• 61. Seasonal Living in Winter: 6 Ways I’m Wintering In Right Now
    2026/01/19
    I’m embracing winter rhythms to slow down, avoid burnout, and feel more fulfilled as a family. Seasonal living doesn’t have to be abstract or aspirational — it can be practical, grounding, and deeply supportive of real family life.In this solo episode of The WandHERwild Podcast, I’m sharing what seasonal living actually looks like in my home right now, and the six ways I’m personally wintering in during this season.Recorded from the middle of everyday life, this conversation explores how tuning into nature — darker days, slower rhythms, colder weather — has helped me give myself permission to move differently, parent differently, and work differently in winter. Instead of pushing through the season or forcing productivity, I’m leaning into introspection and preparation for the year ahead.I talk about how wintering in has helped me avoid burnout, feel more fulfilled as a mother, and create a stronger foundation for the year ahead — without requiring huge lifestyle changes or extra time.This episode is about embracing winter as it is, not rushing through it. It’s an invitation to take cues from nature, and find small, realistic ways to live seasonally with your family — even if your life already feels full.Whether you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or out of sync this time of year, this episode offers permission, perspective, and simple ways to honor the season you’re in.In This Episode:* What seasonal living means to me in real, everyday life* Why winter naturally calls for slower rhythms and different expectations* How wintering in can actually prevent burnout later in the year* The connection between nature, productivity, and family well-being* How I adjust food and intuitive eating in winter* Movement practices that support the body during darker months* Why reflection matters before planning the year ahead* How I envision and plan without rushing or forcing momentum* Creating daily and weekly rhythms that support slower seasons* The power of stillness — and the art of doing nothingWho This Episode Is For* Mothers feeling tired, overwhelmed, or close to burnout* Families wanting to live more seasonally and intentionally* Parents craving slower rhythms during winter* Women interested in seasonal living, slow motherhood, and intentional living* Anyone who struggles with New Year pressure and productivity culture* Mothers looking for realistic ways to align life with natureAn Invitation For YouThere are still a few spaces available for the upcoming Winter Mother–Child Retreat (February 14–17, 2026). Details and booking information are linked here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/catskills-winter-retreat.We’re also excited to be welcoming the whole family to our Wild Florida Spring Retreat (April 3-6, 2026) adjacent to the St. Sebastian River Preserve. Details and booking information are linked here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/wild-florida-retreat.Timestamps * 00:00 Introduction to Seasonal Living* 01:52 Invitation to Winter Retreat* 05:30 Definition of Seasonal Living* 12:20 Six Ways to Embrace Wintering In* 21:55 Inspiration Behind Winter RetreatsLinks & Resources* Winter Mother–Child Retreat details* Spring Family Retreat details* Subscribe to my work on Substack* Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild PodcastSubscribe to WandHERwild™ Motherhood to receive monthly newsletters, new podcast episodes, and updates about events for moms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    24 分
  • 60. Family Travel Trends for 2026: My Predictions
    2026/01/14
    This episode explores family travel trends for 2026, including meaningful family travel, retreats with children, holistic travel, and community-based experiences.Family travel is shifting — and many parents can feel it before they can fully name it. In this solo episode of The WandHERwild Podcast, I share my predictions for where family travel is heading in 2026, based on years of listening closely to families, mothers, and the wider travel and wellness landscape.Drawing from thousands of conversations with parents, intuitive observation, and behind-the-scenes market research through media, press, and retreat planning, this episode explores what families are truly craving from travel now — and what they’re moving away from.I reflect on why perfectly curated trips no longer feel fulfilling, how mental load and decision fatigue are shaping travel choices, and why meaning, balance, and community are becoming essential elements of family travel experiences.This episode is an invitation to rethink how and why we travel with our children — and to imagine family trips that feel nourishing, connective, and deeply aligned with the lives we’re building together.Whether you’re planning future trips, feeling disconnected from mainstream travel options, or curious about more personalized family travel and retreats, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a forward-looking lens on what’s coming next.In This Episode:* Why family travel is shifting toward meaning over aesthetics* What parents are craving beyond all-inclusive resorts and big chains* How mental load and decision fatigue influence travel choices* Why personalized, more meaningful family travel is on the rise* The growing demand for holistic travel experiences that support parents and kids* How nourishment, movement, rest, and adventure are becoming equally important* Why self-care is no longer optional in family travel* The role of childcare, space, and support for parents while traveling* Why community and in-person connection