Listen Now: Around The Bead Podcast Keeps the Tire Rolling with Its Latest Episode:
20% More Tire Life: Beyond Just the Tire
In this episode of Around the Bead Podcast, Joe and Big John sit down with Nathan Lazwell, General Manager of Mechanical at East Bay Tire, to explore how mechanical components — not just tires themselves — play a major role in tire wear and fleet performance.
Drawing from more than three decades in the industry, Nathan shares his journey from a young apprentice technician to leading an entire mechanical division known for alignment expertise. The discussion breaks down the relationship between suspension systems, axle alignment, and real-world tire performance, revealing why many tire issues actually originate from mechanical problems beneath the truck.
From early alignment technology in the 1990s to modern diagnostic systems, the conversation highlights how proper inspections, accurate measurements, and hands-on training remain essential despite advances in equipment. The episode also examines workforce challenges, evolving training programs, and why developing skilled technicians is critical for the future of the industry.
Inside a Real Fleet Tire Assessment: What the Data Revealed
This episode of “Around the Bead” offers a comprehensive look into the role of tire data and analytics in fleet management. By leveraging technology and dedicated personnel like data technicians, fleets can achieve greater transparency and cost savings in tire wear, fuel efficiency, and maintenance.
Tire Tech Crushed by a 30,000 lb Loader... and Survived!
Joaquin tells his incredibly powerful story of overcoming adversities. From beating Andre Ward, to prison, the life of a professional boxer, to nearly dying underneath a loader performing tire service.
How to Choose the Right Tire for the Application: Forklift Tires 101
Phil "PoPoP" Jandrokovic of East Bay Tire gives a world-class tutorial on forklift tires, manufacturing, and the hardest applications for material handling.
The 80-Year-Old Tire Problem That’s Still Costing Farmers
In this debut episode, Joseph is joined by Mike Welsh, Strategic Account Manager for East Bay Tire, to kick off a series focused on agricultural tire solutions. Mike dives into the world of flotation tires, the challenges of forecasting tire performance, and the evolving trends in the tire market, including the shift toward multi-purpose tires and the rise of autonomous farming equipment.
How Fleets Save Big with the Right Tire and Maintenance Strategy
In a recent episode of Around the Beat podcast, experts Rob Bulldock and Big John shared valuable insights on managing fleets and improving tire performance across industries like trucking, mining, and agriculture.
OTR Tires Are Failing... and You Don’t Even Know Why: OTR Tire 101
In the debut episode of Around the Bead, hosts Joe and Big John dive into the tire industry’s biggest topics, from the impact of tire pressure on fleet performance to the latest changes in tire distribution and market trends.
Launching the Tire Industry’s FIRST Unfiltered Podcast
Welcome to the pilot episode of Around the Bead, the podcast dedicated to tire talk across trucking, mining, agriculture, and beyond.