The Overland Journal Podcast

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 Inst agram | Facebook Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Hankook Dynapro Tire and Midland Radio 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Sponsored in part by Hankook Dynapro Tires and Mohab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Sponsored in part by Hankook Dynapro Tires See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube This episode sponsored in part by General Tire See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. We thank you for being a subscriber. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription! Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% discount. We thank you for being a subscriber. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription? Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.