The WandHERwild Podcast — Adventure, Wonder & Modern Motherhood

I just got back from what I had been calling the dream family trip. Three weeks of multi generational travel with my parents and my two young kids.We flew from Norway to the US, did long road trips, spent time in my childhood home in New Jersey, visited Disney, and I hosted a Wanderwild Family Retreat along the way.In many ways, it was exactly what I had imagined.But it didn’t feel the way I thought it would.I found myself holding more than I expected. Solo parenting, navigating different generations, managing emotions, logistics, and energy. I wasn’t just on the trip. I was the one keeping it all together.At the same time, the moments that stayed with me were not the big ones. They were the simple, relational ones.In episode 63 of The WandHERwild Podcast, I’m sharing what family travel with kids actually felt like for me, and the gap between what we imagine and what we experience in real time.In This Episode* What a three week multi generational family trip with kids looked like in real life* Solo parenting during travel and carrying the mental load* Why you don’t stop being “on” just because you are on vacation* The difference between how a trip looks and how it feels* Slow, simple moments compared to overstimulating travel days and environments* Parenting across generations and navigating different perspectives* How travel brings up family dynamics and emotional patterns* Why the most meaningful moments were the simplest ones* How shared experiences create a sense of connection and belongingWho This Episode Is For* This episode is for you if you’ve ever planned a meaningful trip and felt a disconnect while living it.* If you are the one who organizes, thinks ahead, and holds the experience for everyone else.* If you’ve come home from a vacation feeling more tired than expected, or wondering why it didn’t feel the way you thought it would.* And if you are craving family travel that feels more connected, more present, and less heavy.An Invitation For YouThere was a moment during this trip that I keep coming back to.A simple night walk during our retreat. No big plan. Just families moving together, kids holding hands with other adults, laughter, and a sense that everyone was looking out for each other.It felt easy. It felt connected. It felt like a village.That is the feeling I care about when I think about family travel.Inside Wanderwild Family Retreats, I create spaces where that kind of connection can happen, while the structure and planning are already held for you.If that is something you have been craving, learn more about upcoming retreats here: https://www.wanderwildfamilyretreats.com/hello.Links & Resources* Summer Mother–Child Retreat* Winter Mother-Child Retreat* Subscribe to my work on Substack* Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild PodcastThanks for being here! Subscribe for free to receive occasional notes and new episodes directly to your inbox. 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

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 episode 61 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 PodcastThanks for being here! Subscribe for free to receive occasional notes and new episodes directly to your inbox. 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

Self-doubt is a hidden but constant companion for many mothers — especially when we care deeply about raising our children.In episode 59 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 PodcastThanks for being here! Subscribe for free to receive occasional notes and new episodes directly to your inbox. 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

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 episode 57 of The WandHERwild Podcast, 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:* 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 An Invitation For YouExplore 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.Learn more about The Kindred Social: https://thekindredsocial.com/ and my 1:1 business coaching retainer now accepting clients for the 2026 calendar year.Links & Resources* Spring Family Retreat details* Summer Mother–Child Retreat details* Subscribe to my work on Substack* Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild PodcastThanks for being here! Subscribe for free to receive occasional notes and new episodes directly to your inbox. 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

Alignment can feel hard to access when you’re carrying the weight of motherhood, ambition, and the never-ending list of responsibilities. On episode 55 of The WandHERwild Podcast, 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:* 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.An Invitation For YouExplore 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.Links & Resources* Spring Family Retreat details* Summer Mother–Child Retreat details* Subscribe to my work on Substack* Listen to more episodes of The WandHERwild PodcastThanks for being here! Subscribe for free to receive occasional notes and new episodes directly to your inbox. 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

Most moms go on vacation hoping for rest… and come home even more depleted. It’s the question so many parents quietly carry: Is a family retreat actually worth the money, or is it just another fancy version of a vacation? After traveling through more than 80 countries and becoming a mother myself, I realized something important — traditional travel almost never gives us the restoration we’re craving, which is why I started questioning whether a family retreat could offer something a typical trip simply can’t.In this episode, I break down what actually makes a family retreat worth paying for — from nature-based childcare and earth-to-table meals to community circles, slow rhythms, and personalized support that lets your whole family rest at the same time. I also share our 2026 retreat dates, Black Week savings, and the virtual community we gather in all year long.🌿 We explore* Why traditional vacations rarely restore moms* How mental load and overstimulation follow us into travel* What makes a family retreat worth the investment* How slow rhythms and nature support nervous system regulation* Why wellness for dads strengthens the whole family* The key differences between a retreat and a “regular trip”✨ 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