matter more than ever* How retreats, boutique stays, and shared experiences are shaping the future of family travelWho This Episode Is For* Families rethinking how they want to travel together* Parents feeling overwhelmed by traditional travel options* Mothers seeking slower, more meaningful family experiences* Families craving connection, community, and presence while traveling* Parents interested in a more holistic approach to family travel and retreats* Anyone curious about family travel trends for 2026An Invitation For YouThere are still a few spaces available for the upcoming Winter Mother–Child Retreat (February 14–17, 2026). Details and booking information are linked here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/catskills-winter-retreat.We’re also excited to be welcoming the whole family to our Wild Florida Spring Retreat (April 3-6, 2026) adjacent to the St. Sebastian River Preserve. Details and booking information are linked here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/wild-florida-retreat.Timestamps * 00:00 Introduction to Family Travel Trends* 03:20 Meaningful Travel in 2026* 07:36 Holistic Travel Experiences* 09:56 Community Connections in Travel* 12:00 Wanderwild Family Retreats InvitationLinks & Resources* Winter Mother–Child Retreat details* Spring Family Retreat details* Subscribe to my work on Substack* Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild PodcastSubscribe to WandHERwild™ Motherhood to receive monthly newsletters, new podcast episodes, and updates about events for moms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    13 分
  • 59. Intuitive Parenting: 7 Things I Do When I Doubt Myself
    2026/01/07
    Self-doubt is a hidden but constant companion for many mothers — especially when we care deeply about raising our children.In this solo episode of The WandHERwild Podcast, I share an honest, lived look at what intuitive parenting looks like in practice, and the seven anchors I return to when I find myself doubting my parenting decisions.Recorded from the floor of my daughter’s bedroom, this conversation moves beyond parenting frameworks, trends, and online advice, and instead explores how intuition, observation, mindfulness, and self-trust can guide everyday parenting choices. I reflect on cultural differences, information overload, and the pressure to “get it right,” while offering grounded reminders that there is no single formula for raising children.This episode is not about perfect parenting — it’s about reconnecting to your inner knowing, softening self-judgment, and remembering that you are the mother your children chose.Whether you’re navigating decision fatigue, questioning your instincts, or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting parenting advice, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and practical ways to come back to yourself.In This Episode:* Why intuitive parenting has become my primary approach* The role of self-doubt in motherhood — and why it’s normal* How observing and listening can deepen connection with your child* Why every child requires a different approach (and why that’s okay)* How children can also be our teachers* The importance of making — and repairing — parenting mistakes* Why sitting with big decisions can be more supportive than rushing* How mindfulness, intuition, and the body guide parenting choices* Using non-mainstream tools like astrology and human design for insight* Reclaiming trust in your inner voice amid parenting noise and comparisonWho This Episode Is For* Mothers who feel overwhelmed, lost, or disconnected in their parenting* Parents questioning their instincts or second-guessing decisions* Women interested in intuitive parenting and conscious living* Mothers navigating different cultural or family values* Anyone seeking a softer, more self-trusting approach to motherhood* Moms wanting to reduce mental load and decision fatigueAn Invitation For YouThere are still a few spaces available for the upcoming Winter Mother–Child Retreat (February 14–17, 2026). Details and booking information are linked here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/catskills-winter-retreat.I’m also accepting new clients to small-container business coaching for those interested in strategically moving an early-stage idea into sustainable growth. More information can be found here: https://thekindredsocial.com/.Timestamps * 00:19 Introduction to Intuitive Parenting* 01:18 Definitions of Other Parenting Strategies* 04:54 Intuitive Parenting Explained* 08:36 Seven Things That Help in Parenting Doubts* 20:12 Mindfulness and Meditation in Parenting* 22:42 Conclusion and Return to Intuitive ParentingLinks & Resources* Winter Mother–Child Retreat details* Private 1:1 business consulting* Subscribe to my work on Substack* Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcastintuitive parenting, mindful parenting, conscious parenting, motherhood self-doubt, trusting your intuition as a mother, mental load of motherhood, overwhelmed moms, intentional living, slow motherhood, parenting intuition, self-trust in motherhood, decision fatigue, modern motherhood, mother intuitionSubscribe to WandHERwild™ Motherhood to receive monthly newsletters, new podcast episodes, and updates about events for moms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    21 分
  • 58. Inside a Winter Mother–Child Retreat: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
    2025/12/30
