In this episode of the OverlandEurope Podcast, we don’t retell the headline story for the hundredth time. We talk about what followed: the real aftermath, the real value, and the parts most people skip.

Elspeth opens up about how dyslexia shaped her early life, being labelled “stupid,” learning to adapt, learning to fight, and learning to stand on her own feet.

That thread runs right through the ride … and through everything she did afterwards.

We also dig into her second career as an architect specialising in extreme conversions: water towers, unusual listed buildings, projects that “no other architect wanted to touch.” She explains how the problem-solving and negotiation skills from long-distance travel translated directly into planning battles, regulations, and the constant push to find a way through.

And then there’s the modern angle: social media, GPS, over-planning, and the quiet loss of that rare feeling of being truly alone in the world, untracked, unbuffered, living off your decisions. Elspeth doesn’t romanticise danger, but she makes a clear case for simplicity, spontaneity, and one idea every traveller should carry: go and get lost.

If you travel, want to travel, or have ever come home from a big trip and felt oddly displaced, this one is worth your time.

ELSPETH BEARD

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by Taking the Pea

The post Podcast #22: Elspeth Beard – The Ride Ended, The Lessons Never Really Let Go appeared first on overland-europe.

In this episode, I sit down with Sam Manicom, traveller, writer, and quiet instigator of adventure, to talk about what really sits behind long journeys. Not routes or gear lists, but perspective. The slow accumulation of moments. The people met by chance. The mistakes that turn into stories worth keeping.

We talk about learning to travel without fear, why books still matter in a world of endless video, how little you actually need to go far, and why the best plans leave room for serendipity. Sam reflects on decades of overland travel by motorcycle, the bikes that became companions, and the idea that journeys don’t repeat themselves … because no traveller ever does.

It’s a thoughtful, generous conversation. Less about ticking destinations off a map, more about paying attention while you’re there.

SAM MANICOM

Facebook | Instagram

SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by Taking the Pea

The post Podcast #21: Motorcycles, Maps and Moments with Sam Manicom appeared first on overland-europe.

In this episode of the OverlandEurope podcast, Mike speaks with Sherri Jo Wilkins, a traveller whose life has unfolded through movement rather than plans.

Born in the United States and later based in Australia, Sherri Jo’s journey began with a deep pull toward travel that eventually led her to sell everything and ride a motorcycle around the world … solo. What started as an 18-month plan stretched into three and a half years, not because she got lost, but because she chose to slow down.

We talk about that first leap: choosing a lightweight KTM, learning on the road, navigating visas, fear, logistics, and the mental shift required to stop “doing distance” and start paying attention. From there, the conversation moves into her transition from two wheels to four—life in a 4×4 motorhome in Australia—and the lessons that only come when things go wrong far from help.

Flat tyres on the Birdsville Track. Unexpected kindness in the outback. Knowing when an adventure has run its course.

Most recently, Sherri Jo has returned to motorcycles, this time on three wheels, riding a BMW GS with a sidecar built around travelling with her dog, Cody. We talk honestly about why vans didn’t fit her, why Europe changed the equation, and how travelling lighter again feels like coming home.

This is a conversation about listening to instinct, adapting when something no longer fits, and understanding that adventure isn’t linear … it evolves.

Follow Sherri Jo on Instagram | Facebook

The post Podcast #18: 2 wheels, 4 wheels and now 3, with Sherri Jo Wilkins appeared first on overland-europe.

Stream the episode here, or search for @overlandeurope on your favourite podcast platform.

In this episode, I am honoured to be joined by one of the most imaginative and daring adventurers of our time: Dylan Wickrama.

Dylan is know for his globe-spanning motorcycle odyssey, including a legendary crossing of the Darién Gap on a self-built raft powered by his bike. He then embraced a vanlife existence, travelling slowly and purposefully. And now, he’s preparing to embark on a new, audacious journey: a Fiat Panda 4×4 world tour, beginning just weeks away.

During our conversation we explore the meaning of life, the mindset behind choosing small vehicles for big journeys and lessons learned from past extremes.

Watch Dylan’s documentary film here.

The post Podcast #16: The Meaning of Motion with Dylan Wickrama appeared first on overland-europe.

Stream the episode here, or search for @overlandeurope on your favourite podcast platform.

Anton Poplett is back on the show — humanitarian, Land Rover enthusiast, conservationist, and open-fire cook. Our friendship has long been built on a shared passion for Land Rovers and the adventures they enable. But whether you drive a Defender, a Toyota, or something entirely different, one truth remains: we rely on our vehicles to take us into the wild and bring us home again.

