The Workamper Show Podcast

This week, I am interviewing a couple who has been RVing for nearly five years, and they have some great advice on ways people and companies can help make the RV lifestyle more inviting to all people. Vicky Childers and Lamont Landrum have been RVing for nearly five years after deciding they wanted to build a different kind of life together. When they first started dating, both felt the pull to travel. Vicky was already working remotely and Lamont wanted to find a way to see more of the world. They bought their first RV in 2019 and hit the road without even knowing Workamping existed. When the pandemic brought Lamont's handyman business to a halt, they discovered Workamping through friends and realized it was the perfect way for him to work while they traveled. Since then, they have held a variety of jobs across the country. Lamont's early positions included maintenance work at Buffalo Bill Village in Cody, Wyo., followed by multiple seasons at the beet harvest, which later promoted him to assistant foreman. He has also done volunteer work and boardwalk support at an Audubon preserve in Florida, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades in Texas, site support on Mackinac Island in Michigan, camp hosting in Colorado, and even served as an area manager for a campground company. Along the way, they upgraded their RV, explored new regions, and built a lifestyle centered on adventure, discovery and meaningful work. They shared what they love about this lifestyle, including the chance to live in beautiful locations for entire seasons, explore mountains, coastlines and national treasures at their own pace. Doing so allows them to enjoy a sense of freedom that traditional jobs rarely allow. Lamont also emphasized how rewarding it has been to work for employers who recognize effort and integrity. That's especially true during the beet harvest, where his hard work led to increasing responsibilities year after year. Vicky and Lamont also spoke about how Workamping can be made more inviting to minorities, especially people who may not see themselves represented in outdoor spaces. They noted that many people simply don't know this lifestyle is an option or doubt they would be welcomed. Lamont and Vicky suggested that employers and the industry can reach more people by helping newcomers “dip their toes in” to the Workamping lifestyle. They can do that in several ways, such as: Offering employee housing instead of requiring everyone to have an RV. Creating opportunities for people to simply visit campgrounds and ask questions. Sharing stories showing that most travelers are welcoming and supportive. They stressed that negative encounters do happen, but they are rare. The overwhelming majority of places they have visited have been friendly and accepting. If you would like to connect with Vicky and Lamont, you can find Vicky on Facebook and Instagram under the name Victoria Childers. That's all for this week's show. Would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com. We'd love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story. If you are an employer of Workampers,we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time. Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You'll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page. I will have another fun interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!

On this week's show, I will be talking with someone who has a solution for where to park your RV safely overnight when traveling between destinations. I am speaking with Jim Wheeler. He is the director of RV operations for Love's Travel Stops. Jim oversees the nationwide rollout of Love's fast-growing network of overnight RV sites connected to or adjacent to Love's stores. In this interview, Jim explains why Love's created these sites, the types of amenities offered, how RVers can reserve a spot, and why the program has become so popular with travelers who want a safe, convenient place to stay right off the highway. Jim said their overnight RV sites were designed to provide RVers with a convenient option that includes electrical power, potable water, Wi-Fi and dump stations. Best of all, the overnight RV spaces are located just steps from the fuel pumps, restaurants, stores and dog parks RVers already rely upon when traveling. Jim talked about the advantages of reserving space by using the free Love's Connect app. It allows travelers to see all available locations, reserve a site, activate the power pedestal and even receive discounted pricing. He also described Love's larger RV parks, which offer extended-stay options along with amenities like restrooms, showers, laundry, playgrounds and even pickleball courts. If you would like to learn more or explore RV site availability along your route, download the Love's Connect app. It is available for Android and Apple users. Or, for additional information about the company, visit www.loves.com. Today's episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you'll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality. A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you'll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years. If you're serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you! That's all for this week's show. Next time, I will be speaking with a couple who has been Workamping for five years and has enjoyed some great jobs. As a mixed race couple, they will also share their thoughts about making Workamping more inviting for all types of people. I'll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. All of us at the Workamper organization wish you a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. We are all very grateful for you and your support of the Workamper movement. Thank you for listening!

