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Finding My Path in Nature with Noami Grevemberg
4.9k Plays5 months ago
In the pilot episode of NATI Pod, host Noami Grevemberg takes you on a personal journey from a restrictive corporate job to a life of freedom and fulfillment on the road. Discover how nature became a source of healing and inspiration for her and how breaking away from societal norms led to a more authentic life in the world of vanlife and nomadic living.
Get a sneak peek into the stories of Nelson, who transformed his life in Colorado, and Eva zu Beck, who left her corporate life for daring adventures. This episode is packed with real, raw insights that will inspire you to redefine what freedom and authenticity mean to you through unconventional lifestyles.
Key Takeaways:
- Noami's shift from a corporate career to nomadic living
- How connecting with the outdoors can improve mental and emotional health
- Breaking free from societal expectations and finding true self
- Nelson's move to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Eva zu Beck’s global overlanding adventures
- The value of creating a diverse, supportive network embracing intersectionality and nature reconnection
Connect:
- Subscribe to NATI Pod on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
- Follow the show on Instagram @nomadsattheintersectionspod
- Email us: [email protected]
- Recommend a guest for NATI Pod
About the Host:
Since 2016, Noami Grevemberg has called her van home, chasing nature's wildest corners and living on her own terms. Her book, "Living The Vanlife," dives into the gritty reality of road living and shares raw insights on sustainable life on the move. As the founder of Diversify Vanlife, she’s shaking up the road-travel world, championing inclusivity. A seasoned content creator, writer and storyteller, Noami brings bold stories and unique perspectives through her podcast, "Nomads at the Intersections," inspiring others to try new ways of living and deeply connect with the world around them.
Follow Noami:
- Instagram: @irietoaurora
- TikTok: @irietoaurora
- Website: irietoaurora.com
- To work with Noami, email: [email protected]
Loved this episode? Rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Share with friends who need a dose of inspiration!
Links and Resources:
- Follow Nelson on Instagram: @fatblackandgettingit
- Follow Eva zu Beck: YouTube, Instagram
Additional Resources:
- Noami's Book: Living The Vanlife
- Join the Diversify Vanlife Community: @diversify.vanlife
Produced by Noami Grevemberg
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Transcript
Naomi's Enthusiastic Introduction
00:00:04
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Hey there, beautiful humans. My name is Naomi. And I don't know if you can tell, but I have a big smile on my face right now. That smile on my face is because I'm so excited to be here with you today. I'm incredibly grateful, honored, and privileged to share this journey that has transformed my life in so many wonderful ways. Welcome
Natipod: Sharing Nomadic Stories
00:00:30
Speaker
to Natipod. Nomads at the Intersections. Thank you for tuning in. When we first
Relaunch: Inspiring Diverse Living
00:00:39
Speaker
launched this podcast in 2020, it was born out of a deep desire to share the often unheard stories from the nomadic and outdoor community. Stories from BIPOC, queer, disabled, and other underrepresented voices. Representation matters, and those stories need to be told.
00:01:02
Speaker
Today, as we relaunch Natipod, we're broadening our horizon even more. We'll still celebrate those powerful intersectional narratives, and we're also diving into a wider array of inspiring stories and diverse ways of living that go beyond the conventional. If you're a dreamer, a rebel, curious about different lifestyles, or simply someone who loves hearing stories, this podcast is for you. So get comfortable and let's dive into this journey together. Don't forget to subscribe and share if you enjoy what you hear.
00:01:42
Speaker
Welcome to Nomads at the Intersections podcast. I'm Naomi, and this is where we tear up the rule book and dive headfirst into the lives of those who dare to defy the norm. You're in for a journey through the stories of the audacious, the nomads, the rebels, and the trailblazers who've swapped the mundane for the extraordinary. Buckle up, get ready to challenge your views, and maybe uncover a new layer of yourself. This is Natty Pod, where every episode is an invitation to step into the extraordinary. Let's go.
Naomi's Trini Roots and Van Life
00:02:25
Speaker
If we haven't met yet, let me take a moment to tell you a little bit about myself. You might know me as your favorite Trini Guial from Instagram. Yes, that's me with a big smile and a classic Bronco, sharing content about getting outdoors and connecting with nature as a way to heal and find inspiration. Or perhaps you followed my adventures with my 90 pound German shepherd, Amara, my loyal road life companion and unofficial protector, and seen how we live a low waste lifestyle on the road. If that's how you know me, thank you.
