Explore every episode of the podcast The Overland Journal Podcast

In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Ashley Giordano interviews Monika and Gary Westcott, seasoned photojournalists with fifty years of travel experience. They share insights into the Turtle Expedition, detailing the custom build and features of their Turtle V vehicle. The Westcotts reflect on the evolution of travel photography, communication on the road, and changes in the overlanding community over the decades. They highlight their philanthropic work supporting girls' education in Central Asia, demonstrating the power of giving back and cultural connection through language. Throughout the conversation, Monika and Gary emphasize the importance of pursuing dreams, learning life lessons from global adventures, and finding lasting joy in exploration.

Gary and Monika Wescott: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Hankook Tire and Midland Radio

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes back longtime contributor and former gear editor Graham Jackson as Overland Journal approaches its 20-year anniversary. Jackson recounts writing a major Issue 1 feature on nine months traveling in Africa, sharing how he compressed the journey into a story and persuaded his wife to join. He reflects on conducting data-driven gear reviews—including tie-down crash tests and rigorous water-filter evaluations—and discusses Overland Expo training, the founding of 7P, and producing a self-funded 2023 Belize conservation documentary. Defining overlanding versus expeditions, Jackson advocates minimal vehicle modifications and reliable recovery gear while sharing insights on stewardship.

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Graham Jackson: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Graham Jackson

Overland Passage

Overland Glovebox Guide -- the app for Overlanding

Barefoot Productions

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Overland Journal Podcast Host Ashley Giordano welcomes Director of Design Stephanie Brady to celebrate the magazine’s 20-year anniversary. Brady recounts launching the print publication between 2006 and 2007 with a small team, limited funding, and learning design tools on the job. She reflects on early production challenges, printing the debut issue in Salt Lake City, and the dramatic growth of the overland industry since. Brady shares memorable moments, details what she looks for in photo pitches, and recalls favorite trips to Iceland and Africa. She also discusses relocating from Arizona to Minnesota and reflects on the magazine’s personal impact.

Overland Journal Podcast Episode #328

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano interviews writer, ecologist, and Overland Journal co-founder Jonathan Hanson for the publication's 20-year anniversary. Hanson discusses his favorite expedition vehicles, including his 1973 FJ40 and a 1993 Land Cruiser Troopy traveled across Australia, Africa, and the U.S. He shares how early field-biology work and outdoor exploration shaped his approach to conservation and travel, leading to the creation of Overland Journal and Overland Expo. Reflecting on his editorial philosophy, Hanson recounts collaborating with Tom Sheppard on the Vehicle-Dependent Expedition Guide, highlights memorable journeys in Southern Africa and Egypt, introduces his new publication, Exploration Quarterly, and offers practical advice on vehicle modifications, low-impact driving, and essential overlanding gear.

Jonathan Hanson: Exploring Overland | Jonathan Hanson Author | Exploration Quarterly |

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano speaks with Candida Louis, an adventure tourer, motorcycle guide, and the first Indian woman to ride solo across all 25 states of India and from India to Australia. Louis shares how she transitioned from finance to professional riding, leading 57 tours. She discusses completing a 32,000-kilometer solo journey across India and how social media is shifting perceptions of female riders. She also details her eight-month expedition from India to Australia supporting the Change a World Foundation in honor of Alastair Farlin. Finally, Louis offers advice for traveling in India, addresses media misconceptions, updates listeners on her knee injury recovery, and previews upcoming tours in Mongolia, Japan, South India, and the Americas. 

Candida Louis: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Website | Grinning Monkeys

Overland Journal Podcast Episode #326

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady discusses the core principles of overlanding navigation with Chris Cordes, highlighting primary, secondary, contingency, and emergency backups. They compare three main app categories: turn-by-turn tools like Google Maps, reference/layer apps like iOverlander and Tracks4Africa, and hybrid discipline-specific platforms such as onX and Gaia. While Google excels at everyday routing and real-time traffic, onX offers specialized backcountry features, including land ownership layers, trail data, weather updates, offline mapping, and off-road turn-by-turn routing. The pair emphasize thorough pre-planning, downloading maps for offline use, re-evaluating routes after navigation mistakes, and carrying redundant devices alongside paper maps. Finally, they explore responsible land stewardship, onX’s trail-verification process, global expansion, AI planning tools, and the Overwatch Rescue evacuation add-on.

