Episodes

  • Does the Off-Road Industry Have an Authenticity Problem? | Ep 155

    Does the Off-Road Industry Have an Authenticity Problem? | Ep 155
    Oct 20 2026
    What happens when your totaled Jeep gets a second life—and your friends discover everything you left behind? JD, Bryan, Calvin, Joe, and Andrew are back with plenty of laughs, questionable decisions, and some off-road headlines that have everyone talking. From Scout's return and Hyundai's ambitious plans to the future of electric off-roading, the opinions are flying. But things really get interesting when the crew pulls back the curtain on sponsorships, SEMA builds, and the truth behind off-road influencers. It's an unfiltered conversation you won't want to miss!📍 Trails and DestinationsSand Hollow State Park, Utah – Trail Hero Riding Area🛠️ Gear and ToolsRotopaX 2-Gallon Diesel Container2015 Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door WeatherTech FloorLinersZ Automotive Tazer JL MiniNitto Trail Grappler M/T TiresSuper Pacific X1 Truck CamperAmerica's Most Wanted 4x4 – Gladiator HEMI Conversion Package🚙 Community ShoutoutsAndrew – First-time guest and Jeep Gladiator ownerBryan: Beatrice JKU the LunchboxCalvin: SRG OffroadJeff – New owner rebuilding JD's salvaged yellow JKJD: MeAndMyYellowJKJoe – Automotive instructor and fellow wheelerMike: JKTrlFnderNathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiatorNot in the Wild – Fellow wheeler with a Rivian, Gladiator, and kei truckWill – Mr. Carnage, Carnage Motorsports🌎 Advocacy & ConservationUtah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)BlueRibbon Coalition📰 News Topics🔥 Scout Motors Reveals Mountainside and Trail-Ready Traveler Concepts – Two approaches to Scout's upcoming SUV, from refined styling to serious off-road equipment. The group debates whether the Traveler looks too much like a Rivian or Range Rover.Scout Traveler Production Plans and Harvester Range Extender – Scout's anticipated 2028 production, the appeal of a gasoline range extender, and the frustration of waiting for a vehicle that's still years away.Slate Truck – Could a Simple Electric Pickup Change Off-Roading? – JD sees potential for Slate's customizable electric truck to become an accessible entry point for electric off-roading.🔥 Hyundai Boulder Concept Challenges Traditional Off-Road SUVs – Hyundai's body-on-frame concept features 37-inch tires, unusual cargo access, and aggressive styling aimed at the Wrangler and Bronco market.Hyundai's New Body-on-Frame Platform and Midsize Pickup Plans – Hyundai's plans for an American-market pickup raise questions about whether a production off-road SUV could follow.🔥 Hyundai and Kia Patent a Magnetic Modular Hardtop System – The crew questions whether magnets can actually make hardtop installation easier.Hyundai CRATER Concept Explores a Different Kind of Off-Road Vehicle – From unconventional styling and lighting to the interior and practical trail features, the group picks apart Hyundai's futuristic design.📅 Events and ResourcesTrail Hero 2026 – September 28–October 3, UtahSEMA Show 2026 – November 3–6, Las Vegas📞 Get involved!Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review! Review The Trailhead on Apple Podcasts|Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit the Site: The Trailhead NetworkTrailhead Gear (Shirts & More): ShopDiscounts for Trailheads!TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 41 mins
  • It's Time For Something New | Ep 154

    It's Time For Something New | Ep 154
    Oct 16 2026

    The Trailhead is back for Season 5, and JD has some big news to share with Bryan, Calvin, and Joe! After a year of major life changes, a wild recovery at Trail Hero, and an insurance decision that officially ended the road for his beloved yellow Jeep Wrangler JK, JD finally reveals what he bought to replace it. The crew wastes absolutely no time roasting his new rig, debating everything from 33-inch tires and suspension upgrades to winch bumpers, off-road lighting, and whether he really needs 40s. JD shares why he passed on the Ford Bronco, what his CarMax buying experience was like, and the embarrassing mistake he made on his first trail ride with the new rig. Plus, the guys start throwing out names for it, leaving one very important question for the Trailheads: What should JD call it?


