

The XOVERLAND Podcast
Clay Croft, Rachelle Croft, Jimmy Lewis
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 4, 2023 • 32min
EP33 | Pursuing Your Dreams: Clay Sits Down with Jeremy Bergh of Alu-Cab Campers
Contains some explicit language. Learn the inspiring history behind the inception and ultimate success of Alu-Cab Campers as Alu-Cab owner/founder and CEO, Jeremy Bergh, sits down with Clay to discuss what it took to put Alu-Cab Campers at the top of the industry.Beyond the specifics of Alu-Cab and its history, Clay and Jeremy enjoy a conversation about success and fulfillment in both business and life, offering hard-won insight from this competitive area of the marketplace. Finally, see what these two exciting CEOs have to say about their new partnership and their desire to “see the world” together! (This episode contains some explicit material.) Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Dec 21, 2022 • 59min
EP32 | X Overland's 12-Year Overnight 'Success' & Thoughts on Toyota's New Trailhunter
Clay and Rachelle have a long and colorful history of building their brand at the SEMA Auto Show in Las Vegas. Listen to the many stories of their 12 years spent attending SEMA and how they went from wondering how to get inside the event to sharing the stage with Toyota at this year’s show. Then join in on the conversation with Clay, Rachelle, and Jimmy as Clay and Rachelle discuss Toyota’s new Trailhunter grade of vehicles and the difference between Toyota’s popular TRD grade and Trailhunter. Finally, get Clay and Rachelle’s thoughts on the 2022 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid and the details of our newest XO vehicle build, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid, “Simba.” This is a content-packed episode you don’t want to miss that dives into the history of X Overland, the current role of O.E.M.s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the overlanding industry, and even Rachelle and Clay’s business philosophy that has led to their success. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Dec 14, 2022 • 1h 4min
EP31 | Traveling & Overlanding through Iceland with Tanner Johnson
Having recently returned from Iceland where he spent three weeks serving as photographer with the XO team while filming the Nordic Series, Tanner Johnson is eager to share his experiences and teach listeners all he can about overlanding and photography in Iceland.Jimmy and Tanner discuss the legal difference between “Off-Roading” and “Off-Pavement,” what it’s like to drive on Iceland’s “F-Roads,” and the experience of touring the backcountry of this remote island country. As a professional photographer, Tanner shares his experience in Iceland and helps listeners by providing essential information about what photography equipment to pack along, what subject matter you’re likely see there, and how to photograph it.Tanner and Jimmy also take a look at how our newest XO truck builds performed in Iceland, the famous “Arctic Trucks” of Iceland, and what vehicle modifications make for the best overland touring there.Additionally in this episode, learn all about what it’s like to camp in Iceland: legalities, types of campgrounds, and the overall quality of the camping experience in Iceland are explored.It’s an information-packed episode and it’s all about overlanding in Iceland. We’d love for you to join us for the conversation!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Dec 7, 2022 • 1h 25min
EP30 | A Crash Course in Winter Overlanding with Clay Croft
When it comes to learning about winter camping and overlanding, you're in good hands with Expedition Overland founder, Clay Croft. A native Montanan, Clay grew up with winter camping and winter driving. He still ventures out regularly with his boys to camp in winter and is constantly learning new techniques and approaches to enjoy cold weather camping.Add to this Clay’s experience in dealing with an extremely cold weather environment (-41 Fahrenheit!!) during his time spent with Expeditions 7 in Greenland, and you have a level of experience and expertise you can trust. Join Jimmy and Clay as the two bundle up for the night to discuss all things winter camping and overlanding, providing you with the tips, knowledge, and inspiration you need to get out there this winter while staying safe and having fun! Read the full show notes here! Watch this podcast here!

