Merel is a wildlife biologist and full-time vanlifer behind Biologist in a Bus. In this episode, she shares stories from 20 days spent observing wild bears in northern Spain, helping reintroduce rescued monkeys in Morocco, tracking hedgehogs through cities, and studying bats and other nocturnal mammals across Europe.

We talk about what a wildlife biologist actually does, how she earns a living on the road, why she chose vanlife, and the surprising ways animals and humans are connected.

You'll also learn:

• How to spot more wildlife while traveling
• Common mistakes vanlifers make around animals and nature
• Why diseases play an important role in ecosystems
• What it's like to work with bears, monkeys, snakes, bats, and hedgehogs
• How vanlifers can help protect wildlife wherever they travel

If you love vanlife, wildlife, nature, and adventure, you're going to enjoy this one.

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00:00 Introduction to Wildlife Biology and Van Life

02:45 The Journey to Becoming a Biologist

05:17 Understanding Zoonoses and One Health

07:52 The Diverse Work of a Wildlife Biologist

09:47 Project-Based Work and Seasonal Patterns

11:49 Volunteering and Learning from Colleagues

14:08 Insights from Working with Monkeys

18:00 Living in Morocco and the Barbary Macaque Project

20:03 The Fascination with Hedgehogs

23:38 Phobias and Unexpected Fears

25:21 Experiencing Life Among Bears

28:23 Exploring Somiedo National Park

30:51 The Quest for Bears in the Pyrenees

33:59 Living the Van Life as a Biologist

37:36 Unique Experiences with Wildlife

43:03 Wildlife Conservation and Van Life

45:44 Tips for Spotting Wildlife

52:24 Contributing to Nature Preservation

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Connect with Merel:

• Webite: www.biologistinabus.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/biologistinabus
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@biologist.in.a.bus

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Guest Credibility:

Merel is a wildlife biologist, conservationist, and full-time vanlifer behind Biologist in a Bus. She holds degrees in Ecology (BSc), Biology (MSc), and Zoonoses & One Health (MSc), and has worked with wildlife across Europe and Africa.

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🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road
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🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:
https://skool.com/vanlife

Get ready to be blown away by Evelien Rosier’s raw, powerful story of resilience. From professional rugby to chasing Olympic dreams, becoming an entrepreneur and living full-time in a truck — she’s a testament that pushing boundaries transforms us.

In this episode:

• Evelien’s intense dual life as a top rugby player and successful consultant career
• The heartbreak of Olympic disqualification and its aftermath
• Embracing vulnerability and rediscovery after losing her "identity"
• The spontaneous adventure that reignited her personal and professional life
• Her inspiring transition into entrepreneurship with Optimiro
• And much more...

Remember, your biggest breakthroughs begin just outside your comfort zone. Let Eveline’s story be your ignite to leap into the unknown. Your new life is waiting — all you have to do is take the first step.

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00:00 Introduction

01:33 The Journey Begins: From Rugby to Rediscovery

03:11 Life as a Professional Athlete: The Balancing Act

05:58 The Impact of Change Management: Lessons from Accenture

09:10 The Olympic Dream: Close Yet So Far

12:00 The Heartbreak of Disqualification: A Team Divided

14:52 Rebuilding After Loss: A New Direction

18:08 The Decision to Walk Away: A Hard Goodbye

21:02 Embracing Change: The Promise to Travel

23:52 Adventures Down Under: The Start of Van Life

27:12 Exploring Australia: The Van Life Experience

29:53 Community and Connection: The Backpacker Life

30:49 Journey Through Australia: Embracing the Unknown

38:13 Building a New Life: From Employee to Entrepreneur

50:27 Rediscovering the Athlete: A New Path to the Olympics

01:00:05 Chasing Dreams: The Courage to Change

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Connect with Evelien:

• Website Optimiro - Evelien’s coaching and speaking
• Instagram - @dream.dare.do.journey

—
🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road
—
🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:
https://skool.com/vanlife

Prepare to be inspired by Adrian’s raw, powerful story of transforming his life to live authentically, freely, and fiercely on his own terms.

From decades in Thailand and battling loss, to a life on the road with his children, he shares the ups, downs, heartbreaks, and triumphs that drive his fearless pursuit of happiness.

