The X Overland Podcast

All the way from England, we welcome our new friend Tati, into the studio!Join Clay Croft and Tati as they discuss their passion for overlanding, vehicles, and more on the XOVERLAND Podcast. In this episode, these two overlanding pros dive deep into building vehicles for travel, where in the U.S. to visit, and what drives them to continue traveling all over the globe. What are important first steps in vehicle based travel? How does XO travel safely in new environments? Find out in this hour long discussion! Visiting the Hangar in an Ineos Grenadier, Tati will stop by some American hot spots, then travel back to her beloved motherland, and back to her epic Land Rover. Be sure to check out her socials!

We've heard your questions and we're excited to answer them. In this episode, Scott Brady, Clay Croft, Rachelle Croft and Ashley Giordano sit down together at the to share the full story behind the launch of the Overland Collective. From how this idea came to life to why now is the time, this honest conversation dives into the vision, values, and future of this unified effort between XOVERLAND, Overland Journal, Expedition Portal, and XOVERLAND Ranch. You'll also hear what this means for the content you love, how it will impact the community, and what you can expect moving forward.If you've been curious about what the Overland Collective really is and why it matters, then this is the episode for you.

Join adventurers and storytellers Clay Croft and Sinuhe Xavier as they take you on a journey of exploration, creativity, and human connection. Clay and Sinuhe share their passion for traveling the world in unique ways, from remote off-road expeditions to uncharted cultural immersions. With riveting tales from their years of overland travel, behind-the-scenes insights into their storytelling craft, and interviews with fellow explorers, this podcast is your passport to inspiration to your next adventure. Discover what it takes to turn ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures while uncovering the world's hidden gems one road at a time.

Join overlanding experts Clay Croft and Ryan Connelly as they explore the art of optimizing both your life and your overlanding vehicle. In this episode, Clay and Ryan dive into the practical tips, gear recommendations, and packing strategies that will make your next adventure smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned overlander or just starting to build your dream rig, they cover everything from vehicle upgrades and maintenance to mental and physical preparation for life on the road. Tune in for in-depth discussions on balancing adventure with efficiency, plus expert insights to help you make the most of every journey.

Join filmmakers Clay Croft and Zach Johaneson as they reflect on their epic overlanding journey through South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho. In this episode, they share the stories behind the lens as they navigated remote roads, filmed stunning landscapes, and immersed themselves in local cultures. Clay and Zach dive into the challenges of capturing a film while on the move, the moments of awe they encountered along the way, and the powerful connections they made through travel. Whether you're into overlanding, filmmaking, or adventure, this episode is packed with insights from an unforgettable road trip across Southern Africa.

Join Jason Siver, an expert in automotive insurance and overlanding enthusiast, as he dives into the world of insuring overlanding vehicles. In this informative podcast, Jason shares his extensive knowledge of how to properly insure your overland rig to ensure peace of mind during your off-road adventures. From understanding the unique needs of overlanding vehicles—whether they're modified with custom gear or are fully outfitted for long-distance travel—to exploring coverage options like comprehensive, collision, and specialty insurance, Jason breaks down the complexities of navigating the insurance landscape.Tune in to make sure your overland adventures are protected, whether you're crossing deserts, navigating rugged mountain passes, or embarking on a global road trip. Jason Siver's expert insights will help you ensure that your vehicle, your gear, and your journey are covered—every mile of the way.

Join us for our most extensive podcast to date about a topic that is what gets us out of bed in the morning, coffee!Jimmy and Leah begin by chatting with Rachelle about both her coffee background and the tips and tricks that she has learned from her years of traveling the globe. What are some of the best takeaways from her many miles around the world? Part 1 of this podcast is for you.Next, Jess Nepstad joins us from Brutrek to talk about gear and equipment that you should consider looking into before heading out on your next overlanding adventure. Finally, Ryan Ovik from Ghost Town Coffee (a local coffee roaster and favorite coffee shop) joins us to talk about best methods for brewing coffee and how to optimize your coffee making when at home or in nature. Coined "Bozeman's Best Barista", Ryan is a wealth of knowledge for the overlanding community.

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.

Until recently, vehicle manufacturers didn't supply off-the-lot options for overlanders, so we've adapted by modifying vehicles to suit our needs. Little did we know that Toyota secretly developed the solution we've all been waiting for—the Tacoma Trailhunter, a rugged new platform designed for overlanders to “go far.” The latest XOVERLAND series puts Clay's big ideas together for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Trailhunter right here in Montana. Join us for six weekly episodes on XOVERLAND Network and YouTube starting February 19, 2024, at 1 pm MST.Want to get started with onX Offroad? Click this link to get 20% off with "xoverland20"! Get a 3 day free trial and watch the Trailhunter Special on the XOVERLAND NETWORK by clicking here!This podcast episode is driven by Mobil 1.

Since 2010, XOVERLAND founders, Clay & Rachelle Croft, have been traveling the world with a team of adventurers and filmmakers to locations as varied as Central America to Scandinavia. For their most recent overlanding experience, the trailblazing couple took their three boys–Cyrus (18), Ryder (15), and Eli (12)–to Africa with the Expedition Overland team to begin traveling a new continent together as a family–a Croft first.With this groundbreaking series set to release this year (2024), we sit down with Clay and Rachelle to talk Africa. Where did they go? What did they see? (Without giving too much away!) What were some of their biggest challenges and most memorable moments?Join the conversation as we discuss what it looks like to travel through some of the most rugged terrain in the world as a family and experience the surreal moments that can only occur when overlanding in Africa.See Video Version of this Episode HERE!See Full Show Notes for this Episode HERE!