    In this solo episode of The WandHERwild Podcast, Monica shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to host a mother–child retreat — from the weeks of preparation to the quiet, unseen details that create a sense of ease for families once they arrive.Recorded in the weeks leading up to the upcoming Winter Retreat, this episode walks through the full rhythm of a four-day gathering: how the team prepares, how childcare and wellness are woven together, and how intentional design reduces mental load for mothers traveling solo with their children.This is not a highlight reel — it’s a transparent look at the care, coordination, and thoughtfulness that make in-person experiences feel grounded, nourishing, and held.Whether you’re curious about attending a retreat, interested in hosting gatherings of your own, or simply want to understand what makes certain spaces feel deeply supportive, this episode offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain.In This Episode, Monica Shares:* What happens 4–6 weeks before a retreat even begins* How guest communication, packing lists, and childcare preparation are handled* The role of the retreat team (and why it’s never a solo effort)* How environments are adapted to be both beautiful and kid-safe* Why the retreat schedule is intentionally spacious, especially in winter* How meals, movement, and circles are designed to reduce decision fatigue* The unseen labor that allows mothers to arrive and simply be* What it looks like to support both guests and the retreat team sustainablyWho This Episode Is For* Mothers considering a retreat with their child* Women curious about in-person gatherings and community* Anyone interested in intentional travel and slow living* Women interested in how thoughtful experiences are built and held* Founders and creatives who value structure and strategy as much as intuitionAn Invitation For YouThere are still a few spaces available for the upcoming Winter Mother–Child Retreat (February 14–17, 2026). Details and booking information are linked here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/catskills-winter-retreat.Monica also briefly shares about her private, small-container business coaching for those interested in hosting retreats or bringing an early-stage idea to life. More information can be found here: https://thekindredsocial.com/.Timestamps * 00:00 What really happens behind the scenes at a mom and child retreat* 02:22 Why intentional retreats support modern motherhood* 03:53 How moms are prepared before the retreat begins* 06:45 How the retreat team personalizes the experience for each family* 08:14 Why location and nature immersion matter for nervous system reset* 09:48 How the retreat space is made safe, cozy, and kid-friendly* 12:54 Day one flow: arrival, connection, and winter settling in* 15:00 Day two and three rhythm with kids programming and mom wellness* 18:03 Cacao circle, emotional support, and community building* 19:29 Conscious food and nourishment for moms and kids* 21:07 Evening childcare and mom-only rituals* 23:39 Final day four rituals, reflection, and gentle departuresLinks & Resources* Winter Mother–Child Retreat details* Private 1:1 mentoring with Monica* Subscribe to Monica on Substack* Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild Podcastmother–child retreat, mother child retreat, retreat with kids, family retreat, traveling with children, intentional family travel, mental load of motherhood, slow living motherhood, retreat travel with childrenSubscribe to WandHERwild™ Motherhood to receive monthly newsletters, new podcast episodes, and updates about events for moms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    29 分
  • 57. Organizing Your Work Week, Breaking Free From Time Debt with Megan Sumrell
    2025/12/22
    Join our cozy winter mom and child retreat February 14-17, 2026 in Hudson Valley, New York, offering holistic wellness, wild luxury, and a slow down so you can truly enjoy this season. Learn more: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/catskills-winter-retreat. Only 3 spots left.Time management, weekly planning, and time debt are the exact things so many women quietly carry, especially when you are holding a business, a home, and a nervous system that is already stretched. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Sumrell, creator of the TOP framework, to talk about why daily to do lists can feel like a setup, and how a weekly plan can actually match the reality of your time, your energy, and your roles.Megan walks me through her weekly planning process, which takes about 15 minutes. The piece I keep thinking about is her “uncertainty budget,” a simple way to plan for interruptions without guilt or late-night catch-up spirals. We also talk about building sustainable work-life boundaries, what it looks like to grow a seven-figure business with a small team while protecting wellness, and how she teaches her daughter time management with visual planning tools so school pressure feels more steady and less overwhelming. Plus, she shares how the Pink Bee app makes her planning framework accessible with free resources and community support.🌱In this episode, we discuss:* Weekly planning helped me see how daily to do lists create time debt and constant overwhelm.* When I plan my week instead of my day, I make decisions once and stop burning energy on what to do next.* Megan’s 15 minute weekly planning process makes space for work, motherhood, rest, and real life roles.* The uncertainty budget is the missing piece that lets interruptions exist without guilt or late night catch up.* Tracking disruptions for two weeks gives you data to protect buffer time and stay emotionally steady.* Sustainable work life boundaries can look like a smaller team, slower growth, and a business built for longevity.