The Overlander’s Path: Jeeps, Public Lands, and Leaving the World Behind
What does it really mean to overland? For some it’s a Jeep and a rooftop tent, for others it’s a weekend escape, and for many it’s a way to reconnect with freedom, family, and the land itself.
In this episode, former emergency manager and first responder Keenan Campbell shares how he left a high-pressure career and personal hardship behind to rediscover himself through overlanding. From 30 days solo on the road to filming a new Amazon Prime documentary, Keenan has learned that overlanding is less about gear and more about intention.
We cover:
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What overlanding really is (and why it’s not just car camping)
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How public lands open up millions of acres for exploration
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The Jeep community, culture, and why rigs matter
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Tips for beginners: apps, maps, and choosing your first campsite
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Why less gear and more intention is the key to real adventure
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How overlanding changes family dynamics and recharges your spirit
If you’ve ever wanted to leave the city behind, find peace in wide open spaces, or show your kids the value of dirt, stars, and silence, this conversation will inspire you to start your own journey down the overlander’s path.
Instagram: @AlphaFoxtrotJKU
YouTube: Overlanding with Intention
Keenan Campbell
Keenan Campbell is an overlander, storyteller, and former emergency manager who left a conventional career behind to live a life of purpose, movement, and connection with the natural world. After years of building and leading public safety and emergency response programs in Illinois, Keenan made the bold decision to trade bureaucratic systems and brutal winters for dirt roads, remote campsites, and wide-open skies.
Today, he’s best known for his work under the Instagram handle @alphafoxtrotjku, where he documents his full-time overland journey across North America in a purpose-built Jeep. With just a vehicle, a camera, and a deep sense of curiosity, Keenan brings his audience along for the ride — capturing epic landscapes, sharing practical insights on gear and preparedness, and reminding followers of the value of intentional living.
Keenan’s platform, Overlanding with Intention, goes beyond travel content. It’s a mission-driven effort to empower others — especially the next generation — to embrace exploration, develop resilience, and reconnect with the wild. His work has resonated deeply with the overlanding and outdoor communities, not only for the stunning visuals he shares, but for the grounded mindset he brings to adventure.
When he’s not off-grid or sharing stories from the trail, Keenan speaks to schools, organizations, and community groups about preparedness, self-reliance, and the importance of mental flexibility in uncertain times. His unique background — blending real-world crisis management with modern overlanding — gives him a voice … Read More
