The Average Overlanders Podcast

We're getting to hangout with the ladies from Jess2 Re-Routing! Jess @archtrooper.jl has been on the show with us before but this is our first time meeting Jessica @pinkstarjess They're teaming up for another go at the Rebelle Rally. They competed against each other in previous years but combining their talents and skills to go big this year! We'll get to know more about Jessica, how she got into offroading and camping at a young age and still gets out there hiking to mountain peaks. We get caught up on some new projects Jess has in the works, her time at the SoCal Expo, adventures and what she been up to. Also we find out about how they're training and events they have coming up.

We got a chance to hangout with Will @aventure_rig. He had some interesting stories to share with us. What it's been like living in his 70 series Land Cruiser full time over the last year. Or now as he sets up his new GX 470. We find out some of the popular and questionable trends in Japanese car culture. As well as fun trips, camping style, airsoft and a bunch more.

We had some special guests in town this week stop by the podcast. We're joined by Brian and Marisa from Our PNW Adventures. They have a YouTube channel that chronicles their adventures. Hopping all around the Pacific Northwest in their 5th gen 4Runner with a Lobo adventure trailer in tow. We find out what it's like camping with a trailer, cooking at camp and hiking trips. They share stories from their travels including future travel plans. We even get a little spooky talking about the supernatural and ghost hunting. 

We're back from the holidays! It's the first episode of the new year and we're kicking off Season 5! At the time, there are large fires happening in California. Ben and Jared go over some of the destruction and cautions associated with the fires. They discuss what gear you may already have with your camping setups that could help you out in such a situation or other natural disasters. Also during their off time Jared was out exploring the Southwest. He shares some stories from his adventure. And Ben was abroad in Spain. He gives some highlights from his travels.

This week Ben and Jared are getting to hangout with Crystal @thefurrunner. She drives a nicely setup 5th Gen 4runner that we get into the build out of and all the cool mods she has done to it. And of course we have to talk about dogs and her 3 pups she hauls around in her rig. She also shares with us some of her favorite trips, the fun of going to events and meetups, working with Toyota, soccer, music and so much more!

We're hanging out this week with Aubrey, @not.a.forest.ranger. Aubrey has a taste for adventure and the outdoors so he built up his Ford Ranger to take him there. Cleanly setup for his needs without breaking the bank. We talk camping, EV vehicles, fridges and other random topics.

We get to hangout this week with Gabe from @battlereadyrigs and talk about his "slightly" modified '97 Jeep XJ. Our good buddy Neal @nealskis who knows Gabe from his Subie days joins us for a bit as well. Gabe's XJ is not your basic grocery getter though. He's cut the back off and made it into a flatbed, slapped some 35's on it along with some other mods and hits the trails hard. We talk about how he got into modding vehicles with his family growing up. With everything from VW's to rock crawlers. How he got a his first taste of overlanding with his Subaru to wanting to go harder on the trails. 

It's just Ben and Jared hanging out this week. Jared recently headed up to the Eastern Sierra area for some fishing. His daughter and her friend wanted to give fishing a try while camping that weekend. They ended up finding some cool camp spots and had a great time, even if no fish were caught. Ben took his new Porsche Cayenne out on its maiden voyage. Him and our buddy Mark @landcruserdoods made a day run to checkout a local fire lookout. We also talk about some new gear they tested out, some throw back to the tuners days and some cool upcoming events.

Have you ever wanted to know what it take to be a part of the Rebelle Rally? Well you're in for a treat. This week we're hanging out with Team Desert Belles @teamdesertbelles! Kristen @mrs.optoffroad will be driving in her second year running the Rebelle and she is teaming up with Allison @charming4runner who will be navigating in her rookie year. They share with us how the rally is structured, the point system, checkpoints, the different stages and much more. We also get to hear how they are spending all their time training and the huge costs it take to compete. They're super appreciative of all their fans and sponsors coming together to help get their already sweet Bronco ready for the big day and be able to make it to the finish. Make sure to follow along as we'll be rooting for them!

This week we have on Aric @as_is_overland. Jared and Aric just got back from 4 days in the Western Sierra. They had the opportunity to join a group for season 2 of the Helko Hunt. Helko Werk axe company invited 3 teams to go up into the mountains to try and find buried treasure. We recap the fun and trials we went through to find the hidden caches. Plus good times getting to camp with some old and new friends. 