* Teaching teens visual planning and milestone mapping reduces anxiety and makes big projects feel manageable.Download Megan’s free app and learn more about her here: http://thepinkbee.com Explore Wanderwild and Monica’s Invitations✨ Explore Wanderwild Family Retreats, wanderwildfamilyretreats.com, offering child-welcoming, nature-rooted getaways for families to slow down. Upcoming retreats include a [cozy Mom + Child weekend in New York’s Hudson Valley] and a [Spring Family Retreat in Florida], blending wild luxury with nature play and connection.✨ Become a WandHERwild Member, offering bi-monthly creative co-working & seasonal cacao circles from the comfort of your home, a quarterly digital magazine, a 24/7 WhatsApp private community chat for connection, and a resource library of workshops and rituals. Learn more at wandherwild.com/members-space.✨ Learn more about The Kindred Social: https://thekindredsocial.com/ and Monica’s 1:1 business coaching retainer now accepting clients for the 2026 calendar year.✨ Wanderwild Family Retreats | In Person Retreats✨ WandHERwild | Digital Community for Moms✨ Grab A Virtual Coffee with MonicaSubscribe to WandHERwild’s Substack for bi-weekly newsletters or follow our podcast on Apple or follow our podcast on Spotify to never miss an episode. Leave a review to support our work. Thank you for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    41 分
  • 56. What I Learned Celebrating Christmas Abroad as an Expat Family
    2025/12/15
    Holidays abroad look different now, and this year our family may be spread across three countries for the first time. With my sister in France expecting her baby any day, my parents navigating health challenges in the U.S., and us here in Norway, this season is asking for flexibility, softness, and a new kind of togetherness. Living abroad has taught me that holiday magic doesn’t appear because the calendar says December. It’s something we have to make through presence, intention, ritual, and the people we love, whether they’re beside us or thousands of miles away.In this episode, I share what celebrating Christmas and New Year has looked like across Kuwait, Angola, Norway, and now as an expat family raising children in a blended cultural home. From working through the holidays on an oil rig, to rooftop New Year’s gatherings with coworkers who became family, to cozy cabin days in Norway where simplicity reigns, these experiences have shaped the way we create meaning today. Whether your own family is nearby or spread across the world, I hope this conversation helps you release expectations, slow down, and find the magic that’s already here.🌱In this episode, we discuss:* How holiday traditions shift when family lives in different countries* Why holiday magic is something we create, not something we find* What celebrating in Kuwait, Angola, and Norway taught Monica about meaning* Simple rituals that help families stay connected across distance* Blending cultural traditions in an expat, multi-faith household* How slow living in Norway reshaped holiday expectations* Ways to release perfection and find joy in a changing seasonExplore Wanderwild and Monica’s Invitations✨Access our three holiday sales offers here: https://www.wandherwild.com/holiday-savings✨ Learn more about The Kindred Social: https://thekindredsocial.com/ and Monica’s 1:1 business coaching retainer now accepting clients for the 2026 calendar year.✨ Explore Wanderwild Family Retreats, wanderwildfamilyretreats.com, offering child-welcoming, nature-rooted getaways for families to slow down. Upcoming retreats include a [cozy Mom + Child weekend in New York’s Hudson Valley] and a [Spring Family Retreat in Florida], blending wild luxury with nature play and connection.✨ Become a WandHERwild Member, offering bi-monthly creative co-working & seasonal cacao circles from the comfort of your home, a quarterly digital magazine, a 24/7 WhatsApp private community chat for connection, and a resource library of workshops and rituals. Learn more at wandherwild.com/members-space.✨ Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica✨ WandHERwild | Digital Community for Moms✨ Wanderwild Family Retreats | In Person RetreatsSubscribe to WandHERwild’s Substack for bi-weekly newsletters or follow our podcast on Apple or follow our podcast on Spotify to never miss an episode. Leave a review to support our work. Thank you for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    28 分
  • 55. How High-Achieving Moms Find Alignment with Ashley Strong Smith
    2025/12/08
    Alignment can feel hard to access when you’re carrying the weight of motherhood, ambition, and the never-ending list of responsibilities. On today’s episode, I chat with intentional living coach Ashley Strong Smith about what aligned living really looks like for high-achieving moms who are juggling so much. Ashley reminds us that aligned living isn’t found in dramatic life changes, but in the small, meaningful actions we commit to each day. She shares her journey from corporate life to teaching in Tanzania, and how listening to her inner voice became the foundation for the work she now does with women who want to feel more grounded, purposeful, and connected to themselves.We talk about the tiny rituals that create genuine alignment, the weekly rhythms that protect her energy, and why mothers thrive when they give themselves permission to slow down and hear their own truth. Ashley also shares the inspiration behind her new planner and how it helps women stay rooted in their intentions throughout the year. If you’re craving more clarity, more ease, and a gentler way of moving through motherhood and ambition, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air.