Copy Southbound Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

The stunning fleet of Goz Dawson's are a fixture on our roads and stand out in their varying green and white livery. Bruce got the chance to sit with a very humbled Goz at his home recently and discovered a man who has a passion for the industry, love of trucks and gratitude toward his life choices that have led to his success. Moreso, his pride on the popularity of his Dolly's Dream combination has had an everlasting impact on his conscience that drives him to give back to the community that has supported him. What a great man, enjoy this like we did.

We first met Johnno Johnson at the Kenworth Klassic when he travelled down from Dalby just over 12 months ago. Apart from being a lovely bloke, we were taken with his beautiful factory Gold Nugget SAR still sporting its 2-Stroke Detroit power. Bruce finally got up to Dalby and sat with Johnno to record his history and check out his past with trucks, trials and tribulations. Humble people like Johnno make Copy Southbound what it is and the passion he still has for the industry is what keeps it alive.

Another installment from our trip to the Mid-America Trucking Show MATS 2025 and we caught up with a couple of great guys, Charles Justice (CJ & John McIntyre from Revolution Energy Services. Two down to earth guys who love the trucking industry and are great advocates for all things trucking. 

We were also able to sit down with some great people from Radio Nemo. Dave Nemo has been the voice of trucking radio through more changes than you'd believe – through AM radio, satellite ratio, and now digital streaming. And through all the changes, he's managed to keep professional drivers of the US awake, alert and hopefully, alive.

Jimmy Mac is a native New Orleanian who has visited 49 states and called 4 of them home. Having worked in law enforcement, education, contracting, and the entertainment industry, he is now proud to be a member of the Radio Nemo family.

Lindsay Lawler is a singer, songwriter, radio host, and Nashville-based entrepreneur. She spent many years as the national spokesperson of the Highway Angel program in the trucking industry, and her song "Highway Angel'' has become an anthem for truck drivers everywhere. She founded the Highway Angel Truckstop Tour and performed free concerts for truckers at truck stops across the country. Last year she released the song "I'm Okay" which People Magazine highlighted in a personal interview with Lindsay, and in addition to countless singles including a duet with 80's star Tiffany. 

Lex Gordon is one of those names synonymous with the transport industry and he led, until his passing late last year, a proud family business that spanned over 70 years. Ross Gordon is one of Lex's 13 children and he joined us on Copy Southbound to share some of the stories of this pioneer of country haulage who was renowned for his big equipment and major contributions to the Narrabri district, where his company is still based.

Long time Driver and Owner Driver Magazine contributor Ken Wilkie was recommended to us and what a great discussion it turned out to be. We love anyone who's passionate about road transport but some people go above and beyond to fight for Drivers conditions, protest laws and challenge decisions that have been made against the good of the industry. Ken is one of these people and his support of Rod Hannifey and the initial Truckright Industry Vehicle is just one example of this mans dedication to the industry we love so much.

Being Born in 1940 and raised in outback Western Australia would certainly have had its challenges and produced some tough, hard working people. Brian Brookes is one of those blokes who knew nothing but work, heat and dust but persisted with it right through his working career. 

Brookesy is retired now but still very proud of his past and loved by many of our mates here at Copy Southbound. I'm sure you'll enjoy his story.

Bruce has always been in awe of Liz Martin ever since he read about her and the National Road Transport Museum Hall of Fame in Alice Springs. She was at the helm of the Hall for 25 years where she managed the day to day running's, volunteers and spectacular reunions that were recognised worldwide. But his admiration for Liz also extends to her single handed research and recording of our outback pioneers history which lead to her cataloguing as many road transport icons as she could. She still does it better than anybody to this day and it's our absolute pleasure to have Liz on Copy Southbound.

Bruce has been waiting to interview Paddy Ward ever since Copy Southbound kicked off and has always sung his praises. A talented businessman, exceptional operator and gifted restorer, Paddy was also known as being one of the nicest people in transport and is still very active in the old truck scene following his retirement some years back.

We couldn't have thought of a better way to kick off 2022.

Bob Thompson did his first tow at the age of 16 while his boss was at the pub, not realising that it would lead to him becoming one of NSW's most iconic tow and salvage operators in one of the Blue Mountains most notorious pieces of road.

With his wife Marion by his side, this incredibly talented craftsman has helped out countless operators for over 50 years and become a legend of the Mountains!!!

Geoff Rudd, or Ruddy as he's commonly known, kicked off in transport earlier than most of us. With his gentle nature and strong work ethic, he formed some strong bonds and lasting relationships with customers back when a simple hand shake meant more than a written contract.

Now in his mid 80's Geoff is now enjoying retirement but happily shared his experiences with us.