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Some overlanding gear is nice to have... and some completely changes the way you travel. In this video, I'm sharing the five upgrades I regret not buying sooner after years of overlanding and camping off-grid.From staying connected with a WeBoost, to the confidence of having a winch, to the comfort and convenience of my canopy camper, fridge, and REIGN Outdoor 270 awning, these are the pieces of gear that have made the biggest difference in my adventures. I'll explain why each one earned a permanent place in my setup, how they've improved my trips, and who I think they're worth buying for.If you're building out your own overland rig or trying to decide where to spend your money first, I hope this helps you avoid some of the mistakes I made and invest in the gear you'll appreciate every time you head off the pavement.Here are links to everything I mentioned in the video if it helps!WeBoost Overland: https://amzn.to/4z16lQCReign Outdoor Awning: https://reignoutdoor.com/products/reign-270-fr-awning?variant=47037304996066Openroad 3S Winch: https://openroad4wd.com/products/openroad-13-500lbs-winch-with-synthetic-rope-panther-series-3s?aff=47Setpower RF20 Fridge: https://collabs.shop/uoaosiWant a canopy camper? Here's a link to contact Hiperlion set yours up: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Truck-Camper-Custom-Hard-Shell-Rooftop_1601727228413.html?spm=a2747.product_manager.0.0.380971d2UHgNseAlso, they gave me a discount code that will get you a $170 package of accessories for FREE when ordering. Use code: ALLTHINGSOVERLANDING147 or just tell them All Things Overlanding sent you and they'll apply the discount. A huge thanks to my partners:Nitto (my Terra Grappler G3 tires are great for midwestern winters, wet weather, and all terrain use): https://bit.ly/41EJhbQZ1 Off Road (pretty much the spot for all things Nissan): https://www.z1offroad.comAll Dogs Offroad (amazing Nissan specific suspension options which I run on my truck): https://www.alldogsoffroad.comICECO Fridges (the best fridges for the money, hands down-Use code ALLTHINGSOVERLANDING for 12% off your order): https://icecofreezer.com/ALLTHINGSOVERLANDINGMoon Fab Awning (super flexible, non-permanently mounted awnings for all kinds of applications. This link will take you to more info on how I have it set up on my 3rd gen Frontier): https://moonfab.com/pages/experts/jason-fletcherClick here to join the Patreon community for exclusive content and access to the Discord channel: https://www.patreon.com/allthingsoverlandingClick here to get a patches or stickers: https://allthingsoverlanding.com/shop/For a full list of my gear, check out this page for quick reference links: https://allthingsoverlanding.com/gear/Looking for budget light bars, rock lights, and LED strips for your rig? Check out Nilight and use code ATO for 5% off! https://www.nilight.com/?ref=s8svsnv_d9qh&utm_source=ATO&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=DescriptionFor more great content and info, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or search for All Things Overlanding on all the major podcast channels!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsOverlandingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/allthingsoverlandingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthingsoverlandingPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/allthingsoverlandingWebsite: www.allthingsoverlanding.comNewbie Overlander Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/367203658420467
Motorcycle traveller Andy Scherer was riding alone through a remote part of Mexico when a series of troubling encounters led to armed roadblocks—and his abduction. In this episode of Deep Trouble, Andy and his daughter Leslie share what happened, the decisions he faced and what other motorcycle travellers can learn from the experience.
Why a motorcycle first aid kit should be part of your riding gear — and why the kit itself is only part of being prepared.A motorcycle first aid kit often gets treated like an extra — something for remote trips, cautious riders, or people with medical training. But if riding motorcycles carries risk, then first aid should be part of the preparation. Not just a small pouch of bandages, but a kit that makes sense for motorcycling, the places we ride, and the situations we may come across.
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 | YouTubeThe Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Nitto Tire, Overland Journal Magazine, Hankook TireNew 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 | YouTubeOur 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 | @haveroverwilltravelAmy Johnson | @feelgoodnotcompassionfatigueTom Pickford | http://vintagelrco.ukLaura Stacey | @the_noreastersBarbara 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 ToyThe Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Nitto Tire, Overland Journal Magazine , Hankook TireNew 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
Nearly 50 years after a magazine story planted the dream of crossing Australia by motorcycle, Allan Waldon finally set out to make it happen. Riding unsupported with his mate Adam on two small motorcycles, he faced more than 6,000 kilometres of remote desert, flooded roads, deep gravel, fierce winds and slippery red clay. This is the story of two riders crossing a continent—and one man proving it's never too late to pursue a lifelong dream.