When trying to figure out a plan for your next vacation, are you interested in booking a “tour” or experiencing a real “adventure”? To begin with, maybe you're wondering exactly what the difference is between the two. Joe Fleming, owner/founder of Bonafide Moto Co. based in Southern Africa is on the show to explain how the ADV motorcycle experiences his clients share with him are more than just a trip or a tour; they are a “bonafide” moto adventure. Hosting riders from around the world in places as extreme as Namibia and India, Joe and his team create unique travel experiences in which challenges and exploring the unknown are the norm.While some have the ability and desire to embark on a years-long, round-the-world overlanding journey by truck or motorcycle, many of us only have a one to two-week window of vacation each year in which we can have a shot of experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. So it's no surprise that overland tourism is on the rise. “Fly and Drive/Ride” experiences are now available in many parts of the world, and we're interested in sharing what these look like with our listeners.Clay and Rachelle met Joe Fleming on the XOVERLAND team's recent trip to Southern Africa. They were impressed by Joe's enthusiasm for the region, passion for his work, and extensive knowledge of the area, so we decided to feature Joe on our first podcast episode featuring the subject of overland tourism. An American by birth, Joe Fleming moved to South Africa full-time 10 years ago to pursue the love of a special woman. Since then, Joe has fallen deeply in love with Africa, making a whole new life for himself as the owner/operator of an adventure motorcycle touring company. Joe is eager to candidly share what his clients experience on their journeys with him along with his thoughts on how to best prepare for an adventure of a lifetime–wherever you're headed.See Full Show Notes HERE!See Video Version of this Podcast HERE!

Considered by many in motorsport to be the world's toughest race, the Dakar Rally is renowned for the extreme off-road challenges it poses for both motorcyclists and drivers alike. Described as not just the biggest Rally Raid in the world, but as “an incomparable human adventure,” this year's Dakar Rally will last 14 days and take place in Saudi Arabia.So what do the Dakar and overlanding have in common? Why are we talking about the Dakar on the XOVERLAND Podcast? Find out by joining our conversation with moto legend and off-road coach, Jimmy Lewis. Nearly winning the Dakar Rally during his racing career, Jimmy now coaches the top racers in the U.S. to compete in the Dakar. Jimmy's current student, moto competitor, Ricky Brabec, is the first American ever to win the Dakar.Thankfully for all of us who are not racers, Jimmy is eager to share his expertise in all areas related to riding, driving, and navigating in off-road environments. Course designer of the Rebelle Rally and owner/operator of Jimmy Lewis Off-Road Training, Jimmy has improved the off-road skills of top pro riders and thousands of his amateur students.Get ready to be entertained by Jimmy's colorful stories of Dakar and beyond while settling into in-depth conversations that will improve your off-road knowledge and skillsets no matter what vehicle you choose to adventure with.See Full Show Notes HERE!See the Video of this Episode HERE!

Many of us in the traveling and outdoor adventure community currently parenting or considering becoming parents wonder about this pivotal question:  Can I take my kids out of school to join me on an epic adventure?To help find the answers, the team at XOVERLAND has brought together three guests to serve as a panel of experts who can share their experiences and know-how when it comes to taking your kid out of a conventional school setting so they can hit the road with you and head out on a great adventure. After all, isn't an overlanding journey a great opportunity to learn? New places, perspectives, cultures, experiences, skills, and knowledge await the traveling adventurer, so why not share that with our children? Our first guest is global overland traveler, XOVERLAND Co-Founder and COO, Rachelle Croft. A mother of three boys, Rachelle has experienced the evolution of seeing her and husband, Clay Croft's, children go from toddlers to world travelers themselves. The Croft boys have accompanied their parents to Alaska, Scandinavia, and now Africa–all while remaining enrolled in their local public school system. We talk to Rachelle to learn more about how to work with your child's school to take them on massive adventures that may last weeks or even months.Our second guest, Christine Dehaven of Family.Overland.Adventure, along with her husband Evan DeHaven, has taken her two boys on a three-year full-time overlanding adventure. Taking place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DeHavens opted for remote learning to keep their kids enrolled in classes and on the path toward a diploma. Christine explains what this option looks like for travelers and how she has refined the approach to suit the personalities and learning styles of her boys.Finally, we feature Brittany Highland of Hourless Life. Brittany and husband, Eric, have been full-time overlanding since 2014. In 2016, their son, Caspian, was “born to the road” as Brittany describes it. Giving birth in an L.A. hospital, hours later Brittany was back in the family Jeep with Eric and heading toward Mexico to continue on their epic overlanding adventure. Brittany has been teaching Caspian on the road ever since using a unique method of learning known as “Unschooling.” She and Eric plan on continuing along their journey while Caspian grows up and completes the work necessary for his high school diploma.If this is a topic you've been curious about, please join us for this unprecedented conversation. We hope that by the time you wrap up listening to this episode, you will have both the knowledge and confidence to go after your most ambitious traveling and adventure dreams without being hamstrung by “school”!See Full Show Notes for this Episode HERE.See Video Version of this Episode HERE.

