The ROAMies Podcast

The ROAMies
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Places & Travel
  • Semimonthly

This travel and inspiration podcast will motivate you to explore the world, make a positive impact, and live your best life. Award-winning musical duo The ROAMies—Rory and Alexa—share insights, resources, and products to make travel and life on-the-go easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a frequent traveler, super busy and always on-the-go, or simply dreaming of more adventure, you'll find practical tips, helpful info, Rory’s infamous "dad jokes," and plenty of laughs. The ROAMies dive into where to travel, why to travel, and how to travel, sharing personal stories, favorite brands, and tools that support a busy, travel-filled lifestyle. Along the way, they welcome insightful guests who bring fresh perspectives and expert advice. It’s the perfect mix of practical guidance, motivation, and inspiration—designed to spark your own adventures, fuel your creativity, and seamlessly integrate travel into your lifestyle.

  1. 6h ago

    V is for Volunteer

    A poolside vacation can be relaxing, but it rarely changes you. We want travel that restores us and reshapes us, and that is why we are talking about volunteering as a real way to roam with purpose.  Many thanks to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's Taste the Tradition®  and Grown With Tradition®  Logo programs along with Big Jim Farms who are supporting this episode!  When you build even a small service project into a trip, you get something most itineraries cannot offer: genuine connection with local people, a clearer view of what matters, and a “bring it home” kind of motivation that sticks long after you unpack. Chris Hill, founder of Hands Up Holidays, joins us to explain how volunteer travel can be done thoughtfully and comfortably, especially for families. We dig into what it looks like to blend luxury travel and sightseeing with two to four days of hands-on service, plus the behind-the-scenes work of finding partners and choosing projects that are meaningful on the ground. Chris shares examples like installing eco-friendly stoves in Belize, supporting wildlife conservation and schools in Costa Rica, and a Morocco library project that sparked a lasting generosity shift in the kids who traveled there. If you have been searching for “family volunteer vacations,” “purpose-driven travel,” or “meaningful travel experiences,” this conversation gives you a clear picture of what is possible. Then we bring it closer to home with Chantelle Wagner from Big Jim Farms in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the only green chile U-pick farm in the world. We talk agritourism, farm volunteering, seasonal events, workshops, and why getting your hands in the soil can be surprisingly therapeutic. You will also hear how to take the experience home through their shipped products and even seeds you can grow in your own garden. Also mentioned on this episode: A Conversation with Jonathan from World Hunger Relief - Let Your Next Vacation Be One with Lasting Impact for Good Episode 170 - https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/10385653 S is for Santa Fe You might also enjoy this episode: Giving Back, Gives Back to you. Check out these volunteer vacation opportunities in Arizona! Episode 115 https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/8344426 And  Q is for Quaint where we explore Silver City, NM And L is for Lavender where we explore a Lavender farm in NM If this sparks an idea for your next trip, subscribe, share this with a friend who loves travel with meaning, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Where would you volunteer first? Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

    V is for Volunteer

  2. Oct 20

    U is for Unique

    The Frio River is so clear it almost looks unreal, and once we started floating it in Uvalde County, Texas, we understood why families return year after year. We take you along for a weekend that mixes classic Hill Country river time with the kind of small-town discoveries you cannot plan on a spreadsheet: rope swings, laid-back cabins, live music nights, and food that feels tied to the place. If you are searching for a Texas weekend getaway near San Antonio that still feels peaceful and outdoorsy, this one belongs on your list. We also dig into what makes Uvalde County more than just a pretty float. With help from the Uvalde County Visitor Center and executive director Christy Greenwald, we learn how the Yellow Bag program works and why river cleanup is built into the county’s tourism model across the Frio, Nueces, and Sabinal rivers. We talk river safety, how locals watch conditions after flooding, and the practical realities of traveling somewhere proudly non-chain: where to stay, where to shop, and how to plan around seasonal closures. Then we head to Utopia, TX for a conversation at The Blue Flame with owner Laura Kasai, where weekly rotating menus, thoughtful acoustics, and a family-friendly venue create a true community hub. Her advice on juggling big dreams, choosing the next project, and building sustainably hits home for us, especially as we connect it to our own “roam to home” mindset. We round out the trip with Lost Maples Cafe pie, Neal’s 100-year celebration in Concan, Frio’s Dry 50 souvenirs, and one very surprising pickle pop. If this gave you fresh trip ideas or a little push to create a better life back home, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a river weekend. Where should we travel next? Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