Overland Journal Podcast Episode #325

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady speaks with Christoff and Vanessa Ailert of Get Out Go! about overlanding across Southern Africa and the US. They compare community culture, gear needs, and why items like rooftop tents or extra fuel are less essential in North America. Sharing insights from full-time vehicle travel, they emphasize weight management, efficient camp setups, and discuss their 79 Series Land Cruiser with an Alu-Cab camper. Highlights include navigating African corrugations, intense moments on Sani Pass, and a police encounter in Mozambique. Recommending Botswana and "Cry of the Kalahari," they share how their mission helps inspire outdoor adventure while supporting travel logistics in Africa.

Website | Instagram | YouTube | FaceBook

Overland Journal Podcast Episode #324

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady chats with Amanda and Patrick from Rugged Destinations. They share highlights from pre-running the Back 400 and skills course at XOverland Ranch in their newly built Mitsubishi Canter JDM firetruck, their passion for JDM imports, and what inspired their outdoor travel. The couple discusses transitioning from traditional careers—Patrick as a mechanic and Amanda as an IP paralegal—into full-time creators. They detail pivotal journeys to Prudhoe Bay and Baja, as well as the realities of overlanding as a family, including homeschooling, communication, and safety. Finally, they reflect on supporting veteran organizations, sponsoring the Northwest Overland Rally, and their upcoming plans to drive through South America.

Website | Instagram | YouTube | FaceBook | Pinterest

Overland Journal Podcast Episode #323

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Ant Austin of We Will Roam in Montana about balancing a tech career with long-term overland travel using remote work and contracting. They explore storytelling as the connection between tech, AI, and adventure, highlighting practical AI applications for creative organization while noting concerns over disclosure, scams, and Overland Collective’s stance against AI-generated editorial. Ant shares memories from a three-month Japanese journey in his 2011 VDJ78 Troopy, including a Land Cruiser community barbecue near Nagoya and Japan’s unique soundscape. He also reflects on pivotal Australian travels like the Telegraph Track, offering key lessons on slowing down, navigating high-stress encounters, and prioritizing clear communication and mental health during extended journeys.

We Will Roam | Instagram | YouTube | FaceBook | Spotify

We Will Roam Launches 5-part Australia Overland Series

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady talks with team member Jack Mac about minimalism and life on the road. Jack shares insights from over five years managing Expedition Portal’s classifieds and global travel by bicycle, backpacking, and vehicles like a 70 Series Land Cruiser Troopy. They discuss how a travel mindset lowers consumer spending, why high-end gear can become a burden, and why you should choose a vehicle you can afford to lose. Jack reflects on how bikepacking taught him minimalism and pacing, details a perilous Iceland crossing, and emphasizes preparation, managing vehicle mass, supporting local communities, keeping overhead low, and his passion for photography.

Bicycle Touring Apocalypse Instagram | Facebook

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano interviews Jack Langton, who cycled 8,000 miles from London to Singapore. Over 150 days, Langton trained on the road, braved solo camping, and navigated intense environments like India and Turkey. He emphasizes the overwhelming generosity he encountered, especially throughout Central Asia. After returning to his consulting career, Langton launched "The Human Project," creating mini-documentaries that capture diverse global stories. His filmmaking journey has taken him across the U.S., East Africa, and Europe. Jack discusses building trust with subjects ranging from traveling circus performers to NGOs tackling social issues like FGM and albinism-related threats in Kenya and Uganda. Through these short films, he highlights resilient communities, including Nairobi’s street kids and Ugandan skate culture, bridging human experiences through digital storytelling.

