Ex-Marine Magician Lives In A Van For 7 Years - Nobody Knew!

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Welcome back to another Liveration video!
In this episode, we speak to James, aka The Magic Marine.
James has been living in his self converted van since 2016!
He shares his story with us, why he lives in a van, and how he makes it work, he also shares the realities of van life, and the ups and downs he faces living this way.
We also get a full tour of his uniquely converted and styled van, we've never seen a van design like it and what a great use of the space he has created!
Thanks to James for sharing with us and showing us around his home on wheels.
Make sure to follow James on Instagram
www.instagram....
James's website
www.themagicma...
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[@angeladawn805]

This guy is a class act. I'm sure James's former life in the marines has influenced his approach to this phase of his life. ❤

[@salamandrasalamandra6]

Lived in a van full time from 2003 until 2012 in and around Bristol. Worked as a carpenter in late spring, summer and early autumn and then travelled all over Europe the rest of the year. I own land and a house these days ( left the UK though) but even today i still consider myself a traveller, a pikie as they used to call as back then. And well proud of it. No van lifers then. Some of the best memories of my life.

[@johnbuffaloiam9741]

Moved to where?

[@cedarcanoe]

@@johnbuffaloiam9741don’t be that curious one

[@gratefulagoraphobe]

I'm a tiny houser and one of the best things about it is that I don't have to deal with banks or other vultures. I feel better getting away from capitalism as much as I can living in a western country. I'm sure I'm weird to many but I'd need a magnifying glass to find the fucks 😊

[@Ls2ELevation]

Bahahaha love that last sentence!

[@sweeetly]

Well done!🤗

[@reidcrosby6241]

"Thinking outside the box" ..in my world there is NO box.

[@Grumbledookvid]

getting away from capitalism? Capitalism just means free trade. I'd imagine you haven't escaped from trading. I think what you really mean is getting away from government and their incestuous relationship with businesses that prevent free markets, competition, fair prices and trade.

[@TheLampini]

Totally there on that last sentence 😂 - 7 years of boat life and counting 😊👍🏼❤

[@yodab.at1746]

10 years living in a converted furniture removals truck. It was hard but satisfying. Didn't want for anything other than a park up and acceptance. All my power was from solar, heat from a woodburner, had a toilet and shower, separate kitchen and bedroom and plenty of storage space. My everyday transport was an electric bike, charged from solar. In that 10 years, water became harder and harder to find and emptying the loo more difficult. My truck was very reliable and maintained by myself. Tbh, i miss that way of life.

[@roygbiv6704]

Has anyone else noticed how articulate and well mannered all of your guests are? I think some folk have the wrong idea about alternative living. I was intrigued by James' dilemma, he wants the freedom to continue adventures and loves the lifestyle but a part of him wants to 'settle down'. I've heard that a lot of ex-military guys wake up and still think they are in the Army. I think a time will come where everything becomes clear. Top notch production as always, nearly 60,000 subs 🙂

[@ziggy76ziggy76]

Royal Marines are part of the navy

[@trailtrade]

This guy is an absolute legend! Salt of the earth. Appreciate the exchange.

[@118ball118]

How laid back is this dude. Hes a class act

[@cerebral-liberty]

Im also a van lifer of 7 years, in New Zealand. Got divorced, sold the house , wanted a year off so bought a campervan, one year turned into 7 , i love the freedom that it provides in 2 forms , 1- i can go anywhere & bring my house with all my stuff & a toilet & shower. 2- i dont have many bills, this means i don't have to work all the time , which i really like, i get to live more of my life , even if I'm doing nothing, at least im not sitting in peak hour traffic or stuck in some office, digging holes , etc . I'd rather be free & poor than A modern day slave with a little more money .

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

It’s so nice to listen to him about the good bad and the ugly of vanlife. I loved it. ❤

[@felixwatts571]

Refreshing honesty! He's a teacher, not a salesman.

[@kc-sh7bx]

I'm most impressed you can still fit into your blues after all this years.

[@evibertolait8262]

I think for me it would be the combination of a van with a bit of land with a very basic housing situation , a bathhouse and a workshop, a dry space a library, some storage and a garden. Sharing this with other nomadic living people as a safe place , that's my dream.

[@my2cworth4U]

It is hard, but it's good for you. I'm 77 and still spend every day all day in my van, then go home for a shower, I use my unit like a motel room, then leave again.