00:02:58
Speaker
Thank you for sharing in my wild, experimental journey. The Airi Torura community gives me so much inspiration and life. You might also know me as the author of Living the Van Life, where I share personal anecdotes, stunning photography, and practical tips for my eight-year adventure living nomadically. This book is for anyone curious about embracing this lifestyle. Or maybe you've come across Diversify Vanlife, the community I created in 2019 to amplify the voices of BIPOC, queer, and other intersectional folks in the outdoors and van life community. It's a space where we connect, celebrate our unique stories and background, and support each other. Wherever we know each other from, I'm grateful that we're here now.
Leaving Cubicle Life for Van Adventures
00:03:49
Speaker
Let me take you back to a moment that changed everything for me. It was 2016 and I was working as an environmental scientist. Sounds impressive, right? But what it really meant was a promotion from my previous job as a field biologist working in the swamps and marshes to making more money, but being confined to a cubicle pushing paper. Every day I was stuck in traffic for hours, crying on my way to and from work. The fluorescent lights of the office, the endless paperwork, the monotony were suffocating. I was caught in a grind that left me feeling utterly unfulfilled. I remember feeling this overwhelming sense of, is this it? Is this what my life is supposed to be? The turning point came one evening.
00:04:39
Speaker
My partner at the time found me on the couch mid panic attack, feeling like it was the end. That was the moment I knew I had to make a change. Now, it wasn't an overnight decision, but that evening was the catalyst. Over the next few months, I meticulously planned my next steps. I packed my things, left my job, and resurrected an old college dream of traveling the country in a van to visit all the national parks. I wanted to be closer to nature, seeking something more, something real. Initially, it was supposed to be a one-year road trip from New Orleans to Alaska, but six months in, I knew there was no going back.
00:05:19
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It took me five years to get to Alaska. There was so much to see and experience along the way. My eight
Freedom, Resilience, and Community
00:05:28
Speaker
-year nomadic journey led me to experiences and people that transformed my understanding of freedom, resilience, love, and community. And that's the heart of this podcast. Natipod is about finding your own path, embracing the unknown, and sharing the incredible stories of those who dare to live life on their own terms. My way is just one example. There are countless ways to find your own version of freedom, and each journey is unique.
00:06:06
Speaker
When I first launched this podcast in 2020, it was all about amplifying the voices of BIPOC, queer, disabled, and other underrepresented folks in the nomadic and outdoor lifestyle space, voices often missing from the mainstream narrative. As we relaunch Natipod, our mission remains the same, but with an even broader focus. We're diving into a wider array of inspiring stories and diverse ways of living that challenge societal norm and celebrate the beauty of intersectionality. Nature and the outdoors play a crucial role in these stories. For many of us, connecting with nature isn't just about adventure. It's about healing, finding inspiration, and reclaiming our place in the world, whether it's finding peace in the forest, creative inspiration in the mountains, or simply a quiet moment by the sea. Nature helps us reconnect with ourselves,
00:07:03
Speaker
and what truly matters.
00:07:08
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So if you're looking for inspiration, new perspectives, or just a good story to enjoy, Natipod is here to bring you real raw and transformative tales from the road and beyond. Join us on this journey and discover the magic that lies in the unexpected.
00:07:28
Speaker
My journey took on a new dimension in 2016 when I decided to leave behind the conventional path. The transition was a process that involved many small steps and significant realizations. What began as a sense of dissatisfaction with my job as an environmental scientist grew into a profound desire for change. One of the most impactful experiences early in my road travel journey was my first night in the van. The quiet of the forest where we camped, coyotes yipping in the distance, was both terrifying and liberating. It was in those moments of solitude that I started to confront my fears and doubt, finding a deeper sense of self-reliance and inner strength.
00:08:16
Speaker
Meeting fellow nomads along the way opened my eyes to the richness of our community. I remember encountering a family of 12 who had been on the road for years, exploring in a school bus they built out into their home on wheels. They shared stories of world schooling, overcoming obstacles, from mechanical breakdowns to financial challenges, and how they built a life filled with adventure and connection. These encounters taught me the value of resilience and adaptability.
00:08:48
Speaker
Creating diversified van life in 2019 was a pivotal moment. It started as a small community online where BIPOC, queer and other intersectional folks could share their stories and support each other. The response was overwhelming. We grew into a vibrant supportive network that celebrates our unique backgrounds and experiences. Hearing stories of resilience, joy, triumph and nature reconnection from our members has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Starting Natty Pod in 2020 was another significant milestone. I wanted to amplify the voices that are often missing from mainstream narrative. As a Black queer mixed-race immigrant woman, I understand the importance of representation and the power of storytelling. Natty Pod was born out of a desire to share diverse and intersectional stories with the world, highlighting the beauty and strength of our differences.
