Best C Store Operations Podcasts (2025)

1
Kenworth W900: History, legacy, availability through 2026, and what's in store for the W990 27:09

1d ago27:09

27:09

In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, we’re looking back at the long run of the W900 model from the Kenworth Truck Company. The W900's coming sunset has been among the biggest equipment news of the year -- uncovered ahead of the Mid-America Trucking Show, where the company unveiled the launch of the W900 Legacy Edition special series to close …

1
Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service 5:02

4d ago5:02

5:02

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Maximizing Sales Through Exceptional Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for transforming good customer service into increased sales. Learn how to train your team in service techniques that naturally boost transaction values and create more profitable customer int…

1
Episode 18 - Keeping It Clean: Facility Maintenance & Sanitation 3:24

4d ago3:24

3:24

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Keeping It Clean: Facility Maintenance & Sanitation Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential sanitation practices that go beyond surface cleaning to ensure true food safety. Learn how to implement comprehensive cleaning systems that will impress health inspectors and protect your cus…

1
Episode 18: Common Customer Needs in Convenience Stores 3:19

4d ago3:19

3:19

Smoke Break - Episode 18: Common Customer Needs in Convenience Stores Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down the fundamental customer needs that drive convenience store visits. Learn how to lead your team in prioritizing these core needs to enhance customer satisfaction and build store loyalty. Episode Overview Maste…

1
One small step, after step, hundreds of truckers improve life with Mother Trucker Yoga 26:15

8d ago26:15

26:15

This week on Overdrive Radio we track back to the Mid-America Trucking Show and the big news for the trucking community from podcast sponsor Howes. The Howes Hall of Fame added its 12th member when it honored Mother Trucker Yoga proprietor and fitness and wellness coach Hope Zvara at the show. You heard part of Zvara’s story when she was featured h…

1
Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool 4:55

10d ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Word of Mouth - Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for turning satisfied customers into your most effective marketing team. Learn how to create experiences that inspire customers to spread the word about your store without spending a fortune on ad…

1
Episode 17 - Temperature Control: The Hot and Cold of Food Safety 3:02

10d ago3:02

3:02

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Temperature Control: The Hot and Cold of Food Safety Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential temperature control practices that protect your customers and business. Learn how to implement effective monitoring systems that prevent foodborne illness risks while maintaining compliance.…

1
Episode 17: Understanding Different Customer Expectations 3:05

10d ago3:05

3:05

Smoke Break - Episode 17: Understanding Different Customer Expectations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares insights on recognizing and adapting to varied customer expectations in your store. Learn how to lead your team in providing personalized service that meets the diverse needs of your customer base. Episode Overvi…

1
Truck drivers' English-language proficiency and the inspection problem, other issues 36:48

16d ago36:48

36:48

In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, drop into our conversation with OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Pugh was fresh off a whirlwind round of a whole lot of other talking himself, including a MATS-opening breakfast panel discussion you heard here a couple weeks back, then prior to that on Wednesday t…

1
Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty 4:55

18d ago4:55

4:55

Smoke Break - Episode 16: The Power of Customer Loyalty Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for transforming casual shoppers into devoted customers who drive business growth. Learn how to build meaningful customer relationships that increase sales, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, and create a community a…

1
Episode 16: Food Safety Basics: Getting Handling and Storage Right 3:51

18d ago3:51

3:51

Smoke Break - Episode 16: Food Safety Basics: Getting Handling and Storage Right Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential food safety practices that protect your customers and business. Learn how to implement proper handling and storage procedures that form the foundation of your store's food safety system. E…

1
Episode 16: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Weapon 2:44

18d ago2:44

2:44

Smoke Break - Episode 16: Product Knowledge - Your Secret Weapon Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for developing comprehensive product knowledge that enhances customer service and boosts sales. Learn how to lead your team in becoming product experts who can confidently guide customers to the perfect purch…

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'Keep digging' with Dice Mayhem's Trucking, growing dump roots to long-term small fleet success 31:05

