di Education Station -RadioNemo
On this week’s edition of Education Station, host Jimmy Mac talks with Missy Blair, M.Ed., Academic Director at Pima Community College’s Center for Transportation and Logistics, about how today’s industry leaders are shaping the next generation of professional drivers. Missy shares insights from the front lines of driver education — including how community colleges are helping students overcome language barriers, lessons learned from Pima’s groundbreaking autonomous vehicle program, and ongoing efforts to strengthen the Training Provider Registry at the federal level. They also touch on non-domiciled CDL issues, and Missy offers practical ways for drivers and training programs to collaborate in building a stronger, more inclusive trucking workforce. About Missy Blair: Missy Blair is the Academic Director of Pima Community College’s Center for Transportation and Logistics in Tucson, Arizona. Named one of Women in Trucking’s Top Women to Watch in Transportation (2019), Missy has led programs in transportation training, workforce development, and emerging technologies like autonomous vehicle operation. She’s passionate about creating accessible, high-quality education for all who want to enter the trucking industry. About the Program: Pima Community College — in partnership with TuSimple — launched the nation’s first Autonomous Vehicle Driver and Operations Specialist certificate, paving the way for the next generation of safe, tech-savvy drivers. Learn more: Pima Truck Driver Training Program → https://pima.edu/truckdriver Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!
In this thought-provoking edition of Education Station, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Jane Jazrawy, Co-Founder and CEO of CarriersEdge, to explore the evolving landscape of driver education — and what it means to train the next generation of professional drivers. Jane introduces the fascinating idea of the “Light Blue Collar” — the intersection between traditional blue-collar work and the teaching profession. It’s the perfect description of today’s driver educators, blending hands-on industry expertise with the skills of a classroom instructor. They discuss how the trucking world can benefit from more trained teachers—not just experienced drivers who share their know-how, but educators who understand the science of learning and how adults retain information. Jane also dives into the “Citizen Driver” concept—treating training time as a professional environment where respect, punctuality, and presentation are part of the curriculum. The conversation also takes a fascinating turn toward insight and brain science—why those “aha” moments matter, how real learning takes root, and why AI may be threatening our ability to form meaningful connections and retain knowledge. Whether you’re a fleet trainer, driver, or industry leader, this episode will reshape how you think about professional development in trucking. https://www.carriersedge.com/ Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...
Join Jimmy Mac on this week’s Education Station as he sits down with Al Hanley, III, COO of The CDL School & Troops Into Transportation, and technical advisor to The CDL Expert. Al shares his 35+ years of experience in the trucking education industry, discussing how new students navigate CDL training, the challenges they face, and how his programs provide career services, financial guidance, and job placement support. Topics covered include: Why Al started The CDL School and Troops Into Transportation Challenges faced by CDL students and how to overcome them How to choose a quality behind-the-wheel school Career, financial, and job support for new drivers Tips for veterans entering the trucking industry Special student discounts on CDL Expert programs with promo code NEMO2025 Learn more about The CDL Expert: https://cdlexpert.com YouTube channel: / @cdlexpert Troops Into Transportation Facebook: / troopsintotransport Guest Bio: Al Hanley, III is a 3rd-generation trucking school owner and veteran of the CDL training industry with over 35 years of experience. He co-founded The CDL School & Troops Into Transportation and has guided over 20,000 veterans and active-duty military members through CDL training and employment opportunities. Al now serves as COO of The CDL School & Troops Into Transportation and is the founder of the industry’s fastest-growing online education platform, CDL Expert, helping aspiring drivers succeed with quality, affordable training. Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFhPZ3FBS0x
Join Jimmy Mac on this week’s Education Station with special guests: Bill Chaney, Entry-Level Driver Instructor, and Derrick Walker, Director of Manufacturing, Engineering, Trades & Transportation (METT) at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). They discuss the upcoming Open House/Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, 9/25 from 1–4 PM, exciting updates to the CDL manual, and a refresher endorsement course coming soon. Whether you’re looking to start a career in trucking or want to learn more about DMACC’s programs, this episode highlights how DMACC is preparing the next generation of professional drivers. Learn more about DMACC’s CDL program: www.cdl.dmacc.edu Promo video: https://f.io/EJ8DO-iF Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...
On this week’s Education Station on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Jim Fisher and Mike “Big Mike” Schnepf, instructors at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson (Clarksville campus). With brand-new truck driving classes starting in October 2025 (and every month thereafter), Jim and Big Mike share how their real-world experience helps prepare the next generation of drivers. From classroom theory to behind-the-wheel training, TCAT is building programs that go beyond passing a test—they’re shaping safe, skilled, and confident professionals for the road ahead. Learn more about TCAT’s Truck Driving Program: TCAT Dickson Truck Driving Program: https://tcatdickson.edu/programs/truc... Other TCAT Locations & Programs: https://www.tbr.edu/institutions/coll... Guests: Jim Fisher – Over 12 years of trucking experience, from flatbeds to tankers, now passionate about teaching skills and work ethic at TCAT. Mike “Big Mike” Schnepf – Veteran driver with 20+ years across oversized loads, hazmat tankers, and more, dedicated to helping students launch rewarding careers. Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...
