Best Monkey Pump Podcasts (2026)

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284 Malta, 2026 News, Warsaw, Echo Auto, Xenophobia 59:35

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5d ago59:35

59:35

Back from Malta! Can you vanlife there? Yes! Sorta! Kinda. We'll also visit an impressive castle, argue politics with an AI while driving, and sift through a raft of bad news As seen in Valetta. Illegally parked, but... hmmm. NEWS National Parks Require ID, Or You Pay $$$ https://www.thetravel.com/nps-new-id-rule-means-americans-may-pay-internation…

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Keri Porter – What can head trauma tell us about violence in an emerging Bronze Age city? Plus: How to apply for grad school 1:08:01

6d ago1:08:01

1:08:01

Keri Porter, a PhD candidate at Notre Dame University, joins the show to discuss their research on patterns of violence in a Bronze Age urban center in the Southern Levant. They focus on cranial trauma and what it can reveal about humans attempting to live together along with what it might reveal about who suffers violence. They also share some exc…

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Christmas Special 2025 32:32

16d ago32:32

32:32

Deep within the endless frozen tundra of Asgard, the home of the Aesir gods, lies the mighty mead hall of Valhalla. Within these ancient walls, deities and heroes from all lands come and go. Sharing tales and mead in an endless celestial feast. Thor, the ancient god of thunder, is the proprietor of this establishment. Aided by his trusty companion,…

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283 EV Camper Research, Exhaust Solution, Ice Castles, Leo, Drugs 50:55

27d ago50:55

50:55

Can an EV be a camper van? We'll take a look at two contenders. We'll also visit some Ice Castles, talk about the I-word, and get some drugs The actual plane we flew on. A few years later, it crashed into the sea with great loss of life. PRODUCT REVIEW STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST port https://amzn.to/491BurY A PLACE TO VISIT ICE CASTLES https://icecast…

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282 WRONG AGAIN!, Winter Campgrounds, Rest Area Camping, Portable Vent Hood, Mystery Rock 52:23

1M ago52:23

52:23

I'm wrong again! A periodic episode in which I come clean on mistakes, and other things that I need to 'fess up to. We'll also explore some winter campgrounds, talk A LOT about rest area camping, and review a portable vent hood. "I claim this pyramid for Denmark!" PRODUCT REVIEW CIARRA Portable Range Hood https://amzn.to/48grCdH A PLACE TO VISIT KO…

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Dr. Maria Nieves-Colón and Jaime Zolik, MA – Working with Ancient DNA and descendent communities in Peru 57:37

1M ago57:37

57:37

Dr. Maria Nieves-Cólon and Jamie Zolik join the show to discuss their ancient DNA research in San Luis de Cañete and what it can reveal about the historical population of the town specifically and the African diaspora in South America generally. They share some of the exciting ways they've forged a partnership with the community in order to carry o…

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Bonus! 2025 Black Friday Deals? 46:28

1M ago46:28

46:28

Black Friday! It's like Black Francis, but with more enthusiasm! Ehem. Look, here's a big list of stuff I found that's for sale on Black Friday. Some normal stuff, some weird stuff. Not a lot of great bargains, but I'll bet some of them will give you ideas. Normal episode next time VEVOR VEVOR RV Air Conditioner, 13500 BTU Non-Ducted Rooftop RV AC,…

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280 BIG HEAT, Currant NV, Little Free Pantries, Stove Lighters 45:27

2M ago45:27

45:27

It's the BIG HEAT. We'll take a look at nearly every way to heat a van and discuss how practical they are. We'll also have an extended visit to a place named after a small fruit, take a look at vapor barrier, and provide a resource for excess food. The "oasis" of Currant, Nevada PRODUCT REVIEW Sparking Stove Lighter https://amzn.to/49oscqI RESOURCE…

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279 Aurora Bright Spots, Wireless Cams, Free Water, Thermal Bridging 50:38

2M ago50:38

50:38

This week we demonstrate the concept that everywhere is somewhere, and the receipt is long and curly. We'll also play with some solar powered cameras, have an ice cream in Maine, find some free water, and explore thermal bridging. Two young women, two different paths. PRODUCT REVIEW AUTO-VOX 2 Solar Wireless Backup Camera System https://amzn.to/3JT…

