Hop aboard the magical Culture Train for a brand new adventure, then switch tracks and climb into a real-life 18-wheeler as we hit the highway with our new friend, Mr. Avie 🚚 In this episode, Culture Kids travel across the United States to discover the important role truck drivers play in keeping communities connected. From delivering food and supplies to traveling long distances across the country, we learn how these everyday heroes help make sure families everywhere have what they need. Along the way, we explore: What it’s like to drive a semi-truck (and why it has 18 wheels!) How truck drivers plan long journeys and stay safe on the road Why truck drivers are essential to communities across the world Why there are so many Sikh drivers in America How music—like Punjabi music—helps people stay connected to their culture What Sikhism is, and how it shapes Mr. Avie’s life and work How people from many different backgrounds and traditions help keep our world moving This episode is a beautiful reminder that behind the things we use every day, there are real people, with stories, cultures, and journeys of their own. The Sikh Coalition is the nation's largest Sikh civil rights organization. For 25 years, they have worked to help Sikhs who face discrimination or mistreatment. You can learn more about them at www.sikhcoalition.org, and see some of the work they've done specifically for Sikh and Punjabi truckers at thesikh.co/truckers. Instagram: @sikhcoalition Twitter: @sikh_coalition Roadies Avie Nagra, a military veteran and experienced trucker, founded Roadies Inc in 2014 and has grown it from one truck to a fleet of over 100 trucks and 150 trailers, building a team committed to excellence in logistics. https://roadiesinc.com/ Credits: Executive Producer: Kristen Kim Producer: Nimarta Kaur Hosts: Kristen & Asher Kim Guest Host: Avie Nagra Audio Engineer: Robin Lai Academic Consultant: Elisha Li Nonprofit Consultant: Emil Kang Sound FX Elements: Envato Elements