Ep. 7 People Who Wander: Mariah Alice - A True Solo Female Vanlifer

“With the van life you have the opportunity to feel the euphoria that comes with the good days of van life but then you also have the opportunity to feel the ‘oh my god, what am I doing with my life? Why am I living in a van? What am I doing here?’” Mariah Alice gives us perhaps one of the best and most honest glimpses into true life on the road living out of a van conversion. A true solo female van lifer.
Mariah Alice balances between her desire for stability and her love of the ups and downs that come with the van life lifestyle. “I crave stability. The way I’ve found a way to make it work is sticking around places a little longer. Every month, there is a place I make my home. I like to be able to feel like I’m making places home. But I also like the ups and downs that come with living in a vehicle. I crave both and I’ve found a way to make it work for myself but sometimes it’s hard.
“When I first got into the van, when it was actually just the road in front of me, there was a lot of disappointment; the views weren’t fulfilling, I wasn’t meeting the people I thought I’d meet. But then after the last 8-months alone on the road, I’ve realized I have to appreciate the things that I can and that every single lifestyle is going to have its ups and its downs. There’s no lifestyle out there that is perfect.” Realizing that the thing she had dreamed about having for years wasn’t all she had dreamt it would be was hard for Mariah. But over time, she began to realize a deeper lesson: that it isn’t about the grand moments, rather, it’s about the small things we choose to do because they make us happy.
The seventh episode in the series, People Who Wander, brings us to Jackson, Wyoming to talk with Mariah about finding “home” on the road, some truths about van life, and what makes her continue to pursue a life that makes her happy rather than a life that makes sense.
Mariah is nothing but her honest, lovely self on her Instagram: / mariahthewind_
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Why do people choose to go out into the world and wander?
Why do they seek out adventure and discomfort?
Why do they make compromises in their lives in order to travel, explore, and push themselves?
These are the questions this series, People Who Wander, revolves around. I am traveling full time, creating videos about things that matter while seeking out stories worth telling.
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This series is directed, shot, and produced by me, Jeremiah Luke Barnett.
A big thank you to my amazing subjects. It wouldn't be possible without you.
Music: www.epidemicso...
#vanlife #solofemalevanlifer #alternativeliving
You can follow my Instagram @jeremiahlukebarnett ( / jeremiahlukebarnett )

[@MariahAlice]

Awkwardly refreshing seeing myself from someone else’s perspective... okay gonna go cry now tanks 💛

[@danm2173]

Interesting to see you from the perspective of being interviewed vs you doing your own video. You burst with confidence & sureness. Clearly your a very smart person & very wise especially for your age. Your life is one of few regrets & you made it that way by working hard for it. You have all my Respect!

[@phoebevanderhorst7760]

I really think you will have less stress with a shower and toilet. That being said, I'm glad your moving into a space of community and individualism. Build your audience. We're here, yaying you on. 😉❤

[@MrRobster55]

Don't cry, you are interesting & funny and intelligent and sincere oh and honest. the best people are honest 👍😁 perfect is a feeling 😉

[@dorothypaul4642]

Mariah, you have learned so much at such a young age. You understand the importance of having a routine, the value of community and getting to know a place. Most amazing of all, you've learned to appreciate the simple joys in life, all the little moments. I love when you said "There is no end goal in life". Are you familiar with Eckhart Tolle? He's written so many insightful and life-changing books. I particulary like "Practicing the Power of Now". I go back to it often. I really enjoyed this video!

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

@@dorothypaul4642 I believe the end goal in life is to know, love and serve the creator God who made us!

[@hcarpam1]

Love Mariah. She is real and she is raw. You find yourself cheering her on. You're right there with her when she has an epiphany. Her successes become yours. Thanks for this close up. Great job

[@JeremiahLuke]

aww that is a precious way to put it. I couldn't agree more. It was my pleasure to tell a bit of her story

[@marydonaldson6139]

Love Mariah!! She is why I found YOU! Great editing and filming!🙌

[@JeremiahLuke]

aw thank you! She was a joy to interview :) Im glad the world has this little different perspective of her.

