The land holds stories we often overlook—memories of those who came before, and the lessons they left behind. By listening to the land’s quiet witness, we can reclaim lost wisdom about healing, legacy, and our place in the larger story. This episode is an invitation to remember what we were never meant to forget.

In this episode:

• Unexpected Journey to the Farm [1:01]
• The Land Chooses Us [03:00]
• Living with the Land's History [04:14]
• Challenges and Changes [05:51]
• Uncovering the Past [07:37]
• Connecting with the Past [12:52]
• Healing and Legacy [17:36]
• Reflections on Land and Healing [24:27]

Why it matters:

Stories like this remind us that healing isn’t just personal—it’s generational, communal, and tied to the land beneath our feet. By honoring what came before, we create space for something better to grow.

Wildly Recommended:

• You don’t need a tragedy to start listening to your land. Maybe it’s holding grief. Maybe it’s holding joy. Either way— it’s holding you, too. Walk your property. Notice what feels light. What feels heavy.
• Ask yourself: What stories are buried here? And more importantly— how can I be in relationship with this place?

Reflection Question:

What places have shaped you? Where do you feel most connected— to the earth, to your story, to your truth?

Resources + Links:

• Julia Madsen's writing

If this episode lit a spark of remembrance in you, pass it on. Share it with a kindred spirit who’s also craving deeper roots and ancient rhythms. Let’s bring the lost wisdom back — together.

This is your 10-minute permission slip to pause, breathe, and be seen. Whether you're a new mom, a cycle-breaker, or a daughter still untangling what came before—this Mother’s Day reflection is for you. We’ll honor the mothers who shaped us (without blame), recognize the ones carrying it all right now, and name the truth: mothering isn’t just what we do—it’s what we pass down.

Featuring a powerful M.O.M. mantra, a spoken blessing for the ones in the thick of it, and a reminder that even in the mess—you are making magic.

In this episode:

• Honoring the Women Who Came Before Us [02:26]
• The Realities of Modern Motherhood [05:21]
• The Invisible Load of Motherhood [06:30]
• Affirmations and Encouragement for Moms [08:38]
• The Legacy and Power of Mothering [12:45]

Why it matters:

Because behind every permission slip signed, every meltdown soothed, and every quiet sacrifice is a woman shaping the world in unseen ways. When we honor the weight mothers carry—and the love they give—we start to rewrite what legacy truly means.

Reflection Question:

What do I want to carry forward?

And what can I choose to lay down?

Mother Reflection Mantra: “She gave me what she could. I carry what I choose.”

M.O.M. Mantra: “I am the Maker of Magic—not because I do it all, but because I show up with love.”

If you’re a mom or know of one who needs to hear this, share it with them. Text this episode to your sister-in-law. To your mom. To the mom friend who’s been juggling it all quietly. Remind them of the magic she’s making. Let her know: she’s not alone, she’s in the thick of it.

In a world full of noise and screens, choosing stories isn’t just a hobby—it’s a rebellion. In this deeply personal Out Loud + On Purpose episode, Mandy shares why books have become one of the most powerful anchors in her family’s life—and welcomes Sarah from A Sweet and Simple Home, to explore how curating a home library is about more than just books... it’s about building a legacy.

In this episode:

• Meet Sarah from A Sweet and Simple Home [00:51]
• The Power of Books in Family Culture [02:13]
• Curating a Home Library [04:51]
• Seasonal Book Rotation [12:37]
• Tracking and Acquiring Books [14:24]
• Favorite Authors and Series [19:58]
• Philosophies and Influences on Home Libraries [24:31]
• Nostalgic Book Collections to Pass Down [27:07]
• The Reality of Reading Aloud to Kids [29:13]
• Listening to Audiobooks [32:43]
• Encouraging Reluctant Readers [34:50]
• Choosing Stories Over Screens [38:43]
• Books That Inspire and Change Us [47:34]
• Wildy Recommended [53:08]

Why it matters:

Books aren’t just entertainment. They’re anchors of identity, belonging, and imagination—especially in a world trying to flatten and digitize everything. Building a meaningful home library is an act of legacy-making.

Wildly Recommended:

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Free books by mail for kids ages 0–5
• Read-Aloud Revival – Cozy booklists + read-aloud rhythms
• Five in a Row – The curriculum that changed how Mandy curates books
• Yoto Player - Screen free device for stories, music, and podcasts
• Explore every book mentioned in this episode - Browse both Sarah’s recs and Mandy’s Top Read-Alouds for Kids.

Reflection Question:

What’s one book your family keeps coming back to? Let me know!

Resources + Links:

• Sarah’s Home Library Starter Kit
• Library Thing - to inventory your home library

Connect with Sarah:

• Instagram: @asweetandsimplehome

If today’s episode stirred something real in you, pass it on. Send it to the friend who gets it — the one who’s walking their own brave, messy, beautiful path. Don’t forget to follow or leave a review if this episode sparked something in you!

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