Host JD Marshall brings you The Trailhead, the podcast where everyday wheelers, weekend warriors, and die-hard off-roaders come together to share stories, tackle tough topics, and celebrate the wild world of wheeling. From epic trail tales and gear talk to land use issues and community spotlights, JD and his rotating crew of guests bring real conversations from the dirt. Whether you're wrenching in the garage or out on the trail, this is your spot to connect with off-roaders from every corne ...
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Is the Jeep Gladiator Actually Good Now? - Unfiltered #110
1:37:28
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1:37:28It’s a night of high humidity, Gladiator debates, and a serious question about how JK's are now YJ's? JD returns to the mic with Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator, Ryan from Off-Road Campfire, and Calvin and Jennifer from SRG Offroad. The crew kicks things off with stories about high-mileage Jeeps and ongoing maintenance woes before div…
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His Tires Self-Destructed On The Trail : Unfiltered #109
1:21:05
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1:21:05What do you get when you combine a busted fan, self-destructing tires, and a 3.8-liter engine with an attitude? This week’s episode of The Trailhead is an off-road update show you don’t want to miss. JD hosts the ultimate Jeep roundtable with Bryan (@beatrice_jku), Nathan (@mudhorn_gladiator), Ryan from Off-Road Campfire, and Calvin & Jennifer from…
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Do We Have To Sue To Keep Trails Open Now? Waypoints: With the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association #108
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1:07:24In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Bo Rosa, president of the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), to dig into one of the Southeast’s most committed off-road advocacy groups. Representing more than 13,000 members, SFWDA has been championing conservation, education, and recreation since 1987—long before hashtags and highlig…
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Land Use Deserves a Public Fight, Not a Budget Trick Mr. Lee. #107
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1:08:08This week’s Trailhead Live is a firestorm of off-road news: national forest access restored, BLM comment rules dropped, Jeep technical alerts issued, and a rooftop tent debate you won’t want to miss. JD is joined by Loren Campbell, Kristy Byers, Amy and Mike Malone, Justin from KrashFab, Steve Botkin, and Calvin and Jennifer from SRG Offroad for an…
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A Live Show So Full of Guests, Even JD Lost Track #106
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1:04:39On this jam-packed roundtable edition of The Trailhead, JD hosts updates from a panel of familiar voices that have been guests on the show before. From Mike and Amy Malone of Midwest Krawlers to Loren Campbell, Kristy Beyer, and Justin from KrashFab, Steve Botkin, and Jennifer and Calvin from SRG Offroad, the group shares stories from recent trail …
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Exploded Parts & Unhinged Voicemails | Unfiltered #105
1:30:46
1:30:46
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1:30:46What do broken Gladiators, exploded oil pumps, and wildly unfiltered voicemails have in common? This episode. JD's back with Nathan, Alyssa, Kerry, and Bryan—are all back in the virtual studio and unpacking the chaos of the last few months. JD and Nathan share behind-the-scenes moments from Trail Hero X, including media madness and sandblasted gear…
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#104 Waypoints: Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee (RRMMC)
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1:03:49In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Leah, Ryan, and Brandon from the Rampart Range Motorized Management Committee (RRMMC) to explore the inner workings of one of Colorado’s most iconic and heavily trafficked OHV areas: the Rampart Range. Known as a true mecca for outdoor recreation, Rampart includes a diverse mix of motorized routes…
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🎧 Podcast Show Notes Summary In this episode of The Trailhead, JD and Kerry sit down with Jason and Aaron from Portal Pros to dig into the past, present, and future of portal axles. From early design challenges to new product launches and how portal tech is changing the game for hardcore off-roaders, this chat covers it all. They talk about the evo…
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#102 Unfiltered: Are You Building Your Rig Wrong?
1:17:14
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1:17:14While the team is at Trail Hero X, this episode of The Trailhead dives into a question every off-roader eventually faces: are you building your rig to match your trails, or choosing trails to match your build? JD, Pope & Randi (JemAndTheMisfit), Bryan (Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox), and Mike (JKTrlFnder) share how their vehicle choices, upgrades, and …
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#101 Trail Hero Expeditions or Bust! (Surprise Announcement too!)
