In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Nathan—the unpaid intern and the show’s most dedicated voicemailer—for his official on-air debut. Broadcasting from Pennsylvania, Nathan opens up about his unique entry into the off-road world, beginning with a lifted Renegade, getting hooked at the Bantam Jeep Festival, and ultimately landing a pumpkin-orange Gladiator. They talk trail carnage, insurance surprises, and a terrifying vehicle fire that could have gone much worse. From sliders to Scrapple, this one's packed with humor, insight, and the kind of storytelling that reminds us why we love our listeners, and listeners turned guests.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Ben Franklin Range, Pennsylvania
• Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), Pennsylvania

🔧 Gear and Tools

• Teraflex 1.5” Lift Kit
• Atturo Trail Blade Tires
• Rock Hard 4x4 Frame-Mounted Sliders
• Automotive Fire Extinguishers – First Alert

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK – https://www.instagram.com/me_and_my_yellow_jk/
• Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator – https://www.instagram.com/mudhorn_gladiator

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📅 Events and Resources

• Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.
• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.
• Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast
• Discounts for Trailheads!

JD and Pope are joined by Craig Decker, better known as Fergie JKU, for a conversation that covers everything from his early days in off-roading to his infamous recent rollover. Craig shares how he got into wheeling, the evolution of his Jeep build, and the wild experience of capturing one of the most documented Jeep rollovers in recent history. The team talks about lessons learned, handling social media backlash, and the importance of proper recovery. Plus, Craig reveals his plans for the future—could 40s be next?

Check out Craig’s website for more about his Jeep and adventures: FergieTheJKU.com

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Yansing Gulch (Chinaman Gulch), CO
• Slaughterhouse Road (Gulch), CO
• Hackett Gulch, CO
• Rainbow Falls Area, CO

🔧 Gear and Tools

• KC HiLiTES
• ARB Air Lockers
• Colorado 4x4 Rescue & Recovery

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK
• Pope & Randi: JemandtheMisfit
• Craig: FergieJKU
• Mike: JKTrlFnder

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition
• Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)

📰 News Topics

• Craig Decker's Rollover Footage

📅 Events & Resources

• Easter Jeep Safari 2025
• King of the Hammers 2025

📞 Get Involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.
• Write a review! Help us reach 30 reviews on Apple Podcasts.
• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

It’s another chaotic live show at The Trailhead, and JD, Lunchbox, Nathan, and Alyssa are holding down the fort. This episode is packed with everything from off-roading oddities in Green River, Utah, to Stellantis’ latest financial nosedive. JD battles yet another Jeep repair debacle, while Nathan earns a promotion from unpaid intern to full-time guest host (with no raise, of course). The crew talks overland mishaps, dealership frustrations, and the ridiculous cost of synthetic oil in the middle of nowhere. Meanwhile, Ford wants to take over the off-road world with a Raptor supercar—should Jeep be worried? Buckle up, Trailheads—it’s a wild ride!

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Green River, Utah
• Trails Near Green River
• Johnson Valley, California (King of the Hammers)
• White Pocket, Arizona

🔧 Gear and Tools

• LavaBox Portable Campfire
• Starlink for Overlanding
• Dutch Oven for Camp Cooking

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK
• Nathan: MudhornGladiator
• Alyssa: HoldMyCoffee_AZ
• Bryan the Lunchbox: BeatriceJKU

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition – Fight for Public Land Access

📰 News Topics

• Stellantis Reports 70% Drop in Profits
• Ford Plans Raptor Supercar to Dominate Off-Road
• Jeep’s Long-Term EV Strategy in Question

📅 Events & Resources

• Easter Jeep Safari 2025
• Jeep Beach 2025
• Trail Hero 2025
• Salt Lake Off-Road Expo
• Watermelon Crawl ATV Run

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.
• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast
• Support the show! Visit The Trailhead Network and hit the “Support Us” link.

In this special episode, Mike Randol (JKTrlFnder) takes center stage as he shares his off-roading journey, from growing up in Colorado Springs to embracing the Jeep lifestyle. JD, Pope, and Randi sit down with Mike to explore how his wife, Petra, introduced him to wheeling, his love for scenic and technical trails, and his experience capturing offroad adventures through drone photography. Mike reflects on the evolution of his Chief Blue JKU, his adventures in the San Juan Mountains, and how social media has shaped his role in the offroad community. Enjoy this drive with one of our favorite regular guest hosts!

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Quarry Road, Colorado

• Rainbow Falls, Colorado

• San Juan Mountains, Colorado

• Hackett Gulch, Colorado

🔧 Gear and Tools

• DJI Mavic Pro Drone

• Fabtech 3" Long Arm Kit

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Pope & Randi: JemandtheMisfit

• Mike Randol: JKTrlFnder

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📅 Events & Resources

• Easter Jeep Safari 2025

• Trail Hero

📞 Get Involved!

