Mike Roeth Reflects on Podcast After 100th Episode

From Executive Director Mike Roeth

I recently completed my 100^th podcast. When we started the podcast in 2020, I was not sure how well it would be received or even if I would find enough people to chat with. Afterall, the podcast is called Trucking Efficiency with NACFE’s Mike Roeth & Friends. When we were first talking about me doing a podcast, we kicked around ideas for making it different and that’s how we hit upon the idea that guests not only needed to have a relationship with me, but that we both had to consider each other friends. We did that in part because we wanted the podcasts to seem like two friends meeting over coffee or a beer or a glass of bourbon to celebrate cleaner trucking and discussing its many challenges.

I have really enjoyed hosting these podcasts and getting to know more about my trucking industry friends. And even learning more about my dad, who I interviewed on episode 74. I am so glad I did that one; it will keep him around forever and is something I can share with my grandkids and even great grand kids.

The other thing the podcast has forced me to do is make new friends. As NACFE’s Communications Director Denise Rondini says, “you have to continue to feed the beast.” That means I need to keep making friends so I will have people to interview on my podcast in the future.

But back to the 100^th podcast. We knew we wanted to do something different and we kicked around a lot of ideas until Denise jokingly suggested that one of my grandchildren interview me. The idea stuck and I enlisted Makenzie Roeth, my oldest grandchild, to interview me. And let me tell you it was harder than I thought being the one answering the questions. She was a tough interviewer! But it was a great experience for both of us.

The big takeaway from my podcasts is that it is important to keep engaging with industry stakeholders and continue seeking answers to the tough challenges we face. The podcast is a balance between me talking and me listening. I feel like I learn something new with every guest I have on the podcast. And I hope I give my guests something to think about too.

The whole industry should engage in these types of conversations. You’d be surprised at the problems you can solve in 25 minutes — the length of my typical podcast. One point to remember is that you don’t always have to agree with the person you are conversing with. It’s okay to have differing opinions as long as you present them in a respectful manner and enter the conversation with an open mind.

If you are already my friend and have not been on my podcast, let me know and we’ll see about setting a time to chat. If we have not met yet, I hope our paths cross soon and that we can become friends too.

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