HUMN: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano interviews Jess and Dave of Global Traces from Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, about five years of overlanding in their MAN HX60 expedition truck with their dog Otis and five-and-a-half-year-old daughter Isla. They explain why they chose a truck for long-term autonomy and comfort, how they bought an ex-British military HX60 cheaply with low kilometers, and how they designed and project-managed a split build to prioritize space, headroom, a raising/lowering bed, and essentials like a washing machine. They discuss tradeoffs of size and weight, common questions about cost, fuel (about 28–30 L/100 km), and toilets, plus how they afford travel through savings and Dave’s photography work. They share lessons and community support from multiple recoveries, including a major winch rescue in Tajikistan, and outline revised plans after Mongolia border restrictions for animals.

Global Traces: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Photopositive

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Overland Journal Podcast host Matt Scott and Scott Brady discuss rugged terrain (RT) or “hybrid” tires as a third category between all-terrain (AT) and mud-terrain (MT), arguing RTs let ATs and MTs stay true to their strengths while better matching overlanders’ mostly-on-pavement use. They compare void ratios, noise/vibration/harshness, tread life, snow and wet-road performance, fuel-economy impacts, and load capacity, with examples from Toyo RT Pro, BFG HD Terrain, and other models. They stress how subjective tire testing is and describe past double-blind, same-vehicle testing, hoping to run an RT test later. Key buying attributes include 3-peak mountain snowflake ratings, sidewall construction (not just ply count), siping tradeoffs, and tire width choices favoring taller, narrower sizes for fit and efficiency. They critique treadwear warranties pushing harder compounds and note rising tire costs.

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This episode sponsored in part by General Tire 

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Overland Journal Podcast Host Scott Brady interviews Rachael Elsman, executive director of the Overland Expo Foundation and Overland Collective event coordinator. Rachael discusses living off-grid in a self-converted school bus in Baja, managing solar power and water. She also details bicycle touring from Vancouver to Tijuana after working in Alaska, sharing lessons on minimalism and adaptation. The conversation covers the Foundation’s origins and its work supporting stewardship and veteran-focused overland therapy groups through event funding. Listeners learn how to donate, volunteer, and practice responsible land use, discovering how overlanding transforms lives and communities.

Overland Expo Foundation | Ultimate Build | FaceBook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

OKIENOMADS

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes Bettina “Bea” Höbenreich and Helmut Koch to discuss the impacts of returning to ADV basics, answering the question “How minimalist can you go and still function in expedition conditions?” Join us as Bea and Helmut share their incredible journey of traveling the world on vintage 50cc motorcycles, exploring Australia's rugged landscapes, and the life-changing lessons learned along the way. Discover their tips on gear, logistics, and embracing simplicity for adventure. In this episode, Bea and Helmut share lessons learned from the past 20 months in Australia, riding two 50-year-old 50cc two-stroke Kreidlers.

Time to Ride: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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In this Overland Journal Podcast episode, Scott Brady interviews Doug Patteson about his journey from Texas ranching roots to a covert CIA career. Patteson details the intense recruitment process, deployments in Southeast Asia, and the vital intelligence lessons now informing his global travels: flexible planning, rapid decision-making, and the "rule of the stupids." He highlights essential security resources like GoVigilant and the STEP program. After leaving the CIA to prioritize family, Patteson joined Defender X, an ambitious amphibious Land Rover expedition. He discusses the project's evolution, from a Yukon River proof-of-concept to the current London-to-Sydney goal. A major upcoming milestone includes a daring 450-mile sea crossing from Timor to Darwin, showcasing the team's commitment to boundary-pushing exploration and national service values.

Instagram | DefenderX | Defender.X | SPYSCAPE | Atlantic Saints | SPYEX

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Jeremy “Thor” Bergh of Alu-Cab about building his South African export-driven business and supporting over 600 employees. Bergh shares a deeply personal account of his health journey, beginning with a seizure diagnosis and a brain tumor (glioma) near critical brain regions. He details the immense challenges of managing seizures, vision loss, and stress through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Bergh credits stabilizing his condition to lifestyle adjustments—including swimming, meditation, and diet—alongside medical treatment. Reflecting on his experience, he discusses the importance of being present, appreciating the beauty of Cape Town, and focusing on family, teaching, and storytelling.

