Hammer Lane Legends

Latest Episodes:

261: Heartbeats On The Highway Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, Brian and Mike sit down with Jim to unpack his decades on the road, from the grueling UPS training grounds to the chaos of city deliveries. Jim opens up about the heart attack that changed everything—how he missed the warning signs, what pulled him through, and the lessons it left behind. Along the way, the guys trade laughs and war stories about life behind the wheel, truck-driving competitions, and the unspoken brotherhood that keeps drivers going long after the road ends.
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Brian Merkel
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Produced by: Jason York
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Back It Up | 206: Roadside Resilience Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, Brian and Brian chat with Bobby Jo who shares her wild and intense experiences on the road. She vividly paints the life of a truck driver, highlighting not only the physical dangers of her job, such as narrowly avoiding accidents and dealing with hazardous situations but also the personal challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Bobby Jo’s journey from a dock worker to a respected trucker showcases her resilience and adaptability, reflecting the broader challenges and peculiarities of truck driving, from dealing with unexpected roadside incidents to navigating industry biases against women.
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Brian Merkel
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Produced by: Jack Merkel
Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

260: Back In The Hammer Lane Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian Merkel and Brian Shipper reconnect with Zach, who shares personal updates, including health challenges and experiences on the road. The conversation flows through various themes, including humorous trucking stories, unique town names, and the challenges of technology in trucking, particularly with People Net. In this engaging conversation, Zach shares humorous and insightful anecdotes from his experiences as a truck driver, including awkward wake-up calls, navigating challenging weather conditions, and the importance of attention to detail in the job. He also opens up about his personal journey of recovery from alcohol addiction, highlighting the support he received from his company and the challenges he faced along the way. The discussion blends humor with serious topics, making it relatable and engaging for listeners.
Donate to help our Coworker's son during his battle with Cancer!
Click HERE to donate!
Support The Show
KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane
Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear
Share Your Stories
EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hammerlanelegends@gmail.com
Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com
Follow The Show
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg
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Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll
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Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends
Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast
Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast
Follow The Team
Brian Merkel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/
Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial
Produced by: Jason York
Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial

Back It Up| 211: Road Warriors Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, Brian and Shipper are joined by Aaron. Aaron's journey into the trucking industry began during the COVID era, marked by the challenges of training and the critical support of a good trainer. He reflects on the waning camaraderie and professionalism among truck drivers and candidly discusses the strain his career choice put on his relationship with his mother, though he has found peace with it.
Support The Show
KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane
Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear
Share Your Stories
LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hllpodcast@protonmail.com
Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com
Follow The Show
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends
Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends
Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast
Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast
Follow The Team
Brian Merkel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/
Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial
Produced by: Jack Merkel
Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

Back It Up | 197: Consider It Forwarded Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, we are joined by the ALL POWERFUL Tony Merkel and Jack, our producer. The conversation starts with casual banter and some technical hiccups before diving into discussions about Merkel Media's potential new merchandising. The guys also chat about upcoming winter storms and their travel plans, sharing funny stories and inside jokes. They talk about creative cooking methods, like making grilled cheese sandwiches in a toaster and cooking hot dogs on exhaust pipes. As well as joking about job opportunities, including driving the Wienermobile. The conversation wraps up with a chat about unmet expectations in the trucking industry, misunderstandings about truckers, strange events in Miami, interdimensional beings, the list goes on an on. It was great getting to catch up with Tony and Jack once again! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAI

Back It Up| 209: School Bus Supermom Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

In this week's special Mother's Day episode, Brian and Patrick Swayze chat with Karen, a seasoned school bus maestro with a decade of steering stories under her belt. Diving into her unexpected love affair with the bus driver's seat, Karen recounts her adventurous shift from trucking to chauffeuring party-goers. Amidst hearty laughs over quirky mishaps, she sheds light on the roadblocks women face in this male-dominated field, from sparse facilities to enduring stereotypes. They also swap tales of motoring through snow, their shared passion for quirky cars like the PT Cruiser, and the challenges of teaching the next generation to drive. Whether she’s behind the wheel of a school bus or a limo, Karen’s tales weave through the humorous and heartfelt lanes of life on the road. Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there!
Support The Show
KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane
Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear
Share Your Stories
LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hllpodcast@protonmail.com
Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com
Follow The Show
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends
Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends
Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast
Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast
Follow The Team
Brian Merkel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/
Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial
Produced by: Jack Merkel
Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

Back It Up | 122: Logistics of The Trade Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

In episode 122: Logistics of The Trade; Shipper and Brian are joined by Denny, an old friend of Shipper. From a young age Denny has been working in and around the trucking industry. He started off in industrial maintenance, but once he heard of the opportunity driving offered, he made the switch. He's been on the logistics side and the driving side for Air Products, and has really enjoyed his time there. There was a lot talked about in this one, from what it's like as a driver with a camera on you in the cab, to how the cost of diesel effects the drivers and companies, and much more. Thanks so much for listening! Enjoy the show!
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LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hllpodcast@protonmail.com
Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com
Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends
Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast
Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast
Produced by: Jack Merkel
Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

Back It Up |152: Bigfoot Beer Run Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

In this week's episode, 152: Bigfoot Beer Run; Brian and Shipper chat with Mike, a beer delivery driver around Colorado. Mike got his start about 27 years ago in vans doing deliveries. He quickly moved on to be a delivery driver for Budweiser. and shortly after Coors, and found out quickly that there is a true beer rivalry. In his first few weeks driving he found out the importance of being trained on what you use, especially when you're not trained on a 12 speed, but instead a 6 speed. In his time driving Mike has run into some very interesting situations, including a run-in with a possible bigfoot. So many good stories shared in this one, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com

LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hllpodcast@protonmail.com
Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com
Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends
Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast
Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast
Produced by: Jack Merkel
Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

Back It Up: | 142: Truck Turned Toboggan Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

In episode 142: Truck Turned Toboggan; Brian, Shipper and Jack are joined by Harry, from the "Great White North"-Canada. Harry got his start as an industrial painter for 15 years, until his friend managed to convince him to start trucking. And that's just what he did. After breezing through his 6 weeks of training, in the crazy Canadian winter, he was off to the races, or slow crawls. This was full of great stories and entertaining rabbit holes. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane
LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hllpodcast@protonmail.com
Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com
Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends
Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast
Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast
Produced by: Jack Merkel
Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

Back It Up| 117: Running Independent May 28, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 117: Running Independent, Brian and Shipper talk to Shipper's old friend, Eric. During Eric's time as a trucker, he's had a plethora of experiences that he shares with the guys, and also explains what it's like to be an independent trucker. Eric worked for a few companies, including Pitt Ohio, before settling on being an independent trucker, so buckle up and get ready to run independent with him!
KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com

LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hllpodcast@protonmail.com
Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com
Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends
Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends
Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast
Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast
Produced by: Jack Merkel
Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

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