18:41
18:41
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18:41In this quick Trail Hero X kickoff episode, JD, Pope & Randi, and Alyssa rally together to prep for the big journey ahead. With Trail Hero Expeditions right around the corner, the crew reflects on how far the podcast has come—101 episodes deep—and shares last-minute gear checks, travel logistics, and some friendly banter about new rigs and tire dra…
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#100 BRC Brief: A Lot Can Change In 100 Days & 100 Episodes
1:27:49
1:27:49
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1:27:49Join us for a milestone episode—our 100th—where JD talks again with Ben Burr, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition, to break down the first 100 days of the new administration. They discuss crucial updates on monument designations, ongoing legal challenges, and critical policy shifts impacting public land access. Ben gives updates from the…
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#99 Unfiltered: What’s Broken, What’s Fixed, and What’s Next!
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54:00This episode is all about the crew—what’s new, what’s broken, and what’s coming next. JD, Pope & Randi (JemAndTheMisfit), Bryan (Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox), and Mike (JKTrlFnder) catch up and share everything from exciting Bronco purchases and hydro steering installs to the reality of aging Jeeps and fried motors. Bryan talks about adding a Ford F-…
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#98 Unfiltered: The Trailhead Joins Trail Hero X | EJS Builds, Trail Bingo & More!
2:03:21
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2:03:21🎧 Podcast Show Notes Summary JD is joined by Bryan (Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox), Mike (JKTrlFnder), Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator, and Angie (Purple Haze JKU) in this high-energy, heart-filled episode of The Trailhead. With Easter Jeep Safari just around the corner, the crew swaps build updates, road trip plans, and favorite Jeep col…
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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 gri…
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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 s…
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#95 Spotlights: Steve Bogue & Monty Durango (aka MCGVR10 & Two Track Nomads)
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59:28This 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 find…
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#94 Unfiltered: What Do You REALLY Need To Overland?
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1:46:44JD 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 rec…
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#93 Spotlights: Nathan Savka aka MudhornGladiator
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1:08:53In 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 p…
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#92 Spotlights: Craig Decker and Fergie the JKU
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1:19:20JD 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. Th…
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#91 Unfiltered: Nathan Gets Promoted—Still Works for Free
1:56:36
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1:56:36It’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 g…
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#90 Spotlights: Mike Randol aka JKTrlFnder
1:12:59
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1:12:59In 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 offr…
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#89 CORE Conversations: From Alpine Tunnel to Waryman Creek: The State of Colorado Trails
1:17:07
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1:17:07JD 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 Tunn…
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#88 Unfiltered: Oil Leaks & KOH Dreams?
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2:02:22JD, 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. Me…
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#87 Unfiltered: King of the Hammers Chaos
1:48:08
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1:48:08JD, 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, includ…
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#86 Waypoints: Justin Kroeck & Krashfab
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1:03:00JD 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…
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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…
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#84 Waypoints: Drummond Island Tourism Association
1:16:58
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1:16:58JD 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 stunni…
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#83 Unfiltered: If You Off-Road Like This, You Deserve to Break Your Rig
1:38:00
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1:38:00This week at The Trailhead, JD, LunchboX, Alyssa, and Mike kick things off with a hilarious deep dive into birthdays, wiener-shaped food traditions, and unexpected vehicle quirks. The crew shares their latest off-roading adventures, from cold weather wheeling at Sand Hollow to debating which trails JD should tackle at Easter Jeep Safari. They discu…
