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

OPEN JUNE 3-7 2024: Join the community of RV women who are THRIVING in life and business! 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

In celebration of NEW MEMBER WEEK, this week’s episode is an exposé of the genesis and evolution the RV Queens Podcast and online community ✨

Enjoy!

Summary 

Hosted by Grant and Nicole of the Hot Spark Show, Kate White shares her journey from a career in user experience design to becoming a homeschooling mom and RV traveler. She discusses the inspiration behind the RV Queens podcast and the online community she created to connect and support women living the RV life. Kate also talks about the challenges and learning experiences of building a community and monetizing content. The conversation delves into the entrepreneurial journey of RV and travel creators, highlighting the accidental entrepreneurs and their approach to content creation and business.

In this episode you’ll learn:

➕ How ‘RV Queens’ was formed

➕ The unique approach to online community within RV Queens Circles

➕ Behind-the-scenes challenges of building a “community led community”

➕ How Kate stumbled upon podcast monetization early on

➕ The “accidental entrepreneurs” of RV life and their approach to content creation

➕ And much more!

Shout out to Nicole and Grant for this week’s show!

Listen to the Hot Spark show every Thursday at 12p EST https://hotsparkshow.com/

JUNE 3-7 2024: Join the community of RV women who are THRIVING in life and business! 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

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Connect with our Partners ✨

Unique Camping + Marine is THE go-to spot for RV tank treatments. (My favorite is the 2-in-1 cleaner called FLUSH IT ;) This company is family-owned and has CRAZY FAST fulfillment!

Head to UniqueCampingMarine.com and use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your order.

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Is blogging still relevant in 2024? 🤔⌨️

This RV Queen reveals the answer to this question PLUS shares how she makes a living from her content (and how YOU can too)!

Janae McCormick is a full-time blogger, content creator, and social media manager. Alongside her husband, Tucker, she has turned the world into her playground! Having lived and traveled in an RV for over four years, she has trekked through 22 US national parks, ventured across 28 states, and explored the natural beauty of 12 countries. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been when she witnessed Iceland's shimmering Northern Lights, explored the rugged terrains of Southern Utah, and traveled across Ireland for almost two months.

Summary 

In this episode, Janae shares her experience of transitioning to full-time RV life and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the importance of boondocking and the benefits of living off-grid. Janae also talks about her international travels and highlights some of the most magical experiences she’s had to date. She then delves into the topic of monetizing a blog, explaining the different ways to make money from blogging, such as ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and brand deals. Janae emphasizes the relevance of blogging in 2024 and the value of building a community through social media. She provides insights into working with brands and finding topics and keywords for blog posts. In this conversation, Janae shares her expertise on SEO and Pinterest strategy for content creators. She emphasizes the importance of investing in SEO and how it has helped her grow her blog. Janae explains that Pinterest is a visual search engine and highlights the differences between Pinterest and other social media platforms. She provides insights on scheduling pins, optimizing Pinterest posts, and using AI as a tool in content creation. Janae also recommends some travel bloggers to follow and shares her favorite thought leaders in the industry.

In this episode you’ll learn:

➕ Why blogging is still relevant in 2024

➕ The different ways to monetize a blog

➕ SEO and keyword tools and tactics 

➕ Why (and how) she uses Pinterest over other social platforms

➕ How to use AI in content creation

➕ The most magical places she’s traveled internationally

➕ How she stumbled into being a boondocks

Connect with Janae and follow her adventures around the inter webs:
www.adventureswithtucknae.com

IG: instagram.com/adventures_with_tucknae

Pinterest: pinterest.com/adventureswithtucknae

Facebook: facebook.com/adventureswithtucknae

Youtube: youtube.com/c/adventureswithtucknae

Check out the SEO course that changed Janae’s blogging game: SEO Roadmap https://tucknae--ninaclapperton.thrivecart.com/seo-roadmap/

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Connect with our Partners ✨

Unique Camping + Marine is THE go-to spot for RV tank treatments. (My favorite is the 2-in-1 cleaner called FLUSH IT ;) This company is family-owned and has CRAZY FAST fulfillment!

Head to UniqueCampingMarine.com and use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your order.

