
RVing with Joe and Kait
"RVing with Joe & Kait" is an engaging RV podcast exploring all things RV related. Hosts Joe and Kait of We’re the Russos share their on-the-road adventures, offer insights from fellow RVers and industry experts, and provide tips for both seasoned and aspiring RV life and van life enthusiasts. This RV podcast is a perfect blend of personal stories, practical advice, and insider knowledge, making it an essential listen for anyone passionate about RV life.
Latest episodes

Jun 7, 2025 • 53min
29. RV Gatherings for Adults: How Camp Carpe Diem Builds Community on the Road
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 GuestsKen 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 InstagramResources 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 RoadBook a 60 Minute Call with JoeAre 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 MoreSupport the PodcastDownload, subscribe, and share this episode. Leave a review.Become a PatronEpisode Websitehttps://weretherussos.com/rv-gatherings-for-adults-camp-carpe-diem/

May 13, 2025 • 42min
28. Navigating Solo RV Life with Bob Gauthier of Kokua Promotions
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 GuestBob 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 InstagramResources 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 RoadBook a 60 Minute Call with JoeAre 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 MoreSupport the PodcastDownload, subscribe, and share this episode. Leave a review.Become a PatronEpisode Websitehttps://weretherussos.com/solo-rv-life-bob-gauthier-kokua-promotions/

Feb 17, 2025 • 44min
27. From Van Life to Travel Trailer with Ari and Jessi of Trekers
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 GuestsAri 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 InstagramResources 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 RoadBook a 60 Minute Call with JoeAre 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 MoreSupport the PodcastDownload, subscribe, and share this episode. Leave a review.Become a PatronEpisode Websitehttps://weretherussos.com/class-b-rv-to-travel-trailer-trekers/

Feb 3, 2025 • 52min
26. Workcamping at Yellowstone National Park with Rich and Zoe of Defiance Tools
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/

Jan 20, 2025 • 55min
25. Exploring Alaska with Adam Rubin of DogandaJeep
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/

Dec 30, 2024 • 48min
24. Turning Passion into Profession with Melanie Garrido of Four Wheel Campers
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/

Nov 26, 2024 • 43min
23. 2025 RV of the Year & Trends with Rick Kessler of RV Business
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
- Woodallscm.com
- RV Business Facebook Page
- RV Business LinkedIn Page
- RV Business YouTube Channel
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/

Nov 12, 2024 • 41min
22. Building the Ultimate Off-Road Teardrop Camper with Chris Hudak of Escapod
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
- 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/

Nov 5, 2024 • 49min
21. Transforming Campgrounds: The Roamstead Story with Shannon Connolly
In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Connolly, owner of Romestead, a unique campground nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Shannon shares her journey from a family camping trip that sparked a love for RVing to the creation of Roamstead, where she and her team have crafted a campground experience that balances the charm of outdoor adventure with the comforts of a boutique hotel.
From cozy cabins and yurts to thoughtfully crafted communal spaces, Shannon walks us through her journey of transforming an old campground into a haven for modern-day adventurers. If you're curious about what goes into creating a campground that captures the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Episode Guest
Shannon Connolly was born and raised in the heart of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and went on to complete her MBA at the University of Georgia. After a successful 15-year career in sales and marketing, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to rethink her professional path. Inspired by a long-standing family dream, she decided to embark on a new venture. In July 2023, after years of planning and vision, she and her husband, Thomas, proudly opened Roamstead, an upscale, modern campground. Shannon now lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their two children.
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
- Video: Camping at Roamstead Smoky Mountains
- 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.
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Episode Website
https://weretherussos.com/roamstead-smoky-mountains-campground/

Sep 24, 2024 • 46min
20. Navigating RV Rentals Like a Pro with Maddi Whitehead of RVshare
In this episode, we sit down with travel expert Maddi Whitehead of RVshare, who has gone on over 20 RV rental trips, sharing her experiences and tips for RVing through rentals. As someone who has never owned an RV, Maddie brings a unique perspective to the world of RV travel, highlighting the advantages of renting and exploring different types of RVs. From her ambitious first rental in Florida to a romantic RV trip in Hawaii, Maddi walks us through the lessons she’s learned along the way and tips for first time RV renters.
Episode Guest
Maddi is a seasoned travel expert with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Having explored nearly all 50 states, 25 countries, and more than 20 RV rentals, Maddi has a wealth of knowledge in outdoor travel. She is currently a full-time advocate for RVshare, where she passionately supports the company’s mission to help travelers discover the magic of RV adventures. From the East Coast to the West Coast, Maddeline has embarked on countless road trips, checking off National Parks and RV experiences from her ever-growing bucket list.
• Website
• Instagram
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
- RVshare RV Rentals
- Hawaii RV Rental Experience
- Italy RV Rental Experience
- 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/rvshare-rv-rentals/