We had a lot of fun on this episode getting to hangout again with Al @sponsoredbywifey who was last on the show back in Season 2, Episode #82. Plus getting to know Erwin @mallrig.pro. They both have super clean Gen 3 Tundras with popup campers. Al has the Four Wheel Camper, Project M while Erwin went with the OVLND Camper. Both have been decked out by Sponsored by Wifey handling the build-outs. Of course they had to make sure to include the essentials like sink, stove, fridge, microwave, VR gaming set, projection screen. You know, the basics. We get into talking about E-bikes, photography, camp events, TV commercials and all sorts of cool stuff. Hangout with for a few hours and have some fun!

We've been talking about it for awhile now and it's finally happening. We are now live and on camera. Whether or not thats a good thing we'll find out. To help us test it all out our buddy Norm @land_beaver1 stops by the studio. He's been on a few trips sense we talked last. He was out exploring Montana, Wyoming and Colorado and shares some of those adventures. Plus we take a couple questions from a few listeners tuning into the live stream.

Ben and Jared are joined by their buddy Chef Sean @fstlayn this week. Jared and Sean have been doing some exploring along the 395 and share some highlights from their trips. Jared had also just spent 4 days at Expo PNW up in Oregon. He talks about some of the products he saw and getting to meet up with friends he ran into while there. How does the PNW Expo rank against Expo West? After Expo Jared joined up with some friends to head out to the Oregon coast for some beach camping. While there, some interesting events took place including needing to pullout the medical bags. Then it was back down the 395 to meet up with another friend before heading home.

This episode Ben and Jared are joined by their buddy Rafael @tacotrooper31. It's summertime and it's heating up. Ben and Rafa are stripping down their trucks and changing things up a bit and dropping some weight. While Jared is doing the opposite and gearing up for a 11 day trip up to Oregon and stoping by Overland Expo PNW. Hangout as they talk all about portable AC units, Starlink, hot Cheetos, camping with dogs and a bunch of other fun stuff.

Jared and Ben are back from out on the road. They've been getting up to some higher elevations lately. Ben just got back from northern Arizona during Expo West but does it different. While Jared was up exploring the mountains of the 395. They talk about trail damage, new coffee setups, taking naps at camp, fashion advice and plenty of random thoughts that pop into their heads.

Jared and Ben are camping together again! They set out for a nice 3 day adventure through Northern Arizona. They were joined by some family and a few close friends on this one. Aric @as_is_overland being one of those to tag along on this trip joins them on the show this week. They all recap the unexpected weather, breakdowns, and all around fun times had at camp.

This week Jared and Ben are hanging out, sharing stories. Jared just recently went out with some friends out exploring parts of Death Valley. He shares some of the cool sights they visited and adventures they experienced. From crazy winds, awesome trails, hot springs and great people makes for a great trip. Also touch on some upcoming projects. 

We got our buddy Mike @flatbedtundra on the show with us this week. Not only does Mike have a nicely setup Tundra with a flatbed, he also custom built a trailer that is probably more dialed in than most trucks. When he decided to remove the bed of his truck and go with a flatbed he had a vision. Why waste a perfectly good truck bed? Why not turn it into a sick, overly built overland trailer! We talk about the build process and testing it out in places like Mojave and Anza Borrego. Tune in as we may have also discovered the next sleeper, overland rig.

We were finally able to get our friend Aim @overlandpriority to join us on the show! Not only does he go on some awesome adventures, he also has some amazing photography, which you can check out on his other page @aimlorejas_photography. He didn't always have all the cool gear and rad rig. He shares where he started and the evolution into where he is now. He may travel as a solo vehicle but he doesn't go it alone. His whole family is along for the ride!

Ben and Jared both went camping in the desert this last weekend but not together. Ben took an adventure with both his dogs and a great group for an awesome trip exploring around the Mojave desert. Jared couldn't get out for the whole weekend so opted for a quick overnighter in Anza Borego. They share some highs and lows from their trips. They also dive into wedding dress attire and pie for desert.

This week we had a great time getting to know Leeno from Ibis Offroad @ibisoffroad. Leeno gives us the run down on the offroad scene where he's from in Florida. Aside from having to deal with recovering in the marshland mud and the occasional gator, overlanding is pretty similar on the opposite coast. With Ibis Offroad he takes people out on guided trail adventures. From more advanced wheeling to the first timers. Offering training on how to self recover and being prepared with first aid. We also talk breakdowns, tires, airboats and other adventures.

