The Girl and the Getaway Vehicle: Brianna Madia

What happens when you practice understanding with the things you understand the least?

We won’t promise you’ll end up living desert back roads in a giant orange camper like Brianna Madia, but we bet you’ll build a life you never expected.

The secret? Brianna takes the time to see potential where others might change course.

Some people might see her old campervan, Bertha, and think that it’s not worth the trouble-- that the potential for breakdowns make it too risky to live in. Some people might see her incredibly active dog, Dagwood, and think that he’s too wild to give a home to. Some people might think that the desert back roads aren’t the safest place to call home at all.

But unlike most people, Brianna fell in love with all of the above, and in taking the time to truly understand and appreciate them for what and who they are, she’s cultivated a unique life that reflects the very creatures she loves so much.

From her life outdoors, to the dogs she loves, to the breakdowns and online criticism she faces-- this episode is full of Brianna Madia’s beautiful stories of adventure and understanding.

About Brianna:

Brianna Madia is a storyteller and big orange van-dweller, spending most of her time in the deserts of southern Utah. When she's not writing lengthy Instagram captions, she can be found rock climbing, backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, and canyoneering - always with her husband and two dogs in tow.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

What makes Brianna’s camper, Bertha, particularly unique
How Brianna came into owning the campervan she drives today
The massive breakdown that stranded Brianna in Wyoming
Why Brianna feels like it’s worth it to own an old vehicle like Bertha
What it’s like to live with active dogs like Bucket and Dagwood
How her dog Dagwood inspired her family’s outdoor lifestyle
Tips for people wanting to live on the road with dogs
The way Brianna deals with meanness and criticism online
How we can continue to foster community by thoughtful online connections
Touching stories from Brianna’s positive online experiences

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Follow Brianna on Instagram: @briannamadia
Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic

Connect to the Women On The Road community online:
Instagram - @womenontheroad
Facebook page for extra content and updates - Women On The Road
Plus, a special Women On The Road Facebook group for podcast

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Episodes air bi-weekly on Fridays-- subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. Follow along with Laura Hughes on Instagram (@howsheviewsit) and read her reflections on the road through her website, How She Views It.

Music is by Common Creatures, Josh Woodward, Jason Shaw, Jahzzar, and Hyson.

WOTR podcast cover artwork designed by Dani Opal.