Daily Drive Podcast - Tip You in the App

Levi Spires
  • 5.0 (5)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

This is a rideshare podcast for Uber and Lyft drivers and passengers by a driver. I share insights and stories about life as an Uber driver. I want to build a community to help educate, entertain, and enlighten so we can thrive as humans My name is Levi Spires. I've been an Uber driver for more than 5 years with more than 13,000 trips in Syracuse, NY. You can connect with me online at Tip You in the App on any platform. Between Rides is part of the Tip You in the App network.

  1. How I’d Start Uber Driving in a Brand New City

    6D AGO

    How I’d Start Uber Driving in a Brand New City

    This winter in Syracuse has been brutal — 127 inches of snow and counting. After slipping on the ice and hurting my back, I started thinking… What if I had to move? And if I moved… how would I start Uber driving all over again? After nearly 15,000 trips and six years behind the wheel, this is exactly how I would rebuild from scratch in a brand new market. This episode covers: • How to test a new Uber market • Why rejecting rides might be your best research tool • How to build “hubs” for efficiency • Airport strategy • Safety awareness • Why curiosity matters more than being right

    23 min
  2. AI Is Coming for Uber Drivers — But Not Chauffeurs

    FEB 17

    AI Is Coming for Uber Drivers — But Not Chauffeurs

    In this Daily Drive episode, I share why I believe autonomous cars will eventually replace my Uber driving gig and use that to explore which other high-volume jobs may be disrupted by AI—and what people can transition into instead. I walk through potential pivots like Uber driver to fleet owner or a future “chauffeur/attendant/security” role, programmer to software designer, doctor to nurse-focused bedside care, lawyer to negotiator/agent, manager to entrepreneur, coach to performer, real estate agent to property owner, professor to hands-on classroom teacher, tradesperson/builder to craftsman, and content producer to human storyteller/artist. I also shout out GigU as the headline sponsor and explain how it analyzes rides (hourly, per-mile, passenger rating) with red/yellow/green recommendations, sharing an example ride it flagged as yellow. I give an update on my recent driving totals and why they’re down—bad Syracuse winter weather (127 inches of snow), a slip-and-fall injury, and choosing not to chase rides—then outline my plan to drive more starting tomorrow. I answer questions about driving non-Tesla vehicles (I like Prius and Camry but prefer Tesla, especially Full Self-Drive and Uber integration), clarify how I hit $8,000 in February last year (including a $2,000 Tesla bonus and strong February demand), and explain why tips are essential for me (about $9,000 of $59,000 last year). I close with sponsor shout-outs (GigU, Red Tiger, Lace Fit) and my goal to make rideshare fun again through more stories, connecting with people, and driver-focused gamification—while staying safe, healthy, and happy. www.levispires.com/uber-driver-blog/ai-is-coming-for-uber-driversbut-maybe-not-chauffeurs

    23 min
  3. Every Uber Trip Can Turn Dangerous

    JAN 15

    Every Uber Trip Can Turn Dangerous

    Every Uber trip can be dangerous. Most of us just don’t want to talk about it. After hearing about a recent incident involving a celebrity and an Uber driver, I felt like it was time to say the quiet part out loud. This isn’t about gossip or headlines — it’s about the reality of driving strangers around for a living, and how quickly a normal ride can turn into something else. In this episode, I talk about why every single trip deserves a baseline level of caution, regardless of who the passenger is, where you’re going, or how good the pay looks. I share the safety habits I’ve developed over years of driving, including how I think about seating, awareness, documentation, and knowing when to walk away. I also share one of the only rides where I genuinely felt threatened — and what I did in the moment to get through it safely. This video is sponsored by Redtiger. I use a Redtiger dash cam because it records inside and outside the vehicle, and in situations like these, having clear documentation matters. There’s a link and discount code in the description if you want to check it out. At the end of the day, no surge, bonus, or fare is worth your safety. If you’re a driver, I’d love to hear from you: What do you do to stay safe on the road?

