The ROAMies Podcast

The ROAMies
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  • Places & Travel
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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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jul 15

    N is for NEWance

    Silver City, New Mexico doesn’t hit you with one giant landmark. It wins you over with craft, conversation, and the kind of small details you only catch when you slow down. We roll into town for N is for New Wants, playing on the “nuance” we found everywhere, from downtown murals to handmade soap to a triangle table that somehow makes more sense than every corner nook we’ve ever seen. https://visitsilvercity.org/ Murray Ryan Visitor Center 201 North Hudson Street, Silver City, NM 88061 575-538-5555 | information@visitsilvercity.org Silver City MainStreet Project/Arts & Cultural District 575-534-1700 Downtown Guide Business listing: https://silvercitymainstreet.com/downtown-guide/.  We map out a listener-friendly Silver City travel guide for a full day (and why Wednesday through Sunday is the easiest time to visit). You’ll hear from Bryant at Birdwell’s Coffee and Boba Tea about taking a leap into small business life, and from Laura Aubrey at June Junes on scratch-made ice cream, botanical teas, and flavors like wild rose without artificial dye. Then we sit down with Raphael at Whiskey Creek Zocolo to talk about the town’s mining lore, rebuilding a venue during COVID, and how an eclectic live music calendar can shape a community. From there we zoom out to the landscapes that make this corner of the Southwest so special: City of Rocks State Park, the Gila National Forest, and the Gila Cliff Dwellings, plus easy downtown nature like Ditch Park. We also stop into the Grant County Art Guild Gallery to learn how a cooperative space helps local artists thrive. Also mentioned in this episode:  E is for Energy | 282 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18826304 D is for Doors | 281 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18742091 C is for Color+ado | 280 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18660944 B is for Bath | 279 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/18579527 We end by bringing it all home, literally and philosophically, with practical interior design tips for creating nuance without turning your space into a showroom: repetition without matching, contrast between old and new, breathing room, fewer larger pieces, one memorable surprise, and a home that tells your story. If you enjoy creative travel, small towns, and wellness-minded pacing, 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.

    N is for NEWance

  5. Jun 30

    M is for Minimalism

    Clutter is not just a mess you walk around, it is a constant tax on your time, your attention, and your ability to say yes to the life you actually want. We dig into minimalism as a practical tool for both travel and home, because packing light is only half the story. The other half is what happens when you walk back through your front door and your space either supports you or instantly stresses you out. Website link: https://www.katyjoywells.com Book purchase link: https://amzn.to/4oWSp5e Katy's Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells/ Decluttering Style Quiz: https://www.katyjoywells.com/decluttering-style-quiz GILLY LOCO: Website: https://gillyloco.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gillyloco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilly_loco/ We’re joined by Katie Joy Wells, author of *Making Home Your Happy Place* and host of *The Maximize Minimalist*. Katie shares her real-life turning point and the mindset shifts behind holistic decluttering, from clearing the mental “shoulds” to building systems that actually match your season of life. We talk carry-on packing, decision fatigue, the “just in case” spiral, and why so many of us pack for an aspirational version of ourselves instead of the person we are today. You’ll also hear practical travel tips like keeping an always-ready toiletry bag and creating clear “homes” for your essentials so unpacking and repacking stops feeling like a recurring crisis. Then we pivot to ourconversation with Mark Escajeda of Gilly Loco, a New Mexico brand making coconut oil tortilla chips and salsas with simple, recognizable ingredients. We get into what “seed oil-free” means to customers, why coconut oil is central to their process, and where you can buy Gilly Loco chips nationwide, including HomeGoods, plus online shipping and select grocery partners. Also mentioned in this episode: Onli Travel:https://onlitravel.com/  Use code ROAM10 for 10% OFF through August 2026 Lauri Newell — Victory Organizing Professional organizing for your life and work spaces, based in Nashville, TN. Lauri helps people thrive where they are — no shame, no judgment, just warm, hands-on help transforming your home or office into a space that works for you. victoryorganizing.com IG @victory_organizing H is for Happy Place - Episode 285 B is for Bath - Episode 279 If you’re craving less clutter and more room to breathe, listen now, share this with a friend who loves travel, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. After you listen, will you try packing lighter, decluttering one category, or both?  Decluttering is not a new concept here! Episodes 46 - 51 also expand on this concept, so check out those mini-series episodes if you haven't yet.  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.