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.LinksWebsite | Instagram | YouTube The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Nitto Tire and Overland Journal Magazine and Hankook TireNew 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
Train With Duane! This week on Geek Off The Street, we're talking about projects and characters that need to be adapted! We scratch the surface with a few things like Gregor the Overlander, Thundarr the Barbarian, and the most obvious choice, Cal Kestis! We get into all that and so much more on this week's exciting episode of the GOTS Official Podcast!Podcast Timecodes[5:15] What are we drinking this week?[8:30] Gregor The Overlander[12:10] Thundarr the Barbarian[19:15] Cal Kestis[26:10] Gantz[32:55] What Are We Into This Week?Check Out These Books!When The Frog and the Snake Meet: A Killing Love! by J. Leroy Tucker!Wilbur Mckesson's Retribution!Greg Sorber's Mechhaven!Pax Machina Audio Book!Join Us in the Discussion!Email: thegeeksoffthestreet@gmail.comInstagram: @thegotspodSubscribe on Youtube! Like Our Facebook! Twitter: @thegotspodTrent Personal: @trentctuckerMusic: @erictucker__Stuff We MentionedChikara Ramen! Trent Tucker Vlogs!House of the Dragon!People We Mentioned Tree of Dreams Music@chikara_ramen@badicalradness@lights.camera.rant@thenerdlounge2.0@gregerationx@author_wilbur_m@mcpodcast@z_daughter_of_light@mindmattermystery
In a world of GPS tracks and turn-by-turn directions, motorcycle orienteering brings riders back to paper maps, route choices, checkpoints, and discovery. Andrei Tuch explains how moto-orienteering works in Estonia, and why finding your own way can still be part of the adventure.
Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Ashley from Hi From Ashley about her six-year solo journey, including overlanding the Americas in a Toyota Tacoma. Motivated by personal loss and injury, Ashley transitioned from corporate healthcare to a life of slow travel. She reflects on the challenges of traveling with her dog, Porter, through international borders and his eventual passing in Colombia. Highlights include celebrating Día de los Muertos in Mexico, exploring remote Guatemala, and reaching Ushuaia on Christmas Day 2025. Ashley offers advice on prioritizing personal goals over societal expectations and discusses potential future adventures in Europe and Africa. Her story serves as a testament to the "if not now, when" philosophy of exploration.Website | Instagram | YouTube The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Nitto Tire and Overland Journal Magazine New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription! Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% off. We thank you for being a subscriber.Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
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.
Balance on a motorcycle is often treated like something a rider either has or does not have, but low-speed motorcycle balance is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and refined. Clinton Smout from SMART Performance Centre and host, Jim Martin, examine what happens when the bike slows down, how riders manage balance through steering, peg weighting, body position, acceleration, and foot placement, and what putting a foot down can reveal about motorcycle control, confidence, and riding skill.
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 TireNew 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 | YouTubeNew 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.
How to Choose the Best Camping Setup for the Way You RideBefore you start comparing motorcycle tents, sleeping pads, stoves, chairs, pack sizes, and weights, there is an important question to answer. In this episode, Ben Williams from Moto Camp Nerd talks about a simple way to think through your motorcycle camping setup before you start buying gear, so your choices are based on the way you actually ride and travel, not just someone else's packing list. Michnus and Elsebie Olivier of PikiPiki Overland and Turkana Gear also share lessons learned from years of motorcycle travel, including what they've overpacked, what they've replaced, and what has earned a permanent place in their kit. It's a practical conversation about choosing gear with purpose, not just following the latest trends.
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 | YouTubeThe Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by: Nitto Tire, Overland Journal Magazine and Hankook TireNew 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
Why Robert Pirsig's Famous Motorcycle Book Mattered to Him — And Why it Didn'tTed Simon is best known as the author of Jupiter's Travels, one of the most influential motorcycle travel books ever written. Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is another book that has long held a strange place in motorcycling culture: widely known, often recommended, and perhaps just as often left unfinished. In this conversation, Ted talks about finally reading Pirsig's famous book and why it matters to him in a way listeners might not expect. Is it really a motorcycle book? Why has it stayed in the minds of riders for so many years? And what does motorcycle maintenance mean when the machine beneath you is not just a symbol, but the thing that determines whether the journey continues? What begins with one famous motorcycle book soon opens into Ted's own memories of travel, breakdowns, repair, and the very practical reality of keeping a journey alive when there is no easy answer and no one else to do the work.
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-SnellNew 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.
Off The Path - Reisepodcast über Reisen, Abenteuer, Backpacking und mehr…
Gemeinsam mit seiner Frau reist Chris 4,5 Monate lang quer durch Ostafrika. Nicht im Overlander. Nicht mit Mietwagen. Sondern fast ausschließlich mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln: Minivans, Zügen, Reisebussen, Fähren, Shuttles – und manchmal einfach mit dem, was gerade fährt.
