They Were the Wild Card | THX Series #9 | Ep 149

<p>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.</p><p><br /><strong>📍 Trails and Destinations</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dixie/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=24796" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pine Valley Recreation Area, Utah</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zion National Park, Utah</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/directions_n_rim.htm" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Canyon North Rim, Arizona</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/utah/regions/sand-hollow" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sand Hollow State Park, Utah</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/moraine-state-park" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/utah/trails/544-gemini-bridges" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gemini Bridges, Moab, Utah</a></p></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>🛠️ Gear and Tools</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://trailherox.com/team-danger-zone" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Team Danger Zone’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://automotive.kendatire.com/en-us/find-a-tire/onoff-road-off-road/klever-mt2/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kenda Klever M/T2 Tires — 37x13.50R20</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://gettrukd.com/products/copy-of-trukd-12-5-bed-rack" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TRUKD T Series 12.5-Inch Bed Rack</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://outlandmotorworks.com/products/yonder-rooftop-tent-full" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Outland Motorworks Yonder Rooftop Tent</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://morrflate.com/products/morrflate-tensix-psi-pro-12v-portable-compressor-gen2" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MORRFlate TenSix PSI Pro Compressor</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://morrflate.com/products/air-hub-automagic-digital-air-controller" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MORRFlate Air Hub</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://morrflate.com/products/morrflate-braided-air-hub-quad-hoses-4-tire-155-wheelbase" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MORRFlate Quad+ 155-Inch Hose Kit</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://colbyvalve.com/our-products-1" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Colby Valve Emergency Tire Valves</a></p></li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>🚙 Community Shoutouts</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://trailherox.com/adventure-lab" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Adventure Lab: Brit Mansell and James Vest</a></p></li><li><p><a href="http