The Overland Journal Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The 10 Commandments of Modifying Your Overland Vehicle Jan 02, 2020

Show notes

Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady and co-host Matt Scott discuss the “10 Commandments” of modifying an overland (travel-focused) vehicle, emphasizing that overlanding differs from recreational four-wheeling and that simplicity, reliability, and intentional upgrades matter most. They argue complexity and weight are major enemies, and recommend starting with the right platform, limiting suspension lift, keeping engines largely stock for serviceability, and carefully planning and isolating electrical systems with proper fusing and documentation. They advise using high-quality, appropriately sized all-terrain tires, avoiding heavy roof loads, and prioritizing basic self-recovery gear and training. They also stress securing all cargo to prevent dangerous projectiles and following a “buy once, cry once” approach—spending more on travel and experiences than on vehicle modifications.

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The Top 10 Used Overland Vehicles (for North America) Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

The used overland vehicle market is more exciting today than ever before, with high quality and capable options available from nearly every major automotive manufacturer. With so many models to choose from, you might be wondering which four-wheel drives make for the best second-hand overland vehicles? In 2011, we published our first US and Canada top ten used overland vehicle list, and it has been since been read over one million times. A lot has changed in the last eight years though, including the types of vehicles available under our original test’s $30,000 and 20-years or newer cap. We have also learned a few more things about overlanding vehicles since 2011 thanks to several circumnavigations of the globe. This has all resulted in a nearly new list for 2019, packed with excellent options for those looking to purchase their first overland vehicle or upgrade their current one. Regardless of this list and our opinions, the reality is that a traveler should drive what they can afford, and what they most enjoy driving, despite the make or model.

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Overlanding Australia: Vehicle Options, Remote Routes, and Essential Planning with Hema Maps’ Rob Boheim Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady and co-host Matt Scott talk with Rob Boheim of Australia’s Hema Maps about overland travel in Australia, including shipping, renting, or buying a vehicle in-country and why durable, commonly supported platforms like Toyota Land Cruisers are recommended. They discuss Australia’s demanding corrugated roads, right-hand-drive road safety habits, fuel considerations, quarantine costs and restrictions for imported vehicles, and key equipment like good tires, a tire gauge, and bull bars for wildlife strikes. Rob and Matt share favorite destinations and experiences such as the Kimberley, Cape York, Fraser Island, the Simpson Desert, and Tasmania, plus tips for planning with offline navigation and resources like ExplorOz, forums, and camping apps (Camps Australia Wide and WikiCamps).

HEMA Maps
20 Things You’ll Learn Driving Across Australia
Why 4x4s Are Better In Australia
Driving Australia’s Most Challenging Off-Road Trail (By Matt Scott)

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Clay Croft on Building Expedition Overland, Family, Leadership, and the Greenland Film Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

Recorded at Overland Expo, host Scott Brady and co-host Matt Scott interview Clay Croft of Expedition Overland about leaving feast-or-famine cinematography work to build xOverland, the entrepreneurial risk mindset common in overlanding, and how he balances travel with family through proactive marriage counseling and intentional time with his three boys. Clay discusses teaching his kids leadership, teamwork, and embracing failure, then explains how he selects team members based on maturity, teachability, emotional steadiness, and self-awareness. He shares filmmaking advice—focus on storytelling and coverage (wide/medium/tight) rather than gear—and details the Greenland project’s evolution into a feature film, its production challenges, and festival submissions including Sundance. The conversation also covers avoiding overbuilding vehicles, using microadventures to build skills, Clay’s current series incorporating powered paragliding, favorite vehicles, and standout Overland Expo trends emphasizing training and travel over truck talk.

XOverland on the web: www.xoverland.com/
Hiline Productions on the web: www.hilineproductions.com/

Social Media:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/ExpeditionOverland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/xoverland/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/xoverland

Host Bios:

Scott Brady
Scott is the publisher and co-founder of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal, and is often credited with popularizing overlanding in North America. His travels by 4WD and adventure motorcycle span all seven continents and include three circumnavigations of the globe. His polar travels include two vehicle crossings of Antarctica and the first long-axis crossing of Greenland. @globaloverland

Matthew Scott
Matthew is a leading expert in automotive adventure. He has extensively explored the world's most-remote places by 4WD, and is considered an industry authority on overland travel. Matt is the only American to ever become an editor of a major Australian 4WD publication, and has over 15 years of competitive auto racing experience. @mattexplore

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Dan Grec of The Road Chose Me (Overlanding Africa) Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

Recorded at Overland Expo East, Overland Journal Podcast hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott welcome their first guest, overland traveler Dan Grec of The Road Chose Me. Dan shares how he started overlanding after moving from Australia to North America, driving from Alaska to Argentina in a two-door Wrangler, and later traveling for years across Africa. They discuss the evolution of overlanding into an industry, why the experience matters more than the vehicle, and how modern stock vehicles are increasingly capable. Dan explains key Africa-focused Jeep mods like a water tank with filtration/UV, fridge with dual batteries and solar, and a pop-up roof, plus personal items that helped him through loneliness and hard days, including malaria and a rollover in Uganda. He also covers funding travel via writing, his community resource WikiOverland, travel ethics, and future plans for Central Asia and the Silk Road.

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