[@giftedgringo118]

She cares about friends and community because she’s young. I put zero thought into finding a community of vanlifers. I see surfers and festival people hanging out together, but most vanlifers are doing what she’s doing, chilling with a dog.

[@JeremiahLuke]

Shes found an amazing balance of a community of friends while still maintaining a beautiful solo lifestyle (solo with Finn..of course).

[@giftedgringo118]

@@JeremiahLuke eventually she’ll stop trying not to be atypical.

[@diabeticjesus87]

Mariah is great, her videos are super chill and she just tells what she's thinking. I respect her and how she lives. Also Finn is best boy.

[@JeremiahLuke]

she is amazing, that is for sure (and Finn too of course). I love her videos and the community shes built around them.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Everything looks more cool in slow motion, love the production value. Rarely does life move in this way, but when it does....

[@JeremiahLuke]

slow motion is the ultimate cheap move! haha I love using it but tend to sometimes lean on it as a crutch... trying to move away from that

[@phoebevanderhorst7760]

I'm so glad you found your community.

[@JeremiahLuke]

♥️ shes a great example to us all about searching out our own community.

[@okeythomas8001]

Great view of a creative soul thanks :)

[@JeremiahLuke]

Glad you found it nice :)

[@chuckf3102]

You have matured so much in the past year. Great recommendations, people ought to try their dream.

[@JeremiahLuke]

Im jealous you've been following for a year! Can't wait to see where she goes next.

[@twothumbsfresh]

This was great, super fun editing and some amazing shots as ever! :D I really enjoy Mariah's content, refreshingly honest and always entertaining!

[@JeremiahLuke]

She is nothing but really humanly imperfectly wonderful :) Thanks for supporting!

[@Aco747lyte]

I love Mariah's reasoning in thought and her love for those places that are special in her heart. She's one of my favourite 'tuber because she gives so much to us,m and to the community that are fellow van-lifers. Jeremiah, you captured the beautiful essence that is Mariah and the content she gives so generously. Your filming and editing are tremendous. I was very moved by this video. Thank you. ✨

[@JeremiahLuke]

I was grateful and humbled to have been able to tell a bit of her story :)

[@cherylmckay9347]

Mariah this was AWESOME!!

[@JeremiahLuke]

it really was

[@LowLightMike]

This is a beautiful interview.

[@JeremiahLuke]

Thank you! It's one of my favorites, undoubtedly. Although, it does get me excited to go do others around the country!

[@LowLightMike]

@@JeremiahLuke I'm curious how "world wide" the lifestyle of Van-Life is. I'm from Vancouver Island (Canada, eh), and my following of various Canadian west-coast van people is what sparked my interest in following more North American vloggers who would "pop up" in my KZbin suggested list. Like most things, I guess that we are not unique in North America, and that something similar to van-life has probably been happening all around the world since time immemorial, in some form or another. What is new, however, is this excellent style of documenting van-life by video, both the self-vlog style and the interview style. It is such a fascinating look into everyday life. Thanks for showing us part of it, with excellence :)

[@mistysedillo1696]

Your videos are so stunning. You are a magnificent story teller and draw us into your journeys.💜

[@JeremiahLuke]

She really does a magical job of taking "mundane/normal life" and turning it into journeys we all want to be along for :)

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Love the close up of Fur buddy!

[@JeremiahLuke]

hahah ME TOO. Very glad no one minds a little Finn time even though it's Mariah's interview...

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

Grandpa again. Give yourself credit. You are blessed with a cautious maybe even suspicious spirit? Probably very helpful for a young female traveler. Don't forget the pandemic wasn't the best time to be making friends! And now YOU are a survivor!.... with thousands of friends who have come to know and care about you, your adventures and fur buddy! Be blessed!

[@danm2173]

Well said

[@JeremiahLuke]

Well said, indeed!

[@DrychronRed]

Mariah is great. Her videos capture how she experiences things as a young person who hasn't yet experienced things. Sometimes you can listen to what she's saying and know what's going on when she doesn't even know. She's fun and honest and the real deal when it comes to vanlife. She has interesting and varied content.