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.
Solo Motorcycle Travel Through South America with Lala BarlowLala Barlow was working in musical theatre in Melbourne, Australia, when the pandemic brought the industry to a halt. Drawn to motorcycles, mountains, and Patagonia, she spent years preparing for a solo motorcycle journey through South America, including a four-month shakedown ride across Australia. Lala shares what it takes to plan a major adventure, travel alone in unfamiliar countries, manage fear and uncertainty, and ride through Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Patagonia. A conversation about preparation, perseverance, and turning a dream into reality.Links & ResourcesPhotos, links, and resources for this episodeMore episodes: Adventure Rider Radio and RAWSupport the show: Support ARRFollow Adventure Rider RadioInstagramFacebookAbout the PodcastSince 2014, Adventure Rider Radio has shared adventure motorcycle travel stories, Rider Skills, Deep Trouble episodes, tech and gear features, and conversations with riders from around the world. New episodes of ARR are released every Thursday, with new episodes of RAW released monthly on the 21st. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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
As we celebrate 12 years of Adventure Rider Radio motorcycle podcast, we're bringing back a story that still resonates today. Drawn together by motorcycles and a shared curiosity about the world, Maryna Matthew and Paul Knibbs left behind the security of established careers to pursue a life of adventure. Their journey is a powerful reminder that some of life's greatest opportunities begin with a single decision: to stop waiting and simply say yes.Links & ResourcesPhotos, links, and resources for this episodeMore episodes: Adventure Rider Radio and RAWSupport the show: Support ARRFollow Adventure Rider RadioInstagramFacebookAbout the PodcastSince 2014, Adventure Rider Radio has shared adventure motorcycle travel stories, Rider Skills, Deep Trouble episodes, tech and gear features, and conversations with riders from around the world. New episodes of ARR are released every Thursday, with new episodes of RAW released monthly on the 21st. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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 | TikTokARB Launches Their New Experiences SeriesNew 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.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
One of the most frightening situations a rider can face is realizing the bike won't slow down on a long, steep mountain descent. That's exactly what happened to Seth Cooper in Costa Rica. In this episode of DEEP TROUBLE, Seth shares how a rented KTM 690 Enduro R, an unfamiliar mountain road, and a series of seemingly manageable decisions combined to create a genuine survival situation. It's a story about risk, assumptions, bike condition, route choice, and how options can disappear faster than you expect.Links & ResourcesPhotos, links, and resources for this episodeMore episodes: Adventure Rider Radio and RAWSupport the show: Support ARRFollow Adventure Rider RadioInstagramFacebookAbout the PodcastSince 2014, Adventure Rider Radio has shared adventure motorcycle travel stories, Rider Skills, Deep Trouble episodes, tech and gear features, and conversations with riders from around the world. New episodes of ARR are released every Thursday, with new episodes of RAW released monthly on the 21st. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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.
A Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Morocco, Europe, and the Sahara Desert in Search of Freedom, Simplicity, and a Slower Way of LivingWhat happens when someone who's spent a lifetime chasing schedules, productivity, and control suddenly trades it all for the uncertainty of the open road on a motorcycle? After retiring from finance, Rob Bridges set off alone across Morocco, Europe, and the Sahara Desert on a six-month motorcycle journey—only to discover that the hardest part of the adventure wasn't the riding, but learning how to slow down.Links & ResourcesPhotos, links, and resources for this episodeMore episodes: Adventure Rider Radio and RAWSupport the show: Support ARRFollow Adventure Rider RadioInstagramFacebookAbout the PodcastSince 2014, Adventure Rider Radio has shared adventure motorcycle travel stories, Rider Skills, Deep Trouble episodes, tech and gear features, and conversations with riders from around the world. New episodes of ARR are released every Thursday, with new episodes of RAW released monthly on the 21st. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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.
Eva Strehler had already learned what drew her to the road on a motorcycle: freedom, movement, and a way of living outside the usual shape of things. Then she built a sidecar for her dog, Polly, and headed east. What followed was meant to be another long motorcycle journey — through Turkey, into Iran, and across landscapes that changed as quickly as the people she met along the way. But somewhere during the trip, the journey became about something else entirely. This is a conversation about travel, companionship, risk, solitude, and the moments that quietly change the meaning of a journey while you're still inside it.
What do you do when your adventure bike is buried in sand, lying sideways on a slope, or wedged deep in a rut miles from help? In this episode, Jim talks with Clinton Smout, Adam Owens, and Chris Birch about the mindset, techniques, and recovery tools riders use when things go wrong off-road. From smart trail-side decisions and energy-saving recovery methods to simple techniques that can turn a bad situation around, this episode is packed with practical knowledge every adventure rider should hear before they need it.
