Podcast
The XOVERLAND Podcast
Hosted by Clay Croft, Rachelle Croft · EN
Welcome to the XOVERLAND podcast, an exploration of adventure, those who pursue it, and all that makes it possible.
Gather insight and inspiration from engaging conversations with trailblazers from around the world. Whether they be travelers, entrepreneurs, influencers, or experts in their field, we're here to share their unique voices and learn all that we can in the process.
Our conversations may delve into the intricacies of overland vehicle electronics, the psychology of pushing past one's comfort-zone, or the inspiring stories of creatives such as Chris Burkard or Clay Croft.
Like the exciting guests they work to bring onto the show, our podcast host and co-host, Jimmy Lewis and Leah Heffelfinger, cover a lot of ground to bring you the XOVERLAND Podcast!
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP102 | Your Questions Answered: Inside XOVERLAND’s West Africa Expedition
1w ago00:37:10Tap to summarizeIn this Q&A episode of the XOVERLAND Podcast, Clay Croft sits down to answer your biggest questions about the Milestones expedition through West Africa. From vehicle security and camp safety to showers, laundry, fuel economy, and truck maintenance, this episode dives into the practical realities of life on the road during one of XOVERLAND’s most ambitious journeys yet.Clay also shares stories about memorable cultural experiences, lessons learned from pre-trip security training, balancing safety with meaningful travel experiences, and the logistical challenges of moving vehicles across continents. He explains how the Africa truck builds differed from the Nordic series, how often the team reset and deep-cleaned the rigs, and what the process looks like once the expedition comes to an end.If you’ve been curious about what really goes into an expedition of this scale, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insight straight from the road.
Transcribe →EP101 | Surviving West Africa: Borders, Breakdowns, and the Reality of Overland Travel
3w ago00:38:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the X OVERLAND Podcast, Clay Croft sits down with his son Cyrus at the X OVERLAND Ranch to reflect on one of the most demanding stretches of the Milestones Expedition: crossing West Africa.From preparing with medical and SERE-style training to navigating fuel shortages, cash problems, language barriers, visa uncertainty, and more than 180 checkpoints in Nigeria alone, Clay and Cyrus break down what it really took to keep the team and trucks moving across the continent. They discuss the difference between fear and preparation, the exhaustion of constant problem-solving, and the street smarts that only come from experience.They also share stories from difficult borders, including their tense experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and explain why West Africa is both incredibly challenging and absolutely worth experiencing.For anyone curious about international overlanding, expedition logistics, or what it takes to drive across Africa, this conversation offers an honest look at adventure when the stakes are high and the unknowns are constant.
Transcribe →EP100 | 15 Years Later: How Overlanding (and XOVERLAND) Changed Everything
May 500:52:28Tap to summarize10,500 miles into their Milestones expedition, Clay Croft and Rachelle Croft look back at 15 years of X Overland—and how both the adventure and the industry have transformed.From maxed-out credit cards and early Vimeo uploads to building a sponsor-backed brand, they break down what it really took to make it sustainable.They also unpack the evolution of overlanding itself—from grassroots meetups to massive events like Overland Expo—and how gear, vehicles, and technology have completely changed the game. Think OEM overland trims, simpler builds, lithium power, solar, Redarc systems, and the rise of Starlink.Plus: hard lessons in leadership, why the journey matters more than the build, and what it means to protect access for future travelers.A candid look at how far things have come—and where it all goes next.
Transcribe →EP99 | A Real Look Inside 25,000 Miles with Clay Croft and Scott Brady
Apr 2800:37:06Tap to summarizeClay Croft and Scott Brady reflect on the final stretch of XOVERLAND’s nearly 40,000 km journey across West Africa.In this episode, they unpack the “final mile” mindset—where focus, discipline, and safety matter most—as the team pushes toward Cape Town while navigating coups, elections, border crossings, fuel shortages, and illness.They share hard-earned lessons from the road, including the brutal conditions of Guinea’s roads, the realities of long-range fuel planning, and the surprising consistency of welcoming locals along the way. The conversation also dives into gear and vehicle performance—from Toyota Trailhunter reliability on poor fuel to a 25,000-mile Mobil 1 oil test, plus the small upgrades that made a big difference.As they near the completion of a global circumnavigation, Clay and Scott reflect on what it takes to finish strong—and why meaningful adventure is possible in any vehicle.