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278 Vanlife CANCELED? 5v Circuit, Bluetti Review, Hawaii, Donating Your Van 1:03:57

2M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. Potential. NEWS New Sodium Ion Bluetti Batteries https://interestingengineering.com/energy/bluettis-world-first-sodium-power-station New Kia Electric Van http…

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277 Cops Redux! An interview with former ticket writer, Hal Bidlack. 1:13:37

2M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

It's a big topic, and one that deserves some attention—so why not talk to the people we're talking about? Hal Bidlack has had a storied life, but part of that story involves his time with "the police," though his role was a bit more complicated than that. Listen in and learn what a cop is thinking after they pull you over. Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack, PhD…

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Dr. Eric Shattuck – How do humans act when we get sick and why? 52:27

2M ago52:27

52:27

Dr. Eric Shattuck of Florida State University joins the show to discuss his research on sickness behavior. He wants to know how humans tend to act when they get sick and why they act that way. Recommendations Dr. Shattuck's faculty page at FSU Dr. Shattuck's personal web page Social Health and Immunology Research (SHIRE) Lab page Dr. Shattuck's Goo…

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276 Cops, Visit a Word, Smart Multimeter, Dead Alternator, Gray Water Wonders 47:28

3M ago47:28

47:28

It's time to talk about dealing with the police, and how changes in the US have made vanlife a riskier proposition. We'll also drive without an alternator, admit that Hal was right, visit a word, and evaporate some gray water. Every truck camper comes with its own bug museum. PRODUCT REVIEW Simple Multimeter https://amzn.to/3KebLCW RESOURCE RECOMME…

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275 Big Announcement!, MICE, Canadian Tire, Tread Rug, De-Vanning 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

The Big Announcement is here! And so are the mice, and they've very very hungry. We also have a lovely visit to Canadian Tire, praise the lowly tread rug, and turn a camper back into a van. Why does the fluff...move? A PLACE TO VISIT Canadian Tire https://www.canadiantire.ca FCC Notice: If you purchase anything from these links, the show will recei…

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274 Truck Camper Lessons, Easy Water, Ghost Dancing, Converters, Lady Van, Epiphany 56:26

3M ago56:26

56:26

Finally, we hit the road, and we learn some things about truck camper life. We'll also explore a simple water system, talk about ways to adjust voltage, visit a Lady Van, Ghost Dancing and learn a very important thing on the drive home. Every truck camper comes with its own bug museum. PRODUCT REVIEW Digury 5 Gallon Water System https://amzn.to/3Ke…

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Dr. Erin Blankenship-Sefczek – How does developmental stress affect dental morphology? 50:12

3M ago50:12

50:12

Summary Dr. Erin Blankenship-Sefczek of Creighton University joins the show to discuss her research examining the connection between developmental stress and accessory cusps in teeth. Her work focuses on the placement and appearance of extra cusps that occur with greater frequency among individuals who have suffered stress during key developmental …

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273 10 Forgotten Roads, Gorilla Rubber Spray, Volo, Dickson Mounds, TripIt 1:04:27

4M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

There's more than just Route 66! Let's explore some other roads of legend. We'll also spray some goo, solve a weird furnace problem, visit the Batmobile, and explore an unexpected and unbelievable museum with a big problem. The mystery begins. Nice diorama The Canton Toll Booth And the issue at hand. What the museum used to look like. PRODUCT REVIE…

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272 Pickup Truck Instead? Stealth Advice, Propane Lockers, Mississippi Parthenon, Aldi 1:03:57

4M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

In the past week, I realized that my truck is the perfect vanlife vehicle for me. Learn why! And we'll visit Aldi, Mississippi, have a bit of a cry, and explore the basics of stealth camping. The transplant begins. NEWS Starlink Slow Mode https://www.pcmag.com/news/starlink-replaces-free-pause-mode-with-5-monthly-charge Bluetti Power System https:/…

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271 Controlling Noise, USB Water Pump, Toyota Plant, Front Hitches 36:13

