired it up. With the hum of the motor the smoke and the smell, I'll never forget it, I remember it well. I pretended to drive it with excitement and joy and a dream came alive inside that young boy. Well, I've done many things in my life since that day and although that dream faded, it never went away. Every time a rig passed me and rolled 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 my mirror. Checking my trailer and the road left

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Enjoying Life OTR: conversations that inspire curiosity, adventure, and resilience. We're honoring drivers, sharing their adventures and becoming healthier truckers.

Stay tuned to discover creative life hacks and practical strategies for enhancing our well-being and making the most of our time on the road. So many exciting things are happening in our community, and we are grateful that you are a part of it. Welcome to Enjoying Life OTR!

Join the Movement! See the sights, enjoy the food, take the pic and share with our community! Make the most of the opportunity and share ways to save money doing it!

You are invited to share your journey with other drivers who are Enjoying Life OTR.


Join "Enjoying Life OTR" Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/RstyK3SgWaKLm9Qf/?mibextid=lOuIew

#HealthierTruckers
#EnjoyingLifeOTR

If you have questions or would like information about being on our podcast, contact our hosts:
Cindy Tunstall: EnjoyingLifeOTR@gmail.com
Malinda Fox Wellington: Malinda@NomadTLC.org

Long hours, tight schedules, and unpredictable situations—truckers face these challenges daily, often leading to stress, decision fatigue, and sleepless nights. This episode of Enjoying Life OTR brings in professional counselor Atara Parkinson, who offers practical, science-backed tools to help you manage the mental load of life on the road. Learn quick techniques like the physiological sigh and peripheral vision exercises—simple methods you can implement today to calm your mind and stay focused.

Trauma can build up over time, especially after facing tough situations on the highway. Atara helps us recognize the hidden impact of unprocessed events and how they can affect your overall health. She shares strategies like brainspotting and talk therapy to help drivers identify trauma triggers and find a path to recovery, even amidst the challenges of the road.

Finding the right support shouldn’t be another stressor. In this episode, we break down how to find someone who truly understands your unique lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of a supportive, non-judgmental relationship. Plus, discover the power of community support and self-advocacy in the healing process. Whether you’re a long-haul driver or anyone seeking ways to manage stress and trauma, this episode offers valuable insights for a healthier, more balanced life.

Atara Parkinson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Integrative Practitioner. Her passion is to help clients in the mind/body connection. She loves watching the physical body and mind align to impact mental health through nutrition and integrative medicine. She supports her clients in creating sustainable vision for their lives. The goal of her work is to empower clients on gaining clarity to obtain holistic balance in mind, body and soul. She believes that a strong therapeutic connection is vital in creating a space for healing to take place. Her approach is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their lives and beliefs. She is a member of the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook group and can be reached via email ataraparkinson@protonmail.com if we have any questions or concerns. She is passionate about helping others on their journey.

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR: conversations that inspire curiosity, adventure, and resilience. We're honoring drivers, sharing their adventures and becoming healthier truckers.

Stay tuned to discover creative life hacks and practical strategies for enhancing our well-being and making the most of our time on the road. So many exciting things are happening in our community, and we are grateful that you are a part of it. Welcome to Enjoying Life OTR!

Join the Movement! See the sights, enjoy the food, take the pic and share with our community! Make the most of the opportunity and share ways to save money doing it!

You are invited to share your journey with other drivers who are Enjoying Life OTR.


Join "Enjoying Life OTR" Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/RstyK3SgWaKLm9Qf/?mibextid=lOuIew

#HealthierTruckers
#EnjoyingLifeOTR

If you have questions or would like information about being on our podcast, contact our hosts:
Cindy Tunstall: EnjoyingLifeOTR@gmail.com
Malinda Fox Wellington: Malinda@NomadTLC.org

Two Life-Changing Moments on the Road: How Robert Pound Overcame Unimaginable Tragedy
In this heartfelt episode, seasoned trucker Robert Pound opens up about the life-altering impact of two devastating accidents, sharing his story of resilience and strength with Cindy Tunstall, host of Enjoying Life OTR. Robert’s journey offers a powerful reminder that we often have no idea what others are enduring, a lesson that deeply moved Cindy. Together, they explore the hidden struggles of life behind the wheel and the profound sense of community that sustains drivers through tough times.

The conversation delves into the evolution of the trucking industry, from the camaraderie-filled days at classic truck stops like the Iron Skillet to the structured routines introduced by new technologies like electronic logging devices. Cindy, a newer face in trucking, and Robert, with over two decades of experience, share their unique perspectives on these changes and what they mean for today's drivers.

Beyond the challenges, this episode highlights the power of mentorship and the critical role of community. Cindy and Robert tackle misconceptions about road safety, the importance of proper training, and the dynamics of accidents involving four-wheelers. Their discussion reveals how the support of fellow drivers can be key to adapting safely to new technology and staying grounded during difficult moments.

This episode is not just about adversity; it’s about finding joy and building a healthier lifestyle on the road. Cindy and Robert share creative tips for staying active, accessing nutritious meals, and engaging with supportive online communities. Through stories of mentorship and shared experiences, they celebrate the strength and resilience of truckers everywhere—reminding us that for many, trucking is more than just a job; it’s a way of life.

Send us a text

Enjoying Life OTR: conversations that inspire curiosity, adventure, and resilience. We're honoring drivers, sharing their adventures and becoming healthier truckers.

Stay tuned to discover creative life hacks and practical strategies for enhancing our well-being and making the most of our time on the road. So many exciting things are happening in our community, and we are grateful that you are a part of it. Welcome to Enjoying Life OTR!

Join the Movement! See the sights, enjoy the food, take the pic and share with our community! Make the most of the opportunity and share ways to save money doing it!

You are invited to share your journey with other drivers who are Enjoying Life OTR.


Join "Enjoying Life OTR" Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/RstyK3SgWaKLm9Qf/?mibextid=lOuIew

#HealthierTruckers
#EnjoyingLifeOTR

If you have questions or would like information about being on our podcast, contact our hosts:
Cindy Tunstall: EnjoyingLifeOTR@gmail.com
Malinda Fox Wellington: Malinda@NomadTLC.org