This week, I will be speaking with a solo RVer who has found tremendous purpose as a volunteer Workamper for seven years, while starting an online platform to share his adventures. My guest today is Sam Gennawey, an urban planner turned full-time RVer who has been living on the road for more than seven years. What began as a search for a more intentional future quickly became a lifestyle that allowed Sam to explore America's most remarkable places while keeping his expenses manageable. Sam travels in a 2012 Airstream Interstate, which is a black Mercedes-based touring van he affectionately calls Darlene. He has put nearly 200,000 miles on the vehicle, boondocking across the country, sleeping in unexpected places, such as minor league ballparks, and navigating everything from flat plains to rugged mountain passes. Along the way, he has lived and worked in some of America's most iconic national parks as a volunteer interpreter and campground host. Big Bend, Death Valley, the Redwoods, North Cascades, Aztec Ruins and Sequoia National Park are just a few of the places that have become temporary “home.” Sam's experiences offer a valuable look at the realities, challenges and joys of long-term RV travel, and how volunteering can make the lifestyle more sustainable, meaningful and affordable. Sam offered terrific advice for anyone considering the RV lifestyle, especially those people over 60 who want to travel with purpose. He encouraged people to take an honest assessment of their personalities to determine whether they enjoy long stretches of solitude or if they'd thrive working alongside other people. Whichever the case, he said the lifestyle requires flexibility, resilience and the willingness to work through unexpected weather, repairs and delays. He noted that RVing is often more difficult and more expensive than people expect, which is why maintaining a realistic mindset is essential. Something will always need attention or  break, and the weather will not always cooperate. Yet the rewards are immense. Living inside national parks, hiking trails before the gates open, seeing landscapes without crowds and learning from park rangers are opportunities that don't come with any other lifestyle. Sam also urged newcomers to travel like a bison by walking into challenges rather than running from them, because persistence helps you reach the other side faster. For him, volunteering has been the key to keeping expenses low, preserving his van's lifespan, and experiencing America's popular places more deeply. People can follow Sam's ongoing travels, photos and stories on Facebook. He posts regularly about the parks he lives in, the routes he takes and the adventures that shape his life on the road. You can also buy Sam's book, “Sacred Landscapes,” on Amazon and in other bookstores. If you'd like to be inspired by someone who is squeezing every drop out of life, you'll enjoy connecting with Sam and following his remarkable journey. Would you like to be featured in an upcoming episode of The Workamper Show? I encourage you to schedule an interview with me at workampershow.com. We'd love to hear about your Workamping experiences, how you got started RVing, and what you love and dislike about the RVing lifestyle. Help others explore all the different ways to live this great lifestyle by sharing your story. If you are an employer of Workampers – we invite you to be on the podcast, too. Share all of the details of your Workamping jobs in a future episode. It only costs a little bit of your time. Schedule an interview with me today by going to workampershow.com. You'll find the schedule buttons at the bottom of the home page. That's all for this week's show. Next time, I will be speaking with an executive from Love's Travel Stops about the new overnight RV parks the company is developing all over the country.

This event offers Workampers a valuable chance to learn, grow and connect with people in the outdoor hospitality community.

The stores offer everything from groceries and souvenirs to camping supplies and food service. The company relies heavily on Workampers to keep those stores and restaurants running smoothly each summer.

Brandon's story is a reminder that the RV lifestyle isn't just for retirees or couples. It can also be a way for single parents to deepen family bonds, create lasting memories and show children how to live with courage and curiosity.

The Catskill Mountains Gilboa KOA is more than a workplace, it's a campground where Workampers can enjoy nature, connect with travelers from around the world, and create memories that last long after the season ends.

The key takeaway is that before starting any job, ask your employer whether they carry workers' compensation insurance and whether you are covered under it.

Route 66 is America's longest small town. And there's no better way to experience its history than behind the wheel of your own great adventure.

Strong communication before, during and after a season helps identify problems early, manage expectations and build the kind of loyalty that keeps Workampers coming back.

