What if your child’s best classroom isn’t a room at all? 

In this episode, Patrick Whalen, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Iliad Athletics, shares why physical movement, especially outdoors, is essential for kids’ character development, cognitive growth, and lifelong health.

Patrick shares how his time in the military, the classroom, and as a boarding school founder led him to launch a company rooted in the belief that the body is an untapped source of learning. 

He explains the difference between physical literacy (knowing about movement) and physical fluency (being able to apply movement with confidence and competence). 

Patrick dives deep into how early childhood biomechanics often get trained out of kids through sedentary schooling and screen-based play.

This conversation is equal parts practical and philosophical—perfect for any parent, educator, or leader trying to raise kids with courage, capability, and a love for movement.

If you're a parent, educator, coach, or just someone who wants to raise strong, grounded kids who are free to move and be themselves—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to be inspired, challenged, and reminded that movement is not optional—it's essential.

Where to find Patrick:

• Website & Email Newsletter "The Strenuous Life": Iliad Athletics 

Where you can find Julianne: 

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In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Eryn Lynum — author of The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living, host of the top-ranked family podcast Nat Theo, and certified master naturalist.

Eryn shares how her family embraced Sabbath rhythms after hitting burnout, and how rest — both biblically and biologically — has become a life-giving anchor in their home. We explore the theology behind rest, how nature points us to God’s design, what Sabbath actually looks like with kids, and why even five minutes of silence outside can be holy.

Whether you’re in a season of hurry or just longing for more margin, this episode is a breath of fresh air. It’s an invitation to slow down, notice beauty, and reconnect with both your Creator and your children.

What we cover:

• Why Sabbath is a gift, not a burden
• What nature teaches us about God’s rest rhythms
• How Eryn’s kids have come to crave Sabbath
• Practical ways to “lose track of time” in nature
• Why rest isn’t laziness — it’s kingdom work

Where to find Eryn:

• Website: erynlynum.com
• New Book: The Nature of Rest
• Podcast: Nat Theo

Where you can find me: 

Show notes: 

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*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 and brands I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!

Ray Tiller is a wildlife filmmaker, Brave Wilderness host, and the creative force behind the YouTube channel Fintastic Films. 

In this episode, Ray shares how childhood wonder, media, and Midwest bike rides led him to a dream job working alongside his idol-turned-mentor, Coyote Peterson. 

We chat about how parents can foster curiosity for nature, use media as a tool for learning (not just zoning out), and help kids fall in love with “scary” animals like snakes and sharks. Plus, Ray shares wild stories from the field—including a shark encounter that’ll have your jaw on the floor.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Ray’s Jurassic Park origin story
• His work with Brave Wilderness and Coyote Peterson
• The role of media in helping kids love wildlife
• Why we should stop fearing “scary” animals
• What it’s like to swim with hammerheads
• How parents can balance tech and nature
• Tips for getting your kids to enjoy hiking and the outdoors
• His dream wildlife encounters 

Where to find Ray Tiller:

• YouTube: Fintastic Films
• YouTube: Brave Wilderness
• Instagram: @raytillerofficial

Where you can find me: 

Show notes: 

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This week’s solo episode is short, sweet, and off-the-cuff. With two sick kids and a full plate, Julianne brings back one of your favorite formats — the monthly R.E.P.O.R.T. — where she shares what she’s been Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing over, Recommending, and Treating herself to lately.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
• Free to Fly by Nicole Runyon
• Peter Thomas Roth Brightening Eye Patches
• Omnilux LED Mask
• Hue (Hu) Dark Chocolate
• Walking pad 
• Forrest Frank music

Where you can find me: 

Instagram

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*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 and brands I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!

Today’s guest is someone who changed the way I view childhood development. Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist, the founder of TimberNook, and the author of one of my favorite parenting books, Balanced and Barefoot. 

In this episode, Angela and I dive deep into the neuroscience behind nature play, how over-structured environments are hurting our kids, and why kids need boredom, movement, risk—and dirt.

If you’ve ever questioned why your child fidgets, climbs trees, or melts down indoors—but thrives in nature—this episode will connect the dots and give you real tools to support their development.