Alu-Cab | Instagram | TikTok | FaceBook | LinkedIn | YouTube

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Recorded live at Overland Expo Flagstaff, host Scott Brady and Overland Collective marketing director Jake Perucca discuss the Overland Journal Podcast’s origins, emphasizing travel storytelling, editorial integrity, and audience engagement. They address shipping vehicles like the Grenadier to Australia and Africa, highlighting strict quarantine protocols, customs brokers, and essential import checks. The discussion includes route recommendations like Cape York, the Canning Stock Route, and southern Africa’s Sani Pass. Technical topics include field and studio setups, the podcast's evolving format with co-host Ashley Giordano, and upcoming spoken-word episodes. Scott connects the podcast to the magazine’s mission, teases the 20th anniversary and 100th issue, and shares Ewan McGregor as his dream guest, underscoring the platform’s commitment to authentic, high-quality overlanding content.
LinkedIn | XOverland

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

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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

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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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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes Bill Cooper, Greg Fitzgerald, Amy Johnson, Tom Pickford, and Laura Stacey to discuss their trans-America road trip in Pollyanna, Barbara Toy’s iconic 1950 Series I Land Rover. In this episode, the group relives the journey, including the importance of Barbara Toy’s overland travels throughout the 1950s, the origins of the Barbara Toy Tribute Run, and the power of saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

Greg Fitzgerald | @haveroverwilltravel
Amy Johnson | @feelgoodnotcompassionfatigue
Tom Pickford | http://vintagelrco.uk
Laura Stacey | @the_noreasters

Barbara Toy Archive | Finding Barbara Toy Instagram | SCARR Texas Rovers + Barbara Toy Tribute Run | Meeting a Legend: Barbara Toy’s 1950 Series I Land Rover | Travelling the Incense Route with Barbara Toy

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

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Overland Journal Podcast host Matt Scott and AEV's Dave Harriton discuss the new AEV FXL, a Ford Super Duty heavy-duty truck program following their Ram and Chevy/GMC lines. They address brand loyalty, regional preferences, and modern truck capabilities. The FXL will be sold as complete VIN-stamped, warrantied dealer trucks and as individual parts starting early June, beginning with bumpers, wheels, and flares, followed by Bilstein-tuned AEV 8100 suspension. Engineering topics include ADAS integration, cooling, 20,000-lb winch packaging, modular bumpers with replaceable wear bars, and a reinforced rear bumper. They also cover squared flares, beadlock-capable HD wheels, F-rated 40-inch towing tires, upcoming 450/550 super-single options, a brush guard, spare tire carrier development, and snorkel design challenges.

Links

Website | Instagram | YouTube 

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

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Ashley from Hi From Ashley about her six-year solo journey, including overlanding the Americas in a Toyota Tacoma. Motivated by personal loss and injury, Ashley transitioned from corporate healthcare to a life of slow travel. She reflects on the challenges of traveling with her dog, Porter, through international borders and his eventual passing in Colombia. Highlights include celebrating Día de los Muertos in Mexico, exploring remote Guatemala, and reaching Ushuaia on Christmas Day 2025. Ashley offers advice on prioritizing personal goals over societal expectations and discusses potential future adventures in Europe and Africa. Her story serves as a testament to the "if not now, when" philosophy of exploration.

Website | Instagram | YouTube 

The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Nitto Tire and  Overland Journal Magazine New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription! Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% off.
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On the Overland Journal Podcast, hosts Matt Scott and Scott Brady join Bryon Dorr to explore choosing an overlanding “home on wheels.” They compare truck campers, expedition vehicles, vans, and trailers, highlighting truck campers as an affordable, configurable, and underrated choice. The discussion reviews brands like Scout, Four Wheel Campers, and Supertramp, while contrasting flatbed and wedge campers. The panel also covers international travel factors—like fuel and drivetrains—and essential livability features. After reviewing expedition vehicle manufacturers and the pros and cons of vans, they pivot to trailers as a family-friendly solution. Ultimately, they stress the importance of selecting the right platform based on your specific use case, budget, and travel goals.

