From towering waterfalls and dramatic basalt cliffs to alpine lakes and Oregon's tallest peak, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood are two of the Pacific Northwest's most unforgettable destinations. In this episode of the RV Out West Podcast, host Brooks welcomes Oregon photographer & RV wanderer, Kristy, of Willa Wanders to share the story behind her passion for exploring the region and why these landscapes continue to inspire her adventures. Kristy takes listeners on a journey through...
Jul 27
32 min
We’re heading to John Day, Oregon, a destination filled with incredible scenery, outdoor adventures, fascinating history, and some of the best lesser-known experiences for RV travelers. Located in Eastern Oregon, the John Day area is a great getaway for RVers looking to explore beyond crowded campgrounds and discover wide-open landscapes, scenic drives, and memorable places to visit. From the dramatic colors of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument to the winding roads of the Journey Thr...
Jul 20
29 min
For more than 15 years, Jeremy Puglisi has explored North America by RV, building a lifetime of experiences that have inspired thousands of campers through RV Atlas. In this episode of RV Out West, host Brooks Smothers sits down with Jeremy for an honest conversation about family travel, campground culture, and the lessons that only years on the road can teach. Jeremy reflects on how a simple decision to buy a pop up camper evolved into a career creating RV content while also giving his famil...
Jul 13
51 min
Some people chase adventure on well-marked trails. Paul Boomhower has built a life exploring where the pavement ends. Known to many as Smokey and the Vandit, Paul is a photographer and van traveler whose passion for the outdoors has taken him across the Pacific Northwest and beyond in search of unforgettable landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. Paul joins us for a conversation about photography, van life, outdoor travel, and the moments that have shaped his perspective on life. Year...
Jul 9
34 min
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
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
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
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
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
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
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