Forgot How to Have Fun? (with Dr. Mike Rucker)

Enjoying Life OTR

“How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life.” Sounds bold, right? But Dr. Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit, swears it’s not just theory—it’s science. He shares how fun beats burnout, sharpens focus, and helps you stay human, even when you’re living life OTR.

We dig into why fun isn’t fluff—it’s fuel—and how building small moments of joy can help you focus better, stress less, and actually enjoy the life you’re working so hard for. Dr. Rucker explains how tiny “micro-moments” of fun can reset your energy, strengthen impulse control, and shift your mindset from surviving to thriving. We also talk about how to find two hours of true enjoyment each day, no matter where you are.

Then we roll into a rapid-fire highlight reel from the road: drivers share the many ways they’re enjoying life OTR—from geocaching and zip-lining to helicopter rides on a 30-minute break, national park pit stops, and cookouts with new friends. Different personalities, different budgets—same outcome: more resilient, more present, more you.

Huge thanks to Dr. Mike Rucker for the wisdom—and to every driver who shared their stories and ideas. Your creativity is why this community works.

Listen in, steal a few ideas, and try one this week. Progress, not perfection.

Guest: Dr. Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit
Connect with Mike: [Website] | [Instagram] | [LinkedIn] |
Buy the Book: [The Fun Habit – Purchase Link]

#EnjoyingLifeOTR #HealthierTruckers #TheFunHabit

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Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us: Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected] #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Разделы

1. Rethinking Fun As A Necessity (00:00:00)

2. Meet Dr. Mike Rucker And His Thesis (00:01:34)

3. Burnout, Fun Starvation, And Costs (00:03:46)

4. Fun, Dopamine, And Impulse Control (00:08:11)

5. Micro Pleasures And Active Leisure (00:14:15)

6. Two Hours Of Fun: Reframing And Bundling (00:17:40)

7. Savoring Joy To Build Resilience (00:22:24)

8. Practical Savoring Methods That Stick (00:28:24)

9. First Steps Out Of Burnout (00:33:18)

10. Fun For Introverts And Extroverts (00:38:34)

11. Escapism Versus Enjoyment (00:44:47)

12. Closing Insights And Prevention (00:51:12)

13. Host Recap And Takeaways (00:54:26)

14. Drivers’ Stories: Finding Fun OTR (00:57:12)

15. Planning, Budgeting, And Access Hacks (01:22:40)