[@FiscalWoofer]

Need to have more like buttons, the video has helped motivate me out of a depression this morning thank you. ❤

[@Soxandnicole]

I know what you mean, we lived 8 years un a bus before it was fashionable and I feel like saying "You know I was doing that in the 1990's."

[@strawberryroad1347]

I know people who smell, no matter how much they clean up, and people who hardly wash, even tho they live in a nice house. It's not about where you live, but rather who you are.

[@Solo50plus]

I love this honesty and real take on things. People keep telling me I should live in a van life just because I was nearly 3 years full time house sitting all over Portugal. I love exploring. I love going to places does not mean I want to be permanently homeless. Plus I could not explore down all the dirt tracks I venture. I can just about mange without a 4x4 let alone a van!! James hit it on the head of for me when he said it was like living out of a giant suitcase... I thought I as the only one that felt like this! 😊Thank you so much for sharing! 😊🙏🏽

[@PandaLife-lp8kn]

James is an amazing dude who lives Out of a van not in a van! If only he had one lady he could easily produce his own channel documenting his real life magical story! Alone is not lonely, the nomadic life serves him well having seen the horrors of war, I'm sure many other veterans would find healing on the road. The Whole World is his Family.

[@LiLBitsDK]

why would he need a lady for that? he can do his own channel just fine without that hassle...

[@roadschooladventures]

If he can’t go stealth, there is no hope for the rest of us lol. Fair play and very well spoken and interesting

[@ibrstellar1080]

The current Left wing Fascist Government will bring an end to van life.

[@Michael-re3ih]

I’ve been living in my van for few years now it’s brilliant way of life

[@ibrstellar1080]

Make the most of it as the Current WEF Government will make it impossible.

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

I like the 2 bottle. Shower 🎉 rinse soap up rinse in military fashion. Excellent advice

[@ptonpc]

All the best to him. His set up is simple and easy to repair.

[@davidjackson1986]

That man’s living my dream haha..wish him all the best too ✌️

[@davidhall8745]

What a switched on lad. I had the pleasure of working with the RM as a MOD civilian. A better bunch of people you would not meet. A fantastic set up. We are full timing in our motorhome and everything James said rings true at different levels.

[@carmillachoate]

I grew up in rural Maine and I saw so many old timers with scratch built little cabins in the mountains that look like this and the rustic charm of this guy's build is so wholesome to me. The big difference is this guy can take his cozy, little cabin anywhere he likes

[@stevengrainger2338]

This chap is a legend fantastic way of life

[@RebelsInc969]

I'm on my third van & I Love it, i wouldnt change it for anything its a Brilliant life & my van is Awesome 👍✌

[@MaryAmesMitchell]

I really like his layout.

[@allegrosotto2126]

Yes it was interesting to see a variation.

[@Ursaminor31]

What a lovely man

[@jasonwinsley1229]

This is actually one of my favourite liveration edits. Wonderful chap and a very inspirational build and lifestyle. My van is too posh really, I love her but I too hate the led lights…and very seldom use the heater. Because ‘freedom’ the van is paid for, rather than downgrading (or in my eyes upgrading to a downgrade?🤔) I’m starting to mod, add and subtract to craft what suits me and my endeavours. what I find disgusting in our lifestyles, is nearly every build seems to take into consideration the need to get to the front seat and drive off in night! Humans who disagree with what’s alien to themselves are cruel and horrid creatures. I wish James and everyone who like us, for what ever circumstances have driven them become part of the vanlife or off grid community, all the best. Be safe my brothers and sister

[@marianclaassen8127]

Single women are sometimes approached by men in the night. Being able to drive away may save them from rape or…

[@jasonwinsley1229]

@@marianclaassen8127 absolutely! This is what I mean. Humans are cruel and it’s a sad world that concerns of this nature should even cross our minds. Be safe!

[@boatingmanchester]

Good quality channel this always have excellent guest on keep up the great work

[@allegrosotto2126]

Absolutely 👍👏

[@MichelleCameron]

This guy has it sorted, and his van layout isn’t actually too bad

[@kycalm]

I am enjoying these videos. I’ve been watching band conversions for quite a while now. But the couple that I have seen on your channel here have struck me as the best approach. I like the fact that they’re not putting in complex plumbing systems. I know for a fact, I can go long time on 5 gallons of water and a jerrycan. I definitely see the issue of being alone too much. And being stuck in that space during bad weather. I hope this young man is successful in obtaining his goals of a home and a family.

