Our first dedicated podcast episode explores the profound ways fulltime RV living has transformed us personally after nearly three years on the road.
Introducing Our New Podcast Format
We’re excited to announce the launch of our podcast! While it might look similar to our regular “talking head” videos, this new format allows us to dive deeper into meaningful conversations about the fulltime RV lifestyle.
You can find our podcast on all major platforms – just search “Like There’s No Tomorrow” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Or, if you prefer, watch the full video version on YouTube.
Why add a podcast? We wanted to create content you can enjoy while driving, exercising, or doing other activities where watching isn’t practical. Plus, this format gives us the opportunity to interview other RVers and industry experts in the future.
Now, let’s dive into the topic of our first episode…
How Fulltime RV Life Changes You
When you sell everything and hit the road, especially without prior RV experience like us, your life transforms in countless ways. After nearly three years of full time RVing, we’ve identified several profound changes that have forever altered who we are.
1. Leaving Behind Career Identities
For Barry, one of the biggest transformations came from walking away from his successful music career. After almost ten years leading an eight-piece funk band called Reverend Barry and the Funk in Sarasota, Florida, stepping away from that identity was significant.
“People ask me all the time, ‘Do you miss it?’ And the answer is not really,” Barry explains. “I miss the people certainly, but when you do something all the time… it becomes a grind.”
The band had become a major part of our lives, with weekends completely dedicated to performances and weeknights to rehearsals. It meant missing family events and living a predictable, scheduled existence. When we faced empty-nest syndrome with our youngest heading to college, we both realized we wanted more from life than the routine we’d established.
This experience mirrors what we often hear from our Going Full-Time RV course community members – many reach a point where they’re just going through the motions of life rather than truly living it.
2. Embracing Minimalism
“I don’t miss any of the stuff. I don’t want any of the stuff,” Darlene shares about leaving behind our three-bedroom house and possessions. “I think that’s changed me. That’s something I did not see coming.”
The minimalism required by RV life has completely transformed Darlene’s relationship with material possessions. She expected to struggle more with downsizing but instead discovered a liberating freedom from attachment to things.
“I was a girly girl. I had a lot of clothes, a lot of shoes… I always got my nails done,” she reflects. “I’ve lost a lot of that high-maintenance-ness that I feel like I had a little bit of. And I didn’t see that coming in RV life, and I like it.”
This shift in mindset extends to how we view future phases of life too. While we’re not sure what comes after RV living, Darlene knows one thing for certain – it won’t involve returning to a big house filled with things we don’t need.
3. A New Perspective After Life-Changing Moments
Perhaps the most profound transformation came after Darlene’s serious accident last summer. While boondocking, she fell from their RV’s side patio, resulting in a skull fracture, concussion, and serious head and neck injuries.
“The thing that I think I knew before but it drilled in my head after that accident is that in an instant, life can change,” Darlene shares emotionally. “I was fractions away from being paralyzed or having a serious brain injury.”
This close call intensified our desire to experience more while we can. It reinforced our decision to embrace fulltime RV life rather than waiting for “someday” to live our dreams. We’ve now visited 23 states and counting, experiencing places and cultures we might never have seen otherwise.
“Whether you’re an RVer or not, anything can happen anytime. And if you have regrets, you don’t want to go down with those regrets,” Darlene emphasizes. “It just made me want to do more, to do this more, to experience more.”
Additional Transformations
Beyond our three main points, we’ve experienced other significant changes:
Finding New Creative Outlets
Barry has discovered a new passion for learning guitar, something he never expected. After playing bass and singing his whole life, he’s now challenging himself to master a new instrument that allows him to accompany himself while singing.
“If you would have told me three years ago that this is what I’d be doing, I’d have been like, ‘I don’t know,'” Barry laughs. This unexpected creative pursuit has become an enjoyable evening activity when not working on videos or exploring new places.
His goal is to play and sing solo at venues as they travel. “I could see actually doing some gigs. That’s what I’m driving to. I’m actually working up a setlist,” Barry shares. This represents a complete transformation from his days leading a large band – embracing a simpler, more flexible approach to music that complements their mobile lifestyle.
Building a YouTube Community
Creating our YouTube channel has connected us with an incredible community of fellow RVers and travelers. What began as a way to share our boondocking experiences has evolved into something much more meaningful.
“The YouTube channel has changed us,” Darlene reflects. “It’s introduced us to this community and these people… it’s given us a peek into community on the road, and as a full-timer, that’s so valuable.”
Testing and Strengthening Our Relationship
“RV life has brought out the best in us and the worst in us,” Darlene admits. Sharing a small space 24/7 while navigating the stresses of a completely new lifestyle has pushed our 30+ year relationship in ways we couldn’t have anticipated.
The highs are incredible – sharing breathtaking views at Zion National Park. But the lows can be challenging – like arguing while trying to back into a tight camping spot. We’ve learned to give each other grace during difficult moments and carve out individual time when needed.
Join Us on This Journey
We’d love to hear which of these transformations resonates most with you, or what topics you’d like us to cover in future podcast episodes. Please subscribe to our podcast, leave a review (especially those five-star ones!), and share your thoughts in the comments.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer, planning your transition to fulltime life, or just curious about what it’s really like beyond the Instagram-perfect moments, we hope this conversation offers valuable insights into the transformative power of choosing to live life on the road.
Remember to live like there’s no tomorrow!
Interested in transitioning to fulltime RV living? Check out our comprehensive course at LikeTheresNoTomorrow.net. We’ll help you avoid the mistakes we made and provide ongoing support through your journey.
