Hammer Lane Legends

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...

 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 d...

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...

 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 r...

 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!

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 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!

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 In this week's episode, 150: This Isn't Sunday Driving; the guys are joined in studio by Zach, a fellow Pitt Ohio driver. When Zach was a kid, he vowed to never become a truck driver...that didn't work out too well. He started out as a dock worker, while also running a landscaping business, which he still operates to this day. He eventually worked his way from dock worker to driver, and started delivering throughout New Jersey. Zach shares with the guys his thoughts on the industry, the benefits of being a driver, what it's like having a side business, as w...

 In this week's episode, 153: Trash Panda Express; the guys are joined by returning guest Matt from episode 115: Charged at in the Dark, to share some more stories that he's gathered on the road. Matt, has 27+ years experience in the industry, 18 of which have been with his current company, Estes Express. When he joined us last time, Matt shared some great experiences, including being charged at by what he thought was some creepy creature. This time Matt shares more stories from the road, some of which happened since being on the show, and others that he recalled from previous years. Including b...

 in episode 132: Around the Water Cooler | Josh; Brian and Shipper are joined in studio by Josh, a fellow co-worker at Pitt Ohio. Josh has been on the road for 8 years, and in that time has gone from city driving to line haul, and back to city. He shared the many experiences, from what it's like driving in the city, to what he's enjoyed about his time in the industry. Josh and his brother Zach, who will join us on a later show, are third generation truck drivers. It was great to hear the experience of someone who sets off on a...

This is our 200th EPISODE! Thank you for tuning in every week to catch the latest Hammer Lane Legend, sharing their story. Here's to 200 more!

In this week's lively and entertaining episode, we sit down with Donna Lynn, the dynamic and multifaceted wife of Hector, a previous guest and truck driver. Donna Lynn shares her unique perspective on the trucking industry, not from behind the wheel, but from her critical role in claims and customer service. With a blend of humor and insight, she discusses the challenges and nuances of dealing with everything from damaged goods to managing...

 In this week's episode, Brian and Brian are joined by Mikki a former truck driver turned accountant. Mikki shares harrowing near-misses and eerie encounters to the humbling challenges of life behind the wheel, each story unveils the raw and often humorous realities of the trucking lifestyle. She tells us about the adrenaline of dodging reckless drivers, the oddity of hitting an owl, and the grit required to train newcomers. Mikki adds her own anecdotes of rude encounters, driving through blizzards, and bizarre run-ins with rats. This episode is a blend of laughter, danger, and wisdom, offering a unique glimpse into t...

 In this week's episode; Picture this: Alan, a seasoned Uber driver with a treasure trove of stories, from the outrageous to the downright bizarre. Imagine navigating through the streets, only to find yourself amidst the chaos of a furry convention, or inadvertently becoming a confidante to the intoxicated secrets of strangers.
Alan's adventures span the gamut of human experience, from the hilarious mishap of almost spilling a family's luggage on the first ride, to the heart-racing moments of dodging cows on the highway. These stories are more than just commutes; they're snapshots of life, captured from the driver's seat. S...

 Ken opens up about life after a devastating neck injury, sharing raw stories of pain, recovery, and resilience. From battles with workers' comp and SSDI to finding humor in goats replacing lawnmowers, he reflects on the emotional weight of chronic pain, lost passions, and adapting to new realities. Blending grit with humor, Ken also dives into the trucking world—old gear, DOT inspections, e-logs, and the mental toll of the road—always reminding us that healing is more than just physical.

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In this week's captivating episode, we sit down with seasoned trucker and trainer Devin, who shares his rich experiences from the road. Devin's stories offer a blend of humor, insight, and practical advice, covering everything from training new drivers to maintaining health and fitness in the trucking lifestyle. His discussions extend beyond driving, delving into personal growth and the unique challenges of a co-ed trainer. This episode is not just for trucking enthusiasts but for anyone seeking a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of life behind the wheel.

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 Brian, Shipper, and Mike dive into a no-holds-barred conversation that jumps from busted coffee machines and cryptid lore to electric vehicles, rising bills, and government red tape. They tackle unions, social security, foreign aid, and the chaos of executive orders—all while weaving in sharp humor, everyday struggles, and a deep nostalgia for simpler times and classic rides.
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 Brian, Shipper, and Mike welcome Randall for a wild ride through trucking tales packed with humor, adventure, and unexpected twists. From a run-in with an owl to getting lost in Edmonton and dodging avalanches, Randall’s stories keep the laughs rolling. With cultural encounters, law enforcement lessons, and road-life realities, this episode delivers nonstop entertainment with a trucker’s touch. 
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In this week's episode, Brian and Brian are joined by Kyle to finish up the multitude of stories he has. He recounts his epic drive across Canada and his family's historical ties to the Alcan Highway. They swap tales of Canadian bacon, Oregon coast road trips, and quirky trucking escapades, including navigating border bureaucracies and military bases. The trio also debate trucking regulations and voting ID laws, weaving in humor and personal anecdotes throughout the engaging discussion.

