EP 22: Redefining Happiness: Life on the Road with Kyle Thacker
In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the unconventional journey of Kyle Thacker, the President of Red Dot Video and an advocate for the tiny house movement. Kyle’s decision to live in a bus transformed his perspective on happiness and life itself. In this interview, Kyle explains how he embraced a more minimalist lifestyle and the profound impact it had on his well-being. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to embrace change and redefine what happiness means, this episode is for you.
The Road to Bus Life: How Kyle Got Involved
Kyle Thacker’s path to bus life didn’t start as a typical journey. As an award-winning photographer and videographer, he was accustomed to a busy lifestyle, but something was missing. After years of climbing the career ladder, Kyle realized that he wasn’t truly happy with his achievements. His desire for freedom and a simpler life led him to embrace bus living—a decision that forever changed his outlook on life.
Why Kyle Decided to Make a Shift in His Life
Kyle’s decision wasn’t an impulsive one. He had spent years working hard to climb the success ladder in a traditional sense, but the more he achieved, the more he felt disconnected from his true self. This disconnection is what pushed him to seek a more unconventional lifestyle. He believed that happiness didn’t lie in material wealth or societal success, but in a life that was intentional and fulfilling. For Kyle, the shift to tiny living was about returning to what truly mattered: personal happiness and freedom.
How to Mitigate Risk When Transitioning to Tiny Living
Transitioning to tiny living, like moving into a bus, isn’t without its risks. It requires careful planning and foresight. For anyone considering this lifestyle, Kyle recommends starting small and building knowledge over time. This could mean traveling in a small RV before fully committing to a bus life or researching bus builds thoroughly. Ensuring that you have the right resources, a safety net, and a clear plan in place can help reduce the risks involved in such a major life transition.
The Importance of Responsibility and Planning
One of the key themes of Kyle’s story is responsibility. Although the freedom of tiny living is appealing, it comes with significant responsibilities—such as maintaining the vehicle and managing finances. Kyle emphasizes the importance of planning ahead. Without solid plans for your finances, maintenance, and other aspects of bus life, this adventure can quickly turn into a struggle. Planning ensures that you can enjoy the lifestyle without the stress that comes from unexpected challenges.
Building Your Tiny Home Alone – A Myth or Reality?
Building your tiny home or bus life setup doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Kyle highlights the importance of collaboration and finding support. Whether it’s from friends, experts, or online communities, having help can make the entire process smoother. Kyle’s story shows that it’s okay to ask for help and that you don’t have to take on the journey alone.
Conclusion – Embracing Happiness and Unconventional Lifestyles
Kyle’s story is a powerful reminder that happiness doesn’t come from following the traditional paths laid out by society. Sometimes, it’s about taking a step back, reassessing your goals, and deciding that living differently might be the key to happiness. His journey into bus life is not just about embracing minimalism; it’s about embracing a new perspective on life, responsibility, and what it means to truly be free.
Quotes from the episode
“Life has its ups and downs and you can’t anchor all of your emotions to the summit of something.” - Kyle Thacker
“I think it is irresponsible for all of the #vanlife people on YouTube making this lifestyle seem easy-breezy when there are a lot of ups and downs.” - Kyle Thacker
“I think there is a lot of pride in doing it yourself and it’s great if you’re able to. If you have the time, the resources, the land and the tools to do it. But there is no shame in saying you didn’t do everything yourself.” - Kyle Thacker
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