The XOVERLAND Podcast

In this Q&A episode of the XOVERLAND Podcast, Clay Croft sits down to answer your biggest questions about the Milestones expedition through West Africa. From vehicle security and camp safety to showers, laundry, fuel economy, and truck maintenance, this episode dives into the practical realities of life on the road during one of XOVERLAND’s most ambitious journeys yet. Clay also shares stories about memorable cultural experiences, lessons learned from pre-trip security training, balancing safety with meaningful travel experiences, and the logistical challenges of moving vehicles across continents. He explains how the Africa truck builds differed from the Nordic series, how often the team reset and deep-cleaned the rigs, and what the process looks like once the expedition comes to an end. If you’ve been curious about what really goes into an expedition of this scale, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insight straight from the road. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the X OVERLAND Podcast, Clay Croft sits down with his son Cyrus at the X OVERLAND Ranch to reflect on one of the most demanding stretches of the Milestones Expedition: crossing West Africa. From preparing with medical and SERE-style training to navigating fuel shortages, cash problems, language barriers, visa uncertainty, and more than 180 checkpoints in Nigeria alone, Clay and Cyrus break down what it really took to keep the team and trucks moving across the continent. They discuss the difference between fear and preparation, the exhaustion of constant problem-solving, and the street smarts that only come from experience. They also share stories from difficult borders, including their tense experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and explain why West Africa is both incredibly challenging and absolutely worth experiencing. For anyone curious about international overlanding, expedition logistics, or what it takes to drive across Africa, this conversation offers an honest look at adventure when the stakes are high and the unknowns are constant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10,500 miles into their Milestones expedition, Clay Croft and Rachelle Croft look back at 15 years of X Overland—and how both the adventure and the industry have transformed. From maxed-out credit cards and early Vimeo uploads to building a sponsor-backed brand, they break down what it really took to make it sustainable. They also unpack the evolution of overlanding itself—from grassroots meetups to massive events like Overland Expo—and how gear, vehicles, and technology have completely changed the game. Think OEM overland trims, simpler builds, lithium power, solar, Redarc systems, and the rise of Starlink. Plus: hard lessons in leadership, why the journey matters more than the build, and what it means to protect access for future travelers. A candid look at how far things have come—and where it all goes next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clay Croft and Scott Brady reflect on the final stretch of XOVERLAND’s nearly 40,000 km journey across West Africa. In this episode, they unpack the “final mile” mindset—where focus, discipline, and safety matter most—as the team pushes toward Cape Town while navigating coups, elections, border crossings, fuel shortages, and illness. They share hard-earned lessons from the road, including the brutal conditions of Guinea’s roads, the realities of long-range fuel planning, and the surprising consistency of welcoming locals along the way. The conversation also dives into gear and vehicle performance—from Toyota Trailhunter reliability on poor fuel to a 25,000-mile Mobil 1 oil test, plus the small upgrades that made a big difference. As they near the completion of a global circumnavigation, Clay and Scott reflect on what it takes to finish strong—and why meaningful adventure is possible in any vehicle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Cyrus Croft and Peter van Stralen as they reflect on reaching the end of the first phase of their journey—and the miles that have shaped it so far. For Peter, life on the road started early, growing up immersed in the Epic Family Road Trip, where global travel wasn’t just an idea—it was a way of life. For Cyrus, expedition-style adventure was part of his upbringing, taking him across the world and instilling a deep drive to explore beyond the familiar. Now, the two come together to take on an ambitious goal: driving vertically around the world. In this episode, they share what it means to carry forward a legacy of adventure, the realities of life on the road as young explorers, and why this journey is only the beginning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Richard and Ashley Giordano as they share what it really looks like to build a life on the road—together. From winding their way across Europe to navigating Morocco, the remote “Stans,” and even securing a rare Russian transit visa, their journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, they dive into the realities of long-term travel as a couple—the challenges, the unexpected moments, and the lessons learned from life beyond borders. Whether you’re dreaming of your own overland adventure or already living it, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to keep moving forward—together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join overlanding experts Clay Croft and Richard Giordano as they reflect on their personal journeys from minimalist backpacking to fully built trucks traveling across borders. In this episode, Clay and Richard draw on their own experience to explore how experience shapes the way we approach gear, vehicle builds, and life on the road. They break down the natural progression of truck setups, what to pack, and how your approach shifts between weekend trips and long-haul expeditions. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your current setup, this conversation offers practical insights into building capability over time without overcomplicating the process. Tune in for an honest discussion on growth, perspective, and why the most important step is simple: use what you have and get out there. Sponsored by Mobil 1 Visit loveofdriving.mobil.com/aroundtheworld to learn more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it actually take to build something—and keep it going when things don’t go to plan? In this episode, Clay Croft and Andy Ellis dive into the reality behind the journey, where expectations meet friction and the only way forward is to adapt. From key decisions to the moments that could have derailed everything, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to figure things out in real time. It’s not just about the wins—it’s about the process, the pressure, and the mindset required to keep moving when the path isn’t clear. Because the version of the story you see is only part of it—this is everything underneath. Sponsored by Mobil 1 Visit loveofdriving.mobil.com/aroundtheworld to learn more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Rebelle Rally (10th Edition) is just a week away! Did you know that for 10 days, teams of 2 will cover some of the harshest terrain across 1,500+ miles with no gps while testing their driving and navigation skills - using only maps, compass, and roadbook? Join Rachelle Croft and Leah Heffelfinger as they reflect on previous years of their involvement and competing in the Rebelle Rally! You'll hear Rachelle's backstory of how she found the Rebelle Rally, and both Rachelle and Leah's expertise about testing their skills and vehicles in various editions of the Rebelle Rally over the past 10 years. Listen in for behind the scenes thoughts of Rachelle's start into the world of the Rebelle Rally, her first place win in 2019 with her driving partner, Taylor Pawley, and Rachelle's thoughts and plans as she prepares to return with Taylor to compete in the rally just one week from now. Stay tuned and follow along @xoverland on Instagram for updates as Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley return to compete in the 2025 Rebelle Rally from October 8 - October 18, 2025 as an Official Toyota Team in the All-New Trailhunter 4Runner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All the way from England, we welcome our new friend Tati, into the studio! Join Clay Croft and Tati as they discuss their passion for overlanding, vehicles, and more on the XOVERLAND Podcast. In this episode, these two overlanding pros dive deep into building vehicles for travel, where in the U.S. to visit, and what drives them to continue traveling all over the globe. What are important first steps in vehicle based travel? How does XO travel safely in new environments? Find out in this hour long discussion! Visiting the Hangar in an Ineos Grenadier, Tati will stop by some American hot spots, then travel back to her beloved motherland, and back to her epic Land Rover. Be sure to check out her socials ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve heard your questions and we’re excited to answer them. In this episode, Scott Brady, Clay Croft, Rachelle Croft and Ashley Giordano sit down together at the to share the full story behind the launch of the Overland Collective. From how this idea came to life to why now is the time, this honest conversation dives into the vision, values, and future of this unified effort between XOVERLAND, Overland Journal, Expedition Portal, and XOVERLAND Ranch. You’ll also hear what this means for the content you love, how it will impact the community, and what you can expect moving forward. If you’ve been curious about what the Overland Collective really is and why it matters, then this is the episode for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join adventurers and storytellers Clay Croft and Sinuhe Xavier as they take you on a journey of exploration, creativity, and human connection. Clay and Sinuhe share their passion for traveling the world in unique ways, from remote off-road expeditions to uncharted cultural immersions. With riveting tales from their years of overland travel, behind-the-scenes insights into their storytelling craft, and interviews with fellow explorers, this podcast is your passport to inspiration to your next adventure. Discover what it takes to turn ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures while uncovering the world’s hidden gems one road at a time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join overlanding experts Clay Croft and Ryan Connelly as they explore the art of optimizing both your life and your overlanding