Creating with Heart: How Meera Built a Travel Towel That Does More Than Dry

She Built Her Own Tiny Home and Discovered She Could Do Anything

Alex is the founder of Tierra Sagrada, a “maker” who built her own tiny cabin from the ground up, and a living reminder that you can learn hard things even when you feel stuck.In this conversation, Alex shares the real path from living in an $800 camper with a leaking roof, to teaching at a design-build school, to building her cabin with salvaged materials, and finally turning that journey into a nonprofit focused on empowerment through carpentry, ecological education, and community stewardship.We talk about what it feels like to start with zero confidence, why the “maker mindset” changes everything, how community shows up when you take the first step, and what Alex would tell anyone who’s overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. If you’ve ever wondered “Is it possible to live the life I actually want?”, this one’s for you.Show notesAlex shares how a tough season living in an $800 camper in Austin became the turning point that changed her identity. With no prior building background, she taught herself repairs through “YouTube University,” fixed leaks, set up basic systems, and built her first rough table. That small win became the spark that made her feel capable, and that feeling changed everything.From there, Alex describes leveling up through weekend workshops, a furniture-making training, and a job in a furniture shop during COVID that gave her real hands-on experience. That path led to Yestermorrow, where she served as a teaching assistant in intense design-build programs, including turning a shipping container into a home on a tight timeline.After Yestermorrow, the idea of building her own home would not leave her. She started her cabin build with almost no money, working landscaping during the day and building at night. She stayed scrappy with salvaged materials, community support, and steady persistence. The cabin is filled with meaning, including a stained-glass window tied to her family history and a kitchen table from her childhood home.The conversation shifts into Alex’s nonprofit, Tierra Sagrada, and its mission: empowerment through carpentry and agricultural education, paired with community stewardship projects. She shares early wins like building a community pergola, a shed-building class that helped people realize “if you can build a shed, you can build a house,” and the deeper purpose behind it all: investing in people, investing in place, and helping communities become somewhere people want to live.Alex also talks about what’s next, including a collaborative community design event for a food forest that brings together local leaders, students, and residents to co-design an edible landscape, then plant it.The episode closes with Alex’s straight-shooting advice: get honest with yourself, stop waiting for permission, build a vision, and take the next small step.Topics in this episode- The maker mindset and how it reshapes confidence- Learning skills from scratch and building momentum through action- Tiny cabin build: timeline, setbacks, salvaged materials, and lessons learned- Teaching at Yestermorrow and the intensity of design-build programs- Starting a nonprofit and building community through stewardship projects- Food forest planning and collaborative design as a community tool- What to do when you feel stuck and overwhelmedLinksTierra Sagrada School: https://www.tierrasagradaschool.org/copy-of-about-usCall to actionIf this episode sparked something for you, check out Tierra Sagrada and follow Alex’s work. And if you’re listening from far away, steal the blueprint: learn one skill, build something small, and let it be the first step toward something bigger.

Creating with Heart: How Meera Built a Travel Towel That Does More Than Dry

📝 Show Notes / Episode Description In this episode of the Outdoor Miles Podcast, I’m joined by Meera, the founder of Haseru Life (pronounced "HaS-thru") — a small business with a big heart and a smart, simple mission: create a towel that truly works for travelers. We first met at the Hershey RV Show, where her passion for building something purposeful immediately stood out. What started as a personal frustration with bulky, slow-drying towels turned into a full-fledged business built for people on the move — RVers, campers, vanlifers, backpackers, and anyone living light. In our conversation, Meera shares the full story of how Haseru Life came to be — from that first spark of inspiration to navigating product development, launching her brand, and connecting with customers face to face. We talk about the unique challenges of building a travel-friendly product, how living on the road shaped her approach, and the deep sense of purpose that drives her every step of the way. You’ll also hear about: * The real problem with traditional towels and why Meera decided to solve it * What makes Haseru towels different (and why customers keep coming back) * The mindset shift that happens when you create something with intention * Her favorite stories from the road and lessons learned as a small business owner * Why connection — not just convenience — is at the core of everything she builds 🎁 Ready to upgrade your travel gear? Support Meera and order your own Haseru towel today: 👉 https://haserulife.com Whether you're deep in the woods, parked by a lake, or planning your next adventure, this episode is a reminder that even the simplest products — when made with care — can make life on the road better. Thanks for tuning in to Outdoor Miles. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow traveler who loves gear that just works.