[@JeremiahLuke]

I admire her realness and attempt to grapple with her life in front of a camera. She's amazing

[@thorlocks7818]

Thank you for your content. It it really great that you are talking about the mental health aspect and how you struggle, overcome, backstop, or sidestep. And the sacrifices you have made to live the life you want. You are one of my top three sources of inspiration. I can't wait to hear my van is on the assembly line.

[@JeremiahLuke]

She has a wonderful perspective on life and its ongoing challenges, lessons, difficulties, and beautiful parts :) Very glad you're connecting with these stories. I hope the day that van is on the assembly line comes soon, Tom!

[@DeborahLong7777]

You did a great job capturing her and a new sub.

[@JeremiahLuke]

ahh thank you, Debbe :) She was a delight to capture and portray!

[@rodneyfontes9209]

Great 👍 Job!...Interesting video!...

[@JeremiahLuke]

Thanks! It was fun to make as well so it's a win-win.

[@rodneyfontes9209]

@@JeremiahLuke ...👍

[@h3bysuzanne902]

Much appreciate you talking about emotions, so needed. I personally identify with a lot of those feelings, and you know how that goes. Being in AA or whatever group, it helps others when you talk about your own feelings. So thank you🙏😇🌹so much. What I love about being alone is, I don’t have to worry about my emotions being pulled in a different direction, when I’m in deep thought, working up a story in my head. I find in ‘the low’ my creativity grows, it’s forced out.

[@JeremiahLuke]

She is an amazing communicator when it comes to her vulnerability and willingness to share her struggles and victories with all of us.

[@eversunnyguy]

Your rambling is very natural and something we can all relate to.😁

[@JeremiahLuke]

Those are very near the words I told her once the camera shut off!

[@sandyschoonover9051]

Finally a vlogger that speaks the truth. Thank You!! Have you ever thought about joining "WINS" or "Sister's on the Fly" rv groups?

[@JeremiahLuke]

She's amazingly articulate and frank in her vulnerability!

[@Twowheeledturbofan]

I love Mariah and her video diaries and look forward to seeing a new one each week 👍😊

[@JeremiahLuke]

They're great! It's awesome shes able to put one out every week.

[@judithryle2113]

I just love finn

[@jordanb1357]

Just stumbled on your channel (and Mariah's recently), absolutely love the "people who wander" series, you do an awesome job of capturing their stories and personalities. Another addition to my van life binge watch list!

[@JeremiahLuke]

ahh, thank you, Jordan! It was a huge pleasure and challenge to create. Im hoping to make another along the same lines in the not so distant future (but not necessarily around van life). best of luck to ya!

[@OurRetiredLife]

I wish I had learned so much at such a young age. Lovely young lady, nice seeing her through your eyes Jeremiah :)

[@JeremiahLuke]

Shes an inspiration to us all. As are each of the subjects in their own ways! Simple humans, making their way through life and making decisions. Thanks for supporting, Yula :)

[@OurRetiredLife]

@@JeremiahLuke Including yourself :)

[@JeremiahLuke]

@@OurRetiredLife ♥️ aw shux!

[@coriesimms5770]

Great vid of Mariah. I've been watching her for a bit now and she's fabulous!

[@JeremiahLuke]

What a compliment then! A long-time viewer approves of her interview :) I was hoping I would be able to portray a side of her that doesn't often get front stage in her own videos (since pointing a camera at yourself and having one pointed at you can create such different outcomes). Very glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Kmy549]

I am huge fan of Mariah Alice and she looks more beautiful in your video. I truly admire her life and wish someday in my life I could live in a van with freedom.

[@JeremiahLuke]

That is a huge compliment, although I am 1000% sure Mariah Alice would say that it was the Tetons, not her 🙄 Everyone lives the van thing differently :) I hope you can move toward that dream of yours

[@Banagal]

Beautiful videography Jeremiah Luke! The colorful views make me feel like I'm there in person.Mariah has developed her Van humor over time. You both told her story, dreams, and desire to keep moving. Thank you.