Nov 30, 2022 • 1h
EP29 | The Mindset Behind Packing with Clay & Rachelle Croft
We talk about the MOST important thing to pack on your trip, as well as some gear to throw in as well!What is the best approach to packing for an overlanding trip or vehicle-based adventure of any kind? It may surprise you to learn that the first step is to have a conversation about desired outcomes and expectations. This is just the first nugget of wisdom you will get from listening to this podcast featuring an in-depth look at best practices for packing for an overland trip by Expedition Overland founders, Clay and Rachelle Croft. Overall packing strategy and universal items that accompany an overlander on any adventure are addressed here in detail. Clay, Rachelle, and Jimmy also take a look at the value of morale-boosting items and meeting one’s needs while traveling however impractical some of these items may seem.Join the conversation and find out how to pack your overlanding vehicle in a manner that will lead you to have both what you need and what you love most along for the ride!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Nov 23, 2022 • 43min
EP28 | "Overlanding Before It Was Called Overlanding" with the OG Paul May of Equipt
Paul May, as he put it, “was overlanding before we called it overlanding.” Paul grew up in Utah exploring the beautiful and remote vastness of the state with his parents, developing a love of vehicle-based adventure that has lasted a lifetime.Learn his story and the story behind his thriving business, Equipt Outfitters, as Paul and X Overland podcast host, Jimmy Lewis, sit down for a conversation on location in Paul's office in Salt Lake City, Utah.Paul dives into the history of overlanding, its rise in popularity, and his own definition of “overlanding.”This conversation is brimming with Paul May’s philosophy, insight, and wisdom that comes from reflecting on over 50 years of adventure-travel here in the U.S. and abroad. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Nov 16, 2022 • 1h 32min
EP27 | Why I Went To Morocco: Rachelle Croft
Rebelle Rally Champion and Expedition Overland co-founder, Rachelle Croft, sits down with X Overland Podcast host, Jimmy Lewis, to discuss her path to personal growth through a life of adventure, challenge, and competition. Rachelle’s own journey of personal discovery led her to Morocco where she participated in The Rallye de Aicha Des Gazelles, a female-only, nine day navigation-based rally through the Sahara Desert. In this special one-hour + episode, Rachelle shares the details of this life-changing experience, discussing everything from the source of inspiration to participate to being lost in the desert for four days after the start of the rally.Rachelle further shares her experience in working through depression, coping with “mom-guilt,” and navigating her marriage while pushing to pursue her own unique dreams and goals. Join us for this powerful episode filled with insight about obstacles–both external and internal–and how to overcome them to live your best life. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Nov 9, 2022 • 1h 1min
EP26 | A Closer Look at Patriot Campers with Justin Montesalvo & Clay Croft
Many overland enthusiasts consider Patriot Camper Overlanding Trailers to be the best in the world. The story of how owner/founder, Justin Montesalvo, became inspired to create the first prototype and ultimately start the business that has led him and his family on a new life journey is all here in this insight-packed episode! Join Clay as he sits down with Justin at EXPO WEST 2022 to discuss business, overlanding, marriage, family, Covid, and what moving forward looks like for both Patriot Campers and X Overland. Topics like business culture, leadership, vision, entrepreneurship, business development and the concomitant growth that accompanies it are all pursued in this dynamic dialogue in which both Clay and Justin share the role of host and guest!Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Nov 2, 2022 • 1h 3min
EP25 | Beyond the Weekend: Big Expedition Planning with Scott Brady
If you’re interested in learning about what separates a weekend trip of vehicle-based adventure from a big, international overlanding trip or expedition, and how to begin planning your own big overlanding trip abroad, this is the episode for you.Join Clay as he sits down at the hangar with Overland Journal founder and CEO, Scott Brady, to discuss how best to plan and prepare for taking a major overland trip or expedition abroad. Mindset, financial planning, vehicle selection and preparation, skills training, and team/family/group dynamics pertaining to big overlanding adventures are all discussed in detail here with accessible strategies and tips shared by both Scott and Clay.Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!

Oct 26, 2022 • 1h
EP24 | Overlanding Navigation and Route Planning with Kurt Williams
Having just returned from serving in the role as lead navigator for the first half of our shooting of Season 5, The Nordic Series, in Scandinavia, Kurt Williams sits down with X Overland Podcast host, Jimmy Lewis, on location at Cruiser Outfitters in Salt Lake City, Utah to share his field-tested approaches to overland navigation and route planning. Behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser since he was 15-years-old, Kurt is now a successful business owner of Cruiser Outfitters, an accomplished off-road racer, off-road driving instructor, and certified Tread Lightly Master Tread Trainer (MTT).His travels overlanding with Expeditions 7 and Expedition Overland have taken him around the world, working on these teams as both lead navigator and mechanic.In this episode, Kurt shares his extensive knowledge about route planning and navigation whether you are embarking on an international overland journey or having fun with any kind of vehicle-based adventuring at home or abroad. Read the full show notes here!Watch this podcast here!