🌱In this episode, we discuss:* Why small intentional actions create the deepest transformation* How high-achieving moms can reconnect to their inner voice* Simple daily rituals that bring calm and clarity* The role of curiosity and self-awareness in aligned living* Ashley’s weekly rhythm for balancing creativity, motherhood, and rest* How nature and white space support emotional well-being* The story behind her intentionality planner and how it supports busy momsConnect with Ashley Strong SmithWebsite: ashleystrongsmith.comInstagram: @ashleystrongsmith_Ashley Strong Smith is an Intentional Living Coach, author, photographer, and host of the Living an Intentional Life Podcast. She helps women live with more courage, authenticity, and purpose through her coaching, membership, mastermind, and retreats. A former PBS professional turned global photographer and educator, Ashley’s journey from Tanzania to Lake Arrowhead shapes her grounded approach to intentional living.Explore Wanderwild and Monica’s Invitations✨Access our three holiday sales offers here: https://www.wandherwild.com/holiday-savings✨ Learn more about The Kindred Social: https://thekindredsocial.com/ and Monica’s 1:1 business coaching retainer now accepting clients for the 2026 calendar year.✨ Explore Wanderwild Family Retreats, wanderwildfamilyretreats.com, offering child-welcoming, nature-rooted getaways for families to slow down. Upcoming retreats include a [cozy Mom + Child weekend in New York’s Hudson Valley] and a [Spring Family Retreat in Florida], blending wild luxury with nature play and connection.✨ Become a WandHERwild Member, offering bi-monthly creative co-working & seasonal cacao circles from the comfort of your home, a quarterly digital magazine, a 24/7 WhatsApp private community chat for connection, and a resource library of workshops and rituals. Learn more at wandherwild.com/members-space.✨ Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica✨ WandHERwild | Digital Community for Moms✨ Wanderwild Family Retreats | In Person RetreatsSubscribe to WandHERwild’s Substack for bi-weekly newsletters or follow our podcast on Apple or follow our podcast on Spotify to never miss an episode. Leave a review to support our work. Thank you for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    37 分
  • 54. Introducing The Kindred Social - The Journey from Corporate Leader to Founder
    2025/12/01
    Stepping away from a stable corporate career to become a founder has been one of the most courageous transitions of my life. In this crossover episode to our first ever The Kindred Social Podcast episode, I open my heart and share the full story of how I went from leading global operations across 26 countries to creating Wanderwild Family Retreats and now launching The Kindred Social, a coaching space for corporate leaders becoming entrepreneurs.If you’re missing our usual The WandHERwild Podcast episode style, they’ll be back next week. If you want to subscribe to The Kindred Social Podcast, you can do that here.I talk about the skills I carried from years of managing complex teams, the moment I realized there was a real market gap in family wellness travel, and what it actually looked like to build a brand from the ground up while raising two young children. I also share why I believe corporate leaders are uniquely prepared for entrepreneurship, how to identify the strengths you’ve already built in your career, and the role of ethical AI in creating sustainable systems that support founders in the early stages.If you’ve ever felt the pull toward something more: a business idea you can’t let go of, a desire for meaningful work, or the call to build a brand that reflects your story, this conversation will meet you right where you are. I’m sharing the truth, the challenges, and the deep sense of purpose that comes with turning an idea into something real.🌱In this episode, we discuss:* How I transitioned from a global corporate career into entrepreneurship* The moment I recognized a real market gap in family wellness travel* The early days of building Wanderwild with two young children* The corporate skills that translate directly into becoming a founder* How to identify your strengths and apply them to a new business* What it looks like to bring an idea from vision to execution* The power of ethical AI in supporting simple and sustainable workflows* Why I created The Kindred Social for corporate leaders becoming early stage founders✨ Learn more about The Kindred Social: https://thekindredsocial.com/ and Monica’s 1:1 business coaching retainer now accepting clients for the 2026 calendar year.✨ Explore Wanderwild Family Retreats, wanderwildfamilyretreats.com, offering child-welcoming, nature-rooted getaways for families to slow down. Upcoming retreats include a [cozy Mom + Child weekend in New York’s Hudson Valley] and a [Spring Family Retreat in Florida], blending wild luxury with nature play and connection.✨ Become a WandHERwild Member, offering bi-monthly creative co-working & seasonal cacao circles from the comfort of your home, a quarterly digital magazine, a 24/7 WhatsApp private community chat for connection, and a resource library of workshops and rituals. Learn more at wandherwild.com/members-space.✨ Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica✨ WandHERwild | Digital Community for Moms✨ Wanderwild Family Retreats | In Person RetreatsSubscribe to WandHERwild’s Substack for bi-weekly newsletters or follow our podcast on Apple or follow our podcast on Spotify to never miss an episode. Leave a review to support our work. Thank you for listening! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wandherwild.substack.com
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    24 分