[@JeremiahLuke]

ohhh that is the BEST of compliments / feedback :) Thank you, Ramona. It was a pleasure to capture a bit of Mariah in the wild for everyone to see :) (Although it was very hard to get her to sit still)

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

@@JeremiahLuke maybe a little ADD?

[@JeremiahLuke]

@@chrisdevalcourt648 just loads of bubbly, joyful mariah energy

[@chrisdevalcourt648]

@@JeremiahLuke yes! She is a precious little lady! Thanks Luke. Enjoyed it!

[@teresakryvenchuk6205]

Great video.I follow her and now I am going to follow you.Happy miles and smiles😊😁🙂

[@JeremiahLuke]

I love that saying, happy miles and smiles! (A friend of mine also says "more miles more smiles" :)) Well, welcome to the wild ride of jeremiah's miles and smiles and everything in between.

[@dayvan6550]

That's a lot of perspective! A big game changer looming is having children.

[@_gatsby]

great stuff!!!.. loved that shot at 10:12 ..parallax for days

[@JeremiahLuke]

Oh my goodness, so glad someone admires that shot as much as I did when shooting...definitely one of my favorites.

[@baddog340]

Loved it

[@JeremiahLuke]

Glad to hear it!

[@mollyjane4280]

What’s bullet journaling? I bought a very nice journal and pretty pretty so I could get into the habit. I had been thinking of it for a while and after I saw your vid with Maddie and Anna etc I was inspired to REALLY start it. I’ll def google my question but I’d like your take on bulked journaling. Btw love your channel!

[@JeremiahLuke]

Not sure if Mariah Alice will see this so I'll take a stab since I asked her the same question :) The short of it, bullet journaling is more about self-contained thoughts/statements in each sentence of your journal as opposed to a flowing story or script. (think: "woke up late. made coffee because coffee is my favorite. feeling good but unsure about my next video. very excited to find a place to watch the sunset tonight." rather than the normal way we journal.) Hope that helps! :) I've adopted it after meeting Mariah Alice.

[@mollyjane4280]

@@JeremiahLuke thank you so much! I looked at a few vids but they were kinda directed at people who aren’t nomads. And I made a few pages. But I def like yalls take on it. I also got a travel journal that’s almost like bujo. And in my old professional life I pretty much did it naturally. I’m excited to get more into it.

[@JeremiahLuke]

@@mollyjane4280 I hope you find it useful for laying out your own thoughts and feelings in a clear way :) its great for re-reading too.

[@Rossie123able]

nice job Jeremiah. Subscribed :)

[@JeremiahLuke]

ohh thank you! Each one gets better and better. Stay tuned for a lifetime of getting better and better question mark(?)

[@danielhillhouse7835]

Hi very inspiring

[@JeremiahLuke]

she has an amazing story! With much yet to come :)

[@Noname-dg3pm]

💜

[@JeremiahLuke]

♥️

[@AquariusCrystalwave]

This is amazing 💚💙❤️ I love your raw and authentic style of videography so much 😊 I am a fellow vanlifer and youtuber, currently in the Pacific Northwest but travel all around and I'd love to meet up sometime if we are in the same area and collaborate on a video together sometime! I couldn't find a way to shoot ya an email, but if you're interested in meeting up down the road, shoot me an email listed on my channel description! 🦊🌈 Keep being amazing and I cannot wait to see more of the amazing content you continue to create! 😊

[@judithryle2113]

Take a breath. You never pause talking so fast

[@matthewfinn4762]

First . . LoL

[@MariahAlice]

Matthew oh my gosh 😂😂😂

[@JeremiahLuke]

such a good name

[@edwil111]

she quit YouTubing. early Winter 2023.... said she moved to Eastern state and is starting a new business.....Don't know if shes coming back. She even cancelled her Patreon, I was a donor.

[@JeremiahLuke]

Im sure she's turning a new page and finding a new chapter in life :)