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.
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.
Dan took the Bronco Raptor down to the beach—and honestly, nothing happened. It handled everything like it was built for it, no drama, no stories… which, let's face it, isn't exactly great podcast material. Meanwhile, somewhere across the globe, two guys successfully the exact opposite: a 14,000-mile journey from London to Cape Town in a Reliant Robin. And as you'd expect, they would never do it again. Naturally, that got us thinking—we might need to step up our own adventure game. So in this episode, we dive into that wildly ambitious road trip, swap stories about motorcycles and Avants, and start asking ourselves what it would actually take to make things a little more… interesting. The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle! Not an Avants member? https://www.avants.com/member-plans Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text any time at 425-298-7873! We're doing give aways! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and we'll pick a random name every 25th review!
Clif Holland shares a father-and-son motorcycle adventure that took an unexpected turn shortly after arriving at Big Bend National Park. After a 700-mile ride to reach the start of their backcountry route, the decision to explore before staging their gear set the tone for what followed. Riding a heavily loaded BMW R1200GS on remote backroads, Clif quickly found himself facing the challenges of sand, weight distribution, and the limited margin for error on big adventure bikes, which led to DEEP TROUBLE. We talk about backcountry riding and the importance of preparation, training, and testing your setup before tackling routes like the BDR.
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.
The fellas reveal their current progress (or absence of) in an attempt to add stress to their respective builds. Intense pressures help form diamonds...or some crap like that.
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.
Luuk and Emma from the Netherlands are passionate dual-sport riders who have made it their mission to find that sweet spot between minimalist motorcycle travel and meaningful challenge. Riding their Honda CRF300L motorcycles, they're currently pushing themselves to travel as light as possible — aiming for just 9 kg of gear per person — while still tackling terrain that stretches their skills.
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.
When the front tire starts to lose traction or the bike suddenly feels like it's about to go down, most riders react with some kind of defensive move that feels instinctively right. But is it? In this Rider Skills episode, Clinton Smout joins Jim Martin to look at what's really happening in those split-second moments when an adventure motorcycle starts to let go off-road — and why what feels like a save may not be one at all.
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.
Planning a motorcycle trip? Whether you're riding close to home or heading off on a long-distance adventure, the right advice can make all the difference. In this episode, we've curated the best motorcycle travel tips and adventure riding advice from past conversations—bringing together practical insights from experienced riders who have spent years on the road. Featuring renowned motorcycle adventurers Sam Manicom, Tiffany Coates, and Michnus andElsebie Oliver, this episode covers essential motorcycle trip planning, packing tips, travel mindset, and real-world lessons from life on two wheels. Whether you're preparing for your first motorcycle tour or you're a seasoned adventure rider, these expert tips will help you plan smarter, pack better, and ride with confidence. Because when it comes to motorcycle travel, the best way to prepare… is to learn from those who've already done it.
Putting together the right toolkit can make all the difference when you're out riding—especially on an adventure bike, where help isn't always close by. We talk about how to build an efficient setup, from choosing what actually belongs in your kit to organizing it so it's easy to use when it matters most. The conversation covers how to prepare for unpredictable issues like flat tires, leaks, and bent or broken parts, along with the often-overlooked supplies that can save the day during a roadside or trailside repair. Along the way, Jim talks with Clinton Smout from SMART Performance Centre about building a toolkit around the jobs you're most likely to face, and we're joined by Matthew Kunz from Obsidian Adventure Gear to look at compact, bike-specific tool systems designed to keep you prepared without carrying half the garage.
Mexico is one of the easiest international adventures for riders from the U.S. and Canada—close enough to reach without a major expedition, yet different enough to feel like true travel. From Baja desert tracks to mountain twisties, high country, and coastal roads, the riding is as varied as the culture, food, and landscapes. Spencer Conway has spent the past several years living in Mexico and riding more than 66,000 kilometres through 24 states. Speaking from his home in Oaxaca, he shares what makes Mexico such a compelling destination for motorcycle travel, why he stayed, what many riders miss about traveling there, and why the country offers far more depth and variety than most riders realize.
There's a side of motorcycle training almost no one talks about — the mental pressure of learning new skills in front of other riders. Why can training make you feel like you've suddenly gotten worse before you get better? Why does confidence sometimes drop even when your skills are improving? Through rider Erik Wilkinson's experience, along with insights from expert trainer Chris Birch and Monica Birch, we explore what's really happening in your mind during training — and how to manage it so you come out a stronger, more confident rider.