    📍 Trails and Destinations

    • John's Trail, Sand Mountain OHV Area, Utah

    • Slaughterhouse Road (Slaughterhouse Gulch), Colorado

    🛠️ Gear and Tools

    • Falken Wildpeak Off-Road Tires

    • TYRI Offroad LED Lighting

    • Rock Slide Engineering Gladiator Step Sliders

    • RPM Steering & Suspension

    🚙 Community Shoutouts

    • Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox

    • Calvin: SRG Offroad

    • JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

    • Joe: Mechanic_JK

    • Keenan Campbell: AlphaFoxtrotJKU

    • Matt's Off Road Recovery

    • Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator

    • RPM Steering & Suspension

    🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

    • Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)

    • BlueRibbon Coalition

    📅 Events and Resources

    • Trail Hero 2026

    • Easter Jeep Safari (EJS)

    • SEMA Show 2026

    • CarMax MaxCare Extended Service Plans

    • Trails Offroad

    📞 Get involved!

    • Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.

    • Write a review! Help support The Trailhead by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.

    • Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast

    • Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network

    • Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here

    • Discounts for Trailheads!

      • TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • My Jeep Was Totaled. Now What? | Ep 153

    My Jeep Was Totaled. Now What? | Ep 153
    Oct 7 2026
    Recorded at the start of July 2026, this episode catches JD at a very specific moment: the yellow JK had been declared a loss, the insurance process was still playing out, and nobody knew what would replace it. JD is joined by Bryan, Joe, Calvin, and Keenan to work through the options—from a Jeep Wrangler JLU Rubicon to a Jeep Gladiator JT—and what makes sense for a future focused more on camping and overlanding without giving up the ability to hit harder trails like Sand Hollow. The crew debates the 3.6L versus EcoDiesel, rooftop tents versus off-road trailers, JK simplicity versus the newer JL platform, suspension, tire size, build strategy, and whether JD has finally outgrown the two-door Jeep life. More importantly, they dig into how you should actually approach an off-road build when you get the rare chance to start over from scratch. We held this episode until now because the replacement-Jeep saga finally has a completion arc—making it a chance to go back to the moment before anyone knew how the story would end.📍 Trails and DestinationsSand Hollow State Park, Utah🛠️ Gear and Tools — Podcast VersionAlpine i509-WRA-JK 9-inch Restyle ReceiverLinksWell Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT T-Style XL RadioStinger HEIGH10+ Jeep Wrangler JK Radio SystemRockford Fosgate Car SpeakersKICKER Jeep Wrangler Audio Upgrade SystemOverland Vehicle Systems Roof Top Tents23ZERO Roof Top TentsThule Roof Top TentsOld Man Emu Jeep JK Coil SpringsAir Lift 1000 Load-Leveling Air SpringsRock Krawler 3.5-inch Adventure Mid-Arm JL SuspensionRPM JL Wrangler 3.5-inch Ultimate Aluminum Mid-Arm Lift KitREDARC Rogue RedVision Power Management SystemVictron Orion XS DC-DC Battery ChargerTimbren 3,500-lb HD Axle-Less Trailer SuspensionNitto Trail Grappler M/THarker Outdoors Jeep Gladiator CamperTYRI Off-Road LED Lighting🚙 Community ShoutoutsBryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox / @init2builditCalvin: SRG Offroad / @srgoffroadJD: MeAndMyYellowJKJoe: Mechanic_JKKeenan Campbell: @alphafoxtrotjku🌎 Advocacy & ConservationBlueRibbon CoalitionUtah Public Lands Alliance📰 News TopicsNo dedicated news segment this time—the Jeep replacement discussion took over the show.📅 Events and ResourcesOverland Expo WestTrails Offroad📞 Get involved!Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review! Review The Trailhead on Apple PodcastsFollow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit the Site: The Trailhead NetworkTrailhead Gear: Shirts & MoreDiscounts for Trailheads!TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 6 mins
  • Rosetta Maps Isn't Another Navigation App | Waypoints | EP 152

