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

New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription! Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% off.
We thank you for being a subscriber.

Tune in Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

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

New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription? Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% off. We thank you for being a subscriber.

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.

New to Overland Journal and want to grab a subscription?
Visit Overland Journal and enter code: overlandpodcast at checkout for 20% off.