On this last episode of 2024, we dive into the heart of RVing, camping, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This episode is a celebration of living life intentionally, embracing adventure, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

As parents, we reflect on the fleeting summers we have with our children and the importance of spending them meaningfully—building connections, teaching life lessons, and soaking in the magic of the great outdoors.

I’ll also share my personal perspective on travel and why it’s more than just sightseeing—immersing yourself in the world, gaining fresh perspectives, and growing through the experiences that shape us into more thoughtful, empathetic, and compassionate individuals.

In today’s fast-paced, screen-obsessed world, nature offers us a much-needed antidote. Discover the transformative benefits of stepping away from technology, grounding yourself in the outdoors, and connecting deeply with the world around us. This episode will inspire you to embrace the RV community and the RV life.

We reconnect with Tara of Tara’s Tiny Trailer, a fan favorite from one of our earliest podcasts. Tara fell in love with her first camper, a stylish and compact tow-behind trailer by Happier Camper, and her journey has inspired countless RV enthusiasts.

This time, Tara shares updates on her recent adventures camping across the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, revealing hidden gems and must-visit spots. We also delve into her fascinating connection to the eruption of Mt. St. Helens and how it has shaped her perspective. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her latest creative projects, offering fresh inspiration for RV living and beyond.

If you’re new to the podcast, make sure to check out episode 22, where we had our first inspiring conversation with Tara about embracing the RV lifestyle and her love for tiny campers.

Don’t miss this engaging and heartfelt episode full of tips, stories, and ideas for your next adventure. Hit play now and join us on the road.

Struggling to find safe and reliable places to park your RV overnight can be a challenge. In this episode we dive into an innovative app designed specifically for RVers by RVers seeking secure and convenient overnight stays. Say goodbye to noisy truck stops and questionable parking lots! RV Overnights connects you with a network of welcoming hosts and verified locations tailored to RV travelers.

Discover how this game-changing tool simplifies trip planning, offers peace of mind, and opens doors to unique overnight experiences. Plus, learn how it is different from other solutions like Harvest Hosts. When planning your next road trip, be sure to listen to this episode. It is packed with tips to make your journey smoother and safer.

We explore the shared joys of RVing. Whether you hit the road solo, as a family, or with friends, RVing fosters unique connections. Around campfires and in campgrounds, it’s common to meet fellow travelers and form lasting friendships. That’s what makes the RV community so special.

Joining us today is David, also known as the RV Jedeye. A weekend warrior with a 9-to-5 job, David shares his love for escaping the daily grind and exploring the outdoors. From his diverse travels around the Pacific Northwest to his insights as a part-time RVer, David provides inspiration for anyone balancing work and RV adventures.

Join us as we discuss the joys of weekend RVing, tips for connecting with fellow RVers, and stories that highlight the community spirit of life on the road.

We’re thrilled to welcome pitmaster Forrest, a legendary figure with boundless charisma, and an infectious laugh on to the show for this special episode. I’ve known Forrest for over two decades now and we forged a friendship by discovering our shared love for cooking. Today, Forrest has transformed that passion into a professional journey as a skilled Pitmaster.

Recently, during one of our chats, I shared stories from our RV adventures where we bring a smoker along and hold BBQ smoke fests at the campground. Forrest joins us to share his Pitmaster expertise, giving us tips on elevating our grilling and smoking game, both at the campground and at home. Whether you’re a casual griller or BBQ enthusiast, Forrest’s advice is packed with flavor and technique. Join us as we dive deep into the world of barbecue, with plenty of laughs along the way.

We welcome Matt and Emily from Where’s Wiseman, YouTubers known for their thrilling adventures deep within the Cascade Mountain Range. Join us as they share stories from their travels in a Jeep and teardrop trailer, offering firsthand insight into their ways of finding remote destinations, camping spots, and the challenges of backcountry exploration. Their videos capture breathtaking views and the spirit of outdoor adventure, and we’re thrilled to hear about their journey and learn what it’s like to explore the Cascades so intimately.

We welcome Washington State University President Kirk Schulz and his wife, Dr. Noel Schulz, a distinguished electrical engineer on the show. Tune in as they share their personal journey of becoming Washingtonians and recount their favorite RV adventures—from their early days of RV travel as new parents to recent excursions across the American West and Pacific Northwest.

They also reveal their top picks for state parks in Eastern Washington and Idaho, along with recommendations for fun outdoor activities in and around the city of Spokane, Wash. This episode offers valuable travel inspiration and tips for your next adventure.

