The Vanlife Network Podcast

This Wildlife Biologist Lives In A Van To Study Animals | @biologistinabus

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. — 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 — Connect with Merel: * Webite: www.biologistinabus.com [http://www.biologistinabus.com] * Instagram: www.instagram.com/biologistinabus [http://www.instagram.com/biologistinabus] * TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@biologist.in.a.bus [http://www.tiktok.com/@biologist.in.a.bus] — 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. — 🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road — 🌍 Join The Vanlife Network: https://skool.com/vanlife [https://skool.com/vanlife]

They Destroyed Her Olympic Dream. She Came Back Stronger

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. — 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 — Connect with Evelien: * Website Optimiro - Evelien’s coaching and speaking [https://optimiro.com/] * Instagram - @ [https://www.instagram.com/dream.dare.do.journey/]dream.dare.do [http://dream.dare.do].journey [https://www.instagram.com/dream.dare.do.journey/] — 🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road — 🌍 Join The Vanlife Network: https://skool.com/vanlife [https://skool.com/vanlife]

He Lost Their Mom… Then Chose Freedom for His Kids (w/ Life Uncharted)

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 — 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 — Connect with Adrian: * YouTube - @life_uncharted [https://youtube.com/@life_uncharted] * Instagram - @our_life_uncharted [https://www.instagram.com/our_life_uncharted/] — 🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road — 🌍 Join The Vanlife Network: https://skool.com/vanlife [https://skool.com/vanlife]

Her Voice Led Her to a Life of Freedom on the Road (w/ Karol Green)

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. — Instagram: @karolgreen_solkwaya [https://www.instagram.com/karolgreen_solkwaya/] YouTube: @karolgreen [https://www.youtube.com/@karolgreen] Website: https://www.karolgreen.com/ [https://www.karolgreen.com/] — 🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road — 🌍 Join The Vanlife Network: https://skool.com/vanlife [https://skool.com/vanlife]

How They Built a Vanlife Festival, Business, and Family on the Road w/ Joa & Diede

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. — Follow Joa & Diede [https://www.instagram.com/joa.and.diede/] on Instagram Check out Vanlife Meetup Betoeterd [https://www.vanlifemeeting-betoeterd.nl/] Check out Studio Walrus [https://www.studiowalrus.nl/] — 🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road — 🌍 Join The Vanlife Network: https://skool.com/vanlife [https://skool.com/vanlife]