RV Queens - Sharing Real World Stories Of Life On The Road

In this engaging conversation, Charlie Grace interviews Sherry, also known as the Silver Mermaid, about her inspiring journey of solo RVing. Sherry shares her motivations for hitting the road, the importance of safety and confidence as a woman traveler, and her love for boondocking and connecting with nature. She offers valuable advice for women over 50 considering RV life, discusses essential items for living on the road, and highlights the significance of community and inspiration in her journey. The conversation wraps up with fun rapid-fire questions, showcasing Sherry's personality and passion for adventure.

Kate’s Final Solo Episode: A Farewell, A Reflection, A New Beginning

If you’ve been part of the RV Queens community for a while, you already know this podcast is more than just travel tips and interviews—it’s a celebration of women building wild, freedom-filled lives on the road.

And in today’s very special episode… we turn the mic one last time to host Kate White, as she records her final solo episode before passing the RV Queens torch. (Tissues not included. You’ve been warned 🤧)

Kate gets real about the journey behind the brand—how RV Queens started, what it gave her personally and professionally, and why her family made the bittersweet decision to settle back down in the city where it all began. She shares memories, milestones, and the lessons she’s taking with her into this next season of life.

👉 Whether you’ve followed since day one or you’re brand new here, this episode is a beautiful close to one chapter—and an exciting intro to the next.

In this episode, Kate reflects on:

• How RV Queens began as a way to spotlight other women on the road
• The behind-the-scenes story of building the community 
• What RV life taught her about family, rhythms, and creating your own version of “home”
• Her return to Nebraska—and what’s next for travel, business, and freedom
• Who’s taking over the RV Queens mic (hint: you probably already know and love her!)

This episode is heartfelt, hopeful, and full of gratitude. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to grow something from the ground up and then pass it on with confidence—you’ll love this conversation

.

💛 To every woman who listened, joined, cheered, or sent a kind DM over the past few years—THANK YOU! You’re seen and appreciated more than you know.

Mentioned in This Episode:
👉 Follow Kate’s family adventures at @midwesternersgonerogue
👉 Meet your new RV Queens host, Charlie Grace from Charlie Grace Adventures

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👑 Join the RV Queens Circles – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Tonja Lesmeister — and you’re in for a wild ride. 👻

If you thought owning a campground was adventurous enough, wait until you hear what Tonja discovered after moving into her 1920s farmhouse at Firefly Hills. (Hint: it involves ghost-hunting gear, a local Facebook group, and some uninvited houseguests.)

But the paranormal isn’t the only meaningful story she shares.

In this episode, Tonja also opens up about her nonprofit, Traveling with a Purpose — and how she organizes service-based trips to Jamaica that combine adventure with impact.

🔑 Key takeaways:

• The surprising discovery Tonja made about her farmhouse (yes, it’s haunted)

• Her journey into running a nonprofit and creating service-based travel experiences

• How she helps people ease into international travel — even if they’ve never left the U.S.

• Why she believes women can blend business, purpose, and adventure in powerful ways

🔗 Connect with Tonja:

• Website: ⁠www.fireflyhillskentucky.com⁠
• Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/fireflyhillskentucky⁠
• Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/fireflyhills/⁠

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at ⁠rvqueenspodcast.com⁠⁠/community⁠

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Planning your kids’ fall curriculum? ⁠Hoffman Academy⁠ is the leading online platform for kids to learn piano. It’s a complete music education that’s affordable and packed with fun for kids aged 5+!

Use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your Premium Membership today 🎹🎶

👉 ⁠Learn Piano Today⁠

⁠Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney⁠ is the best place to camp in southwest Colorado near 4 Corners and Mesa Verde. You’ll LOVE the mountain views, heated pool and 3 acre (!!!) dog park during your stay! 🐶

👉 ⁠Book Now

What happens when a full-time RVing family buys 38 acres to create the kind of campground they always wished existed?

In this episode, Kate sits down with Tonja Lesmeister — full-time RVer, campground owner, and founder of Firefly Hills — for a wildly inspiring conversation about RV life, land ownership, and designing spaces that actually work for full-time families.

Tonja shares her journey from hitting the road to homesteading in the Kentucky hills, how she built Firefly Hills to be intentionally inclusive and community-centered, and what the real process of buying and building out a campground looks like (spoiler: it’s not all sunshine and s’mores).

If you've ever dreamed of owning land, building something of your own, or just finding a better way to full-time RV, this is your sign.

🔑 Key takeaways:

• What it really takes (emotionally & financially) to buy land and build something meaningful
• Why most campgrounds aren’t designed for full-time RVers — and how Firefly Hills breaks the mold
• Tonja’s approach to building a “kids-first” campground community
• Her advice for other women who want to create something different
• Plus... a totally unexpected twist near the end involving 👻 the other residents of Firefly Hills

🔗 Connect with Tonja:

• Website: www.fireflyhillskentucky.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/fireflyhillskentucky
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/fireflyhills/

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

—

Support our Partners

Planning your kids’ fall curriculum? Hoffman Academy is the leading online platform for kids to learn piano. It’s a complete music education that’s affordable and packed with fun for kids aged 5+!

Use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your Premium Membership today 🎹🎶

👉 Learn Piano Today

Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney is the best place to camp in southwest Colorado near 4 Corners and Mesa Verde. You’ll LOVE the mountain views, heated pool and 3 acre (!!!) dog park during your stay! 🐶

👉 Book Now

Ever dreamed of taking your family to Hawaii… but felt totally overwhelmed by the logistics?

SAME, GIRL.

In this episode, RV Queens host Kate White is back behind the mic to share all the real talk from her family’s recent trip to the Big Island — their first time ever in Hawaii!

👉 This isn’t your typical “travel influencer” episode. No flight hacks or hotel reviews here. Instead, Kate spills the things she wished someone had told her before packing her bags — especially as a full-time RV mom planning a big, bucket-list vacation with kids in tow.

From Kona’s breathtaking (and wildly varied) terrain to time zone meltdowns and a surprising packing win, she dishes on the good, the stressful, and the laugh-out-loud moments that made this trip unforgettable.

Whether Hawaii is already on your radar or just became a new goal, this episode offers the nudge to stop dreaming and start planning — because this is exactly why we build freedom-filled businesses and choose adventure over convention. 🌺

Key Takeaways:

• How her family prepped for a 12+ hour travel day with kids
• What the time change really felt like — and how they finally adapted
• The BEST snorkel spot on Kona Island (plus one painful rookie mistake to avoid!)
• A packing strategy that saved everyone’s sanity
• The one cultural surprise that left the biggest impressionIf you’re ready to move your “someday” trip to the calendar, this one’s for you.

Mentioned in This Episode:

💳 Want to learn how to use credit card points to book your dream trip?

Don’t miss the previous episode with Alida from Ali Travel Points — a travel hacking queen who’s redeemed millions of points for unforgettable adventures!

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

—

Support our Partners

Planning your kids’ fall curriculum? Hoffman Academy is the leading online platform for kids to learn piano. It’s a complete music education that’s affordable and packed with fun for kids aged 5+!Use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your Premium Membership today 🎹🎶

👉 Learn Piano Today

Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney is the best place to camp in southwest Colorado near 4 Corners and Mesa Verde. You’ll LOVE the mountain views, heated pool and 3 acre (!!!) dog park during your stay! 🐶

👉 Book Now

What if you could fly to Europe, stay in 5-star hotels, and still have money left in your business bank account?

In this episode, Kate sits down with Alida, founder of Ali Travel Points and full-time mom of 3, who’s cracked the code on travel hacking—using credit card points to unlock luxury experiences for less. With 44 countries under her belt and nearly two decades of experience, Alida spills her secrets on ditching the debit card, building credit the smart way, and getting started even if you’re overwhelmed by all the options.

If you’re running a business on the road and love the idea of working smarter, not harder, you’re going to love this conversation.

🔑 Key takeaways:

• You don’t need to be rich to travel luxuriously

Alida has used points to take her family of 5 on trips around the world—including business class flights and five-star hotels—without breaking the bank.

• Points ≠ debt

With the right strategy, opening cards can actually boost your credit score. It’s all about understanding how credit really works.

• You’re already spending the money—why not earn from it?

Alida’s #1 advice: ditch the debit card. Use a strategic card (or two) and rack up points on the spending you’re doing anyway.

• There’s a system to this (and it’s easier than you think)

From free tools like CardPointers to full-service consulting, Alida helps clients simplify travel hacking and get results quickly.

🔗 Connect with Alida:

Website: alitravelpoints.com

Instagram: @alitravelpoints

📍Mentioned in this episode:

• CardPointers app (for tracking bonuses and categories)
• Chase Business Cards (Ink, Ink Cash, Ink Preferred) 
• Chase Personal Cards (Sapphire Preferred or Reserve)
• AliTravel Free Travel Resources

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

—

Support our Partners

Planning your kids’ fall curriculum? Hoffman Academy is the leading online platform for kids to learn piano. It’s a complete music education that’s affordable and packed with fun for kids aged 5+!

Use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your Premium Membership today 🎹🎶

👉 Learn Piano Today

Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney is the best place to camp in southwest Colorado near 4 Corners and Mesa Verde. You’ll LOVE the mountain views, heated pool and 3 acre (!!!) dog park during your stay! 🐶

👉 Book Now

In this exclusive RV Queens Circles training, Kate is joined by the team from Nomadic Influence—our new partner helping travel content creators and business owners pitch with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re brand new to pitching or ready to uplevel your existing sponsorships, this training walks you through exactly how to build a digital media kit using Pillar.io (yes, even if you’re not “techy”).

The best part? RV Queens Circles members now have access to Nomadic Influence’s premium Pillar media kits for free as part of their membership.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The #1 mistake most creators make when pitching (and what to do instead)
• What brands are really looking for in your media kit
• How to use storytelling, data, and design to stand out from the crowd
• A full walkthrough of the Pillar platform—and how it makes you look like a pro
• The top 3 things you need to include in every pitch
• Why confidence and connection are more important than follower count

✨ Meet the Team

Nomadic Influence is a team of industry pros who’ve worked behind the scenes at brands, agencies, and on major creator campaigns. They know how to help you pitch smarter—not harder.

This event was hosted live for RV Queens Circles members. Want access to future events like this one? Come join us inside the Circles and get instant access to coaching, tools, and resources to grow your travel-based brand or business.

🎥 Watch the replay on YouTube or Spotify to see the screen share demo of Pillar in action.

🔗 Connect with Nomadic Influence:

• Website: https://www.nomadicinfluence.com/
• Instagram: @nomadic.influence
• Creator Sign Up (FREE!): https://www.nomadicinfluence.com/creator

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

—

Support our Partners

Planning your kids’ fall curriculum? Hoffman Academy is the leading online platform for kids to learn piano. It’s a complete music education that’s affordable and packed with fun for kids aged 5+!

Use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your Premium Membership today 🎹🎶

👉 Learn Piano Today

Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney is the best place to camp in southwest Colorado near 4 Corners and Mesa Verde. You’ll LOVE the mountain views, heated pool and 3 acre (!!!) dog park during your stay! 🐶

👉 Book Now

Wondering if it’s possible to juggle a 9–5, a side business, and RV travel without losing your mind? 😅

Meet Michelle Coleman—a full-time educator, part-time RVer, travel content creator, group travel host, and now... RV designer! 

In this episode, Michelle and I talk about how she and her husband Brian became anytimers (aka: not full-timers, but on the road every chance they get), how their brand Cruisin' with the Colemans was born, and how a simple rig tour turned into a partnership with Coachmen to co-design a brand new travel trailer. 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How Michelle’s expertise in public speaking became a superpower in pitching and partnerships
• Her behind-the-scenes systems to stay organized as a full-time teacher and travel creator
• The design process of their new RV model with Coachmen (and why she had to advocate for a leg-shaving shelf in the shower 🤣)
• How she and Brian split tasks between short-form and long-form content
• Why leading intentional group travel experiences has become one of the most meaningful parts of her business
• PLUS Michelle opens up about how the RV Queens Circles community helped her ditch imposter syndrome and feel connected as a part-time traveler

This episode is a reminder that you don’t need to wait until you retire to start living your dream. You can build a brand, lead adventures, and work with your favorite companies right now.

🔗 Connect with Michelle Online:

→ Follow Michelle on Instagram: @cruisinwiththecolemans

→ Follow Michelle on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CruisinwiththeColemans

→ Learn more about their group travel: cruisinwiththecolemans.com

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

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Support our Partners

Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney is the best place to camp in southwest Colorado near 4 Corners and Mesa Verde. You’ll LOVE the mountain views, heated pool and 3 acre (!!!) dog park during your stay! 🐶

👉 Book Now

This episode is a behind-the-scenes replay of a live online event hosted inside the RV Queens Circles community—and trust us, it’s packed with real talk and refreshing insights for women building businesses on the road.

Our featured guest is Patti Hunt, host of the RV Life Podcast and a deeply respected voice within the RV industry. Patti’s experience spans the worlds of entrepreneurship, podcasting, brand partnerships, and working closely with top RV companies and campground owners. She’s not just well-connected—she’s well-loved in this space for her honesty, warmth, and straight-talking advice.

In this conversation, Patti shares what she’s learned about building confidence, making powerful pitches, and—most importantly—creating genuine relationships that open doors (without feeling like you're selling your soul).

Whether you’re trying to land brand deals, grow a podcast, or just get better at outreach and networking, this episode will encourage you to let go of the pressure and focus on what really works: connection over perfection.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why relationship-building matters more than the perfect pitch
• How to pitch without the ick—even if you’re nervous or new to sales
• Patti’s favorite mindset shift for letting go of pressure and showing up with confidence
• Real stories from the RV world (including the wild things she's seen at campgrounds!)
• Advice for women navigating male-dominated industries

🔗 Connect with Patti Online:

• Connect with Patti on Instagram @rvlifepodcast
• Explore the RV Life Podcast: RV Life Podcast Website

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

—

Support our Partners

Cortez RV Resort by Rjourney is the best place to camp in southwest Colorado near 4 Corners and Mesa Verde. You’ll LOVE the mountain views, heated pool and 3 acre (!!!) dog park during your stay! 🐶

👉 Book Now

Thinking about buying an RV or going full-time? You NEED this episode in your life.

Kate sits down with RV consultant and podcast host Cathy Conrad, who turned years of research (and a background in construction management!) into a business helping aspiring RVers avoid expensive mistakes. From water damage horror stories to the dangers of buying based on emotion instead of facts, Cathy shares the tips she wishes more people knew before they hit the road.

If you’re dreaming about RV life but don’t know where to start—or you’re already living it and worried about protecting your investment—this episode is packed with smart, practical advice from someone who’s been there, researched that, and helps others every day.

Key takeaways: 

🔧 Buying an RV is not like buying a car

• Most people don’t realize RVs aren’t built by electricians or plumbers—so if you don’t inspect it (even brand new), you're rolling the dice.

📋 Avoid the #1 mistake: buying the wrong rig

• Buying a setup that doesn’t fit your travel style = wasted money, fast. Cathy breaks down how to get it right the first time.

🧯 Safety first, always

• From blowouts to fishtails, Cathy explains the towing safety tips most people learn too late (yes, trailer brakes are a thing).

📸 She's got receipts

• Cathy shares hilarious and cringey real-life stories from RV parks—and why she’s quietly snapping pics of what not to do.

🔗 Connect with Cathy Online:

• • Website, Podcast, Social Accounts can be found at https://linktr.ee/rvadvisors

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👑 Join the RV Queens Community – Get 20% off your membership for life with code PODCAST at rvqueenspodcast.com/community

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Support our Partners

Coconut Cove RV Resort by Rjourney is THE place to camp in Wisconsin for water-loving families. Situated on a beautiful 13-acre lake, you’ll enjoy family-friendly amenities including an Aquapark, boat rentals, sandy beaches and even tiki bars! 🚌

👉 Book Now