BACK IT UP |106: The Hotshots

 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, the challenges faced by truck drivers today, and the camaraderie that exists within the trucking community. In this conversation, Emilio Flores shares his experiences as a truck driver, including eerie encounters during his night shifts. He recounts a chilling story about a ghostly milker at a dairy farm and reflects on the cycle of life and death. Emilio also discusses his transition from hauling feed to trucking, finding joy in his work, and the challenges of driving in heavy traffic. The conversation highlights the supernatural elements of the trucking industry and the camaraderie among drivers. In this engaging conversation, Emilio Flores and the Hammer Lane Legends discuss various aspects of driving and trucking, including the challenges of navigating traffic, the differences between East Coast and West Coast driving styles, the impending retirement of truck drivers, and the ongoing debate between diesel and electric vehicles. They also touch on the regulatory landscape affecting truck drivers and the responsibilities they bear on the road. In this conversation, Emilio Flores and the hosts discuss the disconnect between management and truck drivers, emphasizing the need for better education and awareness regarding truck safety. They explore the challenges of autonomous driving technology and the importance of government regulation in the trucking industry. The conversation highlights the human element in trucking and the necessity for drivers and the public to understand the complexities of operating large vehicles on the road.  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: [email protected] 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: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial 

 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 thought-provoking journey into the unknown. 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: [email protected] 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: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial 

 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 with only 2 months of experience. Along with that, there was a lot of great conversation around the industry and what it's like now as a young driver making his was through it all. So sit back, relax and check your axels on this heavy hauler! KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] 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 

 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 encounters with wildlife painted a vivid picture of the day-to-day life in a seldom-seen side of trucking. 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: [email protected] 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  

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 light-hearted tone and community spirit. 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: [email protected] 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: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial 

 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 picture of the resilience and adaptability required in this line of work. Alongside tales of close calls and the importance of quick thinking, Joe's anecdotes highlight the blend of humor and dedication essential to thriving on the open road. This episode not only sheds light on the trucking industry's realities but also celebrates the spirit of those who keep our goods moving, no matter the weather or the hour. 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: [email protected] 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  

 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 delicate balance between work and family life. 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: [email protected] 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: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial 

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 FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] 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 

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 concerns about the current political climate and social media censorship. 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: [email protected] 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: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial

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. Rooster truly has a wonderful story of triumph over trouble. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride with Rooster! KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] 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