Whether you're a weekend RVer or full-time Workamper, chances are you've captured thousands of photos during your travels. But, what happens if your phone gets lost or your hard drive fails? Unfortunately, many RVers have faced that exact heartbreak, losing years of irreplaceable memories in an instant. Today, I am speaking with someone who has an ideal solution to preserve and protect digital images. Angela Andrieux, she is a photographer herself, and a “customer evangelist” with Mylio Photos. The company developed a unique photo organization platform tailor-made for people who want complete control over their digital memories. Mylio is especially valuable for Workampers and RVers who capture thousands of images on their journeys across the country, but often struggle with organizing and preserving them. Instead of uploading all your photos to a remote server, Mylio allows users to store images on their own devices, such as computers, external hard drives and even mobile phones. The software uses a peer-to-peer connection, meaning your devices talk to each other directly, giving you full control over privacy and data storage. Mylio uses facial recognition, GPS coordinates and embedded metadata to automatically organize photos by people, places and dates. That means you can easily find a specific photo of your grandchild at a national park, even if it's buried in a library of 50,000 images. Angela also shared how Mylio supports a 3-2-1 backup strategy by creating three copies of your media on two different types of devices, with one offsite to safeguard your memories. She shared a sobering reminder: don't keep all your photos in one place. With hard drives prone to failure and internet connections often unreliable on the road, it's essential to have a smart backup plan. That's where Mylio Photos can be a game-changer. The software allows you to centralize your photo library from multiple devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, SD cards and even cloud services like Google Photos or Apple Photos. Once everything is in one place, Mylio helps you organize, search and retrieve images. Its powerful AI capabilities even read text within images and recognize faces and landmarks. That makes it incredibly easy to find the photo you need, when you need it. Perhaps most importantly, Mylio doesn't require an internet connection for day-to-day use. Yet, if you choose to use cloud storage, then Mylio offers encrypted backup options with providers like Backblaze, or you can connect your own services like Amazon S3 or Google Drive. For just $240 per year, users get access to Mylio's full suite of tools, with additional cloud storage available, if desired. There's also a seven-day free trial, plus the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one setup call with an expert to walk you through importing and organizing your digital media. To learn more or start your free trial, visit www.mylio.com. Today's episode was sponsored by Workamper News. Creating a resume can be a cumbersome, intimidating task, especially if you haven't written a resume in many years. The unique Workamper News Resume Builder takes you through a step-by-step process to build a complete resume with all the information Workamper employers are looking for when reviewing applications. Once complete, your resume can be emailed to anyone, and the software tracks when and who you have sent it to.  You can print out the resume or make it into a PDF which can then be uploaded or emailed. Some employers NEVER ADVERTISE – not via Workamper.com or anywhere else. They find all of their applicants just by searching the Workamper News resume database.  If you don't have a resume in the Workamper.com database, you will be missing out on some wonderful opportunities. To open the door to more Workamping jobs, become a Workamper member today by visiting www.workamper.com. That's all for this week's show.

Whether you want to camp off-grid, reduce generator noise, keep your fridge and lights running, or leave pets inside your RV without worrying about electricity going out, solar gives you the independence to travel on your own terms.

As Alessia explained, SEO is not just about keywords. It involves a mix of technical factors, high-quality content and building credibility through online directories and backlinks from other reputable websites.

What started as an idea for mugs and T-shirts has grown into an online store offering more than 225 designs. Connie's creativity allows her to enjoy the benefits of Workamping without the demands of a traditional job.

His kids learned to communicate with other children as well as adults, and they got to see 85 percent of the country. Those were hands-on learning opportunities most children will never experience.

With opportunities ranging from campground hosting to hands-on maintenance roles, this is a great way to enjoy Oregon's natural beauty while giving back your time to support the USACE mission.

Positions are available in hospitality, retail, food service, lodging, entertainment support and even as lifeguards. The foundation has jobs for solos, couples and families, especially those with teenagers over 14.

Volunteers are not only essential to daily operations, they also serve as mentors for younger staff, bring fresh ideas to the parks, and often help improve guest experiences in creative ways.

Nestled just an hour to 90 minutes from natural treasures like Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Craters of the Moon and Jackson Hole, the location offers many recreational opportunities for travelers and Workampers alike.

RVs are complex systems that need to be tested, understood and sometimes even fixed before they're road-ready. A shakedown trip is the best way to evaluate them before hitting the road.

When Workampers aren't on duty, they'll have plenty of things to enjoy, such as soaking in mineral hot springs, wine tasting events, dining at five-star restaurants and biking the scenic Vine Trail.

If you're looking for a Workamping job in a location packed with outdoor adventure, cultural attraction, and scenic beauty, Holiday RV Park in Traverse City, Mich., might be the perfect fit.

