The XOVERLAND Podcast

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 u...

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 opera...

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 current...

What were the best parts of Expedition Overland’s Nordic travels? Expedition leader and film director Clay Croft reflects upon his experiences while overlanding throughout Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and perhaps the most intriguing country yet—Iceland. Listen in as Clay discusses everything from camping opportunities along the T.E.T. (Trans Euro Trail) to exploring European history to river cros...

Richard and Ashley Giordano of Desk to Glory are back at the X Overland Hangar preparing for  their next adventure, so we thought we’d better catch up with this dynamic overlanding couple before they disembark. The two are sporting a new build and have big plans for the future. After spending some time discussing their work with Expedition Overland Season 5, The Nordic Series , Richard and Ashley...

Have you thought about shipping your overland vehicle across the ocean to venture to far-off destinations? Across the Atlantic to begin overlanding throughout Europe or maybe Africa? Or south to Columbia to begin the second leg of the Pan-American Highway? Maybe you’d like to ship your vehicle to New Zealand or Australia? You may have imagined these dreams but are feeling overwhelmed by the though...

Relationships and marriages can be as tough as they are rewarding, and starting and running a successful business with your partner can present even more challenges. Clay and Rachelle Croft discuss what it’s been like for them to start and operate a successful business together based on an original idea of filming overland travel. Clay and Rachelle open up about both the challenges and rewards fou...

If you're a fan of Epic Family Road Trip (EFRT) , then you know all about the amazing camp cooking that goes on in the van Stralen family. Today, we sit down with Carol van Stralen, mother to Peter, Dan, and Caroline and wife of Pete Sr., to discuss philosophy, mindset, and best practices for delicious overland camp cooking! Carol shares her own origin story as a camp chef, her original sourc...

Few would argue that Goose Gear builds some of the best cabinetry and storage solutions for overlanding vehicles in the industry. At X Overland, Goose Gear has continued to meet our demanding needs as both overlanders and filmmakers, equipping our vehicles with custom-built storage solutions that keep our overlanding gear and camera equipment safe, secure, and accessible. In this episode of the X...

When it comes to taking kids on adventures in the outdoors, Megan Walthall has a lot of experience to draw from. The mother of three children (two girls and one boy), Megan and her husband, Bryan Walthall, have seen a lot in their years together adventuring as a family. Along with a host of outdoor experiences in their everyday lives, Megan and Bryan teamed up with Expedition Overland in 2020 to t...

X Overland editor, Laura Titensor knows how to take risks and go after her passions. Now, this critically acclaimed filmmaker of her mini-documentary The Mark We Make is here to share her insight and story of how an idea and goal, turned into much more. As one of the final selects from the inaugural Overlander Film Fest , Laura is no stranger to taking chances. Growing up in Utah, she loves canyon...

With the increased popularity of overlanding and vehicle-based adventures of all kinds, our campsites and trails on public lands are experiencing unprecedented use. While increased use of public lands creates issues, it also creates opportunities for more support directed toward their conservation, restoration, and enhancement. In this episode of the X Overland Podcast, we sit down with Executive...

Contains some explicit language.  Learn the inspiring history behind the inception and ultimate success of Alu-Cab Campers as Alu-Cab owner/founder and CEO, Jeremy Bergh, sits down with Clay to discuss what it took to put Alu-Cab Campers at the top of the industry. Beyond the specifics of Alu-Cab and its history, Clay and Jeremy enjoy a conversation about success and fulfillment in both business a...

Clay and Rachelle have a long and colorful history of building their brand at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. Listen to the many stories of their 12 years spent attending SEMA and how they went from wondering how to get inside the event to sharing the stage with Toyota at this year’s show. Then join in on the conversation with Clay, Rachelle, and Jimmy as Clay and Rachelle discuss Toyota’s new Tr...

Having recently returned from Iceland where he spent three weeks serving as photographer with the XO team while filming the Nordic Series, Tanner Johnson is eager to share his experiences and teach listeners all he can about overlanding and photography in Iceland. Jimmy and Tanner discuss the legal difference between “Off-Roading” and “Off-Pavement,” what it’s like to drive on Iceland’s “F-Roads,”...

When it comes to learning about winter camping and overlanding , you're in good hands with Expedition Overland founder, Clay Croft. A native Montanan, Clay grew up with winter camping and winter driving. He still ventures out regularly with his boys to camp in winter and is constantly learning new techniques and approaches to enjoy cold weather camping. Add to this Clay’s experience in dealin...

We talk about the MOST important thing to pack on your trip, as well as some gear to throw in as well! What is the best approach to packing for an overlanding trip or vehicle-based adventure of any kind? It may surprise you to learn that the first step is to have a conversation about desired outcomes and expectations. This is just the first nugget of wisdom you will get from listening to this podc...

Paul May, as he put it, “was overlanding before we called it overlanding.” Paul grew up in Utah exploring the beautiful and remote vastness of the state with his parents, developing a love of vehicle-based adventure that has lasted a lifetime. Learn his story and the story behind his thriving business, Equipt Outfitters, as Paul and X Overland podcast host, Jimmy Lewis, sit down for a conversation...