vehicle. In this episode, Clay and Ryan dive into the practical tips, gear recommendations, and packing strategies that will make your next adventure smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned overlander or just starting to build your dream rig, they cover everything from vehicle upgrades and maintenance to mental and physical preparation for life on the road. Tune in for in-depth discussions on balancing adventure with efficiency, plus expert insights to help you make the most of every journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join filmmakers Clay Croft and Zach Johaneson as they reflect on their epic overlanding journey through South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho. In this episode, they share the stories behind the lens as they navigated remote roads, filmed stunning landscapes, and immersed themselves in local cultures. Clay and Zach dive into the challenges of capturing a film while on the move, the moments of awe they encountered along the way, and the powerful connections they made through travel. Whether you're into overlanding, filmmaking, or adventure, this episode is packed with insights from an unforgettable road trip across Southern Africa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Jason Siver, an expert in automotive insurance and overlanding enthusiast, as he dives into the world of insuring overlanding vehicles. In this informative podcast, Jason shares his extensive knowledge of how to properly insure your overland rig to ensure peace of mind during your off-road adventures. From understanding the unique needs of overlanding vehicles—whether they’re modified with custom gear or are fully outfitted for long-distance travel—to exploring coverage options like comprehensive, collision, and specialty insurance, Jason breaks down the complexities of navigating the insurance landscape. Tune in to make sure your overland adventures are protected, whether you're crossing deserts, navigating rugged mountain passes, or embarking on a global road trip. Jason Siver’s expert insights will help you ensure that your vehicle, your gear, and your journey are covered—every mile of the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for our most extensive podcast to date about a topic that is what gets us out of bed in the morning, coffee! Jimmy and Leah begin by chatting with Rachelle about both her coffee background and the tips and tricks that she has learned from her years of traveling the globe. What are some of the best takeaways from her many miles around the world? Part 1 of this podcast is for you. Next, Jess Nepstad joins us from Brutrek to talk about gear and equipment that you should consider looking into before heading out on your next overlanding adventure. Finally, Ryan Ovik from Ghost Town Coffee (a local coffee roaster and favorite coffee shop) joins us to talk about best methods for brewing coffee and how to optimize your coffee making when at home or in nature. Coined "Bozeman's Best Barista", Ryan is a wealth of knowledge for the overlanding community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Americas to Africa, motorcycles to a Hilux, Lisa and Jason of Four Wheeled Nomad have done it all. This week, they sit down with Rachelle and discuss striking the right balance in their overlapping adventures. After 80,000 miles and 21 countries, all on motorcycles, Lisa and Jason have gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable, and they are here to share their story. Make sure to check them out on YouTube and on Instagram ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us for a deep dive into what it looks like to overland in the U.S. from a European perspective with Melanie and Sebastian from the Campulance! These two amazing people tell everything that they know about making life choices to support your love of travel, managing finances, budgeting & saving, work ideas, and much more. Not sure where to get started in full-time overlanding? This podcast is for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team at Mainline Overland have been around the block when it comes to building overland rigs. From helping build rigs like MAK and Owen's (Bound for Nowhere) Tundra to helping people outfit an adventure ready lifestyle, Mainline are here to make building an overland rig accessible. Jimmy and Leah learn all about how to plan your suspension as you load your vehicle down with aftermarket parts and accessories, as well as common failure points as your build progresses. Pete and Joe from Mainline are here to help you get started on planning your overland upgrades. Make sure to check them out online or on Instagram ! Watch this podcast here ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you thrive while on extended overlanding trips? There are few people that have overlanded around the world more than Scott Brady. Extended trips and overlanding are not always as glamorous as it looks. There are many things to consider when heading out for a long trip, or even a weekend adventure. What you bring with you is only half of the battle! We want to educate on how you plan a trip that will make for an amazing experience, no matter the crew and needs. Watch this podcast here ! Read the show notes here! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.