“Outdoor Recreation Planner” for the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), Erik Lundin, joins us on this episode to discuss all things associated with recreating and adventuring on BLM lands. Whether overlanding, fishing or hunting, bicycling, heading out on horseback, riding motorcycles, river running, or studying songbirds, Erik will help us answer fundamental questions like these:  Where can I camp? Is this trail open or closed? What do I do with my poop? Can I have a campfire here? Erik takes joy in providing clear, actionable answers to these questions and more so that all of us recreating and adventuring BLM lands can do so confidently.In this episode, Erik further shares how to discover the best recreational opportunities on BLM lands to suit your particular outdoor interests, taking a close look at the BLM's “Multiple-Use” philosophy and at S.R.M.A.s (Special Recreation Management Areas).Finally, learn how you can volunteer to make a difference in keeping your favorite BLM recreational areas clean, healthy, and open to further public use.See Full Show Notes HERESee Video of this Podcast Episode HERE

What do you get when two guys who grew up knee-deep in the RVing industry decide to build a compact, well-constructed truck camper perfect for vehicle-based adventuring and overlanding? The “Skinny Guy Camper” of course!For this episode, we sit down with Skinny Guy Campers co-founders, Jason Bontrager and Donavon Fredrickson along with Chief Operating Officer and co-owner, Austin Bontrager to discuss what it looks like to take your dream for an innovative product from an idea to a manufactured reality. The grandson of Jayco RV founder, Lloyd Bontrager, Jason knows a thing or two about RVs but his passion has always been for remote, overland-style camping far away from parking lots and established campgrounds. The son of the owner of one of Jayco's most successful dealerships, Donavon Fredrickson (aka “Skinny Guy”) has always shared the same passion. That's why these two teamed up to build an all-new truck camper concept manifested in the “Skinny Guy Camper.” Along with telling the story of the business they built, these two and Austin share details about the SGC that make it unique to the degree of having its own patent. An R.V.I.A. (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) certification, a patented jack system, the ability to fit on nearly any pickup platform–and even a flushable toilet? Somehow, this team has found a way to make it happen. It's been far from easy though, and Donavon, Jason, and Austin still face new challenges every day as they press on to bridge the gap between the amenities of an RV and the rugged reliability of a compact overlanding platform. See Full Show Notes HERE!Watch the Video HERE!

For this episode, Jimmy & Leah sit down for an expansive conversation with MAK (Mary Ashley Krogh) and Owen of Bound for Nowhere.MAK & Owen share the details of how they became close friends with other traveling creatives like Karissa & Linhbergh of gondirtin and Chase & Aimee Bartee of Tight Loops Fly, and we discuss the unique qualities of the overland travel community.Then jump in with us for a very deep dive into MAK & Owen's particular traveling philosophy and how it manifests itself within their work featured in the content of Bound for Nowhere.Finally, enjoy catching a glimpse of what's next for this adventure-artist couple, learn how they have fun and stay safe on the road, and find time for activities like journaling, photography, hiking, and other activities while full-time traveling.See Full Shownotes HERE!Watch the Video of this Podcast Episode HERE!

What is it like to go from being successful L.A. professionals living in the suburbs with two kids to being full-time family overlanders traveling out of a beautifully restored 1972 Ford Bronco on the adventure of a lifetime? Find out in this epic episode featuring Christine & Evan DeHaven of Family Overland Adventure.After pushing hard to become successful in the highly competitive media environment of Los Angeles, California, the DeHavens realized that what they had worked so hard to achieve left them lacking connection as a couple and a family. They decided that the answer was a new family challenge: a life of full-time family overlanding.  So working together with their two sons, they made a family decision to sell their house and hit the road. Throughout this episode, we hear of their adventures as they traveled from the southern-most tip of Baja to the shores of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, learn about their decision to pivot from the Bronco to their 2016 Toyota Tundra, and discover why after three years of full-time overlanding they decided to settle down in Bozeman, Montana.See what there is to discover from the triumphs and challenges of thousands of miles and more than three years of family overland adventure in this unique story told by the DeHavens!This podcast is brought to you by onX Offroad!See Full Show Notes HERE!See Video Version of this Podcast HERE!

XOVERLAND CEO, Clay Croft, jumps in as host for this special episode with photographer/social media influencer, Chris Burkard. Chris and Clay share a common bond through a life of making media around the adventures they pursue. We connect with Chris from his home in Iceland, where he and his family enjoy a life of fresh experiences both cultural and physical as Chris pursues next-level photographic journeys into the island nation's most remote and extreme environments.Throughout their conversation, Clay and Chris discuss their experiences in Iceland, their origin stories as adventure-photographer/filmmakers, and the role overlanding vehicles play in their lives.The two further discuss fatherhood and parenting, the hard and challenging road to success, mentorship, and the wisdom they have learned along the way.Join in for a conversation in which you are sure to find inspiration and a few pro tips to success no matter what you have your sights set upon.See Full Show Notes HEREWatch the Video Version of this Podcast Episode HERE