When my wife and I bought our travel trailer, she made one thing crystal clear: she would never dump the black tank. As long as I handled the "poo slinky" duties, she was on board with RV life. At first, I wasn’t thrilled about managing the tank flush and dumping process. But after some practice, it became just another part of the adventure. Recently, I discovered a new option shaking things up—Matt’s Liquidfied tank treatment. 

In this episode, Matt himself joins us to share his expert advice on black tank maintenance, tips for avoiding common mistakes, and insider tricks for a stink-free RV experience. But we don’t just talk tanks—Matt also shares stories from his favorite camping destinations and reveals something exclusive that he hasn’t told anyone else. Don’t miss this exciting interview and get ready to rethink your black tank routine.

Joining us is Connor, the creator behind Find Me in Seattle, who shares his journey of becoming one of Seattle's storytellers. From his iconic yellow backpack to his local discoveries, Connor has become a recognizable figure in the city’s community.

Connor talks about how he “fell into” the role of Find Me in Seattle and what it’s like to explore and document the vibrant, ever-evolving Seattle. He also shares some of his favorite hidden gems that you won’t find on typical travel lists. Whether you’re a local looking for new places to explore or a RVer whose looking to visit Seattle like a native, Connor’s insights will inspire you to venture beyond the usual tourist traps.

In this conversation, we dive into what makes Seattle such a dynamic city, including its culture, food, and nature. Connor offers unique recommendations, from quiet coffee shops and quirky art installations to tucked-away trails and secret viewpoints—perfect for anyone wanting to experience the city in a whole new way.

Hear Connor’s story, learn more about the adventures behind Find Me in Seattle, and get inspired to explore Seattle’s hidden treasures on your own.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome back Josh the RV Nerd, a trusted expert in the RV world known for his popular YouTube channel. If you’re not familiar with Josh, he provides some of the best RV walkthroughs and in-depth discussions on the state of the RV industry. 

Josh first joined us on RV Out West in January 2022, and we’re thrilled to have him back to dive into one of the most important aspects of RV ownership—towing. Today, we’re talking about why it’s critical to match your tow vehicle to your RV, and what numbers you need to know to ensure safe and efficient travel.

Towing an RV isn’t just about hooking it up and hitting the road. There are key factors that every RV owner should understand. In this episode, Josh breaks down what these numbers mean and offers valuable insights on how to find the right tow vehicle for your specific RV model.

Whether you’re a new RV owner or a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with expert tips that will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your RV trips are safe and enjoyable. So, if you’re ready to hit the road with confidence, tune in to learn from Josh the RV Nerd.

This is an essential guide to RV towing!

In this Destination episode, we take you to the heart of British Columbia, to a mountain town nestled in the Selkirk Mountains — Revelstoke. Whether you're into climbing, hiking, paddling, mountain biking, snowboarding, or skiing, this town offers endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. From cozy coffee shops and tap rooms to great restaurants and outdoor gear shops, everything in this town caters to adventurers. Revelstoke has something for everyone.

Join us as we spill the tea on our adventures as we spend a long weekend exploring Revelstoke, British Columbia.

Multi-day RV trips offer an incredible opportunity to explore further, spend more time in nature, and truly feel like you're on vacation. But, let’s be honest—the set-up, take-down, and long driving hours can make it a little exhausting. In this Pit Stop, I’m sharing practical tips to make your multi-day RV adventures smoother, so you can focus on enjoying the journey with your family and friends.

The breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the iconic town of Banff are an absolute must-see destination for every RVer. Our five-day visit barely scratched the surface of what this stunning region has to offer, and we’re already planning our return.

Banff is a place that words alone can’t capture—majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, awe-inspiring glaciers, and soothing hot springs. Whether you’ve seen it in YouTube videos or stumbled upon its beauty through a Google search, nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand. Don’t make the mistake of waiting decades to visit, like I did. This national park offers a lifetime of memories.

If you’re planning a trip to Banff, preparation is key. In this episode, we’ll share our essential tips for making the most of your adventure in this popular destination. With the right planning, you’ll be free to explore the wonders of Banff—from chasing waterfalls to soaking in hot springs and so much more.

Join us as we recount our unforgettable trip and offer practical advice to help you plan your own journey to the Canadian Rockies. Trust us, this is one RV destination you won’t want to miss.