This episode is a call to break free from societal chains and embrace your true life.

In this episode:

• Adrian’s journey from a life in Thailand to the freedom of van life
• How loss and hardship reshaped his perspective on time and what truly matters
• The power of mindset and taking small, consistent steps toward a freer life
• The importance of homeschooling and raising children without societal constraints
• Building an online empire around authentic living
• Practical advice for anyone dreaming of living in a van or traveling full-time
• The future of social media, AI, and why real human connection will never go out of style

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00:00 Introduction

00:50 From Thailand to Van Life: A Journey Begins

03:42 The Dive Master Experience: A New Life in Thailand

06:52 Building a Business: Underwater Camera School

09:44 Life Changes: Love, Loss, and Parenthood

12:51 Facing Tragedy: The Loss of a Partner

15:41 Navigating Single Parenthood: Challenges and Growth

19:04 The Call of Adventure: Leaving the UK for Freedom

21:55 Home Education: A New Approach to Learning

24:45 The Transition to Van Life: Making It Happen

27:39 Life on the Road: Adventures and Family Dynamics

30:42 The Importance of Family: Staying Connected

33:08 Transformative Growth in Children

36:31 The Power of Unschooling

38:49 Thriving in a Unique Lifestyle

41:24 The Realities of Single Parenting on the Road

45:03 Building a New Empire

49:13 Creating a Course for Freedom

52:05 The Future of YouTube and Community Engagement

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Connect with Adrian:

• YouTube - @life_uncharted

• Instagram - @our_life_uncharted

—
🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road
—
🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:
https://skool.com/vanlife

What if the life you’re looking for… starts by following your own voice?

Most of us live confined by invisible walls—fear, control, and societal expectations. Karol Green’s story shatters those barriers, revealing that true freedom fuels creativity and transforms lives.

Living and creating music on the road in her van, Karol exemplifies how stepping into the unknown unlocks unparalleled inspiration. From South African roots to becoming a Catalonian voice, she’s built a life where creativity reigns supreme—guided by intuition, love, and an unwavering pursuit of authenticity.

In this episode, we break down:

• The spirituality embedded in leading a choir of 20 and how music unites us beyond borders
• The secret to creating authentic songs driven by feeling rather than structure
• How van life fosters deeper self-awareness, courage, and unfiltered inspiration
• Overcoming fears of exposure, control, and judgment through living boldly off-grid
• The magic of community and the beauty of embracing your unique, "Beautifully Strange" self

If you're craving the courage to break free, tune in now. Karol’s story isn’t just about van life—it's an invitation to chase what makes you feel alive, to craft your own freedom, and to sing your truth to the world.

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Instagram: @karolgreen_solkwaya

YouTube: @karolgreen

Website: https://www.karolgreen.com/

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🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road

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🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:
https://skool.com/vanlife

In this episode, we talk about what it really means to build a life on the road — not just for yourself, but for others too.

Because behind the freedom, travel, and adventure…
they’re organizing one of the Netherlands’ most loved vanlife festivals, raising a family, and building a business — all at the same time.

This is Joa & Diede’s story.

From choosing an unconventional path…

to creating something that brings thousands of vanlifers together…

to proving that vanlife can be more than just escape — it can be something you build.

And what it actually takes to make that work.

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Follow Joa & Diede on Instagram

Check out Vanlife Meetup Betoeterd

Check out Studio Walrus

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🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road

—

🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:
https://skool.com/vanlife

Vanlife was supposed to be the answer...

In this episode, I share why it wasn’t — and how chasing freedom actually made me feel more lost than ever.

Because behind the sunsets, wild camping spots, and “freedom lifestyle”… there’s a side of vanlife that rarely gets talked about:
what happens when you’re building a life, a business, and a future — completely on your own.

This is my story.
From feeling lost with no direction…
to chasing freedom…
to realizing that freedom alone isn’t enough.

And how that realization led me to build something different.

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I’m Rens, full-time vanlifer for 5+ years with my dog Buddy, building The Vanlife Network — a community for vanlifers who want more than just nice places to park.

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YouTube: @rensvandaalen

Instagram: @iamrensi

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🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road

—

🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:
https://skool.com/vanlife