We sit down with Brad Kowitz of TrailRecon to discuss how to get started driving more technical, 4WD-themed “trails.” What we're thinking here is that there may be people who have traveled the entire length of the Pan-American Highway but have never considered attempting a challenging 4WD trail in the U.S. like the Rubicon, Magruder, or Colorado's famous Black Bear or Imogene Passes. We decided to reach out to Brad to help all who can relate get started down the trail!Brad jumps right in to share what he has learned about taking a variety of 4WD vehicles into America's backcountry, from fully-built Jeeps to Sprinter Vans, offering tips on how to have fun getting started safely and responsibly.To dig further into this topic, we explore the oft-underrated capabilities of O.E.M. vehicles and why it's important to get to know your vehicle as it is before jumping into extensive modifications and accessorizing. Listen in as Brad defines what a “trail” is, exactly, and what you can learn from how the U.S.F.S. identifies the roads it manages throughout our national forests. You will learn how to find trails in your area to get started on, off-road communities to learn from, and classes and courses you can take to improve your off-road driving skills.We also chat a bit about the popular “BDRs” (Backcountry Discovery Routes) now found in the U.S., and how these can be a great opportunity for those interested in getting started in vehicle-based, off-road adventure.Finally, Brad has some fun sharing some harrowing stories of his own adventures and misadventures along his path toward becoming an experienced off-roader and why he has come to push back against peer pressure when it comes to choosing his trails.Whether you're an experienced off-roader looking to get more into overland-style wheeling or an experienced overlander excited about hitting up more technical 4WD trails, you will find something of value in this episode with Brad Kowitz, who has found a happy middle ground within these two pursuits.See Full Show Notes HERE!Watch the Video Version of this Podcast Episode HERE!

This is one of our most extended and complex episodes to date–and for good reason. We have Rebelle Rally founder, Emily Miller, on the podcast for the first time and she has volumes of information to share about navigation, the Rebelle Rally, and driving skills, along with crazy stories about her experiences designing the Rebelle course with the likes of off-road motorcycling legend, Jimmy Lewis.An expert in navigation, Emily provides our listeners with insight and knowledge gained through study and hard-earned experience in various forms of navigation, from traditional paper-and-compass methods to state-of-the-art GPS. Join the conversation, as Emily explains her holistic philosophy when it comes to navigation and teaches proven, race-winning strategies for reading terrain and using primitive and modern navigation tools to find one's way across remote landscapes efficiently and effectively.In this special episode, we also learn all about the Rebelle Rally:  Where is it held? Who can participate? What vehicles are allowed to enter the rally? Emily answers these questions and more about the first and only navigation-based rally to be held within the U.S.Emily also explains the top-secret, “classified” nature of planning the Rebelle Rally and how this has put her and her colleagues into some extreme behind-the-scenes situations. Listen in as she shares some of her best stories, including camping at the epicenter of an earthquake that registered a 7.2 on the Richter scale!

Join us for our best episode yet on auxiliary power with our incredibly knowledgeable yet highly entertaining guest from Down Under, Mark Bruce, manager of International Training and Development at REDARC Electronics.Do you have lots of questions about auxiliary power systems for your vehicle, be it an overland vehicle, hunting rig, van, or even a small R.V.? Have you wondered about the pros and cons of lithium batteries, how solar power functions, and whether a mobile or “house” auxiliary power system is right for you?To get answers to these questions and much more, we reached overseas to record this episode with Mark Bruce of REDARC Electronics in Australia. REDARC is a leading manufacturer of extremely rugged and reliable mobile power systems for everything from overland vehicles to sailboats and their equipment represents the state-of-the-art in this industry.What are “Amp-hours” (Ah), watts, volts, and charge controllers, and how do they function in an auxiliary power system? Mark defines these terms and provides us with the math we need to figure out our own unique power needs and how to effectively meet these needs in a variety of climates and conditions by optimizing our vehicle's auxiliary power system.Will solar panels work when it's cloudy? Do I need to worry about my starting battery dying if I am running a powered refrigerator? Will lithium batteries function effectively in cold climates? Can gas or diesel generators be useful? The questions just keep coming and Mark keeps up, providing us with the information and insight we need to build the most efficient auxiliary power systems for our vehicles, whether we're overlanding or weekend camping.See Full Show Notes HERE!Watch the Video Version of this Episode on the XOVERLAND Network HERE!

Chase and Aimee Bartee are extremely hard-working filmmakers with a passion for fly fishing, overlanding, and conserving the beautiful and wild country they love.The story of the Bartees is the story of two artists pursuing an uncompromising path toward their artistic vision. Finding success with their first film Journey On, the couple has developed a devoted YouTube following on their channel, Tight Loops, and received critical acclaim for their wilderness expeditionary film, Big Land. Their most recent project, For Wild's Sake: The Rare Trout Chronicles, showcases their unique, cinematic blend of entertainment, education, and inspiration.We sit down with Chase and Aimee at the XOVERLAND hangar to discuss their philosophy as artists, current projects, adventures in their 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia Weekender Van, and transition to a 2023 Toyota Tundra featuring a Four Wheel Camper Hawk. Our discussion features everything from harrowing tales of Baja adventure to approaches to minimizing our impact on the outdoor environments and resources we cherish. We hope you enjoy our conversation with the very talented couple, Chase and Aimee Bartee of Tight Loops!This podcast is brought to you by onX Offroad!Read the show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

It's one thing to head out camping and traveling for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months, but what about heading out on a 15-year full-time overland adventure around the world while raising your newborn child? Enter the world of Eric and Brittany Highland of Hourless Life.Eager to spend more time together after inhabiting the world of professional marketing, Eric and Brittany purchased a Jeep Gladiator they dubbed “Dauntless,” outfitted it with a solid kit of overlanding gear, and began their multiyear journey throughout the globe. Their son, Caspian, was literally “born to the road” as Brittany puts it, as she left the maternity ward in the U.S. and immediately jumped into the Jeep with Eric to begin their adventure into Mexico.Talking with Eric and Brittany is a revelation into the gritty and sometimes very challenging realities of overland travel. In this episode, the couple shares what life looks like on the daily as they travel throughout Latin America en route to Ushuaia.This unforgettable conversation explores everything from misconceptions about Mexico, to potty training along the Pan-American Highway, along with a close look into the cultural differences between Latin America and the U.S.Whether you enjoy domestic overland travel within the U.S. or have your sights set on a R.T.W. (Round-the-World) journey, there is over a decade's worth of full-time travel to learn from packed into this lively and candid conversation. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