In this episode, we talk about the tools that keep those vehicles alive when the inevitable breakdowns happen — whether it’s deep in the bush or in the middle of a French supermarket car park. From essential kit to hard-earned lessons, Anton and I share stories, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way.

If you’re into overlanding, expedition travel, or just want to be better prepared when the unexpected strikes, this conversation is for you.

The post Podcast #15: Tools and Breakdowns with Anton. appeared first on overland-europe.

Stream the episode here, or search for @overlandeurope on your favourite podcast platform.

The intrepid explorer Mikael Strandberg has countless expeditions behind him. In recent years, he’s often travelled with his two daughters. Right now, they’re preparing for their next foot march into the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

We cover a lot in this conversation—so much that I think we’d have gone on endlessly if technology hadn’t cut us short. A sudden power cut in Sweden ended things mid-sentence.

One of the highlights is Mikael’s kit list. It’s everything he and his daughters are packing for the Tien Shan. In fact, it’s a great starting point for anyone planning to backpack remotely while filming along the way.

Follow Mikael:

Facebook | Instagram | Substack | LinkedIn

The post Podcast #13: Preparation for Kyrgyzstan and a Power Cut with Mikael Strandberg appeared first on overland-europe.

Stream the episode here, or search for @overlandeurope on your favourite podcast platform.

The summer break is over and we’re back.

We’ve been travelling, working on the cars, writing and recording … which means we’ve got a ton of new stories lined up for you over the next few months. I must say, it feels really good to have all the ducks in a row.

But now, let’s jump into the latest episode of the @overlandeurope podcast.

Today’s guest sums up her philosophy in one line: “I’ve found that all I need in life is the right attitude and what can be comfortably carried on a Royal Enfield.”

After raising a family and working as a nurse and health visitor, Jacqui Furneaux packed a bag in 1998 and set off solo for the first time in her life. What began as a one-year journey became something much bigger.

Southeast Asia, Pakistan and India lit the spark and with the dawn of the new millennium, she swapped her backpack for road maps and, for her 50th birthday, bought a Royal Enfield Bullet in India.

With no plan, no grand design—just the right attitude—Jacqui rode off.

Twenty countries and countless stories later, she’s still proving that the best adventures often begin when you don’t overthink them.

Follow Jacqui

INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

You can find more information about Jacqui’s book here

The post Podcast #12: Attitude and Minimalism with Jacqui Furneaux appeared first on overland-europe.

Stream the episode here, or search for @overlandeurope on your favourite podcast platform.

Have you ever struggled with your vehicle’s electrical system? If so, you’re in for a treat today!

Anton Poplett, our man in South Africa, is back with us, and he’s diving into one of his favourite—and occasionally frustrating—topics: the auxiliary electrics in his Land Rover Defender.

Anton is the founder of 4x4outfar, an organisation dedicated to incredible humanitarian and conservation work in some of Botswana’s remotest regions. For him, having a dependable electrical system to keep all his equipment charged and running is essential.

Trust me, he’s faced more than his fair share of challenges over the years. His learning curve has been steep, but he’s narrowed down what works best for him.

Anton shares his hands-on experience and gives tips on how to establish what you actually need as opposed to what is nice-to-have.

Here are some of the tips and facts Anton refers to during our talk:

Remember your power draw in summer will differ from winter. In summer it’s possible the fridges will run for longer hours keeping temperature. In winter, you may use a diesel heater.

With my current setup in summer, I will average using 11% – 14% of my battery. In winter, I will use between 8% to 11%. It varies daily according to temperatures, sunrise, and sunset.

Anton’s current setup

• DCDC charger: Ctek 250SE (lithium) and Ctek Smartpass
• Inverter: Victron 500W inverter.
• Solar panel: 300Watt (plugs in around 16-18Amps depending on angle towards the sun)
• Battery: 305Ah lithium with BMS and bluetooth
• Charging ports: single Distribution box with USB, type c, cigarette light, Anderson plugs with breakers,

Calculating your power draw requirement
Add all of your devices you would like to use off the auxiliary battery. This includes laptop, lights, drones, Camera equipment, fridges/freezer, and so forth. Calculate as an average and when not driving.

Connecting points (like Anderson plugs)
ensure all connecting and joins our firm and cannot rattle loose or cause a disconnection. This will give you false readings.

Wiring
All wiring needs to be adequately dimensioned for usage. For example, the gauge for wiring from the Ctek to the auxiliary battery will of course be much thicker than wiring to charge a USB type C.

The post Podcast #11: Anton Talks About His Defender’s Electrical Sytem For Overlanding appeared first on overland-europe.