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Looking for community with other RV women who are THRIVING in life and business? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles! https://www.rvqueenspodcast.com/community

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✌️Two things will unite people quickly: comedy and travel. 

This RV Queen is a master of both!

Charlie Grace is the founder of Van Life Travel and has been crowned as the RV Camper Van Queen. As an over 50 solo van life traveler with a dog, she has shared her story with a twist of comedy to becoming an empty nester and downsizing on her YouTube channel to inspiring others to find their joy on RV wheels. With the creation of Van Life Travel, her goal is to assist others on their journey to finding their perfect Class B RV camper van, giving how-to and travel guides for van lifers and getting them connected with the van life community.

Summary 

In this episode, Charlie Grace shares her journey into van life and the balance she maintains between her work, travel, and family life. She started van life after realizing her family wasn't interested in RV trips, and now enjoys the freedom and flexibility it offers. Charlie emphasizes the importance of finding your community in the van life world and provides advice for “van-curious” individuals, including considerations for daily life and safety. Charlie's organized approach to planning includes a four-year calendar to map out her travel goals. Charlie Grace shares her love for small towns and unique attractions, such as Casey, Illinois, home to the world's largest rocking chair and other oversized objects. She also recommends visiting the Great Lakes for their beautiful beaches and undeveloped land. Charlie emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design in the RV industry, particularly the need for more women designers. She announces her upcoming themed virtual event, VanLife.travel, and the VanLife.travel Virtual Summit for female van lifers. Charlie reflects on how her curiosity and love for people have remained constant throughout her RV journey.

In this episode you’ll learn:

➕ How Charlie loves owning a van over other RVs

➕ Her 4-year (😱) travel planning approach

➕ Why she doesn’t often discuss her Hollywood-infused career

➕ How to balance life across full-time work, travel and family

➕ Charlie’s favorite quirky travel destinations in the U.S.

➕ How the RV industry could benefit from more female design input

➕ Why finding community is especially important in the van life world

➕ Upcoming Van Life events for female travelers

➕ And much more!

Connect with Charlie Grace and her dog, Rosie Bell, around the inter webs:

Vanlife

https://www.vanlife.travel

https://www.instagram.com/vanlifetraveltoday/

Travel with a Twist of Comedy

https://www.CharlieGraceAdventures.com 

https://www.instagram.com/CharlieGraceAdventures

https://www.YouTube.com/CharlieGraceAdventure

https://www.TikTok.com/@CharlieGraceAdventures

Rosie Bell Dog

https://www.instagram.com/rosiebelledog/

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Connect with our Partners ✨

Unique Camping + Marine is THE go-to spot for RV tank treatments. (My favorite is the 2-in-1 cleaner called FLUSH IT ;) This company is family-owned and has CRAZY FAST fulfillment!

Head to UniqueCampingMarine.com and use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your order.

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Looking for community with other RV women who are THRIVING in life and business? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

Would YOU leave a professional career in theater in New York City to boondock in the woods and travel full-time with your family?

👉 THIS RV Queen did!

Kate O'Phalen is a blogger and content creator at O'Phalen Adventures, where she inspires families to push their limits and adventure together on any budget. She has written two e-books about RVing in Alaska and Boondocking 101, and she loves partnering with underrated destinations to showcase what makes a place amazing. Kate and her family of five have been traveling fulltime for four years, first in airbnbs and then in their renovated 2007 Keystone Raptor. As an ex-New Yorker, she loves sharing how even "city people" can learn to tow giant rigs and live off-grid.

Summary 

In this week’s episode Kate O'Phalen shares her journey from being a professional actor in New York City to becoming a full-time RV traveler alongside her husband and 3 kids. The O’Phalens left the city during the madness of 2020 and rented Airbnbs for the summer, which eventually led them to the idea of full-time travel. They bought a 2007 Keystone Raptor RV and renovated it themselves! 

Kate talks about the challenges and surprises they encountered during the renovation process, as well as the importance of social media in finding inspiration and connecting with other families on the road. Kate shares her love of travel planning and living a balanced life as a travel mom and content creator. She discusses the benefits of boondocking and how it simplifies travel planning. Kate also offers insights into traveling to Alaska with kids and provides advice for integrating personal life and business.

