The Overland Journal Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Overlanding West Virginia with Jason Specht Jun 25, 2026

Show notes

Overland Journal podcast host Scott Brady talks with Jason Speck of Mountain State Overland at historic Camp Cheat in West Virginia about his outdoors origins in scouting, preparedness, and the importance of training with gear before it’s needed. They compare overlanding in the East versus the West, including narrower trails, frequent downed trees, and incorporating history and multi-sport activities into trips. Speck shares route highlights like Canaan Loop, Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks, Dolly Sods, the Mid-Atlantic BDR, and the Trans America Trail, emphasizing discovery and responsible travel through micro-groups and Tread Lightly principles. The episode explores Camp Cheat’s connection to “The Vagabonds”—Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs—who stayed there during a 1918 motor-camping trip. Speck also discusses his Tacoma/Modcap setup, community events like Adventure XFest, and the need for guide standards and safety.
WEBSITE | Mountain State Overland |Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by:Nitto Tire, Overland Journal Magazine and Hankook Tire

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Story Time with John Blashford-Snell: The 1971-72 Darién Gap Expedition Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano welcomes John Blashford-Snell, a British explorer, author, and former army officer known for leading pioneering scientific expeditions to some of the most remote regions on Earth. Born in 1936, he served in the British Army’s Royal Engineers before turning his focus to exploration and conservation. Blashford-Snell tells the story of the 1971-72 Darien Gap expedition, why he founded the Scientific Exploration Society, and how it and other organizations are helping to support young explorers with field research and conservation projects worldwide.

John Blashford-Snell

Website | YouTube | SES Website | OV Conservation: The Scientific Explorers Society | Living Legends: John Blashford-Snell

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Adventures with Cyrus "Scooter" Anderson: Seven Summits and Beyond Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

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.

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The Rogue Wanderers on 100 Countries in a Toyota Tacoma and Four Wheel Camper Jun 11, 2026

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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.

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Jim Oostdyk on the Adventure of Business, Family, and History Jun 04, 2026

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Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Jim Oostdyk, founder and president of OK4WD, discussing his nearly 47 years in the four-wheel-drive industry. Jim shares the origins of OK4WD, which began in 1979 after he rebuilt his rolled Jeep, growing from a small garage to one of the country's most respected off-road shops. The episode covers the company's evolution, including demonstrating capability to customers, importing overseas products, and moving into product design and manufacturing with his son Rin and long-tenured staff. Jim also discusses mission and adventure travel with his children in Ghana, Haiti, and South Africa, his interest in the Edison "Vagabonds," partnerships with Mountain State Overland, and support for accessible off-roading. He concludes with valuable advice on perseverance, humility, and surrounding yourself with great people.

Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok

ARB Launches Their New Experiences Series

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Eva zu Beck on Overlanding Mauritania Jun 01, 2026

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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.

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Crossing West Africa with XOVERLAND: Final Miles, Fuel Range, Teamwork, and Truck Lessons May 28, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Lilli Mixich Reflects on Nearly Five Decades of Overland Travel May 21, 2026

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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

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Paula and Jeremy Dear on Overlanding West Africa in an ex-Belgian Military Police Truck May 18, 2026

Show notes

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.

Their trip is being documented on Substack at trailingivy.substack.com.

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Graeme Esarey on Expedition Sailing May 14, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott Brady and Brian McVickers interview Graham Esarey about his expedition sailing life, focusing on his team's 2024 Northwest Passage crossing aboard the Dog Bark, a converted 60-foot Open 60. Graham detailed navigating heavy Arctic ice, spotting polar bears, and receiving a rare icebreaker escort that turned their route into a high-speed slalom. They also discussed the hazards of Bellot Strait’s powerful currents and the risks of boats being pinned by ice. The conversation drew parallels between overlanding and blue-water travel, highlighting the need for redundancy, while noting how Starlink and modern ice charts are reshaping Arctic passage-making. Graham also touched on his Land Cruiser, expo travel, and IGINIK’s mission to replace disposable green propane bottles.

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