In this episode, Ethan Wayne shares how vanlife, his dog Finn, and a deep sense of purpose shape his travel lifestyle. He reflects on growing up on Western film sets, how his father's legacy inspired the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, and why RVing offers both freedom and connection. Ethan also discusses his shift from acting and stunt work to leading meaningful cancer research initiatives and how life on the road helps him stay grounded.

Episode Guest

Ethan Wayne is the president of John Wayne Enterprises and Director of John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

John Wayne Enterprises’ mission is to preserve and protect the name, image, and likeness of John Wayne by associating the John Wayne brand with quality and timeless products and experiences that embody the spirit of John Wayne and give back to the community.

The mission of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation is to lead the fight against cancer with courage, strength, and grit. John Wayne Cancer Foundation funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients' outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness, and support.

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠John Wayne Website⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ethan Wayne's Instagram

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- John Wayne Grit Series Runs

- Traveling with Finn

- ⁠GXV Hilt by Storyteller Overland

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

https://weretherussos.com/ethan-wayne-vanlife-john-wayne-legacy/

In this episode, Andy Mullins from Wayfarer Vans, shares how simplicity, modular design, and intentional choices are redefining camper van life. He talks about his journey from tent camping to building a teardrop trailer, how those experiences shaped his passion for minimalist RVing, and Wayfarer Vans’ ethos of creating simple, high-quality, modular camper van conversions.

Episode Guest

Andy Mullins is Chief Storyteller at Wayfarer Vans, a direct-to-consumer company that builds simple, high quality, modular camper van conversions. He’s behind the voice and vision that’s driving not just a growing business, but a passionate community of road travelers and outdoor lovers. With a background in editorial and mission-driven marketing, Andy crafts content that connects, inspires, and drives real relationships between brand and audience.

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wayfarer Vans Website

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wayfarer Vans YouTube⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wayfarer Vans ⁠Instagram⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wayfarer Vans Facebook⁠

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- Build Your Wayfarer Vans

- How to Insure Your Wayfarer Vans

- Wayfarer Vans Fans Facebook Group

- Van Tour: Wilford by Wayfarer Vans

- What It's Like Traveling in a Wayfarer Vans

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

https://weretherussos.com/wayfarer-vans-simple-modular-camper-vans/

In this episode, April and Ken Pishna of Living a Stout Life share their journey from a conventional life in Denver, Colorado to the freedom of full time RV living. They open up about the highs and lows of life on the road, the power of community, and how their passion for connection led them to create Camp Carpe Diem, an inclusive RV gathering for adults designed to bring like-minded travelers together.

Episode Guests

Ken and April Pishna from Living a Stout Life, a craft beer travel and adventure community project, teamed up with Debra and Barry Benton from The Virtual Campground, a community for travelers, to create Camp Carpe Diem (CCD). Both couples have been living, traveling, and working on the road for over six years and quickly realized that community was the best part of traveling. CCD is now in its 5th year and brings adult travelers of all ages together in beautiful places all across the country for a long weekend of fun and adventures. Find your playful side with them! Find your community!

• ⁠⁠⁠Camp Carpe Diem Website⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Camp Carpe Diem Instagram

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Living a Stout Life Website⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Living a Stout Life Instagram

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Camp Carpe Diem Website

- Living a Stout Life Website

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

⁠https://weretherussos.com/rv-gatherings-for-adults-camp-carpe-diem/

In this episode, Bob Gauthier (a.k.a. Sticker Bob) of Kokua Promotions shares his unique journey into solo RVing, which began as a spontaneous decision to tour coffee shops across the country. Over eight years later, he reflects on the joys and challenges of solo rv life and shares practical tips for navigating life and running a business on the road.

Episode Guest

Bob is a Paniolo Cowboy and Vanlifer when not on an island. His business is in the promo product space and Kokua means "Aloha in Action" and "To be In Service to Others". Bob enjoys riding horses, paddling canoes, workouting, biking/hiking and all things outdoors. His motto is "kindness always wins."

