RV Out West

Brooks Smothers
  • 4.9 (47)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time.  🎧 Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

  1. 3d ago

    Airstream, Idaho, and the Open Road with Jay Cullis

    Travel has a way of shaping our perspective, and few people understand that better than Jay Cullis, Content Manager at Airstream. Jay shares the journey that took him from newspaper reporting and teaching to helping tell the stories behind one of the most recognizable names in the RV industry. We talk about several notable Airstream projects, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trailer, the Airstream x Stetson collaboration and AirLab, a creative initiative that brings together artists, designers, and storytellers. Jay also reflects on how years of travel have influenced his approach to family, creativity, and life on the road. The conversation then turns to eastern Idaho, where Jay and his family spent nine weeks exploring the region surrounding Yellowstone National Park. From wildlife encounters and expansive mountain landscapes to the history of Earthquake Lake and the outdoor recreation opportunities around Island Park, Idaho, he shares the experiences that left a lasting impression and inspired him to return. Along the way, you'll hear stories about RV travel, Airstream ownership, remote work, road trips, camping, and the value of slowing down enough to truly experience a destination. It's a thoughtful discussion about curiosity, adventure, and discovering new places across the American West. If you're planning an Idaho RV trip, dreaming about Yellowstone, interested in an Airstream, or simply looking for inspiration for your next road trip, this episode offers plenty of ideas to fuel your travels. Download the episode, settle in, and join Brooks and Jay as they explore the roads, landscapes, and experiences that continue to call them back for more. Follow along on Jay's journey's over on his Instagram. @jaycullis SUPPORT THIS EPISODES SPONSOR: Set an alert with Camper Alerts so you can find a site at a sold-out campground. What are you waiting for? Set your alert today.  Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    38 min

  2. Jun 15

    The PNW Concert Venue Bucket List

    Live music and RV travel have more in common than you might think. Both are built around experiences, memories, and the stories that stay with us long after the trip is over. A favorite song can instantly transport us back to a specific place and time, much like revisiting a beloved campground, scenic drive, or destination. Your host, Brooks, takes you on a musical road trip through some of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated music venues, exploring the stages, theaters, clubs, and amphitheaters that have helped shape the region's music culture. The journey includes stops at Seattle's Paramount Theatre, The Crocodile, Neptune Theatre, and Tractor Tavern, along with Portland's Crystal Ballroom and Roseland Theater, Boise's Egyptian Theatre, and several other memorable venues across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Along the way, Brooks shares the history behind these locations, the stories that make them special, and the reasons music fans continue to return year after year. From century-old theaters to intimate concert halls and world-class outdoor venues, each stop offers a different perspective on the live music experience and the role these places play in the communities they serve. You'll hear stories of unforgettable performances, unexpected guest appearances, and the kinds of concert moments that can only happen when the stars align just right. Along the way, Brooks shares a piece of fatherly advice that might seem simple on the surface, but it could completely change the way you experience your next concert. Some lessons are learned the hard way. This one doesn't have to be. If you’re an RV looking to plan a different kind of road trip, this episode offers inspiration to make live music the destination. Instead of mapping a journey around attractions or campgrounds alone, consider following the concert calendar and letting great venues guide the adventure. The result may be a road trip filled with new places, great music, and stories worth telling around the campfire for years to come. ________________________ Order your FREE guide book and map highlighting all the scenic byways & highways in Washington State from our friend and sponsor: Scenic Washington Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    27 min

  3. Jun 8

    PNW RV travel, Music & Big Surprises with The Sotos: Part Two

    Part two with Edwin and Jessely Soto is here. The Sotos, of From the Hatch, share stories from their travels across the Pacific Northwest, including the places that left a lasting impression, the stops they missed this time around, and the destinations already calling them back for another trip. If you love RV travel, road trips, van life, Airstream adventures, and exploring the Pacific Northwest, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real stories from the road. You will also get an inside look at Edwin’s life as a musician and recording artist. Edwin opens up about how he continues to write, record, and produce music while living full time in an Airstream. From building a creative routine in a small space to balancing travel with artistic passion, he shares a fascinating look at what life as a traveling musician really looks like. And then, Edwin drops a BIG surprise right here on the show that completely catches us off guard. This is one of our longer episodes, but there was simply too much great conversation to cut. The stories, laughs, travel memories, and behind the scenes moments made this one impossible to trim down. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us for part two of our conversation with Edwin and Jessely Soto on RV Out West. If you enjoy RV living, Airstream travel, Pacific Northwest road trips, camping culture, travel podcasts, and conversations with creative people living life a little differently, this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    45 min

  4. Jun 1

    The Soto Family on RV Life, Travel and Finding Freedom

    In this special 200th episode of RV Out West, we sit down with Edwin and Jessely Soto, the couple behind From the Hatch, for a raw and honest conversation about full time RV living, family travel, and building a nomadic lifestyle from the ground up. What makes their story so different is that when they first started RV life, they had absolutely zero experience. In fact, I first met the Sotos over five years ago in a campground in Pennsylvania on their very first night living full time in an RV. Since then, Edwin and Jessely have traveled across the country, navigated major RV breakdowns, worked through health challenges, and learned how to adapt to the ups and downs that come with life on the road. In this episode, they share why they chose the full time RV lifestyle, how their family and friends eventually came to understand their decision, and the ways travel has shaped them not just as individuals, but as a couple and as a family. This episode is filled with heartfelt stories, honest reflections, and practical insight for anyone curious about RV living, van life, family travel, digital nomad life, or long term travel in an RV. If you are already living on the road or still dreaming about taking the leap into full time travel, Edwin and Jessely bring a relatable and inspiring perspective to the conversation. Be sure to follow From the Hatch on Instagram and join us next week for part two, where we talk about their travels throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating music while living on the road, and how they make this lifestyle work for their family. Visit our newest sponsor: Scenic Washington Order your FREE Washington State Scenic Byway guide and map. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    38 min