    22 min
  4. Why Pre-Tipping Works (Even If You Hate Tipping)

    JAN 14

    Why Pre-Tipping Works (Even If You Hate Tipping)

    Pre-tipping feels wrong to a lot of people — I get it. We’re taught that tips should come after good service, not before. But once you understand how modern service apps actually work, pre-tipping starts to look less like generosity and more like communication. In this episode of the Tip You in the App Daily Drive Podcast, I explain why pre-tipping isn’t really a tip at all — it’s a bid for priority. I walk through a real delivery where the entire payout depended on a pre-tip, show how much risk service workers carry, and explain why customers often misunderstand who’s getting paid what. This isn’t about guilt, pressure, or defending billion-dollar platforms. It’s about understanding the system we’re all participating in — and how small choices change outcomes on both sides. Whether you use Uber, Uber Eats, DoorDash, or any service-based app, this episode will change how you think about tipping.

    23 min
  5. Uber Optimizes for Psychology. AI Agents Optimize for Math.

    JAN 9

    Uber Optimizes for Psychology. AI Agents Optimize for Math.

    In this episode of the Daily Drive podcast, I discuss Uber's biggest challenge as the CEO Dara K highlights how AI agents could disrupt their marketplace. I share a personal ride story, respond to questions and comments, and highlight the potential solutions for Uber's future, including leaning into driver personalization. Additionally, I announce our new partnership with Gigu and talk about product experiences with Red Tiger cameras and Lace Fit floor mats. Join me as I explore the evolving ride-sharing landscape and share insights on how to navigate it. My name is Levi Spires, and I'm here to bring back the fun in Uber driving.

    26 min
  6. Starting Uber Driving? Here’s What I’d Tell You First

    JAN 6

    Starting Uber Driving? Here’s What I’d Tell You First

    In this episode of the Daily Drive podcast, I share my top five tips and advice for anyone considering becoming an Uber driver. From planning your exit strategy to mastering one app before expanding, I cover essential advice to help you navigate the gig economy successfully. I also delve into treating Uber driving like a business, the importance of accounting, and the value of keeping your work fun. Additionally, I recount a memorable quiet ride experience and respond to your comments and suggestions. Join me, Levi Spires, as I offer practical insights and answer your questions about the Uber driving world.

    23 min
  7. Uber Drivers Share Their New Year’s Eve Trips

    JAN 5

    Uber Drivers Share Their New Year’s Eve Trips

    Welcome to the Tip You in the App Daily Drive Podcast! In this episode, I share some of the wildest New Year's Eve stories from Uber drivers across the US. From the shortest and longest trips to the biggest tips, find out who the winners are for $27.50 prizes. I also talk about my own crazy experience driving through a record-breaking snowstorm in Syracuse, New York, and answer your burning questions about Uber driving. Join me in making 2026 a fun and profitable year for all Uber drivers with more exciting challenges ahead!

    21 min
  8. 5 Lessons I Learned Uber Driving New Year’s Eve

    JAN 1

    5 Lessons I Learned Uber Driving New Year’s Eve

    In this episode of the Tip You in the App Daily Drive podcast, I, Levi Spires, share my earnings and experiences from a long night driving for Uber and Lyft. I discuss the five essential lessons I learned, including the importance of planning, having a large driving radius, identifying repeating hotspots, finding a co-driving buddy, and maintaining humanity while driving. Additionally, I'm excited to announce a fun New Year's Eve challenge where you can earn up to $100 for categories such as the shortest ride, longest ride, biggest tip, and most memorable story. Join me as I make gig work fun and rewarding again in 2026! www.levispires.com/uber-driver-blog/i-chased-uber-surges-on-new-years-evethen-one-ride-stopped-meoc

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

This is a rideshare podcast for Uber and Lyft drivers and passengers by a driver. I share insights and stories about life as an Uber driver. I want to build a community to help educate, entertain, and enlighten so we can thrive as humans My name is Levi Spires. I've been an Uber driver for more than 5 years with more than 13,000 trips in Syracuse, NY. You can connect with me online at Tip You in the App on any platform. Between Rides is part of the Tip You in the App network.

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