Learn To RV: The Podcast

Learn To RV

You're joining a pretty special journey: Learn To RV: The Podcast is hosted by Jennifer Schillaci and Tasha Martin, two seasoned RVers with hearts full of stories, tips, and real-life wisdom from the road.Whether you're just dipping your toes into RV life or you're deep in the nomadic groove, this podcast is your go-to hub for:🚐 RV know-how from roofing to route planning🧑‍🏫 Roadschooling tips for learners of all kinds💬 Candid chats about family travel, remote work, and community📣 Resources, hacks, and heart-centered guidance for every age and stage🔗 Follow, subscribe, and join the adventure! Trust us. You’ll want to be along for the ride.The views and opinions expressed by Learn To RV: The Podcast guests are not our own. What we say or share should not be interpreted as personal advice. Do your own research and speak to a professional.

  1. Sep 4

    Go Rving & the RV 250: Road Trips, RV Data & the Freedom of RVing with Monika Geraci

    Send us Fan Mail This year marks America's 250th birthday, and the RV Industry Association built an entire initiative around celebrating it on the open road. Jennifer sits down with Monika Geraci, who leads PR and communications for Go RVing, the RV Industry Association, and the RV Technical Institute.  Let's unpack what the RV 250 is, how it started, and where it's headed. Monika brings 16 years inside the RV industry and a lifetime of RVing in her own family to the conversation. She and Jennifer talk through the RV 250 travel itineraries and passport program, what the RVIA seal on your RV actually certifies (and why it matters for safety), the resources Go RVing offers new and experienced RVers alike, and what the latest industry data says about where RVing is headed amid a shifting economy. They close on the RV 250 photo contest — including a $5,000 giveaway — and what the "freedom and control" of RVing means heading into America's milestone year. The RV 250 is a roughly 16–17 month initiative from Go RVing/RVIA built around America's 250th birthday, including road trip itineraries, a printed travel passport, and a photo contest with a $5,000 prize (deadline: September 15th).The RVIA seal on an RV is a manufacturer safety certification, not a tracking sticker — and RVIA pursues cease-and-desist action against counterfeit seals.The RV industry's most recent data shows 16.9 million households intend to buy an RV in the next five years, even amid economic uncertainty.Go RVing offers free tools for new RVers, including an RV-type matching quiz, side-by-side comparisons, and a "newbie toolkit" of 101-level videos.Fall travel data suggests RV owners are actually traveling farther from home (7–10 hours) than expected, countering assumptions that rising costs are shrinking trip range. Links Mentioned RV 250 hub / photo contest entry: gorving.com/rv250 — enter before September 15 for a chance at the $5,000 prizeGo RVing (main site): gorving.comRV Industry Association: rvia.orgRV Technical Institute (RVTI): rvti.orgFind a Certified RV Technician: rvti.org — Find a Certified TechLearn to RV The Podcast: learntorvthepodcast.comMonika Geraci leads PR and communications for Go RVing (the consumer-facing marketing arm of the RV industry), the RV Industry Association, and the RV Technical Institute. She's spent 16 years in the RV industry, starting in government affairs and lobbying before moving into communications. Monika grew up RVing with her family across the western U.S. and continues to RV with her own daughters today. Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

  2. Aug 31

    Celebrating 100 Episodes of Community and Connection at Learn to RV & Don't forget to say hello at Hershey