23d ago31:05

31:05

This week's edition of Overdrive Radio is another in our series highlighting contenders for 2025 Trucker of the Year, with Overdrive Senior Editor Matt Cole’s talk with Virginia-headquartered two-truck straight dump owner-operator business Dice Mayhem’s Trucking, headed up by owner-operator Hunter Hubbard and her husband, Tim. Hunter’s just about s…

1
Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance 6:12

25d ago6:12

6:12

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Building a Culture of Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in our compliance series as he shares strategies for transforming compliance from a set of rules into a core part of your store's identity. Learn how to create an environment where doing things the right way becomes …

1
Episode 15 - Consumer Protection: Keeping Customers Safe and Satisfied 3:35

25d ago3:35

3:35

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Consumer Protection: Keeping Customers Safe and Satisfied Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential consumer protection strategies that build customer trust while keeping your store compliant with regulations. Learn how to implement practices that protect both your customers and your busin…

1
Episode 15: Time Management - Balancing Service and Operations 3:03

25d ago3:03

3:03

Smoke Break - Episode 15: Time Management - Balancing Service and Operations Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for managing the competing demands on your time as an assistant manager. Learn how to balance excellent customer service with operational responsibilities while maintaining your sanity. …

1
Encouraging freight signs -- for now -- in ATBS annual owner-operator income update 1:14:27

1M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

In 2024, finally, as regular Overdrive readers will know, owner-operator income was up on a year-over-year basis. ATBS Vice President Mike Hosted makes that abundantly clear in this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, featuring the business services firm's March 25 update offering an economic outlook for the year ahead as well as lessons within the …

1
Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success 5:38

1M ago5:38

5:38

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Regular Audits and Reviews - Your Path to Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for implementing effective audit systems that protect your business and prevent compliance issues. Learn how regular reviews can transform from tedious tasks into valuable tools f…

1
Episode 14 - Labor Laws: Keeping Your Team Protected 2:44

1M ago2:44

2:44

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Labor Laws: Keeping Your Team Protected Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential labor law compliance strategies that protect your team and your business. Learn how to navigate wage requirements, scheduling regulations, and workplace policies while building a fair, legal work environ…

1
Episode 14: Building a Customer Service Dream Team 3:15

1M ago3:15

3:15

Smoke Break - Episode 14: Building a Customer Service Dream Team Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for developing and maintaining a team that consistently delivers outstanding customer service. Learn how to train, motivate, and lead your staff to create memorable customer experiences. Episode Ove…

1
Freight markets and fraud, insurance, towing: Small-biz challenges dominate trucking-issues panel 49:14

1M ago49:14

49:14

Back from the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this Overdrive Radio edition kicks off continuing coverage as all of us here at Overdrive spent the show fanning out across convention center grounds to cover just as much as possible. The fruits of that labor you’ve seen just a small sampling of to date, the lot of it collected with …

1
Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success 5:48

1M ago5:48

5:48

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Training Your Team for Compliance Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for developing effective compliance training programs that stick. Learn how to transform procedures from paper documents into daily practices that protect your business and customers. Episode Overvi…

1
Episode 13 - Environmental Compliance Made Simple 3:28

1M ago3:28

3:28

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Environmental Compliance Made Simple Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential environmental compliance strategies that protect both your business and the planet. Learn practical approaches to waste management, energy efficiency, and regulatory adherence that can save money while avoi…

1
Episode 13: Turning Unhappy Customers into Loyal Fans 3:54

1M ago3:54

3:54

Smoke Break - Episode 13: Turning Unhappy Customers into Loyal Fans Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for transforming customer complaints into opportunities for building loyalty. Learn how to lead your team in handling difficult situations with professionalism and care. Episode Overview Master esse…

1
Overdrive's new Partners in Business playbook, start-to-finish resource for an owner-operator career 19:40

2M ago19:40

19:40

In this Overdrive Radio edition, big news: We’re releasing today our brand-new Partners in Business playbook for owner-operator business, start to finish. The 2025 reboot of the PIB program is a total revamp designed with the decidedly mobile professional trucker in mind. You can access it today at https://overdriveonline.com/pib For more than two …

