In this season 2 premiere, I’m joined by Russell York, founder and CEO of Cosmo, a family-first tech company helping parents nurture more outdoor independence and connection in the digital age. As a 90s kid turned new dad, Russell grew up biking the neighborhood until the streetlights came on—and now he’s on a mission to bring that kind of childhood back with tools like the Cosmo JrTrack 5 smartwatch.

We talk about how connection positivity (aka satellite parenting) empowers families to say “Yes You Can” to outdoor play, confidence-building independence, and real-world adventure—while still maintaining peace of mind. Russell also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the JrTrack 5, why Big Tech is failing families, and what a healthy, future-forward neighborhood could look like.

Whether you’re curious about smartwatches for kids, hesitant about tech, or desperate for a better way to balance freedom and safety—you’ll walk away from this episode feeling informed, inspired, and encouraged.

Shop the Cosmo JrTrack 5 here and use code "JULIANNE" for savings!

A huge thank you to today’s sponsor, Cosmo Technologies. Learn more about the Cosmo JrTrack 5 kids smartwatch here.

Where you can find me: 

Show notes: 

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In the season 1 finale, Julianne sits down with Sara Ernst — award-winning children's author, singer-songwriter, and the voice behind Wild Pickle Press — to explore how music and rhyme can bring nature to life, no matter where you live. 

From writing her first song to teach kids how to respect bears, to accidentally becoming a children’s music artist, Sara shares how her creative journey unfolded and why it’s so important to nurture a sense of wonder in kids — even if all you’ve got is a patch of grass and a flashlight.

This conversation is full of encouragement for nature-reluctant moms, creative ways to teach kids empathy through poetry and play, and a reminder that even the smallest outdoor moments can be filled with magic.

Plus, don’t miss the original song Sara performs just for listeners at the end!

In this episode, we discuss:

• How nature and music intersect in childhood wonder
• The power of rhyme and rhythm in early learning
• Why teaching empathy toward bugs and critters matters
• What to do when you don’t have access to a backyard or green space
• Sara’s 3-step method to help kids respect nature (even spiders!)
• Her favorite songs and books for nurturing curiosity and compassion
• The beauty of simple outdoor moments — like a creekside PB&J
• A sweet original song that will melt your heart

Connect with Sara:

Instagram → @wildpicklepress

Website → www.wildpicklepress.com

Where you can find me: 

Show notes

Instagram

Read the blog

Shop my activity guides and free downloads

We’re officially in the messy middle of summer—sun-kissed skin, later bedtimes, sticky fingers, and yes…  “I’m boooored” has come out a few times. 

But what if boredom wasn’t a problem to fix? What if it’s actually good for our kids? In this episode, I’m flipping the script on boredom and walking you through 10 powerful, research-backed reasons why letting your kids be bored this summer is one of the best things you can do for them.

You’ll hear about how boredom builds creativity, independence, and resilience. You’ll also hear stories from my own summer rhythm—what I’ve learned as a stay-at-home mom and swim mom juggling the push-pull of structured activities and the sacredness of stillness. 

And of course, you’ll leave with practical tips and a simple Outdoorsy Challenge you can try this week.

Where to Find Me:
Instagram: @myoutdoorsymom
Blog: www.myoutdoorsymom.com
Shop my activity guides and free downloads

Episode 14 of The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast features Morgan Bergstrom, mom of three, outdoor enthusiast, and founder of the new app Basecamped—a digital hub designed to help families connect locally, find community co-ops, enrichment classes, and nature-based education resources.

From corporate burnout to co-op dreaming, Morgan shares her journey from high-level recruiter to homeschool-curious mom, and how one dinner conversation with her parents sparked the idea for Basecamped. We talk about:

• How her third baby became her wake-up call
• Letting go of mom guilt and leaning into flexibility
• Building play-based community even before formal homeschooling begins
• What homeschool really looks like (hint: it’s not just kitchen table worksheets)
• Why outdoor play and moving your body with your kids matters

Whether you're fully homeschooling or just looking for community and better balance, this episode is packed with permission, possibility, and practical ideas.

Episode Show Notes: 

Where to Find Morgan:
IG: @basecampedapp
Web: www.basecamped.com

Where to Find Me:
Instagram: @myoutdoorsymom
Blog: www.myoutdoorsymom.com
Shop my activity guides and free downloads

In this solo episode, I'm sharing my family’s favorite destinations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — from forest hikes and cold lake dips to waterfalls, magical trolls, and glass-bottom springs. I'm recapping our RV adventures, favorite campgrounds, and tips for exploring the UP with kids. Whether you’re dreaming of an epic family road trip or just want to know where to start, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical ideas to inspire your next outdoor adventure.

Mentioned Links:

• RV rentals through Outdoorsy - Get $50 off your next RV trip!

🎙️Episode Show Notes: Click here

👉 Instagram: @myoutdoorsymom

💻 Blog: myoutdoorsymom.com

📥 Shop my activity guides and free downloads

Holly shares how a deeply rural upbringing and personal health crisis led her to a holistic, nature‑aligned lifestyle. Together with her husband, she co‑founded Elderwise Organics—an organic superfoods company born from her experience making DIY elderberry syrup for her family and local parents.

What We Discuss:

• The impact of a farm‑based childhood on parenting and health
• Keeping a nature‑centered lifestyle across two climates (Minnesota & Florida)
• Simple outdoor routines that nourish body and soul
• A journey from chronic illness to healing through whole foods, movement, and herbal remedies
• The humble beginnings of Elderwise Organics in her kitchen
• Sourcing superfoods with integrity (sea moss, matcha, mushroom coffee)
• Practical steps for families wanting to simplify nutrition, reconnect with nature, and raise thriving kids

Shop Elderwise Organics and use code MOM15 for 15% off your first order!

