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 Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

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.

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

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

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 MagazineNew 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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

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 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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews recent world record holder John Ballsdon of Always Look Twice about his 28-day drive from Nordkapp, Norway to Cape Agulhas, South Africa, largely hugging West Africa’s coast in two Ineos Grenadiers, one towing a Bruder trailer. John shares how his mother, a professional photographer, shaped his attention to detail and how early travels to India and later living 10.5 years in Moscow fueled a lifelong drive to document landscapes and cultures. They discuss staying grounded after travel through planning, journaling, and reflection, plus the contrasts of living abroad versus passing through. John explains why he pursued the record as an antidote to “doom scrolling,” highlights Guinea and the North Cape, describes low points in Angola, a lost passport recovered through Nigerian kindness, vehicle prep and fuel strategy, and a forthcoming feature-length film planned for autumn.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 and development through examples like 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.

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. 

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.

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 predicted 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.

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.

Rachelle Croft joined Scott Brady on the Overland Journal podcast to discuss how women’s off-road rallies and international travel have helped shape her leadership and mindset. A veteran of the Rebelle Rally (including a 2019 win, 2020 second-place finish, and returning in 2025 as part of Toyota’s official 4Runner Trailhunter team), she detailed how the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in Morocco was a personal turning point, teaching mental resilience and problem-solving under pressure. Croft emphasizes the importance of clear communication, managing stress in team environments, and prioritizing joy in travel. As CEO of the Overland Collective, she focuses on community, education, kindness, and stewardship. Upcoming projects for 2026 include the X Overland "Milestones" premiere and promoting her "Start Somewhere" initiative to encourage new travelers.

Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with South African overlander Adrian Abrahams to discuss his love of traveling in Namibia, and how nearly a decade of overlanding has shaped a new 4x4 shop endeavor in Cape Town, South Africa. Adrian also provides practical advice about visiting the country, including destination recommendations, while Ashley tries to pronounce several Afrikaans words essential to the overland traveler.

Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with adventure motorcyclist, author, and traveler Elspeth Beard, who was one of the first women to ride around the world by motorcycle. Elspeth dives into the details of her two-year round-the-world trip, from 1982 to 1984 on a 1974 BMW R60 bike, and how the experience changed her life, including the highs and lows of such an intense adventure. 

In this episode of the Overland Journal podcast, host Scott Brady chats with longtime friend and veteran overlander Kurt Williams. Kurt, a seasoned traveler known for his expertise with Land Cruisers and extensive global expeditions, discusses his adventures across six continents, including his latest trip through West Africa. Together, they delve into favorite travel memories, vehicle build simplicity, the importance of training, and their philosophy of occasionally stepping away from technical perfection to enjoy the journey. Kurt also shares his insights on the significance of adaptability and a positive mindset during long-haul trips, offering valuable advice for both new and experienced travelers alike. Tune in for an engaging conversation about overlanding travels, trials, and the learned wisdom that comes from decades on the road. Don't forget to check out the related content on expeditionportal.com!

Join hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott for the Overland Journal podcast's 2025 year-end review. They discuss a range of topics from personal adventures to industry trends, including Matt's deep dive into classic cars, Scott's monumental travel across Africa, and their experiences with various overland vehicles like the Grenadier and the Scout camper. They also touch upon the changing landscape of the overland community post-COVID and the rise of electric vehicles in overlanding. Tune in to hear their reflections on a transformative year and their plans for 2026.

Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with Leigh and Steph Dearle of GrizzlyNBear Overland as they reflect on nine years of full-time international overland travel. Leigh and Steph dive into their daily routine, how their travel style has changed over time, and how a recent overhaul of their 2010 Land Rover Defender 130 changed the way they overland.

Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with travel journalist and guide Breanna Wilson to discuss what you need to know about overlanding in Mongolia. Wilson also dives into her journey from Georgia to Mongolia in her trusty 78-Series Troopy, and reflects on her most special memories in the country.

In this episode of the Overland Journal podcast, host Scott Brady speaks with Eric and Brittany of 'Hourless Life' as they  discuss their journey full of adventures and unique experiences. Eric and Brittany recount the challenges and highlights of their incredible trip down through the Americas, including confronting mechanical issues in Patagonia, the impact of experiencing new cultures, and their emotional arrival in Ushuaia. They also reflect on personal growth, the dynamics of traveling as a family, and friendships forged on the road. The family shares future plans, lessons learned about vehicle setups, and anecdotes that capture the unpredictability and joy of overlanding.

In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady interviews Susan Dragoo, a historian and regular contributor to Overland Journal. The conversation spans Susan's passion for history and her adventures in overlanding and hiking. They discuss her recent work on the Butterfield Trail, a historic stagecoach route, delving into the challenges and discoveries along the way. Susan also shares stories from her hiking experiences, including a memorable trek to Everest Base Camp, and her insights on becoming a successful photojournalist. The episode emphasizes the importance of intertwining historical research with outdoor exploration and the rewards of uncovering and documenting forgotten historical trails.