Explore every episode of the podcast The Overland Journal Podcast

Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes Michael Yang, a Korean American author, entrepreneur, investor, and adventure motorcycle traveler, to discuss his experiences riding over 40,000 miles from California to Alaska’s Arctic Ocean, across Newfoundland, and through Patagonia. Michael touches on adventure motorcycling in his 60s, the impact of immigrating to America during his childhood, and how buying his first motorbike primed him for his adventures to come later in life.
Michael Yang Website | Instagram | Facebook | Coming Alive on the Ride


The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Nitto Tire, Overland Journal Magazine, Hankook Tire
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This episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott interviews overlander Kym Bolton about his decades of global travel in a Mitsubishi Fuso camper, covering over 500,000 km across regions including Russia, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Australia. Kym discusses why the Fuso is ideal for international trips, citing its reliability, payload capacity, and worldwide serviceability. He emphasizes keeping vehicles light and simple, recommending key upgrades like super-single tires, upgraded suspension, and suspension seats. Kym shares his recovery philosophy, which focuses on assessing hazards and maintaining equipment. They also discuss his background in winch competitions, strategies for vehicle storage, travel rhythms, and his favorites: Mongolia and South America. Finally, they highlight his current ventures, Australian Adventure Vehicles and GoannaTracks.com.

Australian Adventure Vehicles | GoannaTracks | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Nitto Tire, Overland Journal Magazine, Hankook Tire

New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription! Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% off. We thank you for being a subscriber.

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Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to make sure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.

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The Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes American overlanders Dawn and Andy Elsbree, the Rogue Wanderers, to dive into their 2019 Toyota Tacoma and Four Wheel Camper build, why they chose it as their global overland platform, and how it’s held up after 6 years of travel and 100 countries later. Dawn and Andy share their favorite moments from the road, what it was like overlanding through China, and the highs of having their kids join on various legs of the journey.

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Exploring the Overland Market and Innovations with Brian McVickers.

Join us as we sit down with Brian McVickers where we dive into his recent accomplishment of navigating the Northwest Passage, the state of the overlanding industry, and exciting new products on the market. We touch on Scott's new book, the latest vehicle releases like the Land Cruiser 250 and Tacoma, innovations in camper technology, and unique overlanding products. Plus, we discuss upcoming events and what the future holds for the community. Don't miss this insightful look into overlanding trends and adventures!

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Join host Scott Brady on the Overland Journal Podcast as he interviews Grace Schuessler, known as the 'Graceful Renegade' on Instagram. Grace shares her inspiring journey as a solo motorcycle rider, filmmaker, and traveler. They discuss her multiple adventures, including solo motorcycle trips, transitioning life chapters, her Emmy-winning filmmaking journey, and a heartfelt project with veterans to Tuktoyaktuk. Grace also delves into her upbringing, the influence of early travel, learning to ride, and producing captivating travel content. 

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Join Scott Brady as he welcomes seasoned travelers Graeme and Luisa to this Principles of Overlanding episode. With 15 years of experience, they share the principles, challenges, and rewards of full-time overlanding, from traversing Africa's rugged tracks to enduring Arctic extremes. Gain insights into family overlanding logistics, vehicle choices, budget management, and personal growth. This episode also delves into meaningful travel with a purpose, philanthropic work, and managing travel finances. Discover practical advice on creating content, maintaining wellness, and planning for retirement on the road. Aspiring travelers and overlanding enthusiasts will find this episode packed with invaluable tips and inspiring stories.

Sponsored in part by:
Hankook Tires 

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In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady sits down with world-traveler Patrick Cruywagen. Known for his extensive expeditions throughout Africa and beyond, Patrick shares invaluable travel lessons, captivating stories, and the impact of mentorship on his journey. From military anecdotes to life as a photojournalist for SA 4x4 Magazine, Patrick provides insights into his favorite vehicles, navigating border crossings, and the art of Africa travel. Tune in to hear about his remarkable journeys, his passion for wildlife, and advice for aspiring overlanders.

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Join us on this episode of the Overland Journal podcast as we sit down with Robert van den Hoven, an experienced overlander whose extensive travels span across continents like Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Robert shares his profound experiences from camping trips in Europe during his childhood to maritime adventures, and overland expeditions in his Fuso 4x4 and Mercedes truck. We dive into topics such as navigating rural villages, dealing with power lines, the influence of Dutch culture on travel, and valuable lessons from decades of global exploration. Whether you're a seasoned overlander or new to the adventure, Robert's stories and insights provide inspiration and practical advice for your own journeys.

