Tell Me Everything
TME Podcast episodes
Ep. 1 - the one where it all begins
6.24.25
In the very first episode of Tell Me Everything, Danielle Spinelli and Meg Boaz kick things off by sharing how they got into logistics, what it’s like running their own businesses, and why networking in this industry is so important. They swap stories from conferences, talk about the ups and downs of being women in logistics, and get real about juggling work and family life. It’s a laid-back, honest convo that sets the tone for the kind of real talk you can expect in future episodes.
Ep. 2 - the one where drumkit didn't miss a beat
7.8.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli welcomes her first guest, Dhruv Gupta, the CEO and co-founder of Drumkit. Dhruv shares how his childhood fascination with trucks and trains led him to study computer science and transportation planning at Harvard, and eventually launch Drumkit—an AI-powered platform designed to streamline freight brokerage tasks like track-and-trace, scheduling, and fraud detection. Danielle and Dhruv dive into the realities of working in logistics, emphasizing that success comes from hustle and heart. They discuss the hype around AI, its real-world impact, and why human connection still matters in an industry built on trust. From Dhruv’s first job as a kid magician to his current role as one of the most genuinely helpful people in logistics (earning the title “nicest man in logistics”), the episode is full of insight, humor, and candid reflections on building tech that actually solves problems.
Ep. 3 - the one with lights, camera, logistics
7.22.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, Danielle Spinelli chats with Mike Marut about his unlikely leap from TV news anchor to logistics marketer at Revenova. From slinging smoothies at Jamba Juice to covering a cheese-truck crash on I-5 (yes, actual shredded cheese everywhere), Mike shares how storytelling led him to supply chain. They laugh through conference chaos, branded jerseys, custom sneakers, brunch snobbery, Halloween mishaps (hello, Hamburglar), and why being different really works in freight marketing. 📦 Newsroom hustle meets logistics muscle — and it’s way more fun than you’d expect.
Ep. 4 - The One Where Capacity get's Smarter
8.5.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli is joined by Chris Arredondo of Cargo Chief for a candid and insightful conversation on the evolving freight brokerage landscape. They dive into the intensifying “load board wars” and the growing tension between relationship-driven carrier sourcing and the over-reliance on digital load boards. Danielle and Chris reflect on the vulnerability of transactional models, the need to prioritize vetted, high-trust carriers, and the mounting fraud risks tied to open marketplaces. The discussion also highlights new tech innovations—especially Cargo Chief’s carrier portal and offers page—that aim to shift brokers from reactive to proactive sourcing, streamlining the booking experience while preserving the human touch. They tackle the role of AI, load board saturation, the importance of digital trust signals, and why improving the carrier experience is key to long-term brokerage profitability. Whether you're a broker, carrier, or tech provider, this episode offers sharp, real-world takeaways on procurement strategy, tech adoption, and why rep relationships still matter more than robots. Check out https://cargochief.com/
Ep 5: The One with the Golf Cart Drift
8.12.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, Danielle Spinelli sits down with Juan Baena, founder of Savant, to unpack his journey from bilingual call center agent to tech-forward entrepreneur reshaping how logistics companies think about outsourcing and automation. Juan shares how his early career selling insurance and handling billing disputes taught him the art of resilience, negotiation, and process thinking—skills that laid the groundwork for launching his own BPO and technology firm. He also reflects on growing up between the U.S. and Colombia, how culture shaped his business ethics, and the challenges of navigating bureaucracy and fraud in Latin American systems. The conversation dives deep into the real meaning of outsourcing versus staffing, and how Savant aims to simplify logistics operations through smart automation, Salesforce integrations, and custom API workflows. Juan explains why staffing alone isn’t scalable, and how process-driven BPO models can offer more secure and efficient solutions—particularly when paired with the right tech. As companies chase the AI buzz, he makes a compelling case for solving foundational automation gaps first, instead of jumping into flashy, half-baked solutions. In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli talks with Juan Baena, founder of Savant, to explore the evolution of logistics outsourcing, freight process automation, and the future of nearshoring talent in Latin America. Juan shares his unconventional journey, from handling heated billing disputes in U.S. call centers to building a BPO and tech company in Colombia that services global freight and logistics operations. He unpacks how early lessons in customer support, insurance sales, and identity fraud investigations shaped his obsession with efficiency, process ownership, and