4M ago36:13

36:13

This week, we offer 10 ideas for keeping noise down in your van, play with a USB water pump, visit a Toyota plant, explain why use front hitches are, and learn how to tie some important knots. Sunset indeed. NEWS De Minimis Shipments Taxed https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/what-end-de-minimis-exemption-means-us-shoppers-businesses-20…

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Dr. Samantha Yaussy - What can frailty in skeletons from medieval London teach us about health? 1:02:04

4M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Dr. Samantha Yaussy of James Madison University joins the show to discuss her research on the how sex, socioeconomic status, and developmental stress and the intersectionality therein might interact to affect health outcomes in the past via the lens of frailty in skeletal remains primarily from medieval London. In this episode, we talked about the …

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270 Absorption Fridge, Matawan, Hardboard, AI Role Play, Self Recovery 50:19

4M ago50:19

50:19

The 3-Way fridge is falling out of fashion, but should it? Maybe not! We'll also visit a gruesome scene, talk about dangerous deeds, talk to Willy Wonka, and tell a tale of peril in Arizona. Just yards away for her permanent pasture. A PLACE TO VISIT Matawan Memorial https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/matawan-new-jersey-shark-attack-of-1916 Some l…

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269 Rag & Bone Buffet, Autocamp, BT Remote, 100 Best State Parks, Ohms 57:54

5M ago57:54

57:54

Lots of corrections and updates this week, plus a visit to an Autocamp, 100 Best State Parks, A Remote, and A Bit of Resistance Mathieson State Park NEWS Bob Wells on the legality of Vanlife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-psEy2K30Tw Americans put the brakes on #VanLife https://www.ft.com/content/c31e24db-4f19-4bb8-8aa5-e93167606ba1 Embracing Van …

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268 Digital Nomads, ANZAC Memorial, A Wren, Flexi Solar, Polarity 52:37

5M ago52:37

52:37

Do you live in your van or out of your van? We'll take an in-depth look at one person's story. We'll also try out a moisture meter, wash dishes without water, learn about a particular border, and visit a very nice Sandwich. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The entrance to the ANZAC Memoria…

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267 Living in the World, Moisture Meter, Waterless Washing, Sandwich, Border Map 49:30

5M ago49:30

49:30

Do you live in your van or out of your van? We'll take an in-depth look at one person's story. We'll also try out a moisture meter, wash dishes without water, learn about a particular border, and visit a very nice Sandwich. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io A church, a bed, and a person kno…

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Dr. Habiba Chirchir - Why did humans evolve to have less robust skeletons? 40:08

5M ago40:08

40:08

Dr. Habiba Chirchir of the Ohio State University joins the show to discuss her research into the skeletal gracilization of modern humans. She's trying to understand when and why our skeletons became less robust, and whether self-domestication may have played a role. ------------------ Note: Apparently I got Dmitry Belyayev confused with Nikolai Vav…

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266 WATER, Camco Drain, Rules, Wing Rot, Gray Water 52:07

6M ago52:07

52:07

Water is a resource and a troublesome. We'll explore some strategies for dealing with this heavy and precious substance. We'll also review a unique drain, hang out with some movie stars, talk about gray water strategies and spend some time with wood rot. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Hm…

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265 The Truth About Sprinters, Parks Canada, Robert the Doll, Wet Spots 46:22

6M ago46:22

46:22

I've often talked about my Sprinter and why I think people should avoid them. Now - here the truth! And then head to Canada and visit their national parks, hear a tale about dogs and sharks, get some essential shoes, and drill some holes. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Here, there be sha…

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264 Legislative Changes, Macbook Air, Solar for Portables, Bermuda Triangle, SS Badger 33:32

6M ago33:32

33:32

I'm at sea, but I'm persevering to share with you some possible impact from recent legislation. I'll also tell a tale of loss in the Bermuda Triangle, talk about solar charging options for portable power banks, and tell you how to avoid Chicago Traffic in Style. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.gho…

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263 In Transit, Cut it Out, Ground Mat, Norway, Stuck in Nevada 40:08

6M ago40:08

40:08

There are time when you're neither here no there, and wonderful things can happen. We'll also tackle some of a rig's worst issues, look at a way to keep dirt out of your rig, get stuck in Nevada and visit Norway. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Hard to see this from a van. PRODUCT REVIEW …