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

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

JD welcomes back Marcus Trusty from Colorado Off-Road Enterprise (CORE) for another in-depth discussion on land use, trail advocacy, and the latest developments in Colorado and beyond. They dive into the ongoing efforts to reopen Left Hand Canyon, updates on the Waryman Creek and Gulches litigation, and the successful restoration of the Alpine Tunnel project. Marcus also shares insights into how the 2024 election results may impact public land policies, including potential shifts in the Department of the Interior and BLM leadership. If you care about keeping trails open, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

📍 Trails and Destinations:

• Left Hand Canyon

• Waryman Creek

• Longwater Gulch

• Hackett Gulch

• Metberry Gulch

• Alpine Tunnel West

  
  

🔧 Gear and Tools:

• OHV Grants & Funding – Colorado Parks & Wildlife OHV Grants

• National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) – Website

  
  

🚙 Community Shoutouts:

• Marcus Trusty

• JD: Me_And_My_Yellow_JK

  
  

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation:

• CORE Colorado Off-Road Enterprise (CORE) – https://www.keeptrailsopen.com

• BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) – Join the Fight

• Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) – Website

  
  

📅 Events & Resources:

• Upcoming Public Meetings for Left Hand Canyon Restoration – Stay tuned for updates via CORE's Facebook Page

• 2025 Land Use Policy Changes – What’s Next? – Follow the discussion at BlueRibbon Coalition

📞 Get involved!

• Support CORE’s Land Use Fund! Donate to help with litigation and advocacy efforts: CORE Donations

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

• Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thetrailheadpodcast/ for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

JD, Pope & Randi, Bryan, Alyssa, Nathan, and Mike gather for another round of off-road discussions, wild travel stories, and shop talk. Bryan teases a major axle upgrade, while Pope & Randi deal with a failing catalytic converter—leading to some creative exhaust mods. JD faces yet another Jeep repair saga, still chasing down an elusive oil leak. Meanwhile, the team debates off-road etiquette, vehicle upgrades, and why Pope should probably never go to King of the Hammers.

📍 Trails and Destinations:

• Old Stage Road, Colorado

• Victor, Colorado

• Cripple Creek, Colorado

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

🔧 Gear and Tools:

• Super Duty 60 Axle

• Sterling 14-Bolt Rear Axle

• 2.5 14-Inch Coilovers

• Steer Smarts Steering Stabilizer

• Impulse Off-Road

• MotoBilt Off-Road Parts

🚙 Community Shoutouts:

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Pope & Randi: JemandtheMisfit

• Alyssa: HoldMyCoffee_AZ

• Nathan: Mudhorn Gladiator

• Mike: JKTrlFnder

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation:

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics:

• Jeep Oil Cooler Issues & Aftermarket Fixes

• King of the Hammers Pit Crew Experience

• Ford Recalls 150,000 Broncos Over Rear Shock Failure

• San Rafael Plan Update – Latest Legal Challenge

• Stellantis Announces Three New Jeep Models Amid Skepticism

• BFG Garage Returns & 42-inch KM3 Tire Announced

• Toyota & Gaia GPS Launch Trail Karma Program for Trail Maintenance

📅 Events & Resources:

• Easter Jeep Safari 2025

• King of the Hammers 2025

• Slorex Off-Road Expo

📞 Get Involved!

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

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

• Discounts for Trailheads!

• Tyri Offroad Lights (Use Code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% Off)

JD, Pope & Randi, Alyssa, and Mike JKTrlFnder gather for another off-road-packed episode of The Trailhead! This week, JD tackles yet another Jeep repair saga, Pope experiments with questionable drink combos, and Randi finally gets her rig dialed in—hopefully. The crew delves into King of the Hammers mayhem, breaking down the wildest moments, including an unexpected gap jump that caught racers off guard. Meanwhile, discussions about winter wheeling, storage solutions, and unexpected vehicle repairs keep the conversation rolling. Grab your favorite drink—pimp goblet optional—and join the fun!

📍 Trails and Destinations:

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

🔧 Gear and Tools:

• Goose Gear Platform System

• Tyri Offroad Lights (Use Code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% Off)

🚙 Community Shoutouts:

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Pope & Randi: JemandtheMisfit

• Alyssa: HoldMyCoffee_AZ

• Mike JKTrlFnder

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation:

• Historic Roadways Protection Act Reintroduced – Needs Your Support
  The BlueRibbon Coalition reports that the Historic Roadways Protection Act has been reintroduced, aiming to halt BLM's plans to close numerous trails in Utah until ongoing lawsuits are resolved.