    Rosetta Maps Isn't Another Navigation App | Waypoints | EP 152
    Sep 22 2026
    JD and Calvin are joined by Kerry Garrison of Trail Traveler to talk about Rosetta Maps, a camping resource tool Kerry built after getting fed up with outdated, inaccurate, and sometimes illegal dispersed camping information. Rosetta Maps brings dispersed camping, campgrounds, public-land data, weather, wildfire information, GPX tracks, and other trip-planning tools into one place. The conversation gets into how Kerry is trying to keep bad data out of the system, how Rosetta Maps works alongside tools like Trails Offroad, Gaia GPS, and onX, and why he doesn’t see it as another navigation app. They also talk about government data accuracy, MVUM information, user submissions, private campsites, and what Kerry wants to build next. If you’ve ever planned an overlanding or camping trip and wondered why it takes so many different apps, this episode is for you.📍 Trails and DestinationsThe Black Hills, South DakotaFlat Tops, ColoradoAdams Lake, Colorado – Flat TopsCrescent Lake, Colorado – Flat TopsLoch Lomond, ColoradoGordon Gulch, ColoradoUpper Geneva Creek, Colorado🛠️ Gear and ToolsRosettaMapsTrails OffroadGaia GPSonX OffroadiOverlanderThe DyrtCampendiumAllTrailsWatch DutyGarmin BaseCampGoogle MapsStarlink🚙 Community ShoutoutsCalvin: SRG OffroadJD: MeAndMyYellowJKKerry Garrison the Trail Traveler🌎 Advocacy & ConservationTread Lightly!Leave No TraceU.S. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map DataBlueRibbon Coalition📰 News TopicsRosettaMaps LaunchExpanded Forest Service MVUM Data and Vehicle Class Information📅 Events and ResourcesRosettaMaps – Camping and Public-Land PlanningRosettaMaps Free & Pro PlansTrail TravelerRecreation.govU.S. Forest Service MVUM DataNational Weather Service📞 Get Involved!Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review! Review The Trailhead on Apple PodcastsFollow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit The Trailhead Network: TheTrailheadNetwork.comTrailhead Gear – Shirts & More: Trailhead ShopRosetta Maps: Get 20% off a Pro subscription with code TRAILHEAD — RosettaMaps PricingTYRI Offroad Lights: Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off — TYRI Lights
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Parts You Should Never Have to Replace | Waypoints | Ep 150

    Parts You Should Never Have to Replace | Waypoints | Ep 150
    Aug 16 2026
    JD sits down with Ryan Stoangi of Combat Off Road to talk about how more than 20 years of building Jeeps and working in off-road retail led him to start making his own parts. Ryan breaks down Combat’s focus on durable, repairable Jeep accessories, including their hood latches, armored taillights, fenders, and inner fenders, and why he believes in sticking to what the company does well. They also talk about choosing quality parts, supporting local 4x4 shops, and figuring out what you actually want from your Jeep before spending thousands building it. Plus, Ryan and JD take on gatekeeping in the off-road community and why helping new wheelers learn is important to keeping the sport growing.📍 Trails and DestinationsSand Hollow State Park, UtahDouble Sammy, UtahMoab Area Trails, Utah🛠️ Gear and ToolsCombat Off Road Off-the-Turnbuckle Hood Latches (Combat Off Road)Combat Off Road Tail Gunner Tail Lights (Combat Off Road)Combat Off Road Full Assault Aluminum Fenders (Combat Off Road)Combat Off Road Max Flow Front Inner Fender Liners (Combat Off Road)Combat Off Road MORF Rear Inner Fender Liners (Combat Off Road)Rock Krawler Long-Arm Suspension Systems (Rock Krawler)RockJock AntiRock Sway Bar Systems (RockJock 4x4)Revolution Gear & Axle JL/JT Gear Packages (Revolution Gear)RCV Performance Jeep JL/JT Axle Shafts (RCV Performance)RPM Steering & Suspension (RPM Steering)Milestar Patagonia M/T-02 Tires (Milestar Tires)Rockford Fosgate Jeep Audio Kits (Rockford Fosgate)Stinger Jeep Head Units (Stinger)🚙 Community ShoutoutsCombat Off Road: @combat.offroad (Instagram)JD: MeAndMyYellowJKRyan Stoangi: @ryanstoangi (Instagram)Synergy Manufacturing: @synergymfg (Instagram)TMR Customs: @tmrcustoms (Instagram)🌎 Advocacy & ConservationUtah Public Lands AllianceBlueRibbon Coalition📰 News Topics🔥 Jeep Concept Vehicles — including the Wrangler ANVIL 715 — Ryan talks about Combat Off Road hood latches appearing on three official Jeep concepts over three consecutive years, including the Low Down, Bug Out 4xe, and ANVIL. (jeep)📅 Events and ResourcesCombat Off Road Installation Instructions (Combat Off Road)Combat Off Road YouTube: @Combat.Offroad (YouTube)Keystone Automotive BIG Show (Keystone Automotive BIG Show)SEMA Show (SEMA Show)Toledo Jeep Fest (Toledo Jeep® Fest)Trail Hero (The Trail Hero)📞 Get involved!Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review!Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit The Trailhead NetworkTrailhead Gear — Shirts & MoreDiscounts for Trailheads!TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • They Were the Wild Card | THX Series #9 | Ep 149

