The Average Overlanders Podcast

This week Jared and Ben are hanging out, sharing stories. Jared just recently went out with some friends out exploring parts of Death Valley. He shares some of the cool sights they visited and adventures they experienced. From crazy winds, awesome trails, hot springs and great people makes for a great trip. Also touch on some upcoming projects.

We got our buddy Mike @flatbedtundra on the show with us this week. Not only does Mike have a nicely setup Tundra with a flatbed, he also custom built a trailer that is probably more dialed in than most trucks. When he decided to remove the bed of his truck and go with a flatbed he had a vision. Why waste a perfectly good truck bed? Why not turn it into a sick, overly built overland trailer! We talk about the build process and testing it out in places like Mojave and Anza Borrego. Tune in as we may have also discovered the next sleeper, overland rig.

We were finally able to get our friend Aim @overlandpriority to join us on the show! Not only does he go on some awesome adventures, he also has some amazing photography, which you can check out on his other page @aimlorejas_photography. He didn't always have all the cool gear and rad rig. He shares where he started and the evolution into where he is now. He may travel as a solo vehicle but he doesn't go it alone. His whole family is along for the ride!

Ben and Jared both went camping in the desert this last weekend but not together. Ben took an adventure with both his dogs and a great group for an awesome trip exploring around the Mojave desert. Jared couldn't get out for the whole weekend so opted for a quick overnighter in Anza Borego. They share some highs and lows from their trips. They also dive into wedding dress attire and pie for desert.

This week we had a great time getting to know Leeno from Ibis Offroad @ibisoffroad. Leeno gives us the run down on the offroad scene where he's from in Florida. Aside from having to deal with recovering in the marshland mud and the occasional gator, overlanding is pretty similar on the opposite coast. With Ibis Offroad he takes people out on guided trail adventures. From more advanced wheeling to the first timers. Offering training on how to self recover and being prepared with first aid. We also talk breakdowns, tires, airboats and other adventures.

This week, our buddy Matt Kester drops in. Matt, formally 2nd Hand Overland has started a new chapter in his life. He decided to give up his old Land Rover and trade it for 2 wheels. He's started traveling on a KLR 650 now. Hang out with us as we share some adventures, talk about running marathons, try some new bourbon, give questionable life advice and just have a good time. For more on Matt and his adventures follow him at Matt Kester on YouTube and on the gram @matt.t.kester

Our first guest of 2024 is our buddy Adam @adam.m.queen. Photography is his profession and he's been fortunate enough to be able to call home anywhere he feels like pulling up. Whether it's down by the beach or parked along a river up in the mountains. He makes this easier by driving a well put together Revel Sprinter van. We not only dive into van life but overall life. We share our thoughts on food, cool places, YouTube, whiskey, and whatever we feel like. Hangout with us and a have a few laughs.

We've been on a break for a bit to be with family over the holidays and to do some traveling. But we're back baby! This week Ben and Jared fill us in on what they've been up to during the time off. Ben recaps his 2 week trip to Greece and some mishaps in the desert with friends on a weekend getaway. Jared spent 8 days traveling up to the coast of Oregon and back. Some good times out at the popular local event Rigs & Brews and what plans they have for the new year.

Ben and Jared are hanging out this week with longtime friend James @jamesporter4sure. We talk about how he's managed to put down over 320K miles on his sweet 2020 F350 traveling the country. James even shares with us transitioning from life in the Marines to private security work. We also discuss hunting, his EDC and being able to bond with his son at his first concert while exploring Utah and some sketchy trails.

If you only had 10 days to explore Colorado how would you do it? Well good friends of the show Aric and Shelby of @as_is_overland share with us how they went about it. Got to say it sounded like a great time. Hangout with us as we get to hear all about their adventure. Through the good, the not so good and a few surprises.

We have the Barberena brother's in the studio this week. Brandon @code_5537 is not new to the show but Andrew decided to join in on the fun. They recently had a what was supposed to be a quick trail run up John Bull in Big Bear before grabbing lunch, turn into an all day indever. They go over the series of events of that day and any lessons that were learned. We also talk filters as Andrew works for SB Filters, how to properly wire a circuit breaker, and why you should always carry ratchet straps.