On this episode of Education Station with host Jimmy Mac, we dive into the future of driver training and education in the trucking industry. Our guest is Tony Diaz, Program Coordinator for the Amarillo College Truck Driving Academy and board member of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS). With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Tony shares insights into how reputable schools are preparing the next generation of professional drivers—and why not all CDL training programs are created equal. We’ll explore: The challenges around CDL “mills” and low-quality training providers How the FMCSA’s Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule is raising national training standards The importance of integrity, compliance, and safety in driver education How public institutions like Amarillo College are shaping careers and lives Tony’s mission is clear: to transform lives by equipping drivers with the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to succeed on the road—while raising the bar for training nationwide. Resources & Links: Amarillo College Truck Driving Academy: actx.edu/ce/logistics-training-center-truck-driving-academy National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS): napftds.org Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...
On this week’s edition of Education Station, host Jimmy Mac welcomes Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge, for a forward-looking conversation on how technology is reshaping the future of truck driver training. Topics Covered: How autonomous trucks are already on the road and what that means for the future of driving careers. The evolving role of truck drivers as technology takes on routine tasks—mission control, inspections, maintenance, and beyond. Why skill and judgment will always outweigh technology in ensuring safe operations. How CDL requirements and training programs may change in the next 10–20 years. Insights from the CVSA hazmat inspection blitz—proof that professionalism goes beyond just driving. Why qualities like kindness, patience, and empathy are crucial for driver trainers, inspired by discussions with instructors at NETTTS. Key Question: What does it mean to be a professional driver in the age of AI and autonomous vehicles? Education Station is where trucking industry leaders share insights on preparing the next generation of drivers for success—because the future isn’t 10 years away, it’s happening right now. Learn more about CarriersEdge: https://www.carriersedge.com/ Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...
On this week’s edition of Education Station, host Jimmy Mac welcomes Walter Grigg, Director of Industry Partnerships at Torc Robotics, to explore how industry leaders are preparing and training the next generation of professional drivers. As advancements in autonomous trucking and transportation technology accelerate, training and education become even more critical. Walter shares insights from his work at Torc Robotics, where partnerships, innovation, and safety converge to shape the future of trucking. About Walter Grigg: Walter Grigg is an experienced leader in operations, fleet management, and strategic development. At Torc Robotics, he serves as Director of Industry Partnerships, following previous roles as Program Manager for Corporate Strategy and Director of Fleet Operations. His background includes senior leadership positions at Lawrence Companies, including EVP of Transportation and VP of Business Intelligence, as well as project leadership at GE Power & Water, where he focused on mobile operations across industries such as commercial nuclear and petro-chemical. About Education Station Education Station spotlights the programs, partnerships, and people driving the future of trucking education. From innovative training to real-world insights, this show highlights how the industry is equipping the next generation of professional drivers. Connect with Torc Robotics: Website: https://torc.ai/ Facebook: facebook.com/torcrobotics Twitter/X: twitter.com/torcrobotics Instagram: instagram.com/torc_robotics Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...
In this episode of Education Station on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac welcomes Carl Stebbins, President of New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS), and Mike Demars, Corporate Director of Safety and Training. For over 60 years, NETTTS has been training professional truck drivers across the New England region, preparing nearly 4,000 CDL students per year. As founding members of CVTA, they’ve set the bar for quality CDL training while supporting state trucking associations like MTAC, RITA, and TAM. Carl and Mike share insights on: The importance of hands-on CDL training How NETTTS prepares students for a long career in trucking Why CDL instructors are in demand right now in New England The future of driver training and safety If you’re in the New England area and passionate about teaching the next generation of truckers, NETTTS is hiring CDL instructors! Learn more at: https://nettts.com/ Website: nettts.com Facebook: facebook.com/NETTTS.Training Instagram: @nettts_training X (Twitter): @NETTTSTraining YouTube: / @nettts TikTok: @nettts_training Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...
On this episode of Education Station on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac welcomes Douglass Clarks-Pritchard, Lead Truck Driving Instructor at Waukesha County Technical College and Board Member of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS). They dive into the future of truck driver training and what it means to prepare the driver of tomorrow. From simulators and advanced safety systems to outreach for veterans, women, and younger drivers, Douglass explains how his program is building a new generation of skilled, safety-minded professionals who will keep America moving. Talking Points: Who is the driver of tomorrow and how are they different? Blending classroom, simulators, and behind-the-wheel training Meeting FMCSA standards and ensuring readiness Outreach to attract and retain students Preparing drivers for a future with advanced technology and alternative fuels Learn more about WCTC’s Truck Driving Program: https://www.wctc.edu/truck-driving Explore NAPFTDS: https://www.napftds.org Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...