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by Bennett Family of Companies
Transportation Nation is brought to you by the Bennett Family of Companies and discusses all things in the transportation and logistics industry.
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- 3 days ago20 min
Stars, Stripes & White Lines: Inside America's Must-See Truck Show!
The engine of America’s economy isn’t just the freight—it’s the unwavering pride and purpose carried by those behind the wheel.Get ready for the inside scoop on one of trucking’s hottest—and most meaningful—events: Stars, Stripes & White Lines, the national championship show bringing together the industry’s most elite rigs and passionate drivers.In this episode, your co-hosts go behind the scenes at the Mid America Truck Show to unpack what makes Stars, Stripes & White Lines at Echo Park Racetrack (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) more than just a truck show. From jaw-dropping custom builds to the camaraderie and patriotic spirit that unites attendees, you’ll hear firsthand stories from builders, judges, and longtime participants about why this event has rapidly become a must-attend in the trucking world.Special guests include custom builder Cody, who reveals the inspiration and creative process behind his one-of-a-kind “Dark Horse” truck; show veteran Speaker E, who shares why this event outshines others across the country; and insiders Speaker B, Speaker F, and Speaker G, who take you through show highlights, new competition classes, and the heartwarming impact of supporting Wreaths Across America.A few moments you won’t want to miss:The wild story behind an epic 90-day truck build challenge and a never-before-seen custom wheel design.Insight into the selection process for the national championship—what it takes for a rig to earn that coveted “golden ticket.”The inspiring reason why so many in the trucking community rally around this show: honoring veterans and raising funds to place wreaths at Andersonville National Cemetery.If you’re curious about what it takes to build a championship show truck, the power of trucking community, or the role of patriotism in the industry—this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations like this that drive the spirit of America’s highways!Subscribe now for more powerful conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and a closer look at the people and innovations fueling America’s highways.CHAPTERS:00:16 Why Stars, Stripes & White Lines Is a Must-Attend Show01:21 Standing on the Track with Elite Truck Builders02:36 Inside the 90-Day “Dark Horse” Truck Build03:07 Custom Innovations to Impress Show Judges04:30 Handcrafted Wheels and Paint: The Dark Horse Story05:51 “Everybody Wants to Win This Show”: The Competitive Spirit06:33 Hitting 103 MPH in a Peterbilt on the Racetrack08:00 Selecting the First Entries for the National Championship09:54 Why This Is “The Greatest American Truck Show”10:17 National Championship for a Good Cause: Wreaths Across America12:18 Why Truckers Love Driving on the Echo Park Racetrack13:00 Variety on Display: Trucks, Jeeps, Motorcycles, Show Cars14:05 How to Qualify for the National Championship & New Classes16:12 Patriotic Truck Displays Return for 202417:10 The Legendary Golf Ball Drop from a Huey Helicopter18:44 “The Trucking Community Gives Back Like Nobody’s Business”19:12 How to Register for SSWL and What’s New This Year20:14 Final Reflections: Trucking as a Calling, Not Just a Job
- 1 weeks ago35 min
Diedrik Hoogstraten on Washington at 22, Before the Statue
Screenwriter Diedrik Hoogstraten grew up in socialist-era Holland watching American sitcoms and dreaming of a country he'd only seen on TV. Now a naturalized citizen, he co-wrote "Young Washington" — the July 4th release timed to America's 250th anniversary.In this episode, Diedrik joins Lee Gentry to talk about the story behind the film and the man behind the myth.What we cover:- How director Jon Erwin's vision for Wonder Project (with Diedrik's wife Kaitlyn leading the business side) brought the movie to life- Why the film starts when George Washington is 11 and ends at age 22 — decades before 1776- Washington's early failures, including the tactical errors that helped start the French and Indian War- The influence of his mother Mary and the idea that "failure is a tutor sent by God"- Making family-friendly films without sacrificing production value- What's next: a follow-up film titled "1776" and Diedrik's screenplay for "God's Smuggler"Diedrik's perspective as someone who chose America adds a layer you don't often hear in conversations about the Founding Fathers.Catch "Young Washington" in theaters now.Timestamps00:37 Welcoming Diedrick Hoogstraten01:36 How Wonder Project and the film came together04:03 Becoming American: a Dutchman's patriotism09:02 Inside Young Washington's story14:03 Failure as a tutor: forging character18:27 A film for every American, not left or right21:15 Wonder Project's mission for family entertainment25:16 Lessons for young audiences today28:47 Anti-fragility and America's second chances31:01 What's next: 1776 and God's Smuggler32:40 Why audiences should see Young Washington