The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by  Overland Journal Magazine 

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes Rashad Frazier, co-founder of Camp Yoshi, camp chef, and author of Cook Out: Recipes and Tips for the Great Outdoors. In this episode, Rashad shares camp cooking hacks for overlanders, as well as his favorite gear, recipes, and most memorable trips.

Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Cook Out: Recipes and Tips for the Great Outdoors | Overland Journal OV Chef Profile

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

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Overland Journal podcast host Scott Brady talks with Jason Speck of Mountain State Overland at historic Camp Cheat in West Virginia about his outdoors origins in scouting, preparedness, and the importance of training with gear before it’s needed. They compare overlanding in the East versus the West, including narrower trails, frequent downed trees, and incorporating history and multi-sport activities into trips. Speck shares route highlights like Canaan Loop, Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks, Dolly Sods, the Mid-Atlantic BDR, and the Trans America Trail, emphasizing discovery and responsible travel through micro-groups and Tread Lightly principles. The episode explores Camp Cheat’s connection to “The Vagabonds”—Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs—who stayed there during a 1918 motor-camping trip. Speck also discusses his Tacoma/Modcap setup, community events like Adventure XFest, and the need for guide standards and safety.
 
WEBSITE | Mountain State Overland |Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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

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Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes John Blashford-Snell, a British explorer, author, and former army officer known for leading pioneering scientific expeditions to some of the most remote regions on Earth. Born in 1936, he served in the British Army’s Royal Engineers before turning his focus to exploration and conservation. Blashford-Snell tells the story of the 1971-72 Darien Gap expedition, why he founded the Scientific Exploration Society, and how it and other organizations are helping to support young explorers with field research and conservation projects worldwide.

John Blashford-Snell 

Website | YouTube | SES Website | OV Conservation: The Scientific Explorers Society | Living Legends: John Blashford-Snell

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady and Cyrus "Scooter" Anderson explore the importance of being present during travel and the value of family adventures, anchored by Anderson's mantra to "never, ever give up." Anderson outlined his ambitious project to ride all-dirt routes between the highest points of every continent, an idea born after he summited Aconcagua with makeshift equipment. He also shared technical details on modifying KTM and Husaberg motorcycles for long-haul expeditions, including custom multi-tank fuel systems and increased oil capacity. The pair discussed the financial realities of global travel, covering Anderson's professional background in consulting and banking, as well as the economic trade-offs and low-spending habits that funded his journeys.

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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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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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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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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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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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Host Ashley Giordano welcomes Paula and Jeremy Dear, two Brits en route from Belgium to Southern Africa in a 32-year-old ex-Belgian Iveco military police truck. In this episode, Paula and Jeremy dive into why they chose this vehicle for travel in Africa, how a slow pace has allowed them to experience places more deeply, and how prioritizing cultural immersion has brought joy along the way.

Their trip is being documented on Substack at trailingivy.substack.com.

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On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott Brady and Brian McVickers interview Graham Esarey about his expedition sailing life, focusing on his team's 2024 Northwest Passage crossing aboard the Dog Bark, a converted 60-foot Open 60. Graham detailed navigating heavy Arctic ice, spotting polar bears, and receiving a rare icebreaker escort that turned their route into a high-speed slalom. They also discussed the hazards of Bellot Strait’s powerful currents and the risks of boats being pinned by ice. The conversation drew parallels between overlanding and blue-water travel, highlighting the need for redundancy, while noting how Starlink and modern ice charts are reshaping Arctic passage-making. Graham also touched on his Land Cruiser, expo travel, and IGINIK’s mission to replace disposable green propane bottles.