• ⁠⁠Kokua Promotions Website⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bob Gauthier's Instagram⁠

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kokua Promotions

- Circle M Ranch

- Garmin inReach

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

https://weretherussos.com/solo-rv-life-bob-gauthier-kokua-promotions/

In this episode, Ari and Jessi from Trekers share their journey from tent camping to RV life. They discuss transitioning from a Class B camper van to a 30-foot travel trailer, the pros and cons of towing vs. van life, and the realities of long-term RV travel. From park hosting to balancing remote work and travel, their insights offer valuable tips for anyone considering life on the road.

Episode Guests

Ari and Jessi Adler define themselves as "most-timers" when it comes to RVing. While they still have a home base in Michigan, they are on the road 9 to 10 months out of each year in their RV. Ari and Jessi travel in a 2022 30-foot Airstream Flying Cloud Office model towed by a 1-ton Chevrolet van. The van has been set up as a weekend getaway vehicle, allowing the Adlers to camp in places where they can't or don't want to take their Airstream.

Jessi has a full-time remote job with a public relations agency while Ari takes on freelance writing and editing projects in addition to serving as a campground and park host. They also operate a website and YouTube channel to share their hiking and camping adventures.

• ⁠Treker's Website

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Treker's YouTube Channel

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Treker's Instagram

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Treker's Youtube Channel

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

https://weretherussos.com/class-b-rv-to-travel-trailer-trekers/

In this episode, we sit down with Rich and Zoe from Defiance Tools to hear how they went from buying an RV for business to workcamping in Yellowstone. They share insights on choosing the right RV, running a remote business, and adapting to seasonal work in a national park. From managing limited connectivity to scooping ice cream in Yellowstone, their journey is full of adventure, challenges, and surprises!

If you’ve ever dreamed of workcamping in a national park or want practical tips on integrating RVing into your business, this episode is for you!

Episode Guests

Zoe and Rich started Defiance Tools to break away from the norm and to forge their own path.

They believe in working hard while having fun doing it. They began their business as an online store but quickly learned they could also travel the country selling their product and exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of the United States. 

Their gear is small, compact, unique, and is perfect for vanlifers, overlanders, RV'ers, and anyone enjoying life in a small space. 

Through their journey with Defiance Tools, Zoe and Rich not only sell products but also share their passion for adventure, encouraging a community of like-minded individuals to live more freely and explore more boldly.

• Defiance Tools

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Defiance Tools Instagram

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Defiance Tools Facebook

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- ⁠⁠Defiance Tools⁠

- Rich and Zoe's Yellowstone Adventure

- Delaware North Workcamping Jobs

- Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

https://weretherussos.com/workcamping-yellowstone-defiance-tools/

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Rubin from DogandaJeep—a passionate road tripper who turned his dream of exploring Alaska with his Alaskan Malamute, Odin, into a reality. Adam shares how his love for snow, adventure, and the open road inspired him to move from Detroit to Fairbanks, where he’s been living and exploring for the past few years.

With the perspective of a seasoned traveler and winter camping expert, Adam offers practical advice on driving through Alaska in all seasons, camping in subzero temperatures, and traveling with pets. From unforgettable journeys up the Dalton Highway to tips for staying comfortable in extreme conditions, Adam’s story is both inspiring and packed with insights for anyone planning their own Alaskan adventure.

Episode Guest

Adam Rubin is the Creative Director for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. After spending 10 years working for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA, he decided to make the leap and move to Alaska to camp and explore the Arctic region of North America. With his 10-year-old Alaskan Malamute, Odin, by his side, he drives an average of 30,000 miles a year, often embarking on 10+ day, 6,000-mile road trips throughout the North and the Pacific Northwest. When not working for UAF, he uses Instagram and YouTube as creative outlets to share his journeys with friends and family, showcasing the raw beauty of Alaska year-round.