    Send us Fan Mail Hey there, fellow RV enthusiasts. Today marks a special milestone for us... it's the hundredth episode of Learn to RV! It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come since the early days less than a year ago, when we weren't even sure if starting a podcast was the right move. A Journey Together   As we reflect on this journey, it’s clear that this podcast has transformed into a collective experience. It’s no longer just about sharing our adventures; it’s about creating a community. Jennifer and Frank are joined by Kristina and Joel Bram, who have been vital in supporting this project from behind the scenes, helping to weave the fabric of our shared RV lifestyle. "Love people where they're at no matter what." — Jennifer This quote embodies the essence of our mission. We aimed not to be the biggest or best, but to foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels included. Our conversations focus on collaboration rather than competition. As Kristina beautifully puts it, "Community over competition" is not just a phrase; it’s a principle that guides us. Building a Community   One of the highlights of this year has been witnessing new faces join the Learn to RV family. This podcast has become a hub where RVers from all walks of life can connect, learn, and grow together. Kristina and Joel emphasize that it doesn’t matter if you’re in a luxurious rig or a simple pop-up; everyone is welcome around the campfire. "Learn to RV is that place for everybody to come together from every corner of the RV space to just be and collaborate." — Kristina Their involvement has been pivotal in expanding our reach and ensuring that we cater to diverse experiences and backgrounds within the RV community. It’s not just about the journey; it’s about sharing those journeys and supporting one another. Reflecting on Our Favorite Moments   As we wrap up season two, we can’t help but chuckle at some of our favorite podcast episodes. Who would have thought that talking about tanks could be so entertaining? Or that our discussions about quirky festivals across the country would leave us in stitches? These moments remind us of the joy and laughter that come with RV living. They highlight the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously while navigating the complexities of life on the road. Looking Ahead   As we transition into season three, we’re excited to announce some changes, including a shift to one episode per week. This will allow us to focus on quality content and meaningful connections within our community. We’re also gearing up for the upcoming Hershey show, where we’ll dive deeper into collaborative projects and bring you more insights from the RV world. This journey has been about more than just RVing; it’s about forming connections and building a supportive network. We’re grateful for each of you who have joined us, and we look forward to what lies ahead. Let’s continue to grow together, share our experiences, and build the kind of community that uplifts everyone involved. Stay tuned for more adventures, insights, and stories from the road! Thanks for being a part of our journey. Check out the full episode for more laughs and in Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

  3. Aug 24

    HighlightHer with Jenny Herman: Community over Competition

    Send us Fan Mail Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jenny Herman, host of The HighlighterHer Network, where she highlights inspiring women in business. This episode was unique, as Jenny's son is curious about RVing, so we tackled his questions together in last weeks episode   From Reluctance to Passion   Jenny shared that she never planned to become a podcaster. In fact, it was her husband's suggestion that first planted the seed. She was initially resistant, thinking, "No, that's not for me." However, with some encouragement and a supportive partner who helps with editing, she launched her podcast in just about 30 days.   "I became friends with Chat GPT, and it knew the right questions to ask to help me get things done."  This highlights the importance of community and support in pursuing passions, especially in the podcasting world, where many quit after just a few episodes. The Journey of Highlight Her   Jenny's journey into podcasting stemmed from her desire to cheer on other women in business. Her experience as a teacher and a special needs parent led her to homeschool her son, which opened her eyes to the challenges and joys of both parenting and entrepreneurship.   She created Highlight Her to uplift female entrepreneurs, inspired by a moment at a women's conference where someone encouraged her not to give up on her vision.   "The podcast is about cheering on other women, and that's what she did for me."    Jenny's enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to fulfilling experiences. If you’re curious about RV life or looking for inspiration in your own journey, tune in to our full conversation! Links & Resources HighlightHer Network — YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOVIZsPP8_wHighlightHer Network — Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/highlighther-shining-the-spotlight-on-female/id1883899325HighlightHer Network — Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/highlighthernetworkBuzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602054Cody Sanchez (mentioned re: Riverside):  https://www.linkedin.com/in/codiesanchez/Majestic Threads (guest mentioned): https://majesticthreadsco.com/ Downriver & Friends Facebook Group (Metro Detroit): https://www.facebook.com/groups/DownriverandFriends/Kimberly Henry / Living the Good Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvL-rD886TALearn to RV The Podcast: www.learntorvthepodcast.comRV Roofing Solutions: www.rvroofingsolutions.com Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

  4. Aug 18

    When Your Kid Wants to Hit the Road with Jenny Herman of the HighlightHer Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail  Role Reversal — A Mom's Questions About RV Life for Her Son This episode flips the script. Jennifer sits down with Jenny Herman, host of The Highlighter Network podcast, whose RV-curious son has her full of questions — and for once, Jennifer takes the guest seat, fielding a parent's real-world questions about sending a young adult out on the road. Jenny asks the questions every new-to-RV parent wants answered:  What's the bare minimum skill set to survive as a beginner?  How much should you have saved before hitting the road?  What does a realistic monthly budget actually look like?  Jennifer shares hard-earned lessons from her own first ten days on the road in 2013, why "cheaper" isn't guaranteed, work camping and beet harvest income options, mail service and residency logistics, internet and connectivity musts, and how to vet RV communities safely online. The conversation also digs into staying warm (and safe) through winter, choosing a first rig, the difference between stealth camping and proper RV life, money-saving memberships like Passport America, FRVA, and Escapees, and a first look at Jennifer's in-progress journal project — a guided workbook meant to help new RVers process the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you're the one dreaming of the road or the parent watching your kid pack up to chase it, this episode is a practical, heart-forward guide to getting started Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

