The Overland Journal Podcast

Crystal Fong is currently traveling on her 1990 Honda Dominator 250cc through Europe and beyond. In this podcast from the field, Crystal and host Ashley Giordano touch on the ups and downs of solo travel, how Crystal has created a sense of community by playing badminton around the globe, and the powerful impact created by the kindness of strangers.Bio:Crystal is an Asian American woman currently solo touring the world on her motorcycle. She is from the Bay Area, California and started her expedition October 2021. She left behind her life in society and gave it all up to be a moto hobo. Over the last 2.5 years, she has ridden her Honda Dominator NX250 over 34,000 miles to 40 countries in Europe, riding in all seasons and weather conditions. She is currently touring Morocco before heading to the Middle East. She hopes to inspire others to Chase Their Dreams.

Scott Brady interviews Expedition Portal's Associate Editor Steve Edwards, discussing life as an overland journalist and the tips and tricks for getting your story published. We also discuss his first car (which he still owns), living for years in Botswana, and buying a Defender in Ethiopia on a whim (then driving it to South Africa before shipping it back to Montana).

Scott Brady and Bryon Bass discuss their overland adventure across the Continent of Africa, focusing on their challenges at the Djibouti / Ethiopia border post. Scott and Bryon were stuck for over three days working to resolve this challenging logistical obstacle.

Matt Scott and Scott Brady review the most significant changes in overland travel during the past few decades, covering everything from the Garmin inReach to the E-Visa.

All you need to know about overlanding Morocco with overland guide Mark White. In this podcast from the field, Mark and host Ashley Giordano take an in-depth look at Moroccan geography, languages, border procedures, road rules, camping, and seasons relevant to the overland traveler.

Scott Brady and Brian McVickers discuss the new Lexus GX550, Ford Ranger, and Ducati DessertX Rally. Additional conversation includes the Africa crossing, Eezi-Awn, and more.

Scott Brady and Bryon Bass discuss their recent trip through Kenya and into Ethiopia. As part of the crossing of Africa with the Ineos Grenadier, the team share their insights on the challenges with temporarily importing the vehicle into Ethiopia, along with the required bureaucracy process. Their conversation also shifts to the places they visited and the incredible cultures and anthropology of these cradle of humankind.

Scott Brady interviews The Landy Expedition's Chloe and Harry on their trip around Africa with their Land Rover Defender with AluCab camper. They share the lessons on saving for the trip, when to leave, and how to travel well as a couple.

Matt Scott and Scott Brady discuss the new class of travel vehicles we call Ultra Overlanders. This includes the Ford F150 Raptor R, Bronco Raptor, Ram TRX, GMC AT4x AEV, Jeep Rubicon 392, G-Wagen 4x4 Squared, Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, and Ram Power Wagon. This conversation is not an endorsement of Ultra Overlanders for international travel, but a discussion around their growing popularity for domestic grand touring and backcountry travel.

Scott Brady interviews Jay Shapiro, a technologist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist that his become a global citizen. Jay and his family have lived in Singapore, the USA, Canada, Mexico, India, and now Kenya on their overland journey of discovery. Jay and his wife Alice also operate numerous not-for-profit organizations providing support to millions around the world. https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/eco-roamer-f650-based-expedition-vehicle.8936/page-18https://nairobigames.center/

Scott Brady interviews Bruce Turner of Overlanding with Bruce about his recommendations for hiring a Toyota Hilux to explore Southern Africa and his decades-long experiences traveling the African continent by Land Rover. In particular, Scott and Bruce discuss modern Land Rover Defenders and Bruce's experience using these vehicles in remote and rugged conditions, often without other vehicles along for the journey. For more information, check out overlandingwithbruce on Instagram, Youtube, and the web.

Scott Brady interviews Melanie Rohr from TerraByte on actionable considerations for solo travel, important adjustments to our cybersecurity posture, and the deep reward of giving back to the communities we visit. Melanie shares practical insights from her decades in travel and technology, partnering with the UN and NGOs, and her most recent work in cybersecurity.For more information, visit https://terrabyte.org/

Scott Brady interviews his good friend Jess Stuhler, a South African adventurer, motorcycle rider, and overlander that runs the well-respected Eezi-Awn brand. Jess shares his love of Africa, his time in the military, and the joys of traveling with your family. He provides practical insights into the best areas to explore in Southern Africa along with the advice to just load your cooler with ice and just go.

Scott Brady interview JJ from the State Department on borders, documentation, security best practices, the S.T.E.P. program, cultural awareness for overlanders, and more. We also dive into JJ's life and how he started a career in the foreign service.

For the January Overland News, Scott Brady and Brian McVickers discuss moving the productivity needle while traveling, our favorite new gear, concept vehicles, and the expanding lineup of overland events.

Ashley Giordano interviews Canadian couple Josh and Vanessa Von Holst on why they chose the 80-Series Land Cruiser as their first overland vehicle platform and the subsequent adventures that resulted because of it. In this podcast from the field, Josh and Vanessa share more about their experiences preparing for the trip, and how it feels to return home to Canada.Contact: Josh & Vanessa von Holst [email protected]

Scott Brady and Matt Scott look back on 2023 and discuss the Expedition Portal Overander of the Year Award winner and the best new 4WD of 2023. Matt and Scott share their favorite gear of the year and showcase a few new products from small businesses.

Scott Brady and Matt Scott interview Dave Harriton, CEO of American Expedition Vehicles. They deep dive into payload, design standards, cab-chassis, campers, and premium aftermarket components.

Mario Donovan joins the conversation with Matt and Scott about Overland and Expedition Trailers. They go into the deep dive about suspension, chassis development, length and different types of trailers, and the importance of electric brakes. They dive into everything you might want to consider before you make your purchase. Full show notes available at Overland Journal PodcastA special thanks to our sponsors:03 Outdoors and Kuat

Ashley Giordano interviews British explorer and filmmaker Reza Pakravan. Raza's long and impressive CV includes crossing the Sahara by bike in record time, traveling the length of the Sahel region of Africa, and attempting to set the World Record for fastest bicycle journey from the Arctic Circle to Cape Town, South Africa. In this podcast from the field, Reza talks about what he discovered filming his latest multi-part series, “Hidden Frontiers Arabia” and how Tintin was a major childhood influence.

Scott Brady and Matt Scott rate their top 10 new overland SUVs for North America. The criteria is a 4wd wagon with low range and seating for at least five. In 2023, we have a better selection of overland vehicles than we have seen in decades, and this lineup is more exciting than ever. There are a few surprises, including a plugin hybrid and an all electric.

Scott Brady interviews Ashley Giordano of Desk to Glory about her travels in Europe with their Toyota Tundra and Overland Explorer Camper. The conversation includes Ashley's tips for working from the road as Overland Journal Senior Editor, feedback on the truck / camper, and plans for their next segment. They also discuss the recent trip with XOverland to Southern Africa.

In this episode, Scott Brady records a update on competing segment two of crossing Africa, lessons learned on the trip, equipment, communication tools and traveling with loved ones. Due to the nature of the trip, this episode was recorded as a monologue.

Scott Brady interviews Brian McVickers about his recent experience at the 2023 SEMA Show, including his review of the new Lexus and Toyota overland concept vehicles. We discuss the new ARB trailer and expanded offerings from Ironman and others. The SEMA show has also expanded the overland area to include outside displays of overland campers, trailers, and vans. This included the new Revel and the Hike models from Winnebago.