- 2 weeks ago18 min
Wreaths Across America from MATS
Every December, millions of wreaths make their way to veterans' graves across the country. Behind that mission is a network of truckers, sponsors, and volunteers who make it happen.In this episode, Katlyn Foulks and Lee Gentry sit down with guests from Mid-America Truck Show to talk about Wreaths Across America and the trucking industry's role in carrying that mission forward.What we cover:• Courtney George on the 2025 numbers — 3.1 million wreaths, 727 loads, 5,994 locations• Lee Gentry on Bennett's journey from 3,000 wreaths in 2017 to over 20,700 at Andersonville National Cemetery• Van Brown on Bull Snot, the Christmas stockings for truckers, and how Don Queeney pulled him in a decade ago• Brett Hutto of Truck Parking Club on laying wreaths at Arlington for a friend's parents• A firsthand account of the convoy and ceremony at Andersonville• Details on the Stars, Stripes and White Lines Truck Show, November 6–7 at Echo Park SpeedwayLearn more about Wreaths Across America and how to get involved at wreathsacrossamerica.org.Timestamps00:16 Cold open: why this mission matters00:37 Courtney George on Bennett's role01:21 Bennett's wreath delivery growth since 201702:48 New cross-dock to ease trucker logistics04:15 2025 by the numbers: 3.1 million wreaths04:53 Chasing trucks to honor every sponsor06:09 Van Brown enters: the golf ball drop origin06:45 Bull Snot stockings for wreath haulers08:52 Stars, Stripes and White Lines truck show09:25 Patriot Mobile's Andersonville experience11:41 Brett Hutto on Truck Parking Club's support15:26 Laying wreaths at Arlington for a friend
- 4 weeks ago25 min
Freedom 250: The Race Past the Monuments
America turns 250 — and the celebration is already underway. In this episode of Transportation Nation, we break down Freedom 250, the year-long nationwide commemoration leading up to July 4th, 2026.Here's what we cover:• What Freedom 250 is and how the White House Task Force 250 came together• A message from Keith Crocker, CEO of Freedom 250• The American Stories Exhibition at the National Archives, featuring a rare 1823 stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence• The Freedom Truck Tour — 6 mobile museums traveling the country in partnership with PragerU• Major events: the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, July 4th celebrations in D.C., and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix (with infrastructure built out by Bennett)• The America Praise Initiative and the call to pray 10 minutes a week with 10 people• Special messages from Marcy Taylor, Kent Morrison, and partners across the Bennett Family of Companies thanking America's truck driversBe a patriot. Celebrate. Participate.Learn more and add your voice at freedom250.org.Timestamps00:28 What Freedom 250 is01:32 Keith Crocker's vision03:44 White House Task Force origins06:43 Three eras being honored08:08 American Stories Exhibition09:36 Freedom Truck mobile museums11:02 Great American State Fair & July 4th12:26 Grand Prix in DC (Bennett's role)14:31 America Praise Initiative17:32 How to participate18:17 Voices from Bennett & partners23:23 A message to all Americans
- Jun 15, 202642 min
Green Family Legacy: Building the Museum of the Bible & Blending Faith, Family, and Business
