Meet Rob Bruhn: Founder of Bananomad and Wellness Explorer

Rob Bruhn, founder of Bananomad, is a multi-faceted expert in wellness, travel, and data analytics. As a U.S. Army veteran with an MBA and over a decade of experience in data analysis and financial modeling, Rob brings a unique, data-driven approach to wellness and lifestyle advice.

From Military Service to Wellness Advocate

Rob in the Army posing with his interpreter in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Rob with his interpreter in Afghanistan

Rob’s journey spans both professional achievements and personal growth. His military service, including tours in Afghanistan and Korea, instilled in him a deep appreciation for discipline, outdoor survival skills, and the importance of physical fitness. This foundation, combined with nearly three decades of diverse fitness experience—from high school sports to weightlifting, running, and CrossFit—gives Rob a comprehensive understanding of physical wellness.

A Personal Journey to Holistic Health

Rob snow skiing in the Swiss Alps.
Rob skiing in the Swiss Alps

Rob’s expertise goes beyond just physical fitness. After facing health challenges including heart PVCs and pre-diabetes due to a stressful lifestyle, he embarked on a transformative journey.

Through extensive research, practice, and personal experience, Rob has become well-versed in plant-based nutrition, sleep optimization, and mindfulness meditation. His success in overcoming these health issues without medication underscores his practical knowledge in holistic wellness approaches.

Rob enjoying a fresh bowl of pho in Vietnam.
Rob enjoying a bowl of pho in Vietnam

Embracing Nature and Pet-Friendly Adventures

Taz looking out at a lake in Idaho with mountains in the background.
Rob’s dog Taz checking out the lakeside view in Idaho

Rob’s passion for animals and environmental stewardship is evident in his lifelong experiences with pets and wildlife. Growing up around dogs, cats, and farm animals, and now traveling with his dog Taz on RV adventures, Rob offers insights into pet-friendly travel and lifestyle choices. His interest in zoology and conservation adds depth to his perspective on our relationship with the natural world.

Rob visiting Old Faithful

Minimalism and Nomadic Living

Rob's truck and travel trailer in a lush, Florida campsite.
Rob’s rig on its maiden voyage in Florida

As a proponent of minimalism, inspired by thought leaders in the field, Rob has successfully downsized his life to fit into an RV, embracing the freedom and flexibility of a nomadic lifestyle. This journey from homeowner to minimalist nomad allows him to share authentic advice on simplifying one’s life and finding fulfillment with less.

Data-Driven Insights for Mindful Travel and Lifestyle

Rob working in an brightly sunlit office with big windows and a plant.

Rob’s travel experiences span 13 countries and an ongoing RV journey across the United States, providing him with a wealth of real-world insights into sustainable, mindful travel. He combines these experiences with his data analytics expertise, honed through roles at major corporations like Centene, U.S. Bank, and Fidelity Investments, to offer readers actionable, data-backed advice on wellness, travel, and lifestyle choices.

At Bananomad, Rob distills his diverse background into relatable, practical guidance for those seeking a more balanced, adventurous, and mindful way of living. Whether it’s tips on plant-based nutrition, fitness routines, pet-friendly travel, minimalist living, or meditation practices, Rob’s content is grounded in personal experience and supported by data-driven insights.