What happens when two podcast hosts who spend most of their time talking about overland adventure head out on their own separate journeys? Find out in this authentic and insightful episode that is not without its share of humorous stories shared by our hosts.Jimmy and Leah have been hosting overlanding experts, insiders, and influencers for over a year now. Grateful and inspired by what they have learned, they are eager to set out on their own journeys to see what they can accomplish.Just having returned from their biggest and most adventurous overland experiences to date, the two confess their shortcomings while offering tips and insights gained from their travels. Self-evaluating in the areas of navigation, packing, gear prep, and vehicle builds, Leah and Jimmy have fun recounting their wins and losses. With Jimmy aboard his adventure motorcycle and Leah traveling in her Toyota Tundra-Four Wheel Camper outfit, the two have extremely different yet surprisingly similar experiences and offer a smorgasbord of information to listeners joining in on this unique conversation. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

It is common for many to offer the conventional advice to “never travel alone.” Filmmaker, Sterling Noren, has some alternative thoughts, however, when it comes to solo travel.With extensive solo traveling experience by motorcycle throughout many remote regions of the world, Sterling is on the podcast to share his insight, expertise, and rationale for solo travel along with a couple of good stories based on his vast variety of experiences.Learn what Sterling Noren considers the five essential skills for solo travel, why solo travel can sometimes be safer than traveling with a group, and how to minimize your risk and optimize your fun while solo traveling aboard a motorcycle or in a vehicle. Having filmed 10 out of the 12 popular BDR films (Backcountry Discovery Routes) along with a host of compelling documentaries, Sterling now focuses most of his creative energy on his Motorcycle Travel Channel on YouTube, where his films exhibit a Zen-like, meditative quality that allow the viewer to be present within his experience. In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Sterling co-owns the Jonquil Motel in Bisbee, AZ along with his partner/girlfriend, Eva Rupert.Get inspired to try heading out on your own by joining Sterling and Jimmy for a deep dive into all things solo travel.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

For anyone traveling into the backcountry whatever the means of transport, taking precautions to prevent wildfire starts and knowing what to do to stay safe if a wildfire ignites near your location are essential outdoor skills.That's why we're grateful to have experienced wildlands firefighter, Jessica Braun, share her extensive knowledge and insight to help us learn what we can do to both prevent wildfires and stay safe when adventuring into the backcountry during fire season.Jess explains current theory and practice being implemented by the U.S.F.S. (United States Forest Service) to mitigate wildfire danger and what to know about how different types of forest management may affect wildfire severity in an area where you may be recreating.Jess, Jimmy, and co-host, Leah, deep-dive into the many different ways one can accidentally ignite a wildfire when camping and enjoying a variety of forms of vehicle-based recreation in the backcountry during fire season. Whether driving your vehicle, building a campfire, or enjoying some camp cooking, Jess explains best practices for preventing those wildfire starts from happening in the first place.And if you find yourself far into the backcountry when a wildfire erupts, what do you do next? How do you report the wildfire start? How do you escape being caught in a wildfire and what is the best way to stay safe if you are caught within one? Jess shares her approach to pre-scouting recommended before adventuring into fire-prone areas, how to be prepared for an emergency evacuation in the event of a wildfire, and best practices for surviving if you find yourself trapped by the flames.There are few places in the world where wildfire is not an issue for those heading into the backcountry. Enjoy becoming more wildfire aware and learn the basics of preventing wildfires and staying safe during fire season by joining our conversation with Jessica Braun.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