Halloween was never meant to be about fear or fright. It began as a sacred time of reflection, rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. In this heartfelt solo episode, I invite you to slow down and reconnect with the deeper meaning of this season. Together, we explore how honoring our ancestors, cooking with seasonal ingredients, and spending mindful moments outdoors can help us return to the soulful essence of Halloween.Through ancestral altars, storytelling by the fire, and simple family rituals, I share ways to bring presence and meaning back into this time of year. It is not just about costumes and candy, but about remembrance, gratitude, and rhythm. When we blend ancient wisdom with the celebrations of today, we create traditions that feel grounded, mindful, and full of heart.🌿 We explore* Halloween began as Samhain, a Celtic festival honoring the end of harvest and the turning of seasons.* This time was seen as sacred, when the veil between worlds grew thin and people honored ancestors through ritual.* Christianity later layered All Saints and All Souls traditions onto Samhain, blending reverence with new customs.* Modern celebrations often overlook these roots, but we can still reconnect through intention and simplicity.* Creating an ancestral altar with natural elements invites reflection and family connection.* Cooking seasonal foods and taking quiet walks outdoors help us slow down and feel the rhythm of the earth.* When we celebrate with awareness, Halloween becomes a moment of remembrance, gratitude, and spiritual renewal.✨ 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

What does it truly mean to live an extraordinary life as a mother? I reflect on the heart of intentional living and share how beauty, presence, and purpose can be found in the everyday rhythms of family and nature. To me, extraordinary isn’t about chasing society’s idea of success. It’s remembering that our planet itself is extraordinary, and that choosing presence over overwhelm is how we step into our truest path.I also share what it has been like preparing nearly 50 conversations for our WandHERwild audio event, reopening the membership community after our summer pause, and holding safe spaces for vulnerable conversations. From following the wisdom of seasonal cycles to grounding myself in nature, I invite you to notice the wonder that already surrounds you and to live with authenticity in motherhood, parenting, and life.Register for free here: wandherwild.com/audio.✨ Episode Takeaways* Redefining extraordinary as living with presence and purpose* Preparing 50 audio event conversations as a way to deepen connection* Why safe spaces matter for vulnerable parenting and wellness discussions* Looking to nature as a guide for mindful living and feminine rhythms* Choosing beauty over the noise of media-driven negativity* How intentional motherhood nurtures authenticity and joySmall daily choices that add up to collective impact🌿 We explore* Why I created the Intentional Living During the Holidays audio event* The truth about kids absorbing our energy more than our to-do lists* The “watering can” metaphor and why self-care matters most during busy seasons* Gentle grounding practices for navigating holiday anxiety* How grief has reshaped traditions and taught me about presence* Why saying no (even to good things) can protect joy and harmony* How sharing the load with the Fair Play method lightens holiday stress✨ 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

After thirteen years in a corporate career I found myself exhausted mentally, physically, and spiritually. My body was sending signals I could no longer ignore. What I came to call “expired energy” was the nudge I needed to finally step away and realign with what truly matters.In this episode of The WandHERwild Podcast we talk about the five guiding questions that have completely reshaped how I live with intention. We explore what it means to create safe emotional spaces for our children, how to balance deep work with intentional rest, and why living with alignment feels so different from living by obligation.✨ I also created the free audio event Intentional Living During the Holidays happening October 6 to 9, 2025, to help you find more ease, presence, and connection this season. Register for free here: wandherwild.com/audio.🌿 We explore:* The five guiding questions that shape every decision I make* How to recognize your body’s signals before burnout sets in* The importance of creating safe emotional spaces for children* How I balance deep work periods with intentional rest* Why living with alignment feels so different from living by obligation✨ 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

