Behind the Mic: The Heart of Learn to RV: The Podcast

Starting a podcast is kind of like hitting the road in a brand-new RV. You think you’ve got it all figured out, then you hit a few bumps (or breakdowns) that keep you on your toes.

That’s exactly how we’ve found ourselves while launching Learn to RV: The Podcast. It’s exciting, it’s messy, and it’s teaching us lessons every single mile of the journey.

This week on the podcast, we took a step back to remember how this all began and talk where we’re heading as a team and a community. If you’ve ever wondered how a passion project like this comes together or why we’re so fired up about it, this episode is for you.

How It All Started

The Learn to RV story began around a campfire with Doug and his family back in 2016. Doug created the Learn to RV blog and online community to share the hard-earned lessons of RV life. Back then, resources were scarce and YouTube wasn’t overflowing with influencers. He became a pioneer voice, teaching thousands of RVers about weight ratios, Thousand Trails, and how to navigate the lifestyle.

Fast-forward to 2023.

We were sitting around another campfire in Palm Springs when Doug announced that it was time to step back. That moment sparked something in me (I come by the name “resident chaos coordinator” honestly). I knew this community needed to keep growing, so I stepped in to carry the torch. What started as one man’s blog has now become a collective journey—with new voices, fresh stories, and a podcast designed to empower RVers one mile at a time.

Building the Team

Of course, no great podcast is built alone. Jen, a longtime friend and collaborator who happens to be a former professional videographer, brought her creative skills to the project. Then, Tasha joined our team. She brought crazy stories from her family’s first two years as full-time RVers. She also had over 15 years of professional writing experience. And once upon a time, she was a radio DJ and worked in TV news production.

The pieces were coming together. We realized we had something special:

✨ Jennifer’s heart and vision
✨ Jen’s skills behind the scenes
✨ Tasha’s enthusiastic storytelling

Different voices and perspectives. One shared mission.

What You Can Expect

This podcast isn’t about shiny highlight reels. It’s about the messy, beautiful, real parts of RV life. You’ll hear:

• Stories of breakdowns, family hiccups, and unexpected wins
• Honest talks about how to build community on the road
• Insights from homeschooling to work camping to finding connection when it feels out of reach
• Laughter, because if we didn’t laugh, sometimes we’d cry (and hopefully you’ll laugh with us, not at us…hopefully)

We want you to know: You’re not alone. Whether your struggle is mechanical misfires, loneliness, or just figuring out how to dump the black tank without causing a natural disaster, there’s a circle of RVers ready to help you through it.

Community at the Core

For us, Learn to RV has always been more than a podcast. It’s a community. That’s why we created a dedicated Facebook group specifically for our podcast listeners—a safe space to share your questions, stories, and journey. (And yes, it’s free!)

We’ve also added extra ways to connect and support:
☕ Buy Me a Coffee if you want to drop a tip and say thanks.
🔥 Patreon if you’re ready to join the Campfire Crew for access to bonus content, bloopers, and exclusive perks.

Every story matters. Every voice belongs. And like we always say, there’s no second row at the campfire.

Why Listen?

Because RV life isn’t just about the miles you drive—it’s about the stories you collect along the way. We’re here to bring you the real, the raw, and the ridiculous, and to remind you that wherever you are in this journey, you belong.

So, pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and join us at the campfire each week. We’re glad you’re here.

🎙️ Listen to the latest episode now: Learn to RV: The Podcast

This episode drops on Sept. 8. Can’t handle the suspense? You don’t have to! Unlock the ultimate fan experience and join our EXCLUSIVE, ULTRA-LIMITED Firelight Founders tier of the Campfire Crew at Patreon!

This exclusive offer is only available until midnight on Sept. 7, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good! By becoming a Firelight Founder, you’ll be a select few who will gain early access to episodes before we go live, along with other exclusive bonuses you won’t find anywhere else!

Remember, you’ll always find us FREE to stream on your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts starting Sept. 8. But this opportunity is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out. Join us today!