Robb Mariani of ‘American Trucker’

When it comes to fans of trucking, Robb Mariani is the real deal

Fresh off filming an episode of “American Trucker” at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas this past August, we quizzed the Speed Channel show’s host and executive producer, Robb Mariani, on progress through season two.

It’s been solid, he said, building on the successful connection the show made with viewers in season one. Highlights have included on-the-ground coverage of truckers’ efforts to deliver relief supplies to tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., and Mariani’s personal favorite episode. “For me,” he said, “it’s the ‘Independent’ episode, where we profiled BPW Trucking with owner and friend Brad Wike, seeing what small trucking companies go through in these challenging times with the down economy and stifling regulations.”

Another highlight of the season: “I got chased around by the Duel Peterbilt!” he said.

While self-described “truck nut” Mariani has never worked as a driver, his history is steeped in a love for all things trucking that is absolutely palpable to anyone who’s ever been around him. Find ­Truckers News’ brief, most-recent interview with him below, but interview him yourself in the live chat this month.

Truck fanatic