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 Buckle up for a lively ride as the hosts of Hammer Lane Legends tackle wild road stories to the ever-evolving world of trucking tech. With humor and candid confessions, they dive into AI-driven rigs, the struggles of ELDs, and the chaos of modern media. From dog-walking mishaps to political hot takes, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and unfiltered reflections on life behind the wheel. 
 
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Blockbusters don’t move themselves—Hollywood’s Teamsters do. Scott, a fourth-generation Hollywood trucker, joins Brian, Shipper and Mike to reveal the high-speed, high-stakes world of hauling movie magic. From Avengers to Iron Man, hear how rigs, stunts, and set moves make the impossible happen. Exploding Dr. Pepper trucks? Slicing a Rolls Royce in half? It’s all in a day’s work.
Buckle up for a ride behind the scenes.

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In Episode 113: Welcome To Wyoming, Brian and Shipper chat with Joe, a fuel hauler from Wyoming. Joe began his journey trucking at a young age. Like many in the industry, his influence came from his father, who had also been a driver. As the guys discuss the pros and cons of trucking and what comes along with the job, Joe also shares some of his stories with us, and will be joining us again soon to share the rest of them! Buckle up and welcome to Wyoming!

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 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, Brian, Shipper, and Mike dive into a hilarious and nostalgic conversation filled with personal anecdotes, driving frustrations, and DMV woes. They reminisce about childhood cartoons, classic TV, and the evolution of media while swapping stories about vehicle mishaps and tire troubles. With plenty of laughs and audience engagement, this episode captures the camaraderie, humor, and shared experiences that make life on the road unforgettable.
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In this week's episode, Brian and Brian are joined by their longtime colleague Greg Szilli. Greg, quickly dives into anecdotes and updates from his life. He then takes a more serious turn as Greg shares a deeply personal health struggle stemming from diabetes that led to the loss of his eye. Despite the gravity, the guys remain hopeful and spirited, highlighting Greg's resilience and positive outlook. He also touches upon changes in the trucking industry, reminisces about past experiences, and ponders the future of technology in their field. There was no shortage of laughter, candid reflections, and insightful discussions throughout...

 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, Brian, Shipper, and Mike sit down with Randall to swap trucking stories filled with humor, challenges, and decades of experience. From hauling chickens to mastering flatbed driving, they explore the evolution of truck stops, safety regulations, and the unspoken rules of the road. With laughs, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the beauty of driving through Canada, this episode captures the camaraderie, quirks, and ever-changing world of trucking.

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In weeks episode, 156: This Guy Looks Demon Possessed!; the guys are joined by Ellie, a long time City Transit Driver, for Edmonton, Alberta. Ellie has been in City Transit for more than 20 years, and she has the stories to back it up! In the over 20 years, Ellie has amassed a MASSIVE list of absurd, wild, and hilarious stories, too many for us to fit in one episode. So sit back, relax, and next stop; Edmonton, Alberta!

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 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, Brian, Shipper, and Mike mix humor with heartfelt moments as they swap trucking stories, debate real ID regulations, and share their thoughts on cruising. The conversation takes a deeper turn with discussions on data privacy, evolving vehicle technology, and the emotional story of a young cancer patient supported by the community. Balancing comedy with sincerity, they keep listeners engaged with their signature banter and camaraderie.
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 This episode was absolutely wild! Any time we have Gary and Lisa on the show, we never know where the conversation will go. This episode was no different! The conversation was absolutely wild, and went all over the place. It was absolutely hilarious!! We hope you enjoy it!

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 In this episode, Kyle opens up about his emotional journey through career shifts in trucking, from navigating job transitions and agricultural hauling to the fallout of a career-altering accident. The hosts dive into the intricacies of trucking, from delivering spent grain to dairy farms to the economics of agricultural transport. They also explore the emotional toll of over-the-road driving, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the importance of finding a niche in the industry. With candid stories, humor, and industry insights, this episode offers a raw and relatable look at life behind the wheel.
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In this week's episode Brian and Shipper are joined by Kevin, to share his journey around the industry. Scott grew up seeing trucking all around him and developed an interest from a young age. He started out driving for a farmer during the summers as a kid. As he got older, Kevin transitioned his career from trucking to law enforcement and stayed in that field for 22 years. He eventually retired from law enforcement to then start his own trucking company. Kevin shares many crazy tales, including the stories he has from his time logging, dealing with difficult winter weather. So...