Chasing Horizons: A Life of Sailing, RVing, and Staying Connected

Show Notes / Description Outdoor Miles Podcast | Full-Time RV Living, Digital Connection, and the OhHi App Story What happens when you leave the sea behind and set your sights on the open road? For Alex and Jackie, it meant embracing a new kind of freedom — one shaped by wide landscapes, constant motion, and the need to stay connected with the people who matter most. In this episode of the Outdoor Miles Podcast, we sit down with this adventurous couple to hear how they transitioned from living full-time on a sailboat to traveling the country in an RV. After years of navigating the ocean and calling their boat home, they shifted gears to explore life on land — not just changing their mode of travel, but rethinking how they wanted to live. Alex and Jackie share what surprised them most about the switch, what each lifestyle taught them, and how they’ve adapted to the challenges of living small and moving often. They also reflect on the emotional journey behind the logistics — what it feels like to start over, what they miss from their sailing days, and how they've stayed grounded through it all. One of the biggest lessons they’ve learned? Staying connected matters. And that insight led them to become part of the team behind OhHi — a mobile app designed to help people on the move keep in touch with loved ones. Whether you're boondocking, traveling off-grid, or just tired of social media overload, OhHi makes it easy to share updates privately and meaningfully — even if your friends and family aren’t using the app. Built with RVers and vanlifers in mind, OhHi is made for life with limited signal and unpredictable service. It’s about making connection simple, even when your lifestyle is anything but. 🎧 In this episode, you'll learn: * Why Alex and Jackie left the sailing lifestyle behind * How they made the leap into RV life (and what surprised them most) * The emotional side of nomadic living and staying connected with loved ones * How technology like the OhHi app helps bridge the distance * Their favorite places, lessons from the road, and what’s next in their journey * What they’d do differently — and what they wouldn’t change for the world Want to give OhHi a try? Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and use the promo code OUTDOORMILES for a free 30-day trial of unlimited messages. Whether you’re off-grid or campground-hopping, OhHi makes it easy to stay in touch without needing to be glued to your phone. 🔗 Download OhHi: App Store | Google Play Stay inspired by following their journey on social media. From wild campsites and scenic drives to boat life flashbacks and quiet moments in nature, Alex and Jackie share it all with heart and humor. Instagram & Facebook: @where.is.ajax [https://instagram.com/where.is.ajax] Outdoor Miles is a podcast for RVers, campers, outdoor lovers, and curious travelers who crave a life of purpose, connection, and adventure. Hosted by Tom, each episode explores the stories behind the journeys — highlighting voices from the road, interviews with innovators, and practical insights for living better outside four walls. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a digital nomad, a full-time traveler, or just starting to dream about your next big adventure, this show is for you. We believe in the magic of the road less taken — and the stories that bring it to life. 📺 Watch on YouTube: @outdoormilesmedia [https://www.youtube.com/@outdoormilesmedia] 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and more.

Episode 1: Inside RV Extended Warranties with Jeff Shelton of Wholesale Warranties

Outdoor Miles Podcast | RV Tips, Buying Advice, and Warranty Must-Knows Are RV extended warranties worth the money? What do they actually cover — and how do you know if one is right for your travel lifestyle? In this episode of the Outdoor Miles Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Shelton, the founder and CEO of Wholesale Warranties [https://www.wholesalewarranties.com/outdoormiles], to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood parts of RV ownership: extended service contracts. Whether you’re a brand-new RV buyer, a seasoned traveler, or somewhere in between, this conversation will help you understand exactly how warranties work, when they make sense, and how to avoid the common traps that leave some RVers disappointed. * How RV extended warranties work and what makes them different from insurance * What’s typically covered — and what’s excluded from most policies * Why dealers may push you to buy at the point of sale (and whether you should) * The right time to purchase an extended warranty (spoiler: it may not be what you think) * How coverage works for full-time RVers, off-grid campers, and travelers on the move * What to look for in a reputable warranty provider * Real-world claim examples and how the payout process works * Common red flags and questions to ask before you commit This episode is ideal for: * New RV buyers looking to protect their investment * Used RV owners wondering if it's too late to get coverage * Weekend travelers who want peace of mind when they hit the road * Full-time RVers concerned about the rising cost of major repairs * Anyone who’s heard mixed reviews and wants an honest breakdown before deciding As a thank-you for tuning in, Wholesale Warranties is offering an exclusive bonus when you request a quote or purchase through this link: 👉 www.wholesalewarranties.com/outdoormiles [https://www.wholesalewarranties.com/outdoormiles] Mention Outdoor Miles and receive: * ✅ FREE Wheel & Tire Protection through the end of 2025 * ✅ FREE 1-Year Membership to Passport America — giving you 50% off at over 1,200 campgrounds across the country Whether you’re traveling full-time, snowbirding, or taking short trips in your rig, this is a great way to get more coverage and value from your RV experience. 📍 Get a free, no-obligation quote today: 👉 www.wholesalewarranties.com/outdoormiles [https://www.wholesalewarranties.com/outdoormiles] “How much does an RV warranty cost?” “Do I have to buy one through the dealer?” “Will it cover my slide-out, air conditioner, or refrigerator?” “What happens if I break down in the middle of nowhere?” “Is this even worth it for weekend campers?” “What happens when I file a claim — and how fast do they pay?” This episode gives you clear, no-pressure insights to help you make a smart, confident decision — without the sales pitch. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe to the Outdoor Miles Podcast. Every week, I share real-world RV stories, product breakdowns, expert interviews, and tips to help you live better — and travel farther — in your RV. 📺 YouTube: Outdoor Miles YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@outdoormilesmedia] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts. * Get a Free Warranty Quote: www.wholesalewarranties.com/outdoormiles [https://www.wholesalewarranties.com/outdoormiles] * Learn More About Passport America: passport-america.com * Explore Other Episodes: outdoormiles.com/podcast 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:👥 Who Should Listen:🛠️ Special Offer for Outdoor Miles Listeners:💬 Jeff Answers the Questions RVers Ask Every Day:🔔 Subscribe for More RV Tips & Interviews:🔗 Helpful Links: