077: Jared Melrose - Van Life

Hitting the open road with the wonders of the world out your window, pulling up and resting your heard wherever you park your van. It sounds so beautiful, and it is what my guest today, Jared Melrose, and his sweetheart of ten years, Ash, do as they both live in a van together. In this episode we touch on the functionalities of living in a van—the cost of fitting out a van, doing laundry, cooking, and the use of public toilets. Or “shining beacons in the night” as Jared calls them. We also dive into some deeper topics, and what I love is how honest Jaded is about some of the realities of van life and the dichotomy of the lifestyle. There is freedom in mobility, but not always freedom with space. Jared talks about initially dealing with the change in comfort, crossing the bridge of other people’s expectations, and confronting his relationship with Ash, as there is nowhere to go, shut a door, and have your own space. As Jared says, “Everyone has got compromises that they are dealing with.” And for Jared, the lack of a comfy couch to chill out on, or the ability to shut a door on an argument, is what he is willing to compromise for everything else the #vanlife has to offer. Jared talks about living in a world with no fences, being in the moment and learning to deal with issues as the arise, building a community all over the world, and connecting with people and nature. Jared is also one of the guys behind the hugely successful website vanlife.com.au and Van Life Diaries. Through his website, Jared organises gatherings in Australia and North America, for van lifers to connect in person and to welcome other people to the community to see what it is all about. I personally cannot wait to head along to one. For me, this episode isn’t simply about living in a van. It is about looking at how you live your life, and if the way you live your life enables you to love and connect with people—especially strangers. I hope you enjoy x www.liveimmediately.com.au