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Join the Overland Journal Podcast as co-host Matt Scott interviews Scott Brady about his journey across Africa. Discover the valuable lessons learned, the performance of the Grenadier, and the critical role of teamwork during a challenging expedition.

Sponsored in part by:
https://overlandex.com/

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Join Scott Brady and Steve Edwards on the Overland Journal podcast as they explore the highlights of the Overland Expo Mountain West. From new vehicles and equipment to innovative camping solutions and industry trends, they discuss their favorite finds, share insights on market changes, and reflect on the current state of overlanding. The episode also touches on the significance of supporting small businesses and the evolving role of OEMs in the overland community. 

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In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady speaks with David Sullivan, a seasoned veteran of the automotive industry. David shares his journey from serving as a Marine officer to becoming a marketing director at Subaru and now at INEOS for the new Grenadier. The conversation delves into his military background, his significant contributions at Ford, including innovative engineering on the F-150, and his pivotal role in the launch of Subaru’s wilderness models. David also discusses his current endeavors at INEOS, highlighting the exciting potential of the Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster vehicles. Through engaging stories and insights, this episode provides a unique look into the life and career of an automotive executive committed to pushing the boundaries of adventure and innovation.

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Jim Oostdyk, founder and president of OK4WD, discussing his nearly 47 years in the four-wheel-drive industry. Jim shares the origins of OK4WD, which began in 1979 after he rebuilt his rolled Jeep, growing from a small garage to one of the country's most respected off-road shops. The episode covers the company's evolution, including demonstrating capability to customers, importing overseas products, and moving into product design and manufacturing with his son Rin and long-tenured staff. Jim also discusses mission and adventure travel with his children in Ghana, Haiti, and South Africa, his interest in the Edison "Vagabonds," partnerships with Mountain State Overland, and support for accessible off-roading. He concludes with valuable advice on perseverance, humility, and surrounding yourself with great people.

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok

ARB Launches Their New Experiences Series

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Nick Chazee and Mathilde Vougny of Next Meridian Expedition are a French-Italian couple in the midst of a world tour in their Land Rover Defender. In this episode from the field, Nick, Mathilde, and host Ashley Giordano discuss the ins and outs of shipping a vehicle to Australia, top tips for visiting Antarctica on a budget, and the importance of finding your own travel rhythm while overlanding. 

Bio:

Nick and Mathilde launched their World Tour in April 2022, the Next Meridian Expedition. The plan is three years, seven continents, and 88 countries in their fully transformed Land Rover Defender 110, aka the Albatross. After spending most of his life between Asia and Africa, Nick worked for a French tech start-up based in Paris. Mathilde, originally from the French Alps completed degrees in international relations before working several years for the United Nations based in Brussels. The French-Italian couple has always traveled together (their first date revolved around a road trip), but they only recently moved to a full-time overlanding lifestyle. They document the Next Meridian Expedition project on Instagram and YouTube in addition to publishing regularly in travel and overland magazines in French, English and Italian.

Land Rover Defender Vehicle Feature: https://expeditionportal.com/next-meridian-land-rover-defender-puma-feature-vehicle/ 

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Scott Brady interviews Clay Croft at the 2024 Overland Expo West, discussing his most recent adventure in Africa and travel with his family and team. The also discuss the importance of doing hard things, but also being gentle on ourselves in the pursuit of our goals. The conversation also delves into security mindset and also the announcement of their new XOverland ranch. 

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Crystal Fong is currently traveling on her 1990 Honda Dominator 250cc through Europe and beyond. In this podcast from the field, Crystal and host Ashley Giordano touch on the ups and downs of solo travel, how Crystal has created a sense of community by playing badminton around the globe, and the powerful impact created by the kindness of strangers.

Bio:

Crystal is an Asian American woman currently solo touring the world on her motorcycle. She is from the Bay Area, California and started her expedition October 2021. She left behind her life in society and gave it all up to be a moto hobo. Over the last 2.5 years, she has ridden her Honda Dominator NX250 over 34,000 miles to 40 countries in Europe, riding in all seasons and weather conditions. She is currently touring Morocco before heading to the Middle East. She hopes to inspire others to Chase Their Dreams.

