The Vanlife Network Podcast

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 travelIf you love vanlife, wildlife, nature, and adventure, you're going to enjoy this one.—00:00 Introduction to Wildlife Biology and Van Life02:45 The Journey to Becoming a Biologist05:17 Understanding Zoonoses and One Health07:52 The Diverse Work of a Wildlife Biologist09:47 Project-Based Work and Seasonal Patterns11:49 Volunteering and Learning from Colleagues14:08 Insights from Working with Monkeys18:00 Living in Morocco and the Barbary Macaque Project20:03 The Fascination with Hedgehogs23:38 Phobias and Unexpected Fears25:21 Experiencing Life Among Bears28:23 Exploring Somiedo National Park30:51 The Quest for Bears in the Pyrenees33:59 Living the Van Life as a Biologist37:36 Unique Experiences with Wildlife43:03 Wildlife Conservation and Van Life45:44 Tips for Spotting Wildlife52:24 Contributing to Nature Preservation—Connect with Merel:Webite: www.biologistinabus.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/biologistinabusTikTok: 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

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 careerThe heartbreak of Olympic disqualification and its aftermathEmbracing vulnerability and rediscovery after losing her "identity"The spontaneous adventure that reignited her personal and professional lifeHer inspiring transition into entrepreneurship with OptimiroAnd 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 Introduction01:33 The Journey Begins: From Rugby to Rediscovery03:11 Life as a Professional Athlete: The Balancing Act05:58 The Impact of Change Management: Lessons from Accenture09:10 The Olympic Dream: Close Yet So Far12:00 The Heartbreak of Disqualification: A Team Divided14:52 Rebuilding After Loss: A New Direction18:08 The Decision to Walk Away: A Hard Goodbye21:02 Embracing Change: The Promise to Travel23:52 Adventures Down Under: The Start of Van Life27:12 Exploring Australia: The Van Life Experience29:53 Community and Connection: The Backpacker Life30:49 Journey Through Australia: Embracing the Unknown38:13 Building a New Life: From Employee to Entrepreneur50:27 Rediscovering the Athlete: A New Path to the Olympics01:00:05 Chasing Dreams: The Courage to Change—Connect with Evelien:Website Optimiro - Evelien’s coaching and speakingInstagram - @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 lifeHow loss and hardship reshaped his perspective on time and what truly mattersThe power of mindset and taking small, consistent steps toward a freer lifeThe importance of homeschooling and raising children without societal constraintsBuilding an online empire around authentic livingPractical advice for anyone dreaming of living in a van or traveling full-timeThe future of social media, AI, and why real human connection will never go out of style—00:00 Introduction00:50 From Thailand to Van Life: A Journey Begins03:42 The Dive Master Experience: A New Life in Thailand06:52 Building a Business: Underwater Camera School09:44 Life Changes: Love, Loss, and Parenthood12:51 Facing Tragedy: The Loss of a Partner15:41 Navigating Single Parenthood: Challenges and Growth19:04 The Call of Adventure: Leaving the UK for Freedom21:55 Home Education: A New Approach to Learning24:45 The Transition to Van Life: Making It Happen27:39 Life on the Road: Adventures and Family Dynamics30:42 The Importance of Family: Staying Connected33:08 Transformative Growth in Children36:31 The Power of Unschooling38:49 Thriving in a Unique Lifestyle41:24 The Realities of Single Parenting on the Road45:03 Building a New Empire49:13 Creating a Course for Freedom52:05 The Future of YouTube and Community Engagement—Connect with Adrian:YouTube - @life_unchartedInstagram - @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 bordersThe secret to creating authentic songs driven by feeling rather than structureHow van life fosters deeper self-awareness, courage, and unfiltered inspirationOvercoming fears of exposure, control, and judgment through living boldly off-gridThe magic of community and the beauty of embracing your unique, "Beautifully Strange" selfIf 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_solkwayaYouTube: @karolgreenWebsite: https://www.karolgreen.com/—🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road—🌍 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.—Follow Joa & Diede on InstagramCheck out Vanlife Meetup BetoeterdCheck out Studio Walrus—🎧 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.—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.—YouTube: @rensvandaalenInstagram: @iamrensi—🎧 New episodes: real conversations with vanlifers building meaningful lives on the road—🌍 Join The Vanlife Network:https://skool.com/vanlife