Struggling with sweltering summer temperatures in your van? We've been there, and we're here to share our experiences and strategies for staying cool while living the nomadic life. Last summer in Oregon, we tried the Zero Breeze air conditioning unit, but it didn't quite hit the mark. So, we explored other options like rooftop air conditioners, but had to pass due to weight and space constraints. Thankfully, we discovered the game-changing Eva Polar Portable Swamp Cooler! This small, personal un...
May 24, 2023•17 min•Ep. 36
Navigating the sea of camping apps to find the best campsite can be a frustrating endeavor. I use just TWO APPS regularly to find campsites while traveling around in my Sprinter van during the summer months. We spend time both camping in paid campgrounds and boondocking (dispersed camping). We boondock 80% of the time, but also like to mix things up and stay in campgrounds, mostly for the convenience and amenities like hot showers, weater and garbage. Here are my two favorite apps I use on the r...
May 17, 2023•22 min•Ep. 35
Are you captivated by the van life movement and eager to get your OWN campervan? In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, we bring you an insightful conversation with the CEO of ExploreVanX, a company dedicated to connecting people like you with businesses in the van life community to help create the perfect adventure vehicles and get the van of your dreams. You'll learn about finding trustworthy van builders and even get the lowdown on the growing demand for used vans like the Mercedes Spri...
May 10, 2023•31 min•Ep. 34
Are you struggling with how to insure your DIY campervan? I've been through the process myself and have learned quite a bit about the options available for insuring a campervan, especially for DIY builds. So far, I've insured TWO vans with different insurance companies. In this podcast episode, we'll talk about all the ins and outs of campervan insurance, what types of records you need to keep, and why it can be so hard to insure a DIY Rig. I also speak with Austin Green of Roamly, which is my n...
May 03, 2023•28 min•Ep. 33
If you're planning on living in a van, at one point or another you're going to have to try stealth camping. Stealth camping is when you park in or near a city and you're trying not to be noticed. You don't want anybody to think there's someone sleeping in a van. Stealth camping can be a bit disconcerting because oftentimes, you're parked where overnight parking isn't allowed. Or, you're just parking in a neighborhood and hoping nobody notices. Ryan Twomey specifically built his campervan for ste...
Apr 26, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Mental health used to be a taboo topic, but more and more young van lifers are bringing it to the forefront. In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, Katie Larsen dives deep into her own struggles with mental health, her advice for others who might be dealing with mental health issues on the road, and her journey to a better self through discovery, therapy, and self-healing through van life. What We Cover in Episode 31 of The Wayward Home Podcast Why Katie started living in a van in the firs...
Apr 19, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 31
When we’re out on our sailboat in Mexico I am often thinking about trash. We have to rinse out, crush, compress and store our trash, sometimes for over a week - and then carry it to shore in a dinghy or on a paddleboard. It’s an annoying process that makes me seriously want to reduce the amount of trash I create both on the boat and in the van. And not only just GARBAGE, but food waste as well. In fact, I recently read a startling article in the New York Times about food waste where I read these...
Apr 12, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Lots of people wonder how to make money while living the van life. Sierra Eberly did just that by ditching the corporate 9-5 life and creating her own business on the road called Boondock Consulting. Sierra is the first to admit this wasn't an easy process, and she had to overcome fear to say goodbye to her steady paycheck and go out on her own. In this podcast, Sierra gives tips and tricks for becoming a CEO from your campervan, and what she's learned along the way. Find Sierra here: https://ww...
Apr 05, 2023•33 min•Ep. 29
Starting van life can be challenging. There's so much to learn! From where to park and sleep, to how to stock your kitchen, to dumping black tanks if you have a Class B RV that comes with those. The learning curve can be pretty big, and we've all had those moments where we aren't sure what we're doing. I interviewed Our Mixed Journey for this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, which is a rebroadcast from the Van Life Virtual Summit. You can still get an All Access Pass for the summit, which in...
Mar 29, 2023•37 min•Ep. 28
So, you want to get a van converted? Many companies will quote you EXTENSIVE wait times, dashing your hopes of getting a campervan in time for the summer months. Brady Severt is trying to change all that with his new company Gravity Vans, which will get you a converted van in just SIX WEEKS. Check out Gravity Vans here: https://www.gravityvans.com/ And go here to see the full show notes with pictures of Brady's tiny house on wheels: https://www.thewaywardhome.com/episode27 Support the show Conne...