The role involves general maintenance and housekeeping. It is ideal for a solo Workamper who enjoys nature and has a helpful, easygoing personality.

Whether you're greeting guests as an ambassador, helping with maintenance, or simply sharing your love of the region, there's a role for nearly every skill set.

Sherrie described the facility as a warm, welcoming and well-organized resort, which offers everything from a year-round pool and hot tub to a quilting room, social hall and pizza kitchen.

Each summer, the resort grows from a core staff of 11 year-round employees to more than 150 seasonal team members, including 40 to 50 Workampers who help bring the resort's many offerings to life.

The campground typically hires six to eight Workampers per season and offers a wide variety of positions, including housekeeping, guest services, general maintenance, cooking and bartending.

RV Overnights is a way to make money by connecting travelers with local businesses while creating richer, more meaningful RVing experiences.

The business combines a craft brewery, tavern and a small 24-site RV resort with cabins all on one scenic property just two miles from the ocean.

Kelley has crafted a purposeful and sustainable lifestyle by combining remote work, side gigs, and a wide variety of Workamping jobs.

Their personal RVing experience, especially with boondocking and long-distance travel for ultra-marathons, gives them unique insight into how different rigs function in real-life situations.

Tim is a great example of how modern technology and a purpose-driven mindset can open up incredible lifestyle opportunities for people who want to work while traveling.

There are no ongoing franchise fees or royalty percentages that are paid to the company. BikeRX is just a turnkey setup and a supportive framework to get rolling fast.

Chris explained East Lake Resort may be small in size, but it offers a wide range of seasonal Workamping opportunities in a beautiful and remote location.

As the fifth-largest bed and breakfast in Montana, Bad Rock offers more than cozy accommodations; it delivers unforgettable Glacier experiences and a warm, family-style atmosphere where guests and staff feel right at home.

It's a turnkey way to build your own mobile business. With no storefront and no overhead, EPDM Coatings takes care of the product fulfillment.

What started as Jill's plea for a one-year RV trial turned into a five-year adventure that reshaped both their personal and professional lives.

First, we'll be speaking with Lynne Swanson, the director of Safe Harbor Farm. It is a beautiful 61-acre nature sanctuary in North Carolina. Then we will speak with Jeff Parsons, the director of Bay Shore Family Camp and Ministry, which has been a cornerstone of faith-based retreats and family camps in Michigan for over a century.

That old camper sitting in someone's field could be your next adventure waiting to happen. All it takes is a little creativity, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to pick up that first tool.

This is your chance to experience the midnight sun, breathtaking mountain views, and the adventure of a lifetime – all while earning money and making new friends.

Workamping at On Golden Rescue isn't just a job, it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals who might otherwise have nowhere else to go.

The Youngers need a Workamping couple to keep the landscaping looking nice, and to prepare the reception hall and wedding barn before events.

A MyRVGuy franchise is designed for RVers who are mechanically inclined, self-motivated and passionate about helping fellow travelers maintain and repair their rigs.

Pepwear's traveling pop-up stores provide customized event merchandise at high school championships, music competitions, and other special events across the country.

Randy is looking for a couple who loves working with people and possesses a friendly, can-do attitude as well as a desire to work in a luxury environment.

The culture at Laurel Lock Campground creates a rather unique Workamping opportunity because much of the work is devoted to assisting seasonal residents.

The private mom-and-pop campground features about 100 campsites and four cabins situated on 30 acres of property. A family-oriented facility, it attracts a good mix of seasonal campers and overnight visitors.

Charlie has worked as a camp host, shuttled customers on canoeing excursions, mowed grass, and worked in camp stores or at the front desk. He recently worked for a campground in Minnesota called Fiddlesticks. That was where he found a job he just loved – operating a train which took kids around the park. He became known as “Choo-Choo Charlie.”

For a fun experiment, Greg interviews ChatGPT about what the RVing and Workamping lifestyle is like. The results were humorous and interesting.

Garr teaches business owners how to find RVs to rent, where to store them, how to rent them and to do so while making a good income.

He likes to hire Workamping couples so one person can help with the hunt and skinning animals, and the other tends to the lodge. Ideally, one or both of the Workampers should enjoy hunting and being around hunters.