Where to find Elderwise Organics: 

📸 Instagram: @elderwiseorganics

💻 Website: https://elderwiseorganics.com

Where to find me:

🎙️Episode Show Notes

👉 Instagram: @myoutdoorsymom

💻 Blog: myoutdoorsymom.com

📥 Shop my activity guides and free downloads

This week’s episode is a peek inside our first full week of summer with all three kids home — what’s working, what’s not, and why I’m leaning into rhythm instead of a rigid routine. 

From snack baskets and swim team wins to my latest trick for managing screen time (hint: it involves a pantry lock and a lanyard), I’m sharing the real-life systems that are helping our summer flow.

I also open up about parenting an anxious child through new transitions, including how we navigated our middle child’s first season on the swim team — and why trusting our kids sometimes means gently nudging them forward.

Plus, I’m recapping my May R.E.P.O.R.T. (Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, and Treating) with summer inspiration, easy meal ideas, and encouragement for your own season of motherhood.

🎧 Tune in for:

• Our Daily Five checklist boards (and how it earns screen time)

• The best summer parenting hack: snack baskets

• How we’re encouraging independent play with Yoto Players

• Swim team lessons for my sensitive kiddo

• Why rhythm > rigid routine

• My May R.E.P.O.R.T. including a perfect pasta salad and a new Old Navy find

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• Yoto Player + 10% off link

• Daily Five checklist boards 

• Read about why the Yoto is our MVP for the Summer

• Shop our favorite Yoto Cards

• Bogg Bag

• Get $10 off your first Instacart order! Use my code JNIENBERG199BB at checkout and use this link: https://inst.cr/t/284e3f223

• Lauren @thekinected_ot on Instagram

• The white Old Navy boxy tee

• Outdoorsy Little Explorers Monthly Activity Guide Subscription

*Some of the links in this  post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase. I only share products I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!

How do you make family travel doable, fun, and affordable—without the pressure of perfection? Today’s guest is Kristen Keeler, mom of three and the creator behind @midwesttravelmama, where she shares simple, budget-friendly travel ideas and outdoor adventures for real families.

Kristen joins me to chat about embracing local travel, the power of road trips, tips for getting kids hiking, and why good enough adventures often become the best memories. We also dive into why you don’t need fancy gear, how to involve your kids in trip planning, and what it really looks like to explore as a family of five on one income.

Whether you’re craving more outdoor time, road trip ideas, or just need encouragement to start small—this episode will leave you inspired to plan that next adventure.

Highlights:

• Kristen’s story of going from backyard play to exploring hidden Midwest gems

• The first big road trip that got her hooked on family travel

• How to find local adventures using Facebook groups, AllTrails, and more

• Her best hacks for hiking with kids (hint: bribes and challenging hikes work wonders)

• Why it’s okay to throw all the “rules” out the window when road-tripping

• Why YOU get to enjoy your family adventures too—yes, even if that means taking a hike for you

Read the Episode Show Notes here. 

Where to find Kristen:

• Instagram: @midwesttravelmama

• Blog: MidwestTravelMama.com

Where to find me:

• Instagram: @myoutdoorsymom

• Blog: myoutdoorsymom.com

• Digital resources & outdoor activity guides: Shop My Outdoorsy Mom

Today’s episode is for anyone dreaming about a trip to Mackinac Island but dreading the cost. Between ferry tickets, bike rentals, meals, and fudge shop stops, it can feel like you’re spending before you even arrive.

But good news: it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, I’m walking you through how we’ve planned and enjoyed a magical day on Mackinac Island without blowing the budget. From bringing your own bike to knowing where to grab lunch with a view, this episode is packed with family-tested tips and simple hacks. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens—or just want a grown-up getaway—you’ll leave with a game plan that’s as fun as it is affordable.

I also share one of our favorite family traditions, a few must-know stops (like Devil’s Kitchen and the Arch Rock lookout), and my honest take on what’s worth the splurge.

🎧 Plus: a new Outdoorsy Challenge you can do this week—no Mackinac ticket required.

Where to find me:

🎙️Episode Show Notes: Click here

👉 Instagram: @myoutdoorsymom

💻 Blog: myoutdoorsymom.com

📥 Shop my activity guides and free downloads

What happens when you hit pause on the 9–5 and take your family around the world for a year? Jess Pawl, founder of Kid-Friendly Stays, joins me to share how she and her husband left their corporate jobs to slow travel with their toddler and baby. 

We talk about why traveling with young kids doesn’t have to be terrifying, how international cultures often embrace families more than the U.S., and how to actually enjoy travel without burning out.

Jess shares practical strategies for finding kid-friendly accommodations, easing kids into new environments, and structuring days to meet everyone’s needs (yes, even yours, mom!). 

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this conversation is packed with inspiration and realistic advice to make family travel feel doable—and even delightful.

In this episode, we cover:

• How a health scare sparked a life-changing decision

• What “slow travel” really looks like with babies and toddlers

• The myth that travel with kids has to be miserable

• Why many countries are actually more family-friendly than the U.S.

• Favorite destinations for kid-friendly travel (hint: Portugal makes the list!)

• Tips for prepping kids for travel so they feel excited, not anxious: "Let's Get Excited Kid's Pre-Travel Packet"

• The birth of Kid-Friendly Stays—and how it’s helping parents plan smarter

Click on this link to Shop my travel essentials

Click here for the full show notes. 

Where to find Jess:

Website: www.kidfriendlystays.com

Instagram: @kidfriendlystays

Where you can find me: 

Instagram

Read the blog

Shop my activity guides and free downloads