Discover how faith, vision, and generosity transformed a family legacy into one of Washington D.C.’s most groundbreaking museums—dedicated entirely to the history and impact of the Bible.In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Steve and Jackie Green, founders of the Museum of the Bible and leaders behind Hobby Lobby’s incredible growth. Steve, President of Hobby Lobby, and Jackie, philanthropist and founder of Women of Legacy, open up about the beliefs and experiences that shaped their marriage, family, and professional journey. Together, they share how their passion for biblical history led them to create a 430,000-square-foot cultural destination just blocks from the U.S. Capitol—a private, family-funded museum attracting millions from around the world.Tune in for moving moments, including personal stories about faith passed down through six generations, and the extraordinary challenges and divine surprises they encountered building a museum in the heart of D.C. Hear how their commitment to closing stores on Sundays, intentional giving, and making faith the cornerstone of family and business sparked ripple effects far beyond their own lives.Key highlights include:- The unexpected beginnings and miracles behind acquiring thousands of rare biblical artifacts, told with warmth and humor- How a simple act at a family dinner table led to heightened generosity and bold public declarations of faith in the business- Powerful stories of lives changed by visiting the museum, plus a behind-the-scenes look at current exhibits like the Dead Sea Scrolls and groundbreaking archaeological discoveriesIf you’re inspired by stories of legacy, leadership, and impact—or curious about how faith can influence every facet of life—this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations with visionary leaders changing the world, one act of faith at a time.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Bible’s Power in a Hurting World03:49 Jackie’s Childhood Faith Awakening05:49 Prioritizing Family as First Ministry08:31 Advice for Those Lacking a Faith Foundation10:32 “God Equips the Called”: Overcoming Doubt12:31 Why Hobby Lobby Closes on Sundays14:42 Giving Back: The Start of Generosity at Hobby Lobby16:50 The Accidental Founding of Museum of the Bible20:10 Including Kids in the Museum’s Vision23:53 Unexpected Resistance: Scholars vs. the Bible Museum25:38 The Prayed-Over Land: A Miraculous Backstory27:48 Stories of Transformation at the Museum30:02 Confronting Skepticism: Is the Bible True?33:37 Why the Bible Still Matters Today36:04 The Bible’s Uplift in Troubled Times39:00 Advice to the Next Generation: Love, Family, Vision
- May 18, 202625 min
Trucking Nation Unites: Inside MATS, Honoring Heroes & Solving Parking
The engine of America’s economy isn’t just the freight—it’s the unwavering pride and purpose carried by those behind the wheel.In this inspiring episode of Transportation Nation, we take you straight to the heart of the Mid-America Trucking Show, where the lights, roaring engines, and camaraderie highlight just how vital the trucking industry is to our nation’s success. Through engaging conversations and real stories, this episode uncovers the human spirit, pride, and community driving America's trucks—and the country itself—forward.You’ll meet passionate guests including Jerry from Patriot Mobile, who shares how his company supports both the industry and veteran causes; Brett from Truck Parking Club, offering an inside look into one of trucking’s most pressing challenges—safe, reliable truck parking; and several dedicated truck builders and drivers who keep the highways humming and the stories flowing.Highlights include:An inside look at the emotional and patriotic Wreaths Across America convoy and the unique ways companies like Bennett are giving back.An eye-opening discussion on the nationwide shortage of truck parking, why it matters, and innovative solutions in the works.Firsthand insights from drivers and custom truck builders who reveal what it really takes to keep America moving—and why pride and care in every vehicle matter more than ever.Whether you’re in the industry or simply curious about the stories behind every shipment and every mile, this episode reminds us: Trucking isn’t just a job—it’s a calling and a community.Subscribe now for more powerful conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and a closer look at the people and innovations fueling America’s highways.CHAPTERS:00:16 The Power Behind the Trucking Industry01:44 Honoring Fallen Soldiers with Wreaths Across America03:24 Bennett’s Full-Circle Involvement in National Remembrance04:12 Personal Stories: Impact on Families of the Fallen06:07 The Truck Parking Crisis Explained09:06 Solutions and Federal Action on Truck Parking12:07 From Truck Driver to Custom Truck Builder14:42 “Hater Maid” and Truck Show Culture16:16 The Value of Pride in Truck Ownership18:16 Building Trucks for National Championship Shows19:54 Faith, Redemption, and the Birth of Lonesome Road Radio25:10 Trucking Is a Calling, Not Just a Job
- May 5, 202620 min
Inside the 2024 Mid America Truck Show: Epic Rigs, Stories & Surprises!