    M is for Minimalism

  6. Jun 16

    L is for Lavender

    Sleeping in a covered wagon on a lavender farm sounds like a movie scene, but we’re doing it for real in Tularosa, New Mexico. We’re recording on-site at Floren Family Farms, where the stars are bright, the cottonwoods are tall, and the vibe is intentionally low-noise. Tom Floren explains why their Conestoga wagon glamping stay is built for rest, complete with modern comforts but without the usual distractions, so you can actually look up, breathe deep, and feel the place. Rent your stay in a covered wagon in Tularosa, NM!: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1183640343138023493?unique_share_id=a80b354f-78e3-45bd-aeda-1320fd24b8d2&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76 Visit Floren Family Farms -FlorenFamilyFarms.com Thank you to NMDA for supporting this episode!  Big Bend Episodes:  OP and Sequim Alexa's Tea's that utilize Lavender: VegabondTeas.com/Sequim VegabondTeas.com/Provence  https://www.123farm.com/ Leavenfoods.com @leavenfoods From there, we zoom out into what makes this farm a true agritourism destination in New Mexico. We talk you-pick lavender season, fall flowers like zinnias and sunflowers, and why people drive out for weddings, baby showers, and open-air gatherings in the middle of an arid landscape that somehow feels like a green oasis. Tom also shares the behind-the-scenes ecology that keeps the farm thriving, including a partnership for bees and a powerful story about rescuing a great-horned owl and planning a public release event that teaches just how important raptors are. If you love practical takeaways, this conversation delivers: we break down lavender varieties, culinary vs high-camphor types, essential oil distillation, and the biggest reason lavender dies in home gardens. Tom’s advice on soil mix, drainage, watering, and sunlight is simple enough to remember and specific enough to change your results. We also share our From ROAM to Home moment, connecting lavender farm travel to everyday rituals like sourdough and the small tools that make it easier to keep traditions going while you’re on the road. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs a nature reset, and leave us a review. What would you bring home from a lavender farm: a plant, a recipe, or a new daily ritual? #Florenfamilyfarms,,,#Remedies4relief. 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.

    L is for Lavender

  7. May 29

    K is for Kitchens

    Addison, Texas is proof that a small map footprint can deliver huge flavor. We drove up from Waco and immediately felt it: this pocket of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex runs on good food, big gatherings, and the kind of walkable energy that makes you want to park once and just explore.  Kick it Festival:  https://visitaddison.com/kickit/  Visit Addison: https://visitaddison.com/ @visitaddison  Java and Hopps:  https://www.javahoppscafe.com/ @javaandhoppscafe  La Parisienne:  https://www.parisienneusa.com/ @laparisiennefrenchbistro  The Londoner: https://thelondonerpub.com/ :@thelonderaddison  Puttshack :https://www.puttshack.com/locations/addison/ @puttshack  Sweet Paris: https://www.sweetparis.com/  @sweetparis  Landmark Kitchen and Bar:  https://www.landmarkbars.com/addison @landmarkdtx  Fuzz Labs: https://fuzzlab.co/ @fuzzlabdallas  Dolce Paradiso:  https://www.dolceparadiso.net/ @dolceparadisotx Sidecar Social : https://sidecarsocial.com/addison/ @sidecarsocialaddison We’re joined by Amber Patterson from Visit Addison, who breaks down what makes the city such a magnet for meetups and weekend trips. We talk Kaboom Town, Addison’s legendary July 3 fireworks celebration, and Addison Oktoberfest, a long-running festival that brings a surprisingly authentic Munich-style experience to North Texas. Then we get into the stat that stops every foodie in their tracks: roughly 200 restaurants packed into 4.4 square miles, plus the local backstory of how Addison became a launchpad for iconic concepts. Sports fans get love too. With the World Cup coming to the Dallas area, Amber shares how Addison is preparing with watch-friendly restaurants and a four-day Kick It in Addison festival at Addison Circle Park, complete with a huge screen and all-day match viewing. We also swap notes on why the park itself is worth a stop, and how Java and Hops Coffee House turns a simple stroll into the perfect park lunch plan with standout coffee. We kick off our restaurant recap with Sweet Paris, and we preview more spots and experiences we’re adding shortly after a quick technical hiccup.  Also mentioned in this episode: Jessica Vasquez- Design It Dallas: @DesignitDallas Part 2: Exploring Moray Speyside-Scotland: A Day of Hidden Treasures, Adventure, and Culinary Delights | 229 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/15853436 From Lighthouses to Castles - Join us in Moray Speyside, Scotland - Part 1 | 228 | https://www.buzzsprout.com/263670/episodes/15845252Subscribe so you don’t miss the updated full rundown, and if you enjoyed the travel and food intel, share the episode and leave us a review. 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.

    K is for Kitchens

  8. May 19

    J is for Journey

    https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies Get 10% OFF your rental too! Code: ROAMIES10 We’re recording this one from our “home” parked in a New Mexico campground, because we finally did it: real RV life. After years of hotels, Airbnbs, cabins, and everything in between, we took a twist on our “Roam to Home” season and went full “roam in home” with a Roadsurfer RV rental, bringing our two cats along for the ride. We talk through what the Roadsurfer camper van and RV rental experience actually feels like, starting with the practical stuff that makes or breaks a first trip: the check-in walkthrough, the online tutorials, and the little learning curves nobody tells you about until you’re staring at a switch and wondering what tank it controls. We also share why the flexibility is the real luxury, from changing plans mid-trip to skipping the nightly hotel scramble because your bed, bathroom, and kitchen travel with you. Then we get into our favorite RV travel tips so far: securing everything before you drive (because if it can move, it will move), adjusting to different visibility and a camera-based rearview setup, planning for wider turns and parking, and managing gas mileage, especially when the wind is doing the most. We also talk add-ons that help you pack lighter, plus why RV travel with pets feels calmer than a hotel, even with cats. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try RV travel, this might be it. Grab the link in our show notes for Roadsurfer, then subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend so more people can roam a little smarter. https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies Get 10% OFF your rental too! Code: ROAMIES10 roadsurfer RV rental • roadsurfer RV rentals • roadsurfer camper van renta • roadsurfer RV rental experience • roadsurfer camper van rental USA • roadsurfer RV road trip • roadsurfer van life USA 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.

    J is for Journey
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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
    297
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The ROAMies Podcast
  • Show Website
    The ROAMies Podcast

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