Transcribe →EP98 | The Next Generation: Cyrus Croft & Peter van Stralen on Life Built for the Road
Apr 2100:41:03Tap to summarizeJoin Cyrus Croft and Peter van Stralen as they reflect on reaching the end of the first phase of their journey—and the miles that have shaped it so far.For Peter, life on the road started early, growing up immersed in the Epic Family Road Trip, where global travel wasn’t just an idea—it was a way of life. For Cyrus, expedition-style adventure was part of his upbringing, taking him across the world and instilling a deep drive to explore beyond the familiar.Now, the two come together to take on an ambitious goal: driving vertically around the world. In this episode, they share what it means to carry forward a legacy of adventure, the realities of life on the road as young explorers, and why this journey is only the beginning.
Transcribe →EP97 | Life on the Road Together: From Europe to the Stans with Richard & Ashley Giordano
Apr 1400:34:00Tap to summarizeJoin Richard and Ashley Giordano as they share what it really looks like to build a life on the road—together. From winding their way across Europe to navigating Morocco, the remote “Stans,” and even securing a rare Russian transit visa, their journey is anything but ordinary.In this episode, they dive into the realities of long-term travel as a couple—the challenges, the unexpected moments, and the lessons learned from life beyond borders. Whether you’re dreaming of your own overland adventure or already living it, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to keep moving forward—together.
Transcribe →EP96 | The Truth About Overlanding Builds - Richard Giordano and Clay Croft
Apr 700:47:31Tap to summarizeJoin overlanding experts Clay Croft and Richard Giordano as they reflect on their personal journeys from minimalist backpacking to fully built trucks traveling across borders.In this episode, Clay and Richard draw on their own experience to explore how experience shapes the way we approach gear, vehicle builds, and life on the road. They break down the natural progression of truck setups, what to pack, and how your approach shifts between weekend trips and long-haul expeditions.Whether you’re just getting started or refining your current setup, this conversation offers practical insights into building capability over time without overcomplicating the process.Tune in for an honest discussion on growth, perspective, and why the most important step is simple: use what you have and get out there.Sponsored by Mobil 1Visit loveofdriving.mobil.com/aroundtheworld to learn more.
Transcribe →EP95 | The Story Beneath the Journey - Andy Ellis and Clay Croft
Mar 3101:06:06Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually take to build something—and keep it going when things don’t go to plan? In this episode, Clay Croft and Andy Ellis dive into the reality behind the journey, where expectations meet friction and the only way forward is to adapt. From key decisions to the moments that could have derailed everything, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to figure things out in real time. It’s not just about the wins—it’s about the process, the pressure, and the mindset required to keep moving when the path isn’t clear. Because the version of the story you see is only part of it—this is everything underneath.Sponsored by Mobil 1Visit loveofdriving.mobil.com/aroundtheworld to learn more.
Transcribe →EP94 | Rebelle Rally: Rachelle Croft's Past and Future of Competing in the Rally
Oct 200:54:16Tap to summarizeThe 2025 Rebelle Rally (10th Edition) is just a week away!Did you know that for 10 days, teams of 2 will cover some of the harshest terrain across 1,500+ miles with no gps while testing their driving and navigation skills - using only maps, compass, and roadbook? Join Rachelle Croft and Leah Heffelfinger as they reflect on previous years of their involvement and competing in the Rebelle Rally! You'll hear Rachelle's backstory of how she found the Rebelle Rally, and both Rachelle and Leah's expertise about testing their skills and vehicles in various editions of the Rebelle Rally over the past 10 years. Listen in for behind the scenes thoughts of Rachelle's start into the world of the Rebelle Rally, her first place win in 2019 with her driving partner, Taylor Pawley, and Rachelle's thoughts and plans as she prepares to return with Taylor to compete in the rally just one week from now. Stay tuned and follow along @xoverland on Instagram for updates as Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley return to compete in the 2025 Rebelle Rally from October 8 - October 18, 2025 as an Official Toyota Team in the All-New Trailhunter 4Runner.
Transcribe →EP93 | Tati Reed: Tati Stops for Tea, Trucks, and Great Talks
Jun 1100:55:24Tap to summarizeAll the way from England, we welcome our new friend Tati, into the studio!Join Clay Croft and Tati as they discuss their passion for overlanding, vehicles, and more on the XOVERLAND Podcast. In this episode, these two overlanding pros dive deep into building vehicles for travel, where in the U.S. to visit, and what drives them to continue traveling all over the globe. What are important first steps in vehicle based travel? How does XO travel safely in new environments? Find out in this hour long discussion! Visiting the Hangar in an Ineos Grenadier, Tati will stop by some American hot spots, then travel back to her beloved motherland, and back to her epic Land Rover. Be sure to check out her socials!
Transcribe →