1
Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance 5:57

2M ago5:57

5:57

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Navigating the World of Regulatory Compliance Episode Duration: 6 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential compliance strategies that protect your business, customers, and reputation. Learn how regulatory adherence can become a competitive advantage rather than just a necessity. Episode Overview Master …

1
Episode 12 - Alcohol & Tobacco: Getting ID Right Every Time 3:20

2M ago3:20

3:20

Smoke Break - Episode 12: Alcohol & Tobacco: Getting ID Right Every Time Episode Duration: 3 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for maintaining perfect compliance with alcohol and tobacco regulations. Learn how to implement foolproof systems that protect your business, your license, and your community. Episode Overvi…

1
Episode 12: The Art of Customer Service 4:00

2M ago4:00

4:00

Smoke Break - Episode 12: The Art of Customer Service Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for creating and maintaining exceptional customer service standards in your store. Learn how to lead your team in delivering consistent, quality interactions that build customer loyalty. Episode Overview Maste…

1
Tony Justice: Top billing at MATS, honoring a mother's legacy, prospects for new record 33:13

2M ago33:13

33:13

This week’s edition of Overdrive Radio starts with a brief part of "Truck Stop," earmarked by today's guest for a special place in his heart the last time we hosted him. That'd be trucker-songwriter Tony Justice, who back then in 2023 spoke to the inspiration the song took from Justice’s mother’s long work at a couple of different East Tennessee tr…

1
Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success 9:29

2M ago9:29

9:29

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Balancing Short-Term Sales with Long-Term Success Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for finding the perfect balance between immediate sales boosts and sustainable business growth. Learn how to create promotions and pricing approaches that drive both today's revenue and t…

1
Episode 11 - Health & Safety: Getting It Right 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Health & Safety: Getting It Right Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential health and safety compliance strategies that protect your customers, team, and business. Learn practical approaches to maintaining a safe environment while meeting regulatory requirements. Episode Overview Mas…

1
Episode 11: Building a Culture of Safety and Compliance 3:59

2M ago3:59

3:59

Smoke Break - Episode 11: Building a Culture of Safety and Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for creating a work environment where safety and compliance become ingrained in daily operations. Learn how to transform safety from a set of rules into a core part of your store's culture. Epi…

1
Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions 5:43

2M ago5:43

5:43

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Building Trust Through Honest Pricing and Promotions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares strategies for creating transparent pricing and promotions that build lasting customer relationships. Learn how honest business practices can become your store's most powerful competitive advantage. Episod…

1
Episode 10 - Putting It All Together: Making Smart Decisions 4:53

2M ago4:53

4:53

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Putting It All Together: Making Smart Decisions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez for the final episode in this series as he shares strategies for integrating all aspects of store management into cohesive, effective decision-making. Learn how to synthesize data, experience, and market knowledge to drive …

1
Episode 10: Emergency Preparedness and Response 4:29

2M ago4:29

4:29

Smoke Break - Episode 10: Emergency Preparedness and Response Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for preparing your store and team for emergencies. Learn how to develop and implement critical safety protocols that protect your customers and staff during unexpected situations. Episode Overview Mast…

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Trucker of the Month Kenny Wingate leans into the pride, and brass tacks, of owner-op trucking 34:20

2M ago34:20

34:20

The voice you'll hear at the top of this Overdrive Radio edition is that of Overdrive's February Trucker of the Month Kenny Wingate. Clearly, he knows of what he speaks when he invokes the feeling -- "nothing like it," he said -- that he associates with best of trucking as an owner-operator, running your own game when times are good. It's part of w…

1
New battery-powered auxiliary A/C system: Small fleet owner looks to move truck-to-truck for better ROI 18:15

2M ago18:15

18:15

Jamie Hagen's got the inside scoop, but won't divulge the name of the new Mack tractor model set to be debuted next month in New York in this year of Mack's 125th anniversary as a company. Small Fleet owner Hagen has actually driven one hand-built production model already around the company’s test track hidden behind the walls, and come June he exp…

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Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Using Data to Drive Pricing and Promotion Decisions Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals how to transform your store's data into powerful pricing and promotion strategies. Learn practical approaches to analyze sales information and make data-backed decisions that boost your profits. Episode Ove…