• BlueRibbon Coalition Opposes BLM's Closure of 665 Miles of Routes in San Rafael Swell
  The BLM announced the closure of 665 miles of off-road routes in the San Rafael Swell, a decision opposed by the BlueRibbon Coalition due to its impact on public land access.

📰 News Topics:

• King of the Hammers 2025 – Wildest Moments

• Ford Recalls 150,000 Broncos Over Rear Shock Failure

• San Rafael Plan Update – Latest Legal Challenge

📅 Events & Resources:

• King of the Hammers 2025

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) 2025

📞 Get involved!

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

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.

• Follow us on Instagram!@TheTrailheadPodcast

JD sits down with Justin Kroeck of KrashFab, a fabrication shop specializing in Jeep armor, suspension, and custom fabrication. They discuss Justin’s journey from a young off-roader with an International Scout to building a business known for high-quality Jeep and off-road parts. The conversation covers the challenges of running a small fabrication shop, the evolution of their off-roading gear, and how KrashFab balances hardcore off-road builds with practical bolt-on solutions. If you’ve ever thought about cutting your Jeep’s frame for better performance—or just want to hear what goes into making high-end off-road gear—this episode is for you.

📍 Trails and Destinations:

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah
• Rubicon Trail, California
• Fordyce Creek Trail, California
• Slick Rock Trail, California
• San Rafael Swell, Utah

🔧 Gear and Tools:

• KrashFab Jeep Bumpers & Armor
• PSC Steering Kits
• Flat Belly Skid Plates
• Trail Welders
• High-Angle Rescue Equipment

🚙 Community Shoutouts:

• KrashFab (@KrashFab)
• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK
• Liberty Mountain Fab
• Randy Slauson – Bomber Fabrication

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation:

• BlueRibbon Coalition
• Tread Lightly!

📅 Events & Resources:

• Trail Hero
• King of the Hammers
• Easter Jeep Safari

📞 Get involved!

• Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show.
• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.
• Follow us on Instagram! Stay updated on our latest news and announcements.

The Trailhead crew is back with a jam-packed episode! JD, Randi, The Pope™, Bryan, Alyssa, and Kerry get together for the first time in weeks to catch up on all things off-roading. From tackling multiple trails in one day at Sand Hollow State Park, Utah to discussing the pros and cons of portal axles, the team dives deep into gear talk, trip recaps, and upcoming events. Kerry reveals his newest addition to the garage while JD continues his battle with warranty woes. Plus, they revisit a wild rollover video that left everyone speechless. Strap in for a fun, insightful, and laughter-filled episode!

📍 Trails and Destinations:

• Sand Hollow State Park, Utah

• Dead Broke Trail

• Dominguez Falls

• Winter 4x4 Jamboree

🔧 Gear and Tools:

• 74Weld Portal Axles

• Portal Pros

• Tough Stuff Overland

• Impulse Off-Road

• Teraflex & Falcon Shocks

• Rock Hard 4x4 Cages

🚙 Community Shoutouts:

• Trail Traveler (Kerry)

• Josie (@royaljosieness)

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation:

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📅 Events & Resources:
King of the Hammers 2025

• 
  

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) 2025

• Winter 4x4 Jamboree Recap

Reach out!

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

• Write a review! We’re only 9 reviews away from a giveaway at 30 reviews.

  
  

Follow us on Instagram! Stay updated on our latest off-road adventures.

JD heads to Drummond Island, Michigan, to explore one of the Midwest’s best off-road destinations with Kristy Beyer from the Drummond Island Tourism Association. They break down the island’s epic ORV and ATV trails, the Marblehead Steps controversy, and why trail conservation matters now more than ever.

From Turtle Ridge Off-Road Park to the stunning Fossil Ledges, Kristy shares insider tips on the best trails and hidden gems. Plus, get the scoop on Jeep the Mac, a must-attend event featuring a Jeep parade across the Mackinac Bridge.

Planning your next adventure? Hit play and explore Michigan’s offroad paradise!

📍 Trails and Destinations:

• Drummond Island ORV Trails, Michigan

• Marblehead Overlook

• Turtle Ridge Off-Road Park

• Fossil Ledges

🔧 Gear and Tools:

• Jeep Badge of Honor Program

• Trails Offroad – Trail Maps & Guides

🚙 Community Shoutouts:

• Drummond Island Off-Road Club

• Drummond Island Tourism Association

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation:

• Michigan DNR – ORV Rules & Trail Etiquette

• Tread Lightly!

📅 Events & Resources:

• Jeep the Mac – St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce

• Mackinac Bridge ORV & Jeep Crossings