In this episode you’ll learn:

➕ Why (and how) she left a career in New York theatre to travel full-time

➕ How the O’Phalens transitioned from AirBNB travel to RV living

➕ The surprises and lessons learned during their RV renovation

➕ Her unique approach to finding off-the-beaten-path travel destinations

➕ How to travel to Alaska with kids in tow (!!!)

➕ Why boondocking simplifies travel planning and allows for more flexibility

➕ And much more!

Connect with Kate and learn from her family’s adventures around the inter webs:

Instagram - @kateophalen

RV Renovation Ideas (Blog post)

Alaska RV Trip (Blog Post)

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Boondocking (Blog Post)

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Connect with our Partners ✨

Unique Camping + Marine is THE go-to spot for RV tank treatments. (My favorite is the 2-in-1 cleaner called FLUSH IT) This company is family-owned and has CRAZY FAST fulfillment!

Head to UniqueCampingMarine.com and use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your order.

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Looking for community with other RV women who are THRIVING in life and business? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

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Are you ready to be infused with positivity AND learn how to make money in UGC? 🤩

Ryane Smith is a full-time RVer and mom of two known for spreading good vibes, smiles and inspiration wherever she roams! With a background in mindfulness and yogic practices, Ryane has been lifting spirits in yoga studios, corporate offices, and workshops for many years. She extends these practices to her family and community, living intentionally with purpose and kindness at the forefront. Working remotely via social media, these practices shine in all she does. ✨✌🏼 And when it comes to her love for cows, well, let's just say she's utterly moo-ved! 🐮😂✨

Summary 

In this conversation, Ryane Smith and Kate White discuss various topics including RV life (including water birth in an RV 😱) and her journey as a content creator focusing on user-generated content (UGC). Ryane shares how UGC differs from other types of content creation as well as how she generates consistent income. She emphasizes the importance of relatability and authenticity in UGC and how it allows for more freedom and creativity than traditional influencer partnerships. Ryane discusses the mistakes she made at the beginning, such as giving away too much for free and undercharging. She also talks about how she finds brands to partner with, which includes pitching and creating customized media kits and proposals. She advises new UGC creators to align their social feeds, be themselves, and start taking photos of the products they already use. Ryane also shares tips on equipment, pricing, and the importance of building relationships in the UGC industry.

In this episode you’ll learn:

➕ Why Ryane and her young family started living full-time in an RV

➕ How she pivoted her career and got started in content creation

➕ Why UGC allows for more freedom than traditional influencer partnerships

➕ The equipment needed to start a UGC business

➕ What to charge when starting out in UGC

➕ The importance of curating your own social feed and staying positive

➕ And much more!

Connect with Ryane and follow her family’s adventures around the inter webs:

Instagram @Roamingwiththesmiths

TikTok @Roamingwiththesmiths

YouTube @Roamingwiththesmiths

Facebook @RyaneSmith

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Connect with our Partners ✨

My RV Resource is the online directory that connects RVers with RV service providers. My RV Resource is a women-owned business and RVers can search for FREE! 

Head to MyRVresource.com to find your RV help today. 

Unique Camping + Marine is THE go-to spot for RV tank treatments. (My favorite is the 2-in-1 cleaner called FLUSH IT ;) This company is family-owned and has CRAZY FAST fulfillment!

Head to UniqueCampingMarine.com and use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your order.

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Looking for community with other RV women who are THRIVING in life and business? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

She’s not a full-time RVer (yet?🤩) but boy howdy, she has taught countless creators how to MAKE MONEY on the road! 👇

Nina Zadeh is the Co-Founder of Sidewalker Daily, an influential consulting agency. With a focus on both brands and creators, the agency has executed campaigns for notable companies like Jetsetter and the Costa Rica Tourism Board. Nina's guidance has led influencers to partnerships with major brands such as Samsung and Amazon. Her expertise has earned her features in renowned media outlets including CNN and BBC. She holds an MBA in Marketing and a B.A. in Economics and Communications.

Summary 

Sit in on this special guest recording that includes Q&A with RV Queens community members! 

In this conversation, Kate interviews Nina about her experience in the influencer space (AND her recent RV experience! 🚌) They discuss the importance of adapting to change, building a strong portfolio, and the value of niching down. Nina shares her insights on pitching to brands and the common mistakes content creators make, as well as which platforms  creators should focus on. She also discusses how to scale a creator business and building a team! Lastly, Nina addresses the issue of trade partnerships and encourages creators to ask for payment from the start.

In this episode you’ll learn:

➕ The keys to success in the influencer space.

➕ How content creators can attract brand partnerships.

➕ The 3 elements of pitching to brands successfully

➕ The importance of self-worth as a creator

➕ Which 2 platforms to focus on when you’re starting out

➕ How to integrate your life and business into content

➕ How to SCALE a creator business

➕ And much more!

👉 Get Nina’s FREE TRAINING*: How To Land Paid Brand Deals

👉 Sign up for the Sidewalker Daily Master Class!* Pitching To Brands Mastercourse 

👉 Get your media kit designed for you by the experts! Submit Design a Studio Inquiry Here 

Connect with Nina and the Sidewalker Daily team around the inter webs:

https://sidewalkerdaily.com

https://www.instagram.com/sidewalkerdaily/

https://www.youtube.com/@SidewalkerDaily

https://www.tiktok.com/@sidewalkerdaily

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Connect with our Partners ✨

My RV Resource is the online directory that connects RVers with RV service providers. My RV Resource is a women-owned business and RVers can search for FREE! 

Head to MyRVresource.com to find your RV help today. 

Unique Camping + Marine is THE go-to spot for RV tank treatments. (My favorite is the 2-in-1 cleaner called FLUSH IT ;) This company is family-owned and has CRAZY FAST fulfillment!

Head to UniqueCampingMarine.com and use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your order.

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The members of RV Queens Circles were able to sit on the LIVE recording of this episode and participate in the Q&A with Nina at the end.

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*Affiliate - Using this link supports RV Queens podcast! 🤗

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We’re going retro/vintage/throwback and bringing in the 2nd year of the RV Queens podcast with everyone’s favorite bus lifer and RV Queen, sweet Jenn Bethune! 👑

Jenn is a leading advocate for mental well-being and happiness. She is the founder of Being Bethunes and a mother of 3. With over 700k supporters and friends on her social media outlets and viewed over 150 million times online, Jenn is well-loved for her extensive knowledge in the field of mental well-being and has helped countless individuals across the nation find joy during challenging times.

Summary 

In this let-your-hair-down “Picnic Table Session,” Kate and Jenn discuss various aspects of RV life, personal growth, and building a supportive community. They touch on topics such as taking time for oneself, finding space in relationships, writing a book, and managing family dynamics. They also discuss the realities of RV life, the importance of positive self-talk, and the impact of online communities. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of RV living and offers insights and advice for those interested in pursuing a similar lifestyle.

Takeaways include:

➕ Taking time for oneself is important in maintaining a healthy relationship and personal growth.

➕ Building a supportive community is essential for personal and professional development.

➕ How to balancing personal interests and family time.

➕ RV life offers unique challenges and rewards, and it is important to be prepared for both.

➕ The inspiration behind her NEW BOOK!

Connect with Jenn and follow her adventures on Instagram @beingbethunes or connect with them on their website at beingbethunes.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Fulltime Families

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 

Teeccino

Llama Llama Adventure

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Connect with our Partners ✨

My RV Resource is the online directory that connects RVers with RV service providers. My RV Resource is a women-owned business and RVers can search for FREE! 

Head to MyRVresource.com to find your RV help today. 

Unique Camping + Marine is THE go-to spot for RV tank treatments. (My favorite is the 2-in-1 cleaner called FLUSH IT ;) This company is family-owned and has CRAZY FAST fulfillment!

Head to UniqueCampingMarine.com and use code RVQUEENS for 15% off your order.

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Looking for community with other RV women who are THRIVING in life and business? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

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It’s the end of season 4 and it’s TOTAL CHAOS around here! 😱

In this week’s episode Kate records her first solo episode and discusses the experience of living with 100 full-time RV families for 4 weeks during a Fulltime Families rally. She shares the lessons learned during a month of familial chaos as well as insights on how to navigate and THRIVE in chaotic seasons of life!