Mar 22, 2023•30 min•Ep. 27
When researching van life or RV living, you might not often come across box truck conversions . But these rigs are affordable, easy to build out and have a good amount of space. In this episode, I'm talking to Kurt Bradler, CEO and founder of Contravans, a van conversion company in Colorado that works on all types of vans, including box trucks! If your interest is peaked about box trucks and the pros and cons for van life, you'll want to give this one a listen. Check out Contravans: https://www....
Mar 15, 2023•32 min
When Kressa Peterson was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had to undergo a double mastectomy. To help her heal and find herself again, Kressa started doing dirty, muddy Spartan races. What she soon discovered was that there was no easy way to shower when traveling to these races in her Land Cruiser, which she also used for sleeping and camping. Hence, the Shower Toga was born! Kressa started using her Shower Toga in a parking lot when she finished running a race, and people started asking her f...
Mar 08, 2023•34 min•Ep. 25
If you watch Scott Tatum on Instagram and TikTok, you’ll be struck by his message. He’s open, honest and REAL: staring right into your eyes as he gives you his daily “friendly reminder,” which encourages you to know your worth, live your best life, and take care of yourself. Scott is in his lower 60s and is a nomad, living and traveling full-time in a Four Wheel Truck Camper. This episode is sponsored by Four Wheel Truck Campers. Follow Scott on Social Media: ucanoutdoors on Instagram ucanoutdoo...
Mar 01, 2023•30 min•Ep. 24
Are you wondering how to go to the bathroom in a van? Should you try a composting toilet, a bucket with a bag, or just digging a hole? In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, we're exploring all the ways you can go to the bathroom in a van with Engineers Who Van Life. How to find Engineers Who Van Life: Engineers Who Van Life on Instagram Engineers Who Van Life Website Links mentioned in this podcast: Cuddy composting toilet Cuddy review Shower in a Bench Design plans 101 Guide to Building ...
Feb 08, 2023•41 min•Ep. 23
Sometimes, finding the best products for your campervan and getting help on your van build can be REALLY difficult. You typically have to browse tons of different platforms and company websites for everything you need. Ben Quesnel, a 4-year on-the-road nomad, founded Simpler Ways to try to change that. Simpler Ways is like the REI for van life, DIY tutorials, foldable laundry basins and other products to help modern nomads on the road. They also have a section dedicated to surfing and yoga activ...
Feb 01, 2023•25 min•Ep. 22
Are you a van lifer, RVer, or sailor looking to turn your nomadic lifestyle into a profitable venture? It can happen! In this episode, we will explore various methods for making money as a travel blogger while living the van life. From sponsored posts and affiliate marketing to creating and selling your own digital products, we will cover it all. Laura Peters is our guest on this episode of The Wayward Home Podcast, where she talks all about scaling her own travel blog and creating a course to h...
Jan 24, 2023•34 min
Are you wondering how to get rid of all your stuff, sell a business and hit the road in a tiny trailer? That's exactly what Justin and Kandace did. This couple has shared their passion for camping and travel ever since they rented a teardrop trailer and went on a camping trip shortly after they started dating. That first trip was the catalyst for many more camping adventures to come. Shortly after that first trip, Kandace bought a 10-foot teardrop trailer so they could go on weekend camping trip...
Jan 05, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Logan and Taryn Pickard live on a 40-foot sailboat off Vancouver Island, BC, some of the most challenging cruising grounds in the world. And they decided on sailboat life when they had no sailing experience at all. In this episode, you'll learn why this couple chose a liveaboard boat, how they manage the crazy wind and current conditions, and how they learned how to forage to become as sustainable as possible on water. You can find Logan and Taryn below: Wayward Life Sailing on YouTube The Waywa...
Dec 28, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Have you ever wondered what it's like being a campground host? RVer Kathy Belge loves it! She spent an entire season being a volunteer campground host around Oregon, and tells us all about and why she recommends campground hosting. Kathy's Links: Podcast host and writer Kathy Belge encourages women to live out their travel dreams by sharing stories, tips and advice from solo women travelers at https://solowomenrv.com/ https://solowomenrv.com/solo-women-rv-podcasts/ https://www.instagram.com/kbel...
Dec 13, 2022•29 min•Ep. 18
Have you ever wondered how to make money blogging? In this episode, I tell you all about how I made my website, The Wayward Home, a money-making machine. It took tons of time and effort but I hope this episode inspires you that it IS POSSIBLE. Sign up for my FREE 5-day How to Start a Blog course. Or you can join my BRAND NEW Niche Site Course here: Niche Sites for Nomads: The Nomad's Guide to Making Money Online Links and Resources DM me on Instagram Visit my YouTube channel The Wayward Home Pod...
