The Trailhead an Offroad Show

JD Marshall & The Trailhead Network

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 corner, to laugh, and remember to stay the trail.

  1. 3d ago

    Trail Hero Didn't Go Quite the Way We Expected | Ep 157

    JD went to Trail Hero with a his new Gladiator and came home with a story the crew will NEVER let him forget. But getting rescued by a Toyota was only the beginning. Between broken parts, questionable trail decisions, and a vendor show that left everyone asking questions, Trail Hero 2026 gave the crew plenty to talk about. JD, Calvin, Bryan, and Andrew share what really happened at Sand Hollow, what surprised them, and why some of the biggest conversations happened off the trail. 📍 Trails and Destinations Sand Hollow State Park, Utah Landslide Trail, Utah East Rim Trail, Utah John's Trail, Utah Double Sammy, Utah Sand Dune Way / Top of the World Overlook, Sand Hollow Top of the World, Moab, Utah Yansing Gulch (Chinaman Gulch), Colorado 🛠️ Gear and Tools 3W AutoLife All-Weather Floor Mats — Jeep Gladiator U-POL RAPTOR Bed Liner Kit Misch 4x4 BigBoy Seat Extender Brackets — JL/JT ARB Air Compressors MORRFlate Portable Air Compressors EZ FLATE M.O.A.B. Air Compressor Thor's Lightning Strike Air Compressor RPM Steering — Heavy-Duty Jeep Steering Upgrade FOX 2.0 ATS Steering Stabilizer — Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT Carbon Offroad Winches DECKED Midsize Truck Drawer System Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Tires Z Automotive Tazer JL Mini WOLFBOX Dash Cameras Starlink Roam 🚙 Community Shoutouts Andrew: Not in the Wild Overland Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox Calvin: SRG Offroad Carbon Offroad JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Mike: JKTrlFnder Misch 4x4 RPM Steering TrailReady Bumpers 3W AutoLife WOLFBOX 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation BlueRibbon Coalition Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) 📰 News Topics No dedicated news segment in this recording. The crew's discussion focuses on firsthand observations from Trail Hero, including changing conditions along East Rim, the availability of replacement parts at the Trail Hero vendor show, and questions about sponsorships and accountability in the off-road industry. 📅 Events and Resources Trail Hero 2026 — Official Event Schedule Trail Hero at Pecan Valley Resort — Pool Party and Event Information SEMA Show 2026 — November 3–6, Las Vegas Easter Jeep Safari — Red Rock 4-Wheelers Overland Expo 📞 Get involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Review The Trailhead on Apple Podcasts Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop The Trailhead Discounts for Trailheads! TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.

    Trail Hero Didn't Go Quite the Way We Expected | Ep 157
  2. Oct 26

    We Just Got Back From Trail Hero... And We Have Some Thoughts | Ep 156

    Trail Hero 2026 is in the rearview mirror, and JD and Calvin are back from Sand Hollow with stories, opinions, and plenty of good-natured ribbing from the rest of the crew. JD shares how his first trip in the new Jeep Gladiator changed his approach to the build, while the guys trade early reactions to Trail Hero, including vendor row and event security. Meanwhile, Bryan is racing to finish his outrageous 1985 CJ-7 for SEMA, and Andrew joins the conversation with his HEMI-bound Gladiator and Rivian R1T. Between Jeep modifications, overlanding gear, ridiculous winch accessories, and an unexpectedly passionate debate about cooking hot dogs on the trail, this post–Trail Hero catch-up goes exactly where you'd expect The Trailhead to go: completely off the rails. 📍 Trails and Destinations Sand Hollow State Park, Utah 🛠️ Gear and Tools Adams Driveshaft – Jeep Gladiator JT Front Driveshaft Advance Adapters – Atlas Transfer Cases Artec Industries – Jeep JL/JT Long Arm Suspension Bilstein B8 8100 Bypass Shocks Fox Tail Lights – Lighting Products MetalCloak – Gladiator 4.5" Game Changer Suspension Mopar – Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Steel Front Bumper Nemesis Industries – Jeep Gladiator Front Bumpers Nitto Recon Grappler A/T Tires Nostalgia – Four-Hot-Dog and Bun Pop-Up Toaster Oscar Mayer – Two-Slot Hot Dog and Bun Toaster Rock Krawler – Jeep Gladiator JT Rear Coil Spring Kit RockJock – Jeep Gladiator Lift Springs Super Pacific – X1 Overland Camper Tom Wood's – Gladiator Front Driveshaft Conversion TYRI Off-Road Lighting Wacky 4x4 – Custom Aluminum Winch Fairleads (Hot Lips, Wacky Ta-Ta's, Bull, Skull, Football, and Dog Bone) 3W AutoLife – Jeep Gladiator All-Weather Floor Mats 🚙 Community Shoutouts Andrew: Not In The Wild Overland (@notinthewildoverland) Bryan: Beatrice JKU / Init2BuildIt Calvin: SRG Offroad Eric and TYRI Off-Road JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator Rich Klein – Trail Hero 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) BlueRibbon Coalition 📰 News Topics SEMA 2026: Truck and Off-Road Brands Drive Innovation SEMA Expands the 2026 Show With a Dedicated Powersports Section Scout Motors' Direct-Sales Dispute With Volkswagen Dealers 📅 Events and Resources Trail Hero 2026 – September 28–October 3, Hurricane, Utah SEMA Show 2026 – November 3–6, Las Vegas, Nevada SEMA Membership Information Scout Motors – Terra Pickup and Traveler SUV 📞 Get involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Help us get closer to our giveaway at 30 reviews! Write one here! Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here Discounts for Trailheads! TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.

