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 DestinationsPine Valley Recreation Area, UtahZion National Park, UtahGrand Canyon North Rim, ArizonaSand Hollow State Park, UtahMoraine State Park, PennsylvaniaGemini Bridges, Moab, Utah🛠️ Gear and ToolsTeam Danger Zone’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator SportKenda Klever M/T2 Tires — 37x13.50R20TRUKD T Series 12.5-Inch Bed RackOutland Motorworks Yonder Rooftop TentMORRFlate TenSix PSI Pro CompressorMORRFlate Air HubMORRFlate Quad+ 155-Inch Hose KitColby Valve Emergency Tire Valves🚙 Community ShoutoutsAdventure Lab: Brit Mansell and James VestEpic Adventure Duo: Steve Botkin and Katie BurtonFran’s JL Adventures: Fran AdlerGlen PlakeJD: MeAndMyYellowJKLittle Rich: Rich Klein IIINathan the Unpaid Intern aka MudhornGladiatorSRG Offroad: Calvin and Jennifer PuldaTeam Danger Zone: Nathaniel, Susan, and Johnny DangerTeam GenRight Offroad: Brian Ritchie and Jeff HesseTeam Larger Than Life: Joe Belk and Bill OdeTeam Number 2: Jason DeArmond and Aaron WedekingWheeling Up-Right Western PA🌎 Advocacy & ConservationAutism4x4BlueRibbon CoalitionUtah Public Lands Alliance📅 Events and ResourcesTrail Hero Expeditions Season OneTrail HeroTrail Hero X on SPEED SPORT 1Bantam Jeep Heritage FestivalTeam 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! @thetrailheadpodcastVisit the Site: The Trailhead NetworkTrailhead Gear — Shirts and More: Shop HereDiscounts for Trailheads!TYRI Offroad Lights — Use code TRAILHEAD15 for 15% off.