Roll with Me

Travis and I met a year ago, became fast friends and in that time, we’ve dived into some deep conversations. Travis’ story isn’t an easy one. In fact, Travis has had a rough childhood, and when Travis was 25 years old, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The reality for Travis is that not everyday is a good day, even though some might assume he’s living the dream, traveling with his dog Ayla in a Sprinter van. Instead of pretending that everything was okay, Travis started to share the uncomfortable parts in his life so that others would not feel alone. On this podcast, I talk with Travis about his past, his experience with homelessness and why he decided to live on the road.

David Weinstein traveled around in an old ugly panel truck back in the late 60s and early 70s. And even though his experiences happened more than 45 years ago, it's not so different than the stories of vanlife today. David remembers his family always telling stories when he was growing up and now that he's older, he felt it was time to share a few stories of his own. This is the story of Big White.

Noël Russell works full-time at a homeless youth shelter in California. On the weekends, she and her husband Jonnie escape into the outdoors using a van as the vehicle to unplug and connect with nature. They have traveled in two different vans so far and are currently working with a van builder to create their dream rig. Learn more about Noël's upbringing, her nonprofit work and what places they call home outdoors.

Katch & Ben live a simple life in their van, a 4WD 2016 Mercedes Sprinter Sportsmobile. As full-time photographers, they travel to shoot couples and edit their photos inside their van.

Kyle in a Winnebago Travato by Tiny House, Tiny Footprint

Kat Carney lives out of a built out Chevy Suburban which took her just seven days to construct into an adventure mobile. She has traveled with her fiancé Craig in the past, but currently she is spending a several months on her own.

Kat Carney lives out of a built out Chevy Suburban which took her just seven days to construct into an adventure mobile. She has traveled with her fiancé Craig in the past, but currently she is spending a several months on her own.

When Jon & Janessa were 17, they fell madly in love with each other and with the goal to explore the world. Now, they are living out of their Casita trailer with the freedom to be anywhere at any time. They follow a four-hour workweek and the rest of the time they spend writing, reading, surfing, hiking and laying in the sun. To them, time will always be greater than any amount of money. Jon & Janessa have one goal—to live their life unbound from debt, rent, locations and emotional baggage. And so far, they have been doing just that.

When Jon & Janessa were 17, they fell madly in love with each other and with the goal to explore the world. Now, they are living out of their Casita trailer with the freedom to be anywhere at any time. They follow a four-hour workweek and the rest of the time they spend writing, reading, surfing, hiking and laying in the sun. To them, time will always be greater than any amount of money. Jon & Janessa have one goal—to live their life unbound from debt, rent, locations and emotional baggage. And so far, they have been doing just that.

Brianna and her husband Keith live in a 1990 Ford E350 van named Bertha. Their van is the escape vehicle from the lives they could have been living—doing things because they thought they were supposed to be doing them and meeting certain milestones. When they saw the big orange van, they found a loophole and hopped in their getaway.

Brianna and her husband Keith live in a 1990 Ford E350 van named Bertha. Their van is the escape vehicle from the lives they could have been living—doing things because they thought they were supposed to be doing them and meeting certain milestones. When they saw the big orange van, they found a life loophole and hopped in their getaway.

James has been living in his 1976 VW van for a little more than two years. Before he moved in, he was camping in it about five times a week. Inside, he put a wood stove in place of his passenger seat as a way to stay warm in the winter. Currently, James' schedule revolves around people, waves and projects. He chases swells and freelances as a photographer. And as for the van? James sees it as a means to an end. It's a vehicle to accomplish and do what he loves.

James has been living in his 1976 VW van for a little more than two years. Before he moved in, he was camping in it about five times a week. Inside, he put a wood stove in place of his passenger seat as a way to stay warm in the winter. Currently, James' schedule revolves around people, waves and projects. He chases swells and freelances as a photographer. And as for the van? James sees it as a means to an end. It's a vehicle to accomplish and do what he loves.

Alex has been traveling the country with her dog, Talkeetna, the best co-pilot she's ever had. Six months ago, she quit her job after saving and working for three years as a marine biologist. For Alex, living on the road has been difficult. But the discovery of living with less and being off the grid has been rewarding.

Alex has been traveling the country with her dog, Talkeetna, the best co-pilot she's ever had. Six months ago, she quit her job after saving and working for three years as a marine biologist. For Alex, living on the road has been difficult. But the discovery of living with less and being off the grid has been rewarding.

Madison & Cees got engaged in Yosemite National Park a little over two years ago. In the course of this last year, they decided to chase their dreams and see every national park through the windows of a 1989 Toyota motorhome named Vie. Just before setting out, they adopted an adventure kitty, Vladimir Kitten. He goes with them hiking, kayaking and even, on mountain bike rides. It just so happened that this year is also the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service as well. I caught up with these two to talk about their rig, the build and what they have been on their trip.

Madison & Cees got engaged in Yosemite National Park a little over two years ago. In the course of this last year, they decided to chase their dreams and see every national park through the windows of a 1989 Toyota motorhome named Vie. Just before setting out, they adopted an adventure kitty, Vladimir Kitten. He goes with them hiking, kayaking and even, on mountain bike rides. It just so happened that this year is also the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service as well. I caught up with these two to talk about their rig, the build and what they have been on their trip.

Lara grew up overseas in Beijing and spent most of her childhood traveling the world. She had the privilege of visiting Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, London, Indonesia, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala and plans to continue to add to that list. Since she spent her younger years exploring an international playground, she did not travel much of the U.S., so now she's making up for it as an adult. I caught up with Lara to ask her about building out her van, and traveling and living on the road by herself.

Lara grew up overseas in Beijing and spent most of her childhood traveling the world. She had the privilege of visiting Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, London, Indonesia, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala and plans to continue to add to that list. Since she spent her younger years exploring an international playground, she did not travel much of the U.S., so now she's making up for it as an adult. I caught up with Lara to ask her about building out her van, and traveling and living on the road by herself.

Jace & Giddi in a Sprinter van by Tiny House, Tiny Footprint