In this episode of Overland Weekly, we sit down with Christian Hazel — off-road editor, builder, storyteller, and one of the driving forces behind Ultimate Adventure for more than two decades. From his early days as a musician in Boston to his move into automotive journalism at Peterson’s 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Christian shares how UA was born, what makes it unlike any other trail run, and how it's evolved over the years.

We dig into the behind-the-scenes logistics of running a 25-rig trail caravan across America, why rig diversity matters, and how the group known as “the Cronies” became essential to keeping things rolling. Christian also reflects on the recent transition away from corporate media to his own platform — Unreal Adventure — where he and co-producer Trent McGee are finally free to tell the full story the way it deserves to be told.

There’s plenty of great banter, rapid-fire questions, and trail stories in here for anyone who loves wheeling, wrenching, and what it means to build a real off-road community.

This is the audio portion of our YouTube Show

🚙 Overland Weekly Ep. 22 - Hanging Out with Ian Johnson at Big Tire Garage! 🛠️🔥
Welcome back to Overland Weekly! This time, we're stepping out of the studio and heading to Big Tire Garage to sit down with Ian Johnson, one of the biggest names in off-road fabrication! If you've been around the off-road scene in the last two decades, you know Ian from Extreme 4x4, Extreme Off-Road, Power Block, Power Nation, Monster Garage, Four Wheeler and much more.
🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
✅ Ian’s journey from high school shop teacher to off-road TV personality
✅ How he got his start in fabrication and transitioned to TV
✅ The place for "Television" in today's landscape.
✅ The business side of Show Business
✅ Behind-the-scenes of Big Tire Garage and his current projects
✅ The best budget buy available today.
If you love off-roading, fabrication, and deep-dive conversations with legends in the industry, this episode is a must-watch!
📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Overland Weekly content!
🚀 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more off-road action!

Welcome back to Overland Weekly, episode 21! This week, we're diving deep into the world of hardcore off-roading with Marvin Stammel from Flex, Rocks & Rollovers! If you've ever watched 24 Hell and Back, Reign of Rocks, or the Hell and Back Adventure Series, then you know Marvin is all about pushing rigs (and drivers) to their limits.

🔥 In This Episode:

• Marvin's journey from Germany to the U.S. and how he got into off-roading
• The history of Flex, Rocks & Rollovers and how COVID turned his YouTube channel into a full-time gig
• Behind-the-scenes of 24 Hell and Back – scouting locations, crazy trail challenges, and what really goes into production
• GSMTR 2025 Announcement! (Great Smoky Mountain Trail Ride – June 12-14, 2025)
• The story of Sushi, Marvin’s Toyota pickup with a Jeep JK 3.8 swap 😲
• Rainforest Challenge and future global off-road adventures
• AND… why Bigfoot might not be real?! 🤨

This is the audio portion of our Youtube Show

Welcome to Overland Weekly, your go-to show for all things off-road, overlanding, and adventure-ready! 🚙 In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most critical topics for any off-roader: tires.

Joining us are two amazing guests:
👉 Andrew, a lead applications engineer for Firestone with a deep understanding of tire technology.
👉 Nick, the founder of Differential Communications PR Firm and an off-road enthusiast who knows what works on the trail.

We cover everything from tire anatomy and performance to real-world scenarios where tire choice can make or break your adventure. Whether you’re new to off-roading or a seasoned overlander, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insights to keep you rolling confidently on any terrain.

What You’ll Learn:
✔️ How to choose between bias ply and radial tires.
✔️ The pros and cons of all-terrain vs. mud-terrain tires.
✔️ Why tire pressure matters (and how to adjust it).
✔️ The science behind tread patterns and their effect on performance.
✔️ What to look for when testing or buying new tires.

Chapters:

00:00:13 - Welcome back to Overland Weekly
00:10:21 - Bias Ply vs. Radial Tires: Load-Carrying Differences
00:10:56 - Tire Types for Various Terrains
00:15:21 - The Versatility of All-Terrain Tires
00:16:54 - The Science Behind Winter Tires
00:21:45 - How Long Does Tire Testing Take?
00:25:10 - Handling Harsh Trails: Tire Durability Tips
00:32:37 - Wheel and Tire Weight Considerations
00:36:32 - Cold Tire Performance in Extreme Conditions
00:38:47 - Advances in Tire Technology
00:43:20 - Directional Tires: When to Use Them
00:45:11 - Terrain-Specific Tire Recommendations
00:47:29 - Tires That Survive the Toughest Trails
00:50:49 - Evaluating New Tire Performance

This is the audio portion of our youtube show
www.youtube.com/@overlandweekly

In Episode 19 of Overland Weekly, host Davie sits down with the legendary Harry Wagner, a storyteller, photographer, off-road enthusiast, and all-around adventurer. From growing up in a family steeped in off-roading culture to transitioning into a prolific career capturing the rugged beauty of trails and vehicles, Harry shares his journey and insights into the world of overland exploration.

🚙 Highlights from this episode:

• Harry's upbringing surrounded by iconic trails and 4x4 culture.
• How a passion for storytelling and photography led to a career in off-road media.
• Behind the scenes of Ultimate Adventure and Dirt Every Day productions.
• Challenges of capturing the perfect shot on treacherous trails.
• The evolution of his '77 Ford F-150, "Raymond," and his iconic Toyota "Junior Mint."
• Advocacy for land use and conservation, including his work with Friends of Moon Rocks.
• The shift from print to digital media and Harry's perspective on the future of storytelling.

Whether you're a die-hard off-roader, a fan of automotive photography, or just love a good trail story, this episode is packed with inspiration and laughs.

THIS IS THE AUDIO PORTION OF OUR YOUTUBE SHOW FIND US ON YOUTUBE
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/@OVERLANDWEEKLY

In this episode of Overland Weekly, we’re diving deep into the Trail Team Challenge, an exciting off-road endurance event that tests skills in navigation, marksmanship, mechanical recovery, teamwork, and more! Joining us is Mark Lawson, the mastermind behind the challenge and owner of The Jeep Lab in Tampa, Florida.

Mark shares the origins of the event, its unique blend of challenges, and how it fosters a community of passionate off-roaders. From blindfolded driving (yes, you read that right!) to staged mechanical recoveries and precision marksmanship, the Trail Team Challenge is an event like no other.

This episode is packed with insights into building an inclusive off-road competition, the importance of giving back to the community through partnerships with organizations like Tread Lightly, and the possibility of expanding the event to new locations. Plus, Mark drops an exciting teaser about a potential Trail Team Challenge TV show in the works!

🔧 Topics Covered:

• History and evolution of the Trail Team Challenge
• Memorable challenges, including the Bird Box Challenge
• Tips for preparing your rig and gear
• Building community through off-road events
• The role of sponsors and partnerships

🎥 Whether you’re a Jeep fanatic, a Toyota enthusiast, or just love the thrill of off-roading, this episode has something for you. Tune in, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly overland adventures and insights!

We're excited to welcome Jeff (DIY Land Cruiser) to the show! Known for his practical approach to vehicle builds and innovative solutions, Jeff shares his journey from California to Tennessee and how the transition changed his wheeling style. From his legendary 80 Series build to his impressive 560amp hour DIY lithium battery system, Jeff breaks down how he achieves capability without breaking the bank.

After competing in the Red Clay Rally for five years, Jeff's team finally secured first place in 2024. He shares insights into the team dynamics, navigation strategies, and what it takes to compete in this unique time-speed-distance event. Plus, get the inside scoop on his famous hot water shower system that's been helping overlanders stay clean on the trail since 2020.

Whether you're interested in practical vehicle modifications, technical trail navigation, or just want to hear about creative solutions to common overlanding challenges, this episode delivers with Jeff's signature no-nonsense approach to the hobby.

This is the audio portion of our YouTube show.
https://www.youtube.com/@overlandweekly

In this episode of Overland Weekly, hosts Davey and Zach welcome Scott and Matt from Portal Pros, a company making significant strides in off-road vehicle enhancements. The discussion kicks off with Zack's recent adventure at the Southern Cruiser Crawl in Arkansas, where he shares some exciting stories and mishaps, including a thrilling ride by their friend George.

Scott and Matt dive into the origins of Portal Pros, detailing their backgrounds in mechanical engineering and the experiences that led them to develop innovative portal gear systems for off-road vehicles. They shed light on their manufacturing process, the challenges of creating a universal design, and their focus on affordability and ease of installation for enthusiasts who might not have extensive fabrication skills.

Throughout the episode, Scott and Matt discuss the technical intricacies of their products, such as the gear reduction benefits, noise considerations, and the importance of using high-quality SKF bearings. They also share insights on their design philosophy, emphasizing modularity and the potential for future expansion into different vehicle markets.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the testing and iteration process, including some of the failures and learnings the team encountered along the way. The conversation wraps up with some light-hearted rapid-fire questions, revealing the personal sides of the Portal Pros team.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of portal technology, its applications in rock crawling and overlanding, and what it means for the off-road community. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or new to the world of portals, this episode offers valuable insights and a glimpse into the cutting-edge innovations driving the industry forward.

This is the audio from our Youtube show.
https://www.youtube.com/@overlandweekly

Welcome to Overland Weekly, Episode 15! Join us for an exclusive, in-depth conversation with Nate Pickel from Dirt Lifestyle, in studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Nate takes us on a journey through his transition from a successful career as a commercial plumber to becoming a full-time content creator and YouTuber. Discover the challenges and triumphs he's faced along the way, including his near-fatal accident and how it changed his life's trajectory.

In this episode, we dive into Nate's passion for off-roading, his unique approach to vehicle builds, and the importance of storytelling in his videos. Learn about his future plans, including opening an off-road shop and the exciting possibilities of portal axles in the overlanding community. Plus, Nate shares candid insights on handling negative comments, collaborating with other YouTubers, and balancing personal life with a public persona.

Don't miss this inspiring episode as Nate shares valuable lessons from his five-year journey on YouTube, the power of a supportive partner, and the importance of taking leaps of faith. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast, aspiring YouTuber, or just looking for some motivation, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

**Timestamps:**

0:00 - Welcome and Introduction

2:00 - Nate's Transition from Plumbing to YouTube

8:00 - Overcoming a Life-Changing Accident

15:00 - The Origins of Dirt Lifestyle

22:00 - Building the Ultimate Tacoma

30:00 - Future Plans: Off-Road Shop and Portal Axles

40:00 - Handling Negative Comments and Collaborations

50:00 - Balancing Personal Life and YouTube

1:10:00 - Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Note this is the audio portion of our youtube show.
www.youtube.com/@overlandweekly

Welcome back to Overland Weekly! In this episode, host Davey catches up with Mike Pfeiffer from Last Line of Defense. They dive deep into Mike's journey from firearms reviews to overlanding, discuss the challenges of being a YouTube creator, and explore the current fleet of vehicles Mike uses for his adventures. Plus, Mike shares insights into his recent investment in Uptop Overland and his thoughts on the future of the overlanding accessory market. Don't miss the rapid-fire questions at the end!

**Chapters:**

00:00 - Introduction

01:04 - Shoutout to STLCA Chapter and Community Involvement

02:02 - Stuck in the Mud: Dashboard Footage

03:18 - Truck Maintenance: Alternator Issues

04:31 - Introduction to the Guest: Mike Pfeiffer

05:21 - Mike's YouTube Journey and Current Fleet

07:08 - Overview of Mike's Vehicles

12:08 - Mike's Toyota Preference

16:00 - Business Decisions for YouTube Content

18:46 - Introduction to Uptop Overland

20:03 - Mike's Role at Uptop Overland

25:01 - Challenges in the Overlanding Accessory Market

30:00 - Importance of US Manufacturing

33:05 - Transition from Firearms to Overlanding Content

36:45 - YouTube's Impact on Gun Channels

40:00 - Mike's Authenticity in Content Creation

46:02 - The Importance of Consistency on YouTube

50:02 - Sponsored Content and Affiliate Marketing

58:00 - Gun Content on YouTube

01:00:06 - Turning Down Sponsorships

01:08:12 - Preparedness and Self-Reliance Theme

01:18:12 - Advice for Aspiring YouTubers

01:23:00 - Rapid Fire Questions

01:23:24 - Mountains or Beach?

01:24:30 - Favorite Overlanding Snack

01:25:16 - Preferred Camping Season

01:26:04 - DeWalt or Milwaukee?

01:27:15 - Favorite Music for the Trail

01:31:30 - Closing Remarks