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Dr. David Orton – Rats in Europe and Zooarchaeology 1:13:21

6M ago1:13:21

1:13:21

Dr. David Orton of the University of York joins the show to discuss how he uses zooarchaeology (the study of animal remains in archaeological contexts) to understand the how rat and human populations interacted and affected each other over time in Europe. He gets into the spread of rats, the plague, using ancient DNA and isotopic analysis to analyz…

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262 Getting Rid of Your Rig, Swivel Magnet, Suspension Upgrades, Bright Drop 45:06

7M ago45:06

45:06

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but it sure is a relief sometimes. But how? Swivel Magnets can make life easier, a few simple upgrades can improve your ride, and someone tests a Bright Drop. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io File under "Everything is Content." NEWS Public Lands at Risk https:…

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261 Where to Find a Rig, Solar for Your Hood, A Long, Arduous Road 59:26

7M ago59:26

59:26

Buying a rig is a bit tricky today, here are some places you can find what you're looking for. We'll also put solar on our hood(?), and tell the very long tale of why this podcast is late. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io File under "Everything is Content." NEWS Totally Solar Powered Rig h…

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260 How to Kill Your Van 52:20

7M ago52:20

52:20

The easiest way to kill your van. How do I know? Because I just did it. We'll also talk about how to store you van long term, review a product that means you'll never get stuck again with a dead battery, and visit France...but not Europe. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The original dream…

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Dr. Henry Erlich - Genetic Reconstruction of the Past 1:11:30

7M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Dr. Henry Erlich, Researcher Emeritus at Benioff UCSF Children's Hospital, joins the show to discuss his book, Genetic Reconstruction of the Past: DNA Analysis in Forensics and Human Evolution. We chatted about what it was like to pioneer PCR tests along with how PCR testing works, its applications (including medicine, understanding human evolution…

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259 Your Van Won’t Last, Overloaded, Free Pantries, Scampinging, Battery Bag 47:48

8M ago47:48

47:48

Life happens while you're making plans, and the vehicle you're working on now probably won't last very long! We'll also look at safer battery storage, how to drive the WRONG way, a scary night, an excellent exchange, and a mixed bag of news. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The Campster! N…

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258 First Aid Kit Redux, Other Stuff you Should Have 35:57

8M ago35:57

35:57

So much great feedback on the first aid kit episode that I made a whole episode out of it! We'll also talk about other things you should have in your van, including a great app that's a must have. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Yes, I camped in this. Not a lot of notes this week! Thanks!…

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257 First Aid Kit, Cabinet of Curiosities, Trees in the Road, Leathermans, Wound Closure 1:01:45

8M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

First aid kits seem like a good idea, but are they useful? Ours is! Let's dive deep on this one. We'll also visit a mummified hand, see trees in the road, play with sharp things and stop a whole lot of bleeding. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io The AI made me do it PRODUCT REVIEW Clozex Em…

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Dr. Christopher Schmitt - Vervets and woolly monkeys 55:55

8M ago55:55

55:55

Dr. Christopher Schmitt of Boston University joins the show to talk about how he uses life history theory and epigenetics as a lens for his work with vervets and woolly monkeys. We also chatted about the highs of fieldwork, along with understanding how identity can affect an individual's experience of the field. Books, articles, and media mentioned…

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256 10 Unusual Vehicles, Fire Blankets, MC4 Connectors, Osoyoos Desert 50:48

8M ago50:48

50:48

Forget vans and SUVs! You can build a rig out of anything, and here are some strange ideas. We'll also visit a desert in Canada, put out a fire with a blanket, take apart MC4 connectors, and hear some tales from an old job. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io 1983 Toyota Mini-Cruiser NEWS Jef…

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255 Alternative Charging Options, Meshtastic, Leatherman Voltage Tester, Campendium 47:17

9M ago47:17

47:17

Charge without Solar or DC to DC? It's possible! But advisable? Well... We'll also visit the French Riviera, brew up a home grown WiFi network replacement, explore a WEIRD device, and take a look at Campendium. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io A very strange and yet interesting device. NEW…