trust in international operations. Juan and Danielle dive into the core differences between staffing and true business process outsourcing (BPO), revealing why simply “hiring offshore” is no longer enough. He breaks down how Savant integrates with TMS platforms, uses RPA and APIs to automate tracking, and builds secure, white-labeled Salesforce dashboards to streamline operations. Juan also warns of the dangers of skipping foundational automation in the rush toward AI adoption in logistics, and why companies must modernize outdated infrastructure before expecting meaningful results from emerging tech. The episode wraps with a global perspective on freight nearshoring, highlighting opportunities for U.S. brokers and freight forwarders to build new supply chains in Colombia, Panama, and South America. Juan makes the case for brokers to “create their own freight” by tapping into underutilized producer markets and forging cross-border partnerships. Blending real-world insights, industry hot takes, and hilarious personal stories, including a golf cart joyride and a 50-wing misunderstanding—this episode delivers both value and entertainment for anyone navigating freight, BPO, or supply chain tech. https://www.savant.international/landing-pages/savant-talent
Ep 6: The One Where Sunnybrook Springs From the Heartland
8.26.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with John Kuhlmann, founder of Heartland and Sunnybrook TMS, for a deep dive into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the realities of the freight world. John opens up about his journey from starting out at CH Robinson to launching his own brokerage during the pandemic, scaling Heartland through tough market conditions, and eventually building a custom TMS that grew into Sunnybrook, now serving dozens of brokerages. He discusses his three pillars of brokerage success—sales, pricing, and operations—plus what it takes to lead a team, take risks, and mentor the next generation of logistics entrepreneurs. This conversation blends real stories, industry insight, and practical lessons about resilience, diversification, and building tech that actually works for brokers and carriers. Whether you’re a logistics professional, entrepreneur, or just curious about what keeps freight moving, you won’t want to miss this one. https://www.sunnybrooksoftware.com/
Ep 7: The One Where Who Runs the Freight? Girls!
9.2.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Annique Lassage owner of Small World Ventures, LLC, freight broker, coach, and viral TikTok creator who’s shaking up the logistics industry. Annique shares her journey from shipper to broker to industry mentor, explaining how she uses social media not only to build her own voice but also to educate drivers and brokers on professionalism, fraud prevention, and sustainable business practices. The conversation dives deep into what it means to be a woman in logistics, breaking down old stereotypes and highlighting how women’s strengths in communication, organization, and resilience are transforming the freight world. Annique explains why she doesn’t see logistics as “male-dominated” but rather as “male-prioritized”—and how women are carving out space by being more collaborative, adaptable, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Listeners will hear hard-hitting insights on carrier relationships, fraud prevention strategies, and industry trends, including how fraudsters exploit insurance lapses, why holiday weekends are ripe for cargo theft, and how mega carriers profit off of undertrained drivers and inflated equipment prices. Annique also shares practical coaching tips—like how drivers can position themselves as business owners instead of just operators, why brokers must honor driver rates to build long-term relationships, and how asking the right questions can make or break a partnership. Whether you’re a shipper, carrier, or broker, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the realities of modern freight, the hidden risks that too many overlook, and the importance of building trust and community in logistics. If you’ve ever wondered what separates the brokers and carriers who just survive from those who thrive, you won’t want to miss this one.
Ep 8: The One Where Sage Builds From Nothing
9.9.25
Host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Sage Outcast, YouTuber, former truck driver, Coast Guard veteran, freight broker, and licensed insurance agent—for a no-fluff masterclass on surviving and thriving in the trucking and logistics industry. Sage shares how he went from living in a truck during the 2008 recession to building a brokerage focused on over-dimensional freight, plus why FMCSA accuracy, garaging locations, and claims history can make or break commercial trucking insurance rates. You’ll hear real stories (bridge strikes, blown-up bread, “everything’s croutons”), the case for middle management as a stability engine, and a clear-eyed take on AI in logistic, automation for tedious tasks while humans handle exception management and customer trust. We also dig into the “driver shortage vs. CDL shortage” debate, carrier vetting, and how brokers and carriers can collaborate to fight fraud and reduce costs across the supply chain. Perfect for: freight brokers, carriers, safety/compliance pros, insurance agents, and anyone navigating rates, renewals, and FMCSA compliance. Be sure to follow Sage: https://www.youtube.com/@SageOutcastX https://www.youtube.com/@UCaJOreSZ3oo-JJwtQGNIt7g https://discord.com/invite/g3SbTg9h