• ⁠Instagram

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- ⁠Alaska Overland Adventures

- Alaska Overlander 4x4 Camping Rentals

- Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator

- Thermacell Mosquito Repellant

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

https://weretherussos.com/exploring-alaska-adam-rubin-dogandajeep/

In this episode, we chat with Melanie Garrido from Four Wheel Campers—a true adventurer whose journey from childhood camping trips to working for one of the most iconic pop-up truck camper brands is both inspiring and relatable. Melanie shares how her love for the outdoors and passion for adventure led her to discover Four Wheel Campers, embark on two years of full-time travel in her own camper, and ultimately join the company’s sales and marketing team. 

With the unique perspective of an owner-turned-employee, Melanie offers invaluable tips and insights into choosing the right camper, maximizing its features, and embracing the unexpected joys of RVing. From unforgettable road trips to customizing her trusty 2017 Hawk rollover couch camper, Melanie’s story is a must-listen for adventurers and RV enthusiasts.

Episode Guest

In 2018, Melanie sold everything she had to travel the country in a Four Wheel Camper, then by the weird way of the world, now works for Four Wheel Campers. For as long as she can remember, all roads have led to making time for outdoor adventures. From camping as a baby to backpacking with the Boy Scouts to working in the bicycle industry and now with FWC, she gets to help others achieve their adventure dreams.

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- Four Wheel Campers

- Melanie's Instagram

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Videos: Truck Camper Life⁠

- Our Hawk Flatbed Build Specs

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a coaching session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode. 

Leave a review.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Website

https://weretherussos.com/melanie-garrido-four-wheel-campers-pop-up-truck-campers/

In this episode, we welcome back industry expert Rick Kessler to discuss 2025 RV trends. Rick shares insights from the annual Elkhart RV Open House, market dynamics affecting dealers and consumers, and innovative designs emerging in RVs. Our discussion also touches on the classification of RVs, and highlights the 2025 RV of the Year, the Brinkley Model I, along with other standout models from this year’s top 10 list.

Episode Guest

Rick Kessler has been with G&G Media, publishers of RVBusiness and Woodall's Campground Magazines, for nearly a decade. In February 2022, he and business partner Scott Stropkai became owners of the small publishing firm headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana. Previously, Rick spent 20-plus years in the newspaper industry.

- ⁠RVBusiness.com⁠

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- ⁠2025 RV of the Year RV Business Magazine (Digital Edition)⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠We're the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠Newsletter sign up⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠Book 1: Take Risks⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠Book 2: Tales From the Open Road⁠⁠

Book a 60 Minute Call with Joe

Are you buying your first RV or have questions about RVing? Let’s see if booking a 60 minute session with Joe is the right fit for you. ⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠

Support the Podcast

Download, subscribe, and share this episode with the RVer in your life.

Leave a review.

⁠⁠Become a Patron⁠⁠

Episode Website

⁠https://weretherussos.com/2025-rv-trends/

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Hudak, co-founder of Escapod, the company behind the Topo 2 off-road teardrop trailer. Chris shares how he and his wife Jen started building campers in their garage and grew Escapod into a brand known for rugged, go-anywhere teardrop trailers. We dig into the design behind the Topo 2, what sets it apart in the overlanding world, and why durability and comfort are non-negotiables for them.

Episode Guest

Chris Hudak founded Escapod with his wife, Jen, in June 2016. The Escapod mission exemplifies his beliefs that enjoying the outdoors can be comfortable and limitless. The Escapod journey started with a crazy idea, a beer or two, and a sketch drawn on a napkin. Chris and Jen were always traveling and adventuring — their summertime passion was to jump in the car after the work-week and hit the road in search of the best mountain biking within a 12-hour drive. When they got sick of packing cars with tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, coolers, water, 2 dogs...you get the point…they decided they needed a faster, more comfortable way to travel.

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Video: Escapod Topo 2 Walk-Through

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We’re the Russos YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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