  5. Aug 10

    Learn to RV with Amy & Mike of Today is Our Adventure on The Hidden Costs of Full-Time RVing

    Send us Fan Mail Every day is an adventure... even the eight hours stuck on the shoulder of Highway 101 with a collapsed trailer tongue dragging metal on asphalt. In this Community Spotlight, Jennifer sits down with Amy and Mike Morris of Today Is Our Adventure — a Navy-retiree couple who sold everything, hit the road during a cross-country PCS, and never looked back.  They talk frame flex and why they landed on a Brinkley, the Dalmatian rescues that turned them away for being full-timers, the real "RV tax" hiding in your monthly budget, and the strangers who showed up out of nowhere to weld a new trailer tongue on the side of the road. If you've ever wondered what full-time RV life actually costs, in dollars, in gremlins, and in grace from strangers,  this one's for you. That original travel trailer didn't survive the test: a bent tongue on Highway 101 left them dragging their rig down the Pacific Coast Highway until a park ranger flagged them down. The experience sent them deep into frame research, and they landed on a Brinkley for its reinforced frame construction and why they chose their Z3400 layout sight-unseen at a rally before the model had even been built. The conversation moves into life on the road with their two rescue Dalmatians, Riley (profoundly deaf) and Morgan,  including the surprising discrimination they faced from rescues who stopped responding once they learned the couple lived full-time in an RV. Amy, a certified canine counselor, shares training philosophy (an open door isn't an invitation) and why "friendly off-leash dog" is a nightmare phrase in the RV world. Mike,  now in RV tech school and running his own mobile repair business, Adventure Ready RV Repair talks shop on the most common, 100% preventable issues he sees: bent axles from overloaded "ultralight" rigs, neglected AC units, and the myth that weight-distribution bars solve an overweight tow vehicle problem.  Amy and Mike also break down what they call the "RV life tax" and talk about some the hidden costs of full-time living, from prescription pickups to vet visits that can't be handled remotely as well as share two unforgettable stories of strangers who showed up with welding gear and axle connections exactly when they needed it most. Listen now.  Topics Covered The accelerated path to full-time RVing after a surprise Navy reassignmentFour cross-country moves in 18 months — lessons from a trial-by-fire startThe Highway 101 tongue-failure story and what it taught them about frame constructionWhy they chose a Brinkley (Z3400) and the frame-flex research behind itLife with two rescue Dalmatians — one profoundly deaf — and dog-park etiquette on the roadGetting turned down by rescues for being full-time RVersThe flexibility full-time life offers once you let go of the planThe maintenance reality full-timers face vs. weekend/seasonal RVersMike's transition from Navy electronics tech to certified RV technicianThe most common (and 100% preventable) RV repairs: bent axles, neglected AC units, overweight ultralightsThe "RV life tax" — hidden costs of full-time living most people don't talk aboutTwo stories of RV community members showing up in a crisisTheir "adventure list" (not a bucket list) and finishing all 50 states Connect with This Is Our Adventure Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram: search TIOASunday vlogs + Thursday campground reviews (military fam camps, Thousand Trails, KOA)Mike's RV repair business: Adventure Ready RV Repair — You can find him on RVHelp.com or at adventurereadyrvrepair.com Connect with Learn to RV Learn to RV the Podcast is built around real stories from real people living the RV life. Keep the wheels turning. More from Learn to RV: Website: LearnToRV.com Podcast: Learn to RV The Podcast Facebook Community Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon Join us SOON on Substack!  Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

    Learn to RV with Amy & Mike of Today is Our Adventure on The Hidden Costs of Full-Time RVing
  6. Aug 3

    Roadschooling Panel: How 4 Full-Time RV Families Handle Curriculum, Littles, Middles & High School On the Road