    We Just Got Back From Trail Hero... And We Have Some Thoughts | Ep 156
  3. Oct 20

    Does the Off-Road Industry Have an Authenticity Problem? | Ep 155

    What happens when your totaled Jeep gets a second life—and your friends discover everything you left behind? JD, Bryan, Calvin, Joe, and Andrew are back with plenty of laughs, questionable decisions, and some off-road headlines that have everyone talking. From Scout's return and Hyundai's ambitious plans to the future of electric off-roading, the opinions are flying. But things really get interesting when the crew pulls back the curtain on sponsorships, SEMA builds, and the truth behind off-road influencers. It's an unfiltered conversation you won't want to miss! 📍 Trails and Destinations Sand Hollow State Park, Utah – Trail Hero Riding Area 🛠️ Gear and Tools RotopaX 2-Gallon Diesel Container 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK 2-Door WeatherTech FloorLiners Z Automotive Tazer JL Mini Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Tires Super Pacific X1 Truck Camper America's Most Wanted 4x4 – Gladiator HEMI Conversion Package 🚙 Community Shoutouts Andrew – First-time guest and Jeep Gladiator owner Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox Calvin: SRG Offroad Jeff – New owner rebuilding JD's salvaged yellow JK JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Joe – Automotive instructor and fellow wheeler Mike: JKTrlFnder Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator Not in the Wild – Fellow wheeler with a Rivian, Gladiator, and kei truck Will – Mr. Carnage, Carnage Motorsports 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) BlueRibbon Coalition 📰 News Topics 🔥 Scout Motors Reveals Mountainside and Trail-Ready Traveler Concepts – Two approaches to Scout's upcoming SUV, from refined styling to serious off-road equipment. The group debates whether the Traveler looks too much like a Rivian or Range Rover. Scout Traveler Production Plans and Harvester Range Extender – Scout's anticipated 2028 production, the appeal of a gasoline range extender, and the frustration of waiting for a vehicle that's still years away. Slate Truck – Could a Simple Electric Pickup Change Off-Roading? – JD sees potential for Slate's customizable electric truck to become an accessible entry point for electric off-roading. 🔥 Hyundai Boulder Concept Challenges Traditional Off-Road SUVs – Hyundai's body-on-frame concept features 37-inch tires, unusual cargo access, and aggressive styling aimed at the Wrangler and Bronco market. Hyundai's New Body-on-Frame Platform and Midsize Pickup Plans – Hyundai's plans for an American-market pickup raise questions about whether a production off-road SUV could follow. 🔥 Hyundai and Kia Patent a Magnetic Modular Hardtop System – The crew questions whether magnets can actually make hardtop installation easier. Hyundai CRATER Concept Explores a Different Kind of Off-Road Vehicle – From unconventional styling and lighting to the interior and practical trail features, the group picks apart Hyundai's futuristic design. 📅 Events and Resources Trail Hero 2026 – September 28–October 3, Utah SEMA Show 2026 – November 3–6, Las Vegas 📞 Get involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Review The Trailhead on Apple Podcasts |Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Discounts for Trailheads! TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.