Motherhood cracks us open in ways we never expect, and postpartum can feel like one of the most vulnerable seasons of all. In this conversation, I sit down with Courtney Boylan, founder of Le Lolo, a postpartum essentials brand created to remind mothers of their beauty, strength, and worth. Born out of her own struggles after birth, Courtney’s mission is to transform the clinical, sterile side of recovery into something supportive, soulful, and yes, beautiful.She opens up about the fear and overwhelm of those early weeks, the imposter syndrome that still visits daily, and the leap from corporate life into entrepreneurship with zero experience but endless heart. Along the way, she shares gentle practices that have carried her through journaling, affirmations, and learning to see confidence grow with each small step.Whether you’re in the tender days of postpartum or dreaming up your own passion project, this episode is filled with reminders that you are capable, worthy, and not alone.🌿 Episode Highlights* Why Courtney created Le Lolo after her own postpartum struggles* How beauty and functionality can shift a mother’s recovery experience* The flower-shaped nipple shield that sparked a movement* Navigating imposter syndrome while building something from scratch* Daily mindset tools that bring clarity and confidence* The power of financial planning and partner support in pursuing a dream* Why postpartum overwhelm is temporary and confidence grows quickly✨ Grab A Virtual Coffee with Monica✨ Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for Moms✨ Wanderwild Family Retreats | In Person RetreatsSubscribe to Wand(HER)wild’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

What if the pressure to do it all perfectly was the very thing holding you back? For Sarah Horgan, kindergarten teacher, mother, and host of Simple + Intentional, a stage four cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for redefining her life. What began as survival turned into a journey of self-love, simplicity, and bold, intentional living.In this conversation, Sarah shares how she let go of perfectionism and people-pleasing, embraced decluttering as a path to freedom, and found grounding through meditation. She reminds us that “done is better than perfect,” and that saying no, simplifying, and choosing authenticity are not luxuries but necessities—especially in motherhood.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, trapped by expectations, or afraid to pursue your creativity for fear of judgment, this episode will leave you both inspired and empowered to live more boldly.👇 In this episode, we explore:* How a cancer diagnosis transformed Sarah’s perspective on life* Why “done is better than perfect” helps women move past fear* Quick decluttering strategies that free both home and mind* The hidden weight of people-pleasing and how to set boundaries* How meditation builds self-awareness and presence in motherhood* Why living boldly matters more than playing smallWhat’s one area of your life where you’re ready to let go of “perfect” and make it simpler?Quick Links:Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for MomsWanderwild Family Retreats | In Person RetreatsGrab A Virtual Coffee with MonicaSubscribe to Wand(HER)wild’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!About Sarah HorganSarah Horgan is a kindergarten teacher, coach, mother, and host of the Simple + Intentional podcast. Her journey toward simplicity began after a stage four cancer diagnosis in 2014 and deepened when she became a mom. Through her work, Sarah helps women declutter their homes and lives, set boundaries, and embrace intentional living rooted in self-love and ease.Website: https://www.simpleintentional.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simpleintentionalListen to The Simple + Intentional Podcast 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

In this birthday-themed episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica shares a reflection on personal growth, the themes and lessons that each year of life bring, and how this birthday is inspiring her to prioritize longevity. Go on a journey—from wild teenage years to rooting into family life—and reflect on your own themes and lessons. This episode is also a gentle call to step into your next chapter with clarity, connection, and care.Key Takeaways From the Episode:* How each birthday year carries its own lessons and themes* Why longevity and vitality are now speaking to Monica's path* The gift Monica is extending to listeners during this week* Why winter is the perfect season for mother-child bonding and restoration* 3 soulful reasons to join the Wanderwild Family Retreats Winter Mom+Child Retreat February 14-17, 2026Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.Time Stamps[00:00] Welcome to The Wand(HER)wild Podcast[00:37] A Birthday Reflection: Monica opens with birthday reflection and introduces the theme of reclaiming movement, strength, and longevity.[01:08] Seasons of Life: She reflects on the distinct themes of life across different ages—from teen nostalgia to rooting down while building a home and family.[02:15] Longevity as a New Priority: Turning 38 shifts Monica’s focus toward body and mind longevity—not out of fear, but for strength and well being.[03:10] Her Vision Board for Wellness: She shares new personal practices for a healthier, more self-care focused lifestyle including meal planning, screen-free weekends, and shared family duties.[04:20] The Winter Retreat Invitation: Monica offers a heartfelt invitation and $380 birthday discount to the February 14-17, 2026 Mother+Child Winter Retreat.[05:12] Why Winter Retreats Matter: Three core reasons for choosing a winter retreat: self-restoration, screen-free presence with your child, and redefining Valentine’s Day.[06:33] Final Thoughts & Ways to Connect: Monica closes by encouraging listeners to leave a review, book a retreat, or connect over email or events.Quick Links:Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for MomsWanderwild Family Retreats | In Person RetreatsGrab A Virtual Coffee with MonicaSubscribe to Wand(HER)wild’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!SubscribedThanks for listening to The Wand(HER)wild the podcast! Feel free to share with a mama friend. 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

