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Send us Fan Mail Spring overlanding is a gift until the rain won’t stop and the bugs wake up angry. I’m back with a practical, field-tested reset for late April into May: how I maintain my camping gear so it lasts, how I waterproof and protect it from UV, and how I keep ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes from turning a weekend outside into a week of regret. If you’ve ever packed up a damp tent, dealt with that sour mildew smell, or watched your “waterproof” jacket wet out, this is the kind of maintenance talk that actually saves trips.  I walk through the products and process I rely on, including Nikwax for washing and reproofing outdoor gear, then a bug plan that works in the real world. For fabrics and gear, I like Sawyer permethrin applied to the outside of clothing, boots, and even the exterior of tents and awnings. For skin, I use Ben’s Adventure Formula with picaridin, plus the boring-but-critical stuff: daily tick checks and paying attention to what bites can mean, including concerns like Alpha-gal in tick-heavy areas.  Then I pivot to what might matter even more than gear: pace. Too many people rush to “get to camp” and miss the towns, the roadside stops, the local food, and the weird little discoveries that make travel memorable. I share why I travel slow, why I often go alone, and how patience helps when things go sideways like getting stuck after dark. Stress doesn’t fix a vehicle, it doesn’t change the weather, and it doesn’t make the trip better.  If this resonates, subscribe for more overlanding mindset and practical camping tips, share the episode with a friend who always rushes the drive, and leave a review on Apple or Spotify so more people can find the show.

Send us Fan Mail I disappeared on purpose and then came back with fewer opinions, fewer notifications, and a lot more clarity. After months away, I’m back on the mic to explain why I deleted social media, how the algorithm-fueled anxiety was showing up the second I woke up, and why I’m choosing a slower, quieter way to share what’s going on in my life. No DMs, no highlight reel, no pressure to perform. Just honest reflection and the parts of overlanding that still feel real.  I also tell the story I didn’t expect to be telling: more than 100 of my older podcast episodes are gone. Losing years of work stings, but it also forces a question we don’t ask enough: what are we holding onto, and what would it look like to just move forward? That theme ties into bigger changes too, including how COVID pushed me out of strength coaching and into corporate life, and how that shift has affected my mental health, identity, and sense of fulfillment over time.  Then we get practical and personal: resetting my truck and gear, resisting the constant urge to buy upgrades, getting real about how outdoor communities can turn into a status race, and even obsessing over the most unglamorous camping topic of all, toilets. I also share a surprisingly meaningful tip: printing your travel photos and putting them on a wall, plus cleaning up old Gaia GPS pins so your map actually helps you. If any of this hits home, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review. What’s one thing you’ve quit that made your life better?

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Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Charlie discusses his current projects, including the installation of a new tent and the creation of an electric hoist system for easier setup. He reflects on the importance of authenticity in influencing and shares his personal journey, emphasizing the lessons learned from failure and the value of sharing his experiences with listeners. Charlie plans to provide more context about his life and background in future episodes, aiming to connect with his audience on a deeper level. Takeaways Charlie is installing a new tent and creating an electric hoist system for easier setup. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in influencing and podcasting. Charlie shares that he is not rich and prioritizes family and hobbies. He values integrity and does not seek sponsorships that compromise his beliefs. His expertise comes from learning through failures rather than just successes. Charlie believes in the power of pivoting and finding solutions after failures. He expresses a desire to help others through sharing his experiences. Charlie plans to provide more context about his life in future episodes. He acknowledges the intimidating nature of overlanding events for newcomers. Charlie reflects on his diverse life experiences and how they shape his perspective.  Sound bites "I don't need them." "I want to help people." "I can pivot very well." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Tent Installation Plans 06:08 Personal Journey and Future Series 11:50 Integrity and Sponsorship in Influencing 20:11 Embracing Failure and Learning from Mistakes 24:00 Life Experiences and Future Content Plans

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Charlie discusses his ongoing warranty issue with a rooftop tent, emphasizing the importance of understanding product warranties and the value versus price debate. He shares his personal experience with customer service, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned about warranties and product quality. Charlie aims to provide transparency and guidance to listeners, encouraging them to pay attention to warranties when making purchases, especially in the outdoor gear market. Takeaways Warranties are crucial for consumer protection. Understanding the difference between value and price is essential. Customer service experiences can vary significantly. Transparency in communication with companies is important. Researching warranty details before purchase can save money. Not all warranties are created equal; some are more reliable than others. It's important to document issues with products for warranty claims. Being persistent and respectful can lead to better customer service outcomes. Mistakes in warranty assumptions can lead to financial loss. Sharing experiences can help others avoid similar pitfalls. Sound bites "Stuff happens, stuff breaks" "I want to be transparent with you guys" "Pay attention to your warranties" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Warranty Issues 02:54 Understanding Value vs. Price in Products 05:46 The Importance of Warranties 08:43 Navigating Customer Service Challenges 11:58 Lessons from Personal Experience 14:54 The Role of Transparency in Customer Relations 17:43 Final Thoughts on Product Reliability and Warranties

