Shows
Outskirts Overland PodcastGetting Ahead: Why Now is the Perfect Time for Winter Gear MaintenanceSend us a textCaught in summer's sweltering grip, the last thing on most campers' minds is cold weather preparation. Yet that's precisely the opportunity hidden in these hot July days – a chance to get ahead of winter while everyone else is simply trying to stay cool.This episode cuts through conventional wisdom to deliver practical advice about winter camping prep that needs to happen now, not later. I share my three-year experience with diesel heaters, including my summer maintenance routine of running it for three consecutive days at maximum level to burn off soot an...2025-07-1520 minOutskirts Overland PodcastFrom Hot Mess to Cool Rest: Overlanding Tent UpgradesSend us a textWhen summer hits and temperatures soar, rooftop tent camping can quickly become unbearable. That scorching tent surface and compressed mattress had been making my weekend adventures less comfortable than they should be—until I discovered two surprisingly simple solutions that transformed my experience.The first breakthrough came unexpectedly. After merely mentioning my plan to wrap my tent top in white vinyl, a friend with a wrap shop offered to do it immediately. For just $100, he transformed my black tent top into a heat-reflecting white surface. The difference was immediate and dramatic. Wh...2025-07-1021 minOutskirts Overland PodcastWhat Even Is Normal Weather Anymore?Send us a textExtreme weather is reshaping our outdoor experiences in unprecedented ways. Witness firsthand how torrential downpours—three inches in just 90 minutes—have transformed familiar trails into unrecognizable crevices, making weekend adventures both challenging and unpredictably beautiful.Strangely, despite the popularity of overlanding on social media, the trails were remarkably empty throughout the entire weekend. Only three other off-road vehicles appeared across two states and multiple camping locations. This disconnect between perception and reality raises interesting questions about where everyone is going and what's happening in the outdoor community right now.What...2025-07-0928 minOutskirts Overland PodcastFreedom, Fireworks, and Public Land EthicsSend us a textFreedom rings through this pre-Fourth of July episode as I reflect on what makes Independence Day my favorite holiday. Unlike celebrations that come with obligations, the Fourth embodies pure American liberty—everyone gets the day off, families gather outdoors, we grill delicious food, and yes, we legally blow stuff up simply because we can. As both a proud veteran and outdoor enthusiast, I cherish how this holiday brings people together through shared appreciation of freedom rather than guilt or obligation.Speaking of freedom, I'm excited to share that Outskirts apparel is co...2025-07-0340 minOutskirts Overland PodcastSurvival Tech Showdown: iPhone vs ZoleoSend us a textReliable communication in the backcountry can be a lifesaver, but with advancing smartphone technology, many adventurers are wondering if dedicated satellite devices are still necessary. After years of recommending satellite communicators like the Zoleo, I decided to put my iPhone 16's satellite features to the test on a recent camping trip.The results were definitive - and not what many YouTube influencers would have you believe. Despite claims that smartphones have made dedicated satellite communicators obsolete, my real-world experience proved otherwise. The iPhone required awkward positioning to maintain a satellite connection...2025-07-0125 minOutskirts Overland PodcastWhat happens when your adventure vehicle becomes your biggest investment?Send us a textThe secret that nobody talks about in the overlanding world is just how expensive serious vehicle builds actually are. In this candid episode, I pull back the curtain on the true costs behind those Instagram-worthy rigs you see online.My Tacoma represents a $147,000 investment—$36,000 for the truck itself and over $100,000 in modifications, accessories, and equipment built up over years. This isn't unusual in the overlanding community; most YouTube creators you follow likely have $150,000+ in their builds, but rarely discuss these figures openly.I recently completed a DIY dual battery sy...2025-06-3038 minOutskirts Overland PodcastBack Behind the MicSend us a textAfter a brief hiatus from behind the microphone, I'm finally back with updates on where I've been and what's ahead. Life got busy juggling college kids, camping trips, the truck build, work, and everything in between – sometimes we all just need a minute to breathe. While daily episodes might not return, this marks the beginning of a more sustainable podcasting rhythm moving forward.The break wasn't idle time. I've been up late nights finalizing my Redarc dual battery system in the truck, learning new interview software, and preparing for upcoming events. Th...2025-06-2713 minOutskirts Overland PodcastTalking with NikWaxSend us a textMaintaining outdoor gear is often an afterthought, but as our conversation with Heidi from Nikwax reveals, proper care can transform your adventure experience and save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on replacement equipment.With sixteen years at Nikwax under her belt, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge about keeping technical fabrics performing at their best. The company's commitment to environmental responsibility stands out—they've been PFAS-free since 1977, decades before most manufacturers considered eliminating these harmful chemicals. This early start gave Nikwax time to perfect formulations that both protect gear an...2025-06-2641 minOutskirts Overland PodcastTime Passes