    Send us Fan Mail It's back-to-school season, but for full-time RVing families, there's not always a first-day photo, no bell schedule, and no hallway pass. In this Not Back to School roadschooling panel, host Jennifer Schillaci of Learn to RV brings together three fellow full-time RV moms — Kristina Bram (Traveling with the Brams), Rhea Gibson (Wandering Rocks Family), and Ashliy Sutterfield (Wander About Full Time RV) — for an honest, funny, and practical conversation about educating kids of every age on the road. Together they cover littles, middles, and high schoolers; deschooling and unschooling; what to do when "school becomes a fight"; screen time and Outschool electives; and a rapid-fire tour of the curriculum programs that have actually worked (and flopped) in their homes. If you're a roadschooling mom staring down another back-to-school season wondering if you're doing enough, this episode is your permission slip. Who this episode is for: full-time RV families, roadschoolers, homeschool moms considering full-time travel, and anyone weighing curriculum options for littles, middles, or high schoolers. Meet the Panel Jennifer Schillaci (host) — Owner of Learn to RV and Learn to RV The Podcast. Full-time RVer since 2013, roadschooling mom of seven (currently all high schoolers and one gap-year graduate).Kristina Bram — Traveling with the Brams. Former classroom teacher (early childhood education), homeschooling/roadschooling mom of three (ages 13, 12, and 10) for the past five years. Also runs the "Connect" inbox at LearnToRV.com.Rhea Gibson — Wandering Rocks Family. Mom of four littles (ages 2, 4, 6, and almost 7), on the road for nearly two years in their green truck (yes, it has eyes).Ashliy Sutterfield — Wander About Full Time RV. Stationary (for now) based full-time RV mom of two (14 and 8), homeschooling since COVID — this marks year seven for their family. Curriculum & Resources Mentioned KONOS Unit Study Curriculum — the classic character-trait-based unit study program that started Jennifer's homeschooling journeyLife of Fred — narrative-based math curriculum built around a five-year-old math professorThe Good and the Beautiful — language arts, math, and science curriculumMath with Confidence by Kate Snow (Well-Trained Mind Press)Not Consumed — Bible-based homeschool curriculum, used for science and other subjectsNotebooking Pages — printable notebooking pages for on-the-road learningGather 'Round Homeschool — centralized, theme-based unit study curriculum for multiple agesMiacademy (grades K–8) and MiaPrep (grades 7–12) — online curriculumProdigy Math — free gamified math practiceKhan Academy Kids — used for littles on travel days. It's FREE!Outschool — live online elective classes (including a weekly Dungeons & Dragons class)Teach Your Monster to Read — phonics/reading gameRussell Van Brocklen's Dyslexia Classes — custom story-based curriculum for dyslexic learners Connect With the Panel Ashliy Sutterfield — Wander About Full Time RV: Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTubeKristina Bram — Traveling with the Brams: all socials, and reachable through connect@learntorv.comRhea Gibson — Wandering Rocks Family: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Join the Community Road Schooling Resources is a free group inside Learn to RV — no membership required. Answer a few membership questions, agree to the group rules, and connect with other roadschooling families today, including ones who might be parked right down the road from you. 👉 LearnToRV.com 👉 Subscribe to Learn to RV on YouTube and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok Got a roadschooling story or an idea for a future episode? Reach out to Kristina at connect@learntorv.com. Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

    Roadschooling Panel: How 4 Full-Time RV Families Handle Curriculum, Littles, Middles & High School On the Road
  7. Jul 27

    Christmas in July: Gathering of Nomads on Helping RV Families in Need

    Send us Fan Mail Christmas in July: How Gathering of Nomads Is Making Holiday Magic for RV Families Join us for a heartfelt conversation about how Gathering of Nomads is helping RV families experience the joy of Christmas, regardless of their financial or personal hardships. This episode highlights the power of community, faith, and giving, inspired by Kristina Bram’s personal story and Shane Boyd’s vision. Key Topics: The origins of Gathering of Nomads and its mission to create Jesus-centered community in the RV lifestyleHow the organization helps meet both physical and emotional needs in the nomadic communityKristina Bram shares her personal Christmas story from 2022 and how it inspired last year's Christmas outreachPractical ways to start planning for holiday giving early, including small, consistent donationsThe importance of vulnerability and honesty in seeking and offering helpHow the RV community bridges financial and social gaps, regardless of the size of your rigThe role of Love Thy Nomad as a year-round benevolence fund that supports RVers in crisisHow anyone can get involved—whether through financial support, volunteering, or simply reaching out to help neighborsThe power of community connections and the importance of showing love without judgmentResources: Gathering of NomadsLove Thy Nomad benevolence fundGathering of NeighborsThe Collective Thread PodcastSupport email: Kristina@TravelwiththeBrams.comConnect with Kristina Email: Kristina@TravelwiththeBrams.comFacebook: Gathering of NomadsNewsletter subscription: available on the websiteLet's start planning early this year—because every small act of kindness can change a life. Join us in making this Christmas brighter for RV families in need! Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