00:09:47
Speaker
One of the most profound lessons I've learned on this journey is the power of community. Whether it's through a shared meal with fellow travelers or a conversation around a campfire, I've found that our stories have the power to connect us, heal us, and inspire us to live authentically. Nature has been a crucial part of my healing and inspiration. those quiet moments by a lake, the tough but rewarding climb up a mountain, and the simple joy of watching the Milky Way sweep across a desert sky on a new moon have all reminded me of what's truly important.
00:10:27
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Nature has a way of grounding me, offering peace and perspective amidst the chaos of life. Sometimes that mountain climb feels endless and I'm cussing every step of the way until I reach the top and the view just takes my breath away. It's in those moments of struggle and triumph that I find the most clarity and inspiration. The motivation behind starting NattyPod is simple. I believe in the transformative power of stories. By sharing our journeys, we can offer fresh perspectives and encourage others to explore new ways of living. This podcast celebrates those who dare to live differently and stands as a testament to the strength found in diversity and intersectionality.
00:11:13
Speaker
So,
Redefining Freedom Beyond Travel
00:11:14
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as we embark on this new chapter of Natipod, I invite you to join us. Together, we'll explore uncharted paths, challenge conventional ideals, and celebrate the beauty of living authentically. Thank you for being here, and welcome to The Journey.
00:11:40
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Let's start with freedom. For many of us, freedom means different things. For some, it's the ability to travel without constraints. For others, it's about breaking free from societal expectations and living a life true to oneself. For me, freedom is deeply personal. It's about creating a life that resonates with my values, passions, and desires. When I first left my corporate job to hit the road, I thought I was chasing the freedom to explore new places. But what I discovered was so much more profound. Freedom, I learned, is not just about physical space, but also about mental and emotional space. It's about shedding the layers of what society expects of you and discovering who you truly are.
00:12:30
Speaker
One of the most liberating moments for me was realizing that I didn't have to conform to any particular lifestyle to be happy. Living authentically means embracing my unique path, whether that's living in a van, advocating for environmental sustainability, or building a community that celebrates diversity. I remember meeting a woman named Anna during my travels. She had left a high powered job in finance to live in a tiny house she built herself. Anna told me, freedom is waking up every morning and knowing that the choices I make are my own, not dictated by someone else's expectations. Her story resonated with me because it echoed my own journey of seeking authenticity and self fulfillment. Now,
00:13:17
Speaker
Let's talk about the power of stories. Stories have a unique way of connecting us, transcending barriers and opening our hearts and minds to new perspectives. Throughout my journey, I've encountered countless individuals whose stories have left a lasting impact on me. Like Jamie and Alex, a couple I met early on in my van life journey, who had been traveling together in their converted SUV for over a decade. They weren't rich. In fact, they often had to get creative to make ends meet. Jamie told me about a time their car broke down in the middle of nowhere and they had to rely on the kindness of strangers to get back on the road. Many of us have been there, am I right? Alex laughed as he recounted their gourmet meals made from whatever they could find at the local markets. Jamie's favorite was the mystery stew they once made from random canned goods they found on sale. It surprisingly turned out delicious.
00:14:15
Speaker
Despite these challenges, their love for each other and their shared adventures shone through. Jamie said, we find joy in the simple things, like a perfect cup of coffee brewed on a campfire or watching the sunset from the roof of our SUV. Their story reminded me that resilience and strength often come from the small, everyday moments of connection and gratitude. Through Natipod, I aim to bring these powerful stories to you. Each episode will feature diverse voices and perspectives, highlighting the beauty of intersectionality and the richness of our experiences. You'll hear from nomads, adventurers, environmentalists, and everyday people who have chosen to live life differently. These stories are not just about the big dramatic moments, but also the quiet introspective ones.
00:15:10
Speaker
They're about finding joy in the journey, learning from our struggles and celebrating our unique paths. I hope these stories inspire you to reflect on your own journey and explore what freedom and authenticity mean to you. Here on Natipod, you'll hear voices that challenge the status quo and celebrate the diverse tapestry of human experiences. Expect to be moved by the raw honesty of our guests, to see the world through new lenses, and to find inspiration in the stories of those who have dared to forge their own paths. Every episode is an invitation to join a community of explorers and dreamers who believe in the power of living authentically.
00:15:58
Speaker
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to engage with the podcast. Share your thoughts, your stories, and your experiences. Let's create a community where we can learn from each other, support one another, and celebrate our diverse, unique paths. Thank you for being here, and welcome to Matipol. Let's redefine what it means to live freely and authentically, one story at a time.