There are some whose expertise when it comes to D.I.Y. vehicle modification, accessorizing, and maintenance is so advanced that they could probably get a job at most pro shops for the price of asking. For most of us, however, our D.I.Y. skills have their boundaries, and there comes a time when we must look to a competent pro shop to assist us with whatever work we're doing to our overland/adventure vehicle.When that time comes, we hope that everything we've packed into this episode will help you get the results you want. Whether you're making major modifications, doing some light accessorizing, or just having routine maintenance performed, we've brought our top pro, Josh Hull, Manager at Dark Horse Customs in Bozeman, Montana, onto the podcast to share his insight and offer tips on everything from identifying a top-tier pro shop to learning how to communicate more effectively with its technicians.Dark Horse Customs is XOVERLAND's go-to pro shop that has assisted us with our own unique vehicle builds for over a decade now. That's why we're excited and grateful to have their top guy on our podcast to discuss everything related to getting professional work of any kind done to your vehicle.Jimmy Lewis and co-host, Leah Heffelfinger, sit down for a deep dive with Josh into this subject, even using their own vehicles and experiences as case scenarios to provide examples of what it looks like to go through the process of working with a pro.Here are just some of the topics we cover in this episode:How do you know you've found a top-tier shop? What are the red flags to look out for when it comes to selecting a pro shop to work with?Modification? Accessory? What's the difference?When should you involve a pro shop? What types of modifications are risky to install for the average D.I.Y. vehicle owner?Why it may actually save you money to order your accessories through a pro shop rather than buying them elsewhere.Will a pro shop look over my D.I.Y. work to ensure the work has been done correctly?Don't find yourself wasting money and time when trying to work with a pro shop to build your dream overland/adventure vehicle. Join us for this unique episode and gain insight and knowledge from one of the best in the business to learn how to do it right the first time.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Have you ever considered taking all of that money you'd be spending on labor and using it to build your own custom truck camper? That's exactly what Courtney and Riley Casey of the popular YouTube series, Ambition Strikes, set out to do–and did it.Whether you're ready to go all-in on a fully-built D.I.Y. truck camper or just looking to customize the camper you have with some ingenuity and sweat equity, this episode will both inspire you and help you to reach your goals with knowledge and insight into how to make the D.I.Y. dream a reality.To realize their dream of spending a winter hitting up all of the major ski resorts throughout the U.S. with their “IKON” Ski Pass, creative couple Courtney & Riley Casey decided to sell their O.E.M. Lance Truck Camper and use the proceeds to buy materials to build their own custom design. Thankfully for all of us, they put in the extra effort to film the entire process! This popular D.I.Y. truck camper build video now has 1.7 million views and Courtney and Riley's YouTube Channel, Ambition Strikes, continues to grow in popularity (342k Subscribers) as the two venture into the world of off-the-grid living.In this episode, we catch up with Courtney and Riley to reflect on their amazing truck camper build and see what we can learn from these two when it comes to “Doing It Yourself.”Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Water management and purification while hiking and backpacking is one thing, but managing a large quantity of water to supply an overlanding vehicle and several occupants over the duration of an extended trip is a whole different situation. Even if you are not heading out for an extended overland journey in less developed countries, meeting your hydration needs for something like a weekend of mountain biking or a week-long vacation in the remote backcountry will require an effective plan and the necessary equipment to make this possible.To address this need, we brought Guzzle H20 co-founder, Tyler Bech, onto the podcast to discuss best practices for sourcing, purifying, and managing large quantities of water for overlanders and anyone interested in vehicle-supported recreation of any kind.XOVERLAND has been partnered with Guzzle H20 for years now and for good reason:  Their products are truly unique and function perfectly to resupply our team with large quantities of water on expeditions around the world. In this episode, you will learn the actual science behind water purification, including the fundamental differences between “filtration” and “purification” and why it is necessary to pay close attention to all aspects of your water management if you wish to stay healthy and have good tasting water while recreating out of your vehicle.You will additionally learn what an effective mindset for water management looks like, how to effectively source water for purification, and how to avoid the common pitfalls made by many attempting to purify water no matter what kind of method or device used.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Hot dogs and hamburgers are always a win around the campfire, but maybe you're looking for a way to spice up your culinary experience the next time you head out on the trail. That's why we teamed up with Linhbergh and Karissa of “Gondirtin” for this episode. When it comes to elevating camp cooking, these two bring their A-game every time. The best part is that they know how to radically improve the taste and flavor of camp cooking by making a few simple changes that anyone can accomplish. Listen in as XOVERLAND host and co-host, Jimmy Lewis and Leah Heffelfinger, chat it up with Karissa & Linhbergh as the two share funny stories of their first-ever camp meals, favorite ingredients, tips for cooking techniques and equipment, food history, recipes, and more.If you're ready to have some fun turning some heads around camp when you break out the fish sauce rather than the ketchup, and you're interested in raising your culinary camp cooking game to the next level witho2ut having to attend culinary school–this is the episode for you!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

On this episode, host, Jimmy Lewis, sits down with XOVERLAND co-founders, Clay and Rachelle Croft, and XOVERLAND Content and Marketing Director, Evan DeHaven, to discuss everything happening that's been happening behind the scenes at XOVERLAND and the new vision and direction for the company.Clay and Rachelle discuss their original vision for their business and how that has evolved into the XOVERLAND brand. Evan shares the details of the XOVERLAND Network and the many new content areas featured there, including the all-new “Creator Series,” “Trail Talk,” and expansion of the masterclass-themed “X-Class.”Clay and Rachelle also share the details of how their original “Overlander Film Fest” has now been re-branded as The XOVERLAND Film Fest, when they expect to host it, and how the film fest can serve as a gateway to having one's work considered for the Creator Series.”Finally, listen in as Clay Croft reads XOVERLAND'S complete brand “Manifesto,” and Evan, Clay, and Rachelle discuss the belief and values represented by the manifesto that everyone who works at XOVERLAND strives to realize in their own lives.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Rachelle Croft sits down to host solo adventure traveler and highly successful YouTube creator, Eva zu Beck, to discuss what's next for Eva after five years of global traveling.At the time of this recording, Eva is traveling across the U.S. to decide where she'd like to live as she works on her next move to “build a house and live in it.” Being that she was passing through Montana, we got a chance to sit down with her in person at the XOVERLAND Hangar.While she may currently desire to build a house in a unique place in the mountains, by no means is Eva ceasing her adventuring; she is simply altering her lifestyle and approach to adventure seeking. Her conversation with Rachelle explores what these changes look like to Eva and how she is navigating this exciting yet challenging time in her life.Join the conversation, as Eva and Rachelle discuss their life values and the choices they have made–and still make everyday–that manifest what they value most. As an added bonus to this insightful conversation, hear the captivating story of Eva's first major adventure upon leaving London at the start of her YouTube career, discover her favorite countries throughout the world, and get a look at the vision she has for her most romantic adventure yet. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