In this episode of The Wand(HER)wild Podcast, Monica sits down with Matrescence guide and writer Kate Seaton to explore the transformative journey of motherhood. Together, they unpack the meaning of Matrescence, the power of telling your motherhood story, and why honoring this rite of passage is essential for healing, connection, and self-understanding.Key Takeaways From the Episode:* The word Matrescence (the transformation a woman undergoes as she becomes a mother) validates the complex shifts that occur during motherhood.* Kate’s professional pivot from brand strategist to mother story guide was inspired by her own Matrescence journey and the emotional impact of capturing mothers’ experiences.* Matrescence affects identity, career, relationships, spiritual beliefs, and more—every mother experiences it differently.* Simply learning about Matrescence can help prevent postpartum depression by contextualizing emotional shifts.* Vulnerability is a strength and gateway to deeper wisdom and community.* Storytelling and communal reflection help mothers process and integrate their journeys more meaningfully.* Motherhood documentation (like Kate’s The Motherlines) offers legacy and depth to family stories, showing mothers as whole, evolving humans.* Reclaiming feminine wisdom through motherhood challenges patriarchal narratives and offers collective healing.Read or listen to the full story on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.Time Stamps[01:00] Meet Kate Seaton: Monica introduces Kate, a Matrescence guide, birth story listener, and founder of The Motherlines.[03:20] Discovering Matrescence: Kate explains how learning the word Matrescence during a copywriting project reshaped her purpose.[06:40] Career Realignment through Motherhood: Kate describes how becoming a mother pulled her away from misaligned work and toward story work.[09:05] The Power of Naming Matrescence: Giving language to the maternal identity shift can help prevent postpartum depression and offer healing.[11:30] Feminism and Motherhood Can Coexist: Kate unpacks the internal tension many mothers feel in reconciling motherhood with feminist identity.[14:00] Unique but Universal Transformation: Every woman experiences Matrescence differently; grief and joy often coexist.[16:20] Starting Your Matrescence Journey: Kate recommends learning the term, seeking community, and exploring reflective practices like birth story work.[19:30] Community as Healing: Monica and Kate discuss how witnessing each other’s stories is deeply healing and empowering.[22:10] The Motherlines: Capturing Motherhood: Kate explains how her business helps mothers preserve their stories and the humanity behind mothers for future generations.[26:00] Honoring the Hard and the Beautiful: Motherhood is a source of tremendous growth—but that doesn’t mean it feels good while you’re in it.[28:45] Rapid Fire: Favorites and Lessons: Kate shares her go-to family activity, drink of choice, astrological signs, and her biggest motherhood lesson.[30:45] Where to Find Kate & Special Offer: Listeners can connect with Kate at themotherlines.com and use code WILD for $50 off her offerings.Kate Seaton is a matrescence guide, mother of two, and professional writer. Her work centers on matrescence — the self-transformational journey women experience as they become mothers — and offers ways to process, celebrate and feel supported through motherhood. Kate is a certified Birth Story Listener by the School of Birth Story Medicine, a facilitator of mother’s circles, and a passionate advocate of anti-patriarchal motherhood and womanhood.Website: http://themotherlines.comInstagram: @the__motherlinesQuick Links:Wand(HER)wild | Digital Events for MomsWanderwild Family Retreats | In Person RetreatsGrab A Virtual Coffee with MonicaSubscribe to Wand(HER)wild’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!SubscribedThanks for listening to The Wand(HER)wild the podcast! Feel free to share with a mama friend. 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