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In this episode of The Trailhead, JD, Kerry, and Alyssa dive into their off-road adventures and camping experiences. Kerry shares his rooftop tent setup in the Nevada desert while JD and Alyssa discuss winter Jeep maintenance challenges. They also reflect on the tragic loss of Josh and Christina Gilson, review recent Jeep news, and explore how the …
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#81 Waypoints: Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA)
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1:18:14In this episode, JD catches up with Loren Campbell from the Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) for an engaging conversation about the fight to keep Utah's public lands accessible. They explore the challenges of land-use restrictions, the importance of advocacy, and UPLA's role in uniting offroad enthusiasts, local communities, and policymakers. Lore…
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#80 Spotlights: Kerry Garrison, Trail Traveler
1:17:48
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1:17:48In this episode of The Trailhead, JD sits down with Kerry Garrison from Trail Traveler for a laid-back and insightful chat about his journey from the tech world to becoming a trusted voice in the off-roading community. Kerry shares the story behind his Jeep build, what drives his love for solo adventures, and unforgettable moments on iconic trails …
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#79 Waypoints: DRATS & The Winter 4x4 Jamboree
1:10:33
1:10:33
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1:10:33In this episode, JD, Randi, and The Pope™ sit down with Jeff Bieber, Lorey Beard, and Tim Nelson from the Desert Roads and Trails Society (DRATS) to talk about the Winter 4x4 Jamboree in Sand Hollow, Utah. They share the story of how the event grew from humble beginnings into one of the most respected offroad gatherings in the region, raising over …
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#78 Unfiltered (Mostly): Year-End Laughs & Swear Jar Chaos
1:43:57
1:43:57
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1:43:57It’s Christmas Eve on The Trailhead, and JD, Randi, The Pope™, and Jason are wrapping up the year with a lively holiday special. With the ‘spirits’ flowing and the holiday cheer in full swing, the crew shares updates on their Jeeps—covering repairs, upgrades, and those inevitable warranty adventures. They clear out the final bits of off-roading new…
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#77 Unfiltered: How Many Jeeps Do We Have Broken?
1:22:31
1:22:31
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1:22:31It’s another unpredictable night on The Trailhead! JD, Pope & Randi are joined by Josh (TheRubistina) to discuss their off-road wishlist—both the dream builds they’d splurge on with Monopoly money and the actual upgrades they’re tackling. The team takes aim at auto start-stop, talks holiday wheeling plans, and gets interrupted by an unexpected cani…
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This week, JD and The Pope™ kick things off with some personal updates, including Pope’s unfortunate (and, let’s be honest, pretty entertaining) mishap that had everyone shaking their heads. After a good laugh, the conversation shifts to some big news in the automotive world. Jeep made waves by parting ways with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, and t…
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#75 Spotlights: Bryan (Beatrice the JKU)
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1:06:21
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1:06:21This week on the show, JD and The Pope™ sit down with Bryan, better known as BeatriceJKU, for an entertaining and insightful conversation. Bryan shares his journey from the Colorado trails to his new home in Mesquite, reflecting on how the off-roading community has shaped his experiences. We dig into the nuts and bolts of building a capable off-roa…
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#74 BRC Briefing: Lame Duck Land Grabs: What the 2024 Election Means for Public Lands
1:24:03
1:24:03
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1:24:03In this urgent episode of The Trailhead, JD, Randi and The Pope sit down with Ben Burr, Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition, to unravel the far-reaching implications of the 2024 election results on public land use and access. From potential lame-duck national monument designations to the reversal of previous land management policies, the…
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#73 Unfiltered: From Real Repairs to Monopoly Money Dreams
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1:55:05JD, Randi, and The Pope kick back and chat about their wildest Jeep upgrades and plans for the year ahead. From practical fixes to outrageous mods that might require a lottery win, they break down what their rigs actually need versus the fun stuff they really want. They also share stories about off-roading with dogs, laugh about past adventures, an…
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#72 Unfiltered: SEMA Builds & Offroad Fails
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1:28:08This week, JD, Randi, The Pope, and Alyssa dig into some of the most talked-about builds from SEMA. From the crazy-cool Hellcat Tacoma to Kia concepts that had us scratching our heads. You'll get our regular Friday level of unfiltered chaos and fun while we check out a few epic fail videos—laughing and cringing a bit too. Whether you’re into big bu…
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#71 Waypoints: Trail Hero Recap & Trail Hero X Details w/ Rich Klein
1:19:11