Dec 07, 2022•22 min
Do you wonder how to make money while living the nomadic lifestyle? One great way is to start your own business. There are so many options out there - from starting a blog, to creating a product, to selling your own course, to offering services like copywriting or email marketing. But choosing which business to even start can be challenging enough. In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, Kimberly Crossland gives tips and advice for narrowing in on a business idea and making your dreams turn...
Nov 29, 2022•37 min•Ep. 16
Taking the leap to travel full-time in a campervan or an RV is tough - especially if you're doing it alone! Amber Baldwin made a huge change five years ago when she decided to give up her Seattle home to go RVing - she started in a Class C RV and ended up in a Hymer Activ Class B. Amber now runs a successful YouTube channel called Story Chasing . She also has a Nomad Mentorship Bootcamp. Join The Wayward Home Facebook Group. Full Show Notes: https://www.thewaywardhome.com/episode15/ Support the ...
Nov 22, 2022•23 min•Ep. 15
Wondering what you need to live comfortably on the road? There are several items I use over and over again both while living out of my campervan and also on my sailboat. These van life essentials are just right for small space living and range from a pressure cooker to my GoSun solar oven. In this episode of The Wayward Home podcast, I'll walk you through each item and why I love it for van life. Full show notes: https://www.thewaywardhome.com/episode14/ Support the show Connect with Kristin Han...
Mar 01, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 14
We've been living at Cabrales Boatyard in Puerto Penasco, Mexico for two months now, getting our sailboat ready for winter cruising in the Sea of Cortez. Tom spends his days sanding and painting the sailboat, and I sit in the Sprinter van working on my computer. In Episode 13 of The Wayward Home podcast, I'm going to give you a behind-the-scenes look at our current life in Mexico, plus answer some common questions. I'll also tell you about my likes and dislikes about living here. Full show notes...
Feb 21, 2022•16 min
Could you imagine living in a Prius? It's no easy feat! Tom and I lived in a Prius in 2015 in the San Francisco Bay area to pay off debt and save money. That's why I wanted to interview David Swanson for Episode 12 of The Wayward Home podcast. He lived in his Prius for 7 years, traveling across the U.S., making friends and even appearing in the Oscar-award-winning movie Nomadland. David tells us about why he started living in a car, and tips for making your care safe, cozy and comfortable. Full ...
Feb 09, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Have you wondered why so many RVers and van lifers have South Dakota license plates? I've noticed this everywhere, even in the boatyard here in Mexico. South Dakota offers many benefits to nomads, including no income tax, no annual vehicle inspections, and the ease of becoming a nomad. I chose to become a South Dakota resident last summer and the process couldn't be easier. In Episode 11 of The Wayward Home Podcast, I'll share exactly how to become a South Dakota resident plus the pros and cons ...
Feb 01, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 11
If you want to live the van life, you don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a brand new van. You can do with Hilary Bird did - and buy an old $6,000 van and fix it up yourself. Doing a budget van conversion is a great way to test out van life. You'll figure out if you really like living on the road, and what you might add or change to a campervan in the future. Hilary of Green Van Go worked with her dad to build a $2,000 van conversion, with a few fun "splurge" items to make it mor...
Jan 25, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Many of us who live tiny do so to lower our environmental footprint. Just living in a smaller space means using fewer resources and buying less stuff. Moving into a campervan or an RV is one of the easiest ways to live tiny, but Michael Bartz built his own 200-square foot off-grid house. In Episode 8 of The Wayward Home podcast, Michael gives us a virtual tour of his tiny house. He also tells us ways he cuts back on his environmental footprint, and how you can too, even if you don't live small. ...
Jan 18, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 8
So, you've heard of boondocking but aren't quite sure what it is. Or maybe you want to try, but don't know the best ways to find free campsites. And is boondocking really safe? In Episode 7 of The Wayward Home podcast, we break down exactly what boondocking is, how to do it, boondocking etiquette and finding water and dump stations while boondocking. See the full show notes: https://www.thewaywardhome.com/episode7 Marianne's Boondocking Guides Support the show Connect with Kristin Hanes and The ...
Jan 11, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Are you wondering how to stay connected while living in a van or an RV? There are MANY ways to get WiFi in a campervan, and one isn't better than the other. There are now options like unlimited data plans hotspots, unlimited talk and text and even Starlink satellite internet. In this episode of The Wayward Home Podcast, I'm joined by Cherie and Chris from the RV Mobile Internet Resource Center. They cover ALL THINGS internet and data for mobile uses on their website, which is frequently updated ...
Dec 14, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 6