    They Were the Wild Card | THX Series #9 | Ep 149
    Aug 3 2026
    JD closes out the Trail Hero Expedition Spotlights series with Nathaniel and Susan Savka of Team Danger Zone, the first-time overlanders who became the inaugural Trail Hero Expeditions champions by just 16 seconds. They unpack their 2020 Jeep Gladiator overland build, rooftop tent camping lessons, lightning-fast tire change, MORRFlate four-tire inflation challenge, and the teamwork that carried them through Pine Valley, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sand Hollow rock crawling. The conversation goes far deeper than competition as Susan openly discusses experiencing a severe panic attack on the route, while the family explains why autism awareness, mental health advocacy, and making the off-road community welcoming for children like Johnny Danger matter more than any trophy. From Johnny learning new words and initiating an unforgettable hug to borrowed gear, unexpected friendships, and a victory cheeseburger covered in ketchup, this episode is equal parts family overlanding adventure, honest vulnerability, and classic Trailhead chaos. Listen for the story behind Team Danger Zone’s 16-second victory—and why Susan may now be the family member pushing hardest to return to Utah.📍 Trails and DestinationsPine Valley Recreation Area, UtahZion National Park, UtahGrand Canyon North Rim, ArizonaSand Hollow State Park, UtahMoraine State Park, PennsylvaniaGemini Bridges, Moab, Utah🛠️ Gear and ToolsTeam Danger Zone’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator SportKenda Klever M/T2 Tires — 37x13.50R20TRUKD T Series 12.5-Inch Bed RackOutland Motorworks Yonder Rooftop TentMORRFlate TenSix PSI Pro CompressorMORRFlate Air HubMORRFlate Quad+ 155-Inch Hose KitColby Valve Emergency Tire Valves🚙 Community ShoutoutsAdventure Lab: Brit Mansell and James VestEpic Adventure Duo: Steve Botkin and Katie BurtonFran’s JL Adventures: Fran AdlerGlen PlakeJD: MeAndMyYellowJKLittle Rich: Rich Klein IIINathan the Unpaid Intern aka MudhornGladiatorSRG Offroad: Calvin and Jennifer PuldaTeam Danger Zone: Nathaniel, Susan, and Johnny DangerTeam GenRight Offroad: Brian Ritchie and Jeff HesseTeam Larger Than Life: Joe Belk and Bill OdeTeam Number 2: Jason DeArmond and Aaron WedekingWheeling Up-Right Western PA🌎 Advocacy & ConservationAutism4x4BlueRibbon CoalitionUtah Public Lands Alliance📅 Events and ResourcesTrail Hero Expeditions Season OneTrail HeroTrail Hero X on SPEED SPORT 1Bantam Jeep Heritage FestivalTeam Danger Zone Official Profile📞 Get involved!Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review! Leave one on Apple Podcasts.Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit the Site: The Trailhead NetworkTrailhead Gear — Shirts and More: Shop HereDiscounts for Trailheads!TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.
    Show More Show Less
    3 hrs and 24 mins
  • Motobilt Was Born In Baghdad | Waypoints | Ep 148