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1:19:11In this episode, JD and Rich Klein dig into all things Trail Hero 2024, sharing the high points, the heat, and the numbers. He's also got BIG news about changes for next year's event. Rich reveals all the details he's been working on for off-road and overlanding fans with Trail Hero X. Don't miss this recap of all the 2024 action and get all the de…
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#70 Unfiltered: SEMA, Jeep's Electric Woes, & an Hellcat Challenger with 35's
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1:30:08This week, JD, Pope, Alyssa, and guest Josh (Rubistina) hit the road with stories of recent vehicle mishaps, lessons learned the hard way, and our ambitions for next year’s SEMA. We go into everything from hybrid recalls in Jeep’s 4xe lineup to the pros and cons of big mods, like turning a Hellcat into an offroad monster. Alongside tales of close c…
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#69 Unfiltered: Trail Prep, Tire Picks, & Thanksgiving in a Can
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1:37:38It's Friday, and that means the Trailhead crew— this week JD, Jason, Alyssa, and special guest Mike (aka JK_Trlfndr)—are here for another round of laughs, trail talk, and maybe a few questionable food choices. Buckle up as they dive into gear talk, wild stories, and off-the-wall ideas for Black Friday shopping. Expect the unexpected, including: Bla…
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#68 Waypoints: Getting Sh*t Done With Tyri Offroad Lights
1:16:24
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1:16:24In this episode, JD sits down with Eric Ammerman to get into the story behind Tyri Offroad Lights, from its roots in industrial lighting to becoming a key player in the offroad market. Eric shares Tyri’s dedication to quality—whether it’s engineering lights that stand up to the most demanding trails or focusing on practical, American-made lighting …
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#67 Unfiltered: Build Goals, Bold Moves, and 2024 Must-Haves
1:33:36
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1:33:36This episode is about our 2024 favorite things—those game-changers we’ve added to our rigs that truly elevated the year. JD, Jason, Randi, and The Pope, along with friend of the show Josh (Rubistina), take a stroll down memory lane of 2024, sharing the mods and gear that made a difference on the trails this year. From the powerhouse punch of the He…
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#66 Unfiltered: Wheeling Wins, Wiring Woes, and Wedding Venues
1:58:55
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1:58:55In this fun-filled episode, JD, Randi, The Pope, Jason, and Alyssa are joined by special guests Josh (Rubistina) and Mark (Spartacus_JT) to chat about their epic experiences at Trail Hero. The group shares their first impressions of the event, highlighting the thrill of tackling tough obstacles and the sense of community among off-roaders. Between …
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#65 Unfiltered: Welcome to Season 2 & Our Hosts Trail Hero Recap
2:11:30
2:11:30
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2:11:30We're back for season 2! JD, Randi, The Pope, Alyssa, and Jason swap stories and laughs while recapping their experiences at Trail Hero. They chat about everything from epic night runs and glow parties to the challenges of navigating tricky trails with good spotting (and a bit of luck). Along the way, they reflect on the camaraderie that makes off-…
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#64 Waypoints: Josh Thurmond with LavaBox
1:18:35
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1:18:35In this laughter-filled episode, JD hangs out with Josh Thurmond, the mastermind behind LavaBox from FireAnytime.com. The two dive into everything LavaBox—how it started, the inspiration behind it, and the passion for making outdoor experiences better and safer. Josh shares stories from his diverse background, including the journey to creating Lava…
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#63 Unfiltered: Favorite Trails, Fitness Challenges, and Trail Hero Anticipation
1:37:13
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1:37:13In this lively and entertaining episode, JD, Randi, The Pope™, Jason, and guests Mark and Josh, with a surprise appearance by Nathan, dive into a mix of Jeep talk, off-roading adventures, and personal stories. The hosts discuss the challenges of running a spontaneous half marathon and their preparations for Trail Hero, debating everything from manu…
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#62 Dogs, Diff Drama, and Drinks: The Trailhead Live 9-13-24
1:29:28
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1:29:28In this week's live show, JD, Randi, The Pope™, Alyssa, and Jason dive into the wild world of off-roading and all the chaos that comes with it. They kick things off by sharing their latest Jeep repair sagas—like how a rock mysteriously found its way inside a different, unexpected road trip mishap with dogs in tow. With Starlink’s limitations in the…
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#61 BRC Briefing: In the Trenches of Land Use—Updates with Ben Burr
1:26:44
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1:26:44In this episode, hosts JD, The Pope™, and Randi, along with Mike and Petra from JK_Trlfndr on Instagram, are joined by Ben Burr, the Executive Director of the BlueRibbon Coalition, to unpack some of the most pressing issues facing the off-road and outdoor communities today. They explore the controversial Rock Springs plan, which could see a million…
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