Episodes

  • Back It Up |153: Trash Panda Express

    Back It Up |153: Trash Panda Express
    May 14 2025
    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 being relocated out of his room due to a "stinky neighbor" moving in unexpectedly. This was a blast to have Matt back on the show, and we hope that you enjoy this episode!

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    Produced by: Jack Merkel
    Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Back It Up| 132: Around the Water Cooler | Josh

    Back It Up| 132: Around the Water Cooler | Josh
    May 7 2025
    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 career that is full of wild experiences, but is also very reliable. This conversation was incredible, and so were the many stories he shared with the guys. We hope you enjoy it!

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    Produced by: Jack Merkel
    Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Back It Up | 200: Office Lanes

    Back It Up | 200: Office Lanes
    Apr 30 2025
    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 a hectic household. Alongside anecdotes about her work and life, including her history with Hector from high school sweethearts to their family life now, Donna Lynn's story offers a refreshing look at the trucking world from a seldom-heard viewpoint. This episode peels back the curtain on the industry's office side, highlighting the essential contributions of those who keep the wheels turning from behind the scenes.

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    Brian Merkel
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    Produced by: Jack Merkel
    Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Back It Up | 210: Hauling Numbers

    Back It Up | 210: Hauling Numbers
    Apr 23 2025
    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 the transformative journey of truck drivers. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

    Support The Show
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    Produced by: Jack Merkel
    Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Back It Up| 205: Furries In The Fast Lane

    Back It Up| 205: Furries In The Fast Lane
    Apr 18 2025
    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. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

    Support The Show
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    Share Your Stories
    LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
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    Produced by: Jack Merkel
    Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 259: Midnight Linehaul

    259: Midnight Linehaul
    Apr 16 2025
    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.

    Donate to help our Coworker's son during his battle with Cancer!
    Click HERE to donate!

    Support The Show
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    Produced by: Jason York
    Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial
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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Back It Up | 195: Training Wheels

    Back It Up | 195: Training Wheels
    Apr 11 2025
    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.

    Support The Show
    KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane
    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com
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    Share Your Stories
    LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375)
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    Produced by: Jack Merkel
    Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer
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    2 hrs and 8 mins
  • 258: The Lurker in Lot 6

    258: The Lurker in Lot 6
    Apr 9 2025
    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.
    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
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    Brian Merkel
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    Produced by: Jason York
    Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial
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    1 hr and 42 mins
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