1
Episode 9 - Making Your POS Work Harder 4:14

2M ago4:14

4:14

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Making Your POS Work Harder Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for leveraging your Point of Sale system beyond basic transactions. Learn how to transform your POS data into actionable insights that drive better business decisions and boost your bottom line. Episode Overview Master …

1
Episode 9: Labor Laws and Employee Rights 4:02

2M ago4:02

4:02

Smoke Break - Episode 9: Labor Laws and Employee Rights Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he breaks down essential labor laws and employee rights that assistant managers need to understand. Learn how to create a fair, compliant workplace while protecting both your team and your business. Episode Overview Master critical compli…

1
Episode 8: Mastering Promotions That Drive Sales 6:03

2M ago6:03

6:03

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Mastering Promotions That Drive Sales Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares proven strategies for creating promotions that boost sales while protecting profits. Learn how to design and implement effective promotions that build customer loyalty and grow your business. Episode Overview Master essen…

1
Episode 8 - Promotions That Actually Work 4:40

2M ago4:40

4:40

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Promotions That Actually Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals strategies for creating and implementing effective promotions that drive sales while protecting profits. Learn how to design promotions that resonate with customers and deliver measurable results. Episode Overview Master essenti…

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Episode 8: Age-Restricted Sales - Your Guide to Compliance 4:45

2M ago4:45

4:45

Smoke Break - Episode 8: Age-Restricted Sales - Your Guide to Compliance Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for managing age-restricted sales compliance in your store. Learn how to create and maintain robust verification procedures that protect your business and team. Episode Overview Master criti…

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Get in where you fit in: Hotels4Truckers revamped for truck parking-friendly, discounted bookings 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, Hotels4Truckers.com proprietor Dan Fuller, former driver and independent owner-operator, details completion of a project years in the making. The website and now mobile app as well got its start simply as a cataloging of hotels around the nation where parking a tractor and 53-foot trailer was not only poss…

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Episode 7: Smart Pricing Strategies That Work 5:45

3M ago5:45

5:45

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Smart Pricing Strategies That Work Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical pricing strategies that help maximize your store's profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction. Learn how to implement pricing approaches that work for both your business and your customers. Episode Overv…

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Don't be an unwitting accomplice to cargo theft: Cautionary tale, steps to mitigate risk 21:55

3M ago21:55

21:55

Today, a bit of a hypothetical that is really not hypothetical at all, though we’ll withhold names with multiple court cases pending. But consider the scenario: You engage with a broker you feel you know is legitimate for a load of copper moving toward the Northeast. You drop that load for $1,600, you ultimately get paid, and you go on about your b…

1
Smoke Break: Episode 7 - Smart Pricing Makes Sense 5:44

3M ago5:44

5:44

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Smart Pricing Makes Sense Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he reveals practical strategies for developing effective pricing that balances profitability with customer satisfaction. Learn how to make informed pricing decisions that drive business success. Episode Overview Master essential pricing elemen…

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Episode 7: Safety First - Protecting Your Team and Customers 5:31

3M ago5:31

5:31

Smoke Break - Episode 7: Safety First - Protecting Your Team and Customers Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares essential strategies for implementing and maintaining comprehensive safety protocols in your store. Learn how to create a secure environment that protects both team members and customers. Episode Overview Mast…

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'Road less traveled': Trucker of the Month Ken Brodeur takes control with authority 24:05

3M ago24:05

24:05

In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, January Trucker of the Month Ken Brodeur, owner-operator out of Escondido, California, tells the tale of his circuitous path to trucking over three decades of prior IT tech and music-industry careers. He leased and then purchased his first and current truck in 2016, a new Kenworth W9 that he’s kept in grea…

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Episode 6: Building Strong Communication and Supplier Relationships 6:20

3M ago6:20

6:20

Smoke Break - Episode 6: Building Strong Communication and Supplier Relationships Episode Duration: 8 minutes Join host Mike Hernandez as he shares practical strategies for developing effective communication systems and strong supplier partnerships that enhance your store's operations. Learn how to create robust networks that support your business …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

C Store Operations Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen