Whether folks were driving, pumping iron at the gym, scrubbing stubborn bathroom tiles, or taking Fido for a walk, an estimated 120 million listeners tuned in to an endless supply of podcasts in 2021. This figure will undoubtedly rise by the end of 2022 as podcast popularity continues to grow and the holiday season wraps up. Short winter days allow us to slow down, delight in holiday traditions, and finally get to that movie, book, or podcast episode we’ve been eager to enjoy.
This year was very exciting for the Overland Journal Podcast. Hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott celebrated the 100th episode; overland destinations included South America, Saudi Arabia, and Alaska; while plenty of gear and vehicles were discussed, including full-size trucks, ground tents, fridges, soft coolers, wedge campers, and electric vehicles. But the episodes that made us laugh, cry, and feel the most inspired were interviews with others. We’ve rounded up a list of our favorite episodes (and yours) from this year’s collection. We hope you’ll enjoy them wherever you may be.
Overland Journal Podcast Host Scott Brady’s Favorites
Ashley Giordano Interviews Luisa Bell, Global Adventurer and Overlander
Ashley’s interviewing style and Luisa’s humor make this one of the most enjoyable podcasts I have listened to (of any kind.) When combined with their collective travel experience and thoughtful outlook on the world, this episode is one to bookmark.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Mylo Fowler on Finding Your Path to Adventure and Capturing the Moment
This is the first interviewee that brought tears to my eyes. It reflects Mylo’s deep understanding and love for his Navajo people and lands and his passion for visual storytelling. After speaking with Mylo, I make an effort to better understand and honor the First Peoples that lived on the lands I travel.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Clay Croft shares a Decade of Overland Adventure and a New Nordic Series
Clay Croft and I have a wide-ranging conversation about travel, family, and the importance of connection. Stories of our travels abound, reflecting our deep friendship and care for global exploration.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Dave Harriton (AEV) on Why Innovation, Quality, and Adventure Matters
Dave is a true polymath with a deep understanding of vehicle engineering and how to use them properly around the globe. Matt Scott and I spent over an hour with Dave discussing vehicle design and modification fundamentals.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
The Turtle Expedition Shares 50 Years of Overland Wisdom
It is not often you have the chance to interview your heroes, but I had the pleasure of spending time with one of the OG overland couples, Monika and Gary Wescott of the Turtle Expedition. They share actionable insights on over 50 years of global exploration.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Overland Journal Podcast Host Ashley Giordano’s Favorites
MaliMish, A Family of Five on Four Continents
This family of five (Dan, Marlene, Ava, Mila, Luka) has been on the road for 14 years through 41 countries, four continents, and 49 US states. Currently overlanding in a 4×4 Sprinter van with cats Twin and Toby, MaliMish provides a wealth of information about traveling as a family unit.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Zenvanz Founders Bryan and Jen Danger on Overcoming Fear and Living Your Dreams
It was a surreal experience interviewing Bryan and Jen Danger because their story gave my husband and me the guts to create our own unique path. After driving through Central America in their 1967 VW bus, Bryan and Jen moved aboard svKarma, where they’ve been sailing the Caribbean seas ever since.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Luai Alsheheli, Owner of 4 Wheel Station and a Unique 60-Series Land Cruiser
In this podcast from the field, Riyadh-based 4WD shop owner Luai Alsheheli shared the unique characteristics of overland, vehicle, and camping culture in Saudi Arabia. Oh, and we had a blast talking about Saudi cuisine and Land Cruisers.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Eva zu Beck on Inspiring Ourselves and Others to Travel
I enjoyed listening to solo female overlander Eva zu Beck talk about her grandfather’s passion for travel outside of communist Poland, Eva’s Pan-American journey in a Land Rover Defender, and the addition of her German Shepherd travel companion, Vilk.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Listeners Weigh In: Your Favorite Overland Journal Podcasts
Thank you for tuning in to the Overland Journal Podcast this year! Here are the top 10 episodes chosen by our listeners.
#1: 2021 Gear and Vehicles of the Year
Scott Brady and Matt Scott riff on the best gear of the year and the ultimate new SUVs, trucks, and campers of 2021.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#2: Full-size Overland Truck of the Year
Scott Brady, Matt Swartz, and Matt Scott discuss Overland Journal’s 2022 Full-size Truck of the Year Award, plus detailed insights into the Nissan Titan XD, Ford F-250 Tremor, GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4, Ram Power Wagon, Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel Tradesman, and the 2022 Toyota Tundra.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#3: Dave Harriton (AEV) on Why Innovation, Quality, and Adventure Matters
Scott Brady and Matt Scott interview Dave Harriton, CEO and founder of American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), about the importance of innovation and engineering in the development of aftermarket components and how Dave transitioned from a whitewater kayaker to an industry leader.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#4: Nick Taylor On Crossing Deserts and Preparing for Adventure
Scott Brady interviews technologist, Royal Geographical Society fellow, and co-founder of 7P Overland Nick Taylor about his interest in communications technology and automation, the antithesis of the simple diesel Land Rovers he loves, and his experiences overlanding North Africa.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#5: Nena Barlow Talks Essential Skills for Backcountry Overlanding
Scott Brady and Matt Scott interview Rebelle Rally champion Nena Barlow about her favorite Jeeps, competitive success, and essential skills for exploring the backcountry. Nena is a certified Master Trainer by the International 4WD Trainer Association and is the owner of Barlow Adventures.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#6: Sean Gorman: Adventurer and 4WD Expert
Scott Brady interviews Founder and CEO of Sea to Summit Experiences Sean Gorman about his role as a longtime collaborator with vehicle manufacturers and notable launches in North America. Sean is also a regular Overland Journal contributor.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#7: Fridge Freezers and Soft Coolers for Overlanding
Scott Brady and Matt Swartz discuss the key attributes of 12-volt fridges, soft coolers, and some of the best units on the market.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#8: Principles of Overlanding: The Toyota Pickup
Scott Brady and Richard Giordano discuss the Toyota Pickup and Hilux for overland travel, including preparing the 1979 to 1995 Pickup for international travel. Additional discussion includes the newer Hilux plus Arctic Truck modifications for polar conditions.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#9: Best Ground Tents for Overlanding
Matt Swartz and Scott Brady discuss the pros and cons of ground tents and review 10 of the best models.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
#10: Principles of Overlanding: The Toyota Tundra
Richard Giordano and Scott Brady discuss preparing the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-generation Tundra for overland travel.
Listen: Overland Journal | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure 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.