Whether You're Living or Just ExistingSend us a textLife slips by in the blink of an eye. Have you ever wondered if you're filling your days with distractions rather than meaning?When listeners messaged about missing the podcast and their workdays becoming more boring without it, it sparked deeper thoughts about how we spend our precious time. Many of us sleepwalk through life, trying to emulate others who themselves are playing characters—creating layers of inauthenticity that separate us from genuine fulfillment. But what if we approached each day with critical thought about who we truly are and what we...2025-06-1705 minOutskirts Overland PodcastI'm Taking a BreakSend us a textThe unexpected weight of words. That's what today's raw, unscripted episode confronts as I find myself at a crossroads with Outskirts Overland. What started as a straightforward platform to discuss overlanding without commercial influence has grown into something that carries unanticipated emotional consequences.I've always been direct—when I say something, I mean exactly what I say, nothing more and nothing less. There's no subtext, no veiled criticism of friends or fellow creators, just literal statements and observations. Yet as listenership has grown, so have the misinterpretations and assumed intentions behind my...2025-06-1021 minOutskirts Overland PodcastRain, Mud, and Recovery: Real Overlanding Lessons from a Family CampoutSend us a textEver found yourself in a muddy mess with no way out? The latest adventure of Outskirts Overland takes you straight into the chaotic heart of a corporate camping trip gone soggy. When relentless rain transformed a lakeside campground into a mud pit, what started as a simple family outing became a master class in preparedness and recovery techniques.As minivans sank to their axles and even professional tow trucks became stranded, Charlie's foresight and equipment made him the unexpected hero of the weekend. Using his truck's winch, he rescued multiple vehicles...2025-06-0946 minOutskirts Overland PodcastTrail Mix for the Soul: Real Talk on CommunitySend us a textWhat happens when a thriving community begins to lose its soul? In this heartfelt reflection, we journey back to the early days of vehicle-based adventure, before hashtags and affiliate links dominated the landscape. I share the transformative moment when, as a young gym trainer in Lake Tahoe, complete strangers took my stock Dodge Dakota and returned it lifted with new tires—simply because that's what the community did then.This remarkable act of generosity shaped my entire approach to overlanding. While today's space has evolved into a sophisticated marketplace where partnerships an...2025-06-0645 minOutskirts Overland PodcastAnnouncementSend us a textNo pod today go over to Youtube and watch my video @OutskirtsOverland2025-06-0500 minOutskirts Overland PodcastThe Rain-Ready Overland ArsenalSend us a textEver found yourself caught in a downpour with inadequate gear, watching helplessly as water finds its way into every corner of your camp setup? Today's episode tackles the complete arsenal of strategies for conquering wet weather in the overlanding world.We dive deep into the science of waterproofing with a comprehensive look at NikWax products – that two-part system that not only eliminates mildew smell but dramatically improves your gear's water-repellent properties. You'll learn exactly how to apply these treatments to maximize protection for everything from tents and awnings to your favorite ca...2025-06-0430 minOutskirts Overland PodcastFinding Inspiration When the Trendy Wave CrashesSend us a textSomething significant is happening in the adventure travel content space. We're witnessing what appears to be the first major transition in overlanding social media since the massive boom of 2020-2021, and it's creating a strange new landscape for both creators and enthusiasts.Remember when overlanding content was created by experienced adventurers simply documenting their existing lifestyle? Those voices that taught us valuable skills and inspired us to explore are becoming increasingly rare. Many have disappeared entirely or drastically reduced their output. In their place, a new generation of content creators has...2025-06-0344 minOutskirts Overland PodcastBalancing Parenting, Camping, and the Unexpected: A Glimpse Into an Overlander's LifeSend us a textDive into the refreshingly honest reality of balancing outdoor adventures with family life in this candid episode that captures the beautiful chaos behind the Instagram-perfect overlanding photos.Ever tried to negotiate sleeping arrangements between three kids who all want the prime spot in your rooftop tent? That's just one of the diplomatic challenges I'm navigating as I prepare for a family camping weekend. The rooftop tent versus ground tent debate has already sparked sibling rivalry a week before departure, highlighting how overlanding with children requires an entirely different planning approach than...2025-06-0224 minOutskirts Overland PodcastWhy I'm thrilled about an event that combines wheeling, lazy rivers, and splash padsSend us a textEver wondered what would happen if someone combined a serious overland event with a family resort vacation? That's exactly what we're exploring today as I share my excitement about Overland of America – a revolutionary approach to overlanding events that considers the whole family, not just the driver.Unlike traditional overland gatherings that often mean dust, heat, and limited amenities, this event offers something unique: technical trails and gear shopping alongside pools, splash pads, and lazy rivers. It's what I'm calling "country club overlanding" – and while that might sound