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Charlie discusses his experience with a warranty claim for his 23Zero Kabari Lite tent, which suffered a unique failure. He details the incident, the customer service experience, and the resolution options provided by the company. Charlie reflects on the importance of being respectful and professional during the warranty process and shares advice for others facing similar situations. He concludes with thoughts on the future of his camping adventures and the new tent he will be receiving. Takeaways Charlie had a unique failure with his 23Zero tent. The tent's rivet failure led to a warranty claim. Customer service was responsive and communicative. Charlie emphasized the importance of being respectful during negotiations. He documented his tent maintenance to support his claim. The resolution involved upgrading to a higher model tent. Charlie found the warranty process to be reasonable overall. He advised others to pay attention to warranty details. Being professional can lead to better outcomes in claims. Charlie plans to take preventative measures with the new tent. Sound bites "This is a freak accident." "I feel like it's reasonable." "Document everything you can." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Warranty Issues 02:51 The Tent Failure Incident 06:14 Customer Service Experience 09:06 Resolution and Options 11:45 Negotiation Insights 14:54 Final Thoughts and Advice

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Charlie shares his recent adventure in the Ozarks, detailing his experiences camping, off-roading, and leading trail rides at the Rendezvous in the Ozarks event. He reflects on the sense of community, the challenges posed by weather, and the importance of preparedness. Charlie also addresses the drama surrounding the event, emphasizing the need for unity and support within the overlanding community. He concludes with life lessons about perspective and the importance of moving forward positively. Takeaways Charlie had a great time camping and off-roading in the Ozarks. The Rendezvous event is a significant gathering for the overlanding community. Weather can impact events, but preparedness is key. Community and friendships are the main draw of the Rendezvous, not the vendors or activities. Drama surrounding the event highlights the need for unity in the community. Charlie encourages a positive perspective on life and events. Being prepared for various weather conditions is essential for outdoor activities. Life is about moving forward, regardless of challenges faced. Constructive conversations can help resolve issues within the community. Charlie emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in shared interests. Sound bites "I don't listen to weather men." "I had fun, it was fun!" "Keep it gangster!" Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back from the Ozarks 02:55 Trail Adventures and Community Connections 06:05 Weather Woes and Event Dynamics 11:52 Reflections on the Rendezvous Event 17:30 Community Support and Personal Growth 26:31 Gear Talk and Future Plans

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode, Charlie discusses the upcoming Rendezvous in the Ozarks event, sharing his excitement and preparations for the week-long adventure. He talks about the importance of packing and getting ready for the trip, including tips for maintaining the home while away. Charlie also explores his new Subaru Forester Wilderness, expressing interest in engaging with the community of smaller SUV owners and the potential for off-roading experiences. He reflects on his journey in overlanding and the importance of inclusivity in the outdoor adventure community. Takeaways Rendezvous in the Ozarks is an exciting upcoming event. Preparation for a week-long trip requires careful planning. Maintaining the home while away is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises. Charlie is excited to lead trails and connect with friends at the event. The Subaru Forester Wilderness serves as a versatile daily driver. Engaging with the community of smaller SUV owners is a new interest for Charlie. Recovery techniques for smaller SUVs differ from traditional trucks. Inclusivity in outdoor adventures can help grow the community. Charlie emphasizes the importance of having a fridge in the vehicle for convenience. Future plans include exploring the capabilities of the Subaru Forester.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rendezvous in the Ozarks 02:51 Preparing for the Event 05:44 Excitement for the Gathering 08:03 Exploring the Subaru Forester Wilderness 11:10 Community Engagement with Smaller SUVs 16:59 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Send us Fan Mail Takeaways Mapping technologies are constantly evolving and updating. Gaia GPS offers a variety of layers for outdoor navigation. User experiences can vary significantly between mapping apps. Understanding legalities is crucial for safe outdoor exploration. Community stewardship is essential for preserving outdoor spaces. Preparation is key for successful outdoor adventures. Trail conditions can change based on weather and usage. Personal preferences play a significant role in choosing mapping software. Sharing information and resources enhances the outdoor experience. Navigating at your own risk is a fundamental principle of outdoor exploration. Summary In this episode, Charlie and Tyson delve into the features and functionalities of Gaia Maps, a powerful tool for outdoor navigation. They discuss their recent adventures, the importance of offline maps, and how to effectively use the app for planning trips. The conversation highlights the app's customization options, including waypoints, layers, and overlays, making it a valuable resource for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of mapping technologies for outdoor adventures, focusing on the comparison between Gaia GPS and Onyx. They discuss the importance of accurate trail information, user experiences, and the legalities of outdoor exploration. The conversation emphasizes community responsibility and stewardship of outdoor spaces, as well as practical tips for preparing for outdoor adventures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gaia Maps and Recent Adventures 04:49 Exploring Gaia Maps on Computer 17:37 Utilizing Gaia Maps Features 23:13 Offline Maps and Navigation Tips 25:02 Introduction to Gaia GPS Features 27:25 Recording and Tracking Trail Rides 30:40 Downloading Offline Maps for Navigation 33:56 Exploring Gaia's Advanced Features 38:20 Comparing Gaia GPS with Onyx 49:08 Why Choose Gaia Over Onyx? 50:27 Choosing the Right Mapping App 53:22 Personalizing Your Navigation Experience 55:53 Legal Considerations in Trail Navigation 57:46 The Importance of Trail Stewardship 01:01:47 Community Impact on Trail Preservation 01:06:01 Accountability in Outdoor Adventures 01:14:47 Preparing for Trail Challenges