This conversation with Kate covers:

🍂 Acknowledging and embracing a season of chaos 

😱 What it’s like to spend a month with 100+ Fulltime Families

🛏️ Why making your bed is (metaphorically) important

😰 What to prioritize when you are stressed

🔬 What to focus on when you’re in chaos mode

➕ And much more!

Connect with Kate on Instagram @rvqueenspodcast and follow her family’s adventures at @midwesternersgonerogue!

Mentioned in this episode:

Fulltime Families RV Membership - https://www.fulltimefamilies.com/

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Connect with our Partners ✨

My RV Resource is the online directory that connects RVers with RV service providers. My RV Resource is a women-owned business and RVers can search for FREE! 

Head to MyRVresource.com to find your RV help today. 

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Looking for community with other RV women? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

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Looking for an Alaska guru? 🏔️ This RV Queen is your gal!

Kim Ryals was drawn to Alaska for years before she finally moved there over a decade ago. She took an Executive Director position with Copper River Seafood in Cordova, a bush community only accessible by plane or boat. Between this role and a later one with a trails organization with a 25,000 square mile territory, she was fortunate to experience the state in ways many others have not.

Recently, Kim decided to "come out" (Alaska speak) during winter. She spends fall, winter, and spring in British Columbia and America's Pacific Northwest. At the end of spring, she makes the road trip north to Alaska to operate a tourism business she started. When the summer ends, she returns south to the lower 48 once more, and the annual cycle continues. 

After taking many passengers to and from Alaska, as well as leading other RVing friends, she now offers this opportunity to other adventurous travelers seeking community, safety, and fun. She’s excited to share the road - as well as my favorite stops on the way and places she loves in AK - with like-minded people. Join her on the road to Alaska and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

This conversation with Kim covers:

🌳 Kim’s years living in a remote bush community in Alaska

🌤️ Summer vs. Winter in Alaska

🚌 The freedom of her “intentionally unhoused” life in an RV

⏰ Best time to go to Alaska

🏔️ The logistics of the 10-day caravan to Alaska

➕ And much more!

Connect with Kim on Instagram at @runalaskatrails and @caravantoalaska, and Caravan to Alaska with Kim at www.caravantoalaska.com

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Connect with our Partners ✨

My RV Resource is the online directory that connects RVers with RV service providers. My RV Resource is a women-owned business and RVers can search for FREE! 

Head to MyRVresource.com to find your RV help today. 

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Looking for community with other RV women? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

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Connect with Kate (host) and her family on instagram 🤗 @midwesternersgonerogue 

This episode will save you 🤑 THOUSANDS 🤑 in RV repairs!

Lisa Carletti, the first female Master Certified RV Inspector in the U.S., worked in healthcare as a surgical tech for 26 years until she started her own RV inspection business in 2017.

Today, Lisa and her husband, Jason, are both Master Certified RV Inspectors who saw a need for a resource to help their RV inspection customers find other reputable RV service providers across the United States. 

The Carletti’s were full time RVers for 6 years and recently bought a house in central Florida so they can focus on their mission of connecting RV enthusiasts with RV service providers and product suppliers. They continually collaborate with other RV entrepreneurs to ensure an unmatched experience for RV enthusiasts and RV service providers alike!

This conversation with Lisa covers:

🕵🏼 Why she left her career in healthcare to become an RV inspector

❗️The importance of RV inspections 

👍 MUST-HEAR tips for buying both pre-owned and new RVs

✅ What credentials to look for when hiring an RV inspector

🚌 Which RV the Carletti’s will buy next!

➕ And much more!

Connect with Lisa’s business online at:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MyRVResource/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/myrvresource/ 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-rv-resource/

Find your next RV professional (across 16 categories!) at www.myrvresource.com

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Connect with our Partners ✨

My RV Resource is the online directory that connects RVers with RV service providers. My RV Resource is a women-owned business and RVers can search for FREE! 

Head to MyRVresource.com to find your RV help today. 

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Looking for community with other RV women? 👉 Join the RV Queens Circles!

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Connect with Kate (host) and her family on instagram 🤗 @midwesternersgonerogue