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Scott Brady interviews Expedition Portal's Associate Editor Steve Edwards, discussing life as an overland journalist and the tips and tricks for getting your story published. We also discuss his first car (which he still owns), living for years in Botswana, and buying a Defender in Ethiopia on a whim (then driving it to South Africa before shipping it back to Montana). 

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Scott Brady and Bryon Bass discuss their overland adventure across the Continent of Africa, focusing on their challenges at the Djibouti / Ethiopia border post. Scott and Bryon were stuck for over three days working to resolve this challenging logistical obstacle. 

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes adventurer, storyteller, author, and National Geographic Host and Director Eva zu Beck to discuss Eva’s recent overland trip to Morocco and Mauritania in her Land Rover Defender 110. In this episode, Eva shares more about the inspiration behind her Nat Geo SuperSkilled series, and how, in life and in travel, it truly is about the journey rather than the destination.

Website | Instagram | YouTube | The Wilder Way | Polarsteps: Expedition Sahara | Feature Vehicle: Eva zu Beck’s 2006 Land Rover Defender 110

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Matt Scott and Scott Brady review the most significant changes in overland travel during the past few decades, covering everything from the Garmin inReach to the E-Visa. 

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All you need to know about overlanding Morocco with overland guide Mark White. In this podcast from the field, Mark and host Ashley Giordano take an in-depth look at Moroccan geography, languages, border procedures, road rules, camping, and seasons relevant to the overland traveler.

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Scott Brady and Brian McVickers discuss the new Lexus GX550, Ford Ranger, and Ducati DessertX Rally. Additional conversation includes the Africa crossing, Eezi-Awn, and more.

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Scott Brady and Bryon Bass discuss their recent trip through Kenya and into Ethiopia. As part of the crossing of Africa with the Ineos Grenadier, the team share their insights on the challenges with temporarily importing the vehicle into Ethiopia, along with the required bureaucracy process. Their conversation also shifts to the places they visited and the incredible cultures and anthropology of these cradle of humankind. 

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Scott Brady interviews The Landy Expedition's Chloe and Harry on their trip around Africa with their Land Rover Defender with AluCab camper. They share the lessons on saving for the trip, when to leave, and how to travel well as a couple. 

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Matt Scott and Scott Brady discuss the new class of travel vehicles we call Ultra Overlanders. This includes the Ford F150 Raptor R, Bronco Raptor, Ram TRX, GMC AT4x AEV, Jeep Rubicon 392, G-Wagen 4x4 Squared, Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, and Ram Power Wagon. This conversation is not an endorsement of Ultra Overlanders for international travel, but a discussion around their growing popularity for domestic grand touring and backcountry travel. 

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Scott Brady interviews Jay Shapiro, a technologist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist that his become a global citizen. Jay and his family have lived in Singapore, the USA, Canada, Mexico, India, and now Kenya on their overland journey of discovery. Jay and his wife Alice also operate numerous not-for-profit organizations providing support to millions around the world. 

https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/eco-roamer-f650-based-expedition-vehicle.8936/page-18

https://nairobigames.center/ 

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Scott Brady interviews Bruce Turner of Overlanding with Bruce about his recommendations for hiring a Toyota Hilux to explore Southern Africa and his decades-long experiences traveling the African continent by Land Rover. In particular, Scott and Bruce discuss modern Land Rover Defenders and Bruce's experience using these vehicles in remote and rugged conditions, often without other vehicles along for the journey. 

For more information, check out overlandingwithbruce on Instagram, Youtube, and the web. 

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The Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady and Clay Croft discuss XOVERLAND’s 40,000-kilometer Africa crossing, recorded with just 300 kilometers remaining to Cape Agulhas. They navigate West Africa’s uncertainties—coups, elections, and border hurdles—while managing sickness and tight schedules. Key practical lessons include maintaining a 1,000-kilometer fuel range due to local shortages. They credit their multi-skilled team and local support for overcoming challenges like Guinea’s extreme roads and infrastructure gaps. Reviewing vehicle performance, they highlight the reliability of Toyota hybrid drivetrains on varied fuel quality, Mobil 1 fluids, and Starlink connectivity. Despite minimal mechanical issues, they suggest future modifications like enhanced front protection for the Tacomas. This expedition underscores the resilience required for transcontinental travel through one of the world’s most demanding environments.