Experience the pulse of America’s trucking industry like never before—step inside the energy, pride, and powerhouse stories of the Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, KY.In this episode, join Caitlyn Folks and Lee Gentry as they take you on a lively tour of MATS, where drivers, families, and companies from all corners come together to celebrate life on the road. Discover why MATS isn’t just another event—it’s a milestone moment for the trucking community, bringing together both veterans and newcomers in an unforgettable atmosphere.Meet notable guests like Ryan Dubrow of “Playing With Fire,” who shares the adrenaline and innovation of competitive truck and tractor pulling, and Evan, widely dubbed “the truck show guy,” whose detailing expertise keeps the show’s sharpest rigs shining. Hear from Bill Trotter, Vice President of Capacity at Bennett, on how these events anchor the company’s culture and recruiting, along with Emily, who offers a heartfelt look at what makes Bennett’s community truly special.Key moments you won’t want to miss:- The jaw-dropping specs of a 5,000-horsepower semi and what it takes to keep those engines roaring- An inside look at how the Bennett team and their partners elevate the show—from recruiting new drivers to supporting long-standing family traditions - Candid reflections on what sets Bennett apart: real connection, family vibes, and memorable moments (including a brand new trucking anthem)- Whether you’re a driver, an industry insider, or simply fascinated by the American trucking scene, this episode delivers a front-row seat to the spectacle and spirit of MATS.Subscribe for more conversations and behind-the-scenes stories celebrating the people who keep America moving!CHAPTERS:00:18 Inside the Mid America Truck Show: Community & Energy01:27 Truck Pulling Stories: Power, Sponsorship, & Family Ties03:02 5,000 Horsepower Semi: Technical Wonders & Crowd Awe04:47 Detailing and Polishing: Behind-the-Scenes Truck Prep06:04 Growth of the Show: Biggest Year for Exhibitors07:39 Truck Show Season Kickoff & New Builds09:13 Why Drivers Choose Bennett: Family Culture vs. Numbers10:20 Hatermaid Truck’s Debut & Community Pride12:04 Sitting Around the Fire with Bennett Leadership13:31 25 Years of Truck Show Memories & Concert Tales15:32 Exclusive Performances: “Bennett, Take Me Home”16:51 National Truck Championship: Picking the Top Three18:56 Why Star Stripes & White Lines Is “Greatest American Truck Show”19:43 Episode Wrap-Up: What Makes MATS So Special
- Apr 14, 202631 min
Bennett Presents: Legacy, Faith & Heavy Haul—David Davenport on "The Highway Knows Your Name"
Step into the cab and buckle up—this episode of Transportation Nation unpacks a legacy of faith, family, and fearless trucking that’s bound to inspire anyone connected to life on the road.In this compelling conversation, we’re joined by Speaker A—author, preacher, and veteran heavy-haul operator—whose new book, The Highway Knows Your Name, weaves together generations of trucking know-how with life lessons and spiritual wisdom. Hear how Speaker A's family transformed from a small-town service station crew into a powerhouse in the heavy haul industry, leaning on teamwork, grit, and a steadfast faith at every turn.Discover what happens behind the scenes of massive, superload moves—where planning can take a year, details make all the difference, and “the devil’s in the details,” as passed down from Speaker A’s own father. You’ll hear why safety, prayer, and trust became non-negotiable parts of every job, and how a simple prayer tradition among rough-and-tumble truckers turned into a lifeline for crews stretched to their limits.Key highlights include:The wild story of a near disaster in a muddy Texas ditch, and how quick thinking—and a little divine intervention—kept the day from going off the rails 23:00.How writing down trucking tales and faith lessons, first for a church newsletter, blossomed into a book meant to preserve a family's legacy, cement trucker camaraderie, and invite new readers into a life-changing perspective 17:13.Why “boomers” (aka load binders) carry lessons that go far beyond rigging, revealing both the dangers and discipline of the trade.Perfect for anyone who loves true stories from the highway, values the legacy of family businesses, or seeks encouragement to blend faith and work. Whether you’re a seasoned driver, industry insider, or simply curious about the human side of trucking, you don’t want to miss this heartfelt episode.Subscribe for more conversations like this—where the stories of the road meet the lessons that last a lifetime.CHAPTERS:00:00 Preserving Family Legacy Through Trucking Stories01:26 Coming Full Circle: The Bennett Connection04:08 Becoming a Pastor & Truck Driver at 1905:25 Life Lessons Learned from Dad07:27 The Davenport Siblings’ Business Journey09:20 Blending Road Stories with Faith10:23 The Hidden Challenges of Heavy Haul Trucking12:38 Why the Book Was Written—Legacy & Faith14:11 The Boomer Story: Trucking Hazard & Humor16:08 Connecting Trucking Lessons to Scripture18:54 Prayer Practices in a Tough Trucking Crew22:01 Divine Help in Impossible Road Situations23:08 Hand Caught in Truck Door: A Harrowing Tale29:05 How to Get “The Highway Knows Your Name”30:20 Gratitude, Farewell, and Faith Forward
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