[@lolalow5046]

I have a caravan in a field that I rent for when I'm not living in my van... so cheap and free... all the best on your travels ❤

[@jonmarshall1502]

All these videos are just great. Currently living out out a hatchback with wife and kids traveling on and off in Japan. Only doing it for a year but it’s so much fun, hoping to carry on with something similar.

[@livelikeloxley8152]

Heard Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and SUBBED TO THE MAGIC MAN!!! Cheers Liveration another banger! From one van lifer studying BJJ to another....OSSSSS!! 💜🤙

[@EllaBeyer-x1k]

Love your story! You are inspiring,love your honesty. Thanks for sharing.

[@SteveFilby]

Great video, what a nice chap, love the van layout.good luck

[@marispereirac]

this guy is an hero! leaving marine and being a magician.. what a change..what a great change!!

[@davidwanstall4670]

Good on you fella enjoy whatever you do.

[@efortunywhitton]

Love his reflections & philosophical musings... 😊❤

[@patriciaching100]

I like the thought of ibing able to make geographics. To survive on a physical plane, you need 3 things.. Food, Shelter and Transportation .. when feeling scarcity, .sitting on the bed with the back doors open... visulizing being in the middle of the sun, eating a mango, and by getting out of your own way, acting as if.. you will manifest.. That is the Magic of VanLife.. A Great Servicing Video..

[@1stJohn3.9-10]

In Nov 2021, I was suddenly thrown into nomad life without any notice. I'm retired, so I lived in my Jeep for 9 months. I enjoyed the freedom of being able to travel between Florida and California. When I got an apt, I signed a 2 year lease and I loved having electricity and water, but I feel like I'm a caged animal. My rent is so expensive that I don't ever go anywhere. I don't ever eat out, I basically have no life, no friends, no family... My lease ends in 20 days, so I need to trade my vehicle in for a van.

[@andy_xtr3861]

Go for it, in the UK the winters are grim, cold and wet ,at least you would have a warmer climate where you are

[@sh-bs6uj]

Facts on the caged animal feeling. Good luck

[@catherinemoore9534]

Great bed and shoerack. There's a Dad wanting to come out of him... 😉.

[@ingermimi]

Thanks for sharing your way of living! Admire your doing things your very own way. Think you are a rather spiritual being. Wish you a good life!!! Your so flexible, there will come changes and new constellations you don’t know about today. Maybe also love and family.

[@lesliehunter1823]

Innovative layout. Very nice.

[@forgoodnesssake9161]

Loved your story and honesty. Your van have design gave me many ideas so thanks. Wishing you all the best

[@5teffi3]

interesting reflections on the human experience, which are probably less likely to develop from a comfy armchair, but then, maybe new dreams are shaped in these 'in between times'

[@humgap]

What a cool build! Well done James!

[@jjrne6]

I like the wood look in the van,it makes it look more homey. Looks like you could fit 2 bikes in there, I'm actually considering a wall mount on my build fir 2 bikes,like the garage would be on the side of the van if I have room. Great build.Also smart having the rental property for income

[@dennisandrews8485]

In this life you have two choices. Do you really want to live free? Or do you want security? Both offers a lot. Most go for security. They are little worker bees. And they buzz and buzz and do this job and tomorrrow they will do the same thing. But they have the security of the hive. The hive is warm, dry, safe, but not free. The people who want freedom wakes up and says, I think I'll go north for a while, stop at a gym get a shower, eat healthy, find something to do to make some cash and find a nice quiet spot to back into to sleep. So if you are a worker bee this isn't for you. If you are just free to live your life on your own terms van life is the way to go

[@motorhomemavericks1]

Great words

[@Shafiq1969]

Thanks for sharing a wonderful vlog. Loved listening to this marine’s experiences. Hope he finds what he is looking for in life. I work almost 11 hours a day, work abroad on a mega project and visit the family every 2 months. We all dream of saving up and then retiring with some money saved to enjoy the latter or should I say the declining years of our life. It’s tricky and complicated I guess. There is no perfect solution here. The system around us is designed to keep us working so that we keep feeding the tax system and the financial institutions and corporations. I wish I could take out 2 to 3 months each year and do the things I keep dreaming of doing. By the time I’m 60 plus, it’ll be too late as I may end up with a bag full of medication and trips to the hospital. Love watching these videos which helps me to keep dreaming and hoping to achieve my goals. I love the lantern concept. I totally agree, the light and the smell from these type of lighting sources is amazing. Love the simplicity of the cooking and washing and agree it’s great to keep things simple. I’ve seen many van conversions, very complex wiring and gadgets. Although I agree one needs a few essential items to keep systems running, you don’t actually need to go overboard.