As the kids head back to school and the crisp fall air starts to make an appearance, it's the perfect time to plan some last-minute camping trips. Forget about winterizing your RV just yet—fall camping in the Pacific Northwest is where it's at! In this episode, we’ll share why we love fall camping as it is one of our favorite times to camp. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, fall offers some of the best camping conditions around. Campgrounds are quieter, the best spots are more likely to be available, and the weather is often just right—think sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s. 

We’ll also dive into our strategy for stress-free fall camping with the family. By picking campgrounds that are close—less than a 30-minute drive—you can easily pack up and go after work on a Friday and still be home by Sunday afternoon with enough time to get ready for the upcoming week.

In this Pit Stop episode, we're excited to share our Top 5 favorite fall campgrounds in Washington State. These hidden gems are all under an hour's drive from Snohomish County.

The Pacific Northwest is a dream destination for RV enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes and endless adventures. But let's keep up the myth—yes, it's rainy, grey, wet, and dismal (wink, wink). In this episode, we dive into the magic of RVing in this incredible region with lifelong locals, Ron and Jodi of the YouTube channel Just Ramblin’ Around. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, they have a treasure trove of knowledge and stories to share about their PNW travels and beyond. They share tips, hidden gems, best places to find a pint and a little humor to get you excited about your next RV adventure in the PNW.

Ever find yourself dreading the end of a camping weekend, even if you love your job? In this episode, we dive into the Sunday morning dilemma many of us face: packing up camp and heading back to the daily grind. As office-bound professionals with enviable commutes, my wife and I don’t suffer from the usual ‘Sunday Scaries.’ But when we’re out in nature, the thought of a fully nomadic life starts to tempt us. Join us as we explore what it would mean to leave the 9-to-5 behind and live a life where Sunday is just another day of adventure. Could this be the key to a more carefree, fulfilling lifestyle? Tune in to find out.

In this thought-provoking Pit Stop, we explore the often debated definition of camping. Inspired by RV Miles' video “Is It Time to Redefine CAMPING?” This video sparked discussions about the diverse ways people enjoy the outdoors, including whether RVing qualifies as true camping.

Join us as we discuss the various ways people define and enjoy camping. We emphasize the importance of inclusivity and acceptance, recognizing that every camping style is valid. By embracing this diversity, we can create a united community working together to protect our natural treasures for future generations.

Whether you’re a hardcore backcountry camper or an RV enthusiast, this episode offers insights and stories that will resonate with anyone who loves nature.

Join us as we dive into the exciting world of full-time RV living with Tim and Ursula from Airstream Vagabond. If you've ever considered the RV lifestyle, you'll know it's filled with countless decisions and driven by a multitude of reasons. Tim and Ursula have been navigating this lifestyle, traveling criss-crossing the United States between Florida and the Pacific Northwest, not just to chase the weather, but for many other significant reasons.

Join us as we uncover the ins and outs of their journey, from the practicalities of life on the road to the experiences that make it all worthwhile. Whether you're an aspiring full-time RVer or simply curious about the nomadic lifestyle, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and stories that will inspire and inform. Tune in to learn more about the adventures of Airstream Vagabond and the joys of RV living.

In this episode, we take you to the foothills of the Cascade Mountains to experience the enchanting Darrington Bluegrass Festival. There's something undeniably magical about listening to Americana roots music amidst this stunning natural backdrop. Bluegrass, a quintessentially American genre, is deeply rooted in our culture and history, much like jazz. If you have a deep love and or an appreciation for this genre of music, the Darrington Bluegrass Festival is a truly special experience. Tune in to learn about this laid back intimate music festival that happens every July in Darrington, Washington.

In this episode we are joined by Jeremy Puglisi of The RV Atlas, a seasoned RVer with over a decade of experience. Jeremy and his wife, Stephanie, began their RVing journey in a pop-up camper, just like many of us. Over the years, they’ve embarked on countless adventures with their three children, creating unforgettable memories.

Join us as Jeremy dives into one of his all-time favorite trips—right here in the Pacific Northwest. Jeremy shares the highlights of their trip as well as where they camped. Whether you're planning your first trip or looking for new destinations, his insights are sure to inspire your next adventure.

Jeremy also offers invaluable tips for weekend RVers juggling a 9-5 job and kids in extracurricular activities. He provides practical money-saving strategies and shares how to simplify the preparation process, making it easier to hit the road and enjoy your RV more. His advice is perfect for those looking to maximize their time and budget without sacrificing fun.

Tune in to hear Jeremy's expert advice and stories from the road, and learn how you can make the most of your RVing experiences. Don’t miss this episode packed with tips, inspiration, and insider knowledge from one of the RV community's most respected voices.