Sounds Like A Cult

Episode: The Cult of Van Life

Release Date: September 9, 2025
Hosts: Amanda Montell, Reese Oliver
Featured Guest: Isabella Jansen (aka @thelone.soul)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Amanda and Reese dive into the world of "Van Life"—the rapidly growing trend of living on the road in converted vans, propelled by social media aesthetics and pandemic-era restlessness. They investigate whether Van Life truly fits the show's rubric as a "cult," exploring its rituals, language, influencer leaders, and the sometimes harsh realities hidden behind its Instagram-friendly veneer.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Introduction: Setting the Scene & Defining Van Life

[02:10–03:52]

• Amanda and Reese introduce Van Life as an escape from mainstream society’s rising costs and “imprisoning” suburban life.
• Van Life is framed as an alluring “cult” that promises freedom and reinvention, especially appealing during and after the pandemic when many questioned traditional paths.

“To remodel a Sprinter van into a millennial pink and Pinterest plant green utopia... To buzz around from the redwood forest to the Gulf stream waters. Because this land was made for you and me and share it all online.” — Amanda Montell [04:23]

2. The Appeal—and Irony—of Van Life’s Aesthetic

[05:32–09:10]

• Amanda describes her social media feed during the pandemic: romanticized content of van living, homesteading, tiny homes.
• Reese points out the contrast between Van Life’s serene, boho image and the gritty, sometimes dirty realities involved (cleaning compost toilets, coping with isolation).

“I think what makes Van Life culty... is this juxtaposition of this ultra romanticized boho paradise... In contrast with the ugly, dirty, brutal nastiness of having to clean a compost toilet and avoid getting lost in the middle of the wilderness because you’re just a girl.” — Amanda Montell [07:00]

• They acknowledge the privilege in choosing Van Life versus those forced into vehicular living by circumstance.

3. Origins and Evolution of the Van Life Movement

[11:31–15:07]

• Historical context: roots in the 1950s with the Volkswagen T1, adopted by free spirits, surfers, and artists.
• The movement exploded on social media around 2011 with the rise of hashtags and peaked during COVID-19.

“Technological advancement often lends itself to new ways of culting.” — Amanda Montell [13:34]

• Demographic breakdown: influencers, remote workers, retirees, and those priced out of traditional housing.

4. The Community: Leadership, Lingo & Entry Barriers

[31:02–36:24]

• Interview with Isabella Jansen (Bella), lifelong Van Lifer and content creator.
  • Grew up road-tripping in RVs, left and then returned to the lifestyle.
  • Key leaders: Influential YouTubers (Eamon & Beck, Kara & Nate).
  • Community lingo: “Nomads” (preferred over “van lifers”), “carpet walkers” (those who live in apartments/houses), “weekenders” (temporary van dwellers).

"You’re a carpet walker. Now, that sounds Scientology-coded... It’s us vs. them terminology meant to shame defectors, right?" — Reese Oliver [41:22]

5. The Reality Check: Struggles, Risks & Rules

[23:41–25:07; 43:58–46:11]

• Harsh realities, from the practical (breakdowns, legalities around sleeping in vehicles, theft) to the dangerous (solo female safety, unpredictable emergencies).
  • Reddit horror stories: getting stuck in the desert, stalkers, unbearable heat, wildlife encounters.
  • It's illegal to sleep in vehicles in many areas, requiring constant vigilance.

“I would not love for an elk to be in my van eating my granola bars, but I think that would be this like cottagecore Snow White fantasy—and that’s what this cult is.” — Amanda Montell [26:02]

• Bella emphasizes that true freedom is possible only for those who can handle constant problem-solving and discomfort:

“Van Life is as freeing as it is made out to be on social media for the people that know how to handle the struggles that come with Van Life.” — Isabella Jansen [43:58]

6. Social Media Pressure & The Myth of Aesthetic Perfection

[48:09–50:16]

• Social media distorts reality: Instagram promotes filtered, aesthetic images, but in-person Van Life community doesn't care about vehicle quality or cleanliness.