    Does the Off-Road Industry Have an Authenticity Problem? | Ep 155
  4. Oct 16

    It's Time For Something New | Ep 154

    The Trailhead is back for Season 5, and JD has some big news to share with Bryan, Calvin, and Joe! After a year of major life changes, a wild recovery at Trail Hero, and an insurance decision that officially ended the road for his beloved yellow Jeep Wrangler JK, JD finally reveals what he bought to replace it. The crew wastes absolutely no time roasting his new rig, debating everything from 33-inch tires and suspension upgrades to winch bumpers, off-road lighting, and whether he really needs 40s. JD shares why he passed on the Ford Bronco, what his CarMax buying experience was like, and the embarrassing mistake he made on his first trail ride with the new rig. Plus, the guys start throwing out names for it, leaving one very important question for the Trailheads: What should JD call it? 📍 Trails and Destinations John's Trail, Sand Mountain OHV Area, Utah Slaughterhouse Road (Slaughterhouse Gulch), Colorado 🛠️ Gear and Tools Falken Wildpeak Off-Road Tires TYRI Offroad LED Lighting Rock Slide Engineering Gladiator Step Sliders RPM Steering & Suspension 🚙 Community Shoutouts Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox Calvin: SRG Offroad JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Joe: Mechanic_JK Keenan Campbell: AlphaFoxtrotJKU Matt's Off Road Recovery Nathan the unpaid intern aka MudhornGladiator RPM Steering & Suspension 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) BlueRibbon Coalition 📅 Events and Resources Trail Hero 2026 Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) SEMA Show 2026 CarMax MaxCare Extended Service Plans Trails Offroad 📞 Get involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Help support The Trailhead by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network Trailhead Gear (Shirts & More): Shop Here Discounts for Trailheads! TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.

    It's Time For Something New | Ep 154
  5. Oct 7

    My Jeep Was Totaled. Now What? | Ep 153

    Recorded at the start of July 2026, this episode catches JD at a very specific moment: the yellow JK had been declared a loss, the insurance process was still playing out, and nobody knew what would replace it. JD is joined by Bryan, Joe, Calvin, and Keenan to work through the options—from a Jeep Wrangler JLU Rubicon to a Jeep Gladiator JT—and what makes sense for a future focused more on camping and overlanding without giving up the ability to hit harder trails like Sand Hollow. The crew debates the 3.6L versus EcoDiesel, rooftop tents versus off-road trailers, JK simplicity versus the newer JL platform, suspension, tire size, build strategy, and whether JD has finally outgrown the two-door Jeep life. More importantly, they dig into how you should actually approach an off-road build when you get the rare chance to start over from scratch. We held this episode until now because the replacement-Jeep saga finally has a completion arc—making it a chance to go back to the moment before anyone knew how the story would end. 📍 Trails and Destinations Sand Hollow State Park, Utah 🛠️ Gear and Tools — Podcast Version Alpine i509-WRA-JK 9-inch Restyle Receiver LinksWell Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT T-Style XL Radio Stinger HEIGH10+ Jeep Wrangler JK Radio System Rockford Fosgate Car Speakers KICKER Jeep Wrangler Audio Upgrade System Overland Vehicle Systems Roof Top Tents 23ZERO Roof Top Tents Thule Roof Top Tents Old Man Emu Jeep JK Coil Springs Air Lift 1000 Load-Leveling Air Springs Rock Krawler 3.5-inch Adventure Mid-Arm JL Suspension RPM JL Wrangler 3.5-inch Ultimate Aluminum Mid-Arm Lift Kit REDARC Rogue RedVision Power Management System Victron Orion XS DC-DC Battery Charger Timbren 3,500-lb HD Axle-Less Trailer Suspension Nitto Trail Grappler M/T Harker Outdoors Jeep Gladiator Camper TYRI Off-Road LED Lighting 🚙 Community Shoutouts Bryan: Beatrice JKU the Lunchbox / @init2buildit Calvin: SRG Offroad / @srgoffroad JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Joe: Mechanic_JK Keenan Campbell: @alphafoxtrotjku 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation BlueRibbon Coalition Utah Public Lands Alliance 📰 News Topics No dedicated news segment this time—the Jeep replacement discussion took over the show. 📅 Events and Resources Overland Expo West Trails Offroad 📞 Get involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Review The Trailhead on Apple Podcasts Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network Trailhead Gear: Shirts & More Discounts for Trailheads! TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off

