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PODCAST

Hammer Lane Legends

Brian Merkel and Brian Shipper host conversations with people that drive for a living as they share their wild and crazy experiences from the road. Becoming stranded, bad storms, weird hitchhikers, saving someone from an accident, seeing UFOs, and so much more! If you"ve experienced it, Brian and Shipper want to talk about it!

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All Episodes

78:35

239: World Wide Trucking

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/12/04

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian Merkel, Brian Schipper, and Mike Drey sit down with Joe Pianpiano, a seasoned trucker with a fascinating past. Joe shares his journey from life in China to the open roads of America, offering insights into the challenges of flatbed driving, mental health, and the unique lifestyle of truckers. He reflects on adapting to industry changes, balancing home time, and the evolution of communication in trucking. With personal anecdotes and a focus on

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121:59

Back It Up| 193: Escape From New York

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/29

In this week's episode, Brian and Shipper are joined by Zach, a former New Yorker turned Cincinnati resident. He explains his decision to leave New York and what led him to Cincinnati. He shares personal anecdotes about his life changes post-move, including unexpected fertility success. The episode takes a light-hearted turn with Zach recounting his transition into the trucking industry, starting from his initial dissatisfaction with his previous job to enrolling in a trucking school, and

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69:43

238: Trucking Tales Vol. 2

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/27

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, the hosts dive into a lively discussion about life in the trucking industry, sharing humorous road stories and reflections on their time at Central Transport. They explore the challenges of navigating regulations, company policies, and the evolving landscape of trucking, including electric vehicles and proposed mileage taxes. With insights on safety, driving etiquette, and the importance of healthcare and benefits, this conversation captures the camaraderie

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107:59

Back It Up | 138: Finding Trucking in a Vending Machine

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/22

In episode 138: Finding Trucking in a Vending Machine; Brian and Shipper are joined by Mike in studio, to share his experiences in the trucking industry. Mike joined the trucking industry by chance, while working for a vending machine repair company. While with the vending machine company, Mike felt like he was going nowhere, but was thrown a lifeline when he saw the neighboring trucking company. It didn't take long for him to have some crazy experiences on the road, and boy they were crazy! This

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80:07

237: Trucking Tales Vol. 1

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/20

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, the hosts chat with Jayvon, a rookie truck driver navigating the highs and lows of his new career. From initial doubts about trucking to overcoming challenges during training at XPO, Jayvon shares his journey of resilience and determination. The discussion explores tight street navigation, equipment maintenance, and the dynamics of freight companies, including transitions to new roles and the hurdles of seniority. With insights on workplace security and

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88:31

Back It Up | 128: Born to Run

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/15

In episode 128: Born to Run; the guys sit down in studio with Nevin Sr., a retired truck driver and man of many hats! Nevin had been in and around trucks since he was 5 years old, and his dad would take him along to the butcher's. There Nevin would enjoy the old, beaten-up, truck behind the butcher's shop, pretending to shift gears and drive all over the world. From that point on he had a hankering for the open road. As time went on, he got a job on a farm and then graduated into longer distances

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75:09

236: The Fuel Run

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/13

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, the hosts chat with Dalton, a trucker with an adventurous career from FedEx deliveries to high-stakes fuel hauling. Dalton shares gripping stories of fuel contamination risks, robbery incidents, and the quirks of gas station customers. They dive into pay structures, the hazards of hauling fuel, and the chaos of panic buying during shortages. Packed with humor and insights, this episode offers a firsthand look at the unique challenges and amusing moments that

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88:45

Back It UP| 123: #MOO!

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/08

In episode 123: #MOO!; Brian and Shipper are joined by Dakota from Texas. Through the years, Dakota has been involved in many different facets of the industry, but that's not where he started. As a young man, Dakota was a security guard for over 6 years, in hopes of becoming a police officer, but as time went on he decided to take up driving. He tells of the time he spent in training with a "trainer" who was less than interested in helping him learn, and more interested in the back of their eyelids

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93:02

235: Haunted Highways

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/11/06

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian Merkel and Mike Dre engage in a captivating conversation with Emilio Flores, a seasoned truck driver with over 32 years of experience. Emilio shares his journey into the trucking industry, influenced by his family's legacy, and reflects on the significant changes he has witnessed over the years, including the evolution of regulations and the shift from manual to automatic trucks. The discussion also delves into memorable experiences on the road,