 In this episode, the hosts dive into lively banter about workplace antics, trucking industry challenges, and California wildfires. They explore traffic innovations, the frustrations of modern vehicle designs lacking spare tires, and the nostalgia of classic cars. The conversation weaves through fuel prices, cryptocurrency, and the struggles of managing technology, passwords, and evolving consumer preferences—all while sharing humorous anecdotes and engaging with listeners’ road experiences.
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In this week's episode the guys are joined by Paul in studio. Paul is a seasoned truck driver with 28 years of experience. From tackling weight issues as an overweight truck driver to making a crucial decision to prioritize health and fitness, Paul explores his journey through different shifts and various challenges in the trucking industry, including experiences with Kraft Foods and adapting to the dynamic nature of the field. His career moved in new directions, during the closure of Kraft Foods' private fleet and his transition to LTL driving. Paul has had a lot of experience on and off the...

 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian, Shipper, and Mike chat with Vishal, a field mechanic for Cummins and a dedicated fan of the show. Vishal shares his journey into trucking and the challenges of working on heavy machinery in quarries and on the road. The discussion explores the scale of trucking operations, the intricacies of DOT inspections, and the evolution of industry technology. With humorous anecdotes, insights into trucking education, and reflections on professionalism and safety, this episode offers an engaging look at the unsung heroes behind the wheel and under the hood.
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In this week's episode, Brian and Shipper catch up with Connor, a professional driver for entertainer coaches, who was on episode 42: Rock N' Roll Express. Connor discusses his life post-COVID, highlighting the revival of his work since summer 2021. He details the challenges faced during the pandemic, including adapting to new regulations and the return to a busy schedule. Connor vividly describes the unique aspects of his job, from ensuring the safety and comfort of artists as they travel overnight to different cities, to handling various kinds of trailers for productions and merchandise. He shares intriguing experiences with different clients, including...

 In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various topics ranging from innovative car rental services to the future of electric trucks and the challenges of satellite internet connectivity. They share practical tips on headlight maintenance and tire safety, discuss the complexities of the trucking industry, and reflect on the evolution of mobile technology, particularly focusing on Apple products. The episode also highlights listener engagement and updates about the show. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various themes ranging from holiday traditions and family dynamics to the evolution of electric vehicles and the challenges they face. They explore the significance o...

 In episode 124: Sunshine State Trucking; Brian and Shipper get to chat with Garrett, a young driver from the sunny state of Florida. Garrett was introduced to trucking from the time he was a youngster, with his dad being a driver, he was always around the lifestyle. When he was old enough, Garrett became a dock worker at his dad's company and stayed on the dock for several years, until he felt the desire to get behind the wheel. Since he became a driver, he's been in delivery and has had many entertaining experiences, and some surprising responsibilities. Garrett shares with u...

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian Merkel, Brian Shipper, and Mike Dre reunite with Gary for a lively and humorous discussion about life on the road. They share holiday greetings over kiffles, reflect on the evolution of trucking technology, and dive into the challenges of maintaining older vehicles. From the rising costs of repairs to air horn antics and roadside encounters, the conversation is filled with camaraderie, laughter, and nostalgic reflections on family milestones and trucking quirks. A perfect blend of humor, insights, and the unique experiences of truck drivers.

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 In episode 143: The Cable Man; Brian and Shipper are joined by Shipper's neighbor, Matt, a Union Lineman. Matt got his start with PPL, a local electric company, and after work became tight, he took his talents to the union. He is now a foreman and typically doesn't have to get up in the bucket anymore, yet has experienced some truly unbelievable events through his time out in the field. Matt has traveled all over the United States, for his job, as well as traveling to Puerto Rico to help restore electricity after a hurricane. He explains what it's like going t...

 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian Merkel, Brian Schipper, and Mike Dre chat with Luanne, a trailblazing female trucker, about her journey through the trucking industry. Luanne candidly shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, from navigating discrimination and life on the road to overcoming a life-threatening truck fire. She reflects on her transition back into trucking after a hiatus, touching on training challenges, maintaining her CDL, and the evolution of the industry. With stories of resilience, camaraderie, and empowerment, this episode offers a compelling look at the triumphs and trials of life behind t...

 In episode 147: Across The Country With Car Seats | PT. 2; the guys conclude the interview with Megan on her life as a mother and trucker. She shares many more stories from the road, and explains more about how and why she drives. Buckle up and enjoy the show!

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 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian, Mike, and Shipper are joined by Ed, who shares his unique journey into trucking, from growing up in a truck with his father to navigating the challenges of hauling hazardous materials. The conversation blends humor and intrigue, with personal anecdotes about Thanksgiving traditions, New York City hijacking experiences, and the evolution of the trucking profession. They explore the impact of electric and autonomous vehicles, hazmat regulations, and family ties in the industry, offering a nostalgic and insightful look at life on the road.

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 In this week's episode, the guys begin their descent into madness as they chat about everything from truck crashes to hotdogs! This one was a wild ride, so buckle up and get ready for a crazy one.

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