LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast Episode 38: Amanda Benson – Freedom on the Dusty Trail
Introduction
In Episode 38 of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, host Justin Yoder and co-host Patrick Thompson welcome Amanda Benson, a solo full-time RVer, lifetime traveler, DIY enthusiast, and emergency management professional. Amanda shares her transformative journey from a firefighter and medic to embracing the RV lifestyle, founding Dusty Trail RV, and her mission to empower others within the LGBTQIA+ community to connect with the outdoors.
Amanda’s Journey to the RV Life
Amanda Benson's transition to the RV lifestyle was catalyzed by significant personal upheaval. As a dedicated firefighter and medic in the Midwest, Amanda faced the daunting task of relocating unexpectedly while dealing with the emotional strain of leaving her first home—a meticulously maintained 120-year-old bungalow. This uncertainty led her to adopt the RV life as a means to carry her sense of home with her.
“I was like, I'm just going to take my home with me. That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to get an RV. I'm going to make it my own little hidey hole.” — Amanda Benson [09:47]
Initially intended as a temporary solution until she found a new home base, Amanda found solace and unexpected joy in the RV lifestyle, deciding to remain on the road for over three years.
Embracing Minimalism and Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from a traditional home to an RV required Amanda to adopt a minimalist approach. Unlike many who struggle to let go of possessions, Amanda found it relatively easy to declutter, maintaining a clutter-free and comfortable living space.
“Most people that get into this will really embrace the 'if I don't have room for it, it doesn't come home with me' mentality.” — Amanda Benson [16:16]
However, she faced challenges, particularly with her woodworking tools, which had to be stored separately, highlighting the difficulty of balancing personal hobbies with the constraints of RV living.
Representation and Community in the RV World
Amanda discusses the scarcity of representation for LGBTQ and solo female travelers within the RV community. She highlights the often patronizing and unwelcoming attitudes faced in mainstream RV forums and groups, which can discourage individuals from embracing the lifestyle.
“We're all in trouble.” — Amanda Benson [44:58]
Despite these challenges, Amanda emphasizes the importance of supportive communities. She acknowledges the existence of niche groups, such as solo female RVers, who offer rich, compassionate support networks, contrasting them with broader communities that often lack inclusivity.
“I think there's a lot of people maybe like me that we just haven't crossed paths. We haven't really found the community.” — Amanda Benson [24:56]
Justin Yoder encourages listeners to join LGBTQ-specific groups like the LGBTQ Outdoors Nomads to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Safety and Well-being on the Road
Safety is a paramount concern for Amanda, both physically and mentally. She offers practical advice for maintaining personal safety, such as sharing locations with trusted contacts, investing in self-defense tools, and establishing routines that promote mental well-being through physical activity and healthy eating.
“Keeping an eye out if there's weird people kind of hanging out around your area.” — Amanda Benson [32:25]
Amanda also discusses her strategies for maintaining emotional health, including regular exercise, yoga, and ensuring a balanced diet, particularly important given her medical condition, gsid, which affects her digestion.
“Having a relationship with the outdoors... tends to be foundational in mental health and just overall emotional well-being.” — Amanda Benson [47:37]
Adventures and Misadventures: Real-Life Stories
Amanda recounts memorable experiences from her travels, illustrating both the joys and unpredictable challenges of the RV lifestyle. One such story involves a hiking trip in Washington where a fellow traveler suffered a knee injury, showcasing Amanda's resourcefulness and commitment to helping others in distress.
“We are just like, at, like, we're clipping along... all of a sudden, like, we just hear this crunch.” — Amanda Benson [38:45]
This incident highlights the importance of preparedness and the ability to remain calm under pressure, skills honed from her emergency management background.
Lightning Round: Quick Insights
In a rapid-fire segment, Amanda shares personal preferences and practical tips that offer deeper insight into her RV lifestyle:
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Favorite Place Visited: Oaxaca, Mexico.
“Oaxaca. All right.” — Amanda Benson [49:58]
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Go-To Road Trip Snack: Pecans and walnuts.
“Pecans and walnuts. I just plain pecans and walnuts.” — Amanda Benson [50:06]
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Favorite Campsite: A national park near Sebastian, Florida, praised for its excellent RV facilities.
“It's near Sebastian, Florida... the parks out there have been phenomenal for RVing.” — Amanda Benson [50:20]
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Essential Tool: A versatile screwdriver with interchangeable heads, essential for various RV maintenance tasks.
“A screwdriver with the adjustable tops... something that is in my kitchen because I frequently am grabbing it.” — Amanda Benson [51:07]
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Most Surprising Aspect of RV Life: The continuous feeling of camping and having a personal sanctuary akin to a childhood fort.
“I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did... like camping every single day of your life.” — Amanda Benson [51:44]
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RV Modification for a New Family Member: Customizing her RV to accommodate her new Doberman, Rowdy, by removing the dinette and creating a dedicated space for her dog.
“I ripped the dinette out and I built a custom desk... room for him.” — Amanda Benson [52:26]
Final Tips and Advice
Amanda offers encouraging advice to listeners contemplating the RV lifestyle:
“Don't wait till you're retired. Just start researching it and figure out your financial situation... The only way to really figure out if it's right for you is to try it.” — Amanda Benson [53:57]
She emphasizes the importance of thorough research, financial planning, and personal readiness, reinforcing that the RV life is accessible to those who are committed to making it work.
Connecting with Amanda Benson
Listeners interested in Amanda's journey and seeking guidance on RV living can connect with her through various platforms:
- Blog: DustyTrailRV.com
- YouTube: Dusty Trail RV
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under the handle DustyTrailRV
Amanda’s content provides valuable insights into sustainable RV living, maintenance tips, and fostering a supportive community for LGBTQ and solo travelers.
Conclusion
Amanda Benson’s episode on the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast offers a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of freedom through the RV lifestyle. Her experiences underscore the importance of community, representation, and personal well-being, serving as an inspiring guide for LGBTQ individuals and solo travelers seeking to explore the great outdoors.
Notable Quotes
- “If I don't have room for it, it doesn't come home with me.” — Amanda Benson [16:16]
- “We're all in trouble.” — Amanda Benson [44:58]
- “The only way to really figure out if it's right for you is to try it.” — Amanda Benson [53:57]
Timestamp Highlights
- 00:00 - 09:47: Introduction and Amanda Benson’s background
- 09:47 - 24:56: Transition to RV life and representation issues
- 24:56 - 43:18: Community experiences and personal safety
- 43:18 - 54:56: Adventures, lightning round, and final advice
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Amanda Benson’s insights and experiences shared during Episode 38 of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, providing valuable takeaways for listeners interested in the intersection of LGBTQ identity and outdoor living.