The Trailhead an Offroad Show

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...

JD 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 Tunnel project. Marcus also shares insights into how the 2024 election results may impact...

JD, 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. Meanwhile, the team debates off-road etiquette, vehicle upgrades, and why Pope ...

JD, 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, including an unexpected gap jump that caught racers off guard. Meanwhile, discussions a...

JD 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 shop, the evolution of their off-roading gear, and how KrashFab balances hardcore of...

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, and upcoming events. Kerry reveals his newest addition to the garage while JD conti...

JD 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 stunning Fossil Ledges, Kristy shares insider tips on the best trails and hidden gems. Plus,...

This 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 discuss upcoming off-roading events, the eternal debate over tire size, and the unpredicta...