  5. May 25

    Eat Wild on the Road: Foraging Tips from Langdon Cook

    RV travel invites us to explore wide landscapes, open roads, and the freedom of the outdoors, but there’s another layer to that experience waiting just beyond the trail. This conversation explores how foraging, wild foods, and campfire cooking connect RVers to the land in a more personal and rewarding way. It’s about slowing down, looking closer, and discovering what the forest has to offer right around your campsite. For many travelers, the idea of foraging can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming at first. Where do you begin? What is safe to pick? How do you turn wild ingredients into a meal you actually want to eat? This discussion helps take the mystery out of that process and opens the door for beginners who want to try something new on their next RV trip. From wild greens to chanterelles and morels, the outdoors becomes both your destination and your pantry. Guest Langdon Cook is a Seattle-based author known for three books that explore wild food culture: Fat of the Land, The Mushroom Hunters, and Upstream: Searching for Salmon from River to Table. His writing blends storytelling, ecology, and food, offering a deeper look at how wild ingredients shape both people and place. Together we talk about foraging as part of outdoor adventure travel, how it fits into RV living, and why it continues to draw people back into forests and campsites across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. If you’ve ever considered adding foraging to your camping routine, this conversation offers a grounded place to start. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    40 min

  6. May 18

    Our RV Camp Kitchen That Changed Everything

    If you think your RV camp kitchen setup is dialed in, this episode might make you rethink everything. We break down the real-world RV cooking gear, camp kitchen essentials, and outdoor cooking setups that have actually survived years of camping, road trips, and campground meals with our family of four. From the truth about built-in RV outdoor kitchens to our experience with Blackstone griddles, cast iron cookware, hibachi charcoal cooking, and the surprisingly effective $20 electric griddle that completely changed our camping routine, this episode is packed with practical RV kitchen tips and honest gear insights for campers, RVers, and outdoor cooking enthusiasts alike. We talk about what camp kitchen gear is truly worth packing, what ended up collecting dust, and how simplifying our setup made cooking at camp easier, lighter, and far more enjoyable. From travel trailers and fifth wheels to camper vans and motorhomes, this conversation will help you build a smarter, more functional RV outdoor kitchen setup for the way you camp. If you love RV life, campground cooking, this episode is for you. Subscribe to our podcast for more Pacific Northwest RV lifestyle, camping, travel, and outdoor adventure conversations every Monday. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    21 min

  7. May 11

    The Dirty Truth About RV Tanks

    RV black tank problems, grey tank odors, and dump station mistakes are all part of RV life, but they do not have to ruin your camping experience. In this episode of RV Out West, Mark from Kleen Tanks joins the show to talk about one of the most important parts of RV maintenance and ownership, caring for your grey and black tanks properly. Mark shares years of experience working on RV waste systems and explains the simple habits that can help prevent clogs, odors, sensor issues, and expensive repairs. We talk about common mistakes RV owners make, the myths surrounding tank chemicals and treatments, and what really works when it comes to keeping your RV tanks clean and functioning correctly. This conversation also includes some unbelievable stories from the dirty side of RVing. From major tank disasters to avoidable dump station mishaps, these stories are entertaining, educational, and a reminder that proper tank maintenance matters more than most RVers realize. If you own a travel trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome, or camper van, this episode is packed with practical RV maintenance tips that can save you money, reduce frustration, and help you avoid nasty situations on the road. You will walk away with a better understanding of RV holding tank care, proper dumping techniques, and the best ways to maintain a cleaner and healthier RV waste system. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    32 min

  8. May 4

    The PNW Bike Trails Worth Your Time

    Celebrate National Bike Month with this episode focused on exploring the Pacific Northwest by bike while RVing. After recent time spent paddling and hiking, we shift into cycling and highlight some of the best bike trails and multi-use paths across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. From scenic rail trails and river paths to long-distance routes, we share standout places to ride and how bikes can expand your travel experience at every stop. This episode also includes a full, honest review of our Lectric eBikes after two years of real-world use. We cover what we like, where we have had challenges, and how these e-bikes have fit into our everyday rides and camping trips. In addition, we share practical tips for riding and caring for an eBike, including battery habits, basic maintenance, and things to keep in mind when planning your rides. National Bike Month, led by the League of American Bicyclists, encourages more people to get out and ride while supporting safer streets and better infrastructure. If you are looking for inspiration, trail ideas, and real-life insight into using bikes on the road, this episode is a great place to start planning your next ride. Send us Fan Mail Sign up for our Newsletter Please follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media: Instagram Facebook

    34 min
See All (204)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

RV Out West is a Pacific Northwest travel podcast that explores the RV lifestyle, camping adventures, and road trips across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and beyond. Hosted by Brooks Smothers, this show shares insider tips, destination guides and authentic stories from the open road. RV Out West inspires you to explore new destinations, connect with nature, and enjoy the adventure that comes with hitting the open road; one campsite, one story and one unforgettable journey at a time.  🎧 Tune in for travel inspiration, RV tips and stories that celebrate the spirit of adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

Information

  • Creator
    Brooks Smothers
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    204
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 RV Out West
  • Show Website
    RV Out West

You Might Also Like