Based in Northern Spain, Enrique Pacheco and Iva Tasic spend their time overlanding Europe with their dog, Lisa, in a 2016 Ford Ranger and custom-built wedge camper. In this podcast from the field, the couple shares practical and helpful tips about overlanding Spain.Full snow notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady and Brian McVickers discuss the opportunities, risks, and trends of the overlanding marketplace. They do the deep dive into current trends, income opportunities, and emerging segments, along with where the industry sits on the typical consumer trend lifecycle. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews his friend and business partner Brian McVickers, discussing Brian’s early life of competitive sailing and international travel. The conversation continues with meeting his wife Amy and their years of sailing the Caribbean and living for four years on their sailboat. Brian has worked in leadership within the outdoor space for over two decades, and shares his insights on overlanding, traveling with family, and casting off the bowlines for a life well lived. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady and Brian McVickers launch a new series called Overland News, where we feature the latest from the overlanding industry, including new vehicles, camping equipment, travel gear and more. In 2007, Overland Journal launched the Overland News section of the magazine, and we are picking up the nameplate for the podcast, making this feature a quarterly (or slightly more frequent) segment. For this episode, we talk about the new Land Cruiser and GX 250, along with the ZR2 Bison lineup, and the new Ram Rebel 2500. Additional conversation includes Scott's dumb phone, and the reMarkable II, along with new satellite communications, REDARC batteries, Garmin devices, and roof tents. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady and Matt Scott discuss era appropriate vehicle modifications, classic 4wds, and even investing in collector models. Most overlanders appreciate the simple and vintage travel equipment, including canvas slingback chairs or a Series Land Rover. They are not suggesting that classic overland gear is better, but it often times puts a bigger smile on your face. Full snow notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady and Matt Scott discuss the Principles of Overlanding Tweet Storm, a 30 point overview of the core tenets of vehicle-based overland travel. Lessons are often learned the hard way, which in Scott and Matt's case includes screwing up, getting stuck, carjacked, impounded, detained, delayed, and generally mired in the throes of adventure. Even the worst of scenarios had a silver lining (maybe not the carjacking) as their awareness grew and they adjusted their traveling operating systems. During their travels, they have also been fortunate to meet countless overlanders far more skilled, knowledgeable, and clever than themselves, contributing to the source code for sound overland principles.These principles of overlanding are an attempt at sharing those learnings in as concise a way as possible, distilling the first principles of vehicle-based adventure travel while attempting to strike a balance between Laissez-faire and pedantic. The list is organized from the macro to the micro, and an argument could be made contrary to any of them. This list is our view on a pursuit we all adore- but ultimately, the most essential principle is to go.Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady and Matt Scott riff on recent happenings in the overland sphere, including Matt getting stuck in the EarthRoamer, Scott getting stuck in the Grenadier, Matt going to Goodwood, buying a Tesla, and Scott ranting about payload again. . . Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews Stanley Illman, Co-founder of Front Runner, international businessman, and global explorer. Stanley has driven around the world in Land Rover, G-Class, and classic Porsche. Stanley shares important insights on product quality, vehicle preparation, and travel. His trips have crossed Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

American Mary Hannah Hardcastle and Brit Andy Ellis are currently driving their 2010 Land Rover Defender 110 throughout Southern Africa. In this podcast from the field, the couple shares practical and helpful tips on overlanding South Africa and Namibia.Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews Paul Marsh, legendary vehicle consultant and expedition leader. Paul prepares vehicles for continent-crossing expeditions, and has worked in mechanical support roles for major vintage car rallies, and overland trips like Driven to Extremes. Paul helped us with Expeditions 7 by preparing the VDJ78 for Antarctica. Paul's travels equally impressive, including multiple continental crossings. Our conversation includes Paul's overlanding principles, and the fundamentals of working as a team with your travel companions.

Scott Brady interviews the legendary Tom Sheppard, an icon of overlanding, and one of the most accomplished desert explorers in history. Tom has led multiple scientific and Royal Geographical Society expeditions into Northern Africa, including the first West/East crossing of the Sahara by vehicle. Tom is an exceptional practitioner of the craft, and authored numerous volumes on the subject, including the preeminent reference manual of overlanding, the Vehicle Dependent Expedition Guide. http://www.desertwinds.co.uk/ Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews Wes Siler on his lessons learned hunting, backpacking, and overlanding around the globe. Wes has built a reputation for hard hitting and deep dive editorial about important topics that affect all strata of outdoor enthusiasts. Wes also shares his lessons building a long travel 200 series Land Cruiser and Ford Ranger.Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews desert explorer Toby Savage, professional photographer and Land Rover enthusiast. Tony shares his many adventures in his Land Rover, and his significant work with the Long Range Desert Group historical society. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Summary: Matt Scott and Scott Brady discuss the merits, considerations, and limitations of the overland campers, and how to best prepare your overland home on wheels. They do the deep dive on EarthRoamers, EarthCruisers, Adrenalin Campers, Nimbl, and others. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady and Chris Cordes discuss navigation tools and solutions for remote travel, including the importance of fundamentals like the paper map and compass. Additional topics include GPS units vs. Apps, and some of the key learnings and insights around digital navigation applications. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Few places on the planet resonate with the adventurer like the African continent, from the vibrant cultures to the ancient civilizations, megafauna, and some of the most remote and inspiring landscapes on earth. At Overland Journal, we have been fortunate to circumnavigate the planet three times and cross all seven continents. Still, we had one journey that has continually called to us- crossing the long axis of the African continent.Today marks day zero of the journey, as our Ineos Grenadier arrives in Durban, and we begin lightly modifying the vehicle to meet our needs as travelers. We selected the Grenadier because of its "Built on Purpose" design, robust construction, off-highway capabilities, and wagon configuration (Editor's Note: We are not being paid to use the Grenadier). As we often share, pinnacle overland vehicles like the Grenadier require few changes for overlanding, and the Grenadier is no exception. We have no modifications planned for the vehicle, but we will add some storage and systems that help support the adventure. Taking Delivery of the GrenadierWe took delivery of the Grenadier in London and spent a week exploring the countryside and testing the vehicle at the Millbrook proving grounds in Bedfordshire. In London, I worked with the Ineos team on securing RORO shipping, spares, support equipment, and the Carnet de Passage for importation. Our preparations have begun in Johannesburg, working with longtime friends and partners to help source the needed kit and discussing the route plans with experienced Trans-Africa overlanders. After a few weeks in Joburg, we will conduct a test run through Lesotho and the surrounding bushveld before heading to Cape Town and our launching-off point.Planned Grenadier Fieldmaster Modifications and Support Equipment:Secure vehicle storage, including a drawer systemInside sleeping platform that retains the rear seatsGarmin GPS navigation and satellite communicationRecovery gear, tools, and sparesFirst aid and emergency suppliesMelvill and Moon canvas seat covers and bed rollsRedarc battery management with auxiliary lithium batteryAdditional 80 liters of auxiliary fuel in Giant Loop bladders and NATO cansThat is it. . .Our Trans-Africa Overland Route PlanThe original plan was to drive along the classic eastern track from Cape Town to Cairo. With Sudan's closed border, we are looking at all possibilities, including driving north to Kenya and crossing through Rwanda to the DRC and up the west coast. Adjustments are all part of the adventure, and I am being in the moment and taking the journey country by country. To help document the journey, I will have Joe Fleming along for most (if not all) of the trip. Joe is an inspiring visual storyteller, an experienced traveler, and a good friend. Others are planning to join for short sections too, and we will share our experiences on the pages of Overland Journal, in articles for expeditionportal.com, on our YouTube channel, and on The Overland Journal Podcast. I am so grateful for the support of my family and the Overland International team in undertaking this trip, along with the generous help from Aether Apparel, Front Runner, Garmin, Ineos Automotive, Redarc, and others. We look forward to meeting some of you along the Overland Journal trans-Africa continental crossing journey and celebrating what will become a historic first (more on that soon). Yours in adventure, Scott BradyPublisherInstagram and Threads: @scott.a.bradyTwitter: @scott_bradyFull show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews Mac MacKenney, overland expedition leader and Guinness world record holder. Mac started life with dreams of being a pilot and joining the Royal Air Force, overcoming incredible odds to accomplish the goal. As a veteran overcoming PTSD, Mac found his calling in leading significant expeditions with Sir Ranulph Fiennes before earning the Guinness Record for his London to Cape Town drive. Mac works with veterans on their (and his) journey to recover from PTSD.Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Matt Scott and Scott Brady interview Clay Croft of XOverland, diving deep into their lessons learned from traveling Europe, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. Clay also announces the newest XOverland expedition- Africa! Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Overlanders of the Year Lisa Morris and Jason Spafford compare traveling by motorcycle and Toyota Hilux in this podcast from the field. Host Ashley Giordano learns more about the couple’s moto journey along the Pan-American Highway and the rigors of overlanding through Iceland in the winter.Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews Dan Grec, our very first podcast guest. Dan has recently completed his trip around and across Australia, along with traveling with his partner and father. Dan also announces his next vehicle build, which includes a whole new level of protection from the elements. Full show notes availiable at Overland Journal Podcast

Scott Brady interviews Andrew St. Pierre White about his stories, films, books, and overland adventures around the world by 4WD. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast

Matt Scott and Scott Brady interview Liz and Brett about living and working full-time as overlanders, including their hacks for making the transition to life on the road. They share the details of their E350 van, 4Runner, and Airstream projects, and how they hustle to keep the dream alive. Full show notes available at Overland Journal Podcast