Ep 9: The One Where logistics law meets a puppet chef
9.16.25
🚚 Tell Me Everything with Danielle Spinelli welcomes attorney, podcaster, and logistics thought leader Matthew Leffler @armchairatty - The Armchair Attorney – for a wide-ranging and hilarious conversation you don’t want to miss. From his family’s deep roots in trucking to his career defending carriers in catastrophic accident cases, Matt breaks down complex supply chain law in a way anyone can understand. We dive into: - Broker liability and why recent court cases keep freight brokers awake at night - FMCSA compliance, out-of-service rates, and what they really mean for road safety -The ongoing split in federal courts on whether brokers can be held responsible for carrier negligence - Tariffs, Trump, and trade policy explained in plain English – and how they impact the logistics industry and everyday Americans - Why raising minimum insurance requirements could change the industry forever Plus, Danielle and Matt share laughs about parenting, Fortnite, conferences, and even Matt’s secret side project: a puppet YouTube channel that had Danielle in tears by the end of the episode. If you want insider knowledge on the legal risks facing logistics brokers, shippers, and carriers – with plenty of laughs along the way – this episode is for you. Stick around to the very end for a puppet cameo you’ll never forget. https://www.youtube.com/@UCxLshjHmX4XpyW2onE9LuQQ
Ep 10: The One Where I Spy with My Little Eye... GenLogs
9.23.25
From Top Gun to Tracking Trucks: Ryan Joyce’s Journey Into Freight Fraud Prevention In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Ryan Joyce, co-founder of GenLogs, for one of the most fascinating career journeys you’ll ever hear. From growing up in a Navy family with a father featured in the real Top Gun story, to surviving the Pentagon attack on 9/11, to running spy operations for the U.S. intelligence community—Ryan’s background is anything but ordinary. He shares how those high-stakes intelligence skills—surveillance, data analysis, and fraud detection—eventually led him into the world of freight logistics. Today, GenLogs is using cutting-edge technology and AI-driven insights to help brokers, carriers, and shippers combat fraud, recover stolen equipment, and optimize their networks. We cover everything from: How GenLog's cameras are the forefront in the freight of fraud prevention The origin story of GenLogs (including a sensor strapped to I-95) Real stories of theft recovery and fraud detection What brokers and carriers need to know about the future of freight security Whether you’re a broker, carrier, or just love stories of resilience, innovation, and transformation, this episode will give you a whole new perspective on how intelligence methods are reshaping logistics. https://www.genlogs.io/
Ep 11: The One with the Trucking Wife’s Playbook
9.30.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Jessica Dotson, Director of Business Development at Multi-Service Fuel Card, trucking company co-owner, and Vice Chair of the Women in Trucking Foundation. Jessica opens up about life as a trucker’s wife turned industry leader, balancing being a mom of four while helping her husband build their small fleet from the ground up. From unpaid dispatcher duties and long nights navigating truck stops, to running the back office of their company, Jessica has truly lived the trucking lifestyle. Today, she’s not only supporting drivers through her work with Multi-Service Fuel Card but also championing women in logistics, building opportunities, and creating stronger networks for future generations. Tune in to hear: The unseen struggles and resilience of trucking families How Jessica transitioned from accounting into trucking leadership Red flags to avoid with factoring and fuel cards Why women in trucking and logistics are rewriting the industry narrative If you’re a truck driver, trucking family, or logistics professional, this conversation will give you a deeper appreciation for the backbone of the supply chain—and the women who keep it moving. https://www.multiservicefuelcard.com/
Ep 12: The one with the cross-border playbook
10.7.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Matt Silver, founder of Cargado and long-time logistics innovator, to dive deep into cross-border freight, Mexico logistics, and the future of freight technology. Matt shares his journey from working summer jobs and interning at Coyote Logistics to becoming a leader in cross-border operations. He explains how he cut his teeth on difficult lanes, the realities of moving freight through Mexico and Canada, and why understanding customs brokers, carrier liability, and border cities is critical for brokers entering the space. You’ll learn: How Matt went from brokering tough U.S. lanes to building Coyote’s Mexico team. The truth about Mexico freight: risks, myths, and how brokers can confidently start selling cross-border. Why customs brokers are key partners in successful Mexico operations. Insights on Canadian Driver Inc., U.S. liability differences, and freight fraud issues. How Matt’s platform, Cargado, is transforming how brokers and carriers collaborate on Mexico, Canada, and cross-border freight. Whether you’re a freight broker, shipper, carrier, or just curious about nearshoring and North American supply chains, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate opportunities in cross-border logistics. https://cargado.com/
