What It Really Takes to Build a Factory Overlander — with Dave Harriton

Anyone can bolt parts to a truck—but building a factory overlander is something else entirely. In this episode, recorded live at Overland Expo, we sit down with Dave Harriton, founder of AEV (American Expedition Vehicles), to explore what it actually takes to engineer an OEM-validated overland vehicle. From Jeep and Ram to full production lines at GM, Dave shares what goes into building expedition-ready platforms that roll straight off the assembly line—vehicles that have to meet the same durability, safety, and emissions standards as any other factory model. It’s a rare look into the world where overlanding meets automotive engineering at scale—and why most aftermarket builds aren’t playing the same game.

It’s easy to get caught up in the business of overlanding and forget to actually travel. But Basil Lynch never stopped. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Basil’s Garage—an overland outfitter based in San Diego—to talk about why staying on the road matters more than ever. From international travel to local weekend getaways, Basil’s real-world experience continues to shape how he builds vehicles, advises clients, and runs his shop. We dig into his background, his favorite travel moments, and why firsthand experience is still the best way to know what gear works—and what doesn’t. This is a reminder that in an industry built on adventure, the best advice still comes from those who live it.

Made in the West: American Innovation in OverlandingWhat does overland innovation look like when it’s born in a Montana machine shop instead of an international trade show? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Linder, CEO of Truckhouse, and Graeme MacPherson of Go Fast Campers—two leaders shaping the future of American-made expedition vehicles. From composite monocoques to ultra-light pop-up campers, both are proving that thoughtful design and domestic manufacturing can still punch above their weight. This conversation explores the philosophy behind their products, the value of restraint in design, and why American ingenuity still matters in a space often dominated by imported gear.

Before overlanding was a hashtag, it was a mindset—and Graham Jackson was one of the people who helped define it in the U.S. In this episode, we sit down with Graham to trace the origins of overlanding in North America, from the founding days of Overland Journal to the first Overland Expo. With decades of international experience, including a full traverse of Africa in the early 2000s, Graham brings a unique blend of practical insight and historical context. This conversation is a window into where we’ve come from—and what we might need to remember as the industry moves forward.

Join host Scott Brady as he speaks with adventurer Matt Prior about his remarkable five-year journey around the world with his family, known as Project Wild Earth. Matt, his wife Leah, and their two children are traveling extensively, currently more than halfway across Asia in an INEOS Grenadier and towing a Patriot trailer. They discuss the adventures, the importance of conservation efforts, and the challenges faced on the road. Matt shares personal insights from his time in the Air Force, the unique aspects of overlanding with a family, and a harrowing incident involving a fuel-related fire. Discover more about the inspiration behind their travels and how they manage to balance adventure with environmental storytelling. Don't miss this riveting episode filled with stories of resilience and the pursuit of global exploration.

Scott Brady has spent decades traveling the world by vehicle. Now, he’s distilled much of that experience into a compact, accessible, and deeply thoughtful reference guide: Overlanding 101. It’s not just a how-to—it’s a why-to. And it’s probably the best book on overland travel you’ll find, but then again, Scott taught me most of what’s in it.In this episode, we revisit foundational lessons with fresh perspective, using the book as a framework for a bigger conversation: what we’ve learned, what’s changed, and what still matters most.

In this episode of the Overland Journal podcast, host Matt Scott converses with Mike Pfeiffer from Last Line of Defense about practical readiness and overlanding. Mike shares insights from his life as an 'army brat,' his experiences traveling and living in various states, and his journey into off-roading and overlanding. The conversation highlights the importance of bridging everyday capability with long-term preparedness, emphasizing practical aspects like everyday carry, vehicle readiness, and the balance between being prepared and avoiding paranoia. Mike also discusses his automotive projects, including his notable modified Tacoma and future plans for a Ford F450. The episode touches on the integration of preparedness into daily life, the value of training and knowledge, and the benefits of partial self-sufficiency, such as using solar power and maintaining a sustainable homestead.

Join hosts Matt Scott and Scott Brady in this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast as they dive deep into the principles of modifying your Overland vehicle with intention. They discuss the importance of thoughtful upgrades, the dangers of over-complication, and how to build a vehicle that meets your specific use case without succumbing to unnecessary modifications. From vehicle weight considerations to the value of restraint in customization, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world experiences. Ideal for Overlanding enthusiasts and adventurers who aim to build reliable, practical, and well-suited travel vehicles. Don't miss their discussion on the perfect balance between functionality and performance!