The Trailhead an Offroad Show

In 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 highlight reels.

Bo shares how the organization led the fight to reopen the Daniel Boone Back...

This 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 unfiltered discussion about what’s changing fast in the off-road world—and what it m...

On 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 events, gear wins and fails, and plans for what's next. JD even dishes on his now...

What 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. Alyssa’s been chasing desert sunsets—until her oil pump blew up. Kerry’s JL made it...

In 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, from full-size 4x4 roads to an extensive network of singletrack and ATV trails—over...

🎧 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 evolution of the company, what it's like to design for real-world use, and what sets ...

While 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 driving styles are shaped by the terrain they love. From high-clearance Broncos t...

In 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 drama. From overlanding in Broncos to wheeling in Toyotas and Jeeps, this trip marks...

Join 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 front lines, including insights on the newly established Chuckwalla National Monumen...

This 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-350 Lariat tow rig to the lineup, while JD celebrates a long-overdue clockspring ...

🎧 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 colors—including the return of Mojito Green. Bryan previews the upcoming Memorial Run on ...

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 l...

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 h...

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 ...

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...

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 terrifyi...

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 importanc...

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 fru...

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...