This week, our buddy Matt Kester drops in. Matt, formally 2nd Hand Overland has started a new chapter in his life. He decided to give up his old Land Rover and trade it for 2 wheels. He's started traveling on a KLR 650 now. Hang out with us as we share some adventures, talk about running marathons, try some new bourbon, give questionable life advice and just have a good time. For more on Matt and his adventures follow him at Matt Kester on YouTube and on the gram @matt.t.kester

Our first guest of 2024 is our buddy Adam @adam.m.queen. Photography is his profession and he's been fortunate enough to be able to call home anywhere he feels like pulling up. Whether it's down by the beach or parked along a river up in the mountains. He makes this easier by driving a well put together Revel Sprinter van. We not only dive into van life but overall life. We share our thoughts on food, cool places, YouTube, whiskey, and whatever we feel like. Hangout with us and a have a few laughs.

We've been on a break for a bit to be with family over the holidays and to do some traveling. But we're back baby! This week Ben and Jared fill us in on what they've been up to during the time off. Ben recaps his 2 week trip to Greece and some mishaps in the desert with friends on a weekend getaway. Jared spent 8 days traveling up to the coast of Oregon and back. Some good times out at the popular local event Rigs & Brews and what plans they have for the new year.

Ben and Jared are hanging out this week with longtime friend James @jamesporter4sure. We talk about how he's managed to put down over 320K miles on his sweet 2020 F350 traveling the country. James even shares with us transitioning from life in the Marines to private security work. We also discuss hunting, his EDC and being able to bond with his son at his first concert while exploring Utah and some sketchy trails. 

If you only had 10 days to explore Colorado how would you do it? Well good friends of the show Aric and Shelby of @as_is_overland share with us how they went about it. Got to say it sounded like a great time. Hangout with us as we get to hear all about their adventure. Through the good, the not so good and a few surprises. 

We have the Barberena brother's in the studio this week. Brandon @code_5537 is not new to the show but Andrew decided to join in on the fun. They recently had a what was supposed to be a quick trail run up John Bull in Big Bear before grabbing lunch, turn into an all day indever. They go over the series of events of that day and any lessons that were learned. We also talk filters as Andrew works for SB Filters, how to properly wire a circuit breaker, and why you should always carry ratchet straps.

The first Lil' Smokies Campout and Cookoff is in the books! It was an awesome time up in the mountains, getting to hangout with old friends and making new ones. The cookoff was amazing! Everyone went above and beyond with their meals. Ben and Jared go over all the shenanigans that went down that weekend. Plus its starting to cool down and Jared shares his brief, but fun time hanging out up at the Toyo Tires event up in Holcomb Valley.

We're hanging out this week with Chef Sean @fstlayn. While Ben was in Arizona, Sean and Jared were both up exploring the 395. They were with different groups but at times were only 5min apart. They ran into changes in weather, field repairs, and some amazing times.

This week were joined by Rob and Avis from Overland V1.0. They are currently taking a short break from traveling all over in their ridiculously cool 2021 RAM 3500 for Avis to train with Kristen @mrs.optoffroad in the Opt Offroad Bronco, for her second time running the Rebelle Rally. We talk about some of their trips including traveling from Virginia to Alaska, and getting muddy along the Mojave Trail. We also discuss the current restrictions in place for those filming in National Parks and how crazy the laws are. To get involved head over to their Youtube channel for more info with links and how you can help.

This week we have Jessi @arctrooper.jl back with us in the studio but this time she brought along her husband Robert @mythosaurmotorsports. Together they make quite the formidable pair when it comes to offroad. When they pull up in Roberts awesome Ram 2500 decked out for the overland trails, pulling Jessi's badass Jeep JL on their custom trailer you know it's gonna be a good time! We talk about their most recent trip north along the Continental Divide with the Rebel Offroad crew and the good times had along that 16 day journey. We even dive into all the prep and training Jessi has been doing as she gets ready for her 2nd time running the Rebelle Rally!

This week we talk about the hype of the "big" hurricane that was supposed to hit southern California and how to be prepared. A lot of what we use for overlanding can be applied to disaster preparedness. We also touch people misusing public lands and how we can all do better.

Ben and Jared are hanging out on Instagram live this week. Talking about the so called "hurricane" about to come through southern California and everyone freaking out about it. They also recap the recent outing at OC Yoto Nights. It was a lot of fun with people showing off on the flex ramp, RC obstacle course setup by Opt Offroad, tons of vendors, cool rides and rad people all around. That same night there was supposed to be a big meteor shower and people were coming from all over to see it. People were flooding into Joshua Tree National Park to get a good viewing but some were being stupid about it and driving out of bounds, illegally camping, having fires during a fire ban and just leaving trash everywhere. People need to do better.

