Exclusive Interview with Lisa Kelly
A couple of weeks ago, during the conclusion of the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, my friends at Volvo Trucks invited me to conduct an exclusive interview with Lisa Kelly from Ice Road Truckers while she test-drove a Volvo VN tractor. Volvo was collaborating with Lisa to promote WorldTrucker, a website and app aimed at truck drivers, making this a mutually beneficial opportunity.
I immediately agreed to the interview, which turned out to be more of a pleasant conversation with Lisa. You can watch the entire interview here.
Since our discussion concluded, many have inquired about Lisa’s personality. The curiosity surrounding celebrities is always present, but Lisa stands out, as she doesn’t fit the traditional mold of fame. Unlike actors such as Harrison Ford, who play scripted characters, stars from shows like Ice Road Truckers have real jobs, raising the question: Is Lisa more of a truck driver or a television personality?
Although I only spent a couple of hours with her, I gleaned some surprising insights. Firstly, Lisa is highly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about her work. There’s a misconception that she was simply cast for her gender, but from my experience riding with her, it was evident that she is an excellent driver with a deep understanding of machinery. For instance, she is cautious about the rise of automatic transmissions, preferring to manage her RPMs and shift points manually, emphasizing her desire for control.
Lisa’s intelligence shines through; while traveling internationally for Ice Road Truckers, she remains observant and engaged. We encountered some technical difficulties while preparing for the interview, and Lisa contributed valuable suggestions to help us navigate those issues. She not only displayed knowledge about on-camera technique but also offered insightful advice for journalists.
As a journalist, interviews can sometimes be challenging, particularly when dealing with individuals lacking in intellect. Thankfully, that was not the case with Lisa, who was articulate, opinionated, and willing to engage in discussions. Despite an exhausting morning schedule, she maintained focus, and we completed the interview in one take—without needing any retakes.
Ultimately, Lisa embodies a unique blend of talent and authenticity. At her core, she is a down-to-earth woman from Alaska with a love for animals and a childhood dream of racing vehicles. During our conversation, she had a cast on her wrist due to a dirt bike accident after filming. She aspires to delve into truck racing and stunt driving. While she is now a recognizable TV star, it’s clear that she remains grounded and surprised by the attention she receives, especially regarding women in the trucking industry. Lisa is taken aback that, in today’s world, the fact that a woman is driving a large truck is still noteworthy.