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This episode of The Overland Journal Podcast, hosts Scott and Matt discuss choosing overland 12V fridges over coolers, advocating for the smallest necessary size (25–35L for one/two, 45–55L for small families) to avoid heavy slides and oversized units (like 80L for just drinks). They compare chest/drawer fridges to less efficient door-opening models, emphasize that cooldown speed matters mainly for warm groceries, and outline testing metrics: power draw, temperature accuracy, and warm-up time. They review brands, noting Engel's reliability issues, Dometic's value, National Luna's build quality/higher power use, and the heavy but high-performing ARB Elements 60L, plus Iceco and EcoFlow's battery/app features, promoting upcoming Overland Journal test results.

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This week on The Overland Journal Podcast, host Ashley Giordano welcomes returning podcast guests Tim and Marisa Notier of 2Up and Overloaded to discuss the adventure motorcycle couple’s travels through Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. In this episode, Tim and Marisa share lessons learned from the past two-and-a-half years, including practical tips on choosing a bike, navigating challenging border crossings, and enjoying the journey along the way. Tim and Marisa also speak to the challenges and rewards of traveling as a couple.
Sponsored in part by: Overland Journal Magazine

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews John Balsdon of Always Look Twice, a recent world record holder, about his 28-day drive from Nordkapp, Norway, to Cape Agulhas, South Africa. Balsdon, who largely hugged West Africa’s coast in two INEOS Grenadiers (one towing a Bruder trailer), shares how early travels and his mother, a professional photographer, shaped his attention to detail and lifelong drive to document landscapes and cultures. They discuss staying grounded post-travel through planning and reflection, the contrasts of living abroad versus passing through, and why he pursued the record as an antidote to “doom scrolling.” Balsdon highlights Guinea and the North Cape, describes low points in Angola, a lost passport recovered through Nigerian kindness, vehicle prep, and a forthcoming feature-length film.

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Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she speaks with Juvena Huang, a Singaporean overlander who embarked on a 44,000-kilometer journey by Vespa scooter. In this episode, Juvena dives into her highest highs, lowest lows, and most powerful lessons learned along the way. Juvena also touches on why she returns regularly to India and the inspiration behind her latest project: hosting motorcycle tours in the Himalayas.

Facebook |  The Wandering Wasp

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Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with Danish motorcycle adventure rider Henriette Thiim to discuss Henriette’s latest trip through Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco. In this episode, Henriette dives into the logistics required to ride through Algeria and her experiences in-country, as well as what she’s learned about managing fear after 200,000 kilometers of riding in 72 countries.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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Host Ashley Giordano welcomes Argentinian overlanders Herman and Candelaria Zapp to discuss the life lessons learned during 22 years of travel in a 1928 Graham Paige car. In this episode, Herman and Candelaria speak about the generosity of strangers and the overlander mindset that ‘problems’ are merely challenges leading to incredible experiences. The couple also touches on the realities of bringing children into the world while traveling.

Zapp Family Completes 22 Years of Worldwide Travel in 1928 Graham-Paige | Youtube | Facebook

@familiazappfamily

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Join Matt Scott and Scott Brady on this weeks Overland Journal Podcast episode as they discuss why buying a used overland vehicle can offer huge value as prices and labor rise, highlighting where to shop (Expedition Portal classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, Bring a Trailer, and Europe-focused Expedition Meister) and why many COVID-era builds now sell for “pennies on the dollar.” They stress prioritizing factory overland builds or reputable shop work to avoid unsafe DIY wiring and mismatched parts, and share deal examples including a modified Ford Ranger, AEV/Ursa Minor Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator with a Super Pacific camper, Power Wagon with a Four Wheel Camper, and a $4,000 LR3. They cover depreciation, resale realities, imported 25-year-rule vehicles and right-hand-drive limitations, plus ideas like buying overseas or using standardized RVs/vans such as Winnebago Revels to travel and resell with minimal loss.

