What better way to celebrate America's 250th birthday than with a road trip along one of the country's most beautiful coastlines?

In this episode of Team and Trail, Michele Forto shares the story of an unforgettable Independence Day adventure to the Oregon Coast. Alongside Robert, Chaser, and Dream, the journey included flying kites on Cannon Beach, standing beneath the iconic Haystack Rock, exploring filming locations from The Goonies in Astoria, and reflecting on the legacy of Lewis and Clark at the National Historical Park.

The trip also included one of the best barbecue meals they've ever experienced at the Cannon Beach Smokehouse and countless reminders that the best adventures are about more than the destination. They're about the memories you make along the way.

Whether you're planning your own Oregon Coast vacation or looking for inspiration for your next road trip, this episode is filled with ideas, history, and stories from the trail.

What happens when you finally check one of the biggest items off your travel bucket list?

In this episode of Team and Trail, Michele Forto shares the story of her and Robert's first trip to the legendary Indianapolis 500. From the incredible traditions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to witnessing one of the closest finishes in race history, this weekend became much more than simply attending a race.

The adventure continued at Indiana Beach, one of America's classic amusement parks, where nostalgic charm and unforgettable roller coasters created another highlight of the trip. Along the way, Michele reflects on why travel matters, how shared experiences strengthen relationships, and why every adventure begins with saying yes.

Whether you're a racing fan, roller coaster enthusiast, or someone planning your next road trip, this episode is full of inspiration for your own bucket list.

What does it really take to build a world-class off-road expedition in Alaska?

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert sits down with Cooper to break down Alaska Off-Road Expedition, a business designed to unlock remote Alaska for travelers who want more than a typical vacation. From guided overland trips and custom itineraries to camping in the backcountry and partnering with local excursion providers, this conversation dives into how adventure, logistics, and leadership all come together.

They discuss who these trips are really for, what a multi-day expedition looks like, the realities of Alaska travel, and how experiences are built around the client. If you have ever thought about exploring Alaska beyond the road system, this episode gives you a clear look at what that actually involves.

Alaska Offroad Expedition

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert and Cooper break down the real-world differences between traveling solo and going with a group on off-road adventures in Alaska. From risk management and mechanical failures to communication systems and group dynamics, they share firsthand stories and practical advice for beginners and experienced explorers alike.

You’ll hear why most problems compound quickly in the backcountry, how communication tools like GMRS radios and satellite devices can make or break a trip, and why group travel is often the best starting point for new off-roaders. Whether you’re planning your first trip or refining your expedition strategy, this episode offers grounded insight from the trail.

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert Forto and Cooper discuss Cooper’s recent trip to the legendary Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. They talk about what the event is really like, renting Jeeps in Moab, trail experiences, and lessons learned for building the Alaska Off-Road Expeditions.

They also preview Overland Expo events across the country and discuss the upcoming Alaska 4x4 Meet & Greet in Wasilla. If you love Jeeps, overlanding, off-roading, and Alaska adventure travel, this episode is for you.

Most people only see the finished image. The clean shot. The moment that made it to social media.

What they don’t see is everything behind it.

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, we sit down with Keela McCleneghan from Sunshine and Photo, whose work lives at the intersection of dog mushing, overlanding, and storytelling. Her perspective goes beyond photography. It is about awareness, positioning, and making real-time decisions when conditions shift and nothing goes according to plan.

We talk about what it takes to capture high-speed sled dog teams, how environment shapes creative decisions, and why the difference between average and exceptional often comes down to how well you read the moment in front of you.

This conversation is for anyone operating in environments where there is no script, on the trail, in the field, or in leadership.

Leadership is often taught in controlled environments, but real leadership rarely happens that way. In this episode, we introduce the Team & Trail Expedition, a 2027 journey from Willow to Nome designed to explore leadership through real-world challenges. At the center of the project is a Leadership Fellowship that gives college students access to decision-making as it unfolds on the trail.

Exploring Alaska by vehicle requires a very different approach to gear than overlanding in the Lower 48. In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert Forto and Cooper DeDycker break down the essential equipment needed to travel safely and comfortably through Alaska’s extreme environments.

We chat about everything from layering systems for unpredictable weather to shelter options like rooftop tents and alternative setups such as pop-up camp cubes. Cooper shares practical insights from his experience running Alaska Off-Road Expeditions and working in the off-road industry, including which gear actually performs well in the field.

The episode also explores modern overlanding technology, including portable power systems, solar panels, and Starlink satellite internet for remote travel. Robert and Cooper also discuss traction boards, recovery gear choices, and how brand reputation in the off-road world doesn’t always equal the best performance.