In the second episode of our XOVERLAND Podcast Q&A Series, we take on questions from listeners and fans about the challenges of time, money, and geographic location when it comes to getting started in overlanding. Here are a few example questions we work on answering:How do you go overlanding if you're working a full-time job and have responsibilities related to having a family and a house?Can you really go overlanding if you're struggling financially? How much do you need to budget for an overlanding adventure?How can I go overlanding if I live in Northeast Connecticut or in a state like Mississippi? Along with answering these and other specific questions from our listeners, we use their questions to spark broader conversations around the subjects of budgeting time and money for overlanding, figuring out how to find overlanding opportunities and vehicle-based adventure regardless of where you live, and how determining what you're really seeking from your experience can greatly impact what it will cost you in terms of time, money, and commitment. This is a super-insightful episode you don't want to miss, featuring XOVERLAND's new Content & Marketing Director, Evan DeHaven, and XOVERLAND's Social Media Manager and Content Producer, Andy Potter.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Rebecca Donaghe is an experienced film producer whose credits include noted feature works such as Finding Forrester, Where God Left His Shoes, and She Gets What She Wants. Her current passion lies in combining her love of adventure with her professional talent as a film producer by leading “special-ops style” expedition production crews to produce award-winning, ethically-minded advertisements within the outdoor space.  Possessing an M.B.A. from Yale, Rebecca is the consummate professional always seeking out new paths to personal and professional growth. That is why she has become focused on pursuing a wide range of adventures around the world that include navigation rally racing, sailing the open ocean, surfing, rock climbing, and even riding through Morocco and Mongolia aboard “monkey bikes.”In this episode, Jimmy is joined by XOVERLAND's new podcast co-host, Leah Heffelfinger, for a conversation with Rebecca about how adventure can provide far more than thrills. Rebecca explains how, for her, adventure is sought out as a path to learn about herself that leads to intense and often immediate personal growth. Rebecca's philosophy of adventure and how it affects her life is incredibly detailed and well-thought-through. Whether you are new to the world of life outside of your comfort-zone or have been at it for years, this unique conversation is sure to provide you with some useful ideas and enhance your perspective when it comes to finding your next adventure. Join Rebecca, Leah, and Jimmy as the three have fun exploring just how an adventurous approach to life can lead you to a place of fulfillment and a lifestyle that aligns with your deepest values. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

This episode is our first dedicated to answering listener questions and the topic is building and equipping vehicles for overlanding, camping, and outdoor adventures of all kinds.Questions range from what the first modification should be on an overlanding vehicle to whether or not you should modify a vehicle in the first place.Experienced XOverland truck-builder and Fleet Manager, Tanner Johnson, and XOverland co-founder, Clay Croft, provide answers to a list of user-generated questions along with sharing their own particular preferences when it comes to overland vehicle builds, even taking a look at their unique personal vehicle choices for outdoor adventures.This conversation is packed with useful information and philosophy about building and equipping overland vehicles, and the time spent listening to it will likely save you both time and money as you take that next step in building your overland adventure vehicle.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

So many of us are super-excited about the release of Toyota's all-new, 4th Generation Tacoma and the overlanding-themed “Trailhunter” grade. That's why we were so grateful to have the opportunity at Overland Expo West (2023) to sit down with Sheldon Brown, Toyota's lead engineer for the all-new 4th generation Tacoma platform.Listen in on the conversation between Sheldon and X Overland founder and lifelong Tacoma enthusiast, Clay Croft, as the two enjoy a detailed discussion about what makes this newest generation of Tacoma a marked upgrade from its predecessors and an excellent platform for overlanders.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

With one week to go till Overland Expo West 2023, we have event planner and all-around adventure woman, Eva Rupert, on the podcast to discuss what to expect at this year's Overland Expo West!Overland Expo West is a massive event full of overlanders and exhibitors from all over the world. It is an event that will excite both those new to overlanding as well as seasoned veterans. There is so much to see and do, and Eva is here to share details about activities and events taking place at Expo and how to strategies to create a plan that's best for you.We also have Rachelle Croft joining us for this episode to share the history of X Overland at Expo and along with a few tidbits about what fans can expect from us this year. Beyond activities and events within the event, Eva provides a detailed look at the food and beverages, parties, and giveaways that will take place at Expo this year.Finally, learn everything you need to know about how to attend whether you'll be staying in Flagstaff or camping at the event itself as Eva covers ticket sales, public transportation, and event facilities available to overlanders.It's Overland Expo West 2023! Join us for the conversation to help you prepare for all it has to offer!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Join us as we sit down with Expedition Overland Team Doctor and experienced E.R. physician, Dr. Jon Solberg, to discuss Wilderness Medicine for Overlanders. Dr. Jon was featured in Expedition Overland's Alaska: The Last Frontier, and also served as team doctor on Expedition 7s first crossing of the Greenland Icecap. In this episode, Dr. Jon will break down the difference between “Wilderness Medicine” and conventional “Front-Country Medicine.” He will further explain the certification process around Wilderness Medicine education including the various levels of training and means of obtaining it.Jon and Jimmy specifically explore how Wilderness Medicine applies to overlanders and what kinds of unique challenges confront overlanders traveling through remote areas and working with and from vehicles. We plan on this being the first of many podcasts with Dr. Jon addressing the topic of wilderness medicine for overlanders and look forward to producing future episodes addressing specific topics within this field.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with former Expedition Overland team member, Ty Heaps. Ty's history with Expedition Overland goes way back to some of our very first episodes, and he and Clay are eager to catch up, share some stories, and offer what they have learned from years of experience in working with groups and teams.Ty served in the Marine Corps prior to joining our expeditions; therefore, he was immediately put in charge of team security as we toured our way through the Yukon, Mexico, and Central America.Listen in to the conversation as Ty and Clay share stories of their adventures while offering hard-earned insight that came from them. Also, find out what Ty's up to nowadays and how his experience with Expedition Overland influenced his success.Finally, don't miss out on hearing about Ty's scariest moment on an Expedition Overland adventure and what it was like for the team to fly their first-ever drone during the filming of Season Zero! Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here! 

