The XOVERLAND Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Join overlanding experts Clay Croft and Richard Giordano as they reflect on their personal journeys from minimalist backpacking to fully built trucks traveling across borders.

In this episode, Clay and Richard draw on their own experience to explore how experience shapes the way we approach gear, vehicle builds, and life on the road. They break down the natural progression of truck setups, what to pack, and how your approach shifts between weekend trips and long-haul expeditions.

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your current setup, this conversation offers practical insights into building capability over time without overcomplicating the process.

Tune in for an honest discussion on growth, perspective, and why the most important step is simple: use what you have and get out there.

Sponsored by Mobil 1
Visit loveofdriving.mobil.com/aroundtheworld to learn more.

What does it actually take to build something—and keep it going when things don’t go to plan? In this episode, Clay Croft and Andy Ellis dive into the reality behind the journey, where expectations meet friction and the only way forward is to adapt. From key decisions to the moments that could have derailed everything, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to figure things out in real time. It’s not just about the wins—it’s about the process, the pressure, and the mindset required to keep moving when the path isn’t clear. Because the version of the story you see is only part of it—this is everything underneath.

Sponsored by Mobil 1
Visit loveofdriving.mobil.com/aroundtheworld to learn more.

From the Americas to Africa, motorcycles to a Hilux, Lisa and Jason of Four Wheeled Nomad have done it all. This week, they sit down with Rachelle and discuss striking the right balance in their overlapping adventures.

After 80,000 miles and 21 countries, all on motorcycles, Lisa and Jason have gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable, and they are here to share their story.

Make sure to check them out on YouTube and on Instagram!

Join us for a deep dive into what it looks like to overland in the U.S. from a European perspective with Melanie and Sebastian from the Campulance!

These two amazing people tell everything that they know about making life choices to support your love of travel, managing finances, budgeting & saving, work ideas, and much more.

Not sure where to get started in full-time overlanding? This podcast is for you.

The team at Mainline Overland have been around the block when it comes to building overland rigs.  From helping build rigs like MAK and Owen's (Bound for Nowhere) Tundra to helping people outfit an adventure ready lifestyle, Mainline are here to make building an overland rig accessible.

Jimmy and Leah learn all about how to plan your suspension as you load your vehicle down with aftermarket parts and accessories, as well as common failure points as your build progresses.

Pete and Joe from Mainline are here to help you get started on planning your overland upgrades. Make sure to check them out online or on Instagram!

Watch this podcast here!

How do you thrive while on extended overlanding trips?

There are few people that have overlanded around the world more than Scott Brady.

Extended trips and overlanding are not always as glamorous as it looks. There are many things to consider when heading out for a long trip, or even a weekend adventure.

What you bring with you is only half of the battle! We want to educate on how you plan a trip that will make for an amazing experience, no matter the crew and needs.

Watch this podcast here!
Read the show notes here!

There are more use cases for aftermarket bumpers than being able to mount a winch and lights! Overall safety should be a part of the equation when considering where you spend your money on your build.

From safely carrying a spare tire to protecting from animal strikes, CBI's armor for your vehicle offers tons of versatility all of your needs.

We have used CBI armor on many of our builds, ranging from our 2023 Sequoia, 2022 Tundra, 3rd Gen Tacomas, and many more.

Cyrus (18 years old), Ryder (15 years old), and Eli (13 years old) had the experience of a lifetime overlanding through southern Africa with the XOVERLAND Team.

What was it like to see this part of the world through the eyes of a teenager? The boys chat all about their highest and lowest moments of the trip.

Watch this podcast here!

Richard and Ashley Giordano (Desk to Glory) have been around the block with the XOVERLAND Team.

In our most recent series, Season 6: Africa, the Giordanos joined the Croft family on a 60-plus-day journey around southern Africa. This expedition took the team through South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.

Ashley was our navigator for the 10,000km trip, while Richard chased the team around as a camera operator. Without the two of them, we wouldn’t have been able to tell the story of this expedition.

At the release of this podcast, Richard and Ashley live on the road in their 2008 Toyota Tundra and are filming their upcoming series for XOVERLAND Network.

Watch this episode here!

Is traveling to Africa a bucket list item on your overlanding to-do list? If so, Dr. Jon is the go-to guy to get you, your partner/s, family, or team medically prepared for this adventure of a lifetime.

Serving as Team Doctor of the XOVERLAND crew for the Season 4:  Return to Alaska Series, Dr. Jon was cherry-picked by XOVERLAND’S Clay Croft, to reprise his role on their first-ever adventure to Africa during the summer of 2024.

To prepare for their tour through South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, Dr. Jon did extensive research to ensure that he and the team were as prepared as possible for whatever medical emergencies might befall the XOVERLAND crew while traveling through the southern region of “The Dark Continent.”

Learn about needed vaccinations, malaria prevention, and recommended medical gear and approaches to wilderness medicine to prepare you for overland travel in Africa.

PLEASE NOTE:  The XOVERLAND Team explored Southern Africa for two months last summer (2024) while filming Season 6:  Africa. Dr. Jon supported the team during the first phase of the expedition. This conversation was recorded immediately upon his return to the U.S. to capture his experience and insight while still fresh and front of mind.

See Full Show Notes for this Episode HERE.
See Video Version of this Episode HERE.