In this episode of The Trailhead, JD and Alyssa welcome Jessica Heeg and Jessi Puffenbarger, the powerhouse duo behind Jess² ReRouting, a new team competing in this year’s 10th Anniversary Rebelle Rally. These two seasoned drivers break down what the Rebelle is all about—8 days of off-road competition with no GPS, just maps, compasses, and pure grit. Hear how a random post turned into a rock-solid partnership, what training looks like in Johnson Valley, and why Jessi’s ultra-built JLU is perfect for the job. Plus, the ladies open up about family, trail philosophy, and prepping like pros. If you’re curious about what it takes to go from off-road fan to Rebelle contender, this is your episode.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Johnson Valley OHV

• Poughkeepsie Gulch, Colorado

• Glamis Sand Dunes

🔧 Gear and Tools

• Currie Extreme Axles

• Rebel Recon Coilovers

• King Shocks

• Alpine Control Arms

• Spot Satellite Messenger

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Alyssa: HoldMyCoffee_AZ

• Jessi Puffenbarger: @arctrooper.jl

• Jessica Heeg: @pinkstarjess

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Rebelle Rally 10-Year Anniversary Overview

• Women in Off-Road: Growth and Representation

• Spot Satellite Saves in Backcountry

🗓 Events & Resources

• Rebelle Rally

• Jess² ReRouting Website

• Rebelle Rally Team Profiles

📞 Get involved!

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

• Write a review! Help us hit our next milestone by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

• Find us at The Trailhead Network! www.thetrailheadnetwork.com

• Get Show Swag! Trailhead Gear Store

• Discounts for Trailheads!

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

In this episode of The Trailhead, JD welcomes Mike Malone and Brantley Ping from the Midwest Krawlers Off-Road Club. They discuss the club’s origins, off-road adventures, and community events. From the impressive Snow Squad initiative that helps first responders during severe weather to the club’s diverse off-roading activities, Mike and Brantley share stories of wheeling in the Midwest and beyond. Discover how the club grew from humble beginnings to becoming a well-known community staple, fostering both fun and safety. Tune in for stories of Jeep builds, off-road park adventures, and the dedication to helping those in need.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

• Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch (SMORR)

• Land Between the Lakes (LBL)

• Windrock Park

• Hot Springs Off-Road Park

• Imogene Pass, Colorado

• Poughkeepsie Gulch, Colorado

• Backway to Crown King, Arizona

• Moonlight Racing Off-Road Park

• Tuttle Creek Off-Road Park

• Rays Rocks

🔧 Gear and Tools

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

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Mike Malone & Brantley Ping: Midwest Krawlers Off-Road Club

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Midwest Crawlers’ Snow Squad Helps First Responders

📅 Events & Resources

• Jeep Jamboree USA

• Sunflower Event (Midwest Crawlers)

📞 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)

This Spotlights episode of The Trailhead features a chat with Steve Bogue and Monty Durango, two longtime Jeep enthusiasts from Illinois who love wheeling and exploring. JD talks with Steve and Monty about their off-roading experiences, from building their Jeeps to their favorite trails in Colorado and Moab. They also discuss the challenges of finding good wheeling spots in the Midwest, their strategies for overcoming obstacles on the trails, and their plans for future adventures, including a trip to the Northeast. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned trailblazer, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical insights, and inspiration for your next adventure.

📍 Trails and Destinations

• Rampart Range Road, Colorado

• Onion Creek, Moab, Utah

• Gemini Bridges, Moab, Utah

• Porcupine Rim, Moab, Utah

• Corkscrew Gulch, Colorado

• Picture Frame Arch, Moab, Utah

• Hurrah Pass, Moab, Utah

• Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail, Wisconsin

• NEBDR (Northeast Backcountry Discovery Route)

• Redbird State Recreation Area, Indiana

🔧 Gear and Tools

• Teraflex 3.5" Lift

• Bilstein 5160 Reservoir Shocks

• G2 Axle and Gear Chromoly Axle Shafts

• JE Reel Driveshafts

• Old Man Emu Lift

• Garmin InReach

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Steve Bogue: Alpha JK on Instagram

• Monty Durango: Monty's Jeep Adventures

• Virgil: Northbound Expeditions

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📅 Events & Resources

• Trail Hero

• King of the Hammers

• Easter Jeep Safari (EJS)

📞 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 is joined by Alyssa (HoldMyCoffee_AZ), Bryan (Beatrice JKU), Kerry (TrailTraveler), and Mike (JKTrlFnder) for a packed episode all about overlanding —what works, what breaks, and what you really need to get started. From long-range fuel tanks to gazelle tents, the crew shares their setups, tips, and lessons learned the hard way. JD dishes on recent Jeep repairs, Alyssa preps for a spontaneous Moab trip, and Kerry explains why he now owns two dedicated rigs for totally different wheeling needs. Plus, JD teases a big Trailhead road trip that will be The Trailhead event of the year. Whether you're a die-hard crawler or a wannabe overlander, this episode has something for everyone.

📍Trails and Destinations

• Eagle Rock

• Switzerland Trail

• Schofield Pass

• Lead King Basin

• Crystal Mill

• San Rafael Swell

🔧 Gear and Tools

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

• Gazelle Tent

• Long Range America Fuel Tank for Gladiator

• XPed Sleeping Pads

• Lost Horizon Airsoft Pads

🚙 Community Shoutouts

• Alyssa: HoldMyCoffee_AZ

• JD: MeAndMyYellowJK

• Kerry Garrison the Trail Traveler: TrailTraveler

• Mike: JKTrlFnder

• Sarah "Kitten Bear": @kitten.bear (photographer mentioned in episode)

🌎 Advocacy & Conservation

• BlueRibbon Coalition

📰 News Topics

• Core Conversations #3 – Episode 89 featuring Marcus Trusty (hopeful look at recent trail access wins)

• BLM Route Closures in Utah – BlueRibbon Coalition Opposition

📅 Events and Resources

• Easter Jeep Safari 2025

• Overland Expo Events

• Trailhead Network Patreon

📞 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: Apple Podcasts Page

• Follow us on Instagram! @TheTrailheadPodcast

• Discounts for Trailheads!

  • Tyri Offroad Lights – Use Code TRAILHEAD15

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)