We all poop (and pee!), so what are best practices for taking care of our “business” in the outdoors? We've invited Matt Caldwell, the Executive Director of TreadLightly.org to help us find answers to this question.Along with explaining best practices, Matt also shares the issues related to human waste that have developed recently as a result of an unprecedented volume of recreational activity on American public lands.From her experience at many overland expos over the past decade, Rachelle Croft knows that for many people new to overlanding (and to outdoor recreation in general), pooping, peeing and taking care of hygiene concerns in the outdoors can cause a considerable amount of anxiety. That's why she's on the show for this episode to share tips to assist people in feeling more comfortable with taking care of all of their needs in the outdoors.This is a sticky conversation that needs to be talked about, and the X Overland team is here for it in this episode! Join us for a conversation not to be missed!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Like many aspects of overlanding, keeping your vehicle in top condition and ready for your next adventure involves developing a mindset and body of knowledge and skills suitable to the task.For some, overland vehicle maintenance is a Zen-like pursuit that they enjoy doing themselves; for others, it is something they prefer to have done by a qualified professional. In this episode, we take a look at both approaches as well as the middle ground of doing some D.I.Y. maintenance while also knowing when it's time to involve a shop. And speaking of shops, we take a look at the differences between dealerships and independent shops and the role both of these play in the maintenance of your vehicle. We also explore how to communicate with the mechanics who work on your machine so that you can trust in their work and know you are getting the best value for your money.In this episode, you will learn the basics of maintaining your overland vehicle both at home and while on the trail, discovering what to look for when it comes to checking your vehicle's fluids and torquing nuts and bolts to spec. You will also learn what to look for when checking your air filter and how to know when it's time to replace it along with best practices for changing your engine oil and filter.Additionally in this episode, you will find pro tips for keeping your diesel engine running in winter and for optimizing the performance and longevity of both diesel and gasoline engines. You will also find an in-depth discussion about “Starter Batteries,” “Starters,” and “Alternators” which will help keep you from experiencing a vehicle that leaves you stranded by failing to start in the backcountry.Matt, Ryan, and Jimmy have lots they are eager to share about all things involving overland vehicle maintenance. Join the discussion to find out what you need to know about vehicle maintenance to keep your vehicle reliable and to increase its longevity throughout a life of adventuring. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Adding additional means of electric power to your overland vehicle is customary to operate everything from winches, lighting, powered refrigerators, and possibly even your favorite coffee grinders.What options do you have to accomplish this task? What is the difference between a “Starter Battery” and a “House Battery”? What are power management controllers and how do they work to optimize power usage and protect expensive batteries and valuable accessories? These are just a few of the many common questions regarding electric power management in overlanding vehicles we seek to answer in this podcast. Join us as we explore portable power systems as well as discuss best practices for building a permanently installed power system while learning more about battery type and selection, solar power, and how to do the math to calculate your unique power needs.Jimmy, Matt, and Ryan even spend time breaking down definitions of “Amp-Hours,” “Watts,” and “Volts” while illustrating how these three elements of electric power interact to create a sustainable source of energy for your overlanding vehicle. This episode is packed with knowledge and useful tips to help you learn how to create and manage a power system that will suit your needs for overlanding and vehicle-based adventures of any kind!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

In this episode, Jimmy is joined by X Overland team members Matt Hopkins (Global Logistics Coordinator) and Ryan Connelly (Operations Manager) to discuss communications for overlanding and outdoor adventurers. Matt is a High Alpine specialist for Gallatin Valley Search and Rescue in Bozeman, Montana, a member of our local HAM radio family, and, in addition to his role at X Overland, owns and operates a long-range trucking business.Ryan has been on several X Overland expeditions and is highly familiar with every type of communication device used by our teams, from handheld radios to Starlink.These guys are more than qualified to discuss all aspects of communications for overlanding and outdoor adventure and that's exactly what we do in this episode!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

On this episode of the X Overland Podcast, we sit down with International 4wd Trainers Association Certified Master Trainer, Nena Barlow and Rebelle Rally Champion and X Overland Co-Founder, Rachelle Croft. Nena owns and operates Barlow Adventures, a business focused on teaching people how to operate their 4-wheel drive vehicles safely and effectively. As an I4WDTA Master Trainer, Nena is currently engaged in working to help others become certified trainers in an effort to bring more effective off-pavement driving education to the vehicle-based adventure and overlanding community. Having spent time with Nena as both a student and a fellow competitor in the Rebelle Rally, Rachelle Croft also joins the conversation in this episode, where the focus is on developing an effective mindset for off-pavement/off-road driving and vehicle recovery.Nena and Rachelle additionally provide several useful action steps you can take to both avoid recovery situations and effectively manage them if you find yourself in one. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!