    U is for Unique

  3. Oct 6

    T is for TEA

    New Mexico gave us a twist we didn’t see coming: tea became the souvenir that actually changes our daily life. We’re Alexa and Rory, and on this Roam to Home chapter we take you from Mesilla to Albuquerque to meet three tea makers who turn wellness, travel, and craft into something you can steep at home. Chai Chai Love: https://chaichai.love/ @chaichailove Old Barrel Tea Co. ; https://oldbarreltea.com/ Lotus Tree Herbal: www.lotustreeherbal.com @lotustreeherbal Vegabond Teas : VegbondTeas.com Vegabond Teas Sale through Dec 1, 2026 use CHIKCHAT to get $5 off  First stop is Old Barrel Tea Company and The Vintage in Mesilla, where Morgan shows how a tea shop can be a gathering place built on fresh brewing, local New Mexico sourcing, and a “make it a great day” mindset. We talk flavor favorites, health-supporting herbs like hibiscus and valerian root, and how their team kept customers supplied during COVID. Then we step into the store with Spring, who explains daily tastings, half-and-half custom blends, and why certain teas instantly bring her back to places like Belize or South Africa. In Albuquerque, we meet Spring Hill Edwards of Lotus Tree Herbal at the ABQ Collective. She shares how her business grows from caring for family and friends, why she commits to organic ingredients and no added flavorings, and what it really takes to scale responsibly, from commercial kitchens to wholesale. Finally, Guru Mastick Khalsa of Chai Chai Love breaks down authentic masala chai, why Americans often get syrup instead of spice, and how functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga fit into a bigger wellness lifestyle. If you love loose leaf tea, herbal tea blends, real chai, small business stories, and practical wellness rituals, hit subscribe, share this with a fellow tea friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find us. Also mentioned in this Episode  L is for Lavender Episode 289 : K is for Kitchens: Episode 288: J is for Journey: Episode 287 R is for Relax: Episode 295 #smallbusiness, #businessinspo Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

  4. Sep 22

    S is for Santa Fe

    Santa Fe doesn’t just give you a great day out, it gives you new instincts. The kind that make you notice color against adobe walls, hear stories inside old buildings, and crave a meal that tastes like a place instead of a trend. And if you want to bring a little Santa Fe home, too, you can shop The Shed online here: https://sfshed.com/collections/all A huge thank you to The Shed and to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the New Mexico — Grown with Tradition® / Taste the Tradition® Logo Programs for supporting this episode! We spend the day in Santa Fe, New Mexico with a deep dive into The Shed, one of the most beloved New Mexican restaurants near the Santa Fe Plaza. We talk with the people behind the experience and follow the threads that make it iconic: a family history that starts in the 1950s, a building with centuries of layers, and a menu built around red chile and green chile. Along the way we unpack the surprise that won us over fast: garlic bread alongside chile, plus the reason it’s not a gimmick, it’s tradition. We also get nerdy about what makes New Mexican food different, from chile-forward sauces to pozole, blue corn tortillas, and how a small roux brings everything together, including gluten-free options. Then we step outside and walk it off through downtown Santa Fe and the gallery-lined streets, sharing what felt most inspiring: the studios, the museums, the Plaza energy, and the simplicity of Santa Fe style that makes you want to declutter your own space. We wrap by turning the trip into “roam to home” takeaways, including what we brought back for our kitchen, how we plan to cook with it, and why travel is better when the experience doesn’t end when you get home. Subscribe for more Rome to home travel stories, share this with a friend planning a Santa Fe trip, and leave a review to help more travelers find us. What would you bring home from Santa Fe: red, green, or Christmas? Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

    S is for Santa Fe

  5. Sep 8

    R is for Relax

    R is for Relax!Relaxation is not a luxury; it’s a skill, and travel has a way of teaching it fast. We sit down with Monika Geraci, a lifelong RVer and leader in the RV Industry Association, to unpack why RV travel keeps growing and why “unwinding” is the number one reason people choose it. Ready to experience it for yourself? Hit the road with Roadsurfer! Their camper vans and RVs come with unlimited mileage, making it easy to explore hidden gems like Rigi. Save 10% with code ROAMIES10: https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies. Mentioned in This Episode: J is for Journey — Episode 287 https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/19205260 Articles on luxury RV parks and RVing with pets Harvest Hosts locations and RV overnight locations Q is for Quaint — Episode 294 https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/19699853 Save 10% with code ROAMIES10: https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies VEGABOND TEAS VegabondTeas.com: Relax with some of our herbal flavors like CapeTown Grey, Provence, Sequim and Albuquerque. "Sandia Peak" has added herbs that help you de-stress.  Enjoy ROAM by William Roam, along with other great spa-vibe bath treats: https://williamroam.com/ (B is for Bath — Episode 279 ) ADDITIONAL EPISODES WE’VE RELEASED ON RV'ING: Still Looking for a Summer Getaway Option? Look Again at RV'ing! July 30, 2020 Episode 75 Is RV'ing the Perfect Way to Travel Right Now? June 13, 2020 Episode 64 We talk through the real-world benefits that make RVing feel so freeing: flexible itineraries, more control over travel costs, and the comfort of bringing “home” with you wherever you park. Monika also makes RVing easier to understand for beginners by breaking down RV types in plain terms, including Class A, Class B camper vans, Class C motorhomes, and the wide world of towable trailers. We get into luxury RVs and RV resorts that can feel more like a high-end getaway than camping, plus pet-friendly RV travel and the features that make it simpler to bring your dogs or cats along. If you’ve ever struggled to find a place to stay at the last minute, we cover smart stopover options like Harvest Hosts and why the journey can be just as restorative as the destination. Then we shift from the RV world to our own “R is for Relax” story in Switzerland, sharing our day trip to Rigi: mountain trains, sweeping lake views, hiking down through little villages, and a paddleboard hour that felt like a full reset. We wrap with five practical ways to bring that calm home, from creating a place to pause to making everyday rituals feel special. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a friend who needs a slower pace, then tell us what place helps you truly relax. @gorving  #JustBeyondYourDoor  #GoRVing. #RVtravel, #motorhomes, #RVs, #travelwithcats #hikewithcats #hiking #walking #scenery #travelpodcast #TravelTips #AdventureCats #TheROAMies Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

    R is for Relax

  6. Aug 25

    Q is for Quaint

    A random exit on the way to Slovenia should have been a quick pit stop, but it turned into one of those travel moments that resets your whole nervous system. We followed a sign to a castle just seven minutes away, drove through a centuries-old stone arch, and landed in Gorizia, Italy, a quiet hilltop spot that feels like a hidden village inside a wall. We talk through what we saw, why it felt so magical, and how to fit this kind of “small detour” into an Italy itinerary if you are anywhere near Trieste or the Italy-Slovenia border. That surprise stop also sparks a bigger travel takeaway we love: plan around passions, not just destinations. From craft history like glassmaking to the most niche collector communities, the point is the same. When you travel for something you genuinely care about, the trip becomes more personal, more memorable, and way easier to bring home as real inspiration for your everyday life. Then we shift from Roam to Home with Amber Brandt, the Coziness Consultant, who helps us define quaint versus cozy and turn “I want my house to feel better” into clear actions. We unpack values-based decorating, asking the question under the question when you feel stuck, and practical design choices that matter fast: correct scale in big rooms, better lighting, layered texture, and curated collections that feel meaningful without becoming clutter. If you are renovating, redecorating, or just tired of chasing trends, this conversation is a grounding reset. thecozinessconsultant.com instagram.com/thecozinessconsultant And mentioned on this episode: Glass Making Trail: “On the trail of the ancient glassworks of the Gorizia area” https://glassroutes.zrc-sazu.si/en/ The exhibition in Gorizia explores the history of glass production in the Tarnova Forest, as part of the Interreg Glass Routes project. The Glass Routes project features a cross-border trail exploring the history of 18th-century Czech and Bohemian glassblowers in the Gorizia region and the Trnovo Forest. M is for Minimalism P is for Patterns If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend, then tell us what makes a space feel cozy to you. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

    Q is for Quaint

  7. Aug 11

    P is for Patterns

    A screenshot of old book titles turns into a surprising question: how much do we actually change, and how much do we just repeat what we already love? We follow that thread into “P Is For Patterns” and use it to decode why certain places instantly feel like home to us and why others don’t, even when they’re objectively beautiful. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep booking the same kind of trip or craving the same kind of neighborhood, this one gives you a fresh way to see your travel style. Thank you to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and Cases Customs for supporting this episode! Reach out to Case for your custom order https://casescustoms.com/cases-customs casescustoms@gmail.com IG: c.customs ;https://www.instagram.com/c.customs FB: https://www.facebook.com/CasesCustoms/ Predjama Castle Postojna Caves Also mentioned in this episode Discover Enchanting Tirol, Austria with Us214https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/13541260 Textured Accent Walls: https://www.southernaccentnashville.com/ Our Glenwood Springs, CO Episodes E is for Energy282https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18826304 D is for Doors281 C is for Color+ado280 We also take you to Slovenia for two unforgettable stops: Predjama Castle, a dramatic fortress built straight into a cave opening, and the Postojna Cave tour, complete with a train ride into the cavern and a long walk through massive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. We share practical travel tips like timing, walking expectations, parking, and what to wear, plus the small details that make the experience stick, from “baby dragon” olms to the concert-sized echo inside the cave. Then we bring the idea of patterns back home, literally, through texture, wallpaper, and renovation inspiration for our 1916 house, and emotionally through routines and habits we want to keep or change. Finally, we sit down with New Mexico artisan Case Forrest of Case’s Customs to talk woodworking patterns, end-grain cutting boards, epoxy resin surprises, custom commissions, and why functional art is meant to be used. If you enjoy travel stories with real takeaways, home design inspiration, and maker craftsmanship, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

    P is for Patterns

  8. Jul 28

    O is for Outdoors

    Oulu, Finland has a reputation for doing winter differently, and after talking with local guides Minna and Marika, we get why. This northern seaside city isn’t just “survivable” in the cold, it’s designed for real life outdoors, from maintained winter bike routes to sea ice adventures and sauna culture that turns warming up into a daily ritual. If you’re planning Finland travel and want a city that blends nature, culture, and practical design, Oulu belongs on your shortlist.  Oulu region tourist guides: https://www.oulunseudunoppaat.fi/en/home/ O is for Organic, Oxygen, Oulu, and Organization Essential Oxygen Helps you Minimize and Organize by reducing the amount of cleaning products needed in your home or travel bags. EssentialOxygen.com use code ROAM10 to get 10% off of your order Oulu as European capital of culture 2026: https://oulu2026.eu/en/ City of Oulu: https://www.ouka.fi/en Air Guitar World Championships in Oulu (since 1996): https://airguitarworldchampionships.com/en/home/ The Sami museum, Siida, that Rory and Alexa visited in Inari: https://siida.fi/en/ Finnish architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto -> swimming pools in CAL -> Nike sneakers: Finnish architect Alvar Aalto inspires newly-released Nike sneaker | Yle News | Aalto designs for UNESCO world heritage list: See Alvar Aalto's works that just gained Unesco World Heritage status | Yle News | Yle Alvar's MIT dormitory that he designed: Finnisharchitecture.fi | Baker House Also mentioned on this episode: A is for AIrbnb  Alexa’s Organic Tea Company: VegabondTeas.com M is for Minimalism The One Minute Cure: https://amzn.to/4bj6lkN We share our own quick-hit impressions, including the market hall area, canals, bridges, and that cozy “mini Helsinki” feel, then we go deeper with local insight. We talk about what to do in Oulu in winter and summer: Northern Lights tours with dinner by an open fire, snowshoeing, kick sledding, skiing routes, ice fishing on the Baltic Sea, and even ice-hole winter swimming. When the days stretch long, Oulu opens up into beach time at Nallikari, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and easy ways to explore the city’s islands and waterfront.  Culture matters here too. We dig into museums, theater, ice hockey, and Oulu’s role in showcasing Sami culture, plus the fun, slightly wild spirit that produces the Air Guitar World Championships for world peace. We wrap by connecting our “roam to home” theme to our sponsor, Essential Oxygen, and why we like their simple, travel-friendly oral care and multi-use cleaning approach.  If this sparks your next trip planning or your next home reset, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more travelers can find us. Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.

    O is for Outdoors
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

This travel and inspiration podcast will motivate you to explore the world, make a positive impact, and live your best life. Award-winning musical duo The ROAMies—Rory and Alexa—share insights, resources, and products to make travel and life on-the-go easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a frequent traveler, super busy and always on-the-go, or simply dreaming of more adventure, you'll find practical tips, helpful info, Rory’s infamous "dad jokes," and plenty of laughs. The ROAMies dive into where to travel, why to travel, and how to travel, sharing personal stories, favorite brands, and tools that support a busy, travel-filled lifestyle. Along the way, they welcome insightful guests who bring fresh perspectives and expert advice. It’s the perfect mix of practical guidance, motivation, and inspiration—designed to spark your own adventures, fuel your creativity, and seamlessly integrate travel into your lifestyle.

Information

  • Creator
    The ROAMies
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The ROAMies Podcast
  • Show Website
    The ROAMies Podcast

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