“No one truly cares what rig you’re living in, how nice it is, if it’s perfectly clean... The only judgment is for people who hurt the community or environment.” — Isabella Jansen [48:21]

• Gatekeeping exists: new members may feel pressure, but the reality is much more inclusive unless someone breaks key “leave no trace” or environmental norms.

7. The Test of Adaptability & Growth

[56:03–60:45]

• Van Life forces confrontation with personal issues due to its isolating, unstructured nature.
• It teaches resilience, quick adaptation, and self-grounding. Loneliness can be profound, and finding or building community is central to survival.

“Van life teaches you resilience and the art of adapting... You have to maintain a level head because you always have to be on.” — Isabella Jansen [58:53]

8. Entry, Exit, and Navigating the “Cult”

[52:26–54:53; 70:14–72:38]

• Entry costs can be massive (tens of thousands for van and fit-out) or minimal (car camping), but investment is significant.
• Bella advises newcomers to start small, not to compare their “step one” to others’ “step twenty,” and notes there’s no expectation to stay forever.
• Exiting Van Life is not shameful, though some (jokingly) tease “carpet walkers.”

“Everyone you see on social media is in their step 20. You are at your step one... You are going to get to where they’re at, but you can’t compare yourself yet.” — Isabella Jansen [69:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Van Life’s Allure vs. Reality:
  “We want all of the convenience, but all of the benefits of living in a world without convenience. It’s very ironic.” — Reese Oliver [08:54]

• On the Dark Side:
  “You can romanticize it in the image of the influencers that you love all you want, but at the end of the day, it is not actually going to fix your problems.” — Amanda Montell [19:45]

• On Community Values:
  “Judgment doesn’t exist... except for people who leave a trace or hurt the environment or others. Then there’s judgment.” — Isabella Jansen [49:06]

• On the Unexpected Lessons:
  “Van life forces you to ground yourself in every scenario... People think of being grounded as being stable in one place, but that grounding comes quite literally from yourself.” — Isabella Jansen [60:25]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:10]—Amanda & Reese introduce Van Life as this episode's "cult."
• [07:00]—Discussion on Van Life’s aesthetics vs. reality.
• [12:19]—Origins: Volkswagen T1 and early subcultures.
• [15:07]—Statistical insight on the explosive growth post-pandemic.
• [23:38–26:02]—Reddit Van Life horror stories.
• [31:02]—Bella’s origin story and what defines “cult” behavior in Van Life.
• [41:10]—Insider jargon: “carpet walkers” and “weekenders.”
• [43:58]—Harsh realities, rules, entry costs.
• [48:21]—Dispelling Instagram myth; real-life acceptance and values in Van Life.
• [56:03]—Confronting personal issues and building resilience.
• [69:49]—Advice for Van Life newbies.

Cult Analysis & Conclusion

Cult Category Discussion [77:27–80:51]:

• Amanda and Reese debate whether Van Life is a “Live Your Life,” “Watch Your Back,” or “Get the Fuck Out” cult.
  • Amanda: “The culty aspects are a ‘live your life’... but I do think, as we’ve learned, it can be dangerous, it can put you in harm’s way, it can be a money pit, it can fail to live up to your expectations. But I don’t think those risks are necessarily really culty.”
  • Reese: Leans towards “Watch Your Back,” citing the potential for real dangers if you jump in unprepared.

Final Takeaways:

• Van Life is alluring and can be transformative or cautionary, heavily dependent on one’s motivations, preparedness, and support system.
• Its culty features—us-vs-them in-jokes, aspirational imagery, influencer guidance—are largely lighthearted, but the practical challenges are real and potential risks should not be underestimated.
• Community is generally inclusive and available, exit is not stigmatized, and it's possible to engage superficially or deeply.
• The ultimate “cult warning”: Test the waters before you sell all your belongings!

Where to Find the Guest

Bella Jansen (The Lone Soul)

• Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @thelone.soul

Memorable Moment

“Once you start Van Life, there is no stopping. You have this like awakening... which is cool and also maybe a little dangerous.” — Isabella Jansen [02:10 / 31:31]

Summary Verdict

Van Life:

• Watch your back—romantic for some, risky for the unprepared. Test it out before making it your whole life.