We have now officially launched our website where you can sign up for the first annual Little Smokies Campout. We talk a bit about what you will find when visiting the website and some of the plans for it. Also find out info for what you'll need to attend the Little Smokies Campout. Then we give some reviews of on restaurants and our thoughts on the recent tipping culture. Also it's been awhile since we been able to get out and camp but we've still been busy, going to car meets, taking the kids on summer activities, getting oil changes and so much more.

This week we're diving into some shock and suspension discussions. Who better to educate us than Scott from Icon Vehicle Dynamics. He shares with us the different suspension setups and how they function and what might work best for your rig. We also learned about some products we weren't aware of like their ICON Intelligent Control (IIC). This is some pretty cool tech that tunes your suspension on the fly without you having to leave the comfort of the cab of your vehicle. ICON doesn't just make amazing suspension components but some awesome wheels as well including their badass InnerLock wheels that function like a true beadlock but without the need of having to mess with rings. It was also cool to hear how they come up with some of their ideas for their setups and constant product testing. We're also stoked to announce The Little Smokies Campout which you can now sign up for on our newly launched Average Overlanders website! Go check it out and let us know what you think!

Fan favorite Norm @land_beaver1 is back with us in the studio. He and his wife Laura just got back from an epic 16 day trip exploring the midwest and as far as Glacier National Park. Trying out new gear and finding awesome spots to camp, Norm takes us along for a ride while sharing their travels. He also brought over some gifts and goodies which included some moonshine we may have taken a few sips of.  

We're back! We took a week off but back to our usual antics. During our time off Ben's son Miles was born! Also, Jared decided to head north up to Overland Expo PNW in Redmond Oregon. After hanging out at Expo a few days and having a great time visiting with old friends and making new ones he kept the Tundra heading north to explore more of the PNW. He shares how his trip went traveling 4000 miles and crossing 9 states in just 10 days. With countless stops along the way seeing amazing sites, tons of animals including 3 types of bears, rams, bison, fox, elk and more. Did the trip go perfectly smooth? Where there repairs needed along the way? Listen in and find out.

This week we're hanging out with Aric @as_is_overland. We go over his recent trip to Kings Canyon and the Sequoia's then over to Pismo Beach. Before that trip he was out exploring Mojave showing his brother what a 2 wheel drive 4Runner can do! Jared also share's some of his loose plans for his trip up north to Overland Expo PNW. 

We're having a good time this week as we are joined by Mr. Motts @frankiemotts and his daughter. As usual we are all over the place but some fun stories and laughs are had. Frankie shares with us some of his adventures in Baja and a few of his builds including a sweet 2019 Tundra, and nicely outfitted GX 470 and his latest addition a 4x4 Sprinter van he's building out. We get into changes he's made to his style of wheeling and how he plans to deck out the van and some of his favorite trips while his daughter helps us try to fit in by educating us on the current lingo used by the younger generation. We also share some gifts given to us by some awesome listeners and discuss our go to ice cream, pizza, and spicy foods. It's all about the people and the food.  

Ben and our guest this week Alison @charmin4runner have caught a case of "gold fever". Their recent trip in search of good times with friends on a fun prospecting trip may have turned into a True Crime episode. With some not so great map directions and some suspicious characters. But overall a good time was had. Some good stories and fun times ensue.   

We're hanging out this week with our buddy Adam @the_twig_rig. We talk about his recent trip to Pismo Beach with 41.22 and O4Lo. We also talk about some trip planning and who makes the best pizza among other random topics. 

This episode was a lot of fun hanging out with Olaf @aventuraseeker and Paola @paolaadventurer. They share with us some of their adventures including their many trips south of the boarder down to Baja, where they've been running comms for years for all the big Baja races. They are a couple that loves adventure. Recently spending a good amount of time exploring Arizona after the last Expo, then after a few days rest right back at it heading out for the Baja 500. Always getting out and exploring which is how Jared met them while on a trip together through Death Valley. We dive into that amazing trip which was lead by Robert @waltzingmatildajt. Couldn't have asked for a better guide. As usual after the drinks start flowing we get off topic a bunch which always leads to some great stories!

With the sacrifices of many to allow us to have this holiday free, we decide to make the most of it. Ben and Jared talk about the fun times they had together at the Fast Friends meet up Friday night to the Temecula Overland coffee meet up the next morning. Then splitting up, with Jared heading up to Thomas Mountain for the night and Ben meeting up with friends for some trails runs near Big Bear. A lot of fun was had over the weekend and we are very grateful for it.