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71:19

234: Halloween special

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/30

In this Halloween special of Hammer Lane Legends, the hosts and their guest dive into a chilling tale of a haunted house with a dark past, unraveling the true crime murder that took place there and the eerie paranormal encounters that followed. The discussion covers ghostly experiences, childhood memories of the supernatural, and beliefs around Bigfoot and Ouija boards. Through personal stories and forensic insights, they explore the fine line between skepticism and curiosity, delivering a

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75:18

Back It UP | 201: (Brown) Gold Rush

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/25

In this week's episode we are joined by Ryan, a trucker who specializes in transporting septic and liquid waste. Through a blend of weather talk and geographic musings, Ryan unfolded the intricacies and adventures of his not-so-ordinary job. He shared tales that spanned from attending niche industry conventions to the gritty details of hauling everything from grease traps to animal blood. His recounting of navigating environmental regulations, facing unexpected challenges on the road, and his

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70:51

155: Have You Seen My Axel?

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/25

In this week's episode, "155: Have You Seen My Axel?"; the guys chat with Elliot, a flatbed and dump truck driver. Elliot got his start in the industry at 19, and has been in the same job for the past 8 years, driving flatbeds, and dump trucks. Though he hasn't been on the road for too long, Elliot still has managed to accrue quite a list of crazy experiences from behind the wheel. He tells us how he learned to drive from someone who didn't have their CDL, and even how he had a run away axel shaft

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78:36

233: Tennessee Tales

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/23

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, Brian and Jack dive into a candid and humorous chat about life on the road, battling tech frustrations, and the chaos of email overload. They swap personal stories, discuss local happenings, and explore how nostalgia shapes the digital age. From environmental concerns to healthcare and political reflections, the conversation touches on everything from hunting and sports culture in Tennessee to Facebook rants and voting integrity, all wrapped in their signature

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135:51

198: Snow Way Out But Through

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/18

In this week's episode, we are joined by Joe, a seasoned truck driver with a wealth of stories from his decades on the road. From harrowing blizzards to the unique camaraderie found within the trucking community, Joe shares insights into the life of a trucker, including the challenges and unexpected moments that define this profession. His journey through various facets of the trucking industry, from delivering pizzas for Papa John's to navigating the complexities of hauling gas, paints a vivid

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82:29

232: Breakroom Chaos

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/16

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, the hosts dive into a lively conversation filled with personal stories, workplace quirks, and the frustrations of life on the road. They explore everything from truck design evolution and pay structures to the challenges of night shifts and navigating road construction. With humor and lightheartedness, they share anecdotes about home repairs, car detailing rituals, and neighborhood politics, while reflecting on the future of the trucking industry and the

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81:57

Back It Up | 183: Straight From The Pitt | Justin Hertel

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/11

In this week's episode Brian and Shipper are joined by Justin Hertel, a fellow Pitt Ohio, Line Haul driver of 19 years. Justin got his start in the industry on the dock working part time in outbound, and worked his way up from the dock to the big rig. He shares some stories from the his time driving a sprinter, as well as many more from the road. Including a driver hitting a cow! There was a lot of great conversation and laughs throughout the episode. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!KEEP US

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101:48

231: Tornadoes & Truck Stops

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/09

In this episode, the hosts dive into the ups and downs of trucking life, from hauling oversized loads and adjusting to manual trucks to the camaraderie at truck stops. They also explore the financial strains of home repairs, compare life in Alabama and California, and share thoughts on the upcoming election. Joined by Michael Hawes, the conversation turns to politics, debating national security, immigration, and the future of American work ethic in the trucking industry, all while expressing

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78:02

Back It Up | 144: The Narrow Road

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/04

In episode 144: The Narrow Road; Brian and Shipper have a great conversation with Rooster a Marine veteran from the mid-west. Rooster life is truly an incredible story of overcoming the toughest scenarios. In his time serving with the Marines, Rooster served two tours shortly after 9/11. In dealing with the difficulties of transitioning back into civilian life, Rooster fell into drugs while working to support his family. Only by a miracle did he find his way out of addiction and into trucking

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81:15

230: Jack Is Back!

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/10/02

In this episode, the hosts reconnect with an old friend for a lively discussion covering everything from life on the road to paranormal encounters and recent filming projects. They dive into technology's impact on driving, share personal stories, and explore topics like boxing, MMA, and the quirks of online shopping. With humor and reflection, they discuss family dynamics, weather adventures, and the unexpected joys of YouTube rabbit holes, all while keeping the conversation engaging and

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116:10

BACK IT UP | 178: Suns Out, Buns Out

Hammer Lane Legends ·

2024/09/27

In this episode we're joined by Dewey, a logging truck driver. He shares some incredible stories, as well as his thoughts on the industry. This one was full of great conversation, and a lot of laughs. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show!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:

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