Wazoo Co-founder Dustin Hogard was asked to do an interview for the very popular travel podcast, "Speaking of Travel" with Marilyn Ball.

Speaking beyond the scope of just travel, Dustin was able to speak to the values and mission of Wazoo Gear that not only guide him personally but also the company's passion for product design that enhances powerful capability and a business model that enacts positive change.

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/speaking-of-travel/id687804128
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Introduction

What does it really mean to travel confident, capable, and free?

On Speaking of Travel, hosted by Marilyn Ball, Wazoo Co-Founder Dustin Hogard breaks down the deeper philosophy behind everyday carry, preparedness, and the mindset shift that turns unknowns into opportunities.

This conversation isn’t about doomsday survival or being afraid of the “what ifs.”
It’s about the opposite.

It’s about freedom. Confidence. Capability. Adventure.
It’s about traveling smarter and living freer using simple, practical gear you actually wear, not forget at home.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Preparedness is Freedom

Being prepared isn’t paranoia. It’s peace of mind.
When you know you can handle whatever comes your way, you travel lighter, live freer, and explore deeper.

2. Wazoo Started From Real Life Experience

Co-founders Dustin and Nick came from backgrounds in first response, search and rescue, and adventurous careers.
Their passion for capability over fear still drives every piece of gear they design.

3. Survival Gear Became Everyday Gear

Wazoo began building “worst-case scenario” gear, but over time shifted toward everyday practicality.
Today, it’s about tools you wear daily that quietly boost your capability — whether you’re in the mountains or at the airport.

4. Confidence Comes From Doing

Travel, adventure, and personal growth all require stepping into the unknown.
You’ll never feel fully ready. Do it anyway.

5. The Best Gear is the Gear You Actually Carry

A belt with hidden pockets.
A necklace that starts fires.
Cordage woven into everyday accessories.
Tools that disappear into your outfit until the moment you need them.

Welcome

Marilyn:
Hi, this is Marilyn Ball. Welcome to Speaking of Travel on iHeartRadio. You can listen to this episode or any past episode on SpeakingOfTravel.net or your favorite podcast platform. Be sure to join the Travel Club for news, stories, and helpful tips.

Today is a good day to talk about freedom.
Freedom isn’t just where you go. It’s how you move through the world — with confidence and preparation.

Recently, Western North Carolina went through a major geological event. Many people were caught off guard. That’s why today’s conversation matters. This is about life skills, mindset, and the tools that connect back to our core values.

That’s the heartbeat behind Wazoo.
My guest today is Dustin Hogard, co-founder of Wazoo. Dustin, it’s a pleasure to have you here.

Dustin:
It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you so much.

How Wazoo Started

Marilyn:
After the storm, many people wondered how they could be better prepared. Tell us how Wazoo and your story came together.

Dustin:
Your intro was beautiful. I agree with all of it. To tell our story, I need to start at the beginning.

Around 2011–2012, I started a small business making things out of paracord — bracelets and other ways to carry practical cordage. Rope and cordage have helped me in many jobs and outdoor situations. Cordage is one of the top essentials in wilderness or everyday life.

A friend told me about another small business doing something similar. Instead of seeing competition, I thought it was exciting. Even stranger, the owner lived just 20 minutes from me. I was living on a sailboat in Kemah, Texas. He was running his company out of his garage.

We met, compared designs, and realized something funny.
The engineer had better marketing.
The marketing guy (me) had better engineering and design.

So we combined forces.
In 2013, we created Wazoo Survival Gear, later shortened to Wazoo Gear.

We originally focused on “worst case scenario” survival gear, but over the years we shifted to something broader: everyday capability. We both came from first response and search-and-rescue backgrounds, and we believe in stepping up and being part of the solution.

Today, our mission is simple: Make practical gear you can wear every day so you can rise to any occasion.

Outdoor Roots and Moving to Colorado

Marilyn:
You started on a boat in Texas, but now you're in the mountains of Colorado. How did that transition happen?

Dustin:
It was personal and professional. We needed access to outdoor spaces, talented employees, and US manufacturing partners. Texas has almost no public land. Colorado has tons. The mountains were calling, so we moved the company and never looked back.

What Wazoo Gear Actually Does

Marilyn:
Your gear has evolved a lot. Give us an idea of what Wazoo makes today.

Dustin:
We started with survival gear, but now it’s about practical, everyday tools. Things that help you be the hero of your situation instead of the victim.

We make:

  • The Cache Belt (a USA-made belt with a hidden pocket)

  • The Adventure Kit (23-piece EDC kit)

  • Fire-starting necklaces

  • Cordage bracelets

  • Travel and wilderness accessories

I wear almost all of our gear when I travel. Our kits have tools I’ve used backpacking, guiding trips, navigating cities, and fixing broken equipment on the fly.

You don’t need gear for fear. You need it for life happening.

The Educational Component

Marilyn:
I want to talk about education. Your website includes manuals and guides. How should people start learning?

Dustin:
Here’s something I rarely suggest, but I believe in it.
If you want confidence, get involved with a first responder organization.

Search-and-rescue.
Texas State Guard.
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

CERT exists in almost every community. They train locals to respond to real events. You learn practical skills, meet your community, and stay informed. It builds both technical and emotional preparedness.

Mindset: Doing the Thing You Avoid

Marilyn:
How can people push their boundaries?

Dustin:
We’re all operating in the dark. Nobody really knows what they’re doing. Everything worth doing is on the other side of discomfort.

Have fun while fumbling through life.
Lean into challenges.
Treat it like your own adventure movie.
Safe and secure might keep you alive, but it won’t give you stories worth telling.

Travel Gear and Practical Tools

Marilyn:
Let’s talk travel. What do you personally carry?

Dustin:
I travel with the same gear I wear daily.
My Cache Belt with the Adventure Kit goes everywhere — even Antarctica.

For example, the brass wire in the kit?
A friend used it to bypass a fuse on his motorcycle during the Baja 1000.

The biggest advice for travelers is this:
Test your gear.
You won’t know what works until you use it. The real world reveals what you need and what you don’t.

Closing Thoughts

Marilyn:
Thank you, Dustin. Any last reminder on where people can learn more?

Dustin:
WazooGear.com
Sign up for our email list.
Follow us on Instagram at @wazoogearco.
We’re a small, fun, scrappy team trying to build useful gear and tell great stories.

Marilyn:
Being prepared is about how we show up. Travel and adventure open us to what really matters. Stay present, stay prepared, and remember: life is short. Don’t postpone joy.

Learn More & Shop Wazoo

👉 Visit the Website: https://wazoogear.com
👉 Follow on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wazoogearco
👉 Explore the Adventure Kit & Cache Belt: Perfect for travel, EDC, and capability-driven living.