    Christmas in July: Gathering of Nomads on Helping RV Families in Need
  8. Jul 21

    Learn to RV: Technically Speaking with Jim Shutt of SA Mobile Repair & Inspections

    Send us Fan Mail There's a truck that shows up in Tampa every year before we even get the booth set up, and it's Jim's. Jim Shutt has been in our corner since before we owned RV Roofing Solutions, since before anyone called us the voice of Learn to RV. He was the very first technician who said "yes" to working with us, and years later, this show, Technically Speaking, was actually his idea. So it's only right that the first chair in this new series belongs to him. Meet Jim Shutt. A former Air Force military cop turned aeromedical evacuation technician, Jim spent years in aeromedical evacuation (including deployments overseas) before a corporate desk job with 11.5 years as a commodity buyer which ended the way a lot of full-time RV stories start: with a layoff, a wife who was already three steps ahead, and a decision to hit the road. After training at NRVTA in Athens, Texas, Jim launched SA Mobile RV Repair & Inspections in March 2018, starting with an unpaid job in a campground and building it into the trusted, full-time mobile repair and inspection business it is today. In this first episode, we get into the technical side of RV ownership that too many owners find out about the hard way: Why RV inspections matter, no matter your rig's age. An RV is a house on wheels — and unlike a stationary house, it gets shaken up every mile it travels. Jim breaks down what an inspection actually covers and why "it looked fine when I bought it" isn't the same as "it's fine." Maintenance isn't one-size-fits-all. A full-time RVer isn't wearing out their rig the same way a weekender or a snowbird is. Jim lays out how usage type — full-time, snowbird, or occasional camper — changes how often you should be repacking bearings, cleaning your AC, and checking the systems most owners forget about until something breaks. "YouTube University" — helpful, but buyer beware. Jim's take on RV repair videos: that five-minute tutorial took hours of outtakes to make look easy, and nobody's filming the mistakes. His advice? Watch multiple sources, compare what they're actually saying, and know when it's time to call a licensed tech instead. Not every "RV tech" is actually trained. There are only three dedicated RV trade schools in the country — RVTI in Elkhart, IN, NRVTA in Athens, TX, and one in Clearwater, FL. Jim explains the real difference between someone who's trained and stays current with manufacturers versus a handyman with a screwdriver, and why knowing the difference can save you thousands. This episode kicks off a new series for us — real conversations with the technicians who keep this lifestyle running, starting with the person who's been running alongside us the whole time.  Have a question you wish a mobile RV tech would answer? Drop it in the comments — the more questions we get, the sooner we bring Jim back for round two.   Connect with Jim: SA Mobile RV Repair & Inspections More from Learn to RV:  Website: LearnToRV.com  Podcast: Learn to RV The Podcast Facebook Community Support the show Watch us on YouTube Join Our Community on Facebook Follow Us On Instagram Visit our Website Join us on Patreon

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

You're joining a pretty special journey: Learn To RV: The Podcast is hosted by Jennifer Schillaci and Tasha Martin, two seasoned RVers with hearts full of stories, tips, and real-life wisdom from the road.Whether you're just dipping your toes into RV life or you're deep in the nomadic groove, this podcast is your go-to hub for:🚐 RV know-how from roofing to route planning🧑‍🏫 Roadschooling tips for learners of all kinds💬 Candid chats about family travel, remote work, and community📣 Resources, hacks, and heart-centered guidance for every age and stage🔗 Follow, subscribe, and join the adventure! Trust us. You’ll want to be along for the ride.The views and opinions expressed by Learn To RV: The Podcast guests are not our own. What we say or share should not be interpreted as personal advice. Do your own research and speak to a professional.

You Might Also Like