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On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady interviews Israeli traveler Adam Shani about growing up on a southern Israel kibbutz, where community, humility, self-reliance, fixing machinery, and non-consumerism shaped him. Adam describes Israel’s compulsory military service, volunteering for special forces, enduring demanding training, and learning perseverance, logistics, survival skills, and controlling one’s response under hardship—lessons he later used in travel. He recounts his first major expedition in 2000: flying disassembled Honda XR600s to Cape Town and riding to Ethiopia on a low budget, then returning to work nearly a year on a Botswana farm amid dangerous wildlife.

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Outdoorsy co-founder, Jennifer Young, about how her burnout from advertising led her to launch the peer-to-peer vehicle rental marketplace (an "Airbnb of overlanding") in 2014, growing to 200+ employees. Outdoorsy has expanded into the Outdoorsy Destination Network (campgrounds) and the Roamly insurance business. The platform highlights overlanding's growth (10%+ of listings), with common rentals including Tacomas, Jeep Gladiators, trailers, and EarthRoamers, typically priced around $160/night. They discuss the "try-before-you-buy" value and host motivations. Young also shares entrepreneurship advice like “start before you’re ready.”

Jeff Cavins And Jen Young

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On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady welcomes James Fountain, a cultural geographer and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, to discuss how exploration can support communities and science. Fountain shares how Overland Journal first inspired him, his formative work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the United Nations remapping roads, and how cultural geography examines how landscapes shape cultures. They compare happiness levels and development using examples such as Malawi and Bhutan, including Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness and conservation policies, and discuss reducing travel gear and impact. Fountain recounts an ambitious Wakhan Corridor motorcycle journey relying on local generosity, then offers practical guidance on respectful, sustainable travel and citizen science.

The Explorers Club | Royal Geographical Society. | @james_wl_fountain

Books published Amazon.com

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In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady and his travel partner Clay Croft record from the field in the Central Republic of Congo. They discuss some of their most memorable adventures, including travels through South America and Alaska, and the unique lessons learned from their worldwide expeditions. Clay shares insights on vehicle preparation, the philosophy behind XOverland's build process, and the personal growth experienced through decades of global travel. Hear about their current journey across Africa, the challenges they've faced, and the gear that has proven indispensable. 

Expedition Overland | @croftclay

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Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with Zenith Irfan to discuss the importance of being the first female Pakistani motorcyclist to ride across Pakistan, and how her father’s dream led her to embark on the journey on a 70cc Honda. Zenith also dives into her top tips for visiting the country, including geography, what to wear, eat, and drink, and what to expect in various regions of Pakistan. 

Zenith Irfan

Zenith Irfan, the First Pakistani Female Motorcyclist to Ride Across Pakistan

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Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with Katie Harris of the Road Chose Me to discuss the overlap between human- and vehicle-powered adventure, and her experiences overlanding Australia, Iceland, and Tunisia with her partner, Dan, and daughter, Aurora. Katie dives into the details of hiking the Camino de Santiago with a young child, and the importance of community and the power of returning home to a place you truly love.

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On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, hosts Matt Scott and Scott Brady explore the future of overlanding, focusing on new technologies and trends. They highlight portable fridges with hot-swappable batteries (like EcoFlow/Bluetti) that offer extended runtime, device charging, and solar input, potentially eliminating complex dual-battery setups. They also discuss the rise of simpler lithium power packs as all-in-one alternatives, noting security concerns off-road. The conversation covers rapid battery advancements and the impact of satellite connectivity (Starlink) on remote work, while emphasizing the importance of disconnecting during travel. They note easier logistics due to e-Visas, cautioned about increased security risks from constant connectivity, and predict a shift toward range-extended EVs/PHEVs, which offer massive auxiliary power. They conclude by stressing that the best overland builds prioritize simplicity, reliability, minimal modifications, and choosing the right base vehicle.

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Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with adventure motorcyclist, author, and traveler Heather Lea to discuss the realities of long-term travel. Topics include navigating new relationships, complex logistics, the joys and challenges of riding as a woman, and encountering the kindness of strangers along the way.

Check out her book: Riding Full Circle: What the World Taught Me About Motorcycles, Risk, and Someone I Barely Knew

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