The first Lil' Smokies Campout and Cookoff is in the books! It was an awesome time up in the mountains, getting to hangout with old friends and making new ones. The cookoff was amazing! Everyone went above and beyond with their meals. Ben and Jared go over all the shenanigans that went down that weekend. Plus its starting to cool down and Jared shares his brief, but fun time hanging out up at the Toyo Tires event up in Holcomb Valley.

We're hanging out this week with Chef Sean @fstlayn. While Ben was in Arizona, Sean and Jared were both up exploring the 395. They were with different groups but at times were only 5min apart. They ran into changes in weather, field repairs, and some amazing times.

This week were joined by Rob and Avis from Overland V1.0. They are currently taking a short break from traveling all over in their ridiculously cool 2021 RAM 3500 for Avis to train with Kristen @mrs.optoffroad in the Opt Offroad Bronco, for her second time running the Rebelle Rally. We talk about some of their trips including traveling from Virginia to Alaska, and getting muddy along the Mojave Trail. We also discuss the current restrictions in place for those filming in National Parks and how crazy the laws are. To get involved head over to their Youtube channel for more info with links and how you can help.

This week we have Jessi @arctrooper.jl back with us in the studio but this time she brought along her husband Robert @mythosaurmotorsports. Together they make quite the formidable pair when it comes to offroad. When they pull up in Roberts awesome Ram 2500 decked out for the overland trails, pulling Jessi's badass Jeep JL on their custom trailer you know it's gonna be a good time! We talk about their most recent trip north along the Continental Divide with the Rebel Offroad crew and the good times had along that 16 day journey. We even dive into all the prep and training Jessi has been doing as she gets ready for her 2nd time running the Rebelle Rally!

This week we talk about the hype of the "big" hurricane that was supposed to hit southern California and how to be prepared. A lot of what we use for overlanding can be applied to disaster preparedness. We also touch people misusing public lands and how we can all do better.

Ben and Jared are hanging out on Instagram live this week. Talking about the so called "hurricane" about to come through southern California and everyone freaking out about it. They also recap the recent outing at OC Yoto Nights. It was a lot of fun with people showing off on the flex ramp, RC obstacle course setup by Opt Offroad, tons of vendors, cool rides and rad people all around. That same night there was supposed to be a big meteor shower and people were coming from all over to see it. People were flooding into Joshua Tree National Park to get a good viewing but some were being stupid about it and driving out of bounds, illegally camping, having fires during a fire ban and just leaving trash everywhere. People need to do better.

We have now officially launched our website where you can sign up for the first annual Little Smokies Campout. We talk a bit about what you will find when visiting the website and some of the plans for it. Also find out info for what you'll need to attend the Little Smokies Campout. Then we give some reviews of on restaurants and our thoughts on the recent tipping culture. Also it's been awhile since we been able to get out and camp but we've still been busy, going to car meets, taking the kids on summer activities, getting oil changes and so much more.

This week we're diving into some shock and suspension discussions. Who better to educate us than Scott from Icon Vehicle Dynamics. He shares with us the different suspension setups and how they function and what might work best for your rig. We also learned about some products we weren't aware of like their ICON Intelligent Control (IIC). This is some pretty cool tech that tunes your suspension on the fly without you having to leave the comfort of the cab of your vehicle. ICON doesn't just make amazing suspension components but some awesome wheels as well including their badass InnerLock wheels that function like a true beadlock but without the need of having to mess with rings. It was also cool to hear how they come up with some of their ideas for their setups and constant product testing. We're also stoked to announce The Little Smokies Campout which you can now sign up for on our newly launched Average Overlanders website! Go check it out and let us know what you think!

Fan favorite Norm @land_beaver1 is back with us in the studio. He and his wife Laura just got back from an epic 16 day trip exploring the midwest and as far as Glacier National Park. Trying out new gear and finding awesome spots to camp, Norm takes us along for a ride while sharing their travels. He also brought over some gifts and goodies which included some moonshine we may have taken a few sips of.