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Scott Brady interviews Melanie Rohr from TerraByte on actionable considerations for solo travel, important adjustments to our cybersecurity posture, and the deep reward of giving back to the communities we visit. Melanie shares practical insights from her decades in travel and technology, partnering with the UN and NGOs, and her most recent work in cybersecurity.

For more information, visit https://terrabyte.org/ 

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Scott Brady interviews his good friend Jess Stuhler, a South African adventurer, motorcycle rider, and overlander that runs the well-respected Eezi-Awn brand. Jess shares his love of Africa, his time in the military, and the joys of traveling with your family. He provides practical insights into the best areas to explore in Southern Africa along with the advice to just load your cooler with ice and just go. 

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Scott Brady interview JJ from the State Department on borders, documentation, security best practices, the S.T.E.P. program, cultural awareness for overlanders, and more. We also dive into JJ's life and how he started a career in the foreign service. 

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For the January Overland News, Scott Brady and Brian McVickers discuss moving the productivity needle while traveling, our favorite new gear, concept vehicles, and the expanding lineup of overland events. 

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Ashley Giordano interviews Canadian couple Josh and Vanessa Von Holst on why they chose the 80-Series Land Cruiser as their first overland vehicle platform and the subsequent adventures that resulted because of it. In this podcast from the field, Josh and Vanessa share more about their experiences preparing for the trip, and how it feels to return home to Canada.

Contact: Josh & Vanessa von Holst destinedforwild@gmail.com 

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Scott Brady and Matt Scott look back on 2023 and discuss the Expedition Portal Overander of the Year Award winner and the best new 4WD of 2023. Matt and Scott share their favorite gear of the year and showcase a few new products from small businesses. 

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Scott Brady and Matt Scott interview Dave Harriton, CEO of American Expedition Vehicles. They deep dive into payload, design standards, cab-chassis, campers, and premium aftermarket components. 

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Mario Donovan joins the conversation with Matt and Scott about Overland and Expedition Trailers. They go into the deep dive about suspension, chassis development, length and different types of trailers, and the importance of electric brakes. They dive into everything you might want to consider before you make your purchase.
 
Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

A special thanks to our sponsors:
03 Outdoors and Kuat

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Ashley Giordano interviews British explorer and filmmaker Reza Pakravan. Raza's long and impressive CV includes crossing the Sahara by bike in record time, traveling the length of the Sahel region of Africa, and attempting to set the World Record for fastest bicycle journey from the Arctic Circle to Cape Town, South Africa. In this podcast from the field, Reza talks about what he discovered filming his latest multi-part series, “Hidden Frontiers Arabia” and how Tintin was a major childhood influence.

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Scott Brady and Matt Scott rate their top 10 new overland SUVs for North America. The criteria is a 4wd wagon with low range and seating for at least five. In 2023, we have a better selection of overland vehicles than we have seen in decades, and this lineup is more exciting than ever. There are a few surprises, including a plugin hybrid and an all electric. 

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This weeks episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Ashley Giordano welcomes German overlander Lilli Mixich to discuss Lilli’s lifelong love affair with the African continent. Currently overlanding solo in a 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 named Toyo, Mixich shares what she’s learned from various vehicle platforms, including the Land Rover 109, Magirus Deutz expedition truck, and a Toyota HJ47 ex-bush ambulance. Lilli dives into how, at age 55, she built the confidence to travel on her own, care for her Land Cruiser, and overland Africa on her own terms. @lillitogo

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Scott Brady interviews Ashley Giordano of Desk to Glory about her travels in Europe with their Toyota Tundra and Overland Explorer Camper. The conversation includes Ashley's tips for working from the road as Overland Journal Senior Editor, feedback on the truck / camper, and plans for their next segment. They also discuss the recent trip with XOverland to Southern Africa. 

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In this episode, Scott Brady records a update on competing segment two of crossing Africa, lessons learned on the trip, equipment, communication tools and traveling with loved ones. Due to the nature of the trip, this episode was recorded as a monologue. 

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Scott Brady interviews Brian McVickers about his recent experience at the 2023 SEMA Show, including his review of the new Lexus and Toyota overland concept vehicles. We discuss the new ARB trailer and expanded offerings from Ironman and others. The SEMA show has also expanded the overland area to include outside displays of overland campers, trailers, and vans. This included the new Revel and the Hike models from Winnebago.  

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