ESO Network, Have Coffee Will Travel

Episode 47 — From Star Trek to Van Life

This episode of Have Coffee Will Travel looks a little different…because it is. For the first time, Shawn set up a camera and filmed the podcast while recording the audio. Why? Because he’s gearing up to launch a new YouTube project called The Long Way Around. The goal is simple: get comfortable on camera and learn the basics of video production along the way.

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/yj0C2Bwm3Fk?si=5dw-J0FTCx1nZL0c

Naturally, that led to a fun behind-the-scenes conversation about what it takes to start a talking-head YouTube channel. Shawn shares what he’s been researching lately—camera framing, sound quality, lighting, and how to actually talk to an audience through a lens without feeling awkward. It’s part learning process, part experiment, and Leah is more than happy to help put him through his paces.

Then the episode shifts into a very appropriate theme. Since this is episode 47—a number every Star Trek fan recognizes—Leah fires a series of questions at Shawn about the legendary sci-fi franchise. Think of it as Star Trek for Beginners. Shawn explains why the series matters, what makes it unique, and why it’s captured imaginations for decades. If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this is your crash course.

After that, we catch up on life lately. Leah is eagerly waiting for her bees to arrive as she dives into the world of beekeeping, while her foot care business continues to slowly ramp up. Shawn, meanwhile, is getting excited about seeing Godsmack live in June with his two brothers.

We also share a slightly unusual travel plan: converting a used Dodge Grand Caravan into a simple camper. The idea? Use it during road trips—especially when we head to the World’s Longest Yard Sale—so we can skip the hotel and sleep in the van instead.

We wrap things up with some small-business talk, including recent Etsy sales and Shawn getting back into selling on eBay. Plus, we give our brutally honest review of Eyes Wide Shut (spoiler: we did not love it) and talk about preparing merchandise for our upcoming booth at Great Lakes Geek Fest on March 22.

It’s a little Star Trek, a little entrepreneurship, and a little van-life dreaming—exactly the kind of conversation that happens when you sit down for coffee with us.

This week’s podcast promo: Legends of the DCU