For truckies, the fuel crisis is hitting more than the wallet. In this special episode of How Ya Travellin’?, Shane Jacobson is joined by WA truckie Heather Jones and psychologist Arthur Papagiannis.

Heather shares practical tips and perspective from the road, while Arthur unpacks the mental load that can come with financial stress. Together, they talk about staying steady, looking after your headspace and getting support early when the pressure starts to build.

This episode was created in consultation with psychologist Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.

Need support?

If you’re feeling under the pump and need support, don’t put it off.

Visit the Healthy Heads website or download the Healthy Heads App for practical tools, tips and support options. Or reach out to one of the services below.

• Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support. Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. If life is in danger, call 000.
• TIACS – free and confidential phone and text counselling for Australia’s blue-collar community. Call or text 0488 846 988, Monday to Friday, 8am – 10pm AEST.
• Beyond Blue Support Service – free, confidential counselling, available 24/7. Call 1300 22 4636.
• Beyond Blue financial wellbeing – information, tools and support to help with money stress, financial wellbeing and mental health.
• National Debt Helpline – free, confidential and independent financial counselling and advice. Call 1800 007 007 weekdays, 9:30am – 4:30pm.
• Small Business Debt Helpline – free and confidential advice from a professional financial counsellor for small business owners in financial difficulty. Call 1800 413 828, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5:30pm AEDT.

For Queensland truckie Chris Pearson, every kilometre tells a story – of pride, pressure and finding balance in a tough but rewarding life on the road. Between long road-train runs, family life and his 10,000 TikTok followers, Chris has found a way to stay grounded. He talks to Shane about mentors, managing fatigue, and what it’s like to witness more than his fair share of tragedy on the road. It’s an honest chat about mateship, resilience and the small healthy habits that help keep him steady behind the wheel.

This episode was created in consultation with psychologist Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.

Want to learn more? Download the Healthy Heads App for simple tools, expert-backed advice and strategies to look after your mental health and physical wellbeing.

Barry Saad started out with a set of spanners and a dream – and built it into one of Australia’s biggest independent truck-maintenance businesses. But the road wasn’t smooth. Barry opens up to Shane about burnout, tough years in business, and how asking for help turned things around. They chat about the pressures mechanics face, why mental health should be part of every safety check, and what real leadership looks like in the workshop.

This episode was created in consultation with psychologist Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.

Want to learn more? Download the Healthy Heads App for simple tools, expert-backed advice and strategies to look after your mental health and physical wellbeing.

A country girl through and through, Jenny Fellows has spent nearly 30 years keeping her community – and her family – rolling. Alongside her husband, she built a transport business grounded in care, safety and good people. Shane hears how Jenny turned her family’s operation into a model for wellbeing, helped create a driver education program for local schools, and continues to champion kindness and connection across the industry.

This episode was created in consultation with psychologist Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.

Want to learn more? Download the Healthy Heads App for simple tools, expert-backed advice and strategies to look after your mental health and physical wellbeing.

Starting her apprenticeship as a 15-year-old diesel mechanic, Louise Azzopardi broke records – and a few stereotypes – as the first woman to win Australia’s WorldSkills in heavy vehicle mechanics. But behind the success came bullying, burnout and self-doubt.

In this chat with Shane, Louise talks about finding strength in speaking up, getting help when things get dark, and how she’s now coaching the next generation of diesel mechanics to back themselves and move past the “toughen up” culture.

This episode was created in consultation with psychologist Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.

Want to learn more? Download the Healthy Heads App for simple tools, expert-backed advice and strategies to look after your mental health and physical wellbeing.

Chris Barlow lived the full-tilt truckie lifestyle – long hauls, sleepless nights and plenty of quick fixes to keep himself going. But the real crash didn’t happen on the road – it came when his health and head finally hit the wall. With help from mental health professionals, better food and daily movement, Chris lost 35 kilos and gained a whole new outlook. Shane and Chris get real about breaking bad habits, setting boundaries, and proving that healthy and trucking can go hand in hand.

This episode was created in consultation with psychologist Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.

Want to learn more? Download the Healthy Heads App for simple tools, expert-backed advice and strategies to look after your mental health and physical wellbeing.

A freak accident nearly took Wex’s career and mental health. Instead, it lit a fire. From surgery to setback to second chances, Wex is now leading with lived experience and helping others find strength in the struggle. This episode features insightful comments from Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.

When Vikki lost her brother, she didn’t just carry that pain. She used it to fuel a new purpose. Now managing a team of 600, she’s building trust, breaking stigma and proving that quiet conversations can change lives. This episode features insightful comments from Arthur Papagiannis, CEO & Founder of AP Psychology & Consulting Services.