Made in the West: American Innovation in Overlanding

What 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.

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!