[@gonzotravelling]

Wow mate this story resonates with me and why I travel. I've known so many guys not make it to retirement, or pass within a year. I always remember an American colleague called Carl telling me his plans to travel the Americas, died within months of retirement. I quit my corporate job in 2019 and travelled the world at the age of 45. I'm now looking to build my third small camper with the intention of road trips lasting months or more. Live your life for yourselves folks.

[@the-nomad]

Halfway thru and loving the setup and attitude! Thinking that it's the military ethos that makes adapting to alternative living both attractive and (reasonably) easy to achieve without all the additional bells, whistles and, bling. Great video! Really enjoying it, now back to watching. 👍

[@Ohiostategenerationx]

Thanks for your allied service.

[@gsf4lyf]

Love these vids such great people

[@mynestintheforest]

Lovely man. He has got his priorities right. I totally get why it is a love hate affair both the vanlife and living in a house. Great episode.

[@EA1373]

😂 Ok since No one wants to say it, i will. 😮 He is fine as heck! 🎉❤🎉 Someone please get that fine man a wife.😂 Get him out the river,cook him a wholesum meal,an ❤Love him long time. Ok 😅 Great Build. Awesome Guy.🎉❤🎉.

[@reidcrosby6241]

Lol. 😂

[@sweetchariotengland]

This guy gets it I have kept my Sprinter mountain bike weekend ready Fine wagon fella

[@racebanning6390]

CONGRATS... Almost 60k subs!!😁Wow. Always great testimonies, reality of Living in yur Rolling Home, im 4 years now after gettin let go from my job in 2020 jabdemmik. I was only 5 years from retirement. Not workin , health not 100%, but i emptied my retirement , bought a 1/2 acre i live on. Its that Real. Closer every day to my pension , then wont be so broke. Be blessed you 2 , Excellent Utoob!🤙🤙🙏🙏

[@wilty5]

You say he’s an ex Marine, I don’t know if that’s the correct term to describe him, I’ve always understood that once you achieve Marine status you are always considered to be a Marine whether active or not. Perhaps he is considered a retired Marine

[@reidcrosby6241]

Smedley Butler might say he's and ex Marine. Just saying.

[@roadschooladventures]

Watched it again lol. We get what you mean about not wanting to tell people. Our life before van life was an extreme difference to what it is now, but we wouldn't go back now we're in it. Be good to see you around or chat about wellness one day

[@AlanFreestone]

Lovely interview.

[@BeginnerCyclistNetwork]

Awesome. I'd recommend getting a dog. You'll never be lonely again

[@garysmart7132]

What a well designed van i like it different from the norm well done.

[@JV-ty3zc]

Good effort Royal

[@georgeclayton5890]

I’ll come for a surf with you some time although judging by the size of your board I won’t be in the same line up 😅

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Wicked video once again guys!! All the best ….Smithy

[@joanndavis4843]

This van does double duty. It takes him where he needs to go. And it's called home too. Just wanting to live in a van down by the river isn't wished only in the States anymore but in the U.K., too😉.

[@christucker282]

Living the dream. Enjoy buddy

[@NoToPCBS]

I lived in a van decades ago. Great times. Rules and regs have changed recently What are they now and how do you deal with the police etc

[@CarolHewett-ug2cw]

NEVER FORGET that while you are rejecting a 9-5 lifestyle you are highly dependent on others living a 9-5 lifestyle. Those who work in auto repair shops, manufacturing plants making your van life items, employees at gas stations and retail food stores, road crews making and repairing your roads, etc etc.

[@LiLBitsDK]

and those that work 9-5 depend on those that work 5-9... yada yada... live the life YOU want... don't bugger others about THEIR life.

[@alf2892]

What a strange comment

[@jwoodzman]

Awesome set up Mukka!

[@user-dw2bg5ro5o]

Fantastic build

[@ivanglossop5106]

Best of both worlds if he gets fed up with van life he's got a house to go back to .

[@fishernigel]

What a top bloke. Great video

[@MrKlown83]

it would be nice to have a charity that had a fleet of vans of this nature for people who are terminally ill, so they could have some freedom, most people i think wait all their life until its to late to do stuff.

[@JohnCarter-qv1ie]

Fella served his country. Taking a break and on an adventure. Why not?

[@johnpatterson5744]

What a great park up 😍👍.✊🙏❤️👌👊😎

[@citytrees1752]

During an interview, you don't need music playing the whole time. Just a few blips of music here and there is fine. Please take it out - it's annoying background noise. Just let us listen to the guy talking and to the birds and water.

[@hasanshirzadi7793]

Thanks, it's very informative.

[@sicapon]

Royal. Wearing your Blues jacket at the start. Wrong on every level. Extra parade!!!

[@wendyevans411]

Good on you,what a life.Freedom.love the content.Wendy uk❤

[@qualityswisswatches1]

where is the river place parkup at the interview please id love to visit there.. thanks bro.

[@brettnbeckvalleyvan]

Another great video ❤️🙏🏻

[@ramosmceligot6223]

This guy has found the right path. Owes nobody nothing and will not be asset stripped or lose his family

[@the-nomad]

I'm back! Damn!!! "If I can earn ten, twenty grand in a year..." No comment! LOL 😉

[@okiedoke6373]

We Know Who You Are when I rode to the parking lot first thing I'm looking for is vaners if you see one depending on type of day whether they're in a car or a van it doesn't matter most people I know are in their car because they're convenient they're cheap I personally like a minivan you can do so many more things in a minivan you can a car and they're just as inconspicuous as a car Pontiac Montana say what you want to do about it I told 6,000 lbs with mine for a little over 2 years the van move trailer was attached to it air shock suspension I put 60,000 on it it had a little over 250 when I got it yeah that was the best tow truck I've had

[@Vanrchy]

Maybe try stapling the fairy light to the ceiling to get em out of the way? lol

[@FiscalWoofer]

Super video! Van must be functional for work life, unless you don’t need to work - haha, not happening!

[@spence2126]

Dude 👊🧡✌️

[@veronicabalfourpaul2288]

Right on. Yes, loneliness is a thing...

[@mrjones2009]

Proper top lad

[@steve00alt70]

On social media ppl see van life as wonderful but dont actually know the real truth

[@daveyoung7924]

I love that oil lamp any link to where you got it

[@christucker282]

We call them tilley lamps. My dad has a Coleman one. Runs on parrafin. If that helps 👍🏻

[@clovermark39]

Amazon probably too.

[@coraclouden2506]

Ebay have loads of oil lamps. Most of my collection is from there. Search for Chalwyn - the Tropic is their most popular model

[@davidjacobs828]

Wow ,i never knew the marines had a magician corps .

[@michaelchaplin866]

19:19. We could say this about anything. Even the thought of working 30 years in a job you don't much like 5 days a week, just to pay for a big box with holes in it that you can't move (a house) is hard and not for me. God knows how people do it. I guess they just believe that is the way it should be because they are taught to do it. But what good is it if you finish those years and then soon after you pass away?? It must be a real shame 😢 .

[@jenlong8568]

This life so appeals to me, not all year but for odd weeks. What worries me is how if all the banks are closing their branches or if you cant get wifi you manage finances

[@motorhomemavericks1]

We use motorhome wifi with an EE sim (using it now) rarely let's us down even in the Scottish Highlands. A big factor for us before we went full time as we still work - just better scenery now. As for banks - no different from living in a house ..... and as always - cash is king!

[@giovannifoulmouth7205]

pretty much every cell service provider has unlimited data plans with high speed 5G internet, for example in Switzerland it's about 25 francs a month for such a package, very cheap. The real problem with van life is not internet access, it's electricity for your devices, batteries are very expensive and need to be charged all the time.

[@amandaedwardson7892]

Ur a good bloke. I hope you find a nice lass. X BIG LOVE ❤ see ya on the road 1 day- ya never know. Enjoy 🙏

[@MathewBoyes]

Hi how are you doing