Balanced and Barefoot is a must-read and TimberNook is a movement more parents and educators need to know about. Let’s restore childhood—one mud pie at a time.

Where to find Angela Hanscom:

🔗 Website: https://timbernook.com

📘 Book: Balanced and Barefoot

📱 Instagram: @timbernook_global

Where you can find me: 

Show notes 

Instagram

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Shop my activity guides and free downloads

*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 and brands I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!

There’s a romance to the idea of life on the road — the freedom, the spontaneity, the cozy camper mornings. But if you’ve ever thought, “That looks fun… for a weekend,” this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing stories from our family RV trips — the magical moments and the mishaps — plus some surprisingly encouraging statistics about why renting an RV might be the sweet spot for adventure-loving families like mine (and maybe yours, too). 

If you’ve ever fantasized about RV life but also love your own bed, this episode might just be your permission slip to do both.

Get $50 off your next Outdoorsy RV rental!

Where you can find me: 

Show notes

Instagram

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Shop my activity guides and free downloads

*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 and brands I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!

This week on The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast, I’m joined by Shaniece King — solo mom, outdoor adventurer, and creator behind Kay Lashae Adventures. Her story is powerful, honest, and deeply encouraging for any mom who’s wondered, “Can I really do this?”

In this conversation, we talk about:

• How hiking helped Shaniece heal during a painful season of her life
• Why beginner adventures matter (and how to start small)
• Her cross-country trip with her daughter to Sequoia, Yosemite, and King’s Canyon
• How nature sparked emotional healing, deeper faith, and generational change
• Encouragement for solo parents and moms navigating divorce, transitions, or fear

We also chat about Shaniece’s Solo Mom Travel & Adventure Guide, and how she uses the AllTrails app to plan safe, kid-friendly hikes.

Whether you’re new to hiking, nervous about traveling solo with your child, or just craving some encouragement — this episode will meet you where you are.

Where you can find Shaniece:

@shedarestogo on Instagram

Kay Lashae Adventures Blog

Where you can find me: 

Show notes

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In this solo episode, Julianne gets candid about a new chapter: becoming a sports family. From early days of resisting extracurriculars to finding a rhythm that includes both structured activities and unstructured outdoor play, she shares how her family is navigating this transition with intentionality.

This episode is packed with honest reflections, science-backed insight, and encouraging reminders that you don’t have to go “all in” to still be “in.” You can be a sports family and an outdoorsy one - and perhaps this episode will help you find your own balance.

Mentioned Resources: 

Book: Beyond Winning: Smart Parenting in a Toxic Sports Environment

Hatch Kids Night Light

Where you can find me: 

Show notes

Instagram

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Shop my activity guides and free downloads

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 and brands I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!

In this episode, Julianne sits down with Dr. Maureen Kuhta, pediatric orthodontist and founder of Aligned House of Orthodontics in Metro Detroit. But this conversation goes far beyond teeth. 

We dive into airway-centered orthodontics, the connection between breathing and brain development, and how jaw structure affects sleep, behavior, and growth. Dr. Kuhta shares her holistic approach to treating children, including the role of tongue ties, mouth breathing, and posture in lifelong wellness.

Dr. Kuhta also shares her journey of moving her family to a 12-acre farm, her low-tech parenting philosophy, and how she cultivates resilience, stillness, and curiosity in her four children. This one’s part science, part motherhood, and all heart.

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Book: Breath by James Nestor

@untetheredairway on Instagram

Where you can find Dr. Kuhta:

https://www.alignedhouseofortho.com/

Instagram: @alignedhouseofortho

Facebook: Dr. Kuhta

Where you can find me: 

Show notes: 

Instagram

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Shop my activity guides and free downloads

*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. 

Thank you for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!

I had a totally different episode planned for today—but with everything going on in the world, I just couldn’t hit publish on a lighthearted topic. 

Instead, this short solo episode is a heart-to-heart about what I’m holding onto in a heavy season. I share how my faith grounds me, what I’m choosing to consume (and not), and the kind of space I want to cultivate moving forward—online and offline. If you’re feeling the weight of the world lately, this one’s for you.

Where you can find me: 

Instagram

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Shop my activity guides and free downloads