336: Remembering Bus Life With Justin Hillukka
Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!
In this reflective and heartfelt episode, the hosts dive into their two-year journey of traveling the U.S. with their seven kids in a converted school bus. What started as a casual, agenda-free conversation turns into an exploration of the highs and lows of bus life—freedom, closeness, and adventure mixed with tight quarters, logistical challenges, and the occasional chaos. Justin shares his perspective on the contrast between the bus lifestyle and their current stationary life in a house, emphasizing how the experience shaped their outlook on family, work, and what truly matters in life.
They reminisce about the simplicity and closeness of life on the road—how being together constantly brought a unique bond, despite the stress of things like finding parking, managing power and water, or unexpected mishaps like almost setting the bus on fire. Now back in a house, they see both the pros and cons more clearly. The kids, too, share mixed memories—some missing the adventure, others appreciating the space and stability of home. Ultimately, the episode paints a picture of a unique season of life that, while far from perfect, offered irreplaceable memories and lasting perspective.
he couple reflects on the emotional highs and lows of life on the road. They describe the deep bond their family developed during their time in the bus—unstructured days filled with spontaneous hikes, sunrises on mountaintops, and the quiet joy of having nowhere specific to be. At the same time, they acknowledge the loneliness that occasionally crept in from being disconnected from extended family and friends. The lack of outside obligations allowed them to focus inward and strengthen their relationships, but it also reminded them of the importance of balance—how a full life includes both adventure and community.
They share favorite memories from national parks like Acadia and the Grand Canyon, and how their experiences were shaped not just by the destinations but by the connections they made and the simplicity of their lifestyle. From the practical side of learning how to drive a 40-foot bus to the emotional growth that came from embracing uncertainty, they agree the journey was transformative. While they’ve now settled into a more traditional life in a house, they express gratitude for the bus chapter and the freedom it gave them. Even in its challenges, it was one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives—marked by flexibility, faith, and a shared sense of "when it’s time to go, it’s time to go.".
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