    Motobilt Was Born In Baghdad | Waypoints | Ep 148
    Jul 18 2026
    JD sits down with Dan DuBose from Motobilt for a deeper look at the person behind one of the most recognized names in Jeep armor, off-road fabrication, and the sport itself. Dan walks through his early days building bumpers because he could not afford to buy them, the Blue Torch FabWorks era, his reality TV detour, and the long road to building Motobilt into a serious Made-in-USA manufacturing operation. The conversation hits Jeep Wrangler mods, rock crawler builds, Sand Hollow, BILTCON, off-road business lessons, and why quality parts matter when you are actually using your rig. Dan also talks about family, burnout, a major health wake-up call, and the difference between building a product catalog and building a company that can support real people. If you care about Jeep armor, off-road fabrication, rock crawling, or the humans behind the brands we trust on the trail, this one is worth the listen.📍Trails and DestinationsSand Hollow State Park, UtahMoab Area Trails, UtahChokecherry Canyon / Glade Run Recreation Area, Farmington, New MexicoSan Joll, Arizona — Transcript unclear; confirm spelling/location before adding a link.🛠️ Gear and ToolsMotobilt Jeep Bumpers, Armor, Suspension, and DIY Builder PartsMotobilt MB1000 Stubby Front Bumper for Jeep YJ / TJ / LJMotobilt YJ Unlimited Stretch ProductsMotobilt 15" Stretch Back Half Frame Kit for Jeep YJMotobilt Tomahawk Black Label Frame Chop BumperMotobilt Steel Rear Corner Armor w/ Round Taillight Holes for Jeep JKUMotobilt Corner Armor with Tail Light System for Jeep JK 2 DoorMotobilt High Clearance Front Inner Fenders for Jeep JL / JLU / JTAMADA Fiber Laser Cutting SystemsBystronic Fiber Laser CuttingMitsubishi Fiber Laser Cutting SolutionsVoortman Profile CNC Processing Machines🚙 Community ShoutoutsAaron: SkidsTheLJAnvil Industrial GroupBlue Torch FabWorksDan DuBoseGhetto BobHunter DuBoseJD: MeAndMyYellowJKMatt HotchMotobiltPope & Randi: JemandtheMisfitRob “Bender” Park🌎 Advocacy & ConservationBlueRibbon CoalitionUtah Public Lands Alliance📰 News TopicsBILTCON Series 1 at Sand HollowMotobilt Tomahawk Black Label EditionMotobilt YJ Unlimited Stretch Product Line📅 Events and ResourcesBILTCON Series 1FABTECH 2026Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion 2026Trail Hero 2026Great American CrawlSEMA Show 2026Mickey Thompson TiresMotobilt YouTube ChannelDrive Shaft TV SeriesMonster Garage📞 Get involved!Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review! Help more Trailheads find the show — Write one hereFollow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit the Site: www.thetrailheadnetwork.comTrailhead Gear: Shirts & MoreDiscounts for Trailheads!Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Angela Rickerson Knows One Speed | Waypoints | Ep 147

    Angela Rickerson Knows One Speed | Waypoints | Ep 147
    Jun 14 2026
    JD is joined by Angela Rickerson, the Seattle-based driver behind Ronda Rhino, for a conversation about Jeep life, Rebelle Rally, Pacific Northwest rock crawling, and the messy, rewarding path into off-roading. Angela shares how a 2017 two-door Jeep Wrangler went from “cool preschool drop-off rig” to a heavily built desert rally and rock crawling machine. The episode digs into Rebelle Rally endurance, sponsorship realities, stunt driving, DirtFish-style rally training, Jeep clubs, women in off-road, and why good spotting beats “just send it” every single time. If you’re into Jeep Wrangler builds, women off-roaders, rally driving, rock crawling, or just finding your people on the trail, this one is absolutely worth the ride.📍Trails and DestinationsWashington Off-Road TrailsBest Offroad Trails near Rainier, WashingtonEvans Creek / Trail #519, WashingtonRampart Range Road, Colorado🛠️ Gear and ToolsJeep WranglerMotobilt Jeep JK/JKU PartsK&N FiltersKC HiLiTES Off-Road LightsPirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus TiresDometic Electric CoolersDynatrac Jeep JK Axle AssembliesDana 44 Front Crate AxleFOX Motorsports Shocks🚙 Community ShoutoutsAction Driving CollectiveAngela Rickerson: Ronda RhinoBailey CampbellDirtFish Rally SchoolEmily MillerJD: MeAndMyYellowJKMichael GrahamOlympia JeepRebelle RallyRiley Harshman and Ryan Weisenfeld: Trail CoinsRyan Weisenfeld: OLYJKShelby Hall Off-RoadTrails Offroad🌎 Advocacy & ConservationBlueRibbon CoalitionRampart Range Motorized Management CommitteeTrails Preservation Alliance📅 Events and ResourcesRebelle RallyDouble A Rally / Team 102DirtFish Rally SchoolAction Driving CollectiveKing of the HammersTrail Hero Expeditions📞 Get involved!Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.Write a review! Help the show grow by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit the Site: The Trailhead NetworkTrailhead Gear: Shirts & MorePlan your next trail: Trails OffroadDiscounts for Trailheads!Tyri Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% offCreditsHost: JD MarshallVideo Editing: Steve BogueGuests: Angela Rickerson
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins