We're back! After an unexpected winter break, The Trailhead crew returns for the first show of the year. While Pope and Randi are off enjoying Winter 4x4, we've brought in a special guest host, Kerry from Trail Traveler, to help us kick things off. In this episode, we catch up on what’s new with our rigs, dive into some major off-roading news that has surfaced so far in 2025, and discuss upcoming trips and events. From Jeep’s leadership shake-up and Stellantis’ production changes to the newly passed EXPLORE Act, we break down what these updates mean for the off-road community. Tune in as we shake off the holiday rust and gear up for an exciting year ahead!

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In this episode, JD catches up with Loren Campbell from the Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) for an engaging conversation about the fight to keep Utah's public lands accessible. They explore the challenges of land-use restrictions, the importance of advocacy, and UPLA's role in uniting offroad enthusiasts, local communities, and policymakers. Loren shares stories from the front lines, offers updates on key policy developments, and emphasizes why every voice matters in protecting these treasured spaces.

Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) Website

Trails and Destinations:
Sand Mountain, Utah
Warner Valley, Utah
Big Bear, California
North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Gear and Tools:
TrailSaver Program

Community and Advocacy Groups:
Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)
BlueRibbon Coalition
Desert Roads and Trails Society (DRATS)

Legal and Policy Topics:
RS 2477 Road Rights Information
Kane County vs. BLM Case Details
West Virginia v. EPA Supreme Court Ruling
Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo

Events and Resources:
Trail Hero
St. George News Coverage
Fox 13 News Utah

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Kerry Garrison from Trail Traveler for a laid-back and insightful chat about his journey from the tech world to becoming a trusted voice in the off-roading community. Kerry shares the story behind his Jeep build, what drives his love for solo adventures, and unforgettable moments on iconic trails like the Maze District in Canyonlands. The conversation is packed with relatable stories—from the challenges of towing a trailer in remote wilderness to the gear he swears by for safety and recovery. Kerry also gets honest about the importance of preparation, the value of communication tools like Starlink and satellite messengers, and the unexpected lessons you learn when you’re miles from civilization. Don't miss Kerry's tales and trail-tested advice that’ll have you feeling ready to hit the dirt.

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Check out Kerry’s adventures on Trail Traveler's YouTube Channel and follow him for more off-road content. Subscribe to The Trailhead podcast for more inspiring off-road stories and insights.

Enjoy the episode and hit subscribe for more adventures! 🚙🎧

In this episode, JD, Randi, and The Pope™ sit down with Jeff Bieber, Lorey Beard, and Tim Nelson from the Desert Roads and Trails Society (DRATS) to talk about the Winter 4x4 Jamboree in Sand Hollow, Utah. They share the story of how the event grew from humble beginnings into one of the most respected offroad gatherings in the region, raising over $800,000 for trail conservation. The conversation drives into the challenges and rewards of organizing such a significant event, the unique experience of wheeling through snow-covered red rocks, and volunteers' critical role in keeping trails open and accessible. With personal stories from the trails, insights on balancing fun with stewardship, and a look at what’s next for the event, this episode captures the heart of the off-roading community and why Winter 4x4 remains a can’t-miss experience for off-roaders of all levels.

It’s Christmas Eve on The Trailhead, and JD, Randi, The Pope™, and Jason are wrapping up the year with a lively holiday special. With the ‘spirits’ flowing and the holiday cheer in full swing, the crew shares updates on their Jeeps—covering repairs, upgrades, and those inevitable warranty adventures.

They clear out the final bits of off-roading news, bid farewell to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares (for real this time), and revisit their favorite moments from the year.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper send-off without tallying up the infamous swear jar, where the numbers are as shocking as they are hilarious.

Grab your eggnog and definitely your headphones, settle in, and enjoy this extra-saucy finale to an unforgettable year on the trails.

Thank you all for an amazing year, we'll see you at The Trailhead in 2025!

This week, JD and The Pope™ kick things off with some personal updates, including Pope’s unfortunate (and, let’s be honest, pretty entertaining) mishap that had everyone shaking their heads. After a good laugh, the conversation shifts to some big news in the automotive world. Jeep made waves by parting ways with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, and the hosts break down what that means for the brand and its future direction.

They also explore the buzz surrounding Scout’s new electric offroad vehicles, discussing their bold design and rugged capabilities and how they're embracing those who want some sort of combustion engine. Packed with humor, real talk, and sharp insights, this episode delivers everything Jeep fans and offroad enthusiasts crave while keeping it relatable. Don’t miss it!

This week on the show, JD and The Pope™ sit down with Bryan, better known as BeatriceJKU, for an entertaining and insightful conversation. Bryan shares his journey from the Colorado trails to his new home in Mesquite, reflecting on how the off-roading community has shaped his experiences. We dig into the nuts and bolts of building a capable off-road rig, as Bryan reveals the creative process behind his Jeep modifications during the pandemic.

From wrenching therapy to trail tales, Bryan doesn’t hold back on the highs, lows, and laughs of off-roading. This episode is packed with relatable stories, valuable lessons, and a look at the camaraderie that keeps the off-roading spirit alive.

In this urgent episode of The Trailhead, JD, Randi and The Pope sit down with Ben Burr, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition, to unravel the far-reaching implications of the 2024 election results on public land use and access. From potential lame-duck national monument designations to the reversal of previous land management policies, the stakes for off-roaders and all outdoor enthusiasts have never been higher.

Learn how legislative shifts, court battles, and administrative changes might reshape access to millions of acres of public land. Discover why the time between now and January could be pivotal for preserving trails and what role you can play in stopping what Ben calls a "lame duck land grab."

If you care about the future of outdoor recreation and public land access, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

👉 Join the conversation and take action today!

JD, Randi, and The Pope kick back and chat about their wildest Jeep upgrades and plans for the year ahead. From practical fixes to outrageous mods that might require a lottery win, they break down what their rigs actually need versus the fun stuff they really want. They also share stories about off-roading with dogs, laugh about past adventures, and geek out over exciting new gear and builds. Hit play and hang out with us for another Raw episode of The Trailhead!