Episodes
In Episode 119: Hauling Goose, Brian and Shipper have a great conversation with Will. From the time Will was just a youngster, driving has been in his blood. His dad got him into the game early in life, and Will even joined him on some of his deliveries, including a time he hauled a goose! Will has had plenty of his own experiences while driving as well, which led to some great stories, so buckle up and get ready to haul some goose! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED:...
Published 02/23/24
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...
Published 02/21/24
In Episode 37: Our Dirtiest Show Ever, Tony and Brian are joined by Dan the 'Sewage Man'! Dan works in sewage treatment and has had many experiences both at the sewage treatment plant and out on the road. He shares with us some of the dirtiest, filthiest stories we've ever heard (literally!) including a time he ended up covered in sewage. Buckle in, sit back, and don't mind the smell! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear:...
Published 02/16/24
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...
Published 02/14/24
In Episode 107: Straight From The Pitt | Garry Bechtold, the guys are joined in-studio by Garry and his wife, Lisa! It was a whirlwind of conversation, as the guys bounce around from topic to topic, ultimately landing on truck driving and their careers. They talk with Garry about his six years spent in the Navy as a storekeeper (cargo). Through his service he was able to see places all over the world, and even got a taste for what it's like behind the wheel. After the Navy, Garry landed on...
Published 02/09/24
In this week's episode, Adlai shares his extensive experience in the trucking industry, which spans over 38 years, including 32 years commercially and six years in the army. His journey began with driving a dump truck at Fort Bragg, followed by a reenlistment that took him to the cold climates of Alaska, where he faced brutal winters with temperatures dropping to 50 below zero. Adlai's career path led him through various facets of trucking, from driving commercial trucks bought by the GSA to...
Published 02/07/24
In Episode 74: Methematics, Tony and Brian have a rip-roaring conversation with the man known as Flatbed Johnny. As evidenced by his name, Johnny is a flatbed driver with his fair share of wild road encounters. If you're someone who enjoys great stories and hilarious banter, you're in luck, because this episode is bursting at the seams with it! So buckle up and - as Flatbed Johnny would say - "keep your nose clean of ditches, and the smokies out your britches"!  Support The Show KEEP US...
Published 02/02/24
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...
Published 01/31/24
In Episode 18: The Lot Leach, we hear from Mike Gaffin, otherwise known as 'The Boston Trucker.' Mike shares with us his experiences growing up in the trucking industry, including riding along with his dad and even a "lot lizard" experience that lasted a bit too long! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US...
Published 01/26/24
In this week's episode we are joined by Mike and Cole, a father-son duo in the trucking industry. They share their heartwarming and insightful journey. Mike reminisces about his childhood on a dairy farm, where his fascination with milk trucks sparked his long-lasting career in trucking. Cole, following in his father's footsteps, brings a fresh enthusiasm to the conversation, reflecting on his recent venture into the profession. The duo also dives into their experiences with truck driving...
Published 01/24/24
On Episode 6: Locomotive Fueler Encounters UFO, Tony and Brian talk with Rob, who has lived a life filled with twists and turns. He's been an evangelist, a MUFON investigator and now a truck driver! Rob has seen some crazy stuff from the road, and one of his experiences includes encountering a UFO while fueling locomotives! That kind of experience may have left him guessing if what he saw really was a UFO,  but when it happened again there were other people with him who witnessed the event,...
Published 01/19/24
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...
Published 01/17/24
In Episode 42: Rock N' Roll Express, the guys are joined by Conor, who is a tour bus driver out of Massachusetts. Conor got his start driving while he was touring around the world with his band Energy, where he was their driver as well as a musician. He drove the band's van to each of their venues, and also began learning how to drive with trailers. Later Conor obtained his CDL and drove tour buses all over North America. He shares many stories from on the road, including famous bands on the...
Published 01/12/24
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...
Published 01/10/24
In Episode 96: OnlyTruckers, Brian and Tony have a chat with Brad, who drives truck and also works as a first responder. In his career as a trucker, Brad has worn many hats, from crane operator to flatbed, and so much more. We enjoyed hearing all the stories that he was willing to share from his ventures. So buckle up and enjoy the show! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com Gear:...
Published 01/05/24
In this week's episode, Brian and Shipper are joined by Scott, who shares his truck driving experiences. From technical difficulties to navigating the complexities of a Super 10 transmission, Scott takes us on a journey through his many experiences including, training with two different instructors. He vividly describes the challenges and joys of life on the road, from encountering lot lizards to witnessing the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. Scott also shares his amusing...
Published 01/03/24
In this episode we run through the BEST show moments of 2022! This past year was a blast, and had so many twists and turns. We are so thankful for the journey so far and can't wait to see what lies ahead. Thank you for supporting us through all of the past year, and we can't wait to do it once again! Happy trails! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your...
Published 12/29/23
In this week's episode Brian and Shipper are treated to a lively and heartwarming conversation in studio by Gary, a seasoned truck driver, and his wife Allison. Gary, with decades of trucking experience, humorously discusses topics like car colors, notably “pull me over red”, and recounts charming anecdotes such as naming a car "Mater." Their conversation dives into nostalgia as they reminisce about their hometowns, sharing detailed memories of local streets and landmarks and the unexpected...
Published 12/27/23
In Episode 62: West Coast Fuel Hauler, Brian and Tony chat with Josh, a fuel hauler from the West Coast. He shares with us his many experiences dealing with some pretty obnoxious people while filling up gas stations. He also recounts his near death experience that would have involved a head-on collision! Sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride as Josh keeps the fuel pumping! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com Gear:...
Published 12/22/23
In this week's episode, the guys are joined by Ken, a retired truck driver with over 30 years of experience on the road. Despite facing challenges like power outages and chilly weather, Ken shares his experiences hauling a variety of loads, from agriculture and frozen meat to heavy equipment. He sheds light on the unique challenges of transporting oversized loads and tells a gripping story of maneuvering a loaded tanker with no baffles. Ken's anecdotes include encounters with wildlife, the...
Published 12/21/23
Welcome to the pilot episode of Hammer Lane Legends! On Episode 1: Driver Witnesses Suicide Off the Ambassador Bridge, Tony and Brian introduce themselves and share some of their own stories from the road. Later in the show, they bring on guest Kevin, who tells us how he got in to trucking and shares some of the wild things he’s seen from the hammer lane - including a particular time when he witnessed someone commit suicide, right in front of him, by jumping off the Ambassador Bridge!  Angel...
Published 12/15/23
In this week's episode, Brian and Shipper wrap up last week's podcast with Paul, by having a Breakroom chat with both Paul and Brian. This episode goes all over the place, and is full of hilarious conversation. From start to finish, this was a great episode. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show! Angel Tree Farms: Email: [email protected] Website: angeltreefarms.org Donation: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/79f8905a-44ac-4844-9724-ca32d6a0eebf Support The Show KEEP US...
Published 12/14/23
In Episode 75: Straight From the Pitt, Brian and Tony are joined in the studio by Brian's friend - Brian! - from work. It's a break room episode where anything and everything goes! The guys talk about buying a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, Brian's tow truck driving days, and how he came to drive line haul at Pitt Ohio. So buckle and enjoy the conversation between these fellow Pitt drivers! Angel Tree Farms: Email: [email protected] Website: angeltreefarms.org Donation:...
Published 12/08/23
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...
Published 12/06/23
On Episode 5: Wild Stories From the City Transit, Pam shares some wild experiences she and her husband have had over the years as employees of the city transit system! What have they seen? The real question is what haven't they seen! From vampire communities, voodoo dolls, and criminals hiding on busses to guys married to chickens, they’ve seen pretty much everything come through on city transit! Angel Tree Farms: Email: [email protected] Website: angeltreefarms.org Donation:...
Published 12/01/23