    My Jeep Was Totaled. Now What? | Ep 153
  6. Sep 22

    Rosetta Maps Isn't Another Navigation App | Waypoints | EP 152

    JD and Calvin are joined by Kerry Garrison of Trail Traveler to talk about Rosetta Maps, a camping resource tool Kerry built after getting fed up with outdated, inaccurate, and sometimes illegal dispersed camping information. Rosetta Maps brings dispersed camping, campgrounds, public-land data, weather, wildfire information, GPX tracks, and other trip-planning tools into one place. The conversation gets into how Kerry is trying to keep bad data out of the system, how Rosetta Maps works alongside tools like Trails Offroad, Gaia GPS, and onX, and why he doesn’t see it as another navigation app. They also talk about government data accuracy, MVUM information, user submissions, private campsites, and what Kerry wants to build next. If you’ve ever planned an overlanding or camping trip and wondered why it takes so many different apps, this episode is for you. 📍 Trails and Destinations The Black Hills, South Dakota Flat Tops, Colorado Adams Lake, Colorado – Flat Tops Crescent Lake, Colorado – Flat Tops Loch Lomond, Colorado Gordon Gulch, Colorado Upper Geneva Creek, Colorado 🛠️ Gear and Tools RosettaMaps Trails Offroad Gaia GPS onX Offroad iOverlander The Dyrt Campendium AllTrails Watch Duty Garmin BaseCamp Google Maps Starlink 🚙 Community Shoutouts Calvin: SRG Offroad JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Kerry Garrison the Trail Traveler 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation Tread Lightly! Leave No Trace U.S. Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map Data BlueRibbon Coalition 📰 News Topics RosettaMaps Launch Expanded Forest Service MVUM Data and Vehicle Class Information 📅 Events and Resources RosettaMaps – Camping and Public-Land Planning RosettaMaps Free & Pro Plans Trail Traveler Recreation.gov U.S. Forest Service MVUM Data National Weather Service 📞 Get Involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Review The Trailhead on Apple Podcasts Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit The Trailhead Network: TheTrailheadNetwork.com Trailhead Gear – Shirts & More: Trailhead Shop Rosetta Maps: Get 20% off a Pro subscription with code TRAILHEAD — RosettaMaps Pricing TYRI Offroad Lights: Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off — TYRI Lights

    Rosetta Maps Isn't Another Navigation App | Waypoints | EP 152
  7. Aug 16

    Parts You Should Never Have to Replace | Waypoints | Ep 150

    JD sits down with Ryan Stoangi of Combat Off Road to talk about how more than 20 years of building Jeeps and working in off-road retail led him to start making his own parts. Ryan breaks down Combat’s focus on durable, repairable Jeep accessories, including their hood latches, armored taillights, fenders, and inner fenders, and why he believes in sticking to what the company does well. They also talk about choosing quality parts, supporting local 4x4 shops, and figuring out what you actually want from your Jeep before spending thousands building it. Plus, Ryan and JD take on gatekeeping in the off-road community and why helping new wheelers learn is important to keeping the sport growing. 📍 Trails and Destinations Sand Hollow State Park, Utah Double Sammy, Utah Moab Area Trails, Utah 🛠️ Gear and Tools Combat Off Road Off-the-Turnbuckle Hood Latches (Combat Off Road) Combat Off Road Tail Gunner Tail Lights (Combat Off Road) Combat Off Road Full Assault Aluminum Fenders (Combat Off Road) Combat Off Road Max Flow Front Inner Fender Liners (Combat Off Road) Combat Off Road MORF Rear Inner Fender Liners (Combat Off Road) Rock Krawler Long-Arm Suspension Systems (Rock Krawler) RockJock AntiRock Sway Bar Systems (RockJock 4x4) Revolution Gear & Axle JL/JT Gear Packages (Revolution Gear) RCV Performance Jeep JL/JT Axle Shafts (RCV Performance) RPM Steering & Suspension (RPM Steering) Milestar Patagonia M/T-02 Tires (Milestar Tires) Rockford Fosgate Jeep Audio Kits (Rockford Fosgate) Stinger Jeep Head Units (Stinger) 🚙 Community Shoutouts Combat Off Road: @combat.offroad (Instagram) JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Ryan Stoangi: @ryanstoangi (Instagram) Synergy Manufacturing: @synergymfg (Instagram) TMR Customs: @tmrcustoms (Instagram) 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation Utah Public Lands Alliance BlueRibbon Coalition 📰 News Topics 🔥 Jeep Concept Vehicles — including the Wrangler ANVIL 715 — Ryan talks about Combat Off Road hood latches appearing on three official Jeep concepts over three consecutive years, including the Low Down, Bug Out 4xe, and ANVIL. (jeep) 📅 Events and Resources Combat Off Road Installation Instructions (Combat Off Road) Combat Off Road YouTube: @Combat.Offroad (YouTube) Keystone Automotive BIG Show (Keystone Automotive BIG Show) SEMA Show (SEMA Show) Toledo Jeep Fest (Toledo Jeep® Fest) Trail Hero (The Trail Hero) 📞 Get involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit The Trailhead Network Trailhead Gear — Shirts & More Discounts for Trailheads! TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.