Ep 13: The One With the Godfather of MCP
10.7.25
Meet the founder behind one of freight’s most influential carrier-onboarding platforms. Host Danielle Spinelli sits down with Jay Pelkey (founder of MyCarrierPortal / MCP) to unpack how he helped invent modern carrier onboarding, scale insurance certificate monitoring, and build a culture that blends scrappy innovation with real brokerage know-how. From turning around legacy processes at RMIS to partnering with SaferWatch and launching MCP’s onboarding + monitoring stack, Jay shares the origin story, the hard lessons, and why simple, carrier-friendly, fraud fighting wins. We also dig into fraud controls (FMCSA change data, network-effect alerts, and rules you actually have to turn on), plus how MCP keeps pricing accessible without sacrificing capability. If you run a freight brokerage, operations, or risk team, this episode is a masterclass in building onboarding that speeds up coverage, reduces bottlenecks, and cuts fraud, without alienating good carriers. www.mycarrierportal.com www.descartes.com
Ep 14: The One Where Lone Cypress Scales Smart
10.21.25
Meet Jason McArthur, co-owner of Lone Cypress Logistics, for a no-fluff playbook on building a lean, produce-focused brokerage that scales without losing its soul. We dig into the current enforcement wave—CDL shutdowns, ICE checkpoints, and English-proficiency crackdowns spreading from Florida to California and how that’s hitting capacity. Jason breaks down how LCL grew from a one-man grind to an 11-person team by prioritizing regular old relationships, staying obsessively responsive, and protecting cash flow with invoice accuracy, fast billing, and negotiated terms. We also unpack the practical tech stack, how after-hours track & trace supports 24/7 shippers, and why over-communication is a competitive advantage. If you’re launching—or stabilizing a brokerage, you’ll hear when to hire assistants and brokers, where automation saves the back office, and how adding marketing turns a niche (farm-to-fork produce out of Salinas, CA) into a real, referral-driven brand. Check out https://www.lonecypresslogistics.com/ if you'd like to work with their awesome team!
Ep 15: The One Where Port TMS Gets a Brain
10.28.25
Meet Mark Groves, VP & Chief Sales Officer at Port TMS, for a candid chat about building the next-gen transportation management system. We cover Mark’s 20+ year journey from running 3PLs to leading a software team, how Port TMS evolved from an LTL quoting tool into a full-stack TMS for truckload, LTL, intermodal, drayage, ocean, and air, and why modern brokerages win by pairing strong relationships with smart automation and AI. Mark breaks down real results from Port TMS’s embedded AI agents—a Dispatch Agent that fields missed calls and converts bids, an LTL pro number retrieval agent that updates shipments in minutes, and a factoring agent that handles rate confirmations—plus a new voice AI assistant that builds loads, fetches quotes, and surfaces at-risk shipments from desktop or phone. If you’re scaling a brokerage without ballooning headcount (or tech debt), this episode is your playbook. https://porttms.com/transportation-made-simple
Ep 16: The One Where the Freight Queen Teaches Us How to Win
11.4.25
Amazon-bestselling author of ‘The Revenue Engine: Fueling a B2B High Octane Pipeline’ and Lead Coverage CEO Kara Brown joins host Danielle Spinelli to share what’s actually working in freight and supply chain marketing today—and what’s coming next. From a workshop tour built around a 28-exercise workbook to lessons from Echo Global Logistics, Kara unpacks a practical GTM playbook for shippers, 3PLs, forwarders, and freight tech: executive point of view content, intent data, and partnerships. She dives into using HubSpot’s native AI and Buyer Intent (including job-change alerts), psychographic email tools, and agentic research to find and win the elusive “5% buying moment,” plus how to cut trade-show noise by focusing on accounts already in-market. Kara and Danielle also get candid about women in logistics, the realities of the speaker circuit, and balancing fast growth with family life in Atlanta. If you care about logistics go-to-market, 3PL sales, shipper acquisition, and building third-party credibility through partnerships, this episode delivers tested tactics you can use now. https://leadcoverage.com/ https://www.karasmithbrown.com/ https://a.co/d/ftVx8lj
Ep 17: The One At The Broker Carrier Summit - Orlando Edition
11.11.25