This episode is jam packed with Clancy @mosey.on.overland joining us to recap this years Overland Expo West. Both Clancy and Ben made it out to Flagstaff for Expo this year but had totally different experiences. Ben headed out with a solid group of friends for a 4 day adventure but ran into vehicle breakdowns and a crazy hail and rain storm on the Friday at Expo. Clancy was out at expo all weekend hanging at the Xtrusion Overland booth with his sweet F-250 build on display. Both of their times in Arizona varied but both had an awesome time. We also had a surprise guest, Tate from Overland Spices calls in to give Ben some news.

This week we're hanging out in the studio with Mark @trailhawkdoods. Mark's been out hitting the trails with mans best friends, his Goldendoodles Chewie & Kandie. He actually breeds Goldendoodles. You can see some of the pups on their account @sweetdoodles. They seem to be the perfect camp dog as he takes them on all kinds of adventures in his well built up 2014 Jeep Trailhawk. We discuss how he has it outfitted to suit traveling with 2 large pups including a trailer he's setup for overlanding. Ben is about to find out how great of travel companions they are as he's getting ready to head out to Overland Expo West in Flagstaff with one of his Goldendoodle.

After celebrating our 100th episode it's now time to get back to taking some trips! But with having been busy the past few weeks it's come down to the last few days and minutes to get everything ready, packed up and vehicles prepped for our next trips. That's nothing new though. Seems like it always comes down to scrambling in the garage or driveway finishing up some new addition the adventure rig that we just had to have for this trip. Or figuring out what food you need to bring or packing clothes. It always seems to work out though. We might forget a few things or be super tired the next morning but once you get out there it's all worth it.

We're kicking off our 100th episode and the Land Beaver makes an appearance! Our good friend Norm @land_beaver1 stopped by to bring us a gift, so of course he had to stay and help us try our new whisky addition. We contemplate on the future and the direction overlanding is going and how it has evolved over the years. Where we first got our start and where we have gone from there. We reflect on some of our more memorable times and what we would change if anything. Then when the whiskey starts flowing though, we get into our usual shenanigans.

We're getting prepared with Erick @resqgs from RESQ GS. With his years in the medical field he saw a need for reliable emergency safety equipment that could be easily stowed in a vehicle or attached to gear or packs. So he developed a quality medical pack that could be quickly accessed when you need it most. Erick's also been around vehicles and off-roading for awhile with quite a few "project" cars. Ranging from an '86 4Runner, Subaru's, Honda's, 1st Gen Tacomas to his current rig a nicely built Lexus GX470. Like most of us he went through the phase of getting all the gear to now fine tuning it down to what you actually use and need. One of those being a good med bag. As usual we get into all kinds of topics like food, dogs, guns and so much more!

This week we sit down with Nate @the_ugly_80. He's just started building up his overland rig and off to a great start! Beginning with his '93 80 Series Land Cruiser. With some well thought out mods and upgrades he's ready to roll. We touch on what got him interested into wanting to this way of life and where he's taken his rig so far and what plans he has for it. Along with whatever with whatever usual random stuff we come up with.

This was a monster of an episode as Jonathan Elkins @jonathan_elkins_ hangs out with us this week. Just when you thought you were cool putting 35's on your rig, here comes Jonathan rollin on 60's! Jonathan is a professional monster truck driver with Hot Wheels driving iconic trucks like Bone Shaker! He shares with us how he knew from a young age he was meant to be behind the wheel racing. Starting out racing professionally in short course trucks and UTV's before getting a shot at the big trucks. Jonathan is also a 4th generation metal fabricator building custom heavy duty leaf springs and suspensions in his shop North County Spring. But when he's not crushing cars or working at his shop he enjoys getting out and enjoying the outdoors and exploring. He hooks up his custom built trailer to his Dodge Ram 3500 and hits the road traveling all across the country.  Join us as we share great stories and a lot of laughs!

Our guest this week is changing our minds on the potential of hybrid vehicles for overlanding! Jimmy @black.jmyntrn, aka The Black Jimmy Neutron dropped by the studio to share with us some of his adventures. Initially when you hear "Prius", you don't think "offroad overland vehicle". But Jimmy has proven that wrong! Not only has he taken his modified 2013 Prius Plug-In offroad and camping, he's taken it to 49 states, including up through Canada into Alaska! He's even been south into Baja, with plans to head further into South America and eventually a European tour. He also offers support for others in the Prius Overland community with his website black.jmyntrn.com. We talk about how he discovered his love for overlanding and exploration, future plans and even the best spot to buy fireworks!