contradictory to the rugg...2025-05-3018 minOutskirts Overland PodcastBreaking Down Vehicle Care: The Importance of Regular MaintenanceSend us a textMaintenance isn't just a recommendation—it's a survival strategy when you're miles from civilization with no backup plan. Today we dive deep into the often-overlooked but absolutely critical world of proper vehicle and equipment care for those who push their gear to the limits.Approaching 100,000 miles on my 2020 Toyota Tacoma has me reflecting on what it takes to keep a vehicle running strong through extreme conditions. From winch maintenance rituals that prevent catastrophic failures during recovery operations to the religious checking of grade 8 hardware that holds critical components together—these aren't opti...2025-05-2927 minOutskirts Overland PodcastUnfiltered Adventure TalkSend us a textEver had that moment when your favorite camping gear starts to let you down? After a year with my rooftop tent, the once-comfortable mattress began causing back pain by day three of every trip. Rather than shell out thousands for a completely new setup, I found myself hunting for that elusive middle-ground solution that wouldn't empty my bank account.This search led me down a rabbit hole of product availability issues, questionable online shopping practices, and eventually to a surprisingly perfect solution from a company I wasn't initially considering. The adventure...2025-05-2950 minOutskirts Overland PodcastGrowing Pains: The Reality of PodcastingSend us a textEver wonder what it takes to run a daily overland podcast? In this candid episode, Charlie pulls back the curtain on the journey of building Outskirts Overland while juggling family life, education, and career commitments.Breaking exciting news, Charlie announces his acceptance as an official creator for Overland of America in Jay, Oklahoma. This milestone represents a significant step forward for the podcast, offering listeners a special 10% discount with code OUTSKIRTS10. Mark your calendars for a special live podcast next Wednesday at 6pm CST featuring the event organizers who'll share everything...2025-05-2321 minOutskirts Overland PodcastConquering Connectivity & The Best Seasons for OverlandingSend us a textEver had that frustrating moment when you're miles from nowhere and your call drops right as your kid is sharing their exciting news? That's exactly why connectivity solutions like WeBoost have become game-changers for the modern overlander.In this deeply practical episode, we dive into how signal boosters are revolutionizing remote travel without the ongoing costs of satellite systems. Unlike subscription services, these one-time purchases work seamlessly to amplify existing signals – whether you're streaming Thursday Night Football from deep in the woods or maintaining crystal-clear business calls in rural areas. The va...2025-05-2235 minOutskirts Overland PodcastWondering Where Overlanding Is Headed in Today's MarketSend us a textThe overlanding landscape is shifting beneath our feet. After years of explosive growth, vehicle-based adventure travel appears to be evolving into something different - but what exactly? I've noticed Instagram becoming the primary platform for overlanders, with polished photos replacing in-depth travel videos. Meanwhile, trailer builds gain popularity as traditional vehicle-based overlanding seems to recede. Most concerning is seeing countless pristine builds with all the latest gear showing no signs of actual use. Real equipment tells stories through its patina and witness marks - something missing from many showcase builds now a...2025-05-2113 minOutskirts Overland PodcastPre-Cooling Your Camping Fridge: The Unknown tipSend us a textEver faced the frustrating discovery of completely frozen food in your camping fridge? That's exactly what happened to a friend recently—and it's a common problem with an easy solution. In this rambling road chat, I share the essential practice of pre-cooling your camping cooler or fridge before trips, especially during hot weather. This simple step prevents thermostat malfunctions that can freeze everything solid while draining your battery.The conversation meanders through personal updates, including my Subaru getting hit twice in one week (yes, twice!) and my weekend truck modifications. After so...2025-05-1913 minOutskirts Overland PodcastWhy Most People Quit Overlanding After Just Two YearsSend us a textHave you ever wondered why so many people exit the overlanding community after just a couple of years? Despite the explosion of overlanding content on social media and the apparent accessibility of the hobby, most enthusiasts quietly disappear before they've truly established themselves in the lifestyle.Drawing from two decades of overlanding experience, I dive deep into this fascinating phenomenon. The harsh reality is that building competence in this hobby takes significantly more time than most are willing or able to commit. Between life changes, financial considerations, and the stark difference...2025-05-1535 minOutskirts Overland PodcastWhy I Always Wash My Truck After Hitting the TrailsSend us a textHave you ever considered that cleaning your overlanding rig after an adventure might be just as important as checking your oil or tire pressure? After returning from a muddy trail run with multiple water crossings, I noticed my truck giving me some trouble starting – and it got me thinking about how vehicle cleaning is one of the most undervalued forms of maintenance in the overlanding community.In this candid discussion, I take you through my complete post-adventure cleaning process, from the initial rinse to remove loose debris through the application of sp...2025-05-1421 min