In this special Tell Me Everything live episode recorded at Broker Carrier Summit Orlando, host Danielle Spinelli brings together some of the biggest names shaping the future of freight, fraud prevention, and logistics technology. From Robert Bane (“The Strongest Man in Logistics”) and Holly from Bridgeway to Melanie from Carrier Assure, Walter Mitchell of Tai Software, and Ryan Haas from TAFS, this jam-packed episode dives deep into what’s really happening between brokers, carriers, and tech innovators. The conversation covers everything from AI adoption, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, compliance, and TMS integration to the human side of logistics—community, collaboration, and connection. You’ll also hear exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from the Broker Carrier Summit, including the evolution of the event, how brokers and carriers are working together, and the growing role of AI tools like HeyBubba.ai in modern freight management. If you care about broker-carrier relationships, logistics tech, and staying ahead of freight fraud, this episode is your inside look into where the industry is heading. www.brokercarriersummit.com https://tai-software.com/ https://www.carrierassure.com/ https://www.tafs.com/ https://pcssoft.com/ https://bubba.ai/
Ep 18: The One That’s Spoof-Proof with WireBee
11.18.25
In this Tell Me Everything live episode from Broker Carrier Summit Orlando 2025, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with WireBee co-founders Andre and Solomiya Tonchev, plus Steve Vest of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, to unpack the future of fraud prevention, AI-powered communications, and broker–carrier relationships. Andre traces his telecom/VoIP roots to building WireBee’s “phone firewall”—real-time spoofed-call detection, IMEI/IMSI mapping, and instant vetting via integrations with tools like Descartes MyCarrierPortal, Highway, and more—so brokers can block bad actors and fast-track trusted carriers. Solomiya adds a carrier-side lens (she grew up in trucking) on how smarter call routing, recordings, and transcripts speed coverage while protecting ops. The crew tackles how AI + humans can coexist in freight: fewer junk calls, quicker coverage, cleaner compliance, and better training from searchable call transcripts—plus a look ahead at outbound dialing, omnichannel (phone/text/email), and CRM-friendly summaries. If you care about freight tech, risk management, and scaling a brokerage without inviting fraud, this conversation is your playbook. www.wirebee.com
Ep 19: The One with freight & furious: the haul pay saga
11.25.25
In this episode of Tell Me Everything, Danielle Spinelli chats with Steve Kochan, founder & president of HaulPay, about his path from tuning race cars to building freight tech. Steve breaks down lessons from C.H. Robinson (2008 era), the leap from small brokerages to launching ComFreight, and why he pivoted into payments, factoring, and risk management. We dig into real-world freight fraud (BOL manipulation, fake carriers/false shippers), how HaulPay blends automation with human-in-the-loop review, and practical advice for new and mid-market brokerages protecting credit, cash flow, and growth. If you care about freight tech, fintech in trucking, and keeping your operation safe and solvent, this one’s for you. Hit subscribe for more conversations on logistics innovation, fraud prevention, and broker best practices. https://haulpay.io/
Ep 20: Women Of Logistics Girls Trip Recap!
12.2.25
Welcome to a special Tell Me Everything episode recorded live from the Women in Logistics Girls Trip 2025—aka the Barbie Dream House of Florida retreats. 🌴✨ Join Danielle Spinelli, Jan Jones, Jennie Malafarina, Jamie Cannon, and Camden Tinsley as this powerhouse group of women in logistics, transportation, insurance, marketing, and supply chain mix real conversations, professional insight, and a whole lot of laughter. From fireside chats and beach hangs to a sunset tiki cruise surrounded by dolphins, this episode uncovers how women in our industry truly connect, grow, collaborate, and support one another. In this jam-packed conversation, we dive into: ✨ Women in Logistics & Women in Supply Chain — why women-focused communities matter and how to build safe, supportive spaces in a male-dominated industry. ✨ Career Journeys & Confessions — our top three “dream jobs we’d lie about,” the careers we almost pursued, and the ones we’re chasing now. ✨ Mentorship & Hyper Up — a behind-the-scenes look at the new women-centered mentorship initiative created by Jamie Cannon and Camden Tinsley, helping women navigate leadership, confidence, and career growth in logistics. Learn more at https://hypeherup.com/ . ✨ Marketing, Sales & Industry Trends — the evolution of logistics marketing with insights from Jennie Malafarina, AI’s impact, personal branding, and how conferences and events are shifting. ✨ Cargo Theft, Fraud & Compliance — behind-the-scenes experiences from Danielle Spinelli’s work in cargo theft prevention and industry fraud. ✨ Life, Kids, Boundaries & Balance — advocating for yourself, setting workplace expectations, and supporting women in every stage of their career. ✨ Friendship & Networking — how genuine relationships (not cold calls) build real success in transportation, featuring all four guests and their own experiences. From bowling alleys and fire pits to deep conversations about leadership, motherhood, boundaries, career empowerment, and female support systems, this episode blends fun, vulnerability, and real industry expertise. If you're a woman in logistics—or you support women in logistics—this is a must-listen. Subscribe, follow, and join us on this journey as we grow the Women in Logistics Girls Trip into a nationwide movement.