    Parts You Should Never Have to Replace | Waypoints | Ep 150
  8. Aug 3

    They Were the Wild Card | THX Series #9 | Ep 149

    JD closes out the Trail Hero Expedition Spotlights series with Nathaniel and Susan Savka of Team Danger Zone, the first-time overlanders who became the inaugural Trail Hero Expeditions champions by just 16 seconds. They unpack their 2020 Jeep Gladiator overland build, rooftop tent camping lessons, lightning-fast tire change, MORRFlate four-tire inflation challenge, and the teamwork that carried them through Pine Valley, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sand Hollow rock crawling. The conversation goes far deeper than competition as Susan openly discusses experiencing a severe panic attack on the route, while the family explains why autism awareness, mental health advocacy, and making the off-road community welcoming for children like Johnny Danger matter more than any trophy. From Johnny learning new words and initiating an unforgettable hug to borrowed gear, unexpected friendships, and a victory cheeseburger covered in ketchup, this episode is equal parts family overlanding adventure, honest vulnerability, and classic Trailhead chaos. Listen for the story behind Team Danger Zone’s 16-second victory—and why Susan may now be the family member pushing hardest to return to Utah. 📍 Trails and Destinations Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah Zion National Park, Utah Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona Sand Hollow State Park, Utah Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania Gemini Bridges, Moab, Utah 🛠️ Gear and Tools Team Danger Zone’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport Kenda Klever M/T2 Tires — 37x13.50R20 TRUKD T Series 12.5-Inch Bed Rack Outland Motorworks Yonder Rooftop Tent MORRFlate TenSix PSI Pro Compressor MORRFlate Air Hub MORRFlate Quad+ 155-Inch Hose Kit Colby Valve Emergency Tire Valves 🚙 Community Shoutouts Adventure Lab: Brit Mansell and James Vest Epic Adventure Duo: Steve Botkin and Katie Burton Fran’s JL Adventures: Fran Adler Glen Plake JD: MeAndMyYellowJK Little Rich: Rich Klein III Nathan the Unpaid Intern aka MudhornGladiator SRG Offroad: Calvin and Jennifer Pulda Team Danger Zone: Nathaniel, Susan, and Johnny Danger Team GenRight Offroad: Brian Ritchie and Jeff Hesse Team Larger Than Life: Joe Belk and Bill Ode Team Number 2: Jason DeArmond and Aaron Wedeking Wheeling Up-Right Western PA 🌎 Advocacy & Conservation Autism4x4 BlueRibbon Coalition Utah Public Lands Alliance 📅 Events and Resources Trail Hero Expeditions Season One Trail Hero Trail Hero X on SPEED SPORT 1 Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival Team Danger Zone Official Profile 📞 Get involved! Leave us a voicemail! Call 719-408-0132 to be featured on the show. Write a review! Leave one on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram! @thetrailheadpodcast Visit the Site: The Trailhead Network Trailhead Gear — Shirts and More: Shop Here Discounts for Trailheads! TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.

    They Were the Wild Card | THX Series #9 | Ep 149
5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

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 corner, to laugh, and remember to stay the trail.

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