00:16:32
Speaker
As we wrap up this episode, I want to give you a sneak peek into some of the incredible guests we have lined up for future episodes of Natipod. These individuals embody the spirits of living authentically and creating their own unique journeys. Let's
Nelson's Inclusive Journey to Colorado
00:16:50
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start by introducing one of our remarkable guests, Nelson, the inspiring voice behind the Instagram account fatblackandgettinit. Nelson's journey from New York to the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado is nothing short of transformative.
00:17:06
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Nelson shared with us how his move to Colorado reignited his connection with nature. He recalled, I came off the plane and seeing the Rocky Mountains was the most beautiful thing I had ever done. My dad had to remind me that I was in Boy Scouts when I was in New York. I lasted for about a year and kind of hated it. I didn't have the connection to nature then that I have today. But seeing the Rocky Mountains, I just fell in love. One of my favorite moments from our chat was when Nelson talked about his first real hike in Colorado. He said, I had a sweater vest, jeans, and some Jordans. Not exactly hiking gear, but there I was, slipping on ice thinking, well, if I could do this, what else can I do? That was a big turning point for me.
00:17:57
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Nelson also opened up about his mission to make the outdoors more inclusive. He shared, when I started the Fat Black and Get Net account, it was just to show my family back home how beautiful Colorado is. I wanted to prove that you don't have to fit a certain mold to enjoy nature.
00:18:16
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He even gave us a heartwarming glimpse into his advocacy for inclusivity and outdoor activities. One of the best experience was hiking with a group of inner city high school girls. They were out hiking with me and loving every minute of it. It reminded me of how important it is to make these spaces accessible and welcome in for everyone. Curious about Nelson's first winter camping trip? Stay tuned.
00:18:44
Speaker
Following Nelson's inspiring journey, let's hear from Eva Subek, a trailblazing adventure YouTuber and travel TV host. Eva's journey is a testament to the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown.
Eva's Path from Corporate to World Travel
00:19:03
Speaker
Eva reflected on her transition from corporate life to full-time travel, mentioning, I had a great job, nice apartment, and all the trappings of success. But I felt an awful emptiness. So I quit my job, left my marriage, and decided to travel the world with a camera. It felt insane, but it was a leap I needed to take. Eva shared a particularly powerful insight about self-discovery through solitude. In the solitude of travel, you get so close to yourself. It's not about running away. It's about finding who you truly are. She also talked about her love for the outdoors and the challenges she faced, like her solo horse trek in Mongolia. I bought two horses and went on a trek in the wilderness of Mongolia. It was just me and the horses, and it was one of the most profound experiences of my life.
00:20:04
Speaker
Want to know what Eva learned from her solo horse-tracking Mongolia? Don't miss her episode. One of Nelson's most inspiring quotes was about his encounter with a moose. He said, I met this wildlife biologist who literally knew the moose. He could recognize her by voice. And there I was thinking, man, I can't even recognize some of my neighbors.
00:20:31
Speaker
Eva's reflection on self-discovery struck a chord with me. The world belongs to the brave of heart. It's having the courage to be your authentic self. It's feeling the fear and doing it anyway.
00:20:48
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These stories are a perfect example of why I started Natipod. They highlight the diverse ways people find freedom and authenticity in their lives. Listening to Nelson and Eva, I'm reminded of the incredible strength and resilience we all possess. Their journeys, like mine, are about more than just travel. They're about growth, connection, and finding joy in the unexpected. I can't wait for you to hear these stories and many more. Each episode will bring you closer to understanding the vast array of ways people are finding freedom and authenticity.
00:21:28
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so Stay tuned and get ready to be inspired.
00:21:36
Speaker
As always, I invite you to actively participate in our podcast community. Share your feedback. Tell us about your own journeys and experiences. Together, we can build a supportive network where we learn from one another and celebrate the richness of our diverse journeys. Thank you for being here. and welcome to Natipod. Let's redefine what it means to live freely and authentically, one story at a time. Thanks for tuning in to Natipod. It's been a blast having you on this adventure. If our journey sparked your curiosity, hit subscribe, share this episode, and drop us a review. Your support fuels our mission to uncover more stories. Want more? Follow us on social media and check out our share notes for extra goodies. Until next time, stay bold, nomads.
00:22:31
Speaker
Before we sign off, I just want to say how grateful I am for each of you tuning in today. Your support and enthusiasm drives us to bring you the most inspiring stories from incredible adventurers. Let's continue this journey together. Share your thoughts, your stories, and let's inspire each other. Until next time, keep exploring, stay curious, and live boldly. Safe travels, friends.