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254 Driving Myths, Multitools, Boat Board, Cigarette Lighter Outlets, A Sad Moment 52:16

9M ago52:16

52:16

Do you embrace driving myths? Let's find out! We'll also explore Boat Board, multitools, the reason you should still have cigarette lighter outlets, and experience a sad moment. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Don't believe me? Do you believe the largest travel club in the world? NEWS Ten…

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253 Extreme Weather, Ventusky, Iceland, Wrong Fuel, Monkey Magnets 54:20

9M ago54:20

54:20

Extreme weather affects folks living in vehicles more than most—what do you do? We'll explore. We'll also visit Iceland! Land of the vanlife test drive, and figure out what to do when you have the wrong fuel in your rig. Monkey Magnets and Ventusky are both fun to say! If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregri…

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252 Minimalism Revisited, West Virginia, Zero Breeze, Converters vs. Inverter-Chargers 51:13

9M ago51:13

51:13

Minimalism is more than just "less stuff." It's more freedom. We'll also spend some time in the Wild Wonderful, listen to Nellie extol the virtues of her Zero Breeze, confuse people with electrical terms and try to replace iOverlander If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Yes, this is a form of…

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251 Is It Safe to Visit the US? USB Tester, Remote Jobs, Digital Nomads 53:26

9M ago53:26

53:26

Is it safe to visit the USA? We'll take an honest look. We'll also play with a USB tester, find some remote jobs, look at places that offer Digital Nomad Visas, and hear a tale of kindness. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io Is it safe? NEWS iOverlander 2.0 Fails https://www.abqjournal.com/l…

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Dr. Kate Clancy - Period: The Real Story of Menstruation 45:00

9M ago45:00

45:00

Dr. Kate Clancy of Illinois State University Urbana-Champaign joins the show to talk about her book, Period: The Real Story of Menstruation. We touch on what periods are, why humans might menstruate, factors that affect menstruation, the study of women's health in general, and a few things to keep in when doing research. Books, articles, and media …

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250 Celebration Episode! Your Questions Answered! 1:09:55

10M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

One of many spots I never planned on. This is a hill in Bangor, ME, former home of Stephen King. In this episode we talk about: Dust pans Chevy Brightdrop Enchanted Highway Window Lubricant No builds Electric Parking Brakes 12v Air Conditioners YouTube Nomad Life Wiki Remote Jobs Finding Vans And more! Thanks for being here for over 250 episodes!…

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249 Leave No Trace, Hotel Callifornia, Li Ion, Trackers, T-Shirt Story 2 50:36

10M ago50:36

50:36

Do you leave no trace? Let's talk about it. We'll also visit the Hotel California, look at Android Trackers, and find a place to buy vans. Oh, and there's a t-shirt. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io I've always been remarkably goofy. NEWS Canadian Snowbirds Face Border Hurdles https://spec…

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248 10 Dangerous Things, 3M Security Film, Caravan Trick, CANADA, Remote Jobs 50:41

10M ago50:41

50:41

What's your biggest fear? I'll bet it's not what's actually dangerous. We'll take a look at vanlife ways to die. We'll also review 3M security film, explore a hidden feature of Dodge Caravans, hear a tale about a bad day, and maybe find a remote job. Oh, we'll visit Canada too! If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https:…

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Dr. Rebecca Gilmour - Roman bioarchaeology 53:33

10M ago53:33

53:33

Dr. Rebecca Gilmour of Mount Royal University talks about bones, their mechanics, and how we can use both to understand humans' lives in the past -- especially around her main focus of disability and care in ancient Rome. Books, articles, and media mentioned in this episode + helpful sites and articles: Ed. CS Hirst, RJ Gilmour, FA Cardoso, KA Plom…

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247 Boondocking, USB Light, Lost Luggage, Fire 41:43

11M ago41:43

41:43

A Boondocking build makes a lot of sense, whether you plan to use campgrounds or not. And we'll take a look at USB lighting, visit some lost luggage, and nearly displace over 200 people into the cold Chicago air. If you're looking for my personal articles, you can find them at https://peregrinus.ghost.io My first fully self-contained rig. NEWS Sout…