RV Out West
RV Out West
Brooks Smothers
RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time. ðŸŽ§ Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond the Campground: Exploring Everett, WA Best Coffee Shops
We take a step outside our normal focus on RV travel and camping for a special collaboration with Scott Cowan, host of the Explore Washington State Podcast. Armed with a field recorder and plenty of curiosity, Brooks and Scott spend the day walking through downtown Everett, Washington, visiting four outstanding independent coffee shops: Narrative Coffee, Nadine's Coffee, Loft Coffee Bar & Bakery, and Choux Choux Bakery. Recorded entirely on location, this episode captures the sounds, conv...
Jun 29
1 hr
Airstream, Idaho, and the Open Road with Jay Cullis
Travel has a way of shaping our perspective, and few people understand that better than Jay Cullis, Content Manager at Airstream. Jay shares the journey that took him from newspaper reporting and teaching to helping tell the stories behind one of the most recognizable names in the RV industry. We talk about several notable Airstream projects, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trailer, the Airstream x Stetson collaboration and AirLab, a creative initiative that brings together a...
Jun 22
37 min
The PNW Concert Venue Bucket List
Live music and RV travel have more in common than you might think. Both are built around experiences, memories, and the stories that stay with us long after the trip is over. A favorite song can instantly transport us back to a specific place and time, much like revisiting a beloved campground, scenic drive, or destination. Your host, Brooks, takes you on a musical road trip through some of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated music venues, exploring the stages, theaters, clubs, and amphit...
Jun 15
27 min
PNW RV travel, Music & Big Surprises with The Sotos: Part Two
Part two with Edwin and Jessely Soto is here. The Sotos, of From the Hatch, share stories from their travels across the Pacific Northwest, including the places that left a lasting impression, the stops they missed this time around, and the destinations already calling them back for another trip. If you love RV travel, road trips, van life, Airstream adventures, and exploring the Pacific Northwest, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real stories from the road. You will also get a...
Jun 8
45 min
The Soto Family on RV Life, Travel and Finding Freedom
In this special 200th episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Edwin and Jessely Soto, the couple behind From the Hatch, for a raw and honest conversation about full time RV living, family travel, and building a nomadic lifestyle from the ground up. What makes their story so different is that when they first started RV life, they had absolutely zero experience. In fact, I first met the Sotos over five years ago in a campground in Pennsylvania on their very first night living full time in an R...
Jun 1
37 min
Eat Wild on the Road: Foraging Tips from Langdon Cook
RV travel invites us to explore wide landscapes, open roads, and the freedom of the outdoors, but there’s another layer to that experience waiting just beyond the trail. This conversation explores how foraging, wild foods, and campfire cooking connect RVers to the land in a more personal and rewarding way. It’s about slowing down, looking closer, and discovering what the forest has to offer right around your campsite. For many travelers, the idea of foraging can feel unfamiliar or overwhelmin...
May 25
40 min
Our RV Camp Kitchen That Changed Everything
If you think your RV camp kitchen setup is dialed in, this episode might make you rethink everything. We break down the real-world RV cooking gear, camp kitchen essentials, and outdoor cooking setups that have actually survived years of camping, road trips, and campground meals with our family of four. From the truth about built-in RV outdoor kitchens to our experience with Blackstone griddles, cast iron cookware, hibachi charcoal cooking, and the surprisingly effective $20 electric griddle t...
May 18
20 min
The Dirty Truth About RV Tanks
RV black tank problems, grey tank odors, and dump station mistakes are all part of RV life, but they do not have to ruin your camping experience. In this episode of RV Out West, Mark from Kleen Tanks joins the show to talk about one of the most important parts of RV maintenance and ownership, caring for your grey and black tanks properly. Mark shares years of experience working on RV waste systems and explains the simple habits that can help prevent clogs, odors, sensor issues, and expensive ...
May 11
31 min
The PNW Bike Trails Worth Your Time
Celebrate National Bike Month with this episode focused on exploring the Pacific Northwest by bike while RVing. After recent time spent paddling and hiking, we shift into cycling and highlight some of the best bike trails and multi-use paths across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. From scenic rail trails and river paths to long-distance routes, we share standout places to ride and how bikes can expand your travel experience at every stop. This episode also includes a full, honest review of our ...
May 4
33 min
Hiking the PNW with Craig Romano
What turns a simple walk in the woods into a lifelong obsession with the trail? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Romano, one of the most trusted voices in Pacific Northwest hiking, to uncover the stories, miles, and moments that have shaped his journey. From hidden alpine lakes to rugged coastal paths, Craig shares how he got started exploring Washington’s vast trail systems and what continues to inspire him to keep going. We dive into the best hiking trails in Washington State, tips f...
Apr 27
42 min
Load more